A Thoughtful Approach to Travel, Now at Home in Glenelg

For travellers seeking highly personalised planning, curated experiences, and genuine expertise, working with an independent luxury travel agent offers something far beyond booking a holiday - it’s about designing journeys with intention. Travel Society’s new Glenelg office reflects this philosophy, blending coastal calm with a tailored, appointment only approach that allows clients to slow down, dream bigger, and plan smarter. Rachel Steele shares the inspiration behind the move, her perspective on modern luxury, and why Glenelg felt like the natural home for this next chapter.

• What inspired the move into a dedicated Glenelg office space?

Having a dedicated office space felt like the natural evolution of the mobile business I started when our youngest, Ollie, was just eight months old. Since then, we’ve experienced growth both within the brand and our family (welcome, Sienna!). While I still work plenty of hours from home, having a dedicated space to work and meet clients has significantly increased my focus and productivity.

Being a mobile agent and offering VIP home consultations remains a core part of our business, but we also recognise that many clients prefer meeting in a calm, professional space when planning their travels.

• Why Glenelg? What does this location represent for you and for Travel Society?

Glenelg has always held a soft spot for me, particularly in connection to the travel industry. Personally, it feels like a slice of South Australia that naturally embraces a holiday atmosphere.

Pre-COVID, I operated a retail store in Glenelg, which was one of the highlights of my travel career. When a suitable office space became available, it felt like the right opportunity at the right time. The central location is also a huge drawcard for clients - coming down to the coast to plan a holiday and then celebrating with lunch on the marina feels very on brand for Travel Society.

• How did you want clients to feel when they walk into the new space?

We’ve already received some wonderful feedback, with our first clients describing the space as welcoming and, most importantly, calm. We know many office environments can feel chaotic, often with walk-in clients queuing behind a desk.

The Travel Society office is appointment-only and has been intentionally designed to allow for thoughtful conversations, at whatever pace suits the client.

• What does having a physical space change, for you and for your clients?

Beyond simply having a dedicated space to work (without a washing basket staring me down), it gives me the opportunity to work within a community and connect with local businesses.

There’s more to come on what this means for Travel Society, but the Glenelg community has always embraced forward-thinking businesses that break the status quo, and I’m excited to be part of that again.

• What kind of conversations do you hope happen around your meeting table?

I hope it’s a space where clients feel comfortable dreaming big, asking questions, and being honest about what they truly want from their travels. Some of the best conversations happen when people feel unhurried; whether that’s planning a once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon, a meaningful family trip, or something deeply personal.

• It’s been nearly one year since launching Travel Society, what has surprised you most?

I’m constantly humbled by the level of support from my clients. The relationships I’ve built since beginning my career in 2011 are what brought me back to travel, and they’re what continue to motivate me daily to grow as an independent agent. Every referral means more than most people could imagine - it’s a true vote of confidence.

• What has been the biggest lesson in your first year of business?

Learning to say no - whether it’s when a brief doesn’t align or when I’m at capacity. Being a “yes” person is deeply ingrained in me from my retail background, but it’s incredibly important to be clear with clients about turnaround times and at times, the need for a waitlist.

When I curate a holiday, I can spend an entire day speaking with hotels and reviewing properties. While this ensures peace of mind and a perfectly tailored experience for clients, it is time-consuming. I’ve also learned that I can’t take on every enquiry. I specialise in full holiday packages, and clients benefit most when booking the majority of their trip through me. Limiting my client load ensures I’m fully available while they’re travelling - and sometimes that means saying no.

• What are you most proud of since launching?

Professionally, being nominated as one of the top five mobile agents in Australia by the NTIA has been incredibly rewarding, as well as opening the beautiful new office. On a personal level, getting married in December while running a growing business was a huge milestone and one I’m very proud of.

• You often say luxury is multifaceted, what does that mean to you?

Luxury is completely subjective - it looks different for every client. That’s one of the reasons I love my job and why getting to know each client is so important. For some, luxury means staying with a heritage brand; for others, it’s an understated barefoot property with a strong sustainability focus. Some clients want to venture off the beaten path, while others prioritise elevated service. My role, and my passion is to find each person’s version of luxury.

• Why was offering flexible appointment styles (in-home, phone, office) so important to you?

Flexible appointment options are deeply rooted in my time working in retail. I often took payments during clients’ lunch breaks or staying late so they could call after work. That experience showed me how important it is to meet clients where they are, rather than expecting travel planning to fit neatly into business hours.

Flexibility also allows me to balance my most important role as a mum. I often finish my day at 3pm, then reconnect with clients in the evening once they’re home and have the headspace to truly enjoy planning their trip.

From the very first interaction, it’s important to me that the consulting experience feels considered, convenient, and designed around the client - not the other way around.

As Travel Society continues to grow, the Glenelg office represents more than a location - it’s a reflection of a highly personalised approach to modern travel planning. For clients looking to work with a trusted Glenelg luxury travel agent, the focus remains on meaningful consultation, carefully curated journeys, and ongoing support long after departure. Whether meeting by the coast, at home, or virtually, Travel Society is redefining what it means to plan travel with expertise, flexibility, and a true understanding of individual luxury.