The Travel Business Unpacked

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 travelersFor 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 spaceAngela’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 trustHow Travel MBA helped her build strong systems from the startWhat it looks like to outsource intentionally and protect your timeThe role of social media in building a personal brandHow equestrian experiences are shaping her niche safari offeringsWhether 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:The power of story in building awareness for travel advising as a real businessWhy community over competition has always been central to GTN’s modelHow mindset went from a mystery to a core pillar of Meredith’s leadershipWhat “travel candy” is, and how it might show up in future episodesMeredith’s first “pinch me” travel moment that made it all feel realWhether 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 professionalismLessons learned from collaborating with branding expertsHow to evolve your brand as your business and goals shiftSigns your brand may be due for a refreshThe balance between aesthetics and clarity in luxury brandingWhether 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 travelWhat made Laney a natural fit for “come with me” group strategiesThe confidence it takes to sell destinations you haven’t visitedHow she built a referral-based business from scratchHer hiring journey—and how she found the right team membersThe real mindset shift behind sustainable successWhether 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/

This week on The Travel Business Unpacked podcast, host Meredith Calloway is joined by Joan Qualls of Tasteful Voyages, a longtime Travel MBA alum with a sharp business background and a deep love for travel. After a successful 30-year career in healthcare finance, Joan could have comfortably retired, but she instead chose to build a travel business from the ground up. Joan shares how she accidentally stumbled into the industry, how her analytical mindset and mentoring instincts shaped her success, and why helping others experience the world brings her the most joy. From polar bears in Greenland to river cruises inspired by a magazine ad, her story isn't just proof that it’s never too late to start something new, but also that your previous career might be your biggest asset. They also explore:- How the Travel MBA program laid the foundation for Joan’s entrepreneurial mindset- The value of luxury partnerships,even for budget-conscious clients- Why Virtuoso membership has been a “game changer” for her growth- How Joan defines success on her own terms- Her role as a connector, mentor, and trusted resource in the GTN community- Advice for career-changers navigating doubt or imposter syndrome Whether you're building your business alongside a full-time job or starting over after retirement, Joan’s story is a reminder that curiosity, generosity, and community are powerful tools for long-term success.https://www.tastefulvoyages.com/ https://www.instagram.com/tasteful_voyages/

This week on The Travel Business Unpacked podcast, host Meredith Calloway is joined by Meghann Bjarnesen, co-founder of Besté Travel Design. With a corporate background in health insurance and a consulting mindset, Meghann brings a refreshingly strategic and systems-driven perspective to building a travel business, all while still working a full-time job.In this episode, Meghann shares how leaving an executive role led her to entrepreneurship, and why structure, time-blocking, and clear boundaries have been key to growing her agency sustainably. She opens up about the realities of starting a business with a close friend, finding clarity in complementary roles, and embracing the slower, often nonlinear path to seven-figure sales.They also explore:What it really looks like to run a travel business while fully employedThe value of networking intentionally, and how Meghann uses tools like the Scout Guide to drive growthBuilding trust and credibility with luxury clients, even before you have the portfolioLearning from early business mistakes, including process gaps and boundaries with clientsHow writing and content creation have become a quiet superpower in her marketing strategyWhether you’re juggling multiple roles or building your business in phases, Meghann’s journey is a powerful reminder that success doesn’t always follow a straight line. It’s about using your strengths, staying open to pivots, and knowing when to move at your own pace.

Curious about the 7-Figure Travel Business Summit and whether it’s right for you? In this solo episode, Meredith Calloway pulls back the curtain on GTN’s highly anticipated 3-day virtual event happening November 18–20.Whether you’re dreaming about turning your passion for travel into a legitimate career or you’re an established advisor stuck in the “accidental hobbyist” trap, this summit was designed with you in mind. Meredith answers the most frequently asked questions, shares the inspiration behind bringing this industry-wide event to life, and walks through exactly what attendees can expect—from the game-changing content to the Partner Lounge lineup.You’ll hear:- What the summit actually is (and isn’t)- Who it’s for (and who it’s not)- Why the time to go all in on luxury travel is now- A preview of the featured topics, speakers, and luxury partner sessionsWhether you're brand new, pivoting into luxury, or looking to finally scale, this episode will help you decide if this is your next best step. Spoiler alert: it probably is.🎟️ Learn more & register: https://www.giftedtravelnetwork.com/events/summit

This week on The Travel Business Unpacked podcast, host Meredith Calloway is joined by Kim Esté, co-founder of Besté Travel Designs. A former high school educator who once led student trips through Europe, Kim shares how a casual conversation with a friend sparked a complete career transformation—and how she’s built a thriving travel business in her 60s.In this candid conversation, Kim reflects on what it really takes to go from part-time planner to million-dollar producer, the emotional highs and mindset hurdles along the way, and why creating a brand rooted in your identity matters. She also opens up about what it’s like to build a business with a best friend, how community played a role in her success, and why she’s more confident than ever in the future of her travel career.They also explore:How Kim built momentum in a 55+ community The role of rebranding in attracting luxury clientsHow group travel became a natural nicheWhy partnership and mindset are key to long-term successHer “pinch me” moments—from Cappadocia to business class flightsWhether you’re pivoting careers or growing your luxury travel business, Kim’s story is a grounded, inspiring look at what’s possible with heart, strategy, and a strong support system.

Meredith sits down with Top Producer Katie Crago of KHC Grand Travel to explore how she turned a love for Disney into the foundation of a thriving luxury travel business. Katie shares how she escaped the “accidental hobbyist” trap, defined her ideal client, and built a small but mighty team to support growth. They dive into mindset shifts, delegation strategies, and the three phases of the sales cycle - plus the partner relationships that open doors to those unforgettable, pinch-me moments for clients.