Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast The Travel Business Unpacked

In this special solo episode of The Travel Business Unpacked, host Meredith Calloway breaks down a recent article she wrote, "I Don't Need Your Apology for My Setback, I Was Never Meant to Trust the Branch" and why she believes a setback, in business or in life, is one of the biggest opportunities for growth you'll ever get. She shares how Gifted Travel Network leaned into the pandemic, the hardest setback the travel industry has ever faced, and came out of it with roughly five times its pre-pandemic sales.From there, Meredith walks through the mental muscles that become your wings when the branch breaks: trust, curiosity and compassion, and self-love, along with the exercise that builds each one. She also explains why she'd skip the "I'm so sorry you're going through this" response when someone is facing hardship and what to offer instead, what a bow and arrow can teach you about letting go and moving on in life, and the clarifying moment she experienced while raising her children that showed her exactly who she's here to be.📖 Free Chapter: https://tinyurl.com/GTN-Chap7🎓 Travel Business University: https://tinyurl.com/Learn-More-TBU🖥️ Meredith's Article: https://tinyurl.com/ynw6jbs9

Veronica Gonzalez spent years promoting tourism in McAllen, Texas, and working in her father's pharmacy before she let herself build a business around what she loved most: planning travel. In this episode, Veronica joins Meredith Calloway to talk about how Delighted Designs grew from a destination event business into a luxury travel practice that does both. That growth started with a villa owner in Turks and Caicos who asked why she wasn't already doing this for a living, and continued with a referral from another host agency that led her to GTN's Travel MBA program in the October 2022 cohort.

Almost four years in, Veronica is honest about a growth curve that was anything but linear, including losing both of her parents a year apart and learning to give herself grace while running a business. She and Meredith talk about the emotional fitness that came out of that season, why this year is when everything opened up, and how GTN's community and partners gave her the confidence to book her first African safari. Veronica also shares her knack for knowing what clients want before they say it, why she always asks partners what they can do to surprise her travelers, and why she tells families not to wait on the trips that matter most.

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📖 Free Chapter: https://tinyurl.com/GTN-Chap7

🎓 Travel Business University: https://tinyurl.com/Learn-More-TBU

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🖥️ Delighted Designs: https://delighted-designs.com/

Sylvia Sulkes knew for years that her work wasn't fulfilling her anymore, but it took a climb up Mount Kilimanjaro with her husband to make the decision clear. A month after coming down the mountain, she joined GTN's Travel MBA program and launched Sol Kiss Escapes, a luxury travel business built around soul-stirring journeys that give clients what they actually need, whether that's rest, a reset, or more time with family. Before even finishing her first year in the program, she crossed seven figures in sales.In this episode, Sylvia joins Meredith to talk about how she got there. She shares the story behind the name Sol Kiss Escapes, the last-minute festive request that became her first big booking, and how GTN's Circle community helped her land the perfect stay at Cap Juluca in Anguilla. She explains why a fast response and a thoughtful, visual proposal won the client over, how that one trip turned into a year-long retainer, and why she's choosing to keep her client book small. She and Meredith also get into the mindset that keeps her steady during slower stretches, her first National Geographic expedition cruise, and the role her husband plays in the business she's building.

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📖 Free Chapter: https://tinyurl.com/GTN-Chap7

🎓 Travel Business University: https://tinyurl.com/Learn-More-TBU

-🖥️ Sol Kiss Escapes: https://solkissescapes.com/

👤 Sylvia's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sylviasulkes

This week on The Travel Business Unpacked podcast, Meredith Calloway is joined by Laura Gonzalez, founder of Vacation Artisans Travel Agency, to talk about knowing when it's time for a change and starting fresh after a decade in the industry.

Laura shares her journey from nonprofit event planning to ten years as a travel advisor, including the slump that made her decide whether to recommit to her business or step away. She talks about choosing to double down, what told her she had outgrown her previous host, and why she approached her search for a new one like an interview on both sides. Meredith and Laura also discuss the tradeoffs between large hosts and smaller boutique agencies, why being part of a Virtuoso agency mattered to her, and what it was like joining the Gifted Travel Network community.

