At the start of 2016, like so many people around the world, I made some New Year’s resolutions. Topping my list was to step up my travel writing game. My new travel friend, Jenn Malka – who I met over Instagram while traveling in the Philippines recommended I join the Los Angeles chapter of Travel Massive.
Joining Travel Massive was the best decision I made in 2016!
On January 28, 2016, I attended my first ever Travel Massive event sponsored by Visit Britain where I entered the night’s giveaway: an all-inclusive round trip for two to Pembrokeshire Wales. Why not?! I tweeted: “@VisitBritain my ultimate “only in Britain” moment would be stepping foot in Europe for the first time ever! It’s finally time #TMBritain”
Right before the prize winner announcement, I turned to someone and said, “I never win this shit.” Then I heard… “We’re so excited that tonight’s winner will be stepping foot in Europe for the first time!” – OMG(B) I WON! – “And we want to make sure Justin Walter’s first trip is to Wales!”
A year later, I still can’t believe how a simple tweet sent me to Pembrokeshire Wales. The best part, that was just the beginning! Over the next eleven months, I continued to go to Travel Massive events where networking turned into actual opportunities. Some of the highlights from my year with Travel Massive include:
Meeting Travel Massive members on the Fathom Travel Dominican Republic impact travel cruise who inspire me daily and became my lifelong friends.
Cashing in on my trip and falling in love with Pembrokeshire, Wales.
Attending an #Instameet at Club Med Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic where I documented the trip through video and social media.
Connecting with the founder of Travel Mindset who hired me as a travel influencer to visit Sioux Falls, South Dakota as a content creator.
Bookending my year with another win at a networking luncheon – a three day, two-night stay at Miramonte Resort.
Beyond the new connections and opportunities I’ve gained through Travel Massive, hands down the best part has been the incredible friendships I have formed over the year. One of my favorite parts about traveling is meeting like-minded people who share the same passion for travel. Travel Massive has delivered those friends (who live in LA!) to me on a silver platter thanks to the hard work by our chapter leader Kelley Ferro. Our events have become a given highlight of each month and I can’t wait to see what 2017 brings! If you work in the travel industry and haven’t already… join Travel Massive!
This article originally appeared on TravelMassive.com
