05/24/2021
I can't wait to be back with you all next year at the Expo! Until then, I've taken my love of travel and merged it with my love of educating about Celiac Disease and food allergies. I've joined forces with Magical Moments Vacations.... a top 5 with Disney Destinations and top 3 with Universal Orlando!
This week's Agent Spotlight is Christine Mertes from Albany / Saratoga Springs, NY.
What inspired you to choose this career?
For 8 years, I have owned and operated the Allergen & Gluten Free Expo in Albany, NY. As a mother of two children with food allergies, and as someone who personally battles Celiac Disease, I truly relate to how difficult it can be for families to travel. I decided to become part of the solution and created the Allergen & Gluten Free Expo as a way to educate the community and provide resources to those in need. And then, after much research about "who does it best" in the travel industry, I chose to align myself with Magical Moments Vacations so I could assist families to find their dream destinations in a way that is safest for their families. Some destinations just do it better than others. They have more options, educated kitchen and management staff, and a compassionate philosophy when it comes to those who suffer from gluten sensitivity, celiac, or food allergies. With me as their agent, clients not only get someone with personal experience managing these types of issues, but they also get someone with a state-wide reputation for running a large-scale informational exposition.
Number of years selling travel: 2
What do you find are your favorite destinations to plan?
My favorite destination for allergen families is Disney Destinations, both land and sea. In my humble opinion, no one manages Gluten Free and Food Allergies that way Disney does! As a matter of fact, in 2017, the Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) recognized Walt Disney Parks and Resorts as an industry leader in providing safe, quality dining experiences to guests with allergies and special diets. With Disney Destinations, I can plan my clients' trips with confidence.
My favorite destinations to plan for couples is broad and varies, ....but topping the list is Mexico, Tahiti, and the Galapagos Islands. I'm a certified advanced diver and love all things that encompass sandy beaches, the big blue ocean, and all critters that lie beneath those waters!
What is the best part about working with your clients?
I LOVE SURPRISES.
Folks.... I don't just "like" them.... I LOVE THEM. The best part of working with my clients is when the trip we've planned is a surprise for their loved ones. I beg my clients to video record their reactions and send them me. I watch them over and over again, and I usually tear up like a big sap. There are so few wonderful surprises in life. How lucky am I that I get to be a small part of bringing such happiness into the lives of clients all over the country... I am truly the fortunate one. Goodness, I love my job!
Describe your most memorable vacation.
I've had so many memorable vacations.... from diving with hammerhead sharks and manta rays in Tahiti, to studying the giant turtles of the Galapagos Islands. But sometimes it's the little things in life that stick with you the most. For me, in the year 2012, everything changed when I took a trip to a little place I like to call "Walt Disney World."
I had a 5-year old daughter who was obsessed with all things Cinderella. But this daughter was unique in that she had some vascular health problems, as well as celiac disease and a casein allergy. When my mother in law announced that we were all headed to Walt Disney World, I experienced the anxiety and trepidation that all allergen moms experience. But when we actually stepped into Cinderella’s Castle on that fateful morning for breakfast, I fell in love with Disney for the first time.
I watched my 5-year old daughter sneak under the security ropes and run to Cinderella with the force of a full army. She uncontrollably cut the line and launched into the princess’ arms while the small crowd of people roared with laughter. She toppled Cinderella right over while hugging my daughter and said, “These are the ones I never forget.” And in that moment, I finally saw and felt the magic of Disney. I saw a little girl forget all the things that make her “different” and just be the 5 year-old she was. By the time we got upstairs for our meal, the waiter had already received the notes about my daughter’s dietary issues, and he was prepared with options and a smile. I nearly cried a second time as I realized this would be a place where we could eat safely, and she would finally fit in with everyone else. Over and over I heard, “Mommy look at what I can eat here!” I should have quit my job immediately to become an agent… because from that moment on, Walt Disney World became my passion. And the idea of becoming a part of those experiences for other families became my dream.
How can a potential client contact you?
Email: C.mertes@mmvagent.com
Call: 518.210.1866
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Christine-Mertes-Agent-Magical-Moments-Vacations-107145594166252
Instagram: christine_mertes_agent_mmv
