Lifestyle
Tracy retired from teaching to build a business and become a travel influencer
Trading textbooks for travel tips, Tracy Collins has turned an encore career into one big adventure.
By Karen Bleakley
Tracy Collins, a retired history teacher based in Queensland, is proving that it’s never too late to build a successful online business. Her travel websites, UK Travel Planning and Global Travel Planning, along with her 2 podcasts of the same name, inspire couples and individuals to follow their travel dreams and plan their perfect trips.
Tracy’s success is part of a broader trend – age is just a number, and while social media and online marketing are often seen as the domain of younger generations, a growing wave of mature creators is redefining the industry. They are building engaged audiences with authentic, relatable content that offers a fresh perspective on midlife and retirement.
From Instagram style icons like MazLifestyle, who shares fashion tips for the 60+ crowd, to Natalie Angel from LetMeTryBeforeYouBuy, who helps followers choose clothing, makeup and accessories, there’s a shift toward real, relatable content. While the term ‘granfluencer’ has emerged to describe senior influencers, many in this space, like Tracy, simply see themselves as experienced creators with rich life experience sharing their perspectives. As consumers, it’s refreshing to see authentic voices and real bodies instead of curated, unattainable ideas of perfection.
Tracy’s journey to becoming an influencer
Tracy is a standout example of how experience and passion can be powerful assets in the digital world. Rather than waiting for retirement, she built her own thriving platforms that allowed her to leave her teaching career behind early and embrace a life of travel and adventure.
It didn’t happen overnight. After migrating to Queensland with her husband Doug, Tracy initially settled in Mackay before moving to Redcliffe to be closer to Brisbane. Tracy worked as a teacher and Doug as a nurse, but they both had big aspirations.
Tracy’s lifelong love of travel, combined with her skills as an educator, laid the foundation for her business. Today, she helps others plan personalised travel experiences, while Doug plays a crucial role in their venture, bringing expertise from his years in the UK rail industry before he retrained as a nurse. Their combined knowledge provides travellers with practical advice delivered from a place of lived experience.
“I’ve lived in 7 different countries and travelled to over 60. Exploring the world has always been my priority. Initially, I just wanted to share my travel experiences, but then I realised I could turn it into a business. I had no idea how to buy a domain, set up a website or optimise my site to be found on Google. I had no clue what I was doing for the first 4 years,” says Tracy.
“I just kept learning – watching successful people in the industry and figuring out ways to improve. I started wondering: how can I earn money from this? At first, it was just about sharing my love for travel, but after seeing others making an income online, I realised I could turn my passion into a business that allowed me to make a living while travelling as much as I wanted.”
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Tracy’s success grew over time. She identified a niche in travel planning, using her personal experience to create content that resonated with those planning their own trips. Initially starting with a general travel website, Tracy later launched UK Travel Planning, followed by London Travel Planning, honing in on what was working and where she had the most expertise. Having lived in the UK previously, both Tracy and Doug bring extensive knowledge, and they return to the UK for extended periods each year to keep their advice accurate and up to date.
The power of older influencers
Consumers trust influencers they can relate to. As a woman over 50, Tracy naturally connects with her audience because they see her as someone who understands their stage of life. Her personal experiences resonate with women seeking real-life advice rather than generic tips from younger influencers who may have only visited a destination once or twice.
“Some younger influencers talk about having travelled to Europe for a couple of years and see that as extensive experience. But for me, travel has been a lifelong journey. That’s what sets us apart. I understand the challenges of travelling at an older age, which allows me to connect with my audience on a deeper level.
“I also think that some influencers focus more on themselves rather than the destination or the practical needs of their audience. When older travellers come to us, they often say they’ve spoken to younger travel consultants who didn’t understand their needs.
“For example, a 20-something influencer might recommend a 50-mile hike every day, but that’s not necessarily what someone in their 60s, 70s or 80s is looking for. That’s why our audience identifies with us. Some of them have travelled their whole lives, while others are just starting to explore now that they have more time and freedom after their kids have left home. Either way, they’re looking for guidance from someone who truly understands their needs.”
Experience is valuable
The demand for experience-driven content is growing, and brands are beginning to recognise its value.
A 2024 RMIT report highlighted that Baby Boomers – those born between 1946 and 1966 as identified by the Australian Bureau of Statistics – have an accumulated net worth of $381,100 per person and own more than half of Australia’s national wealth. Often referred to as the ‘silver economy,’ this demographic represents a lucrative market that has largely been overlooked in digital marketing, where ageism still exists. People like Tracy and Doug are engaging this audience with content influenced by real-world experience.
Building a business online – practical tips and lessons from Tracy
Starting a website without technical knowledge can be challenging, but Tracy’s success shows that persistence pays off. She built her business step by step, learning from experts, investing in courses and surrounding herself with a supportive network.
“The key is to keep learning. Take courses, join groups, invest in education – it’s hard work, and you have to be willing to put in the effort.
“Some people think becoming an influencer, podcaster or travel writer is easy, but it’s not. I worked full-time as a teacher for years while spending hours every evening building my business. It has taken a lot of time, dedication and strategy.
“One of our biggest success factors has been our UK Travel Planning podcast. Just yesterday, someone messaged me saying they’ve listened to so many episodes that they feel like they know me personally. That connection is powerful. Podcasts allow people to listen while walking their dog, driving or at the gym. It’s one of the most personal ways to build trust with an audience.”
For those looking to start their own online business, there are plenty of free resources. Digital marketing and Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) skills can be learned through courses from HubSpot, Semrush or Udemy. Social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook offer a free starting platform for building an audience. Aspiring podcasters can begin with a free hosting option on Spotify, while affordable podcast hosting services like Buzzsprout provide low-cost, scalable options for those ready to invest in their idea.
Starting an online business later in life
Tracy likens success to unlocking a combination lock – sometimes you get 5 numbers right, but until the last one clicks, the lock won’t open.
“That’s how business works. You can be so close, but until everything aligns, it won’t fully take off. It can be frustrating, but the key is persistence.”
Tracy’s advice is to learn from others, but carve your own path.
“You can’t copy someone else’s journey because you don’t have their experiences or knowledge. Take inspiration, but build something that’s uniquely yours.”
Tracy and Doug plan to continue growing their two podcasts and expanding their global reach. They’re excited about upcoming projects and invite others to follow their journey on Instagram and Facebook, join their Facebook groups for UK Travel Planning and Global Travel Planning, or tune in to their podcasts for exciting updates as they're announced.
It’s never too late to follow your passions
Tracy’s story proves that retirement doesn’t mean slowing down – it’s an opportunity to explore new ventures and build something meaningful on your own terms.
Age isn’t a barrier to success – it’s an advantage. Start small, keep learning, invest in yourself and enjoy the journey. Whether you’re looking to supplement your income or create a thriving new career, it’s never too late to turn your passion into purpose and your dreams into reality.
Feature image: Supplied by Tracy Collins
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