Melinda Fargis, CTC
Melinda Fargis, CTC, is the founder and president of ACTION TRAVEL INC., bringing over 46 years of experience transforming client travel dreams into reality. Her journey in the travel industry began at just 19 years old in Southern California, and in 1986 she returned to her hometown of Burlington, North Carolina, where her passion for connecting people with unforgettable experiences continued to grow. In 1990, she launched ACTION TRAVEL INC., building a locally trusted travel agency renowned for personalized service, expertise, and innovative offerings.
Over the years, Melinda has specialized in professional development travel, senior group trips, mission-focused journeys, and immersive “conference at sea” experiences. In 2018, she founded Professional Development Journeys, a program combining education, self-care, and networking on curated travel adventures, including her signature Alaska trips. During the pandemic, she expanded her outreach through Weekly Travel Updates on YouTube, providing travel tips, industry insights, and guidance for travelers navigating evolving requirements.
A lifelong learner and mentor, Melinda remains deeply committed to giving back to her community and the travel industry. She has served on boards at the state and international level, sharing her expertise and leadership. Today, she balances her professional passions with personal fulfillment, enjoying her role as a grandmother while working selectively with clients who share her love for meaningful, well-crafted travel experiences.
• CTC (Certified Travel Consultant)
• Destination Specialist for several countries
• Alaska Specialist
• San Bernardino Valley College
• Lucas Brown Travel School - CTC (Certified Travel Consultant)
• Travel Leaders (Board Member)
• Women Rocking Business Summit
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to both my faith and my extensive experience in the travel industry. I truly believe that the Lord has opened doors for me, and my years of experience have allowed me to recognize and seize those opportunities.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is navigating the disruptions caused by COVID, as well as the risks associated with social media account security, including hacking and follower loss. At the same time, there are exciting opportunities, such as the conference-at-sea and professional development travel model, creating personalized travel experiences for seniors, mission-focused trips, and the immense value of daily networking during travel.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide both my work and personal life include faith, a commitment to service and mission-driven work, mentoring others, and providing personalized care for clients. Family is also central to who I am, particularly in my role as a grandmother and caregiver.
Locations
Action Travel Inc.
Burlington, NC 27215