‘Timeless values shaped during my journey here’

Meet Palak Arora, an inspiring alumna of Apeejay School, Sector 15, Faridabad (batch 2020), who has transformed her love for history and cultures into a thriving career as a travel consultant. Specialising in customised international and experiential travel, Palak combines her academic background in history and geography with a passion for exploration, delivering seamless and personalised travel experiences.  

In a candid interview, she shares insights into her journey, memorable professional experiences, the role of technology in travel, and advice for students aspiring to unconventional, global careers.

What inspired you to pursue a career as a travel consultant?

My Social Science teachers played a pivotal role in shaping my interests. Their engaging lessons brought history to life and sparked my curiosity about cultures, places, and journeys beyond textbooks. This growing fascination with the past and the world around me gradually evolved into a passion for tourism, ultimately motivating me to pursue a career as a travel consultant, where I could turn my love for history and exploration into a profession.

Can you describe a typical day in your profession?

My day revolves around consulting clients, crafting customised itineraries, managing flight and hotel bookings, coordinating visas, liaising with vendors, and ensuring seamless, hassle-free travel experiences from planning to completion.

How did your schooling help shape your communication, planning, or people skills?

Apeejay School played a significant role in shaping my personality by strengthening my communication, planning, and interpersonal skills. Through interactive classroom learning, presentations, group discussions, and collaborative activities, I gained the confidence to express ideas clearly and work effectively with people.

What has been the most memorable destination you’ve planned or visited so far, and why? 

Planning a Russia trip for an Indian couple remains one of my most memorable experiences. From curating a detailed itinerary to managing logistics and coordinating throughout their journey, the entire process was both challenging and deeply rewarding, marking a proud milestone in my professional journey.

In what ways has technology changed the travel consultancy profession?

Technology has transformed travel consultancy by enabling instant bookings, seamless digital itineraries, and virtual previews of destinations. It also allows faster, real-time communication with clients, improving efficiency, accuracy, and personalisation, while helping consultants tailor travel experiences to individual preferences with greater ease and reliability.

How do you keep yourself updated with global travel trends and destinations?

I follow travel blogs and tourism boards, attend webinars, tracking social media trends, and maintaining regular interactions with international travel partners to stay informed about destinations, policies, and emerging travel experiences.

What values from Apeejay School continue to guide you in your professional life?

Discipline, curiosity, integrity, and respect for diverse cultures, values instilled in me at Apeejay School, continue to guide my professional journey, shaping my work ethic, decision-making, and the way I engage with clients and global partners every day.

One fond memory from your school days that still makes you smile.

Engaging Social Science classes and the meaningful guidance of my teachers remain some of my fondest school memories, shaping both my learning experiences and the direction of my future.

A message to Apeejayites who dream of unconventional or global careers.

Follow your passion with courage and determination. Embrace curiosity, adaptability, and a strong work ethic, knowing that even unconventional and global career paths are within reach. With dedication, persistence, and an open mind, you can turn your aspirations into meaningful, rewarding professional achievements.