This interview with Rachael has been conducted by Travel Counsellors.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
My name is Rachael Higgins, and I live in County Mayo with my husband, Gerry, and our two children, Charlie (12) and Rebecca (17). My career in travel began in Derby, UK, and I actually fell into the role of a travel agent almost by accident in 1996.
I moved to Ireland in 1999, where I worked happily in a travel agency on Main Street in Castlebar for many years, making wonderful friends along the way.
How long have you been a Travel Counsellor?
This November, I’ll be celebrating 18 years as a Travel Counsellor. I made the leap when my daughter was just 10 months old. At the time, it was a very practical decision – it gave me the flexibility to balance work and family life. But looking back, I can honestly say it was the best career move I ever made.
What opportunities have you had since becoming a Travel Counsellor?
There have been so many opportunities that it’s hard to list them all! The flexibility has been amazing, my husband’s job has taken him abroad a lot, and having the freedom to set my own hours meant I could always be there for my children when needed.
Then, of course, there’s the travel. My family and I have had incredible experiences that we never would have had without my business, and that’s something we are so grateful for.
But what stands out the most about being a Travel Counsellor is the culture of self-improvement. It’s not just about business growth – it’s about personal growth too. Every training, event or conference introduces us to some of the most inspirational people, and you always take something valuable away. I honestly don’t think I’d be the person I am today without that influence.
What do you love most about your job?
Of course, getting to see the world is a huge perk, but day to day, it’s the people that make this job so special. I love being part of those big moments in my clients’ lives – honeymoons, anniversaries, milestone birthdays, family adventures. Often, I’ll book a honeymoon, and a few years later, I’ll be planning a babymoon, then a family holiday – watching their journey unfold is incredibly rewarding.
But travel is deeply personal, and it’s not just about happy occasions. I’ve helped clients plan meaningful trips after difficult times, whether it’s a much-needed break after illness or a special trip following a loss. Being part of those moments is an honour.
When my daughter was very young, she made a passing comment that has always stuck with me: “What you do makes people happy, Mammy.” That probably sums it up best.
What qualities do you think it takes to become a successful Travel Counsellor?
This job is about people, and if you genuinely care about your clients and their experiences, you’ll go far.
You also need resilience and a real willingness to learn. After 28 years in travel, one thing I know for certain is that everything changes! You’ll never know it all, and you have to be comfortable with that.
Patience, hard work, and adaptability are also key. I’ll admit, I struggled with change in the beginning, but to run a successful business, you have to be open to new ways of working. The travel industry is always evolving, and those who embrace that will find endless opportunities.
If you’d like to find out more about Travel Counsellors and would like a confidential 1-2-1 chat, contact us.
