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.