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Diana's Urlaubswelt (Diana’s World of Holidays) in Ueckermünde is not a travel agency like any other. Behind the name is the story of a woman who, at almost 50 years old, is not looking back, but forward. She turned an unplanned turn of events into a new career start. What began as an unplanned succession became a heartfelt project with a clear attitude: personal advice, individual trips and a feel for what people are really looking for when they plan a vacation.
A failed plan – and a new idea
Actually, everything was supposed to turn out quite differently. Diana Pust, a native of Ueckermünde, had worked in a local travel agency after retraining as a tourism agent for private and business travel. The opportunity to take over the business arose in the course of the planned closure of the business for reasons of age. "The takeover was planned, but it dragged on. The predecessor simply couldn't find a solution," she explains. After a year and a half of waiting, she decided to change her mind – a step that took courage, but also opened up new perspectives.
On January 1, 2025, she was suddenly unemployed. But instead of despairing, she asked herself a brave question: “At almost 50, can I start all over again?” It was a moment full of doubt, but also full of possibilities. Diana wrestled with herself, weighing up security against self-determination, risk against freedom. In this phase of upheaval, she realized that perhaps now was exactly the right time to start something of her own – in her own way, with her experience and her name. She couldn't let go of the idea.
From idea to foundation with a lot of initiative
The answer came quickly. Also from outside. Friends kept asking: “Where do we book our vacation now?” That was the impetus Diana needed. She initially set up her own travel agency as a sideline with a small workplace in a shared office. Just five months later, on June 1, she made “Diana's Urlaubswelt” her full-time job. It was a bold move, but one that was well thought out and supported by a great deal of personal initiative.
She managed the financing with a start-up grant from the employment agency. She wrote the business plan herself, researched thoroughly, talked to banks and got support from a tax consultant. "My parents even gave me the printer as a present. That was my starting capital," she says with a smile. Every step was a learning process, every decision a piece of self-realization. And that's exactly what her customers feel.
"People asked me: Where do we book our vacation now? Then I knew what to do."
– Diana Pust, self-employed tourism agent
"Diana's Urlaubswelt": Personal advice and long-distance travel with experience
“Diana's Urlaubswelt” is more than just a travel agency. It is a place where the focus is on personal advice and comprehensive service for your dream trip. Diana Pust offers not only classic package tours, but also individually tailored dream trips – for example to Turkey, Greece, Spain or the Caribbean.
“Whether it's a family vacation, a cruise, an adventure trip or a spontaneous weekend getaway - I make my customers' vacation dreams come true,” she says with a smile.
She takes care of the entire organization – flights, transfers, hotels, rental cars, travel insurance – all from a single source. “That's my all-round carefree package.”
Her portfolio also includes exotic long-haul destinations such as Vietnam, Cambodia, China, South Africa and Costa Rica. She also plans coach trips, wellness and activity vacations, city breaks and tailor-made round trips.
Sustainability has so far played a subordinate role for her customers; price is more important. But Diana observes: "More and more young people are coming into the office. They want personal advice. That's my strength." Her experience, empathy and enthusiasm for travel make the difference and create trust.
How “Diana's Urlaubswelt” became visible in Ueckermünde
The first customers came by word of mouth. But Diana also relied on creative advertising: flyers on a walk through the old town, an article in a regional magazine, a video wall on the bridge. In future, she wants to focus more on social media in order to reach younger target groups and increase her reach.
The name of her travel agency was quickly found: "People call me by my first name anyway. So it became ‘Diana's Urlaubswelt’." The logo shows water, a palm tree, a ship and an airplane – symbols of wanderlust and relaxation. It is a visual promise: Anyone who books here gets more than just a trip – they get personal guidance from start to finish.
One particular anecdote shows just how much the logo appeals to people: a customer who booked a trip with her was so enthusiastic about the motif – palm tree, airplane and ship – that he had it tattooed. His wife also agreed. Weeks later, he showed Diana the result. A real compliment for the Ueckermünde native – and a sign of how much her brand has already become part of personal stories.
There are many travel destinations. But with Diana Pust, every trip begins with a personal consultation.
© Verena Teske-Mbalisike (2)
Hurdles, bureaucracy – and a good feeling
Of course, not everything went smoothly. One of the first hurdles was the building authority: "I was only allowed to use five percent of the shop window space for advertising. My ideas didn't fit in with the regulations." But Diana found a temporary solution. She quickly learned that self-employment also means remaining flexible and finding creative ways.
Despite such stumbling blocks, she feels she has arrived: "So far, I feel like I've done everything right. It just feels good." It would be nice to have her own office, but suitable premises are hard to find in Ueckermünde. So she is staying in the shared office for the time being and seeing how everything develops. For her, one thing counts above all: that she can shape her own path.
Travel is more than a vacation, it's a passion
Diana Pust also enjoys traveling privately. The Canary Islands are her favorite. A trip that has had a particular impact on her? "It's hard to say. Every trip leaves its mark. But Madeira was a real highlight." The nature, the people, the feeling of freedom – it all made a deep impression on her.
For her, traveling means more than just relaxation: "It's the anticipation, the discovery, the letting go of everyday life. That's exactly what I want to give my customers." Her passion for travel is palpable and infectious.
She loves getting to know new cultures, embracing the unknown and exploring the world with open eyes. This enthusiasm flows into every consultation. Because she knows from her own experience how valuable a well-planned trip can be.
Where the journey with “Diana's Urlaubswelt” is headed
Diana has clear goals for the future: She wants to continue planning trips for people from the region with heart, experience and personal commitment. She is not just interested in booking flights and hotels, but in creating real experiences that will be remembered. She is far removed from competitive thinking: "I never wanted to compete with local travel agencies. Everyone should decide for themselves where to book." Her focus is on quality, not competition – and on the trust she has earned through honest advice.
Her advice to other founders:
"Just do it. Do your research, keep at it, don't get discouraged. And listen to your gut feeling." Because sometimes the first step is the hardest – but also the most important.
And where is the journey with “Diana's Urlaubswelt” heading?
"I'll let myself be surprised. The main thing is that it continues to be fun - and that people remain keen to travel." Because as long as the wanderlust remains, there are still many paths for Diana Pust to discover.
Contact:
Diana's Urlaubswelt
Diana Pust
Office:
Schulstraße 8
17373 Ueckermünde
telephone: 0157 53000980
e-mail: dianas-urlaubswelt@t-online.de
www.onlineweg.de/dianas-urlaubswelt
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For women considering starting their own business, Diana Pust’s story shows: you don’t need the perfect moment – just the courage to follow your own path. And sometimes, that path begins exactly when you least expect it.
You can find more inspiring journeys into self-employment in our founder stories.