Throughout the conversation, Laura offers an honest look at building a business while raising a family, from working during nap times when she first started to making the most of the time her son spends at extracurricular activities. She explains why she's comfortable passing on clients who aren't the right fit, and how asking clients why they're traveling shapes every trip she plans. Laura also shares why she loves the challenge of planning for multigenerational families and how she's encouraging her cruise clients to arrive a few days early and explore beyond their cruise itinerary.

📖 Free Chapter: https://tinyurl.com/GTN-Chap7

🎓 Travel Business University: https://tinyurl.com/Learn-More-TBU

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🖥️ Vacation Artisans Travel Agency: https://vacationartisans.com/

👤 Laura's LinkedIn: https://tinyurl.com/4fkkt2ka

Julie and Alex Ott are the mother-son team behind Triple Play Vacations. In this episode, they join Meredith Calloway to talk about what it looks like to build a business together while specializing in one of travel's fastest-growing niches: sporting events.

Julie's path into travel started during the pandemic, right after wrapping up 25 years in the apparel and footwear industry, including years living abroad in Hong Kong, Switzerland, and France with her family. She went through GTN's Travel MBA program in 2020, and Alex followed a year later in 2021 before eventually leaving his corporate job as a credit analyst to join her full time.

They open up about how they divide and conquer, with Julie focused on cruise, river cruise, and adventure travel, and Alex leading the charge on sporting event trips, from fan bases and stadium culture to how the name Triple Play came to be. They also talk candidly about what it's really like working as mother and son, staying close while living in different cities, and how they've leaned on the right partners to help pull off major event trips like the US Open.

📖 Free Chapter: https://tinyurl.com/GTN-Chap7

🎓 Travel Business University: https://tinyurl.com/Learn-More-TBU

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🖥️ Triple Play Vacations Website: https://tripleplayvacations.com/

👤 Julie's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-ott

👤 Alex's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexjott

Lucie McLaughlin spent over two decades as what she calls the "family CEO," and when her kids grew up and life took an unexpected turn, she found herself searching for a new sense of purpose. In this episode, Lucie joins host Meredith Calloway to talk about trading the family-planner role for a career as a luxury travel advisor, and how a conversation with her mother-in-law led her to research host agencies and ultimately choose Gifted Travel Network.Lucie opens up about the emotional side of building her brand, Lucie's Luxury Travel, and how the process brought her back to childhood memories of her family's wine business and cross-country road trips. She and Meredith also dig into her Travel MBA cohort's tight-knit support system, her first Collette tour experience in Portugal's Douro Valley, and the unexpected way an Instagram connection turned into a recurring women's group-travel business, taking her from Charleston to Italy to a planned trip to Greece.📖 Free Chapter: https://tinyurl.com/GTN-Chap7🎓 Travel Business University: https://tinyurl.com/Learn-More-TBU🖥️ Lucie's Luxury Travel Website: https://lluxurytravel.com/👤 Lucie's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucie-mclaughlin-1698a7340

Nicholas Dintelmann spent over a decade in corporate retail before he let himself pursue the international, travel-focused career he'd wanted since childhood. In this episode, Nicholas joins Meredith to talk about the deliberate process of unraveling his corporate life before joining GTN's Travel MBA program in the February 2026 cohort and launching CARTE ATLAS, his luxury travel business built for servant leaders who've built full lives but haven't made space to explore them.Nicholas is honest about what those first few months in the program actually look like: building a brand from scratch, navigating the gap between booking travel and getting paid for it, and learning to trust himself when the certainty of a corporate paycheck disappears. He and Meredith dig into the emotional fitness required to run a business, where the name CARTE ATLAS came from, his FAM trip to Grace Bay Resorts in Turks and Caicos, which was his first time traveling internationally for work, and the honeymoon trip where he circumnavigated the world in two and a half weeks.📖 Free Chapter: https://tinyurl.com/GTN-Chap7🎓 Travel Business University: https://tinyurl.com/Learn-More-TBU🖥️ CARTE ATLAS Website: https://CARTEATLAS.com/👤 Nicholas' LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-dintelmann

