Joined in January 2023
IT and database administration
Based in San Diego, CaliforniaFrom corporate tech to full-time travel advisor
Chanda Daly spent years in high-pressure corporate roles—managing database systems for the Department of Defense, running network operation centers, and overseeing airport compliance programs. Even though her background was in computer science, friends kept telling her the same thing: “You should be a travel agent.”
“I was always the planner,” Chanda said. “But I thought, why would I do that when I’m sitting here with student loan debt for this degree?”
When corporate life intensified, Chanda decided to explore travel advising. After discovering that a prestigious Santa Barbara agency required prior experience, she found Fora through Host Agency Reviews (HAR). When co-founder Evan replied directly to her inquiry, she was sold. “I was really impressed that one of the cofounders actually replied, and I thought, I’ll give them a try.”
With no previous experience or $5,000 training fees required like at other agencies, Chanda went all in, attending every training, even when they were optional.
The early challenge: Building expertise and attracting clients
Like many new advisors, Chanda faced the overwhelming fire hose of information that comes with entering a new industry. “I hadn’t actually done a lot of world travel,” she admitted. “So I felt really intimidated trying to book countries that I hadn’t been to before.”
Her first clients came through her existing network and neighborhood connections. She sent an email blast and posted on social media, relying on relationships she’d built over the years. But knowledge gaps remained. That’s where Fora’s destination trainings became invaluable.
“There was one training in particular on Paris with Henley during COVID,” Chanda remembered. “She was talking about the Left Bank and the Right Bank and the differences in the neighborhoods. For somebody who hasn’t been there, it was so incredibly helpful because I was working with a client to send there.”
Marketing tools: The game-changer for consistency
As Chanda’s business grew, maintaining consistent client communication became increasingly challenging. That’s when Fora’s marketing tools transformed her workflow.
Fora's marketing has gotten so good. I’m not creative, and I’m busy, so I don’t have time to build my own newsletters.
Chanda Daly
joined January 2023“I literally take two minutes to just change my logo in the marketing that they send,” Chanda said. “Fora's marketing has gotten so good. I’m not creative, and I’m busy, so I don’t have time to build my own newsletters.”
Her results speak for themselves:
Newsletter performance: 50–53% open rate (double industry standard)
Subscriber base: 230 clients
Frequency: Weekly sends every Sunday
Time investment: Minimal—she batches an entire month during busy periods
“I knew August would be busy, so I’ll just sit down one day and do it for the whole month,” she said. “That has been critical to me.”
The destination-specific Instagram content has been equally powerful. “The ones Fora sends out after destination trainings are golden,” Chanda said. “Those just light up my life, and my Instagram engagement.”
Beyond templates: Marketing that drives real business
The impact extends beyond metrics. Fora’s destination-focused marketing helps Chanda expand her service offerings in clients’ minds.
“When I send out content, people are like, ‘Oh, I didn’t realize you booked that,’” she said. “It really grows our audience because clients don’t always remember the full scope of what we can do.”
The marketing materials also maintain consistency during her busiest periods, exactly when custom content creation would be impossible.
Career transition advice
While Chanda acknowledges the financial adjustment from a six-figure corporate salary, she’s building a business that fits her lifestyle. “I use my earnings to pay for my own travel to get more experience under my belt," she said, investing in the expertise that sets her apart.
For those considering the transition from corporate careers, Chanda emphasizes three priorities: Take training seriously, grow your existing network, and leverage Fora’s marketing tools.
How Fora made success possible
Ready-to-use newsletters: Achieve 2x industry-standard open rates with minimal time investment
Social media templates: Expand service awareness and drives engagement
Time-saving customization: Add Advisor Branding for professional materials
Destination training: Enhances destination expertise
