From IT systems to incredible itineraries – Danielle's career switch

After working in the operational side of travel, Danielle wanted to pivot into selling. After comparing multiple options, she settled on Travel Counsellors – and just seven months into her journey, she’s transformed her life for the better.

We sat down with her to find out what led her to Travel Counsellors, and how being part of our community has exceeded her expectations in just a short amount of time.

Hi Danielle! What were you doing before you joined Travel Counsellors?

Before I joined Travel Counsellors, I spent many years in travel working on IT systems, processes, and customer websites. I looked at ways to enhance the customer journey by bringing in new products – so my experience has always been in travel, but more on the operational side rather than selling.

What was it that led you towards becoming a Travel Counsellor?

I wanted to become a Travel Counsellor because I wanted to take a dip into the other side, into selling. Having always been in travel, I’d experienced different destinations but never actually worked with customers and clients to sell it.

I decided to take the plunge because there was a lot of flexibility and freedom. I could run my own business, be my own boss, and I was keen to see where I could get to.

Did you explore any other options? And if so, how did Travel Counsellors compare to other travel franchises you looked at?

Yes, I looked at quite a few different travel companies. I think it’s always good to do your research and see what fits best for you. When you enquire with Travel Counsellors, you’re encouraged to look around and see what’s out there.

For me, the flexibility, the systems, the support were all key factors as to why I decided to choose Travel Counsellors.

What do you think makes Travel Counsellors different from other travel franchises?

I think it’s the support, the caring nature, and the encouragement to for you to do well, and to run your business however you want to do it. It's total freedom and flexibility, but there’s a support team there ready to guide and push you to get you to where you want to go – whether it’s achieving a new goal, reaching new customers, or working with other Travel Counsellors.

What do you love most about being a Travel Counsellor?

For me, it’s all about getting people to places and making that journey easy for them. My aim is to make the whole experience personal, interactive, and enjoyable. I love sitting at my desk, pressing ‘book’, knowing that someone’s going to go on holiday and have a great time.

Is there anything you wish you’d known before joining?

I think just how emotional it can be for you. It was a big change for me, but it wasn’t a negative emotion. There’s a lot of excitement and it’s a lot fun, and you also get the opportunity to work with new people. But there’s also a lot to learn. Day to day, it can be an emotional rollercoaster, but with a lot of highs.

How did you find the training and onboarding?

Wow – the training and onboarding at Travel Counsellors is amazing. The support is there even before you join via the information and communications you receive. The induction itself is a great two-week, team session where you’ve got a trainer with you all the time. The trainer is very empathetic to the journey that you’re on, and always available.

From that, it just grows and grows and you get to meet more of the team, with Relationship Management. They’re there to help build you, to help with any issues, to help just reassure you that there are other people and other Travel Counsellors around to help you. You can even be in a team with fellow Travel Counsellors.

The support and engagement are next-level, and it’s completely up to you in terms of how much you get involved and what you give to the community – and therefore, what you get back from the community.

How much has becoming a Travel Counsellor changed your life?

Becoming a Travel Counsellor has really changed my life, more than I thought it would – more than I thought it could. Yes, I’m still at my desk 9-5 and sometimes even later, but I feel freer in myself. I’m much more fun. I’m much more energetic. I love being sat at my desk doing my job.

I’m happier and I’m learning constantly, and that’s really building me as a person. Knowing that I’ve got the Relationship Management team to tap into, and support there as well, makes me feel like I’m not on my own. It’s a really great place to be.

Tell us about some of the ongoing training opportunities you have as a Travel Counsellor?

With Travel Counsellors, there are lots of opportunities to get to know more and to do more. There’s a ‘Set Sail’ programme which I’ve joined, where I’m learning about lots of different cruise lines. It’s interactive with webinars, and you get to meet other Travel Counsellors and attend ship visits.

At Head Office, they have lots of supplier days where you can go in and meet suppliers – whether that’s a destination you’re already aware of, or somewhere you’re less familiar with so you want to go and build those connections. There are also lots of supplier webinars to help you improve your knowledge and build relationships, so you know who to go to when you get an enquiry through for a particular destination.

What advice would you give to someone who’s considering joining Travel Counsellors?

I would say to do your research and reach out to different companies. Get that feel and connection, and have those deep conversations. Ask all the key questions that are important to you. Then, try and experience a ‘day in the life of’ - do the Discovery Day with Travel Counsellors so you can see how things really work.

Then just be really honest with yourself and ask yourself if it’s what you really want. Are you ready to put in the hard work? Because it is hard work! Are you ready to grow and build, and become part of a really great community? If so, Travel Counsellors could be the one for you.

Are you ready to change your life in the same way that Danielle has, and be part of a business that has huge plans for 2025? We’d love to welcome you into our growing, ambitious community of travel entrepreneurs. To get a taste of what we’re all about, follow in Danielle’s footsteps and book onto one of our Discovery Days. We look forward to seeing you soon!