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:

1. The power of story in building awareness for travel advising as a real business

2. Why community over competition has always been central to GTN’s model

3. How mindset went from a mystery to a core pillar of Meredith’s leadership

4. What “travel candy” is, and how it might show up in future episodes

5. Meredith’s first “pinch me” travel moment that made it all feel real

Whether 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 professionalism

• Lessons learned from collaborating with branding experts

• How to evolve your brand as your business and goals shift

• Signs your brand may be due for a refresh

• The balance between aesthetics and clarity in luxury branding

Whether 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 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.