Meet Haley Bornstein
LOCAL FOREIGNER’S TEAM OF INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS
This post is part of our series celebrating our Independent Contractors and Hosting Program. The Local Foreigner's Hosting Program provides a platform of systems and support for independent travel advisors.
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Finding a way
While many people had to adapt to the concept of remote work in 2020, the work-from-anywhere lifestyle was already familiar to Haley Bornstein, who learned how to be productive from any corner of the globe during an eight-month round-the-world trip she took with her boyfriend in 2019.
Born and raised in Florida, Haley moved to Los Angeles at the age of 22 to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. While working in the talent departments and events divisions of different creative agencies, Haley began planning and executing once-in-a-lifetime experiences. She became addicted to the planning process and eventually decided to broaden her horizons by taking a job at a venture capital firm, where she planned over-the-top corporate events and retreats. Though she was well versed in the luxury travel sector, she had no idea that roles in travel consulting existed, until she worked with a travel agent for the first time.
During that round-the-world trip, she and her boyfriend worked with a luxury travel consultant who helped them with hotel bookings, itinerary logistics, and insider intel. “She was incredible,” Haley reflects on the experience, “not only did she ensure everything ran smoothly on our trip, but she really inspired me to start finding out more about careers in the travel industry.”
A Time for creating & Cultivating
Haley began her research, but didn’t quite know where to start. “I was scared about jumping into a new space. I was so confused about IATAs, and host agencies, and developing a brand. It all seemed so daunting.” But then a friend connected her with Alex Erdman, who heads up Local Foreigner’s hosting program, and Haley claims the connection was instant. After talking with Alex, meeting the team, and investing time in The Local Foreigner’s training and onboarding processes, Haley finally felt comfortable in her role.
“So many people doubted me. They said I was crazy for joining the travel industry in a time like this [Haley joined team TLF in June 2020, at the height of the pandemic]. But to me, if you’re not creating, if you’re not progressing, what are you doing? It’s been so fun building something that every day I can wake up and be excited about.”
Haley has used this time to fully develop her business. She designed her website, curated her Instagram, and has loved meeting suppliers and hoteliers from all over the world…albeit virtually. Cultivating these relationships has been one of her favorite parts of joining The Local Foreigner. In fact, she’s kept meticulous notes on everyone she’s met so that she’s better able to connect with industry partners once we’re all able to meet up in person again. “I’ve learned that relationships are everything in this industry. Every new hotelier I meet, I’m so proud to say I’m from Local Foreigner — this team has such integrity.”
So many people doubted me. But if you’re not creating, what are you doing?
-Haley Bornstein
Sound Advice
As someone who joined the IC sphere without ever having worked in the travel industry, Haley has some sound advice for potential new-to-industry ICs. “Do your research, talk to as many people as you can, and find a host agency that you feel a profound connection with,” she advises, “you learn so much from the people you work with, so it’s important to find a group of likeminded partners.” Reflecting on her own search for a hosting agency, Haley’s glad she took the time to find the right fit, “It’s crazy to be part of a team that I feel so close with, yet have never met in person. Learning from everyone has been such an important part of establishing my business.”
“Every new hotelier I meet, I’m so proud to say I’m from Local Foreigner — this team has such integrity.”
The future is bright
Now that she’s established in the industry, Haley’s most looking forward to planning (and taking!) those big ticket trips. “Right now, so many of my clients book last minute getaways,” she explains, “they call me on Thursday and want to go away on Friday.” She’s grateful for the business, but can’t wait to start planning larger multi-stop itineraries. “The minute Japan opens,” she says with a laugh, “I’m going.”