Someone famously said that travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer. While travel can be very expensive, no one can deny that getting out and exploring new lands enhances the human experience and does, indeed, enrich the soul. It can also enrich those who make a living in the travel industry.

The travel industry has changed a lot over the last 20 years, as the Internet has diminished the need for traditional travel agents. But the digital economy has also opened up all sorts of new opportunities for the DIY traveler who blogs, and shares advice with fellow travelers.

Case in point – Astrid Clements.

Astrid first set out on her own to see the world at the age of 19, when she traveled solo to Germany. In the years since, her adventures have brought her around the globe, to five continents and countless countries. In 2015, Astrid decided to turn her passion into a profession with the launch of Astrid Solo Travel Advisor. It’s a web-base business that offers advice on everything a solo traveler needs to know through blogs, essays, pictures, maps, restaurant reviews, hotel recommendations, and tips on everything from changing currency to haggling with merchants in the market at Marrakesh. 

While Astrid is forging new ground as a travel blogger, Terri Howell carries the banner for what she describes as doing business the “old timey” way. Terri is a customer-driven, hands-on travel agent specializing in Cruises through her company, Dream Cruises. Don’t look for a link to click on, if you want to Terri to book you a trip you’ll need to call her – 225.931.4797.

Photos at Mansurs on the Boulevard by Ken Stewart.