After nine years as a stay-at-home mom—and with a prior career in a completely unrelated field—I decided to jump headfirst into the travel industry. Before making that leap, I spent several months researching host agencies, and that process ultimately led me to Gifted Travel Network. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be part of such an exceptional company.

What initially drew me to GTN was a podcast by Meredith Calloway, where she spoke candidly about how being a travel advisor should be a profitable business, not a hobby. She shared lessons from her early career and explained how she intentionally built an agency and culture that teaches advisors to think like entrepreneurs from the very beginning. That message deeply resonated with me. While I knew I loved travel and would thrive in many aspects of this career, the business and entrepreneurial side felt intimidating—and GTN addressed that head-on.

As I continued my research and learned more about the Travel MBA program and the long-term mentorship offered beyond it, I knew GTN was the right fit. So far, it has exceeded my expectations in every way. The Travel MBA program truly set me up for success—from Jumpstart week, to building a brand, to learning how to confidently and professionally plan complex trips for clients. I have done more business in my first year than I ever anticipated, and I attribute that directly to the education, resources, and connections GTN provides.

Because of GTN’s global partnerships and incredible advisor community, I now have the confidence to say “yes” to nearly any destination—China, Japan, Italy, France, and beyond—knowing I have trusted partners and fellow advisors willing to share their expertise. It’s an incredibly supportive environment, and while I work independently and run my own business, I truly feel like I’m part of something bigger.

Lastly, the support staff at GTN is outstanding. Their responsiveness, professionalism, and genuine care make an enormous difference and reinforce why choosing Gifted Travel Network was the best decision I could have made.

Gifted Travel Network has been an extraordinary partner throughout my journey as a luxury travel advisor. As my business, vision, and scope have grown over the years, the unwavering support, thoughtful education, and genuine investment in my success has never wavered.

What truly sets Gifted Travel Network apart is the culture they have cultivated. This is an environment where advisors openly confide, collaborate, and champion one another. The belief that a rising tide raises all ships is not just a motto here, it is lived daily, and I have felt the impact of that collective strength at every stage of my growth.

The travel industry is a wild, wonderful roller coaster, and I am grateful to be part of a profession that blends passion with purpose, helping others experience the world more deeply. To be aligned with a host agency that embraces that ride with integrity, enthusiasm, and heart makes all the difference. I am truly thrilled to be partnered with Gifted Travel Network and excited for all that lies ahead. Rachael OBrien

I came from a prior host agency that turned out to be the wrong fit for me. After watching the HAR webinar with Meredith, I knew I had to check out GTN, and I'm so glad I did!!

Joining GTN, and especially the TMBA program, was one of those “oh, this was the right move!" moments for me.

When I started TMBA and met Amy, the mentors, and my cohort, I realized two things very quickly:

I did not have to figure all of this out alone, and
Honestly? It’s a whole lot better when you don’t.

I talk to my cohort daily (sometimes more than my non–travel friends). I message mentors anytime I’m stuck, unsure, or just need someone who actually understands what I’m talking about. The whole GTN advisor community is the same way! Any question I post to the forum, they are open, generous, funny, whip-smart, and always ready to help.

TMBA hasn’t just helped me build my business; it has helped me build my brand in a way that feels like me. I don’t just have a brand now; I live it. I show up in it. I understand how to speak from it. That alone has made all the difference.

If you’re looking for a place where you’re supported, cheered for, guided, and surrounded by people who genuinely want to see you win, GTN is it. I’m proud to be part of this community, and even prouder of the business I’m building because of it.

While GTN was not the right fit for me I would recommend it be considered by new-to-industry advisors as they offer ground-up support. Every advisor has their own customized needs and it's essential to ask a lot of questions and ensure you will be matching yourself correctly. There is a helpful online community.

I had a strong vision for the travel business I wanted to create, and I came to this very website to research host agencies because I thought this route made the most sense for me as a new business owner. I narrowed it down to a few I called, but it was Gifted Travel Network that stood out as the clear match for me. They were and are still committed to the success of the entrepreneurs in our network, and the women who run it are conscientious, forward-thinking, proactive, nurturing, and epitome of professionalism. I graduated from their Travel MBA program and incorporated my company in 2018 and never regretted my decision to partner with GTN. The members of our network are supportive, collaborative, and strive to be standard-bearers and excel in an industry with, frankly, a low barrier to entry. GTN is for serious-minded entrepreneurs who care deeply about the travel profession and the people in it. The accolades GTN has gathered over the years with Virtuoso, Forbes Travel Guide, and many awards for their various training programs and events are well-deserved and fairly won. The support from GTN is great, and the back-office systems enable me to be wildly efficient in running my business which is having record sales and supporting me financially. But GTN wants to make sure we're all runnng businesses that support our lives and passions in intangible ways too. I could keep going on and on. GTN is a group of professionals that's rare in any industry, and I'm proud and grateful to be among them.

I joined GTN in June 2020 after coming from another host agency. At the time, I was fairly new to the industry and quickly realized how much I still had to learn—especially as I navigated the challenges of planning travel during COVID. Enrolling in GTN’s TMBA program was, without question, the best decision I could have made. It gave me the foundation I needed for success, offering support on every level: business setup, branding, partner relations, legal compliance, marketing, and invaluable mentor calls. Just as importantly, it connected me with relationships and colleague collaborations that I didn’t expect to discover.

