For Melissa Sutton, travel is more than a getaway—it’s a powerful reminder of life’s most meaningful moments. After facing a breast cancer diagnosis at just 38, a long-awaited family trip became a turning point, offering clarity, joy, and a renewed sense of purpose during an incredibly challenging time. What began as a personal escape soon evolved into a calling: helping other families create memories they’ll carry for a lifetime.
Today, Melissa is a dedicated travel advisor with Goldgell Getaways, known for her deeply personal approach and unwavering commitment to her clients. A devoted mom, active volunteer, and firm believer in living life to the fullest, she skillfully balances the demands of family life with the around-the-clock nature of travel planning. Whether it’s early mornings securing reservations or late-night calls with clients, she approaches every detail with care—treating each trip as if it were her own.
In this heartfelt conversation with Women on Topp Magazine, Melissa opens up about resilience, the influence of family, and how travel can strengthen the bonds that matter most.
How would you describe yourself outside of your work as a travel advisor?
I would describe myself as a person who loves to live life to the fullest. I love being a mom and watching my children grow into amazing people. I also love to volunteer in my community.
What inspired your love of travel in the first place?
Going through early stage breast cancer treatment at the age of 38 really shook my world. We had been planning a huge Disney trip all year and then I was diagnosed. Thankfully my doctors were able to get my surgery done quickly and we were able to still take our trip. I knew I had radiation, a partial hysterectomy and a long road ahead—but for a moment in time I forgot about all of that while at Disney. I was already toying with the idea of becoming a travel agent but that sealed the deal for me. I knew from that trip I wanted to help families make memories.
Can you share a favorite family memory from a trip you’ve taken?
I have so many, but one of my favorite memories is when we were at Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island. My kids were looking for shells and my husband and I were just enjoying the beautiful day. I remember thanking God for the path I went down and where I am, because all events lead you to where you are today.
How do you balance your personal life with the demands of planning travel for others?
It can be challenging some days for sure. There is so much more that goes into vacation planning than people realize. It’s late nights and early mornings grabbing client reservations—midnight, 4 am, 5 am. I arrange client phone calls around my kids’ schedules and family time like homework and dinner. My husband works shift work, so he’s not home until 11 pm Monday through Friday. Thankfully my kids are older, which helps me focus more time on my business.
What does a perfect day off look like for you?
Definitely catching a flight! Haha. I love looking forward to vacations and pretty much always have several planned.
Who has been the biggest influence in your life, and why?
That’s a toss-up between my mom and my Nana. My mom was a single mom and raised my brother and me on her own. She taught me to be strong while still caring for others. My Nana is where I get my love of travel from. She passed the same year I was diagnosed. She traveled the world with her church group and friends, even though my Papa preferred staying home. That never stopped her.
How has travel shaped your perspective on family and relationships?
Travel has made me realize that it allows us to pause the monotony of everyday life. Our kids get to see us as people—not just parents telling them to clean their rooms or do homework. We get to experience things together, like their first roller coaster or a new culture. It lets families shut out daily stress and simply have fun.
What values are most important to you in your everyday life?
Kindness is number one. You never know what someone else is going through—a loss, a health issue, or something else entirely. Kindness is free. I also teach my kids to smile and compliment others—it might make someone’s whole day.
What’s one destination that holds special emotional meaning for you?
Disney, for sure. While I book all types of travel, it has a special place in my heart. When I arrive, especially at Disney World, I can feel the stress melt away—it’s like a sigh of “welcome back.”
If you weren’t working in travel, what do you think you’d be doing instead?
I have a Master’s degree in accounting and still work in that field. My goal is to make travel planning my full-time job. If I wasn’t doing travel at all, I’d probably go work at Disney—haha!
What led you to become a travel advisor with Goldgell Getaways?
When I was planning our Disney trip, I turned to social media and started following someone who worked with them. I reached out, got connected, and the rest is history. I love my agency—we’re Gold preferred with Disney and truly feel like a family. We support each other constantly.
How did you get your start in the travel industry?
During radiation, I began my training with Goldgell. They were the only agency I considered. I took a leap of faith, not knowing if anyone would book with me—but thankfully, I’ve done well. I’ve even been a top-producing agent twice, which I never imagined.
What sets your approach to travel planning apart from others?
I never take for granted that this is people’s time, money, and memories. I treat every trip as if it were my own and take that responsibility seriously.
Why do you think destinations like Disney and cruises resonate so strongly with your clients?
Because they can be overwhelming to plan. Families are busy, and choosing the right hotel or itinerary can be stressful. I get to know my clients personally to match them with the best options. Cruises offer a laid-back experience, and Disney—well, it’s hard to have a bad time there!
What’s been the most rewarding moment in your career so far?
Winning top agent for two quarters was incredible. I also deeply value client reviews and referrals—those moments mean everything to me.
Can you walk us through your process when planning a client’s trip?
Clients fill out a form, then book a call with me. We discuss their needs, and I ask questions to tailor the best options. I handle the details so they don’t have to—it’s a fully customized experience.
How do you stay up to date with trends and changes in the travel industry?
I attend webinars, read travel news, and complete required training annually. The industry changes constantly, so staying informed is essential.
What challenges have you faced in your career, and how have you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges is spending hours on quotes and then being ghosted. Many people don’t realize we only get paid after clients travel. I’ve learned to implement initial calls to ensure clients are serious, which has helped protect my time and energy.
What advice would you give to someone looking to become a travel advisor?
Make sure your heart is in it. Be ready for long hours but also amazing connections. You’ll grow close to your clients. Keep learning, travel often, and don’t be afraid to market yourself—even if you’re shy like I was.
What are your goals for the future—both personally and professionally?
Professionally, I want to make this my full-time career and grow my client base. Personally, I pray for good health and many more years with my family. I hope to one day be a fun nana, traveling the world with my children and grandchildren—especially taking them to Disney and sharing my story along the way.
