I love my holidays and now the kids are older Nick and I want to travel more and experience more of the world. To do that you need extra pennies in the bank right? I looked at various online opportunities, a bit of a side hustle, you know the ones selling skincare, fragrance, health shakes, that sort of thing but none of them spoke to me or excited me. The truth of the matter is that I didn't want to have to hard sell any product to anyone, it just doesn't sit right with me, each to their own and all that, absolutely, and if that's their thing, amazing, but it just wasn't for me.
Fast forward a few months, a global pandemic and lockdown, and I've found what I was looking for. I'm now an officially certified, ABTA protected travel business owner and I can't tell you how excited I am about it. Let me explain how it came about.
I've followed Charlotte from Life Simply Styled for a while now on Instagram and back in January, I think it was January, I watched her launch a new business. A travel business. Now, if you follow Charlotte anyway you'll know she's always full of the joys of spring and excited about everything, well, this new business of hers got her excited on another level let me tell you! I was intrigued.
I watched her from afar for a while and you could see her passion, and that she was in love with what she was doing. So, in March I took the plunge. Like Nick said to me, life really is too short and you have to take chances. You can't live with those 'what ifs'.
I'm partnered with a company that boasts over 25 years experience in the industry and who are the UK's number 1 home based travel agency. I always knew there was money to be made online, but like I said I didn't want to be pressured to push a product on anyone because I HAD to hit a target to get paid that month. Who wants that pressure? No thank you.
With this business there are NO targets or certain figures that you have to hit, nothing at all, and no product you have to sell, let's face it you don't have to force a holiday onto someone do you, or beg them to buy your holiday, they want to go on holiday, it's something that everyone is already doing!
It was a no brainer of a business opportunity for me.
It was a no brainer of a business opportunity for me.
I joined in March and worked my way through the online training at my own pace, an hour here, an hour there, fitting it around my lifestyle and family.
We are partnered with some incredible travel partners with more coming on board all the time. We have access to the best training which again you can work through at your leisure, it's your business, your time, your choice with absolutely no pressures. Once you've done your basic training you can choose to do extra training and become a Disney specialist, a wedding specialist, cruise specialist, the list is endless.
Not gonna lie, I kind of joined the business at a difficult time with COVID-19 stopping the world in its tracks, no travel allowed, everyone and everywhere went into lockdown (and meltdown on occassions) but that did not discourage me in anyway because the fact is travelling the world is never gonna stop, it may be paused a little, but the travel BOOM is coming. It may be different, it may not be what we're used to but it will be back and actually as I'm writing this a few people I know are sunning themselves in Spain, France and Croatia! Oh, and our team are super busy booking staycations as they've gone through the roof. Doesn't matter where the destination is, let's face it nothing beats that holiday feeling!
I joined this business initially just for myself, so I could travel smarter and earn commission back on everything I book but I soon decided to run it as a business and also build a team. I really enjoy the aspect of helping others set up their own travel business, supporting and coaching them and helping them to also earn from travel and literally work it around their lifestyle. We have so many mummies working it around their little ones, teachers, Disney lovers, it's perfect for everyone, even if you just love a good holiday, it's for you!
Here are some common questions that I'm often asked:
I'm not looking for a career change, can I still do the business?
Absolutely! You can do this alongside your full time job (many of us do) and other side businesses, as it's so flexible. You could even just use it to earn commission on your own travels alone and it would still be worth it!
What experience do I need to have?
Absolutely none. We have all types of people from so many different backgrounds, full time teachers, care workers, healthcare professionals, corporate workers, beauty technicians, hairdressers and cabin crew. I'll say it again it really does have something for everyone!
What training do you get given? How long does it take?
The training is incredible and the support is second to none. It's all online and totally flexible. You can choose from many specialist courses too and learn so much. You work at your own pace to become certified but the training is unlimited.
What can I book? Is it just holidays abroad?
We can book so much, from hotels to villas to resorts and hot tub lodges. We can also book UK staycations such as Butlins and Hoseasons, day trips, theme parks, afternoon tea and earn commission on it all!
Do I have to set up an office at home?
Not at all. You can work this business from anywhere, all you need is your phone and WIFI. Work it from the local coffee shop and even whilst you're on holiday, earning those extra pennies to book your next trip!
Do I have to set up an office at home?
Not at all. You can work this business from anywhere, all you need is your phone and WIFI. Work it from the local coffee shop and even whilst you're on holiday, earning those extra pennies to book your next trip!
I wanted to touch on the support and the friendships in this business too because I think that's so important to mention. I've worked for many years and never, ever, have I come across support and team spirit like it. Seriously I haven't. We have a great bond and we all want each other to win. In the short space of time I've been in the business I've made so many friends that I know will be around for a very long time. I feel very privileged to be part of such an insane community actually, I'm blown away by it every day. I know of someone who left another online business because there was none of that 'one team' spirit, it was a sorry story of bitchiness and an 'I'm better than you attitude', well, you won't find that here. This person joined our team and hasn't looked back! Enough said.
Do I have any regrets joining this business in very difficult and unprecedented times?
Nope. Nada. Not one.
Actually, rewind, I do have one and it's that I waited and watched for too long. I should have joined sooner! This here side hustle excites me and what a feeling that is to have right? I can't wait to get home from my 9-5 to work on my travel business.
Coming out of this global pandemic and lockdown it's clear to see that now more than ever people want more security, a side hustle, an extra income, something as a back up for that just incase, let alone great deals on your own travels. I knew I needed something to work around my current job, my blog, my online store and this is it, it works perfectly. People will often say to me, "I love my holidays but I don't have the time." My reply to that and to you is that I actually work this around my busy 9-5 at a hospital, I write this blog and also run an online boutique. My mentor works two jobs, is a mummy to two little girls and still finds time for her travel business! You can find the time, just an hour a day is all you need. Cut back on Netflix, stop falling down a scroll hole on your phone, and boom there's your hour!
If you're reading this and are even the tiniest bit intrigued, then get in touch with me and I can give you more info and answer any questions you have. If you want to book travel for others or if you just want it for your own travel and to explore more of our beautiful world, get in touch. I have a Priceless Life Travel tab across the top of this blog with a very simple form to complete and send to me, click here to access that or you can contact me via my instagram page Priceless Life of Mine (click here) and send me a DM there, whatever you prefer. In fact I have story highlights on there too so you can have a watch of those.
My theory in life is you'll never know if you don't try, this could be exactly what you are looking for! I did actually look at other travel business options some months ago but I couldn't stretch to the big start up fees, and they also had a certain amount of travel you had to book in a month, whereas with the company I'm with now, the fees are minimal, I think you'll be very pleasantly surprised.
I'm so excited for my future in this business, the world is now our oyster and Nick and I can't wait to explore even more, although our bucket list is already as long as our arm!
You may also like to read
No comments
Post a Comment
Comments mean the world to me so don't be shy, let's talk!