The Travel Business Unpacked

The Travel Business Unpacked
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Welcome to The Travel Business Unpacked, the podcast by Gifted Travel Network, the premier host agency for luxury travel advisors. Hosted by Meredith Calloway, this podcast is your gateway to discovering how to turn a love for travel into a thriving career. Explore inspiring stories, expert insights, and proven strategies for building a sustainable and lucrative travel business. Whether you're dreaming of making a career leap or seeking fresh ideas to grow your existing travel venture, this is the podcast for you! Learn more about Gifted Travel Network: https://www.giftedtravelnetwork.com/

  1. 5 DAYS AGO

    Scaling Smart with Katie Crago: Team, Service, and Growth

    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.

    53 min

  2. 22 SEPT

    Cruising, Kindness, and the Future of Travel with Industry Icon Vicki Freed

    This week on The Travel Business Unpacked podcast, host Meredith Calloway is joined by Vicki Freed, Royal Caribbean International’s Senior Vice President of Sales, Trade Support and Service. With a career spanning more than four decades, Vicki has become one of the most respected leaders in cruising and one of the strongest advocates for travel advisors. In this episode, Vicki reflects on her path from selling travel in her early 20s to leading sales at two of the world’s biggest cruise lines. She shares why relationships have always mattered more than titles, how Royal Caribbean stood by advisors during the pandemic, and why she believes kindness and compassion should guide leadership. They also explore: The evolution of the travel advisor’s role from agent to trusted advisorHow Royal Caribbean has invested in supporting advisors long-termThe cruise industry’s biggest opportunities for growth and new-to-cruise clientsInnovation at sea, from Perfect Day at CocoCay to Icon of the SeasWhy entertainment, luxury suites, and even shipboard dogs are redefining the cruise experienceHow perspective, gratitude, and “mental muscles” help leaders navigate stress Vicki also shares the philosophy that drives her work: travel advisors aren’t just booking trips, they’re memory doctors, creating life-changing moments that clients will never forget.

    45 min

  3. 15 SEPT

    Travel MBA Unpacked: Insights from the Inside with Stephanie Jones

    What’s the difference between starting your own travel business and joining an existing agency as a booking member? In this episode, Meredith Calloway sits down with Stephanie Jones, Membership Development Specialist at Gifted Travel Network, to unpack the two paths into the travel industry and what it takes to succeed. From her firsthand experience as both a booking member and now the person who interviews prospective Travel MBA applicants, Stephanie shares insights on Jumpstart, selling luxury travel, and building lasting relationships. This week on The Travel Business Unpacked podcast, Meredith is joined by Stephanie Jones, Membership Development Specialist at Gifted Travel Network. Stephanie came to GTN after her own experience as a booking member with The Travel Boutique, where she discovered both the rewards and realities of working as a travel advisor. Now, she’s the first point of contact for aspiring advisors exploring GTN’s Travel MBA program. In this episode, Stephanie shares her unique perspective on the two distinct paths into the travel industry, building your own business versus joining as a booking member, and why both have an important place in the profession. She also reflects on what she’s learned from auditing the Travel MBA program, including the emotional impact of Jumpstart, the value of relationships in luxury travel, and why selling early is essential to long-term success. Stephanie also shares her own adventurous spirit—from becoming a licensed pilot to planning her dream trips—and how her journey continues to shape her role in helping new advisors take their first steps.

    40 min

  4. 8 SEPT

    How This Busy Mom Built a Luxury Travel Business Designed for Busy Moms

    This week on The Travel Business Unpacked podcast, host Meredith Calloway is joined by Christina Vieira of Showcase the World Travel. What began as a Disney-focused side hustle quickly grew into a thriving family travel business with a clear brand, strong systems, and a loyal client base. Christina shares how she built her business around busy moms, created a funnel that works, and turned marketing into her zone of genius. In this episode, Christina explains why strategy matters more than instant gratification, how she grew through a pandemic-era launch, and what it really takes to scale with a team. She also talks candidly about balancing business ownership with motherhood, and why she believes in teaching kids to travel early and often. They also explore: How to design lead magnets and funnels that actually convert Turning Disney clients into long-term, repeat travelers The role of automation and email sequences in building relationships Charging fees confidently in a crowded Disney market Building a team that aligns with your core values Why systems, boundaries, and trust are the keys to growth From marketing brilliance to meaningful family moments, Christina’s story is a practical, inspiring look at building a business that supports both clients and your life. 🔗Showcase The World Travel: https://showcasetheworld.com/

