Travel Advisor Success Stories focus on veteran travel advisors and how they achieved success. Here’s a look at Becca Dill, owner of The Travel Junkie.
How did you get your start as a travel advisor?
From a young age, I dreamed of traveling and exploring new places. Our family trips mainly consisted of road trips and camping nearby, with a special exception of visiting Louisiana to see my grandparents. I remember my dad driving through the night to save on hotel costs. Thinking back now, I think this was a great experience for me since it gave me a true appreciation of staying at a hotel or resort.
After high school, I joined the US Navy, eager to see the world. My passion for travel only grew stronger during my service. In 1999, I met my husband, Jay Dill, while he was on temporary assignment in Kansas. When his next posting took him to Syracuse, NY, I decided to join him on our first of a lifetime of adventures . We married in 2002, and both worked at Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises’ call center. Our honeymoon on Voyager of the Seas was a memorable experience, and I found myself fascinated by the travel industry as I assisted other advisors with bookings.
In 2004, we enrolled in hospitality management classes at our local community college, initially planning to open a small restaurant. However, our interest in travel remained strong. Life led us to Massachusetts briefly before bringing us back to Kansas. Upon returning, I came across a job opening for an advisor at a local agency. I was initially hesitant about the commission-based pay structure, but when I told my husband about the position, he applied and was hired. A few months later, I decided to apply as well and joined him.
We gained valuable experience working at the agency for a couple of years. In 2010, Jay and I took a leap of faith and started our own agency, The Travel Junkie. It’s been an incredible journey, and we feel like we’re just getting started.
How did you build your business over the years?
We began with just the two of us during the first two years of our business. We both managed travel bookings, with Jay’s outgoing personality making him a natural at networking and promoting our name, while I preferred to work behind the scenes. Balancing full-time jobs with running The Travel Junkie was challenging, but we were determined.
I still remember the crucial moment when we decided to fully commit to our business and leave our day jobs behind. It was a nerve-wracking experience, sitting together in the office on a quiet morning with no phone calls coming in.’ Savor this calm before the storm, it won’t last long,’ Jay said. That very day, he joined our local chamber of commerce and Business Networking International, confidently declaring that he was going to ‘make it rain.’ And that’s exactly what he did!
Our strong customer service backgrounds and genuine care for our clients played a major role in our success. Within two years, our business had grown so much that we needed additional help and hired our first advisor. Lori Stone has been with us for over a decade and remains a cherished member of our team. Over the past 10 years, our team has expanded to 15 agents, enabling us to manage a growing volume of travel requests. We know that our continued success is a direct result of the hard work and dedication of our team of advisors, and we are forever grateful for all they give to our reputation.
Active involvement in local community events keeps us visible and engaged, and our strong relationships with suppliers help us stay competitive in the travel market. We also stay abreast of industry changes and ensure that our clients are well-informed and on top of the latest updates.
What characteristics make you a successful advisor?
My passion for travel is a cornerstone of my success as an advisor. It fuels my enthusiasm and drives me to offer exceptional customer service. Building strong relationships with my clients is equally important; I strive to communicate effectively and make them feel like friends or family. Sharing in their excitement for upcoming trips that I’ve helped plan is incredibly rewarding. Additionally, being reliable and providing support whenever they need advice or assistance is crucial in maintaining trust and satisfaction.
What have your greatest challenges been?
Undoubtedly, the COVID-19 pandemic was our greatest challenge. It was an incredibly tough period for everyone in the travel industry, and there were moments when we worried we might need to consider a different career path. Despite the uncertainty, we persevered, and I’m incredibly grateful that we did. Our company not only survived but rebounded strongly, proving that our commitment was worth it.
Another significant challenge we face is managing growth. As our agency expands and brings on more advisors, balancing the needs of our growing team and the expectations of our clients can be stressful. Ensuring that both our advisors and customers remain satisfied requires constant attention and effort.
What are your greatest accomplishments?
