In this special bonus episode of The Travel Business Unpacked podcast, host Meredith Calloway is joined by Shannon Cunningham, Director of Engagement at Gifted Travel Network, to celebrate Global Travel Advisor Day and GTN’s Travel Advisor Appreciation Week.

Together, Meredith and Shannon shine a light on the heart, resilience, and behind-the-scenes work that make travel advisors so valuable. They reflect on the entrepreneurial journey advisors navigate every day, the importance of celebrating both small and big wins, and the role community plays in making this career feel less isolating and more fulfilling.

This episode is a heartfelt reminder that travel advisors are not just planning trips. They are building businesses, advocating for clients, creating meaningful experiences, and helping move the travel industry forward. Whether you’re a new advisor or a seasoned business owner, this conversation is a celebration of you and the work you do.

📖 Free Chapter: https://tinyurl.com/4pbvtr8fTBU

Live Tickets: giftedtravelnetwork.com/event

Promocode: PODCAST

This week on The Travel Business Unpacked podcast, host Meredith Calloway is joined by Carol McKee of McKee Travel, a Travel MBA alum, GTN mentor, and seven-figure travel entrepreneur.

Carol shares how her background as a CFO and business owner shaped the way she approached building a travel business, and why so many advisors miss the mark when they focus only on trip planning instead of the business behind it. From understanding your numbers to creating systems that support growth, this conversation pulls back the curtain on what it actually takes to build something sustainable.

They also explore:

• Why many advisors stay stuck in the break-even phase

• How to think about revenue, expenses, and real profitability

• The impact of sales yield and where money is often left on the table

• Why systems and processes matter more than most realize

• What to consider before scaling or building a team

Carol’s perspective is both practical and direct, offering a clear reminder that success in this industry is not just about selling travel, it’s about running a business.

If you’ve been busy but not seeing the financial results you expected, this episode will challenge how you think about growth and help you refocus on what actually moves your business forward.

Sign up for TBU LIVE with promocode PODCAST for $20 off your ticket: https://www.giftedtravelnetwork.com/eventCarol's website: http://mckeetravel.com/

This week on The Travel Business Unpacked, Meredith Calloway is joined by Sarah Key, founder of The Keys to Travel.

Sarah shares her journey from corporate life to building a travel business that supports both her professional growth and personal life. From taking the leap into entrepreneurship to switching host agencies and navigating motherhood with two young kids, she offers an honest look at what it really takes to grow a business that evolves with you.

They also talk about building a brand that attracts the right clients, the role of community in long-term success, and how Sarah is creating more meaningful experiences through long-term travel planning for her clients.

If you’ve ever wondered how to create more flexibility, grow with intention, and build a business that fits your life, this episode will give you a grounded and practical perspective.

The Keys to Travel website: https://thekeystotravel.com/

Sarah's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahrosekey