Hosting Challenges in 2026

Beyond the Booking: Better Systems in Your Travel AgencyFeeling overwhelmed by bookings, client follow-ups, and daily operations? Scaling your travel agency isn’t always about hiring more people—it may start with building smarter systems.In this episode of Bliss to Abundance, Cyndi sits down with Christy, a travel agency owner and operations expert, to discuss how travel entrepreneurs can streamline workflows, use technology more effectively, and create a business that grows without sacrificing their time or client experience.From setting up a CRM and automating repetitive tasks to knowing when to hire and where human oversight matters most, this conversation explores practical ways to improve your agency’s operations. They also discuss using AI strategically, maintaining authentic marketing, and learning from larger businesses to create more efficient systems for your own agency.Resources Mentioned:Wanderlust Campus scholarshipKey Topics Covered:Why a well-organized CRM is essential for managing client relationshipsHow automation can reduce repetitive tasks and improve client communicationWhen to hire an assistant versus bringing on another travel advisorHow to streamline workflows, track commissions, and protect your businessWhy human oversight is still essential when using AI and technologyHow to create a smoother client journey through personalized systemsWays to improve lead conversion and identify opportunities for growthHow better operations can support work-life balance and long-term success

From Travel Dream to Thriving AgencySometimes the biggest business breakthrough starts with simply being willing to ask, “What would it look like if I took this to the next level?”In this episode of Bliss to Abundance, Cyndi sits down with Kristi from  Anchor Travel Experts to talk about her journey from corporate employee and aspiring Disney travel advisor to successful independent travel agency owner.Kristi shares how a love of planning Disney vacations first sparked the idea of becoming a travel advisor back in 2008. Years later, she finally took action, starting her travel business while still working her corporate job. After reaching $200,000 in sales, she realized there was still so much she didn't know—and that recognizing those knowledge gaps became the catalyst for her next level of growth.From completing Careers on Vacation® to advancing into Wanderlust CEO, Kristi explains how education, mentorship, community, and the right systems gave her the confidence to build a business capable of replacing her corporate income. She also shares how working with a financial advisor helped her thoughtfully plan her transition from employee to full-time entrepreneur.Resources Mentioned:⁠⁠Wanderlust CampusCareers on VacationWanderlust CEOKey Topics Covered:Turning a passion for Disney and travel into a travel advisor careerStarting a travel business while working a corporate jobRecognizing knowledge gaps as a business ownerThe value of travel industry education and certificationCareers on Vacation® and Wanderlust CEOBuilding confidence through mentorship and communityTransitioning from employee to full-time entrepreneurFinancial planning before leaving a corporate careerDeveloping a business-owner mindsetInvesting in education, mentorship, and business growthBuilding strong legal, financial, and operational systemsLearning from experienced entrepreneurs and shortening the learning curve

The family travel niche gets a lot bigger when you stop selling trips and start designing experiences around each child.In this episode of Bliss to Abundance, Rebecca, co-owner of award-winning Meadowbrook Travel, shares how she and her partner Lee approach family travel by looking beyond the destination and focusing on the individual needs, interests, ages, and personalities of each child.From toddler-friendly adventures to teen bucket-list experiences, Rebecca explains how travel advisors can create more meaningful family vacations by considering school schedules, hobbies, favorite books, movies, TV shows, and each child’s natural curiosity. The result is travel that feels more personal, educational, and memorable for the entire family.Rebecca also shares practical strategies for working with busy parents, including consult calls, proactive planning reminders, shoulder-season opportunities, and timing trips around school breaks and major holidays. For travel advisors looking to strengthen their family travel niche, the conversation offers valuable insight into how thoughtful questions and personalized recommendations can turn a standard vacation into an experience families remember for years.Resources Mentioned:⁠Wanderlust CampusKey Topics Covered:Designing family travel around each child’s age, interests, and personalityMatching destinations to a child’s energy level and curiosityUsing books, movies, TV shows, hobbies, and school subjects to inspire tripsWhy one-on-one parent-and-child travel can build confidence and independenceTurning travel into real-world learning experiencesHelping families navigate travel planning with confidenceUsing consult calls to better understand family travel needs Planning around school schedules, spring break, summer, and holidaysUsing shoulder season to avoid crowds and potentially save moneyMarketing family travel to busy parentsCreating a more personalized client experienceGrowing a travel advisor niche through thoughtful, specialized serviceRebecca is the co-owner of **Meadowbrook Travel**, an award-winning travel agency recognized as one of the top three agencies in Minnesota. She and her partner Lee are double-certified through **Careers on Vacation®** and **Wanderlust CEO**, and they also serve as mentors within the Wanderlust Campus community.