This week on The Travel Business Unpacked podcast, host Meredith Calloway is joined by Pam Smithgall, owner of South Shore Travel and a longtime Gifted Travel Network member.Pam began her career as a music teacher before discovering a way to turn her love of travel into a business. Today, she brings the same attention to detail, sequencing, and storytelling that she learned through music into the way she designs travel experiences for her clients. She shares how she creates meaningful moments clients never knew to ask for, builds trusted relationships with travel partners, and has learned to see marketing as an opportunity to connect people with something genuinely valuable.Meredith and Pam also talk about the evolution of her business, from figuring everything out on her own to finding the education, community, and partnerships that helped her grow. Pam shares how her weekly newsletter, carefully curated website, and in-person travel events have helped her stay connected to both existing and potential clients, while reminding us that building a successful travel business takes patience, consistency, and a willingness to keep learning.Pam’s story is a reminder that the skills and passions you already have can become some of your greatest assets as a travel entrepreneur, especially when you learn how to bring them into your business in your own way.📖 Free Chapter: https://tinyurl.com/GTN-Chap7🎓 Travel Business University: https://tinyurl.com/Learn-More-TBU🎓 Travel MBA Program: https://tinyurl.com/TravelMBA-🖥️ South Shore Travel Website: https://www.southshore-travel.com/👤 Pam's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pam-smithgall-80430743

Shawn Lamphear and Jon Malpass of LM Authentic Travel went from corporate careers to a seven-figure producing, six-figure-earning travel business in under two years. In this episode, Shawn and Jon join Meredith Calloway to break down exactly how they did it: why referrals (not cold outreach) drove every client they've landed, how their software backgrounds shaped the systems and workflows behind their business, and where AI is filling in the gaps as they scale.Shawn and Jon also get real about what surprised them most, including how much more "sales" the job turned out to be, and share the biggest challenges they've faced around social media, marketing consistency, and educating clients on the true cost of luxury travel. Plus, hear their favorite "pinch me" moments from the past two years, including one unforgettable stay at the Mandarin Oriental, London.Tune in for practical takeaways from Shawn Lamphear and Jon Malpass on building momentum from day one, leveraging your network, and what it really takes to grow a seven-figure travel business.-📖 Free Chapter: https://tinyurl.com/GTN-Chap7🎓 Travel Business University: https://tinyurl.com/Learn-More-TBU-🖥️ LM Authentic Travel Website: https://lmatravel.com/👤 Shawn's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnhitspace/👤 Jon's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonmalpass/

This week on The Travel Business Unpacked podcast, host Meredith Calloway is joined by Lisa VanBuhler of XOOM Tours, a longtime Gifted Travel Network member who has built a thriving luxury travel business from an unconventional start in student and group travel.

Lisa shares how her background in education led her to planning trips for students, eventually serving groups of up to 250 people, and how that experience became the foundation for her transition into luxury travel. At the heart of her approach is a simple but powerful belief: every client’s trip is a blank canvas. By listening closely, drawing on her deep destination knowledge, and working with trusted travel partners, Lisa creates highly personalized experiences designed around each individual traveler.

Meredith and Lisa also explore how Lisa turned the uncertainty of the pandemic into an opportunity to bring people together through virtual destination experiences, why there is always a way to serve a client regardless of their budget, and how thoughtfully curated travel can become something much more meaningful than simply a vacation. Her story is a reminder that the skills you already have may be more transferable than you realize, and that passion, curiosity, and a willingness to keep learning can become powerful assets in building a travel business.

📖 Free Chapter: https://tinyurl.com/GTN-Chap7

🎓 Travel Business University: https://tinyurl.com/yz462bhx

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🖥️ XOOM Tours Website: https://xoomtours.com/

👤 Lisa's LinkedIn: https://tinyurl.com/zyje3472

This week on The Travel Business Unpacked podcast, Meredith Calloway is joined by Keely Culpepper, founder of Blue Venture Travel, to talk about building a travel business around exceptional client experiences and lasting relationships.