People often say you go to Africa for the animals but return for the people. For me, I came to GTN for the education and support, but I stayed because of the community. The staff and colleagues I’ve met through GTN have become the most incredible enhancement to my business, offering expertise, encouragement, and perspective I didn’t know I needed. Whether it’s destination knowledge, supplier recommendations (along with personal introductions), or guidance on hiring a team and scaling my business, this community has consistently gone above and beyond.

I started out as a solopreneur, satisfied with working independently, but GTN has encouraged me to dream bigger—to build a team and elevate my business beyond anything I imagined. The expertise and camaraderie here are truly unparalleled; I am consistently supported and inspired to grow.

From the partner side, the feedback is equally as positive. While GTN, like many host agencies, provides access to elite hotel programs, the difference lies in the way partners speak about GTN’s reputation and influence. Time and again, I am reminded that being aligned with this community gives me a professional edge.

To say I am grateful for my GTN family is an understatement. Jen, Meredith, Sandy, Hannah, Shannon, Kristin & Lisa...along with an incredible array of staff and mentors—are present and engaged every time guidance is needed. Their efforts have directly shaped my growth and continue to fuel my success as a Million Dollar Advisor.

I've been a part of Gifted Travel Network (GTN) since Oct 2018 and I can honestly say it's been a game-changer for my luxury travel business. From the moment I joined, I knew I was in good hands. The team at GTN is passionate, supportive, and truly dedicated to helping their advisors succeed.

One of the things that sets GTN apart is their focus on entrepreneurial mentorship. Their Travel MBA program is top-notch, and it's helped me develop the skills and confidence I need to build a successful business. The program covers everything from branding and marketing to sales strategy and mindset coaching - it's a comprehensive approach that's helped me take my business to the next level.

I also love the sense of community at GTN. The other advisors are like a family, and we all support and encourage each other to succeed. The GTN team is always available to answer questions and provide guidance, and they're constantly looking for ways to improve and expand their offerings.

Of course, one of the biggest benefits of being a GTN advisor is the access to elite luxury travel partners. The perks and benefits we can offer our clients are unparalleled, and it's a major selling point that helps us stand out from the competition. From VIP treatment at top hotels to exclusive cruise amenities, our clients receive the best of the best - and it's all thanks to GTN's incredible partnerships.

But what really sets GTN apart is the in-depth training and partner training they provide. I've had the opportunity to learn from the best in the industry, and I've gained a deep understanding of the luxury travel market and how to effectively sell to high-end clients. The partner training is also top-notch, and I've had the chance to meet with partners face-to-face, which has helped me build strong relationships and stay current on the latest offerings and trends.

Overall, I'm so grateful to be a part of the GTN community. If you're looking for a host agency that will support and empower you to build a successful luxury travel business, look no further. GTN is the real deal, and I highly recommend them to anyone who wants to take their business to the next level.

Pros:
Comprehensive Travel MBA program
Supportive community of advisors
Elite luxury travel partnerships
Unparalleled perks and benefits for clients
In-depth training on luxury travel sales and marketing
Partner training and education to help advisors stay current on the latest offerings and trends
Chance to meet partners face-to-face, building strong relationships and staying current on industry developments
Passionate and dedicated team

Cons: None!

I joined Gifted Travel Network (GTN) as an experienced agent with 3 years as a Travel Advisor. My reason for moving to GTN was their training program and luxury focus as I was attracting more clients requesting luxury trips. Since joining, I have found so much more with a supportive, positive community.

Joining Gifted Travel Network was one of the best decisions I made when launching my travel business. Just over three years ago, I started in their 12-month Travel MBA (TMBA) program, which gave me the foundational tools and confidence I needed to hit the ground running as a luxury travel advisor.

Fast forward to today, and I’m proud to say my business continues to grow year over year, thanks to the unwavering support, leadership, and community GTN provides. The sense of connection within this network is truly special. So much so, I was honored to be asked to serve as a mentor for current TMBA students, a role that brings me so much joy. Giving back to new-to-industry advisors not only fuels my passion, but reminds me that we’re all still growing and learning in this ever-evolving space.

Whether you're just starting out or an experienced advisor looking for the right host to elevate your business, I wholeheartedly recommend GTN. The support, preferred partner relationships, and Virtuoso affiliation allow me to truly shine in the luxury travel space and deliver incredible experiences for my clients.

I wholeheartedly recommend Gifted Travel Network as a host agency for any luxury focused travel professional seeking a dynamic community of like-minded entrepreneurs. GTN offers an extensive network of preferred suppliers and stands proudly as a member of Virtuoso, the world’s premier travel consortia. Their forward-thinking support and cutting edge content, equips agents thoroughly on their unique entrepreneurial journeys.

Throughout almost 10 years with GTN, I’ve enjoyed abundant professional development, enriching opportunities to connect with suppliers, and the privilege of growing lifelong friendships with GTN members. The sense of professional fulfillment and business growth I’ve experienced here truly knows no bounds — the sky is genuinely the limit!