Gifted Travel Network

I worked in the field of education for 30 years, having been a teacher, administrator and Director of Human Resources, until retiring in 2022. Lifelong learning is a passion of mine and throughout my career, I loved impacting the lives of others through education, learning, relationships and positive attitudes.
I have always loved to travel and the idea of learning and experiencing new places and using my skill set to help plan and organize travel for others is bringing me great joy. I am a booking member with Katie Crago, owner of KHC Grand Travel, who also happens to be my cousin. One Thanksgiving, several years ago, I asked her to let me know if she ever needed help. That simple statement turned into a phone call, which led to me jumping right into the business. I started out as her assistant and quickly became a booking member. I have now immersed myself into the world of travel and I could not be happier. The level of support I feel with every member of Gifted Travel Network has been a huge positive factor as I have had so much to learn. I feel that at any moment, I can comfortably reach out for advice or assistance. They have the "we are all in this together" mentality. Each week when I receive the weekly ezine, I am amazed at the level of training and support systems in place to make us all the best we can be. This second career is a new beginning, and I am thrilled to be part of Gifted Travel Network.

I have had the privilege of being with GTN since 2021, and I can confidently say that I would not have been able to build my business without their exceptional guidance and support. From the very beginning, GTN has been by my side every step of the way, providing invaluable advice and resources that have been instrumental in my growth and success.

The team at GTN is truly amazing. Their expertise, dedication, and unwavering support have not only helped me navigate the complexities of the travel industry but also allowed me to thrive in a highly competitive market. They are always available to offer assistance, whether it’s through their comprehensive training programs, one-on-one coaching sessions, or the wealth of knowledge shared within the GTN community.

Being a part of GTN feels like being part of a family. The sense of camaraderie and the collaborative environment fostered by the network have made my journey all the more rewarding. I am deeply grateful for the opportunities and experiences that GTN has provided me, and I cannot imagine running my travel business without their continued support and guidance.

Every milestone I have achieved in my business is a testament to the incredible partnership I have with GTN. Their commitment to my success has been unwavering, and I look forward to many more years of growth and collaboration with this outstanding organization. Thank you, GTN, for being an integral part of my journey and for helping me turn my professional dreams into reality.

I have found my people. This review is not just about the leadership and staff at GTN, but also the community they have fostered. I just returned from a reward trip due to the growth of my travel agency. I was able to bring my sister on the trip, and she commented on how lovely everybody was. I told her that is how I feel about every GTN event I attend. I bond with so many people because we have a mutual passion for not only travel, but building a successful travel business. We are a collaborative group, and it is the way that GTN was built that makes this collaboration possible.

GTN taught me how to sell travel, but also how to run my own business. I never thought I would be an entrepreneur, but they gave me the confidence to do it and thrive at it. I launched my business in 2019 and things were just starting to take off when the pandemic hit. I am not sure if I would have stayed in the business if I was not at GTN. They kept us engaged. They provided opportunities for us to learn throughout the months of not selling travel. They provided opportunities for us to develop our relationships with suppliers. We continue to learn and build relationships post pandemic too.

GTN is always looking forward. They are making strides to keep us up to date on the best technology available in the travel industry.

I feel that GTN is fair in distributing travel opportunities in our network. GTN in person events are always invigorating with content and opportunities to network with other advisors and travel industry partners.

My business is thriving, and I truly believe I would not be where it is today without the guidance and support that I have received through Gifted Travel Network.

I've been with GTN for more than two years now, and my first impressions have all been validated. GTN is a fantastic host for an advisor seeking a supportive community, a focus on luxury travel, and coaching and professional development. I've been most pleased with the emphasis on encouraging community over competition as well as their focus on providing resources I need for developing and thriving as a small business owner.

Working with Gifted Travel Network has been a game-changer for me as a luxury travel advisor. I knew I was in good hands from the moment I joined, and my experience has only confirmed that feeling repeatedly.

GTN's leadership team is not just dedicated, they're actively involved and influential in the industry. They're in the trenches with us, understanding our needs, addressing our concerns, and constantly pushing the envelope to ensure we have the resources and connections we need to thrive. Their proactive approach to leadership means that we're never left wanting, and they're constantly innovating to stay ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving travel industry.

But what truly sets GTN apart is its community of advisors. I can't stress enough how much I love working alongside my fellow advisors. They're not just colleagues; they're collaborators, friends, and a constant source of inspiration and support. The collaborative spirit within GTN is truly unmatched, and it creates an environment where everyone can succeed and thrive together. Whether it's sharing best practices, brainstorming ideas, or simply offering a word of encouragement, I know I can always count on my GTN family to have my back.

GTN has an extensive network of supplier partnerships. From luxury hotels to boutique tour operators, GTN has established relationships with some of the best in the business. These partnerships translate into unparalleled experiences for our clients. No matter what I'm working on, I can rely on GTN's supplier network to help me create the best for my clients.
Lastly, I have to point out our incredible home office staff. Behind the scenes, there's a team of dedicated professionals working tirelessly to support us in our day-to-day operations. From marketing and technology to training and education, the home office team at GTN is always there to lend a helping hand and ensure we have everything we need to succeed.

In short, working with Gifted Travel Network has been nothing short of a dream come true for me as a luxury travel advisor. From their dedicated leadership and collaborative community to their supplier partnerships and top-notch support team, GTN truly sets the standard for what a host agency should be.

Gifted Travel Network (GTN) as a host agency, has truly become our home in the travel industry, and I cannot emphasize enough the incredible community they have built.

This is one of the main factors that sets GTN apart this strong sense of community among our advisors. GTN fosters a supportive and collaborative environment, where we can connect with fellow advisors and share our experiences. This community extends not only to our fellow advisors but also to our cherished preferred partners. The relationships we have built with these partners are invaluable, as they provide us with the resources and support we need to create exceptional travel experiences for our clients.

