Meet Alicia Ehlers: From Corporate Expert to Business Owner
At Travel Counsellors, we believe that the best travel experiences are crafted by people who care more than anybody else. Our community is built on the passion and expertise of individuals who have decided to take control of their careers, finding the freedom to work in a way that suits their lives. We are thrilled to welcome Alicia Ehlers to the TC Community. With decades of experience and a genuine love for connecting people with the world, Alicia’s journey is a shining example of what is possible when you have the confidence to explore your own potential. We sat down with Alicia to learn more about her background, her motivations, and her exciting goals for the future.
What is your background before joining Travel Counsellors?
I have over 23 years of experience in the travel industry, with a strong background in both leisure and corporate travel. Before joining Travel Counsellors, I worked at a Travel Management Company, that specializes in the mining industry. Here I gained extensive experience managing travel arrangements for corporate clients. This role allowed me to develop a deep understanding of the unique needs of corporate, government, and mining-sector travellers, and equipped me with the skills to manage teams and coordinate complex travel plans efficiently.
Tell us a bit about yourself
I’m a proud single mother of three amazing children, and I have a true passion for travel. Exploring new places, discovering different cultures, and creating unforgettable memories is what inspires me every day. When I’m not planning my next adventure, I love spending time with my family and friends, and I also enjoy painting - it’s my way of relaxing and expressing creativity. Travel has always been a big part of my life, and I love helping others experience the joy of discovering the world.
What does becoming a Travel Counsellor mean to you?
Becoming a Travel Counsellor means so much to me on both a personal and professional level. Personally, it gives me the flexibility to achieve a better work/life balance and spend more quality time with my three children while still pursuing my passion for travel. Professionally, it allows me to take my 23 years of experience in the travel industry and use it in a way that truly benefits my clients. I can provide a more personalised, hands-on service, creating unforgettable travel experiences. Being a Travel Counsellor also means I have the freedom to manage my own schedule, focus on what matters most, and grow my business in a way that aligns with my values. It’s about having the best of both worlds: a fulfilling career where I can make a real difference for my clients, while also being present for my family and enjoying the things I love, like exploring new destinations and spending time with friends.
What motivated you to become a travel counsellor?
I’m a single mother of three with a lifelong passion for travel. Becoming a Travel Counsellor allows me to share that passion with my clients, creating unforgettable, stress-free trips. With Travel Counsellors' amazing systems, I can provide seamless, tailored service while enjoying the flexibility to spend time with my family - and the freedom to write my own salary cheque.
What are you looking forward to the most about becoming a Travel Counsellor?
What I'm looking forward to most about being a Travel Counsellor is the freedom and flexibility it offers. I love the idea of being able to manage my own schedule, spend more quality time with my three children, and still do what I love - helping people plan incredible holidays. I’m also excited about being able to provide a truly personal service to my clients, using Travel Counsellors' amazing systems to make every trip seamless and memorable. Plus, having the freedom to grow my business and write my own salary is incredibly motivating - it means I can build a career that works for me and my family while sharing my passion for travel with others.
Have you set yourself any goals for what you want to achieve in your first year?
Yes! For my first year as a Travel Counsellor, I’ve set some clear and exciting goals. Professionally, I want to o-board at least two big corporate clients, bringing my experience in the corporate, mining, and government sectors to provide exceptional service. On the leisure side, my biggest goal is to make families' travel dreams come true - helping them create unforgettable memories through seamless, stress-free trips. I also aim to grow my business and make the most of Travel Counsellors' amazing systems to deliver the best possible travel experiences for all my clients.
What do you love most about working in the travel industry?
What I love most about working in the travel industry is helping people turn their travel dreams into reality. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing the excitement on a client’s face when their trip comes together perfectly. I also love the opportunity to explore new places myself, learn about different cultures, and share that passion and knowledge with others. Every day is different, and I enjoy the challenge of creating seamless, personalised experiences - whether it’s for a family on holiday or a corporate client with complex travel needs. Being part of someone’s special journey, whether it’s a dream vacation or an important business trip, is truly what makes this industry so fulfilling.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
If I could travel anywhere, I’d love to go on the Icon of the Seas or Star of the Seas. I love the idea of exploring new destinations, enjoying luxury on board, and creating unforgettable memories along the way.
Alicia’s story highlights exactly why so many travel professionals are choosing to launch their own businesses with us. It is more than just booking trips; it is about building a lifestyle that works for you and your family, without compromising on your professional ambitions.