One of my greatest accomplishments is being an owner of The Travel Junkie and seeing our business thrive for over a decade. We’ve created a company that has supported us living our best lives and offers exceptional value to our clients.
It is also a vehicle for our agents to gain ownership of their own schedules and finances, which translates to more freedom to live their lives as they see fit. It’s incredibly fulfilling to witness our team’s success and growth. Additionally, having the opportunity to travel to destinations I once only dreamed of is truly exhilarating. I feel like I’m living the dream!
What tips can you provide advisors new to the industry?
Discovering what type of travel or destination excites you the most is crucial, as that enthusiasm comes through when speaking with potential clients. Additionally, fostering relationships within the industry is essential. Being able to seek advice and exchange ideas with fellow advisors can be incredibly valuable.
Over the past few years, I’ve made a conscious effort to step out of my comfort zone by attending industry conferences and joining professional groups. Surrounding yourself with other leaders and successful peers is vital for personal and professional growth.
Artificial intelligence is reshaping the future — but not without a cost. A new report by the White House Council of Economic Advisors warns that AI and cloud computing may drive up electricity prices dramatically across the United States unless urgent investments are made in power infrastructure.
The study highlights a significant shift: after decades of minimal electricity demand growth, 2024 alone saw a 2% rise, largely attributed to the surge in AI-powered data centers. The International Energy Agency (IEA) projects that by 2030, data centers in the US could consume more electricity than the combined output of heavy industries such as aluminum, steel, cement, and chemicals.
Productivity Promises VS Power Pressures
Despite the looming challenges, the report does not discount AI’s potential benefits. If half of all US businesses adopt AI by 2034, labor productivity could rise by 1.5 percentage points annually, potentially boosting GDP growth by 0.4% that year. But that promise comes with a price.
To meet the surge in demand, especially when factoring in industrial electrification and efforts to reshore manufacturing, the US would need to invest an estimated 1.4 trillion Dollars between 2025 and 2030 in new electricity generation. That figure surpasses the industry’s investment over the past decade. The study cautions that without the emergence of lower-cost power providers — such as renewables or advanced nuclear — electricity bills will rise sharply.
7 emerging non-tech career paths in artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence is no longer the future. It’s already shaping how we live, work, and learn. From smart assistants to personalised learning apps and automated hiring tools, AI is now part of everyday life. But here’s something many students still don’t realise — you don’t have to be a computer science genius to build a meaningful career in AI.In 2025, AI needs more than just coders. It needs people who understand ethics, design, communication, psychology, policy, and human behaviour. Whether you’re studying law, liberal arts, design, economics, or media, there is space for you in this fast-growing field. These emerging roles are all about making AI more responsible, more human, and more useful.Here are seven exciting non-tech career paths in artificial intelligence that you can start exploring now.
AI ethics specialist
AI systems make decisions that can affect real lives — from who gets hired to who receives a loan. That’s why companies and governments need experts who can guide them on what’s fair, what’s biased, and what crosses a line. Ethics specialists work closely with developers, legal teams, and product leaders to make sure AI is built and used responsibly.Best suited for: Students from philosophy, sociology, law, or political science backgroundsWhere to work: Tech companies, research institutes, policy think tanks, or digital rights NGOs
AI UX and UI designer
AI tools need to be easy to use, intuitive, and accessible. That’s where design comes in. AI UX and UI designers focus on creating smooth, human-centered experiences, whether it’s a chatbot, a virtual assistant, or a smart home interface. They use design thinking to make sure AI works well for real users.Best suited for: Students of psychology, graphic design, human-computer interaction, or visual communicationWhere to work: Tech startups, health-tech and ed-tech platforms, voice and interface design labs
AI policy analyst
AI raises big questions about privacy, rights, and regulation. Governments and organisations are racing to create smart policies that balance innovation with safety. AI policy analysts study laws, write guidelines, and advise decision-makers on how to manage the impact of AI in sectors like education, defense, healthcare, and finance.Best suited for: Public policy, law, international relations, or development studies studentsWhere to work: Government agencies, global institutions, research bodies, and policy units within companies