Keely shares her journey from the corporate world to travel entrepreneurship and how focusing on thoughtful, personalized service has helped her build a business driven by repeat clients and referrals. She talks about the importance of creating an experience that goes beyond simply planning a great trip, with the goal of leaving clients excited about where they’ll go next. Meredith and Keely also discuss the role of attention to detail, strong systems, industry relationships, and the patience it takes to build momentum in a travel business.

Throughout the conversation, Keely offers an honest look at what it takes to build trust with clients, create memorable experiences, and turn those relationships into a sustainable business.

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📖 Free Chapter: https://tinyurl.com/GTN-freechapter

🎓 Travel Business University: https://tinyurl.com/yz462bhx

🖥️ Blue Venture Travel: https://blueventuretravel.com/

This week on The Travel Business Unpacked podcast, host Meredith Calloway welcomes back Meghann Bjarnesen, co-owner of Besté Travel Design and Lead Mentor & Programs Manager for Gifted Travel Network's Travel Business University.After first joining the podcast as a successful travel business owner, Meghann returns with a new perspective as she steps into a leadership role focused on mentoring travel advisors. Together, Meredith and Meghann explore why mentorship is one of the most valuable investments advisors can make, and why building a successful travel business requires far more than learning how to book travel. They discuss the importance of business education, branding, community, and accountability, along with the common challenges advisors face as they grow their businesses.The conversation also touches on GTN's new Ascend program, designed to help experienced advisors strengthen the business side of their agencies and prepare for long-term success. Whether you're just getting started or looking to elevate an established business, this episode offers practical insights into the mindset, guidance, and support that help travel advisors build thriving, sustainable businesses.📖 Free Chapter: https://tinyurl.com/GTN-freechapter🎓 Travel Business University: https://tinyurl.com/yz462bhx-🔗 Meghann's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megbmin🖥️ Besté Travel Design: https://www.bestetravel.com/home

This week on The Travel Business Unpacked, Meredith Calloway sits down with Kay Fahlberg, owner of Ippo Travel, to discuss how finding your niche doesn't have to mean limiting your business. Drawing on her Japanese heritage and passion for travel, Kay shares how she built a reputation as a Japan expert while creating a brand that allows her to serve clients traveling all over the world.Along the way, Meredith offers valuable coaching on branding, client attraction, and the importance of building a business around your unique perspective rather than a single destination. They also discuss why Japan is one of today's most sought-after destinations, how a travel advisor can elevate the experience, and the cultural insights that make every itinerary more meaningful.They wrap the episode up with an inspiring discussion about mindset, boundaries, and the role emotional fitness plays in business growth. Kay shares how learning to attract the right clients, and having the confidence to say no to the wrong ones, helped transform both her business and her confidence as an entrepreneur.📖 Free Chapter: https://tinyurl.com/GTN-freechapter🎓 Travel Business University: https://tinyurl.com/yz462bhx-🔗 Kay's LinkedIn:   / kayfahlberg  🖥️ Ippo Travel Website: https://www.ippotravel.com/

This week on The Travel Business Unpacked, Meredith Calloway welcomes back Carol McKee of McKee Travel for a practical conversation about one of the biggest growth opportunities for travel advisors: group travel. From destination weddings and milestone celebrations to hosted tours and educational conferences, Carol shares the lessons she's learned after planning groups of all shapes and sizes, and why success starts long before you ever collect the first deposit.Together, Meredith and Carol discuss how to identify the right type of group for your network, why understanding the group leader is just as important as understanding the destination, and how to avoid common pitfalls that can derail even the best ideas. They also explore destination wedding logistics, choosing the right suppliers, setting clear expectations with clients, understanding financial responsibilities, and why advisors don't need to travel with every group they organize.Throughout the conversation, Carol emphasizes the importance of preparation: researching suppliers before opportunities arise, learning the policies that matter, and using slower seasons to build the knowledge that leads to future bookings. She also shares why not every group inquiry will become a booking—and how every experience, successful or not, becomes an opportunity to grow. Whether you're planning your first group or looking to expand an established business, this episode offers practical advice that will help you approach group travel with greater confidence and a stronger strategy.📖 Free Chapter: https://tinyurl.com/GTN-freechapter🎓 Travel Business University: https://tinyurl.com/yz462bhx-🔗 Carol's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mckeetravel🖥️ Carol's Website: https://www.mckeetravel.com/

This week on The Travel Business Unpacked podcast, host Meredith Calloway welcomes Katina Athanasiou, Senior Vice President of Sales and Services at Celebrity Cruises, for a thoughtful conversation about leadership, authenticity, and building a career that truly fulfills you.

