Cassandra Bookholder, 25, has been a travel agent for a mere three years, but she has already been named to Travel + Leisure’s Agent A-List.

How did she do it? She specializes in an area she knows and loves. She found excellent mentors who gave her experience and confidence. And on every booking she does, whether a weekend getaway to San Diego or a two-week honeymoon to Bora Bora, she makes sure to do a job that impresses.

Bookholder grew up in Australia; her travels around that country made her decide to make travel her career. She studied tourism in Australia, and went to work for Australia’s leading tour company, Australia Pacific Touring. When she married her husband, an American, she moved with him to Phoenix. There she went to work for Camelback Odyssey Travel, where she was mentored by Karen Benson and Betsy Donley, both of whom are on the Travel + Leisure A-List. They helped her learn about travel retailing—U.S. style—and gave her the confidence to do things such as chartering yachts. That, combined with her own travels and industry experience in Australia, helped launch her career.

She keeps up with the region “down under” through twice-yearly visits, trying to see a new destination each time and going on fams to be sure that she gets the tourist perspective. Bookholder also religiously reads the travel trades every day. “That’s my specialty, I want to make sure I’m giving them the up-to-date information,” she says of her clients. Her on-the-ground knowledge means that when clients describe themselves and their personalities, she can put together an itinerary that will suit them.

“I know Kangaroo Island is a must for them if they have kids who need to roam around and explore,” she says. If an upscale couple with limited time wants accommodations with a remote feel, she knows of an easy-to-reach beach house just an hour north of Sydney.

Over-the-water bungalows are the quintessential South Pacific island experience. Bookholder knows which ones face Bora Bora Mountain, which ones overlook the port and which have a beach view as opposed to a mountain view. Some couples may not have the budget to stay in an over-the-water bungalow for their whole trip, but may want to spend a few nights in one and then move to a beach bungalow. “A lot of people enjoy that combination, and it fits their budgets,” says Bookholder. “That is key, because French Polynesia is expensive. It’s all about managing their expectations, giving them a vacation they’re going to fall in love with.”

Bookholder follows through on details. It’s not just about getting clients to the right destination, but matching them with the right guide by making sure their personalities mesh. For example, she might team up an outgoing couple with a classic Aussie “bloke” who will keep them laughing throughout the trip.

Bookholder is constantly on the lookout for new twists. Her latest idea is a multi-modal tour of Sydney that includes a seaplane flight over the city harbor, followed by a jetboat ride underneath the Sydney Bridge, which winds up back on land with a ride on a Harley Davidson through Sydney’s suburbs. “This is absolutely the best way to enjoy the sights and sounds of the city,” she says. “The adrenaline rush of the experience makes it perfect for travelers just off the plane who are trying to stay awake.”

Bookholder praises onsite operators, including Southern Cross, which put together that multi-modal Sydney trip, and Epic Journeys. Although Epic’s primary destinations are Australia and Africa, it also features adventure trips throughout the world.

Bookholder has a variety of ways to attract clients. She uses the marketing materials that Camelback provides as part of its Virtuoso membership. She cultivates relationships with her most-valued clients by taking them to lunch or for late afternoon cocktails in luxurious settings. “They get to know more about me and what I do,” she says. “I like to be more to my clients than an email address that they shoot off travel demands to.” She’ll visit new clients at their offices or send a welcome kit with a special item, such as a novel about the destination they’re visiting.