We had the good fortune of connecting with Mike Searles and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mike, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
After 23.5 years in corporate, I realized I just could not do it anymore and be happy. I wanted to be happy and to have a stress-free life overall.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
After nearly 24 years, my long tenure at a major telecommunications firm concluded due to extensive layoffs. Surprisingly, what began as a temporary one-day job extended far beyond my expectations. When I was eventually laid off, I took it in stride, having always remarked that it had been a worthwhile journey. Despite a significant reduction in our household income, a chance meeting with a friend over lunch presented an exciting opportunity in her travel business which I eagerly embraced. Now, I find myself thriving as a Travel Agent and Social Marketer, far removed from the corporate world. Although sales were never in my envisioned career path, I’ve stepped outside my comfort zone to discuss travel plans and assist people in creating unforgettable experiences with their loved ones.

By mid-2021, after five years in this role, a severe illness led me to require a liver transplant, halting my ability to serve my clients for several months. Despite the setback, I was determined to rebuild what I had started from the ground up, leveraging the extensive knowledge I had accumulated. It took some time to update everyone on my recovery, but I’ve since reconnected with nearly all my active clients. Now stronger and more resilient, I provide premium, personalized service and advocate passionately on their clients’ behalf when challenges arise.

As a travel advisor, the role is incredibly personal; it involves understanding and realizing the vacation dreams and aspirations of my clients, whether they travel alone or with loved ones. This connection is something I cherish deeply. My organizational skills, love for helping others, and passion for travel make this career a perfect fit, especially as it aligns with nearly every destination on my husband’s bucket list.

Entrepreneurship is challenging, but with the right tools, guidance, and support from fellow travel agents, my business continues to flourish each year. I truly enjoy the independence it brings.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Day 1 – Welcome Pick up your friend from the airport and start the day with a hearty breakfast at The Flying Biscuit Café. Head to the Georgia Aquarium. Enjoy dinner at Mary Mac’s Tea Room.

Day 2: Exploring Local Culture
Visit the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park. Lunch at Paschal’s. Then, Experience Atlanta’s vibrant art scene at the High Museum of Art, followed by a casual dinner at Yeah! Burger in Midtown.

Day 3: Day Out in Nature
Take a day trip to the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. Enjoy hiking, picnicking, and maybe even some kayaking. Pack a lunch and soak in the natural beauty. Dinner back in the city at Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q , famed for its Texas-style barbecue.

Day 4: Atlanta Braves Game
Brunch at Home Grown. Head to Truist Park for an exciting Atlanta Braves baseball game. Grab post-game drinks and a light meal at The Battery Atlanta.

Day 5: Iconic Atlanta
Visit the World of Coca-Cola. Explore Centennial Olympic Park and grab a lunch at Der Biergarten for some German fare. Savor a high-end steak dinner at Chops Lobster Bar.

Day 6: Relaxing Day with a Touch of Class
Start with a late breakfast at Buttermilk Kitchen, then head to the Piedmont Park for a leisurely day outdoors. Enjoy walking the scenic trails or just relaxing by the lake. Head to Cabernet Steakhouse in Alpharetta. After dinner, enjoy cigars at their sophisticated cigar bar, a perfect place to unwind and chat.

Day 7: Farewell with Brunch
Send off your friend with a memorable brunch at Canoe, nestled along the banks of the Chattahoochee River.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My husband, Kyle and my family/friends and all of my clients!

Website: https://www.mikestravelhub.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikes.travel.hub/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikesearles823/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mikestravelhub/

Other: Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/mikestravelhub

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