Today we’d like to introduce you to Shelby Barlow.
Hi Shelby, 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?
I’ve always had a huge love for travel. I know planning a trip can feel stressful and expensive, especially for people who didn’t grow up traveling. My husband is one of those people, he’s more conservative about travel because, in his mind, it was always something “for later in life” or simply out of budget.
For me, searching for travel deals started as a fun hobby. I loved browsing different sites, comparing prices, and discovering ways to make travel more doable. But that hobby took on a whole new meaning when my sister-in-law announced her wedding in Cabo San Lucas.
My husband comes from a big family, he’s the oldest of ten kids (bless his mother!). Everyone is busy with their own lives, so just finding the time off for the wedding was a challenge. Then came the cost. Flights plus an all-inclusive resort for each sibling added up quickly, and most of them didn’t even know where to start with planning because they had so little travel experience. The travel agent handling accommodations for the wedding guests offered options, but the prices were completely out of reach.
At one point, it looked like eight of us, including my husband and me, wouldn’t be able to attend. That didn’t sit right with me. So I dove deep into all my usual travel-deal spots, determined to find something to get everyone there, even if just for the day of the wedding. Eventually, I found an option that made the trip possible for all of us.
Helping the entire family attend the wedding, and watching some of them experience the joy of travel for the very first time, felt incredibly rewarding. It made me realize how many other people feel overwhelmed by planning, don’t know where to start, or simply assume travel is out of reach.
I wanted to change that.
So I decided to take my passion and my knack for finding deals and turn it into something bigger. That’s how Barlow Vacations was born: from a love of travel, a desire to help others, and one unforgettable family trip to Cabo.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The journey hasn’t always been smooth, but it has been incredibly rewarding. The travel industry is vast and constantly evolving, and I’ve embraced the challenge of learning every step of the way—from understanding the best times to travel and exploring diverse destinations to navigating travel insurance and recognizing potential risks. I’ve mastered multiple booking systems, each unique to its company, and completed numerous courses to deepen my expertise. Along the way, I’ve earned specializations in cruises, Disney vacations, and several key destinations. Every new skill has strengthened my ability to serve others with confidence and care, and each challenge has reaffirmed my passion for helping people experience the world.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I created Barlow Vacations with one goal in mind: to make travel planning seamless, accessible, and truly enjoyable. I wanted to help others turn their dream vacations into reality, not someday, but now. I’ve completed extensive training with all major cruise lines, Disney, and several key destinations, allowing me to provide expert guidance and personalized recommendations.
My primary areas of focus include cruises, Disney vacations, Hawaii, Alaska, all-inclusive resorts throughout the Caribbean and Mexico, and travel across Europe. However, I’m always excited to research and craft unforgettable trips to any destination my clients have in mind. And the journey doesn’t stop here, I plan to specialize in Australia next!
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success, to me, is when clients return home with stories of lasting memories and unforgettable moments. I truly love hearing about their experiences, the excitement in their voices, the joy their children felt, and the plans they’re already making for the next adventure. My favorite moments are when clients tell me they never thought a vacation was possible, but together, we made it achievable. Those stories remind me why I do what I do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://barlowvacations.com/
- Email: Barlowvacations@gmail.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barlowvacations
- Other: Phone number: 801-899-9551
