Reshandia Phillips is a seasoned travel advisor from Raytown, Missouri, who has spent over ten years turning travel aspirations into unforgettable adventures. With a sharp eye for detail and a deep appreciation for cultural exploration, she has built a reputation for crafting seamless, personalized journeys that leave a lasting impression.
Reshandia’s journey into the travel industry began organically—she was the go-to trip planner among friends and family, known for her creative itineraries and flawless execution. That natural talent quickly evolved into a full-fledged career rooted in a desire to make travel more accessible, meaningful, and stress-free for everyone she works with.
From luxurious all-inclusive escapes and destination weddings to group getaways and multi-city global treks, Reshandia brings a unique blend of insider expertise and personal care to every itinerary she designs. She remains on the cutting edge of industry trends through ongoing training, certification programs, and strong connections within the global travel network.
Beyond planning trips, Reshandia is a passionate explorer herself. She finds joy in discovering new destinations, supporting her local community, and helping others experience the transformative power of travel. For her, it’s never just about the destination—it’s about the moments, the memories, and the story that unfolds along the way.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My day usually starts around 6:30 a.m. with some quiet time—coffee, journaling, and checking my inbox before the world fully wakes up. I prioritize tasks the night before, so I start with the most urgent bookings or follow-ups, and I block time for research, client calls, and continuing education. I try to limit distractions during focused work periods and batch tasks—like quoting trips or booking flights—so I don’t lose momentum. Productivity for me is about flow and intention, not just ticking boxes.
How do you bring ideas to life?
For me, inspiration comes from listening—really listening—to what clients want but often can’t articulate. Once I have the vision, I layer in creative ideas from my own travels, industry insights, and trusted partners. I sketch it all out like a puzzle: flights, hotels, excursions, dining, surprises. Then I refine it until it tells a story that feels tailor-made. The key is testing the idea on paper first, then bringing it to life with action and collaboration.
What’s one trend that excites you?
Slow travel. More people are prioritizing meaningful experiences over cramming too much into one trip. I love planning itineraries where clients truly connect with a destination—staying longer in one place, taking cooking classes, volunteering, or joining local cultural tours. It’s more sustainable and more enriching. That shift aligns with how I’ve always approached travel planning: depth over quantity.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
I practice “time blocking” religiously. I set specific windows for client consults, admin tasks, professional development, and even personal breaks. I also keep a handwritten weekly planner. There’s something about putting pen to paper that keeps me grounded and intentional.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t wait for the “perfect” moment to start. Perfectionism can masquerade as preparation, but really it’s fear in disguise. Start small, trust your instincts, and be ready to learn as you go. You don’t have to have it all figured out on day one.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I believe that not every vacation needs to be epic to be valuable. Some of the most rewarding trips are simple: a quiet beach with a good book, or a weekend in a small town with great food and no itinerary. Simplicity can be powerful, but many people overlook it.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Take a solo trip at least once. It teaches you more about yourself than any book or podcast ever could. It builds confidence, perspective, and trust in your own decision-making. Everyone should experience navigating a new place with just themselves to rely on.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I step away and reset—sometimes that means taking a short walk, meditating for 10 minutes, or lighting a candle and breathing deeply at my desk. I also reframe the day. If everything feels urgent, I ask myself, “What actually needs to happen today to move the needle?” That clarity cuts through the noise.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Building genuine relationships. I treat every client like a VIP, and I stay in touch long after the trip is over. Most of my business is referral-based because people remember how they felt working with me. It’s not about selling—it’s about connection and care.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Early on, I tried to do everything myself—marketing, accounting, even website coding—and I burned out. I made some costly mistakes and missed growth opportunities. Eventually, I learned to outsource strategically and focus on what I do best. The lesson? Know your zone of genius, and don’t be afraid to invest in support.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
There’s room for a micro-agency that focuses solely on “grief travel”—trips for healing after loss. It’s a niche that blends therapy with travel, offering curated experiences that are gentle, reflective, and restorative. So many people want to travel but don’t know where to begin when they’re grieving.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
I love Travify. It helps me build beautiful, interactive itineraries that clients can access on their phones or desktops. It saves me hours of formatting and adds a professional polish that clients love. I can integrate flight info, maps, documents, and personal notes—all in one place.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
The Art of Travel by Alain de Botton. It’s not a how-to book, but more of a philosophical look at why we travel. It reshaped the way I talk to clients about intention and mindset. It reminds me that travel isn’t just about where we go—it’s about how we show up in those places.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I really enjoyed The World’s Most Amazing Vacation Rentals on Netflix. It’s fun, light, but packed with ideas. What I love most is seeing how diverse the definition of “luxury” can be—sometimes it’s a five-star resort, other times it’s a treehouse in the middle of nowhere. That variety keeps me creatively inspired.
Key learnings
- Client-Centered Travel Planning
- Intentional Productivity & Growth
- Purpose-Driven Travel Philosophy