Katina's journey to executive leadership has been shaped by curiosity, resilience, and a willingness to continually evolve. Rather than chasing the idea of perfect work-life balance, she shares why she believes in "calibration" instead, adjusting to life's changing seasons while staying grounded in what matters most. Together, Meredith and Katina explore what it means to lead with empathy, embrace your authentic self, and recognize that every challenge is an opportunity for growth.

They also discuss how adapting your leadership style to the people around you creates stronger relationships, why understanding how others communicate can transform the way you lead, and how finding work that genuinely excites you changes everything. Whether you're leading a team, serving clients, or building your own travel business, this conversation offers valuable perspective on creating meaningful success without sacrificing yourself along the way.

If you've ever wondered how to become a stronger leader while staying true to who you are, this episode will leave you with a fresh perspective on leadership, personal growth, and building a business and life you genuinely love.

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📖 Free Chapter: https://tinyurl.com/GTN-freechapter

🎓 Travel Business University: https://tinyurl.com/yz462bhx

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🔗 Katina's LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/katinaathanasiou

This week on The Travel Business Unpacked podcast, host Meredith Calloway is joined by Angie Corry, founder of Adventurously Yours Travel Design.

After moving to the Netherlands for her husband's job, Angie found herself navigating an unexpected season of life. What started as planning weekend adventures for her own family soon turned into organizing trips for fellow expats, eventually revealing a passion for creating meaningful travel experiences for women. Today, as a Travel MBA alum, Angie has built a business that reflects both her love of exploration and her belief that travel has the power to build confidence, connection, and community.

In this conversation, Angie shares how living abroad changed her perspective on travel, why she initially resisted becoming a travel advisor, and how a single women's trip helped her discover the niche that would become the foundation of her business. She also discusses the importance of listening to what comes naturally, creating experiences that truly serve your ideal clients, and building a business that aligns with the life you want to live.

Whether you're still searching for your niche or looking for the confidence to lean into your own story, Angie's journey is a reminder that your greatest business opportunity may already be hiding in your own experiences. Sometimes the path to building a successful travel business begins with simply saying yes to your next adventure.

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📖 Free Chapter: https://tinyurl.com/GTN-freechapter

🎓 Travel Business University: https://tinyurl.com/yz462bhx

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🔗 Angie's Website: https://adventurouslyyours.com/

🔗 Angie's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angiecorrycsp/

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

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🔗 Ashley's Website: https://carlsontravelco.com/

🔗 Ashley's LinkedIn: https://tinyurl.com/mtpdjk9c

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

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 change

Nicole’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/4pbvtr8f

Nicole's Website: https://tbntravelcurators.com/

Nicole's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-shipper-a6a8b619/

TBU Live Tickets: https://www.giftedtravelnetwork.com/event

Promocode: PODCAST

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/event

Promocode: PODCAST

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/4pbvtr8f

Laura's Website: https://laurayoungtravel.com/

Laura's LinkedIn:   / laura-young-travel  

TBU Live Tickets: https://www.giftedtravelnetwork.com/event

Promocode: PODCAST

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

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

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

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/event

Promocode: PODCAST

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 team

Carol’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/

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

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/

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 time
• The importance of understanding your ideal client early on
• Why saying yes to everything can slow your growth
• Building a brand that creates trust and confidence
• Hiring before you feel “ready” and why it matters
• Creating a client experience that drives referrals and loyalty

Whether 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/

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

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 differently

Whether 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/

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 situations

This 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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

