The Travel Business Unpacked

From Teacher to Entrepreneur: Lessons in Building a Luxury Travel Business with Ashley Carlson 29.06.2026 48m

Making the leap into entrepreneurship is never easy, especially when you're leaving behind a career you've known for years. In this episode, Meredith welcomes Travel MBA graduate Ashley Carlson, founder of Carlson Travel Co., to share how she transitioned from elementary school teacher and stay-at-home mom to luxury travel entrepreneur.Ashley reflects on the mindset shifts, branding decisions, and uncomfortable moments that helped shape her business, from investing in a professional brand and website to speaking at local events and attracting clients beyond her personal network. She also shares how the skills she developed in the classroom continue to influence the way she serves her clients today.If you've ever wondered whether you're ready to take the leap, this conversation is a reminder that confidence isn't something you wait for. It's something you build by taking action.📖 Free Chapter: https://tinyurl.com/GTN-freechapter🎓 Travel Business University: https://tinyurl.com/yz462bhx-🔗 Ashley's Website: https://carlsontravelco.com/🔗 Ashley's LinkedIn: https://tinyurl.com/mtpdjk9c

From Day Trader to Luxury Travel Entrepreneur: John Rees on Building a Business He Loves 22.06.2026 44m

This week on The Travel Business Unpacked podcast, host Meredith Calloway is joined by returning guest John Rees, founder of J5 Luxury Travel Tailors.After leaving a successful career in day trading, John built a thriving luxury travel business centered around his passion for travel and a commitment to exceptional client experiences. In this conversation, he reflects on how his role has changed as the business has grown, from handling nearly every aspect himself to building a talented team he trusts to deliver at a high level. He shares lessons learned about leadership, delegation, and creating a company culture that allows both the business and the people within it to thrive.They also discuss the realities of scaling a travel business, the importance of focusing on your strengths, and why helping others grow has become one of the most rewarding parts of John's entrepreneurial journey.John's story offers valuable insight for advisors looking to build a business that is not only successful, but also sustainable, fulfilling, and aligned with the life they want to create.📖 Free Chapter: https://tinyurl.com/GTN-freechapter🎓 Travel Business University: https://tinyurl.com/yz462bhx🔗 John's Website: https://www.j5travel.com/🔗 John's LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/j5travel

Nicole Shipper on Scaling a Travel Business Without Losing the Personal Touch 15.06.2026 44m

This week on The Travel Business Unpacked podcast, host Meredith Calloway welcomes back Nicole Shipper, founder of TBN Travel Curators, for her second appearance on the podcast.Since her last conversation with Meredith, Nicole has navigated a major rebrand, continued growing her team, and faced the new challenges that come with scaling a business beyond herself. Together, they discuss what it really takes to grow a travel business while maintaining the personal service clients expect.They also explore:• The decision to rebrand and how to know when your business identity no longer reflects your vision• The opportunities and challenges of building a team of independent contractors• Creating systems and processes that maintain a consistent client experience• How hiring a customer care manager helped Nicole focus on her strengths• Transitioning to new technology and workflows to support business growth• Balancing entrepreneurship, motherhood, and a business in a season of rapid changeNicole’s story offers an honest look at the evolving challenges that come with success and the leadership shifts required at each stage of growth.Free Chapter: https://tinyurl.com/4pbvtr8fNicole's Website: https://tbntravelcurators.com/Nicole's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-shipper-a6a8b619/TBU Live Tickets: https://www.giftedtravelnetwork.com/eventPromocode: PODCAST

The Future of Travel Advisor Technology, Featuring David Shull of Tern 08.06.2026 49m

This week on The Travel Business Unpacked podcast, guest host Sandy Saburn sits down with David Shull, co-founder and CEO of Tern.When David first discovered the travel advisor industry, he saw a profession filled with talented entrepreneurs who were navigating their businesses with disconnected systems and outdated technology. Rather than assuming he knew the solution, he spent years listening to advisors, learning how they worked, and building technology around their real-world needs.In this conversation, Sandy and David discuss the evolution of Tern, the challenges advisors face when running a travel business, and how technology can better support their growth. They also explore what happens when software is built around the realities of an advisor's day-to-day work instead of forcing advisors to adapt to the technology.David also shares his thoughts on the future of advisor technology, the growing role of artificial intelligence in the travel industry, and why he believes the most successful advisors will be the ones who learn to pair technology with human expertise.Whether you're curious about the future of advisor technology, wondering how AI may shape the industry, or looking for ways to create a more efficient business, this episode offers a thoughtful look at what's ahead for travel advisors.📖 Free Chapter: https://tinyurl.com/4pbvtr8f🔗 Tern Website: https://www.tern.travel/🔗 David's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dsshull/🔗TBU Live Tickets: https://www.giftedtravelnetwork.com/eventPromocode: PODCAST

