Sasee Magazine

Attractive and vivacious, Jean Kuhn knows travel. She started working in the travel industry as a teenager in New York City, making $85 a week, and fell in love with the industry. After marrying and moving to rural New York, Jean continued to work as a travel agent, but after the birth of her daughter decided to start a home-based business. This enterprising entrepreneur’s success came from the personalized service she offered to her clients – and possibly the homemade coffee cake that she served when clients came to her home. In 2005, after Jean’s husband retired, the couple moved to the Grand Strand and fell in love with the area. However, retirement was not for Jean, and she continues to help travelers find the perfect vacation, whether meeting at their home, at Starbucks or her Murrells Inlet home office.

How has the industry changed since you started working as a travel agent?

The internet changed everything. People can find a lot of travel information on the internet and book trips themselves. But, I’ve never been an order-taker – I provide a more personalized service. In most cases, a travel professional can beat or match any price you find on the internet and make sure your trip is a perfect match for your taste.

Today’s travel agents specialize in certain areas or types of travel. When the airlines stopped paying commissions, many agencies, and independent agents, went out of business. It really changed the way our industry works. Today, the airlines are again offering a small compensation, but most agents have found their own niche market in other areas.

I specialize in trips to Italy and Hawaii and all types of cruises. There are some fabulous river cruises now that are very unique. Giving back to the community is important to me. Recently, I booked a cruise out of Charleston for a Parrothead group and coordinated with the group leader to make a donation to Relay for Life.

I know you love to travel – do you have a favorite trip?

That’s hard, but probably our last trip to Hawaii – we stayed on Maui. It was our 25th wedding anniversary, and I asked my husband, Barry, to marry me again. It was a surprise – I had arranged for everything and walked into our room and asked him if he would marry me again. He was completely surprised, and we had the ceremony on a bluff at sunset. It was so beautiful.

Besides traveling and helping people find their perfect trip, what else do you like to do?

I like going to the gym for my step aerobics classes, and my husband and I walk and ride bikes together. We enjoy music, too. I am also involved with the Precious Blood of Christ Church Women’s Club. Recently, I was a model in their fashion show fundraiser – that was a lot of fun! I have no plans to retire, though. I love what I do. My work is providing wonderful memories for my clients and my passion for that has kept me in this industry.

Contact Jean at 843-651-6936 or travel.lady@sccoast.net