This week on The Travel Business Unpacked podcast, host Meredith Calloway is joined by Julien Nolan, founder of Husseau, a travel advisory business dedicated to ultra-high-net-worth clients. A recent graduate of the Travel MBA program, Julien is already delivering extraordinary experiences rooted in elegance, discretion, and deep personal connection.With a background in luxury hospitality, Julien entered the industry knowing exactly who he wanted to serve and how he wanted to show up. From private Cartier rooftop celebrations in Paris to special spiritual pilgrimages, his stories reflect not only exceptional service but a deep understanding of what matters most to his clients.They also explore:• The unique mindset shift required to serve ultra high net worth clients• How authenticity builds trust in luxury relationships• What to expect when you're "on call" for high-touch travel• Why visual branding and aesthetic matter more than you thinkWherever you are in your journey, this conversation is a reminder that luxury is built on trust and personal service.

This week on The Travel Business Unpacked podcast, host Meredith Calloway is joined by Lee Lennon, founder of Travel by Design and longtime Gifted Travel Network member. After years creating high-touch programs for luxury cruise lines, Lee stepped into entrepreneurship and built a thriving, referral-only business.

She shares how her industry background shaped her client care philosophy, how she approaches support in her business, and what it takes to design a business that truly fits your life.

They also explore:

• Transitioning from corporate to independent

• What luxury means beyond the price tag

• Building through relationships, not marketing

• Hiring support as a solopreneur

• Navigating the next generation of travelers

For any advisor building with intention, Lee’s journey offers real perspective on what it means to grow well.

This week on The Travel Business Unpacked podcast, host Meredith Calloway is joined by Rachael O’Brien, founder of How Far Adventures, for a deeply honest conversation about what happens when life shifts unexpectedly and travel becomes more than just a career choice. 

Rachael shares how a major personal transition reshaped her priorities and led her to build a travel business that could flex with real life. From starting out independently and building her business through high-volume client work, to world schooling her children in Costa Rica, her story reflects the evolution many advisors experience as they move from survival mode to intentional growth. 

They talk about using travel as a classroom, raising culturally conscious kids, and why stepping outside comfort, both personally and professionally, often leads to the most meaningful transformation. Rachael also reflects on how community, support, and choosing the right business home changed what was possible for her business and her life. 

Learn more about How Far Adventures at https://howfaradventures.com/

This week on The Travel Business Unpacked podcast, host Meredith Calloway is joined by Melissa Nagelberg, founder of MN Signature Escapes and a standout student in GTN’s Travel MBA program.

Melissa shares how she went from stay-at-home mom to thriving travel entrepreneur in under a year, building a business rooted in client care, intentional branding, and strategic support. With a natural ability to connect, she approached the industry with curiosity and commitment—leaning into GTN’s structure, community, and luxury partnerships from day one.

In this episode, Melissa reflects on the mindset shifts, systems, and behind-the-scenes work that helped her grow so quickly. From overcoming the fear of starting to confidently planning complex trips, she offers a thoughtful, relatable look at what it really takes to launch a successful luxury travel business.

Learn more about MN Signature Escapes at https://mnsignatureescapes.com/

This year, Meredith Calloway is kicking off The Travel Business Unpacked podcast with a conversation every travel advisor needs - whether you’re brand new, years in, or reconsidering your current setup. She’s joined by Shayna Zand, Managing Director of Host Agency Reviews, to break down what host agencies actually do, the most common misconceptions advisors still have, and how to choose the right “business home” for the long game.

And if you’re actively exploring hosts—or just want to learn how to evaluate your options more strategically—Shayna gives a full preview of Host Week, Host Agency Reviews’ free virtual event designed to help advisors compare models, get clarity, and ask smarter questions.

Register for Host Week (free): https://hostweek.hostagencyreviews.com/en/host-week(Host Week runs January 26–30, 2026.)

HAR: https://hostagencyreviews.com/

This week on The Travel Business Unpacked podcast, host Meredith Calloway is joined by Angela Isherwood, founder of Olive & Atlas Travel, for an honest conversation about what it really looks like to grow from passionate advisor to confident travel entrepreneur.

