In Conversation With Uma Jayanthi
Founder of Plan My Trip
Travel means something different to everyone. For some, it’s a break. For others, it’s adventure. But for Uma Jayanthi, it is discovery, intention, and beautifully crafted memories.
In this exclusive conversation with She Magazine, Uma shares her journey, her passion, and the purpose behind Plan My Trip.
🌏 She Magazine: Uma, tell us — what does travel mean to you?
Uma: Travel has never been “just a holiday” for me. For me, it’s discovery. It’s that beautiful feeling of stepping into a new country, observing how people live, tasting flavours you’ve never tried before, and realising how wonderfully different — yet connected — the world is.
Travel stretches you. It makes you more open, more patient, more curious. Every trip I’ve taken has shaped me in some way and learnt so many things.
✨ She Magazine: How did your personal experiences shape your business?
Uma: As a vegetarian traveller, I’ve experienced both the joy and the challenges of exploring new destinations. I’ve survived on French fries in parts of Europe, searched for hidden vegetarian cafés in Japan, and spent hours researching before trips just to feel prepared and confident. Those experiences taught me something very powerful:
The difference between a good trip and an unforgettable one is thoughtful planning.
The right flight timings, the right hotel location, smart stopovers, knowing food options in advance. Preparing for local transport. Small details make a big difference.
Over time, I realised I genuinely loved planning — not just for myself, but for others. Seeing someone travel stress-free because I thought ahead for them gave me immense satisfaction.
And that’s how Plan My Trip slowly became more than just an idea.
🎓 She Magazine: Tell us about the journey behind Plan My Trip.
Uma: With my MBA background, I naturally look at things from both a business and practical lens. I’m structured, organised, and detail-focused — but I also deeply care about the emotional side of travel. That’s when I have decided to step my foot into travel industry. I didn’t want it to remain just a passion — I wanted to do it properly. So I completed my Certificate III in Travel to formally accredit myself and strengthen my industry knowledge. From that blend of structure, passion, and purpose, Plan My Trip was born.
I wanted to create a service where clients feel heard, supported, and guided — not rushed. Where planning feels exciting instead of overwhelming.
I continuously upskill, attend industry sessions, connect with suppliers, and stay updated because I believe if I’m guiding someone’s dream holiday, I must do it responsibly and professionally.
🌟 She Magazine: You operate under a recognised travel licence. How does that benefit your clients?
Uma: I operate under Your Travel & Cruise – affiliated with Hello World Travel — and that gives my clients security. They get access to trusted global suppliers, secure booking systems, best deals and industry support — while still working directly with me. For me, this balance is important. I want my clients to feel both protected and personally looked after.
💛 She Magazine: What services do you offer through Plan My Trip?
Uma: I design customised holidays — international and domestic. Flights, accommodation, cruises, curated experiences, vegetarian-friendly planning, stopovers, insurance guidance — everything aligned to the client’s comfort level and budget.
Some clients want luxury.
Some want value-focused trips.
Some are travelling with elderly parents.
Some are travelling with children.
Every trip is different, and I genuinely treat it that way. But more than anything, what I offer is clarity and reassurance
🌸 She Magazine:What makes your approach different?
Uma: I understand something very deeply:
Holidays are not casual expenses. People save for them. They plan around them. They dream about them.
When I plan a trip, I plan it as if it were my own family travelling.
I think ahead. I ask questions. I consider food, transit time, fatigue, local transport, hidden costs — the practical details that people often don’t realise until they’re already travelling.
Travel should feel exciting, not overwhelming.
🌸 She Magazine: Finally, what does Plan My Trip represent for you?
Uma: Plan My Trip is more than a business for me. It is a passion turned into purpose.
When clients return with beautiful stories and say, “Everything went smoothly,” or “Thank you for thinking of that detail,” that’s the real reward.
Helping people travel confidently, comfortably, and joyfully gives me immense fulfilment. And that is exactly what Plan My Trip represents.
✈ Plan My Trip – Your Journey Perfectly Crafted
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1HBFoyt82Z/?mibextid=wwXIfr
📸 Instagram: @planmytrip.au
🌐 Website: https://planmytrip.au
Follow, like and share — and let Uma help you design your next unforgettable journey.