Meet Carol Garcia | Travel Advisor and Life Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Carol Garcia and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Carol, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Starting my own business has always been a dream, but for the longest time, fear held me back. It wasn’t about wanting to be my own boss—I actually appreciated the structure and accountability of a traditional job. Clocking in, completing tasks, and leaving work behind at the end of the day was something I valued. But deep down, I’ve always been curious and driven by a desire to try new things. Growing up in Panama, I was constantly taking different classes because I loved learning. Staying still isn’t in my nature—my mind is always buzzing with ideas and plans.

When I came to the U.S. in 1999, I saw a world of opportunities for those willing to dream and take risks. I had countless ideas: opening a daycare, starting a vending machine franchise, creating a healthy fast-food spot, a café-library hybrid, and even a private women’s shelter. Yet, I never acted on them because I was afraid of failure. That fear stemmed from my first big failure—my first marriage—which shook my confidence. As someone who had succeeded at almost everything as a child, failing as an adult felt overwhelming, and it kept me from pursuing my entrepreneurial ideas.

Then, the pandemic changed everything. Working from home reminded me how much I valued flexibility, and the long commuting hours started to wear on me. On top of that, I noticed how unhappy and disconnected people seemed after the pandemic, and it began to affect me too. I didn’t want to let that negativity consume me, so I decided to leave the traditional workplace to figure out what would truly fulfill me.

Becoming a travel agent wasn’t even on my radar. Honestly, I didn’t realize it was still a thing! Like many people, I had always booked my trips online. But when I stumbled upon the world of travel advising, it clicked. I saw an opportunity to turn my love for planning and helping others into something meaningful. It gave me the push I needed to start my own business—a way to make people happier by helping them create unforgettable memories through travel.

Looking back, it wasn’t just about starting a business but finding the courage to embrace uncertainty and take a chance on myself.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My career journey has been anything but traditional, and I believe that’s what sets me apart. From starting my first job at 19 in Panama to working in a wide variety of roles—legal secretary, medical records team leader, nonprofit director, drug addiction counselor, property manager, life coach, and now travel advisor—I’ve built a diverse foundation of experiences. What ties it all together is my willingness to learn, adapt, and pour my heart into whatever I do.

Getting to where I am today wasn’t easy. Changing careers so often made me feel like a failure at times. I’d compare myself to others who stayed in one job for decades, and I wondered if something was wrong with me. But a good friend gave me perspective. She told me I wasn’t wired to stay in one place if my heart wasn’t in it, and that trying new things was part of my journey. Her words stayed with me, even when I doubted myself, and they pushed me to keep searching for what truly fulfilled me.

When I found the opportunity to become a travel advisor, everything clicked. Suddenly, all my past experiences made sense—they had prepared me to create meaningful travel experiences for others. I’m proud to have become a luxury travel specialist, but what excites me most is helping everyday people plan trips they thought were out of reach. I want everyone to know that travel doesn’t have to be a luxury reserved for the wealthy. With the right tools and strategies—like paying in installments and prioritizing experiences over material things—it’s possible to make your dream trip a reality without going into debt.

This opportunity has allowed me to enjoy the perks of being a travel advisor, allowing me to visit and experience various destinations I can confidently recommend to my clients. I’ve truly found my niche and poured my energy and enthusiasm into this career.

In 2023, I was honored to receive the “Iconic Advisor Club” recognition as one of the Top 100 Celebrity Cruise Sellers and earned my IATAN accreditation. These achievements signify professional recognition in the travel industry, highlighting my expertise and trustworthiness. While I’m proud of these milestones, I know they wouldn’t have been possible without the trust of my clients, who have allowed me to plan their travel adventures.

Additionally, I am deeply committed to supporting local businesses and nonprofit organizations. I actively participate in and support their fundraising campaigns, ensuring that my work positively impacts the community I serve. I am a certified Faith-Based Travel Advisor and Registered Travel Advisor with Autism on the Seas Foundation, an organization committed to making travel available for everyone.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that success isn’t about sticking to one path—it’s about following your passion and staying true to what brings you joy. My brand is built on making travel accessible, worry-free, and fulfilling. I want to show people you don’t have to sacrifice your financial peace to create unforgettable memories. Travel can make you happy, and it’s my mission to help others experience that happiness while staying within their means.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
This scenario is not far from reality. I am planning this for friends coming to visit from out of town all the time. I usually start by showing them Miami Dade so they can burn out the Miami fever. The itinerary usually looks something like this:
Days 1-3: Miami.
We start with Miami to soak in its energy. South Beach is the perfect kickoff with its iconic Ocean Drive, different hotels like The Goodtime Hotel or Barcelona Studios Guesthouse, and shopping at Lincoln Road Mall. I recommend dining at spots like The Front Porch Cafe, Juvia Miami, or Go-Go Fresh Food, with Gelato-go Ocean Drive for dessert.

Next, we explore Wynwood Walls for street art and Little Havana for culture, including Domino Park. Bayside Marketplace is a must—enjoy a meal at Kuba Cabana, pizza at Rolly’s Bistro, or fusion flavors at La Industria. For a cultural touch, we wrap up with the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, the Perez Art Museum, and the National Tropical Botanical Gardens.

Days 4-6: Broward County
Hollywood and Fort Lauderdale take center stage next. There’s something for everyone, from boutique shopping on Las Olas Boulevard to relaxing at Fort Lauderdale Beach and adventuring at Everglades Holiday Park. Dining options range from casual seafood at Coconuts to Brazilian fine dining at Chima Steakhouse. I recommend Bravo Peruvian Cuisine or a shopping and dining spree at Sawgrass Mills Mall for an Everglades-area twist.

Day 7: West Coast
To wind down, I send them west to Naples for serene beaches and dining at Tap 42 in The Mercato. Alternatively, Hollywood Beach and Downtown offer vibrant vibes, with a must-visit at Kussifay Argentinean Restaurant for my husband’s favorite dishes.

This weeklong itinerary blends culture, adventure, relaxation, and incredible food across three unique counties. Guests usually leave satisfied but eager to return for more. I have never received a complaint about a trip like this.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I absolutely have to give credit to my family, from my parents, who instilled in me the belief that I could achieve anything I set my mind to, to my sister and her family, who show their admiration in the most genuine, often unspoken ways. My parents make it seem like everything I do comes naturally. My sister and her family say, “Of course you’re doing this—you never stop!” and that fuels me.

But my biggest shoutout goes to my husband and daughters, who are my greatest fans. Being closest to me, they see the ups and downs—the struggles, the doubts, and the tears —but they never stop cheering me on. They know the passion I try to pour into everything I do and believe in me even when I doubt myself.

I also want to recognize my close group of friends from church. They’re always the first in line to support me, whether it’s trying out a new idea or simply offering encouragement. Their unwavering support means the world to me and reminds me that I’m never alone in any of my adventures.

Website: https://www.caroliztravels.com

Instagram: Caroliz.Travels

Linkedin: Carol Garcia – Caroliz Travels

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LetsTravelandHaveFun

Other: Linktree:
https://linktr.ee/caroliz.travels?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=9e846d12-d1ae-4bf0-9a2c-68bbf8207219

Image Credits
They are all pictures taken with my phone camera.