Are you passionate about exploring the world, but feel restricted by the traditional nine-to-five routine? Taking the leap to start your own business can feel daunting. You might wonder if you have the right experience, or how you will balance building a business with your family life.

At Travel Counsellors, we believe that you should never have to choose between a fulfilling career and your personal freedom. Our proven franchise model empowers you to take control of your travel career and finally become your own boss, fully backed by our global support team and innovative technology.

To show you what it is like to step into this exciting new chapter, we recently sat down with one of our newest franchisees. Discover how she is building a flexible, rewarding travel business on her own terms, and learn how you can do the exactly the same.

Getting to know Taryn Donald

What is your background and where did you work before becoming a Travel Counsellor?

Before becoming a Travel Counsellor, I gained experience organising events and exhibitions during school holidays and in my first role after finishing school. My love for travel began in 2009, and over the past 17 years, I have worked in a range of roles across both sales and support. Assisting people to expand their horizons through travel has always been at the heart of what I do.

Tell us a little bit about yourself

I enjoy a range of hobbies, especially arts and crafts - crochet, drawing, and painting are particular favourites. I also love building puzzles, listening to music and audiobooks, and taking part in quizzes. I’m always up for a good one! I am the proud mum to a wonderful daughter and a lively group of four furry companions, both dogs and cats. I’ve travelled to the USA (New York and Washington), the UK (London and surrounding areas), Mauritius on several occasions, Victoria Falls, Thailand (including Bangkok and Phuket), and Australia - particularly Sydney. A few destinations still on my bucket list include Dubai, Egypt, Turkey, and Bali. I’d also love to squeeze in a Mediterranean cruise somewhere along the way!

What does becoming a Travel Counsellor mean for you?

Becoming a Travel Counsellor gives me the balance I’ve always wanted between my personal and professional life. Working from home offers the flexibility to be present for my family while staying on top of my work.

What motivated you to start your own travel business?

After losing my husband in January 2026, I felt a strong desire for both personal and professional freedom, which inspired me to embark on this new journey. Life is too short to spend it tied to an office or stuck in peak-hour traffic.

What are you looking forward to most about being a Travel Counsellor?

What I am looking forward to most is being able to tailor my service to suit each client's unique needs.

Have you set yourself any goals or milestones for what you want to achieve in your first year?

I’d love to take my family on a cruise at the end of 2027.

Have you started planning how you will grow your business and find new customers? If so, how?

I’ve always been someone who thinks outside the box. These days, simply engaging online isn’t enough, so I’m planning a few carefully chosen events that will allow for meaningful face-to-face interaction. I believe people crave a personal touch, and that’s exactly what I aim to provide.

What do you love most about working in the travel industry?

I love experiencing travel vicariously by crafting itineraries for my clients—it only fuels my own wanderlust even more!

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

A few destinations still on my bucket list include Dubai, Egypt, Turkey, and Bali. I’d also love to squeeze in a Mediterranean cruise somewhere along the way! Travel expands both the mind and the soul in a way few other experiences can - that alone is motivation enough!

Ready to transform your career?

Taryn’s story is a brilliant reminder that it is never too late to reshape your professional life. Whether you are driven by a desire for financial stability, a need for flexible working hours, or simply a deep-rooted passion for crafting unforgettable holidays, you have the power to create a business that works for you.

When you join our thriving community, you never work alone. We provide step-by-step startup guidance, comprehensive training for all experience levels, and continuous mentorship to ensure you launch with confidence.

Unlock your true potential and seize the financial freedom you deserve. Reach out to our franchise team today to discover how we can help you turn your passion for travel into a successful, flexible business.