Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Hales.
Hi Mary, 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?
With over 26 years of marriage, two amazing kids, and two playful pups, my life has always been full—and I wouldn’t have it any other way. But as my children grew older and began creating lives of their own, I felt myself entering a new season of motherhood. I knew I needed something that was just for me—something meaningful I could pour my heart into and steadily build as they moved toward graduating high school.
In 2016, with the encouragement of a friend and mentor already in the industry, I took a leap and created my travel business. At the time, my expertise was mostly in Disney destinations and cruises, so that’s where I began. I applied to a host travel agency, was accepted, and started learning everything I could.
Life was busy—my son was starting high school, my daughter was in middle school, and I was homeschooling them while also working as a real estate assistant. But during late nights and early mornings, I built my business piece by piece. I traveled, trained, studied, and slowly transformed my passion into a profession. I loved listening to families and couples, understanding what they needed, and matching them with the perfect vacation. Taking care of the details so they could travel stress-free quickly became my favorite part of the job.
As my experience grew, so did my business. Over the years, I expanded far beyond where I began, adding new specialties and destinations to better serve my clients. Today, I plan international travel across Europe and beyond, Caribbean getaways, ocean and river cruises, Disney and Universal vacations, and so much more. I’ve built deep expertise in the destinations my clients dream about, allowing me to guide them with confidence, care, and firsthand knowledge.
Now, after more than nine years in business, I can truly say I love what I do. It hasn’t always been easy—building a business never is—but it has been incredibly rewarding. Helping people experience the world, reconnect with loved ones, and make lasting memories is a gift I never take for granted.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Building a business from the ground up is incredibly challenging for anyone, and the travel industry comes with its own unique hurdles. The hours spent training, learning, networking, and building systems that keep a business running smoothly are rarely the hours a small business owner gets paid for. Much of the work happens behind the scenes—long nights, endless research, constant growth—and you do it because you believe in what you’re building.
There’s also the emotional side of the job. When something goes wrong during a client’s vacation, I’m the one who steps in to advocate for them. Navigating those moments takes patience, persistence, and a deep sense of responsibility. My clients trust me with their memories, and I don’t take that lightly.
The most difficult season by far was during COVID. Within 48 hours, I lost every trip on my books—all the work I had poured into months of planning disappeared almost overnight. And instead of simply absorbing the loss, I spent the following months canceling vacations, fighting for refunds, rescheduling what I could, and doing everything possible to take care of my clients during an unprecedented time without getting paid for that time. It was exhausting, emotional, and incredibly discouraging, but it also reaffirmed why I do what I do: to take care of people.
It was the hardest year of my business, but it made me stronger, more resilient, and even more committed to serving my clients well.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At Mary Hales Travel, my mission is simple: to make travel effortless, joyful, and unforgettable. I specialize in international travel, Caribbean destinations, cruises (both ocean and river), Disney and Universal vacations, and more. What sets my business apart is the personal service I provide—every trip is carefully curated to fit my clients’ unique needs and preferences, and I handle all the details so they can simply relax and enjoy their getaway.
Over the years, I’ve refined a process that is both simple and personable for clients. After completing a short inquiry form, clients can schedule a 15-minute consultation call where we discuss their vision for the trip. The quotes I provide are tailored to their priorities and preferences, ensuring the best fit for their wants and needs. Once a trip is booked, I use my experience and carefully developed systems to make the planning process organized, easy, and stress-free. By the time my clients’ travel day arrives, they feel confident, fully prepared, and ready to enjoy their adventure. And if anything unexpected arises, I’m just one call away. My clients never have to search online or contact multiple vendors—I serve as their single point of contact for everything, backed by a network of trusted suppliers who share my commitment to exceptional service.
I’m most proud of building a brand that combines deep expertise with a warm, approachable style. My clients know they can trust me to advocate for them, whether it’s securing the perfect resort, planning a multi-destination itinerary, or managing unexpected challenges while traveling.
At Mary Hales Travel, it’s never just about booking a vacation—it’s about creating meaningful, memorable experiences that clients will cherish for a lifetime. Whether it’s a family getaway, a romantic escape, or a group adventure, I help make travel seamless, stress-free, and truly special.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I grew up in Apex, North Carolina, and had a wonderful childhood. I have one sister, and we spent most of our time playing outside on acres of family land. While we didn’t travel much—our adventures were usually limited to nearby beaches or the mountains within North Carolina—I always had a curiosity about the world beyond. That desire to explore has stayed with me my entire life.
I was an introverted child, and in many ways, I still am. I loved being outdoors, using my imagination, and expressing creativity in whatever ways I could. I also had a deep love for Disney movies—Mary Poppins was my favorite—which sparked an early fascination with Walt Disney and his incredible vision. Those early passions for creativity, imagination, and a sense of wonder have influenced not only who I am but also how I approach my career in travel today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.MaryHalesTravel.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maryhalestravel
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maryhalestravel
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryhalestravel/