Angela shares her journey from a corporate, analytics-driven career into travel, how the disruption of the pandemic became a catalyst for redefining her business, and why learning how to run a business mattered just as much as learning how to sell travel. Together, Meredith and Angela unpack the less visible side of success, including hiring mistakes, building systems from scratch, letting go of control, and stepping fully into the role of owner instead of operator.

They also explore:

• The mindset shift from travel advisor to travel entrepreneur

• Hiring lessons learned the hard way, and what she would do differently now

• Why systems and processes are essential for scaling without burnout

• Balancing motherhood, boundaries, and business growth

• Positioning a brand intentionally in the luxury and ultra-luxury space

Angela’s story is a powerful reminder that growth is rarely linear, confidence is built through action, and sustainable success comes from clarity, community, and the willingness to evolve. This episode is especially resonant for advisors who know they want more freedom, better systems, and a business that supports the life they are building, not the other way around.

https://oliveandatlastravel.com/

This week on The Travel Business Unpacked podcast, host Meredith Calloway sits down with Patti Mills-Roy, founder of Mills-Roy Luxury Travel, longtime GTN community member, and a Top Producer who never set out to build a “big” business — she just wanted something meaningful (and fun) in her next chapter.After working as a international buyer, Patti eased into travel advising thinking it would be a small side project. Instead, through community, referrals, and a powerful “come with me” approach to group travel, she discovered a business that brought freedom, fulfillment, and surprising financial results.Whether you’re considering group travel, rebuilding momentum, or simply needing a reminder that this business can be deeply enjoyable, Patti’s story shows what’s possible when you combine intention, courage, and a whole lot of fun.https://www.millsroyluxurytravel.com/

This week on The Travel Business Unpacked podcast, host Meredith Calloway is joined by Jackie Wammock, founder of Travelera Partners and a graduate of GTN’s Travel MBA program. After a thriving 30-year career in commercial real estate, Jackie made a bold pivot into luxury travel advising, bringing with her a deep respect for client trust, project management expertise, and an unwavering commitment to doing things the right way.

In this episode, Jackie shares how a quiet moment on a sailboat in Croatia led to an unexpected career shift, how she brought her real estate background into her travel business, and how she built her business from a place of intention and professionalism. From her early perfection paralysis to leading successful safari groups in Kenya, Jackie’s story is a candid look at how business acumen and passion can come together to create something truly fulfilling.

They also explore:

• Why Jackie delayed early bookings to protect client trust
• How Travel MBA helped her build strong systems from the start
• What it looks like to outsource intentionally and protect your time
• The role of social media in building a personal brand
• How equestrian experiences are shaping her niche safari offerings

Whether you're a career-switcher or a seasoned advisor looking to grow with intention, Jackie’s story is a thoughtful reminder that building a successful travel business isn’t about doing everything; it's about doing the right things, at the right time, for the right clients.

In this episode of The Travel Business Unpacked podcast, Meredith Calloway sits down with Heather Vergara, founder of Show Them the World, to unpack her journey from corporate brand marketing to building a multi-million-dollar travel business.

Heather shares how her background in marketing and storytelling helped her attract clients organically through content, why shifting her focus to luxury travel was a turning point for growth, and how building the right team—starting with operational support—allowed her business to scale beyond the solo advisor stage. From navigating a host agency switch to hiring ahead of growth, Heather offers honest insights into the mindset shifts and decisions that made expansion possible.

Along the way, the conversation weaves in the personal side of entrepreneurship—raising well-traveled kids, designing a family travel calendar with intention, and experiencing those full-circle moments that remind you why you took the leap in the first place.

Show Them the World: https://www.showthemtheworld.com/

Gifted Travel Network: https://www.giftedtravelnetwork.com/

In this week's special milestone episode of The Travel Business Unpacked podcast, Meredith Calloway takes the hot seat and is interviewed by guest host Lybbi Hebel, GTN's Creative Marketing Strategist.

To mark the podcast’s 50th episode and one-year anniversary, Meredith reflects on the journey of how the podcast came to be, why spotlighting advisor stories matters so deeply, and what she’s learned along the way. In a warm and wide-ranging conversation, she shares the personal experiences, entrepreneurial pivots, and mindset shifts that shaped her path from Wall Street to luxury travel and co-founding GTN.

