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/

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 employed
• The value of networking intentionally, and how Meghann uses tools like the Scout Guide to drive growth
• Building trust and credibility with luxury clients, even before you have the portfolio
• Learning from early business mistakes, including process gaps and boundaries with clients

Whether 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 sessions

Whether 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 clients

• How group travel became a natural niche

• Why partnership and mindset are key to long-term success

• Her “pinch me” moments—from Cappadocia to business class flights

Whether 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.

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 advisor
• How Royal Caribbean has invested in supporting advisors long-term
• The cruise industry’s biggest opportunities for growth and new-to-cruise clients
• Innovation at sea, from Perfect Day at CocoCay to Icon of the Seas
• Why entertainment, luxury suites, and even shipboard dogs are redefining the cruise experience
• How 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.

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.

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/

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:

1. What it really takes to grow from solo advisor to thriving team

2. The challenges and rewards of running a business with family

3. Why referrals and long-term client relationships drive sustainable growth

4. The evolution of group travel and how to make it a profitable niche

5. 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/