As the Founder and CEO of Dynamite Travel, Dr. Terika Haynes has spent 17 years redefining luxury travel experiences for her clients. A lifelong traveler, Haynes turned her passion into a career, building a business known for its exceptional client services and strong industry partnerships.
“I’ve traveled for most of my life, and as I explored different destinations, I realized I wanted to combine my love for travel with a career,” Haynes said. “That’s why I launched Dynamite Travel—to share this passion with others.”
ASTA Advisor of the Year
Dynamite Travel is a nationally certified, minority-owned small business that has garnered recognition across a wide range of media outlets. Haynes’ expertise and influence in the travel industry has featured her in publications such as The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, TripAdvisor, Travel + Leisure, The Gantt Report, CNN, Travel Noire, The Washington Post, BuzzFeed and many others.
Her commitment to personalized service and strong industry partnerships earned her the 2023 ASTA Travel Advisor of the Year Award, making her the first African American to receive this global honor. Winning ASTA’s Award is a testament to Haynes’ dedication to service excellence. She attributes the honor to her commitment to client satisfaction, continuous education and strong industry partnerships.
“The award reflects my efforts in building strong relationships—not just with clients, but with brands, industry partners and fellow advisors,” she said. “It’s about staying involved, staying educated and helping others achieve their travel goals.”
Diversity, Inclusion & the Hospitality Industry
When it comes to diversity in the travel industry, Haynes sees progress but emphasizes that there is still much work to be done.
“A lot is happening in the world right now, and work still needs to be done within the travel industry,” she said. “We’re in the hospitality business, yet some brands and destinations seem to have lost sight of that word. True hospitality means making travelers feel welcome, included and safe—especially those from marginalized communities.”
She stresses that education is key.
“As an industry, we need to do better at understanding what it takes to make all travelers feel comfortable. Representation is critical. When my clients see that I’ve visited a destination and had a great experience, they trust my recommendation. That’s why it’s so important for travel advisors to explore these places firsthand and be a resource for their clients,” she added.
Dedicated to Client Connection
At the core of Dynamite Travel’s success is a dedication to exceptional, tailored travel experiences, a philosophy Haynes refers to as the “Dynamite Difference.” This approach prioritizes personalized service, deep client connections and meticulous attention to detail.
Dynamite Travel offers a comprehensive suite of services, including custom luxury vacation packages, destination weddings, corporate travel solutions and group travel coordination. Beyond planning, Haynes emphasizes a hands-on approach to client care, maintaining communication throughout a trip to ensure a seamless experience.
“I check in with my clients while they’re on vacation to ensure everything is going smoothly,” she explained. “That extra level of care is what brings them back year after year.”
With a strong reputation for service excellence, industry expertise, and trusted partnerships, Dynamite Travel continues to be a leading name in the luxury travel sector, offering clients an unparalleled level of customization and support.
“[Dynamite Difference] is more than just a phrase—it’s something you feel,” she explained. “Every trip I plan starts with understanding my clients on a personal level. What do they want from their vacation? What experiences will make their trip unforgettable? Asking those questions and tailoring their journey is what makes a difference.”
Looking Ahead in Travel
Looking to the future of trending destinations, Haynes is particularly excited about the growing interest in African travel and expedition cruising.
“Africa is becoming more requested, and I’m traveling there more myself,” she shared. “I’d love to introduce more clients to the experience of expedition cruising, but not many clients want to dip their toes in that, I’ve been on a few expedition cruises and it’s an exciting experience that I want to see more of my clients embrace.”
In an industry increasingly driven by automation and AI, Haynes believes that the human connection remains irreplaceable. “Anyone can make a transaction—even AI. But can a robot build a relationship? That’s what sets travel advisors apart.”
Dynamite Travel coordinates luxury travel experiences from its headquarters in Melbourne, Florida.
For more information about Dynamite Travel, visit sodynamite.com.
