04/09/2026
8pm on a Friday and I'm still at my desk, helping customers, the real reward knowing you've made a positive difference.
On National Travel Agent Day, it allows a time to reflect on a career, an industry, and a journey that has given me so much.
🇦🇺 When I took a gap year to Australia in 1989, I thought I knew exactly where my future was heading. My plan was to return and pursue a career in hotel management. Little did I know that one trip would completely change my direction and introduce me to an industry that would become such a huge part of my life.
Looking back, I can honestly say there is nowhere else I would rather have spent my career.
The travel industry has changed enormously over the years. We've seen incredible advancements in technology, access to information at our fingertips, and countless new ways to plan and book travel. While these innovations have transformed how we work, they haven't changed the most important part, people.
Travel has never just been about booking holidays.
It's about listening, understanding what matters most, helping turn your dreams into lifelong memories. It's about building relationships that last for years. It's about being there when a honeymoon, anniversary, family reunion or once-in-a-lifetime adventure becomes a reality. And perhaps most importantly, in an ever-changing world, it's about being there when people need reassurance, guidance and support the most.
I worked hard and 13 years on in 2003 I took a leap of faith and started my own business. It was a daunting decision, but one that I have never regretted.
My ambition wasn't simply to build a successful business. I wanted to create a career doing something I genuinely loved, whilst raising my two children and showing them the value of hard work, determination and having the courage to follow their dreams. I hope I've managed to do that.
Over the years I've been privileged to help so many wonderful clients plan their holidays, celebrations and special occasions. Thank you to every person who has trusted me with their travel plans and their precious time. It is a responsibility I have never taken for granted.
A special thank you also to those who continue to recommend me to friends, family and colleagues. Your support and loyalty mean the world to me and are the greatest compliment I could receive.
And finally, to my fellow travel professionals, whether you're just beginning your journey or have spent decades in the industry like me, thank you. Thank you for the passion, care and commitment you bring every day.
Technology may continue to evolve, destinations may change, and our industry will undoubtedly keep adapting, but the heart of travel remains the same: helping people experience the world, create unforgettable memories, and being there when it matters most.
Donna ✈️
Happy National Travel Agent Day. ❤️