Laura Young on Reinventing Her Career and Finding Freedom Through Travel 01.06.2026 41m

This week on The Travel Business Unpacked podcast, host Meredith Calloway is joined by Laura Young, founder of Laura Young Travel and a 2026 Gifted Travel Network Momentum Award winner.After more than 20 years in financial services, Laura made the decision to leave behind a stable corporate career and build a travel business that aligned more closely with the life she wanted. In this conversation, she shares what it looked like to start over while raising three kids, working full time, and learning an entirely new industry from the ground up.Laura opens up about the uncomfortable parts of entrepreneurship, including learning patience, defining her ideal client, and figuring out how to trust herself through the transition. She also reflects on how relationships, referrals, and clarity around who she wanted to serve became the foundation for her rapid growth.They also explore:• Building a travel business while balancing full-time corporate work and motherhood• Why defining an ideal client changes everything in luxury travel• The mindset shift from employee to entrepreneur• Creating a relationship-driven business instead of relying heavily on social media• How referrals became the biggest driver of growth in Laura’s second year• The connection between entrepreneurial success, freedom, and fulfillment.Laura’s story is an honest look at what it takes to reinvent yourself professionally and personally. For advisors navigating growth, career transitions, or the desire for more freedom, this episode offers both practical insight and meaningful perspective.Free Chapter: https://tinyurl.com/4pbvtr8fLaura's Website: https://laurayoungtravel.com/Laura's LinkedIn: / laura-young-travel TBU Live Tickets: https://www.giftedtravelnetwork.com/eventPromocode: PODCAST

Why Advocacy Matters for Every Travel Advisor, Featuring Jessica Klement 25.05.2026 48m

This week on The Travel Business Unpacked podcast, host Meredith Calloway is joined by Jessica Klement, Vice President of Advocacy for American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA).Jessica shares how she built a career in advocacy, starting on Capitol Hill before eventually finding her place in the travel industry. Together, Meredith and Jessica unpack the work happening behind the scenes to protect travel advisors at the state and federal levels, work that many advisors benefit from every day without even realizing it.From proposed legislation that could directly impact advisor businesses to the importance of grassroots involvement, this conversation offers a deeper look at why advocacy matters for every travel advisor, not just industry leaders. Jessica also shares how ASTA works alongside advisors across the country to ensure lawmakers understand the real impact their decisions have on travel businesses and their clients.This episode is a reminder that advocacy is not separate from the day-to-day work of being a travel advisor. It plays a direct role in protecting the future of the industry and the businesses advisors work so hard to build.Free Chapter: https://tinyurl.com/4pbvtr8fASTA Website: https://asta.org/Jessica Klement's LinkedIn: https://tinyurl.com/JessicaKlementLITBU Live Tickets: https://www.giftedtravelnetwork.com/e...Promocode: PODCAST

Kim Weas on Why the Right Advisor Community Matters 18.05.2026 54m

This week on The Travel Business Unpacked podcast, host Meredith Calloway is joined by Kim Weas, founder of MoonTide Travel. Kim shares her journey from accidental travel advisor to established business owner, and the pivotal moment she realized her business needed something different to keep growing.From navigating a host agency transition to redefining her vision for the future, Kim offers an honest look at what business evolution really looks like for travel advisors.They also explore:• When it’s time to rethink your host agency• Why the right advisor community makes a difference• Moving from booking trips to building a true business• Mindset shifts around growth, fees, and confidence• What established advisors should consider before making a changeA thoughtful conversation for advisors navigating growth and change.Free Chapter: https://tinyurl.com/4pbvtr8fKim's website: https://www.moontidetravel.com/TBU Live Tickets: giftedtravelnetwork.com/eventPromocode: PODCAST

