“The whole world is off for Christmas and New Year.. so it’s the ideal time to plan a holiday,” she adds.
Far from slowing down in the days leading up to the Christmas break, Karen adds: “In fact, we find Christmas Eve is always really busy, with people coming into us to get vouchers and planning a trip away next year.”
Celebrating 20 years in business this month, the Dundalk company has grown from a small start-up into one of Ireland’s most trusted and innovative travel specialists.
Travel industry trends “have changed a lot over the years,” she explains. “But the biggest change of all is just how global we have all become.”
“We could be booking Japan today, Prague tomorrow and then Lanzarote the day after that. The world is so big now for travellers, and we as travel agents are learning every day, all the time, what our customers might be looking at in the future.”
Having just returned from a river cruise which started in Germany and ended in Amsterdam, she adds: “I had never even heard of river cruises until a few years ago! But now they are so popular, as people love the convenience of arriving at some of these unknown cities where they can just hop off and explore.”
A well travelled workforce is a knowledgeable one, she admits, as customers still seek those all important destination recommendations.
“You need to be able to speak from first hand experience when it comes to advising people, they want to know if you’ve been there and seen it for yourself!”
Karen was just 27 years old when she took the leap to set up her own travel company.
“I had been working in the industry since I was 17, so I had a lot of experience at that stage. I had been thinking about it for awhile, and my dad really encouraged me to go for it. I’m so glad I did, but it’s hard to believe it was 2005!”
After securing her licence, the business “really did go from strength to strength,” she recalls.
“When we started, there were just two of us, and now we have 16 staff in total. We’re really proud of how it has grown.”
It’s not been without challenges, she admits, given the rise of online companies offering cut- price deals, and travellers opting to book flights and accommodation independently.
But, the lure of the travel agent’s ‘window specials’ remains strong, says Karen, and that window can now be national as social media extends their reach to travellers across Ireland.
“When we first opened up social media hadn’t just taken off, but within a few years we had a Facebook page up and running, followed by Instagram and TikTok accounts.”
Leveraging the power of all three has helped the company grow faster than they ever thought possible, she adds.
“We have around 77,000 followers on Facebook now, and well over 40,000 on Instagram. it’s a great way for people around Ireland to see what we have to offer, and has definitely helped us expand.”
Along with the Clanbrassil Street shop, K,T Travel recently launched a new customer call centre in Partnership Court, Dundalk.
“That was a new step for us, but it was vital, as we needed a dedicated base for staff to deal with calls from customers, and the many enquiries we get on foot of our social media promotion.”
This customer first focus has earned K.T Travel numerous industry awards for excellence and bespoke travel experiences.
“We took home five awards from the Travel Centres awards in November, more than any business in the country, it was a brilliant night for us, and I’m so proud of the whole team for what we have achieved.”
Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, Cllr Seán Kelly, has also just announced KT Travel as his Business of the Month for December, as part of the ‘Business of the Month’ initiative supported by the Louth Local Enterprise Office.
The initiative celebrates exceptional local businesses that contribute to the economic and social fabric of County Louth.
Cathaoirleach, Cllr Seán Kelly, said: “KT Travel exemplifies the spirit of entrepreneurship and resilience that makes County Louth proud. Their ability to adapt, innovate, and deliver exceptional service for two decades is a testament to their hard work and vision. They are a shining example of what local business can achieve.”
Karen added that this recognition has been the icing on the cake for the company in 2025: “Our success has always been built on trust, personal service, and a passion for creating unforgettable travel experiences. I want to thank our loyal customers and dedicated staff who have been the heart of KT Travel since day one. We look forward to continuing to serve the community and helping people explore the world for many years to come.”
For more information on KT Travel, visit kttravel.ie or follow KT Travel on social media.
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