Hidden Gems: Meet Sheila Buettner of Pack Your Bags Travel LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sheila Buettner.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’ve always loved to travel. Some of my favorite memories have been made exploring new places with my husband and our children, and over the years I became the person everyone came to when they needed help planning a trip. I genuinely enjoyed researching destinations, comparing options, and putting together itineraries that fit each person’s interests and budget.

As my kids got older, I started thinking about what I wanted my next chapter to look like. I knew I wanted to do something that combined my love of travel with helping people, so I decided to take a leap of faith and start Pack Your Bags Travel LLC.

Like many small business owners, I started from scratch. I spent countless hours learning the industry, earning certifications, building relationships with suppliers, and growing my client base one traveler at a time. There were definitely moments when I questioned myself, but every happy client and every successful trip reminded me why I started.

Today, I help clients plan everything from cruises and all-inclusive vacations to group tours and custom itineraries. What I love most is knowing that I’m helping create memories that families and friends will talk about for years to come. Travel isn’t just about getting from one place to another—it’s about celebrating milestones, reconnecting with loved ones, and experiencing something new.

Looking back, I’m proud of how far I’ve come. Building a business has taught me patience, resilience, and the importance of relationships. I’m excited about the future and grateful for every client who has trusted me to be part of their travel story.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Starting a business has definitely not been a completely smooth road, but I think that’s true for most entrepreneurs. One of the biggest challenges was building a client base and earning trust in a very competitive industry. Travel is a relationship business, and those relationships take time to develop.

Like many small business owners, I’ve worn every hat imaginable—from marketing and social media to accounting, customer service, and trip planning. There have been long days, late nights, and moments when things didn’t go as planned. The travel industry can be unpredictable, and I’ve learned that flexibility and problem-solving are essential skills.

One lesson I’ve learned is that challenges often become opportunities to improve. Every difficult situation has taught me something valuable about communication, organization, and how to better serve my clients. Those experiences have helped me create stronger processes and become a better advisor.

What has kept me going is my passion for helping people travel and the incredible support I’ve received from my clients, family, and community. When a client returns from a dream vacation and tells me about the memories they made, it reminds me why I started this journey in the first place. Looking back, the challenges have been just as important as the successes because they’ve helped shape both me and my business.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Pack Your Bags Travel LLC is a full-service travel agency that specializes in cruises, all-inclusive vacations, escorted tours, group travel, and customized vacation planning. While I help clients travel all over the world, my focus is always the same: creating travel experiences that fit each client’s unique interests, budget, and travel style.

What sets my business apart is the level of personal service I provide. In today’s world, it’s easy to book a trip online, but having a trusted travel advisor can make all the difference. I take the time to get to know my clients, understand what they’re looking for, and guide them through the planning process from start to finish. Whether it’s selecting the right cruise, finding the perfect resort, coordinating a family vacation, or helping a group travel together seamlessly, I’m there every step of the way.

I have a special passion for cruises and group travel because I love seeing people connect through shared experiences. Some of my favorite projects have involved helping families celebrate milestones, organizing group trips for local organizations, and creating vacations that bring people together.

What I’m most proud of is the trust my clients place in me. Many of my bookings come from repeat clients and referrals, which tells me that people value the service and care they receive. For me, success isn’t measured only by the trips I book—it’s measured by the relationships I build and the memories my clients create.

I want readers to know that Pack Your Bags Travel LLC is built on a simple belief: travel should be exciting, enjoyable, and stress-free. My goal is to handle the details so my clients can focus on making memories, whether they’re taking their first cruise, celebrating a special occasion, or checking a dream destination off their bucket list.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
My biggest piece of advice is to be patient and give yourself grace. When you’re starting a business, it’s easy to compare yourself to people who have been doing it for years and wonder why you’re not seeing the same results. What I’ve learned is that success doesn’t happen overnight. It comes from showing up consistently, learning from your mistakes, and continuing to move forward even when progress feels slow.

I also wish I had known that not every opportunity is the right opportunity. Early on, I thought I had to say yes to everything. Over time, I’ve learned the importance of setting boundaries, creating clear processes, and valuing my time and expertise. Those lessons have helped me become more confident as a business owner and better serve my clients.

Another thing I’ve learned is that relationships matter. Whether it’s clients, suppliers, business partners, or fellow entrepreneurs, the connections you build can have a tremendous impact on your success. Some of my best opportunities have come from simply getting involved in my community, networking, and building genuine relationships.

Most importantly, don’t let fear stop you from getting started. You don’t have to have everything figured out before you begin. Take the first step, be willing to learn along the way, and trust that every challenge will teach you something valuable. Looking back, some of my biggest growth came from situations that didn’t go according to plan.

If I could tell my younger entrepreneurial self one thing, it would be this: keep going. There will be setbacks, but there will also be moments that remind you exactly why you started, and those moments make the journey worthwhile.

Pricing:

• Complimentary consultation to discuss travel goals and options.
• Vacation packages available for a wide range of budgets, from weekend getaways to luxury international travel.
• Vacation packages available for a wide range of budgets, from weekend getaways to luxury international travel.
• Access to exclusive promotions, supplier offers, and travel planning expertise.
• Personalized service before, during, and after travel.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://pybttravel.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/pybt.travelagency
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/Pack-Your-Bags-Travel-61561361669504
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@PYBTTRAVEL