How Nancy Gany Built a Referral-Driven Luxury Travel Business 11.05.2026 47m

This week on The Travel Business Unpacked podcast, host Meredith Calloway is joined by Nancy Gany, founder of Inspired Steps Luxury Travel and a Travel MBA alum who has quickly built a thriving, referral-driven luxury travel business based in relationships, trust, and elevated service.With a background in consulting and project management, Nancy shares how she transitioned into the travel industry during the uncertainty of the pandemic and discovered that many of the same skills that made her successful in corporate life, listening well, building relationships, and solving problems, became the foundation of her success as a luxury travel advisor.Meredith and Nancy unpack what luxury travel advising actually looks like behind the scenes, from cultivating hotel partnerships and creating personalized VIP experiences to confidently narrowing your niche and knowing when to say no. Nancy also shares how focusing on Europe and luxury hotel bookings helped her create a business that aligns with both her expertise and the lifestyle she wants to build.The conversation also explores the value of preferred partner programs, the difference between being a “booker” and a true advisor, and why strong client relationships continue to fuel Nancy’s business almost entirely through referrals.Whether you’re new to the industry or refining your own luxury niche, Nancy’s story is a thoughtful look at how clarity, professionalism, and genuine care can create a sustainable and fulfilling travel business.Nancy's website: https://inspiredstepsluxurytravel.com/Sign up for TBU LIVE with promocode PODCAST for $20 off your ticket: https://www.giftedtravelnetwork.com/event

Celebrating Travel Advisor Appreciation Week with Shannon Cunningham 06.05.2026 32m

In this special bonus episode of The Travel Business Unpacked podcast, host Meredith Calloway is joined by Shannon Cunningham, Director of Engagement at Gifted Travel Network, to celebrate Global Travel Advisor Day and GTN’s Travel Advisor Appreciation Week.Together, Meredith and Shannon shine a light on the heart, resilience, and behind-the-scenes work that make travel advisors so valuable. They reflect on the entrepreneurial journey advisors navigate every day, the importance of celebrating both small and big wins, and the role community plays in making this career feel less isolating and more fulfilling.This episode is a heartfelt reminder that travel advisors are not just planning trips. They are building businesses, advocating for clients, creating meaningful experiences, and helping move the travel industry forward. Whether you’re a new advisor or a seasoned business owner, this conversation is a celebration of you and the work you do.📖 Free Chapter: https://tinyurl.com/4pbvtr8fTBU Live Tickets: giftedtravelnetwork.com/eventPromocode: PODCAST

Carol McKee on Closing the Hidden Gaps in Your Travel Business 04.05.2026 49m

This week on The Travel Business Unpacked podcast, host Meredith Calloway is joined by Carol McKee of McKee Travel, a Travel MBA alum, GTN mentor, and seven-figure travel entrepreneur. Carol shares how her background as a CFO and business owner shaped the way she approached building a travel business, and why so many advisors miss the mark when they focus only on trip planning instead of the business behind it. From understanding your numbers to creating systems that support growth, this conversation pulls back the curtain on what it actually takes to build something sustainable.They also explore:• Why many advisors stay stuck in the break-even phase• How to think about revenue, expenses, and real profitability• The impact of sales yield and where money is often left on the table• Why systems and processes matter more than most realize• What to consider before scaling or building a teamCarol’s perspective is both practical and direct, offering a clear reminder that success in this industry is not just about selling travel, it’s about running a business.If you’ve been busy but not seeing the financial results you expected, this episode will challenge how you think about growth and help you refocus on what actually moves your business forward. Sign up for TBU LIVE with promocode PODCAST for $20 off your ticket: https://www.giftedtravelnetwork.com/eventCarol's website: http://mckeetravel.com/

Building a Travel Business That Supports Your Life, Featuring Sarah Key 27.04.2026 41m

This week on The Travel Business Unpacked, Meredith Calloway is joined by Sarah Key, founder of The Keys to Travel.Sarah shares her journey from corporate life to building a travel business that supports both her professional growth and personal life. From taking the leap into entrepreneurship to switching host agencies and navigating motherhood with two young kids, she offers an honest look at what it really takes to grow a business that evolves with you.They also talk about building a brand that attracts the right clients, the role of community in long-term success, and how Sarah is creating more meaningful experiences through long-term travel planning for her clients.If you’ve ever wondered how to create more flexibility, grow with intention, and build a business that fits your life, this episode will give you a grounded and practical perspective.The Keys to Travel website: https://thekeystotravel.com/Sarah's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahrosekey

From Insurance to Gifting, Building a More Intentional Travel Business, with Roseann Coyle 20.04.2026 46m

This week on The Travel Business Unpacked podcast, host Meredith Calloway is joined by Roseann Coyle of Sun Drenched Travel. A travel advisor, mentor inside Gifted Travel Network, and former insurance industry leader, Roseann brings a perspective most advisors never get access to, but absolutely need.In this conversation, she breaks down why travel insurance should never be an afterthought. From common misconceptions to the risks of supplier plans versus third-party coverage, Roseann shares how a clearer understanding of insurance helps advisors better serve their clients while also creating an additional stream of revenue.Beyond insurance, this episode explores how thoughtful touches like gifting can strengthen client relationships, what it really looks like to scale before you feel ready, and why many advisors get stuck when they don’t know their next step.This episode is a reminder that building a successful travel business is not just about booking trips. It is about protecting your clients, creating meaningful experiences, and making decisions that support long-term growth.🔗Roseann's website: https://www.sundrenchedtravel.com/

