The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Ever dreamed of a magical Disney getaway, a luxurious cruise, or an unforgettable adventure to Europe or Hawaii?
David and Leah Zanolla turned their lifelong passion for travel into Zanolla Travel in 2017.
Tell me about your business. What is it and was this a life long dream?
This became a career in January 2017 when Leah was suddenly laid off from her online editing job.
Before this, we already loved Disney and it had been part of our jobs (David wrote and taught a Disney class in WIU’s communication department and Leah was the Senior Editor of a large Disney fan site).
Since we were already who friends came to when they needed help planning a trip, we decided that becoming travel agents was a good way to put those skills and knowledge to use as a career!
Since then, we’ve branched out and definitely still specialize in Disney (we go several times a year to keep current with our knowledge), but we also book most major cruise lines, all-inclusive resorts, Universal Studios, Europe (cruises and land), Alaska, Hawaii, and NYC!
What has it been like working with your spouse?
We love working together! David works full time at Memorial Hospital, so he’s taken on a much smaller role with the agency lately, but Leah runs the travel agency full time.
We both have different strengths, which is helpful when running a business like this.
We each have certain destinations that we specialize in and then Leah takes care of the paperwork and backend details for each trip.
How can potential clients contact you?
The best way to get in touch is email (info@zanollatravel.com), our Facebook page (Zanolla Travel), or phone (309-863-5469).
One of the nice things for our clients about working with someone local is that we can meet in person when needed.
Our clients have our phone numbers, so even while they’re traveling, they can reach out with any questions they may have.
When booking through big box stores or directly with the destinations, you don’t get the personalized service and care that we can bring to each vacation. We are really invested in making sure that our clients have the best time possible!
Do you have any deals on trips right now?
There are current promotions on Disney Parks vacations and Disney Cruise Line that have saved clients quite a bit of money.
Most destinations offer promotions throughout the year, so when someone is ready to get a vacation booked, we are able to see those and we will always work to get our clients the best pricing available!
Do you have any fun stories to share that clients have shared with you about one of their trips?
We love when parents plan the vacation and then surprise the kids as a Christmas gift or even right when it’s time to leave!
It’s so fun to see the videos of the surprise and the clever way the parents have come up with to break the news!
One exciting trip we planned was a surprise for the couple themselves! They gave us a budget, dates, and some ideas of things they liked and we planned it all for them – they drove to the airport and opened an envelope revealing their destination when they were almost there!
Any travel advice?
So many people think they’ll wait until the kids are a certain age so it will be easier or wait until their kids are grown to travel on their own, but you never know where life will take you before that.
Traveling teaches empathy as you hear others’ stories, opens you up to new experiences, and keeps you learning! Take the trip!