We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Rachel Haaland a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Rachel, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s start with what makes profitability in your industry a challenge – what would you say is the biggest challenge?

I think the internet has made a huge difference in the industry. The hardest thing for me is to help people realize that there is a service provided by travel agents. Yes, you can find the info and book yourself, but there is a lot of time put into that research. Time is money! Having people realize that you can help them find their perfect trip because you have already done it, or known someone who has, or know the places to go and things to see, is invaluable.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Rachel Haaland. I started life with the “usual” route, going to college and then getting a full time job right after college. I had a couple friends living in South Korea and up and decided to quit my job and move there to teach English. After a couple years, I realized I might be able to live and work on every continent. I made that my life goal to achieve before I turned 40, and I managed to do it! I spent time teaching, studying and working in hospitality on each continent. I got my MA degree in Europe while working as a cater waiter, taught ESL in South Korea, Hong Kong and Chile, worked in hospitality in Australia, New Zealand, Antarctica and Zambia, and of course have lived and worked in the United States. I spent much of that time traveling as well, so have managed to travel (so far) to 76 countries and territories around the world, many of them as a solo female.

While working as a safari host in Zambia, one of my clients was a travel agent, who encouraged me to become a travel agent. I had always wanted to do something in the travel industry as I love to research and book travel for myself. One of my passions in life is also to get people motivated to see the world, so I always thought this was the way to do it. So here I am, helping people find adventures around the world! I book personalized trips of every kind, as well as lead group trips for cycling and hiking, and set up group cruises as well. I have personal experience with every kind of trip from backpacking to luxury and love to get people out of their comfort zones to see and experience new things!

How’d you meet your business partner?

I met Walter on a walking safari in Zambia. I was the safari host and he and his family were my guests for the week. We all hit it off like we had known each other for years. Walter learned about my love of travel and encouraged me to work with him to build a business as a travel agent!

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

Word of mouth and friends and family! I have a trade show coming up however which I am hoping will get my name out there even further.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.wanderlust-travel.org
• Instagram: @wanderlusttravel_
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/travel.agent.wanderlust