Starting a Travel Business (Guest Post) by Ciara Crilly
How I Found My “Something More” as a 40-something mum of 3 — and Why You Can
Too!
By Ciara Crilly, Key Travel and Key Travel Coaching
Hi everyone! I’m Ciara Crilly, and if you’d told me two years ago that I’d be running a
successful travel business alongside my full-time corporate career and raising three children
— I’m not sure I would have believed you. But here I am, thriving as an Independent Travel
Advisor, helping clients plan unforgettable trips, and coaching other women to do the same.
Why Did I Start?
I’ve worked in Learning and Development for over 20 years, with a corporate 9–5 job and all
the structure and routine that comes with it. But by 2022/2023, I felt stuck in a rut. I was a
mum of three, a wife, a professional — but I realised I had nothing that was just mine.
Everything I did was for everyone else. I wanted something more — something fulfilling,
something exciting, allowing me to create something on my own terms.
When I came across Travel with Ann Marie’s page, something just clicked. I’ve always had a
love for travel — my first solo adventure was right after my Leaving Cert — so the idea of
combining that passion with an income opportunity felt perfectly aligned. I couldn’t shake the
feeling that this was exactly what I had been searching for.
I had zero experience, no idea how to market myself on social media, and no background in
travel sales — but it felt right and I decided to take the leap anyway.
What Happened Next?
I started in July 2023 and took it at my own pace. The agency training was clear, supportive,
and easy to follow. I learned how to book travel, build my business, and start earning
commission quickly — even while working full-time and managing busy family life.
Fast forward and in 2024, I sold over €100,000 in travel. And for 2025, I’ve already booked
over €17,000 for clients who came to me largely through word-of-mouth referrals. My client
base is growing organically, and I’m building something that I truly love.
From Learner to Leader — And Why I’m So Passionate About Helping Others
In September 2023, I qualified, with distinction, as a business coach and mentor after
completing a diploma. I knew straight away that I wanted to use these new skills to help
other women (and men!) who, like me, were looking for something more but didn’t know
where to start.
So, in April 2024, I expanded my business to create Key Travel Coaching — a space where I
now coach and mentor new travel business start-ups.
I’m passionate about supporting women to step outside of their comfort zones and create
something special and fulfilling for themselves. I help complete beginners launch successful
travel businesses with full training, step-by-step guidance, and continuous support so they
can start earning commissions fast, even with zero experience.
How Does It Work?
You don’t need sales experience or tech skills. You don’t need a following on Instagram.
What you do need is the willingness to learn and take action.
I help clients:
• Start a travel business with low start-up costs.
• Complete self-paced industry training (at your own speed).
• Access the same suppliers and platforms used by major travel agents.
• Earn commission on every booking — from personal trips to client holidays, cruises, flights,
hotels, and more.
• Grow business through word of mouth and referrals.
I can work with anyone based in Ireland, the UK, the USA, and the majority of the Caribbean
markets.
Starting is the hardest step.
I started with no experience, no online presence, and no idea where to begin. But I took that
first step, and that one decision has opened so many doors — from extra income to more
travel, and an incredible community of like-minded travel professionals — some now friends
for life!
If you’re reading this and feeling like you’re ready for something more — I’m here to help.A
You don’t have to have it all figured out — you just have to be willing to take that first step.
And I’ll be with you every step of the way.
Want to know more?
I’m always happy to chat. You can reach me anytime:
• DM me on Instagram @key_travelcoaching
• Email: ciara.keytravel@gmail.com
• Or WhatsApp me on 0879934630
