Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachael.
Hi Rachael, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I spent years in hospitality — front desk at boutique hotels, revenue management, accounting at big brand properties. If there was a job in hotels, I probably did it. Eventually I moved into account management at Booking.com, which taught me a lot about online travel agencies — what makes them great, and honestly, what makes them terrible. And then I planned my first Disney trip. I booked through Disney directly, figured I was in good hands. Turns out… not so much. I called to set up airport transfers and realized the call center had forgotten to book my parents’ flights. My family almost didn’t make it on that trip because someone dropped the ball. That was the moment. I remember thinking — I can do this better. So I started planning my own trips, then trips for friends, and eventually I thought… maybe I can turn this into a career. In 2015 I started as a travel agent with another agency. I learned a lot, but I also knew I could run things differently. So in 2021 — a year after COVID shut down the entire travel industry — I launched Allonsy Travel. I figured if I could make it through that, I could make anything work. I started as a team of one. Just me. But I knew if I wanted to grow — and if I wanted to earn recognition with Disney — I needed to build a team. Over the past five years I’ve found incredible people who care about their clients’ trips as much as I do. When I travel, I overhear people everywhere. Frustrated because they didn’t know something. Stressed because they missed out on a reservation. Overwhelmed before the trip even starts. And I always think the same thing: it doesn’t have to be this way. That’s why I do this. Not because I love logistics — although honestly, I do — but because I want your family to actually enjoy the trip. To be present. To make memories instead of stressing over a spreadsheet. And the name — Allons-y is French for “let’s go,” and it’s also the catchphrase of the Tenth Doctor. I’m a bit of a nerd.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
COVID was the biggest struggle. not just for me but the travel industry as a whole. I wasnt a full time agent at the time, I was working as a banker at Chase bank as well which ended up being a blessing because I still had income coming in but that really tested my ability to be flexible, weather the strom but also manage everything for my clients so they never felt the stress and chaos of what was going on.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Allonsy Travel?
I’m Rachael, founder of Allonsy Travel – a full-service travel agency specializing in creating stress-free, unforgettable vacations for families and adventure-seekers. We handle everything from Disney and Universal to European getaways and luxury cruises. What sets us apart? I spent 15 years in hospitality management before becoming a travel planner 10 years ago – working everything from front desk to revenue management. That inside knowledge of how the industry actually works means I know how to get my clients the best experiences, not just the best prices. We’ve grown from just me to a nine-person team, and we’ve planned over 300 vacations with 70+ five-star reviews. But honestly? I’m most proud of the relationships we build with our clients. About 50% of our business is repeat travelers who come back because they know we make travel effortless for them. When you work with us, you’re not getting generic travel advice from someone googling destinations. You’re getting real-world expertise, honest answers about what actually works, and someone who handles every single detail. My clients tell me they finally got to enjoy their vacation instead of managing it. That’s exactly what we do – we turn travel stress into travel joy.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Flexibility is key. In all things, from running a business to planning travel, flexibilty is a must. Things will go wrong no matter how hard you plan so having the ability to navigate the problems and keep moving forward is so important.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.allonsy-travel.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachaelplansdisney
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RachaelSaldanaVacationSpecialist
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@EarstravagentAdventures
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@rachaelplansdisney
