TIQUE Talks: The Business Podcast for Travel Advisors

128. The Parallels Between Project Management & Travel Advising with Cara Donleavy


Listen Later

What do construction sites and luxury vacations have in common? A lot more than you’d think! This episode explores the parallels between project management and travel advising with Curated by Cara founder and Travel + Leisure Rising Star, Cara Donleavy. Cara shares how her background managing multi-million dollar construction sites laid the foundation for her booming luxury travel business. From timelines and budgeting to risk management and client communication, she brings a project-based mindset to every itinerary she creates, ensuring each trip runs as seamlessly behind the scenes as it feels to her clients. Hear how she transitioned from part-time to full-time advisor, the systems and tools that keep her business running smoothly, and how she approaches budgeting, boundaries, and scaling with intention. Press play to learn why every trip deserves a project plan, and how that mindset can take your business to the next level!

 

About Cara Donleavy:

Cara is the founder and proud owner of Curated By Cara, a luxury travel company specializing in bespoke itinerary design. Since launching her business in 2022, she has been dedicated to crafting unforgettable experiences tailored to each traveler’s unique style and preferences. Based in Boston, MA, Cara works with families, couples, and groups to curate dream vacations that are seamless, inspiring, and stress-free. At Curated By Cara, the mission is simple: take the stress out of travel planning and replace it with pure excitement. The team handles all the details—research, booking, and beyond—specializing in luxury accommodations and thoughtfully curated experiences you won’t find just anywhere.

 

curatedbycaratravel.com

@curatedbycaratravel

 

 

Today we will cover:

  •  (04:30) How project management laid the groundwork for a travel business
  •  (07:20) Applying timelines, budgets, and structure to luxury itineraries
  •  (19:40) Risk management in travel; planning for the unexpected
  •  (21:15) Cara’s client communication process
  •  (28:25) Handling client pushback and setting expectations
  •  (33:50) Attracting and working with high-profile clients
  •  (36:10) Implementing boundaries
  •  (40:25) Recommended tools: CRMs, branding, and automation that support growth
  •  (42:45) Growing your team and building a scalable business
  •  (46:40) Balancing creativity and processes
  •  

     

    JOIN THE NICHE COMMUNITY

    An interactive membership for travel advisors wanting the community, education, & support to grow their business.

     

    VISIT THE TEMPLATE SHOP

    Create an enjoyable booking experience for every one of your travel clients.

     

    EXPLORE THE PROGRAMS

    Self-paced style courses for the modern travel advisor.

     

    FOLLOW ALONG ON INSTAGRAM @TiqueHQ

    ...more
    View all episodesView all episodes
    Download on the App Store

    TIQUE Talks: The Business Podcast for Travel AdvisorsBy Robin Bradley and Jennifer Jacob

    • 4.9
    • 4.9
    • 4.9
    • 4.9
    • 4.9

    4.9

    129 ratings


    More shows like TIQUE Talks: The Business Podcast for Travel Advisors

    View all
    The Chalene Show | Diet, Fitness & Life Balance by Chalene Johnson

    The Chalene Show | Diet, Fitness & Life Balance

    7,264 Listeners

    Travel Agent Chatter | Friday 15 by Host Agency Reviews

    Travel Agent Chatter | Friday 15

    82 Listeners

    TravelPulse Podcast by TravelPulse

    TravelPulse Podcast

    124 Listeners

    The TIN Lounge by Korrine Johnson & Theresa Chu-Bermudez

    The TIN Lounge

    39 Listeners

    Masters in Travel by Whitney Shindelar and Brianna Glenn

    Masters in Travel

    87 Listeners

    The Lounge by Travefy by Travefy

    The Lounge by Travefy

    9 Listeners

    Trade Secrets Podcast by Travel Weekly and TravelAge West

    Trade Secrets Podcast

    32 Listeners

    The Art Of Selling Travel Podcast by Glenda Beagle

    The Art Of Selling Travel Podcast

    28 Listeners

    7 Figure Cruise Business by Korrine Johnson

    7 Figure Cruise Business

    23 Listeners

    The Social Takeoff Podcast with Kelli Hayes Smith by Kelli Hayes Smith

    The Social Takeoff Podcast with Kelli Hayes Smith

    39 Listeners

    Strategic Travel Entrepreneur: Business Tips for Travel Agents/Advisors, Travel Agency Owners, and Travel Business Owners by Rita M. Perez

    Strategic Travel Entrepreneur: Business Tips for Travel Agents/Advisors, Travel Agency Owners, and Travel Business Owners

    25 Listeners

    Flight Path by Tern by Tern Software Inc

    Flight Path by Tern

    6 Listeners

    The No BS Travel Advisor™️ by Marcie Muensterman

    The No BS Travel Advisor™️

    51 Listeners

    The Travel Business Unpacked by The Travel Business Unpacked

    The Travel Business Unpacked

    8 Listeners