The Semester That Built My Brand
Did I Go to School in Ireland or Just Travel Through Europe? Yes. And That’s Why I’m the Luxury Travel Manager You’ve Been Looking For.
Let’s get one thing straight: Yes, I studied abroad in Ireland. And yes, I used it as the perfect excuse to see as much of Europe as my class schedule and Ryanair’s seat sales would allow. What started as an academic semester turned into something much more layered—a hands-on education in adaptability, travel logistics, and the art of turning chaos into a plan.
Now, as a luxury travel manager, I design curated, seamless, unforgettable trips for others—and I can trace nearly everything I do back to that wildly unpredictable, completely formative semester abroad.
Welcome to Maynooth University: Where “Trial Week” Is a Real Thing
Classes at Maynooth University officially began on a Monday in late September. I didn’t have Monday classes (a detail that I certainly took advantage of later), so I showed up on Tuesday—relaxed, confident, and completely unaware of what was coming.
At Maynooth, international students weren’t considered officially registered until the end of the first week. Instead of pre-selecting classes online before the semester began, we attended courses as guests, figured out what worked, and registered on Friday. This sounds ideal—until you realize that your home university has already pre-approved five specific classes for credit… and three of them happen to overlap.
At Maynooth, each class is only offered once or twice a week, at a fixed time. If you miss the window, that’s it. No alternate sections. No flexibility. So on day one, I realized I’d need to scrap my carefully planned schedule, find new classes that met degree requirements, and get them re-approved by my Dean—all before Friday’s registration deadline.
The Time Zone Tightrope
By Monday evening, I had emailed my Dean a revised list of classes. By Wednesday, I had still received no reply. Registration was set for Friday at 12:30 PM Dublin time—7:30 AM back home.
That’s when I stopped waiting and picked up the phone. I called my academic advisor, explained the situation, and together we mapped out a new list of courses that would satisfy my major and fit the Maynooth schedule. She contacted my Dean directly, and by Thursday morning, I had the green light to register.
It wasn’t easy. It wasn’t polished. But it worked. And that resourcefulness? That ability to pivot quickly, problem-solve across time zones, and stay calm under pressure? That’s exactly what I use now, every day, with my travel clients.
Friday: A Two-Hour Line and a Win
Registration day arrived, along with a two-hour line and the staff’s very honest confession: “We didn’t expect all of you to show up.” But eventually, I walked away with my official schedule—and it was perfect, ranging from Social Media to Theorizing Literature and Moral Philosphy.
Also: still no Monday classes. Which, naturally, opened the door to something even more exciting—weekend travel.
What I Learned in Lecture Halls—and Train Stations
I loved my classes. Truly. Maynooth professors were thoughtful, sharp, and brought a global lens to every discussion. But equally valuable were the lessons I learned while booking hostels, planning multi-city itineraries, and squeezing in one more museum visit before a late-night flight.
That semester, I became the go-to travel planner in my friend group. I was the one who figured out train routes, found the best spots to eat, and made sure we always had a plan B (and C). By the end of the term’s 13 weeks, I’d visited seven countries (18 cities), never missed a class, and realized something big: I wasn’t just good at travel—I loved crafting experiences for other people.
From Student Abroad to Strategic Travel Designer
Today, I plan luxury travel for clients who want more than just a vacation—they want seamless, inspired, completely tailored journeys. And while my tools have changed (no more booking budget hostels at 1 AM), my approach hasn’t. I’m still thinking two steps ahead, solving for problems before they appear, and making sure every detail feels considered.
Because when you’ve lived through rerouted flights, delayed trains, and full schedules that need reworking now, you gain a kind of intuition that can’t be taught in a classroom. And when you pair that with a deep knowledge of destinations, partnerships with top-tier hotels, and a personal passion for meaningful travel? That’s where the magic happens.
So Did I Actually Study in Ireland?
Yes. I earned the credits. I sat in lecture halls. I had the full academic experience. But I also learned how to manage logistics, embrace uncertainty, and plan on the fly—while creating some of the most unforgettable experiences of my life.
That’s the heart of what I do now. I take the same care, creativity, and clarity I needed as a student traveler and use it to design extraordinary journeys for my clients—without the chaos. If you’re looking for someone who knows how to make your next trip feel effortless, exciting, and deeply personal, I’m ready when you are.