Conversation with a Legend: Chris Butler
Today we are continuing our conversation series with a feature on Chris Butler - the first member of Tahiti Legends’ reservations team! Her extensive knowledge and strong passion for the destination make her adept at planning dream vacations to our destinations that are perfectly and uniquely tailored to her clients’ wishes.
She is known for her swift responses and agility in coordinating all of the details of her clients’ trips - creating a perfectly seamless experience for them. Around the office, she is known for her warm smile and friendly greeting always at the ready! Read on below for more on Chris and some of her favorite pictures she’s taken on her many trips to French Polynesia.
How did you get your start selling travel?
Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort & Spa
When I completed high school, I traveled to Italy and Greece and immediately caught the travel bug! I started attending travel school, went to work at TWA for a couple of years, then to Islands in the Sun for thirteen years, and since then I’ve been at Legends.
How has the industry changed since then?
It is much more automated and competitive, especially in the Tahiti market!
What is your favorite part of your job?
I love building creative and challenging vacation packages - especially for clients that are really focused on going off the beaten path and immersing themselves in the people and the culture of the destination and enjoying a unique travel experience.
What is the most memorable experience you have planned for a client?
The former Hilton Bora Bora Nui Resort (now the Conrad Bora Bora)
I have repeat clients that now book on an annual basis and have become close friends of mine. Recently, they just took the Aranui freighter cruise to the Marquesas which quickly became their favorite trip down there - it was fun to put that trip together and see their excitement upon returning home.
What is your favorite experience you have had on your travels?
While traveling to Taha’a many years ago, I met a very special family that quickly became lifelong friends of mine. I became the godmother to their new baby and stay with them every time I visit. Likewise, when they travel to the States they always stay with me. It is so special to have built such a strong connection during my travels!
How many times have you traveled to our destinations?
I have probably been to French Polynesia about thirty times now, three times to Australia and New Zealand, two times to the Cook Islands and once to Fiji.
Turtle in Bora Bora
What is your personal travel style/philosophy?
I am a fairly independent traveler and always try to experience as much local culture as possible.
Best piece of advice to people planning their dream vacation.
Use a professional - especially someone that knows the destination and has been there many times and experienced the culture. The experience you will have throughout the planning stage and while there is truly unrivaled when you take advantage of someone with intimate knowledge of that destination. Why would you want to leave that to chance when it’s your dream vacation?
Best picture spot in Tahiti.
Church in Taha’a, Mt. Otemanu in Bora Bora, Cooks Bay in Moorea, Marquesas - it really is quite difficult to pick just one!
Church in Taha’a
What destination/experience is still on your bucket list?
Arctic Circle and the Galapagos Islands.
Feeling inspired by Chris’ travels and words of advice? Feel free to contact her here to plan your next authentic getaway. And tell us in the comments below - what is the best cultural experience you have had on your previous travels?