They also explore:

1. The power of story in building awareness for travel advising as a real business

2. Why community over competition has always been central to GTN’s model

3. How mindset went from a mystery to a core pillar of Meredith’s leadership

4. What “travel candy” is, and how it might show up in future episodes

5. Meredith’s first “pinch me” travel moment that made it all feel real

Whether you’ve been listening from the start or just discovered the podcast, this anniversary episode is a heartfelt look behind the scenes, as well as a reminder of what’s possible when passion meets intention.

Meredith is joined by Julie Ann Hargett, owner of H Luxury Travel and GTN Top Producer. Julie Ann shares how she went from planning a personal anniversary trip to building a referral-only luxury travel business, all while raising two kids and navigating rapid industry shifts. In this episode, Julie Ann opens up about the challenges of growing a high-touch agency, what it really takes to deliver luxury service, and how she built lasting client relationships rooted in trust, personalization, and consistency. She also reflects on the importance of setting boundaries, hiring support before burnout, and giving herself permission to pursue both a successful business and a fulfilling family life.

H Luxury Travel: https://hluxurytravel.com/

In this week's special episode of The Travel Business Unpacked podcast, host Meredith Calloway was joined live at The 7-Figure Travel Business Summit by three advisors known for their standout branding. During this dynamic panel conversation, these advisors shared how they turned personal vision into powerful brand identities that not only feel luxurious, but deeply aligned with their values and voice. From finding the right designer to knowing when to pivot, they offer honest insights into the creative process behind building a brand that truly resonates.

They also explore:

• What it takes to create a brand that reflects both passion and professionalism

• Lessons learned from collaborating with branding experts

• How to evolve your brand as your business and goals shift

• Signs your brand may be due for a refresh

• The balance between aesthetics and clarity in luxury branding

Whether you’re starting from scratch or reimagining your brand’s future, this conversation is full of practical takeaways and creative inspiration.

Featured Advisors:

Jen Campbell Boles, Explore More Travel Co.🔗https://exploremoretravelco.com/

Erica Davies, The Well Traveled Soul🔗https://thewelltraveledsoul.com/

Margaret Critz, For The Good Times Travel.

🔗https://forthegoodtimestravel.com/

In this episode, Meredith Calloway talks with Caroline Hollar, GTN’s Director of Marketing, about her journey from fresh college graduate to TravelPulse 40 Under 40 honoree. Caroline shares what nearly a decade inside Gifted Travel Network has taught her about the evolution of travel entrepreneurship, the rise of next-gen advisors, and how AI is reshaping marketing and creativity across the industry.Together, they explore the mindset behind facing fear - whether that’s launching a business or boarding a plane - and what it takes to build confidence, embrace change, and carve out a career that truly takes you places - sometimes literally. Caroline's 40 under 40 profile: https://www.travelpulse.com/40-under-40/2025/caroline-hollar-gifted-travel-network

This week on The Travel Business Unpacked podcast, host Meredith Calloway is joined by Laney Sachs, founder of Ortensia Blu Travel Adventures and GTN Top Producer. What began as a side hustle importing olive oil from Italy turned into a thriving travel business rooted in Laney’s deep love for Italy, her eye for detail, and her commitment to doing things right.

In this episode, she shares how her early group trips grew organically from a blog and Facebook posts, why working with DMCs transformed her business (and her sanity), and how she intentionally built a team to support both growth and balance. From finding the right clients to monetizing group travel from the very beginning, Laney’s approach is a masterclass in staying grounded while scaling smart.

They also explore:

• Why working with DMCs is a non-negotiable in luxury travel
• What made Laney a natural fit for “come with me” group strategies
• The confidence it takes to sell destinations you haven’t visited
• How she built a referral-based business from scratch
• Her hiring journey—and how she found the right team members
• The real mindset shift behind sustainable success

Whether you’re just starting out or preparing to scale, Laney’s story is a powerful reminder that there’s no one right way to build a fulfilling travel business—just the way that’s right for you.

🔗Ortensia Blu Travel Adventures: https://ortensiablutraveladventures.com/