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

Hi Amanda, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I started my business to aid people in creating new experiences in life. In a world filled with so much diversity, culture, and beliefs someone would need to get out and experience it for themselves to gain a new perspective. I encourage everyone to travel the world and learn not only about the world around them but themselves as well. I wanted to created an avenue that considered people’s budgets to help them to plan and book new travel experiences.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
BFD Travel is a travel agency that helps clients to book lavish, but discounted trips. BFD Travel is unique in that my clients have the opportunity to engage with someone who has traveled the world for little to no money. I am able to take my experiences from booking free flight and hotel nights and sharing my travel tips with them. I research any and every discount that I can possibly find to help alleviate the cost of my clients’ trips. I use helpful information such as special affiliation memberships, loyalty programs, and promo codes to discount their trips. If needed clients have the opportunity to develop payment plans to meet their financial goals for the trip. I started my business out of the passion for travel and wanting to help others around me. Family and friends consistently asked me for travel advice, so I knew others in the world could use some helpful tips as well. Developing the business plan and remaining consistent even when you don’t immediately see the results of your work were some of the hardest hurdles to cross. I continued to tell myself that if I was given the vision then the clients would come, jut stay consistent.

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?
I would start with the Rooftop bar to grab a drink and catch a great view of the city. I would certainly take them to the Santa Monica Pier to get a picture at the iconic Route 66 sign. We could spend a day in Beverly Hills shopping and eating at the Rooftop Grill.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
A life changing book for me was Essentialism by Greg McKeown. His book reveals that once you focus only on the things that are essential for your growth do you find success. Also Denise Williams offered me the opportunity to break into the travel business. I had to find my own niche in the business, but between the book and Denise this really helped to jump start my business.

Instagram: @bfdtravel

Image Credits
My own images.

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