Celebrating Passion, Experience, and the Power of Working Independently – Together
Meet Mike Shinnors: A Journey Through Travel
Holiday Experts (part of the Best4Travel Group) is growing to become Ireland’s most dynamic and supportive Irish owned homeworking travel brand.
We are immensely proud to shine a spotlight on the people who make it so special. Over the coming months, we will feature inspiring first-hand stories from some of our most experienced and successful Holiday Experts across the country.
This series begins with a well-known face in Irish travel – Mike Shinnors – who shares his journey from the shop floor in Limerick to a thriving home-based business, with honest insights into the highs, the challenges, and why joining Holiday Experts was the best decision he ever made.
Tell us a bit about your background in travel.
I started in the travel industry at 27, after completing an IATA/UFTAA diploma through two years of night classes (remember NUCs?). My first role was with Alpha Travel in Limerick, working for the brilliant Tony and Marie Hackett – earning the princely sum of £70 a week.
I have been in the business since around 1997 and worked across various agencies in Limerick. My longest tenure was 12 years with Ace Travel, under the infamous Linda McNamara. I managed our Askeaton branch and later the Limerick City office. However, after the economic downturn, we consolidated all three shops into one, based in Newcastle West. At that point, I no longer enjoyed the work or the commute, and I knew I needed a change. Homeworking was the way forward. I left in December 2012 with just two weeks’ wages – and not a single contact to my name.
I am now in my 13th year with Holiday Experts.
Why did you become a homeworker?
I had lost the love for the job. Selling travel should be about selling an enjoyable time – and for me, that starts with the very first contact. But I found myself bogged down in reports and window displays, and constantly having to justify the value of my service against online prices. It wore me down.
My service standards were slipping, and the whole process became a numbers game. I know figures matter, of course – but for clients, booking a holiday is a big spend. They deserve the best possible service, and I felt homeworking would help me deliver that again. And it did – in spades.
Why did you choose Holiday Experts?
It is the old adage – better the devil you know. I had always had a great professional relationship with Jeff Collins from his Needahotel and Globe Hotels days. I liked his relaxed, straight-talking style. When he told me he was setting up a homeworking division with Best4Travel, we had a very candid chat – and the rest is history.
What are the benefits of being a Holiday Expert?
Although I work for myself and set my own hours, I never feel alone. With the calibre of people in the Holiday Experts group and the wider Best4Travel team, there is always someone to call or email for advice, encouragement – or even the odd kick up the backside when needed!
Head Office support in marketing, accounts, and operations is fantastic. You are part of a fun, talented team. I have also had unbelievable travel opportunities – Petra in Jordan, a Universal Orlando VIP trip, backstage at Eurovision 2024 in Malmö, the Golden Triangle in India, MSC World Europa, and luxury stays at Anemos Grand, Ikos Dassia, and Saadiyat Rotana. Experiences I never dreamed of before joining Holiday Experts.
Any downsides?
Like any job, yes – but nothing more than you would find elsewhere. Quiet periods can dent your confidence, and you might wonder if it is just you – usually, it is not.
Strikes, bad weather, cancellations, pandemics – they are all part of the travel game. But as a homeworker, you can turn off your phone for a few hours and focus on resolving issues efficiently – unlike on a busy shop floor.
The Holiday Experts Operations Team is very proactive. If there are strike warnings or delays, we are ahead of the curve. Covid-19 was traumatic for us all, but if you are still standing now, you must be doing something right.
What advice would you give to someone thinking of joining Holiday Experts?
Know your ‘why’
Jeff said on day one, “You get out what you put in.” It still rings true. It is not a free ride, but if you do the work, the rewards are magnificent.
Manage your time
Find a routine that suits you. I work 10–5, with out-of-hours appointments as needed, and take time off if I work late.
Use social media wisely
Social media is good and helpful BUT it is an as well as not an instead of. You must use your social media alongside servicing your clients; Do not put all your efforts into social media and neglect your clients. This is key. Clients can go nowadays and book anything anywhere with whoever they like – why are they coming to you? YOU are the difference – YOU make the difference – do not ever forget that!
Do not shop with your own purse
Just because something seems expensive to you does not mean it is not right for the client.
Cheapest does not mean best
The cheapest is seldom the best value for money. Sometimes spending an extra €100 can make all the difference.
Budget wisely
You will have great months and you will have slow months; the trick is to save during the good months to cover the quieter ones.
Promote yourself
Get your name out there! It is your name that matters. Be the go-to travel person in your community. Engage locally – it pays off. Talk to friends, family, and neighbours – they will want to support you; talk to local groups in your area; join coffee mornings, take a stand at local events like bake sales, open mornings etc. People love to talk about travel and getting your name out there locally is especially important. I have amazing support from my local community of Patrickswell and I am incredibly grateful for it. These are cost and time effective ways to advertise yourself.
Stay in touch with clients
Call before they go, and after they return. Most problems will come to you anyway – do not be afraid to ask for feedback. Around 90% of my business comes from repeat and referrals which is more powerful than any rating on the internet.
Believe in yourself
You MUST believe in yourself and what YOU do. Do not forget the talents, the experience, and the life skills you have attained in this industry. Travel agents are everything to everyone. You are trained, experienced, resourceful – do not let imposter syndrome win.
Stay connected
Meet your local reps for coffee when they are in town. Attend trade events where possible. Join webinars with suppliers and keep your industry connections alive.
If you are interested in learning more about becoming a Holiday Expert, please contact Ciara Foley at [email protected]