From Entrepreneurial Business Owner to Luxury Travel Specialist, with Robin Cline 13.04.2026 47m

This week on The Travel Business Unpacked podcast, host Meredith Calloway is joined by Robin Cline, founder of Cline & Co Travel Consulting. A former entrepreneur turned luxury travel advisor, Robin has built a highly successful, referral-driven business rooted in clarity, service, and strong client relationships.Robin shares what it really looked like to launch her travel business just before the world shut down in 2020, and how she used that unexpected time to build a strong foundation. With a background working alongside high-net-worth clients in previous industries, she brought a unique perspective into travel, one that shaped her approach to service, branding, and client experience from the very beginning.Throughout the conversation, Robin offers a refreshingly honest look at what it takes to move from “taking any client” to building a business that aligns with your strengths, interests, and long-term goals. She also breaks down how she scaled intentionally by hiring early, refining her workflows, and focusing on relationships that naturally lead to repeat business and referrals.They also explore:Transitioning into travel during an uncertain timeThe importance of understanding your ideal client early onWhy saying yes to everything can slow your growthBuilding a brand that creates trust and confidenceHiring before you feel “ready” and why it mattersCreating a client experience that drives referrals and loyaltyWhether you’re just starting out or refining an established business, Robin Cline’s story is a thoughtful reminder that success in travel doesn’t come from doing everything, it comes from doing the right things well.Robin's website: https://clineandcotravel.com/

Stop Doing Everything Yourself: Jennifer Jacob on Scaling the Right Way 06.04.2026 53m

This week on The Travel Business Unpacked podcast, host Meredith Calloway is joined by Jennifer Jacob, Co-Founder of Tique HQ and host of the Tique Talks podcast. After scaling a multi-million dollar travel agency, Jennifer shifted her focus to helping advisors build more structured, sustainable businesses.In this conversation, Jennifer shares how her journey in travel evolved and why so many advisors struggle to grow without the right systems in place. As her business expanded, she saw firsthand how quickly success can turn into overwhelm when operations are not built to support it.Together, Meredith and Jennifer unpack what actually drives sustainable growth, from hiring and delegation to documentation and workflows. It is a practical look at how to build a business that runs consistently, not one that relies entirely on you.They also explore:• Why systems are the foundation of sustainable growth• The difference between personalization and consistency• What advisors often misunderstand about hiring• Jennifer’s perspective on W-2 employees versus contractors• How documentation creates freedom• The shift from travel advisor to business ownerWhether you are feeling stretched thin or thinking about your next stage of growth, Jennifer offers a clear reminder that long-term success is built on structure, not just sales.Tique HQ Website: https://tinyurl.com/3mm647v7Jennifer Jacob's LinkedIn: https://tinyurl.com/yr3wmrrb

The Travel Business Unpacked LIVE: Unpacking Successful River Cruise Group Strategies 01.04.2026 54m

This week we had a special live recording of The Travel Business Unpacked podcast where we got to dive into one of the most powerful growth strategies in luxury travel: river cruise groups.In this dynamic, candid panel conversation, host Meredith Calloway was joined by Gifted Travel Network advisors Carol Mckee (Mckee Travel), Patti Mills-Roy (Mills-Roy Luxury Travel), Emer Coughlin (Celtic Hearts Travel), and Sandy Lipkowitz (Sterling Journeys) where they shared how they have successfully built and filled profitable river cruise groups within their businesses.They unpacked the real strategies behind their results, including:• How they identified and developed special-interest group concepts• Where they found the right audiences and how they positioned their offers• The marketing approaches that actually filled their sailings• The operational systems that kept their groups organized and profitable• Lessons learned, pivots made, and what they would do differentlyWhether you are new to group strategy or looking to refine and scale what you are already doing, this conversation will offer practical insight from advisors who have successfully integrated river cruise groups into sustainable, growth-minded travel businesses.Celtic Hearts Travel: https://celticheartstravel.com/Mckee Travel: https://www.mckeetravel.com/Mills-Roy Luxury Travel: https://www.millsroyluxurytravel.com/Sterling Journeys: https://sterlingjourneys.com/