AI behavioural researcher
AI tools influence human behaviour — from how long we scroll to what we buy. Behavioural researchers look at how people respond to AI and what changes when technology gets smarter. Their insights help companies design better products and understand the social effects of automation and machine learning.Best suited for: Students of psychology, behavioural economics, sociology, or educationWhere to work: Tech companies, research labs, social impact startups, or mental health platforms
AI content strategist and explainer
AI is complex, and most people don’t fully understand it. That’s why companies need writers, educators, and content creators who can break it down. Whether it’s writing onboarding guides for AI apps or creating videos that explain how algorithms work, content strategists make AI easier to understand for everyday users.Best suited for: Students of journalism, English, media studies, marketing, or communicationWhere to work: Ed-tech and SaaS companies, AI product teams, digital agencies, or NGOs
AI program manager
This role is perfect for big-picture thinkers who love connecting people, processes, and purpose. Responsible AI program managers help companies build AI that meets ethical, legal, and user standards. They coordinate between tech, legal, and design teams and ensure that AI development stays aligned with values and global standards.Best suited for: Business, liberal arts, management, or public administration studentsWhere to work: Large tech firms, AI consultancies, corporate ethics teams, or international development agencies
AI research associate (non-technical)
Not all AI research is about coding. Many labs focus on the social, psychological, or economic impact of AI. As a research associate, you could be studying how AI affects jobs, education, privacy, or cultural behaviour. Your work might feed into policy, academic papers, or product design.Best suited for: Students from linguistics, anthropology, education, economics, or communication studiesWhere to work: Universities, research labs, global think tanks, or ethics institutesThe world of AI is expanding rapidly, and it’s no longer just about math, code, and machines. It’s also about people, systems, ethics, and storytelling. If you’re a student with curiosity, critical thinking skills, and a passion for meaningful work, there’s a place for you in AI — even if you’ve never opened a programming textbook.TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here.
Google has upgraded its AI Mode with the advanced Gemini 2.5 Pro
AI Mode has also added Deep Search, which can now run hundreds of background searches
A new calling tool built into Search lets Google call businesses on your behalf
Google is continuing to try to get you to use its AI Mode when searching online with new and enhanced AI tools. The conversational search tool has made Google’s Gemini 2.5 Pro AI model available in AI Mode, along with the long-form report writing tool Deep Search.
Google AI Pro and AI Ultra subscribers in the U.S. who are also part of the AI Mode experiment in Search Labs will now see an option to choose Gemini 2.5 Pro when asking tough questions as well.
This is the same heavyweight model behind Google’s most advanced AI tools. They’ll also have the option of using Deep Search, a feature available in the regular Gemini app that can simultaneously run hundreds of searches and will write up a report piecing together the information.
The more profound changes, though, are in how Search itself is evolving. Gemini 2.5 Pro doesn’t just fetch answers. It reasons. It explains math in full steps. It even writes code and tells you what that code is doing. And when paired with Deep Search, it can essentially conduct a research marathon on your behalf.
AI calling in
The new call feature for Search is something entirely different. It connects your search for information about a store to a phone call with AI. As Google shows in a demo, you can type “pet groomers near me” and ask for information not immediately accessible.
Instead, you can tap “Have Google call for you,” which will prompt Google to call local shops, ask about availability or rates, and then text or email the results directly to you. If that sounds like Google Duplex, that’s because Google’s Duplex technology powers it.
Of course, all this comes with a few asterisks such as having to pay for a subscription. Free users still get some limited AI call attempts, but the advanced AI Mode tools are reserved for paying customers.
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Google’s advantage over other AI developers is the sheer size of its Search database, so even as OpenAI and others attempt to produce similar products, Google might have a lasting edge. Still, there’s a learning curve.
AI that does too much too fast can lead to problems. You don’t want your research assistant skipping over credible sources in favor of a Reddit thread with 38 upvotes. And you certainly don’t want your AI calling the wrong person to schedule a colonoscopy.
