From Buckets in Thailand to Booking Holidays – How I Fell into Travel

Christy Whitton @maybanktravel

I met Lucinda, co-founder of Travel Support Circle, almost 20 years ago while backpacking around Thailand. We had an absolute blast - beach parties, drinking buckets, losing flip flops… the usual backpacking chaos! We visited each other a few times over the years, and kept in touch.

Last year, just after I got back from a holiday to Egypt with my mum, Luce messaged me saying something like:

 “Your trip looked amazing! Can’t believe I’ve never asked this before, but have you ever thought about becoming an independent travel agent?”

And honestly? I hadn’t. I’d seen other people doing it and assumed it was too much work on top of my full-time job, house renovations, and everything else life throws at you. But Luce offered to jump on a quick call and explain it all. 

She explained there were no targets, no pressure, and I could run it however suited me. I figured if I could earn commission on my own trips and book for a few friends along the way, why not? So long as I cover my costs (which are minimal). 

Fast forward 10 months, I’ve just registered my company ‘Maybank Travel’ and fully thrown myself into building my little travel biz! I’ve had a few bookings, which have already covered my costs for at least a couple of years. So the only way is up! 

I still work full time, but I genuinely enjoy booking trips for people. It makes them happy, and after years of being a PA and booking travel for my job, organising travel is second nature. Some friends say “don’t you find the booking process stressful?” But I don’t! And I guess that’s why some people like to use a travel agent, to take that stress away. 

What’s made it even better is the support. Lucinda and Nicola are both brilliant, and the supportive community we have is there day and night if you ever need help or have a question. It’s such a nice vibe - no pressure, no competition, just people helping each other out.

Being on the Isle of Man means I have missed out on the in-person meet ups and parties (which look like so much fun!), but hopefully I’ll make it to one soon and get to celebrate with everyone. 

Honestly, I never expected to be doing this. But here I am running a travel business on the side… and loving it!

Follow Christy at Maybank Travel

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