Libby Shields

When I started my travel business over 30 years ago, travel agents were thriving. Then everything changed.

The internet arrived, home computers became commonplace, and suddenly people were booking their own vacations online. Many travel agencies closed their doors, but I refused to believe that was the end of my story. I knew if I wanted to survive, I had to do something different. I needed to offer something the internet couldn't.

After months of research, I discovered an underserved market, single travelers.

The choice felt natural because I was single myself. I understood the desire to see the world, but I also understood the hesitation of traveling alone. So many people wanted to experience Africa, Europe, Asia, or Alaska, but they didn't have someone to go with. I realized they didn't need to stay home—they simply needed a community of like-minded travelers.

That realization became the foundation of World Travel For Singles.

It wasn't just about booking trips anymore. It was about bringing people together. Strangers became roommates, travel companions, and often lifelong friends. I watched people who had lost spouses, gone through divorces, retired, or simply found themselves without a travel partner regain the confidence to explore the world again.

The challenges didn't stop there. I survived the housing market crash. I survived the devastating impact of COVID-19 on the travel industry. Time after time, people predicted the end of travel agents, but here I am, still doing what I love after more than three decades.

Looking back, I realize my success wasn't because I sold vacations. It was because I solved a problem. I understood my clients because I was one of them.

Today, after visiting more than 80 countries and sailing on over 170 cruises, I still get excited watching someone's dream trip become a reality. The destinations are incredible, but it's the friendships, laughter, and shared experiences that make every journey unforgettable.

People often ask me the secret to staying in business for so many years. My answer is simple: adapt, never stop learning, find a need, and serve it better than anyone else.

The travel industry has changed countless times, but one thing has never changed—people still want to explore the world. Sometimes they just need someone to show them they don't have to do it alone.

If you’re 50+, love to travel, and are ready to make meaningful connections along the way, I invite you to join us. World Travel For Singles isn’t just a travel company—it’s a community. Let’s go explore it together.