Welcome to our spotlight series. This week we feature Emily McDonnell, Founder of The Staycation Collection. The sustainable travel startup is based in Berlin, Germany.
Emily McDonnell
Founder, The Staycation Collection
Hi Emily! What does The Staycation Collection do?
The Staycation Collection is a travel agency for the digital age, providing members with a curated collection of 150+ cabins, hotels and Ferienwohnungen (holiday homes), as well as personalised recommendations of where to go. Based on the principles of sustainable travel, it aims to showcase the adventures on your doorstep.
Why is it going to change the world?
Tourism is responsible for almost 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, but the tourism industry makes up a huge proportion of countries’ GDPs. Rather than scrapping travel (which is also amazing for our mental health), I want to change the way we holiday, taking more conscious trips and not flying. Additionally, large booking sites take huge commissions from small properties, which significantly impacts their income. We want to support local economies as much as possible, so we don’t do this.
What led you to start the company?
When I moved to Germany I was so excited to explore the country, but didn’t know where I should go and struggled to find anywhere nice to stay, so I gave up and booked flights to Spain. But I felt so guilty because my travel habits weren’t sustainable, so I decided to do something about it!
Where do you go when you need advice?
I am very lucky to have lots of smart people in my life who I can turn to for advice, many of whom I met in the startup scene in Berlin. It’s so helpful to have people around you who understand your journey.
What do you wish you could tell yourself at the beginning of the journey?
Be patient and enjoy it more. We always read about these incredible companies that appeared overnight and changed the world, but that is just not the reality of how you grow something. It takes a long time and a lot of work to grow something, and there’s no point in wishing away the journey and getting overly frustrated at small bumps in the road.
What keeps you going through tough times?
The people around me and long walks in the forest. I am - unsurprisingly - a big advocate of adventure time, and for a good reason: spending just 15 minutes surrounded by trees reduces cortisol levels (our stress hormone) by 16%.
What’s the most exciting thing you’re working on right now?
Collaborations! I get so many new ideas when I talk to people external to my journey, so it’s a lot of fun connecting with partners, hotel owners and those in mobility sector to develop things together.
Spending just 15 minutes surrounded by trees reduces cortisol levels (our stress hormone) by 16%.
What’s been your most memorable moment since founding the company?
I designed the first version of the platform by myself, and I remember showing it to someone and they asked: 1 - for the details of the people who had built it, and 2 - how many year’s I’d been in business. Never underestimate your ability to produce good work when you put your mind to it!
How do you celebrate your wins?
I still do a little squeal and a dance whenever someone registers as a member!
Sounds like fun! Find out more about The Staycation Collection here.