In this episode of Bliss to Abundance, Cyndi welcomes Rhonda from Strategic Taxes, a certified travel professional and certified travel agency owner, for an in-depth conversation about accounting, tax planning, and financial strategies for travel advisors.Rhonda and Cyndi break down what new business owners need to know when setting up their travel business, from choosing the right business entity and separating personal and business finances to maintaining accurate records and working with qualified tax professionals. They also explore common deductions travel advisors may be able to take, including home office expenses, business travel, mileage, equipment, healthcare, and other costs associated with running a travel business.The conversation goes beyond deductions to explore the importance of thinking like a business owner. Rhonda shares how proper financial planning can support business growth, future purchases, and long-term financial goals while helping advisors become better stewards of their businesses.Resources Mentioned:Wanderlust CampusWander Beyond AfricaKey Topics Covered:Choosing the right business entity for your travel businessWhy separating personal and business finances mattersRecord keeping and staying organized for tax timeThe difference between being a contractor and operating as a business ownerCommon business deductions for travel advisorsHome office and business-use-of-home deductionsUnderstanding business travel deductionsHealthcare expenses and business structure considerationsPlanning deductions around major financial goalsWhy showing a profit can matter when preparing for major purchasesHow to use financial numbers to plan for the rest of the yearBuilding better financial habits and business-owner mindsetWorking with accountants, CPAs, tax professionals, and other financial professionals

Luxury travel continues to thrive, even as other travel segments experience shifts in the market. In this episode of the Bliss to Abundance Podcast, Cyndi sits down with Jody Ryland of Cruise & Travel Experts to discuss why luxury travel is booming and how travel advisors can successfully enter and grow in this profitable niche.From world cruises and African safaris to building relationships with high-net-worth clients, they share practical strategies for delivering exceptional service, creating unforgettable client experiences, and marketing luxury travel effectively. They also explore the value of host agencies, consortia partnerships like Signature Travel Network, and why relationship marketing and direct mail continue to outperform many traditional digital strategies.Whether you're new to selling luxury travel or looking to elevate your business, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you attract premium clients and confidently position yourself as a trusted luxury travel advisor.Resources Mentioned:Wanderlust Campus Cruise and Travel ExpertsKey Topics Covered:Why luxury travel continues to grow despite economic uncertaintyTrending luxury experiences, including world cruises, Africa, and expedition travelHow to serve high-net-worth clients with a concierge mindsetBuilding trust through expertise, relationships, and personalized serviceThe importance of planning luxury travel well in advanceHow Signature Travel Network supports advisors with exclusive amenities, technology, and marketingMarketing strategies for attracting luxury clients, including direct mail and relationship marketingWhy advisors should stop selling from their own budget and start selling from the client's perspectiveCreating memorable client experiences through insider knowledge and attention to detailTips for transitioning into the luxury travel market as a new advisor

In this episode of Bliss to Abundance, Cyndi sits down with Gabe, co-founder of Toggle Travel and recipient of ASTA's Entrepreneur of the Year Award, to discuss how data and technology are transforming the travel industry. Gabe shares the inspiring story behind Toggle Travel, the challenges they solved for travel agencies, and how business intelligence, reporting, AI, and automation are helping agency owners make smarter decisions, improve profitability, and better serve their clients. Whether you're an independent advisor or managing a growing agency, this conversation offers valuable insights into using data to build a stronger, more scalable travel business.Resources Mentioned:Toggle TravelWanderlust CampusKey Topics Mentioned:The founder story behind Toggle Travel and winning ASTA's Entrepreneur of the YearWhy reporting and business intelligence matter for travel agenciesHow agencies can use data to improve profitability and performanceCommon reporting and commission mistakes agencies don't realize they're makingThe importance of quality control and clean CRM dataBenchmarking advisor performance to drive growthUsing AI to uncover client opportunities and business insightsFuture innovations, including lead tracking, automation, and corporate reportingHow agencies can make better marketing decisions with data

