Travel is more than just the cheapest click. Behind every Booking is a human being with questions, wishes and sometimes uncertainties. It makes a difference whether you are looked after by an algorithm or by someone who knows you. That's why we now have the DARIA Travel Agency.
When Diana started at DARIA a year and a half ago, she had no idea that she would one day run a fully-fledged travel agency in Florida. Today, this is a reality - and the DARIA Travel Agency is now officially bookable.
What began as a small service for DARIA members has developed into something that goes far beyond just flight bookings. „In the beginning, I only organized the flights for our Founding Members,“ says Diana. „Today, our customers can book everything with us - from the journey to the complete travel experience.“
From the tax office to Florida
Diana's path to DARIA is anything but straightforward. With an apprenticeship at the tax office, she had the security that so many in Germany strive for. „For the first time, I was proud to have achieved something that others valued,“ she recalls. „The main message from my family was: now you're a civil servant, that's great - for life.
But something was missing. „It was just a status for me - more important for others than for myself.“ Diana functioned like so many people. She worked, looked after her family, thought about security. There was only one thing she didn't think about: what really makes me happy?
Two to three months before she decided to join DARIA, she said to her husband: „I really want to do something that I am passionate about and that fulfills me.“
At the time, she would never have thought that it would end up being the travel agency.
Jumping in at the deep end
When Frank Rahlf asked Diana if she wanted to take over the management of the travel agency, she was skeptical. She had no experience in this area. Zero. But Frank saw something in her that she didn't yet recognize herself.
„He told me that this was exactly what I should be doing - it would make me happy,“ says Diana. „I replied that I had no experience with it. But he said that didn't matter. He knew that I was good at organizing.“
So she took the plunge. Initially, she managed her work for DARIA from her adopted country of Bulgaria, where she had emigrated just a few years previously. A few months ago, she then took the plunge and moved to Florida with her family. From safety to the sunny unknown. From civil servant to entrepreneur.
„In the beginning, my new role as travel organizer for our members was difficult for me because I am a very empathetic and emotional person,“ admits Diana. „I wanted to please everyone and at the same time I was my biggest critic.“
But that's exactly what helped her to grow. To reach her limits every day. To see every day: I have achieved this. And above all: to feel the gratitude of the members.
What the Travel Agency offers today
Today, the DARIA Travel Agency is a fully-fledged travel agency. Diana and her right-hand woman Regina Laurin organize not only flights, but complete travel experiences.
The offer includes:
- Flight bookings for members and guests
- The complete travel organization
- Hotel reservations with large hotel chains
- Day trips and leisure activities
- Special events and occasions
And most recently: an exclusive limousine and chauffeur service.
„The limousine is now available for events, special occasions, leisure time or day trips,“ explains Frank Rahlf in the latest Community Call. „You can even decide which drink you want to take from the bar.“
The service is run by two DARIA Founding Members - Alex and Boris - people who are part of the DARIA family.
More than just a travel agency
What makes DARIA Travel Agency different from Momondo or Expedia? The personal service. The closeness. The feeling that someone really cares about you.
Diana is not only available from 9 am to 5 pm. She is there - even at 3 a.m. if someone needs help. „If I could help, I helped,“ says Diana. „That was fine with me.“
This dedication is seen and appreciated. „Everyone appreciates me here,“ says Diana. „It's unusual for me to be the center of attention like this. The good things are often not seen - people often pay attention to things that are perhaps not so important in life.“
Support the community
When you book a trip as a DARIA member, you're not just supporting a company - you're empowering the entire community.
„Before you book with Momondo, Expedia or other portals, get an offer from Diana,“ Frank appeals to all members. „Because every booking there strengthens a DARIA company and therefore all of us.“
Of course, if Diana were more expensive and you could book much cheaper elsewhere, that would be understandable. But: „You don't get the service that Diana offers elsewhere,“ says Frank. „Personally, I would always opt for the service, not the anonymous app.“
The vision for the future
The DARIA Travel Agency is by no means at the end of its development. On the contrary.
„Our plan is to expand the whole thing into an even bigger travel agency,“ reveals Diana. „We want to develop further. I have the right people at my side. Together we will make it happen.“
With the marketing team behind her, with Frank and Patrick and their knowledge, and with Regina at her side, Diana feels ready for the next steps. „A year and a half ago, I wouldn't have dared to do this. But seeing how everything has developed gives me courage for new projects.“
Contracts have already been concluded with major hotel chains. The limousine service is established. And demand is growing, not only from DARIA members, but also from future investors and guests.
Why all this is important
The Travel Agency is more than just another business branch of DARIA. It is an expression of what DARIA stands for: Supporting people. Creating real connections. Offering added value that goes beyond mere transactions.
„Not just anyone can become a member with us,“ explains Diana. „We attach so much importance to more than just investments. You have to have your heart in the right place. You have to be prepared to go the extra mile and support others, not just go through life selfishly.“
For Diana personally, it's not about the money. „Money is only important to me so that I can live here, so that I can spend time with my children and make other people happy without thinking: can I afford this or not?“
Your journey starts here
Whether you want to book a flight to Florida, plan a complete trip or celebrate a special occasion. The DARIA Travel Agency is there for you.
Diana and her team take care of every detail. From flight bookings and hotel reservations to the organization of special events. You don't have to worry about anything except enjoying yourself.
„If you're planning something, approach Diana,“ recommends Frank. „She will be able to help you with one hundred percent certainty.“
The DARIA Travel Agency is now open for bookings. For members, for guests, for all those who value personal service. For everyone who knows: Traveling is more than just getting from A to B. It's about creating experiences. Creating memories. And with people you can trust.
Welcome to the DARIA Travel Agency: Where your dreams take flight.
Rouven Zietz
Communication strategist
Understands communication as a connection - between people, brands and ideas. As a graduate communications expert (M.A.) with a background in journalism and a strategic eye, he has been developing clear, effective concepts for sophisticated communication for 18 years.
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