Another standout feature of GTN is their commitment to education and support for their travel entrepreneurs. GTN offers the travelMBA program, which is designed for those starting out in the industry. This comprehensive program equips those with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the travel business. As you grow with your business and looking to dive deeper, GTN offers the accelerate program, which provides advanced training and mentorship opportunities. And for top sellers, GTN offers the top producer club, a prestigious program that recognizes and rewards our achievements. These thoughtfully curated programs cater to advisors at every stage of their journey, ensuring that we have the support we need to thrive.

Lastly but definitely not least, GTN's partnerships are second to none. We have access to some of the best partners and elite hotel programs, enabling us to make our clients' dreams come true. These in-destination partners are instrumental in ensuring that our clients have unforgettable travel experiences. GTN's commitment to working with top-notch partners reflects their dedication to providing exceptional service and value to our clients.

In conclusion, Gifted Travel Network is an exceptional host agency lead by some of the most incredible and inspiring women. These individuals excel in building a thriving community, providing valuable education and support, and offering access to outstanding partnerships. GTN truly fosters an environment where travel entrepreneurs can thrive and create unforgettable experiences for their clients. I am grateful to be a part of this incredible network and cannot recommend Gifted Travel Network highly enough.

Fresh from a decades-long career in Corporate America, I was keen to transition into the travel space and build a business of my own. I selected a host agency on the advice of a colleague and almost immediately realized it was not the right fit. I took the opportunity to learn as much as I could up until and through Covid before researching host agencies that might align better with my core values, vision, and business acumen. An agent that I respect tremendously suggested that I take a look at Gifted Travel Network because it was smaller, more community-based and – perhaps most importantly to me – women led. Not only women led, but led by women like me. I joined towards the end of 2021 and immediately knew that I’d found my tribe.

Not long after I joined, I was invited to join a site visit with Vanessa McGovern and a small group of GTN advisors. I was immediately impressed by the poise and professionalism of the group, which solidified the feeling that I made the right choice. Since then, every GTN event or webinar I’ve attended, large or small, has left me feeling invigorated, inspired, and connected, not only due to the content, but also the sense of camaraderie shared among the entire member base. I appreciate that the leadership understands and recognizes that we all have different goals and aspirations for our businesses, are committed to meeting us where we’re at, and genuinely celebrate successes that matter to each of us as individual business owners. They not only understand and address the tangible barriers we face in managing and growing our businesses, but also understand the intangible mental blocks we place on ourselves - especially as women - that hinder our intentions and growth. And they address those mental blocks head on, which is so appreciated and refreshing. They lead with integrity and kindness, genuinely support every member to foster a community based on support and connection as opposed to secrecy and competition. I can truly say that I’ve never been made to feel any less important than any member of the network who might generate more revenue than me – neither by the GTN executive team nor by any member of the community.

Over the past 10+ years that they’ve been in existence, GTN has worked tirelessly to build a solid and respected reputation within the marketplace; they’ve succeeded in spades as evidenced by the ever-expanding list of Preferred Partners and those clamoring to nab a coveted partnership. This respect lends immediate credibility to me and my business and thus gives me access to some of the foremost and exclusive supplier partners in the industry.

For me, leading with integrity and kindness, allowing me access to some of the preeminent brands in travel, and supporting me wherever I’m at in my business are what sets GTN apart from other hosts. I’m a disciple and I hope to always be a part of their membership.

I made the switch to GTN this past fall from another host agency and it has been an absolute night and day difference. After a successful year with my prior host, I was looking to uplevel my business and service offerings and this seemed like the perfect place to be. GTN prioritizes their small, intimate group of advisors and it most certainly shows. From the moment you join GTN, you can feel it's going to be a different experience. The training is extremely hands-on and in-depth and the community is beyond knowledgable and SO supportive (from the newest advisors all the way up to our million dollar+ producers). Additionally, our access to the best suppliers in the industry is unmatched. I have been with GTN for 5 months now and I've had 4 individual invitations to meet one-on-one with the top luxury brands in the world to learn more about their products and how can I match my clients' specific needs to make their travels that much more memorable. I was with my previous host agency for a little over a year and never once did I receive such an invite. Joining GTN has been the best business investment I could have made and every day I am shocked and grateful for our luxury travel community and the benefits it offers. I would highly recommend GTN to anyone looking to build and grow a SERIOUS travel business for life.

This summer marked a significant milestone in my career – the switch to Gifted Travel Network. This decision has been transformational, offering a sense of community and belonging that I've long sought. The leadership at Gifted is phenomenal, and their preferred suppliers are top-notch.

My business has seen an amazing start, buoyed by the constant support from the Gifted team. Their well-organized training, weekly webinars, one- on-one calls and streamlined portal with resources have been instrumental in this journey. For anyone considering a start in this career or looking for a change in their host agency, I wholeheartedly recommend Gifted Travel Network. I've truly found my home among host agencies with them.

I am so incredibly grateful for all the community at Gifted Travel Network. Since starting my business in 2020, I have made some of the very best connections, met the most amazing mentors, and developed partnerships with preferred suppliers that have propelled my business in ways I could only dream of at the beginning. Being part of the Top Producer's Club has allowed me to hone in on developing best practices for my agency with advice from the best of the best in the industry, and has opened up opportunities for me to attend career-changing conferences like DUCO Italy and ILTM Cannes. Thanks to the support of the GTN community and my colleagues in the network, I continue to tweak my business and establish partnerships to further benefit my travelers and agency success. Thank you to GTN for being so supportive and encouraging your community to embrace community over competition, always.