Starting a travel business is exciting—but where do you begin? In this episode of Bliss to Abundance, Cyndi Williams is joined by Lionel from Outside Agents for an honest conversation about what it really takes to build a successful travel business. Together, they cut through the social media hype, discuss common misconceptions about becoming a travel advisor, and share practical advice for choosing the right host agency, building a strong business foundation, and creating a brand that lasts. Whether you're just exploring the industry or looking to strengthen your business, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you make confident decisions.Resources Mentioned:⁠⁠⁠Wanderlust Campus ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Careers on Vacation Enrollment Information⁠⁠⁠Key Topics Covered:The reality of starting a travel business vs. influencer marketingWhat every new travel advisor should know before choosing a host agencyUnderstanding the 1099 independent contractor modelCommon red flags and pitfalls to avoid when selecting a hostWhy branding your own business matters from day oneThe importance of business planning, systems, and technologyEssential tools every travel advisor should have, including CRM and AIBuilding strong supplier relationships for long-term successCreating a business that aligns with your personal goals and vision

In this episode of Bliss to Abundance, Cyndi sits down with Jamie from Tembo Wild to explore why Africa is one of the most exciting and profitable niches travel advisors can add to their business.From growing tourism demand and high-commission opportunities to conservation, culture, and life-changing client experiences, they discuss what makes Africa such a powerful destination for both travelers and advisors. They also share how travel professionals can confidently break into the African market, the support available through Tembo Wild, and what participants can expect from the upcoming Wander Beyond Africa Retreat. Whether you're looking to expand your niche, increase your revenue, or create more transformational experiences for your clients, this episode will inspire you to think bigger and wander farther. 🌍✨Resources Mentioned:⁠⁠⁠Wanderlust Campus ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Careers on Vacation Enrollment Information⁠⁠⁠Key Topics CoveredWhy Africa is the fastest-growing tourism market in the worldThe revenue and commission opportunities available for travel advisorsHow to confidently sell Africa—even if you've never been thereThe most popular destinations for first-time Africa specialists, including Kenya, Tanzania, and South AfricaThe role of conservation, wildlife, and cultural experiences in creating transformational travelHow firsthand destination experience helps advisors attract and convert clientsThe rise of small-group and advisor-led travel experiencesWhat makes Tembo Wild a unique partner for travel advisorsBehind-the-scenes details of the Wander Beyond Africa Retreat

What does it really take to navigate your first year in business?In this episode of Bliss to Abundance, Cyndi welcomes Chris Stella, a certified travel professional and agency owner of Pinpoints Travel, to share her journey from hosted advisor to independent agency owner. Chris opens up about making the leap to independence in just three weeks, the challenges she faced during her first year, and the lessons that helped her build a stronger business.Together, they discuss the importance of organization, time management, creating systems, and staying focused on your own goals instead of getting caught up in everyone else's expectations. They also explore how different seasons of life impact entrepreneurship, from raising children to becoming an empty nester and grandparent.Resources Mentioned:⁠Wanderlust Campus⁠⁠Careers on Vacation Enrollment Information⁠Key Topics Covered:Transitioning from a host agency to becoming an independent agency ownerWhat to expect during your first year in businessBuilding systems and processes for long-term growthThe importance of organization and operational efficiencyTime management strategies for entrepreneurs

In this episode, Cyndi sits down with Certified Travel Agency Owner ® Heather Schramm to discuss one of the most important foundations of a successful travel business: workflows and organization.Together, they explore why operational workflows are critical for growth, efficiency, and delivering an exceptional client experience. Heather shares practical insights on which workflows travel advisors should prioritize first, how to begin building systems even if none currently exist, and how to avoid common organizational pitfalls as your business scales.The conversation also dives into the balance between automation and personalization, including where travel professionals should incorporate their unique brand voice and personal touch within their workflow processes to create a more memorable client experience.Whether you're a new advisor creating systems for the first time or an established agency owner looking to streamline operations, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to help you build a more organized, scalable, and service-focused travel business.Resources Mentioned:Wanderlust CampusCareers on Vacation Enrollment InformationKey Topics Covered:The importance of workflows in a growing travel businessWhere to start when creating operational systemsEssential workflows every travel advisor should implementOrganization strategies for scaling efficientlyPersonalization vs. automation in client serviceBranding opportunities within your workflow processImproving the overall client experience through systems and structure