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Winging It Worked: My Unexpected Journey into the Travel Industry

We celebrate real stories from women carving their own path through bold decisions, unexpected turns, and a whole lot of gusto. Our next arrival is Bethany from Perfect Getaways, who proves that you don’t need a perfect plan to build something incredible. From dropping out at 16 to leading an award-winning business, this is her journey.


I didn’t set out to run my own travel agency. In fact, at 16, I didn’t even know what I wanted to do. All I knew was that sixth form wasn’t for me, so I did what any headstrong teenager might do: I dropped out, without a plan, and with no clue what was coming next.

Then fate stepped in. The very next day, I spotted a job advert for a travel agent. Selling holidays? Sounds easy! Spoiler alert: it’s not.


Still, something told me to go for it. And that spontaneous decision sparked a career I’d grow to love more than I ever imagined.


Fast forward ten years, and I now run Perfect Getaways, an award-winning travel agency with a team of seven amazing women by my side and over ten industry awards on our shelves. People often assume my job is all about sipping cocktails on the beach and jetting off on free trips. And while there are perks like that now and again, most days are far from glamorous. It’s hard work, it’s long hours, and it’s constant problem-solving, but I wouldn’t change a thing.


There have been some seriously tough moments along the way. One that sticks in my mind? I was nine months pregnant when Thomas Cook collapsed. Definitely not on my bingo card. There I was, waddling into the office at 6am to help hundreds of stranded customers and worried travellers. By 3pm, the rest of my team had a well-earned glass of wine in hand... and I was sat with a J20. Cheers!


And then, just when things started to settle, along came COVID. I’ll be honestly, there were moments I thought my dream might be over. The world was standing still, and so was travel. But we powered through. I stuck with it, and I’m so glad I did.

Because I really do love my job. Every day is different, and that’s what makes it so addictive. My absolute favourite part? Creating unforgettable itineraries for people heading off on the trip of a lifetime. Even if that means triple-checking flight connections at 2am or chasing down a missing suitcase that somehow ended up in Iceland instead of Ibiza.

I’ve learned to embrace the chaos and find joy in the challenge. When things go wrong, and they often do, I roll up my sleeves and find solutions quicker than you can say “last-minute rebooking.”


Because travel isn’t just about ticking destinations off a list. It’s about moments, memories, and stories people will tell for years to come. And I get to play a small part in that, which is something I never take for granted.


I also get to work with the most incredible team. All power women, by the way. We’ve been through a lot together, and we always come out stronger. That’s what we do, we lift each other, we keep going, and we figure it out. Together.

So no, I didn’t take the traditional route. But I’ve learned that sometimes the best journeys are the ones you never planned.


Bethany’s story reminds us that success doesn’t always come with a roadmap. Sometimes, saying yes, even when you’re unsure, can lead to something extraordinary. Whether you’re building a business, switching careers, or just figuring it out one step at a time, there’s power in trusting your gut, staying the course, and surrounding yourself with women who’ve got your back.

Award Winners
Award Winners

 
 
 

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