Today we’d like to introduce you to Angela Willoughby.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I never originally set out to work in the travel industry. Looking back now, I can see that travel had been shaping my life for years before Simply Travel Co. ever existed.
My first experience traveling internationally was a missions trip to the Philippines in 2004, and it completely changed my perspective on the world. I experienced cultures, communities, and ways of life that were very different from my own, and it opened my eyes to how powerful travel can be. I remember several key things from that trip – like riding buses through Northern Luzon, visiting the Banaue Rice Terraces, trying foods I had never seen before, and being deeply impacted by the kindness and humility of the people I met there.
That trip taught me that travel is about so much more than checking destinations off a list. It creates connection, perspective, and experiences that stay with you long after you return home.
Years later, travel became an important part of our family story too. After getting married and having children, some of our most meaningful memories were made while traveling together. One of our favorite experiences was taking our kids on an Alaska cruise when they were just 3 and 5 years old. We turned it into a bigger adventure by road-tripping through Canada beforehand (we lived in California at the time), and it became one of those trips that reminded us how valuable shared experiences can be as a family.
Over the years, we traveled in many different ways: cruises, theme parks, road trips, island destinations, and family vacations on all kinds of budgets. Along the way, I realized something: most people truly want to travel, but the planning process can feel overwhelming. There are so many decisions, so much information online, and so many unknowns that it can quickly become stressful instead of exciting.
I also learned through personal experience how important good guidance can be. During a trip to Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria, we dealt with several difficult accommodation situations that really reinforced how important it is to have someone knowledgeable helping you navigate travel decisions , especially when safety and family are involved.
Over time, friends and family naturally began coming to me for travel advice because I genuinely enjoyed helping people plan meaningful experiences. What started as casually helping others eventually grew into Simply Travel Company.
Today, I get to help families, couples, and travelers create vacations that fit their needs while taking away some of the stress and uncertainty that often comes with planning. For me, it’s never just about booking trips, it’s about helping people create memories and experiences they’ll carry with them for years to come.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Overall, the transition into becoming a travel advisor was actually fairly smooth because I took my time making the decision and did a lot of research beforehand. Two cruises we took last year really solidified things for me. The travel advisor we worked with provided such excellent customer service throughout the process that it opened my eyes to what a difference a great advisor can make in someone’s travel experience.
Once I realized this was something I wanted to pursue, I spent a lot of time researching host agencies and looking for one that offered strong education, mentorship, and support for new advisors. I wanted to make sure I started with a solid foundation and continued learning as much as possible.
That said, building a business always comes with challenges. One of the biggest has been learning how to grow visibility and build trust in an industry where many people still don’t fully understand the value a travel advisor brings. There’s also a constant need to stay educated because the travel industry is always changing.
But honestly, I’ve enjoyed the process. I genuinely love learning, serving people, and helping others create meaningful experiences, so even the challenges have felt worthwhile.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Simply Travel Company?
Simply Travel Co. was created to help make travel feel more approachable, personal, and enjoyable, especially for families and travelers who may feel overwhelmed by all the options and information online.
I specialize in family vacations, cruises, theme park travel, group travel experiences, and even a little luxury travel thrown in there, with a strong focus on helping clients create meaningful memories together. Because I’ve personally traveled in many different ways – from cruises and road trips to traveling with young children – I understand both the excitement and the stress that can come with planning a vacation.
What I believe sets Simply Travel Company apart is the level of care and personal attention I give each client. I genuinely enjoy getting to know what matters most to the people I work with so I can help create trips that fit their needs, interests, and budget instead of offering a one-size-fits-all experience. I want clients to feel supported before, during, and after their trip.
I’m also passionate about education and preparation. I believe good travel planning is about more than just booking a hotel or cruise. It’s about helping people feel confident in their decisions and prepared for their experience. Whether that means answering questions, helping navigate travel options like travel insurance, or sharing firsthand insight on destinations, I want my clients to feel taken care of throughout the process.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of building a business centered around service, authenticity, and relationships. I never want Simply Travel Company to feel transactional. My goal is for people to feel like they have someone in their corner who truly cares about helping them create lasting memories and experiences they’ll treasure for years to come.
Our motto is: “We plan, you simply travel.
What are your plans for the future?
Right now, my focus is really on growing steadily and intentionally. I’m a big believer that slow and steady wins the race, especially in an industry where trust and relationships matter so much.
One of my biggest goals is continuing education. The travel industry is constantly evolving, and I want to continue growing my knowledge so I can better serve my clients and confidently guide them through their travel experiences. I never want to stop learning.
Looking ahead, I would also love to eventually host and lead group trips. I enjoy creating experiences that bring people from all walks of life together, and I think there’s something really special about traveling as a community.
I’m also particularly passionate about helping travelers with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities because I’m gluten intolerant myself. I understand firsthand how stressful dining and traveling with dietary restrictions can sometimes feel, especially when traveling internationally or on cruises. In the future, I’d love to create travel experiences that help people with those concerns feel more confident and cared for while traveling – maybe even something like a celiac-friendly group cruise one day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.simplytravelco.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplytravel.company/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simplytravelcompany
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/simplytravelcompany
- Twitter: https://x.com/simplytravelco
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@simplytravelcompany
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@simplytravelcompany
