JANET FOSTER

WILSON TRAVEL & CRUISE

Since 1976, Janet Foster has had the same boss: Herself.

For more than 35 years, she has been president of Wilson Travel & Cruise in St. Charles

“I had to learn the business from scratch,” said Foster, who purchased the business from its original owners in 1986.

One of the first things she discovered about the travel industry remains as true today as it was then—the only constant is (frequent) change. Never was this more the case than when the pandemic struck.

“Our entire industry was impacted, perhaps more than any other,” said Foster, whose team currently includes three consultants. “We had zero options. If no one is traveling, no one is traveling.”

Foster’s business weathered the storm, though the pandemic’s impact – particularly labor shortages in the hospitality industry abroad – continue to be felt.

It’s a keen eye to the ins and outs of international travel that keep Foster and her staff busy. Their work centers largely on planning customized itineraries for clients looking to visit Europe as well as other distant destinations.

“We find out what the customer wants, and we have the resources to put the pieces together,” Foster said.

This includes any and all transportation, accommodations, tours and more. The company can also offer plenty of personal experiences and advice for those asking.

“Our motto is ‘ask us, we’ve been there,’” Foster said.

In traveling extensively for both business and pleasure, Foster has set foot on all seven continents.

“The world is an unbelievable place to go.”