PHOTO: Ask Ellen Paderson, and she'll find a destination like this to put a smile on your face. (photo via Flickr/Breezy Baldwin)Ellen Paderson, founder of Smiles and Miles Travel, Inc., has been in the travel business for 25 years.She started her business on her kitchen table and, while other businesses have come and gone, she is still here.Thanks to her hard work and perseverance, her company was recognized for outstanding achievement at the Second Annual Showstopper Awards ceremony held at UNICO 20.87 at Hotel Riviera Maya, Cancun, Mexico. Smiles and Miles Travel took home the 2016 Platinum Sales Award, given to top producers who exemplify excellence in every facet of production for the company’s properties. Showstopper Awards acknowledge the company’s Tour Operator, Online Travel Agency and Travel Agent partners throughout the US and Canada for client referrals to all-inclusive Hard Rock Hotels in Mexico and the Dominican Republic. MORE Travel AgentSmiles and Miles Travel is based in South Easton, Massachusetts and specializes in family vacations, bar/bat mitzvah vacations, cruises, destination weddings and honeymoons. For the fifth consecutive year, Paderson was honored as an Elite top travel professional in North America by the Network of Entrepreneurs Selling Travel (NEST). I had the chance to ask Paderson a few questions about her business and her accolades. You've been in business for 25 years. What do you think the biggest changes are that have seriously affected the industry, either good or bad, over the years? The internet used to be more of an issue for travel agents, but now the internet is an advantage for us because people use it as a tool to research and then call a travel agent. Our phrase is ‘The internet is for looking and a travel agent is for booking.’ People have come to understand the value of using the services of a travel agent. Why do you really think that you have stayed in business for so long, while other businesses have come and gone? I have stayed in business this long and continue to thrive because of my service. I have always used common sense when it comes to my business. People want to feel that they are important and I make every one of my clients feel very important. I truly care about my clients and they know this and we become friends. People like to do business with people they like. READ MORE: The Travel Agent's FAQWhat obstacles do you feel that the travel industry is still facing today?Our biggest obstacle is the airlines. Trying to help clients when the airlines fail to do their job is our biggest issue. You specialize in bat and bar mitzvah travel celebrations. When did traveling for bat and bar mitzvahs become a growing trend? I developed Bar Mitzvah vacations 10 years ago, and this was when the trend started and each year it grows. It has also grown with families that have children with special needs and, if it were not for our program, then these children would not be able to have a Bar /Bat Mitzvah. It is so special that we are able to provide this for them. READ MORE: Major Headaches Your Travel Agent Can RemedyYou've won multiple awards, but what does it mean in this industry? What does it mean to you? The awards are just recognition, and most are based on sales. For me personally, I am proud of my accomplishments in this industry.I was one of the first home-based travel agents 20 years ago and faced a lot of adversity, and to receive recognition from partners in the travel industry is very fulfilling. What is the number one tip you would give a traveler who is traveling internationally for the first time? My number one tip is to always purchase travel insurance. For more information on Ellen Paderson and Smiles and Miles Travel, visit smilesandmilestravel.com.