Preparing for the Unexpected: Crisis Management with Kristin Matthews 23.03.2026 46m

This week on The Travel Business Unpacked podcast, Sandy Saburn, Chief Communications Officer at Gifted Travel Network, steps in as host and is joined by Kristin Matthews, Vice President of Professional Development.Together, they unpack one of the most overlooked but essential parts of running a travel business: crisis management.From flight disruptions to global uncertainty, Kristin shares how advisors can prepare for the unexpected, communicate with confidence, and support clients through stressful situations. The conversation also explores the emotional side of navigating challenges as a solopreneur, and why having a strong community matters more than ever.They also explore:• Proactive steps advisors can take before issues arise• How to stay informed using reliable, real-time sources• Why travel insurance is a critical part of client care• Communication strategies that build trust during uncertainty• How to prioritize and support clients in real time• The role of community in navigating high-stress situationsThis episode offers a practical and honest look at the side of the travel industry that clients don’t always see, but that defines true professionalism.

Unpacking Your Game Plan for Success in Attending Industry Events with Sandy Saburn 16.03.2026 47m

This week on The Travel Business Unpacked podcast, host Meredith Calloway is joined by Gifted Travel Network’s Chief Communications Officer, Sandy Saburn, to unpack how travel advisors can make the most of industry events. From deciding which events are worth the investment to building meaningful relationships on-site and following up in a way that drives revenue, Sandy shares her practical 3R framework: Research, Relationships, and Revenue.Together, Meredith and Sandy talk through how to approach conferences, expos, and industry gatherings with a clear plan before you go, while you’re there, and after you get home. They also discuss why host agency and consortia events should often be top priorities, how to avoid common mistakes advisors make at events, and how to turn what you learn into content, client conversations, and real business growth.If you’ve ever wondered how to stop attending industry events passively and start using them strategically, this episode is packed with practical insight to help you do exactly that.

From Corporate Advertising Executive to Luxury Travel Entrepreneur with Lange Taylor 09.03.2026 47m

This week on The Travel Business Unpacked podcast, host Meredith Calloway is joined by Lange Taylor, founder of Taylor Luxury Travel. A former advertising executive turned luxury travel advisor, Lange shares how he built a seven-figure business by combining business acumen, a love of food and wine, and a willingness to start before he had everything figured out.In this conversation, Lange reflects on what it looked like to leave a successful corporate career and step into an entirely new industry during a season of uncertainty. He opens up about the early learning curve, the temptation to say yes to everything, and the mindset shift that helped him refine his niche, attract better-fit clients, and create more meaningful travel experiences.Whether you are just starting out or thinking about how to grow more sustainably, Lange’s story is a thoughtful look at what it takes to build a travel business that reflects both your strengths and your values.

Starting From Scratch: What It Really Takes to Build a Travel Advisor Career 02.03.2026 26m

This week on The Travel Business Unpacked podcast, host Meredith Calloway is flying solo for a new style of episode centered around your most frequently asked questions. The theme is simple: starting from scratch.If you’re still in the discovery phase, researching host agencies, wondering whether this is a legitimate career path, or quietly asking yourself if you could actually make real money doing this, this episode was created for you.Meredith unpacks what a modern travel advisor truly does today and why the role looks very different than it did decades ago. She addresses the income question directly, including why so many new advisors unintentionally build hobby businesses instead of profitable ones. She also walks through the purpose of a host agency, whether certifications matter, what kind of commitment is required, and why luxury travel presents such a significant opportunity right now.If you’ve been circling this profession and trying to separate fantasy from fact, this conversation will help you understand what it actually takes to build a six-figure earning travel business and whether you’re ready to commit to it.

From Corporate IT to Curated Ireland: Reinventing a Career Through Travel With Margaret Critz 23.02.2026 40m

This week on The Travel Business Unpacked podcast, host Meredith Calloway is joined by Margaret Critz, founder of For the Good Times Travel and a current Travel MBA student. After working 25 years in corporate IT for the insurance industry, Margaret made the bold decision to leave stability behind and reinvent her career through travel. In this episode, she shares what that leap really looked like. From becoming nomadic to spending months immersed in Ireland, Margaret didn’t just start a travel business, she built one rooted in storytelling, slow travel, and intentional growth. She opens up about the difference between simply becoming an advisor and building a real business, why industry-specific education matters more than general business knowledge, and how she moved from fearful first inquiries to confidently filling a curated small-group experience in Northern Ireland. Whether you’re considering a second chapter or looking to grow your business with more clarity and intention, Margaret’s story is a candid reminder that reinvention is possible when courage meets the right foundation.