Today we’d like to introduce you to Rosie Perez.
Hi Rosie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Ever since I was a young girl, I’ve had an undeniable passion for travel. Right after graduating high school, I pursued that passion by studying Travel and Tourism in college. Life took me on an unexpected journey when I married a military man and moved away from South Florida. As a military wife, finding stable work in the travel industry was challenging—agencies were hesitant to invest in training someone who might be relocated at any moment. So for a time, I worked outside the industry, but my love for travel never faded.
When I returned to South Florida, I knew it was time to go back to what truly made me happy. I began searching for opportunities in travel and, in 2004, I re-entered the industry full-time as a travel advisor. I had a lot of catching up to do, so I immersed myself in every travel event, seminar, and training opportunity I could find. Those years of learning, networking, and growing built the strong foundation I stand on today.
In 2009, I joined Cruise Planners—and that’s when everything clicked. It instantly felt like my forever home. Through their incredible support and marketing programs, and thanks to my loyal customers, I’ve been honored to earn a place in the Millionaires Club. I’m proud to say that I’ve built my business almost entirely through word of mouth. My clients’ trust and referrals have been the heart of my success.
My journey hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been fueled by passion, resilience, and the joy of helping others explore the world. And I wouldn’t change a thing.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Of course, it hasn’t been a smooth road. Like many small business owners, I’ve faced my share of challenges over the years. One of the first major hurdles came in 2008, when the economy took a downturn. People weren’t traveling, business slowed dramatically, and it was a difficult time to stay motivated and keep things moving.
But nothing compared to 2020. When COVID-19 hit, the travel industry came to a complete standstill. Overnight, we went from planning dream vacations to processing an overwhelming number of cancellations and refunds. It was heartbreaking to watch months—sometimes years—of hard work disappear in an instant. And the challenges didn’t end with the cancellations; the long period of lockdowns and uncertainty meant years of not being able to sell travel at all.
The industry took one of the hardest hits in its history, and travel advisors—who work on commission and often only get paid after clients travel—were deeply affected. It was an incredibly emotional and financially difficult time, but it also strengthened my resilience and reminded me just how passionate I am about what I do.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a full-time travel advisor specializing in creating unforgettable, personalized travel experiences for my clients. Over the years, I’ve developed a deep knowledge of cruises, luxury resorts, cultural tours, and unique experiences around the world. I love helping my clients plan every detail of their trips—from selecting the perfect itinerary to arranging special touches that make their vacations truly memorable.
What I’m most proud of is the business I’ve built almost entirely through word of mouth. My clients trust me, and many return to book multiple trips or refer friends and family. I’ve also earned a place in the Millionaires Club with Cruise Planners, which has been incredibly rewarding, but the real reward is seeing the joy and memories my clients take home.
What sets me apart is my passion, attention to detail, and dedication to my clients. I don’t just sell trips—I become a partner in creating experiences they’ll cherish. I take the time to understand each client’s unique preferences and style, and I combine that with my insider knowledge, industry connections, and years of experience to deliver seamless travel experiences.
Ultimately, what defines my work is the relationships I build. My clients know they can trust me to take care of everything, and that trust has been the foundation of my success.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I am very open to taking risks, but I always try to weigh them carefully. One of the biggest risks I took was leaving a full-time job where I had a steady income and benefits to pursue my passion in the travel industry. At the time, it wasn’t easy to leave that security behind, but I knew that following my passion was worth it.
Another major risk was leaving a host agency where I was comfortable and doing well to join Cruise Planners. It was a leap into the unknown—I didn’t know if I would succeed or if it was the right move. But looking back, it was one of the best decisions I ever made. That step allowed me to grow my business, reach new heights, and fully realize my potential in the travel industry.
For me, risk is about stepping out of your comfort zone in pursuit of growth and opportunity. While it can be daunting, the rewards—both personal and professional—often outweigh the fear of the unknown. Taking calculated risks has been essential to my journey and has allowed me to achieve things I never imagined.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.vacationsbyrosie.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vacationsbyrosie/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vacationsbyrosie
