Meet Laura Murphy who works for an accountancy firm, as a bookkeeper. Laura completed her online training to become a certified travel consultant, for her new travel business, in April 2020. In the middle of the lockdown.
After being furloughed post-COVID-19 she was able to focus more of her time in the early stages of starting a travel business. She is now back working part-time at the accountancy firm and works on growing her travel business in the evenings and at weekends.
What was your first holiday booking like and who was it for?
It was a mixture of feeling both excited and nervous. My first ever booking enquiry was for my husband’s friend, who is also our house decorator. I saw that he put something on Facebook about going away, I thought why not reach out to him. We got chatting and said I could help him and it went from there.
This booking was for Disneyland Paris, for October 2020, for his family. I put myself under pressure to get it right, as I wanted to prove myself and come across as a professional in my trade from the word go.It was so useful to be able to contact my personal travel mentor, Raine, there to support you at every turn. I had some problems with accessing the Disneyland Paris agent site and she was able to help me.
Why did you decide to start your own travel business?
The timing was perfect. I have 2 children one 14 and the other 16 years old, they don’t need me as much as they once did, and kind of do their own thing. I have more flexibility, I felt like this is my time now.
I’ve always lived for my holidays. I had friends and family ask me about helping them with their holidays. It all just slotted into place, it was a no-brainer to have a travel business to call my own and pursue a passion.
What made you choose The Travel Franchise in the end?
I did look at others out there. I even knew a few people who worked at other travel companies, so it would seem like the obvious choice. I remember I did a Google search and came across The Travel Franchise and the rest is history.
I then went through the discovery centre and watched the video tour with my husband. Later I had a conversation with Paul on the phone, he was so enthusiastic and passionate. It just felt right for me.
If this story has inspired you, watch the video tour to get started today. Alternatively, if you are ready for the next step, simply reach out to our team on live chat. Just click on the icon on the bottom right of the screen.
