Image courtesy of Courtney Carter
Fora Advisor Courtney Carter is no stranger to hard work. Trained as a lawyer and currently a DEI consultant in the Washington, DC area, she also runs marathons (11 and counting), adding the Tokyo and London marathons to the list this year. And that’s just the beginning.
After planning a trip for a group of friends, Courtney’s tenacious spirit and endless curiosity led her to dive head-first into the travel industry, igniting a passion to empower women of color and solo travelers. We sat down with Courtney to learn how she built her travel business and why Mexico is one of her favorite destinations.
How did you get started with Fora?
I joined Fora in August 2023, but before I joined, I was a client. After planning an amazing fortieth birthday trip for myself and 15 friends and family, I wondered if I could have outsourced the planning. The trip was amazing but organizing travel for my friends and family on top of my day job was stressful. After that trip, I did a little research and realized that firstly, travel advisors can help, and secondly, I could be a travel advisor!
I researched Fora and then decided I would book a trip with a Fora Advisor to see what the client-facing experience was like. I booked a short vacation with an advisor and loved my experience — I signed up with Fora [as an advisor] on that trip.
Why is travel advising a good fit for your skill set?
I am trained as a lawyer, so attention to detail and organization are skills I’ve always had. I am also a great problem solver and have an optimistic outlook — all of these things help me every day in my travel business.
Image courtesy of Courtney Carter
What is the most challenging part of running your own travel business?
The most challenging part of running a travel business is balancing the constant learning alongside the planning and the business details. It is an incredibly busy mix, but I love it!
What are the resources or tools that have helped you grow your business?
The booking portal within Fora is incredible. It allows you to do so much great research so quickly, and advisors have access to reviews and trip guides to help us make the best recommendations to our clients. I also could not live without Forum [Fora’s online advisor community] — I rely on it daily to share information and knowledge with my fellow Fora Advisors, and it is incredibly helpful.
Do you have a travel specialty?
I plan a lot of travel for solo women travelers, specifically solo women travelers of color. It’s been really fun because I travel solo often, so I love putting that experience into practice for my clients.
While I book just about anywhere, I have been doing a lot of beach vacations recently. I love a good fly-and-flop trip.
Images courtesy of Courtney Carter
Tell us about a favorite destination.
Culture is so amazing in Mexico. I love getting off property and visiting a cenote. It’s so beautiful, peaceful and amazing to reflect upon their creation.
Any favorite restaurants?
I think one of my favorite restaurants is in the Mayakoba resort in the Riviera Maya area near Cancun; I loved Agave Azul. The food, the history of mezcal and agave that you can learn while dining there — I loved it all.
Where do your clients stay in Mexico?
Atelier Playa Mujeres: My clients love this adults-only, all-inclusive resort with almost 600 rooms. It’s great for groups and a big hit with golfers, as it lies right next to 18 holes. Atelier is also known for its large spa — I don’t think I’ve had a client stay there who has left without a spa treatment.
Fora’s Preferred Platinum partner perks include a $100 resort credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Image courtesy of Rosewood Mayakoba
Mayakoba is a four-resort community set on gorgeous beaches about 45 minutes from Cancun International Airport. I have sent clients to all properties and stayed at two myself. All four properties are stunning and family friendly but also good for couples or solo travelers. Banyan Tree and Rosewood in particular are good for couples as the rooms (really more like villas) are incredibly private.
Rosewood Mayakoba: Every suite at Rosewood has a heated pool and many have larger pools. The resort has 21 villas that are perfect for families — private, spacious and with all the amenities to make it feel like home. Suites come with thoughtful butler service that really can enhance the stay. A vacation at Rosewood Mayakoba feels like home, but with better views, food and service.
Fora’s Rosewood Elite partner perks include daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Banyan Tree Mayamoba: Banyan Tree also offers a heated pool for each suite and fantastic amenities. The brand is known for its spa, and the Mayakoba property is no exception. The resort offers an extensive offering of experiences, including cooking classes, guided tours of Mayan ruins and more. One fun fact is that Banyan Tree Mayakoba has a kosher chef on staff, making it a favorite of many who keep kosher.
Fora’s Accor Preferred by HERA partnership perks include a $100 resort credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.