My First Few Months as a Travel Counsellor
Yesterday, I had the pleasure of attending our Travel Counsellor conference in Leeds. It was an energising day—full of motivational talks, inspiring success stories, and exciting tech innovations that are set to transform the way we work. I left feeling motivated, inspired, and—most importantly—confident and supported. It also gave me a chance to pause and reflect on my own journey so far. In January, I took a huge leap—leaving behind an industry I’d worked in for over 25 years, and diving into the vibrant, ever-changing world of travel as an Independent Travel Counsellor. So here’s a little insight into what the first few months have really been like—the highs, the challenges, the lessons, and the moments that remind me exactly why I made this leap.
Takeoff at “Peaks”
Fresh out of the Travel Counsellor Academy, I jumped in at the deep end—starting my business right in the middle of “Peaks” season, when holiday bookings skyrocket as people chase early deals. I hit the ground running, booking a mix of Jet2 Holidays and bespoke, once-in-a-lifetime trips for friends and family. There was no time to overthink—I was busy, and I was learning on the job. Behind the scenes, though, there were definitely moments of panic. Thankfully, the Travel Counsellor community is second to none. There was always someone to turn to, even if I still had moments of feeling completely overwhelmed. It was intense, but it was also incredibly exciting.
Turbulence: The Quiet After the Rush
After the initial burst came the inevitable slowdown. Enquiries were still coming in, but conversions slowed—and that’s when the self-doubt crept in. Was I doing enough? Was I cut out for this? That period taught me my first major lesson: I had to start valuing my time, my knowledge, and the service I offer. Instead of stressing about every knock back and quiet day I began using that time to build the strong foundations my business needed.
Laying the Foundations
With a shift in mindset came focused action. I poured my energy into: • Building and nurturing my contact database • Marketing my business in an authentic, honest way • Deepening relationships with our brilliant suppliers and learning more about their incredible products • Expanding my knowledge through destination training—including countries like Japan, Dubai, Greece, and Costa Rica.
Momentum is beginning to build again. I’ve recently booked some truly special trips to Asia and Iceland, and it feels like things are taking shape.
The Emotional Journey
One of the biggest shifts has been emotional. I’m used to working in an office, bouncing ideas around, and having that daily interaction. Working independently takes a different kind of energy. Some days are harder than others—but I’ve learned how important it is to keep connected. I’ve joined local networking groups like Freshwalks to meet like-minded people, step out of my comfort zone, and keep growing both personally and professionally. I’m also massively appreciating the freedom that self-employment brings—quiet days spent reading in the hammock, gardening, being there for school pickups, and helping with college work. I feel more present and that is worth its weight in gold.
Rediscovering My Travel Passion
My love for travel has always been there—but it’s been reignited in a big way. Designing tailor-made itineraries, researching far-flung destinations, and creating once-in-a-lifetime experiences for my clients has reminded me how much joy there is in discovering the world. There’s always more to learn and explore, and that sense of wonder never gets old.
Miles Travelled, Lessons Learned
These first few months have brought a lot of challenges and surprises—but I wouldn’t change a thing. I've had the pleasure of meeting some truly incredible people and feel so fortunate to have started this journey alongside such a brilliant induction team. We’ve struck the perfect balance between genuine support and light-hearted banter—and I’m genuinely grateful to be part of it. I’m growing a business I’m proud of and started a new chapter that feels deeply aligned with who I am and what I love. Here’s to more growth, more learning, more adventures—and to helping even more people discover the magic of travel, one unforgettable trip at a time.