    49 min

  5. 25 AUG

    Family, Trust, and a Decade of Creating VIP Travel Experiences

    This week on The Travel Business Unpacked podcast, host Meredith Calloway is joined by Tammy and Justin Murphy, the mother–son duo behind VIP Travel Experience. Over the past decade, they’ve built a thriving, referral-based luxury travel business rooted in trust, creativity, and shared passion. What started as Tammy taking over a small agency from her brother has evolved into a multi-million-dollar company with a team of seven, top producer status, and clients who return year after year. In this episode, Tammy and Justin reflect on the lessons of building a family-run business, from balancing roles and responsibilities to navigating growth and hiring. They share how Tammy’s early passion for Italy shaped their brand, how Justin brought fresh energy and detail-oriented expertise, and why their group trips have become a signature part of their success. They also explore: What it really takes to grow from solo advisor to thriving team The challenges and rewards of running a business with family Why referrals and long-term client relationships drive sustainable growth The evolution of group travel and how to make it a profitable niche Their most meaningful “pinch me” travel moments Whether you’re dreaming of bringing family into your business or curious about scaling beyond solo, Tammy and Justin’s story is a candid look at what it means to build a business that lasts. 🔗VIP Travel Experience: https://www.viptravelexperience.com/

    50 min

  6. 18 AUG

    ASTA Unpacked: Advocacy, Education & Elevation for Travel Advisors featuring Zane Kerby

    Behind every travel advisor’s success is an organization fighting for the profession. Meredith chats with ASTA President & CEO, Zane Kerby, about why ASTA matters, how it’s protecting advisors at every level, and the real stories of wins that keep this industry thriving. Learn more: https://www.asta.org/

    50 min

  7. 11 AUG

    40 Ships and Counting: How Celeste Became "The Cruise Matchmaker"

    This week on The Travel Business Unpacked podcast, host Meredith Calloway is joined by Travel MBA alum, longtime GTN mentor, and cruise expert, Celeste Auger Munshi of Indulgent Voyages. In this episode, Celeste shares how she moved from corporate structure to entrepreneurship, why cruises are one of the most versatile and lucrative products for advisors to sell, and how she has built a successful business while navigating the realities of being a caregiver. Topics covered in this episode include: Dispelling common cruise misconceptions and finding the right fit for every traveler How to grow a business through referrals, repeat clients, and deep relationships Designing a sustainable business model around your capacity and priorities The unique flexibility of travel advising for different life stages and needs From multi-generational vacations to once-in-a-lifetime expeditions, Celeste’s story shows how you can create meaningful travel experiences for clients while building a business that works for your unique life circumstances. 🔗Indulgent Voyages: https://www.indulgentvoyages.com/

    51 min

  8. 4 AUG

    How Stacey and Fred Baker Built their Travel Business On Purpose, With Purpose

    What happens when you blend a deep love for travel, a calling for community, and a background in ministry? This week on The Travel Business Unpacked podcast, host Meredith Calloway is joined by Stacey and Fred Baker of Dogwood Travel Designs. In this episode, you’ll hear how the Bakers went from Disney family vacations to full-time travel entrepreneurship, carving out a niche in luxury faith-based group travel. They share how their son’s unique needs inspired Stacey’s start, how Fred’s pastoral background shapes their business vision, and how they’ve grown into a powerful team with complementary strengths. They also unpack mindset shifts around money and faith, the long game of growing group travel, and how the right community makes all the difference, especially when life throws you a curveball. Whether you're a solo advisor or building something with a partner, this conversation offers thoughtful insight into what it really takes to build a meaningful, sustainable travel business.Website: https://www.dogwoodtravel.com/Instagram: www.instagram.com/dogwoodtraveldesigns/

    49 min
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About

Welcome to The Travel Business Unpacked, the podcast by Gifted Travel Network, the premier host agency for luxury travel advisors. Hosted by Meredith Calloway, this podcast is your gateway to discovering how to turn a love for travel into a thriving career. Explore inspiring stories, expert insights, and proven strategies for building a sustainable and lucrative travel business. Whether you're dreaming of making a career leap or seeking fresh ideas to grow your existing travel venture, this is the podcast for you! Learn more about Gifted Travel Network: https://www.giftedtravelnetwork.com/

Information

  • Creator
    The Travel Business Unpacked
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    41
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Travel Business Unpacked
  • Show Website
    The Travel Business Unpacked

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