A passion project in retirement that turned into a thriving business: Two reasons why and the how:
First, a little background: After twenty years of trading risk arbitrage and equity derivatives in downtown manhattan, the time had come for chapter two, or no chapter at all; the latter option was not appealing. My dad said, "what about being a travel advisor? You love to travel, have a great client list and have been to +60 countries. We use an advisor and it makes all the difference in the world?" I love the idea, but where do you begin?
With Wall Street clientele, the appeal of Virtuoso as the luxury leader in travel helped me narrow my search for a host agency on this very site. The other requirement was a real education; only GTN had both. The year-long program was vital to my success. One could launch without the education on the back of my extensive travel and business experience, but aren't your odds of success drastically higher if you are a true expert? Doesn't that take immersion and mentorship? Would I have done more damage to my budding travel reputation with the finance clients I hoped to convert to travel clients had I not? Would I get more than one chance from those clients?
Fast forward to December 2021, I am in GTN's top producers club (top 30) in my first full year of business! I am invited to the Virtuoso ultraluxe community, attended Belmond's signature Bellini event for 10 USA advisors in Sicily and was on a top producer retreat with GTN. Without education, it would not have unfolded this way and certainly not this quickly.
The second reason is: In real estate, the most valuable metric is location, location, location, but at a host agency, it is culture, culture, culture. The collaboration and support amongst advisors in our community is the silver bullet and goes hand in hand with the educational foundation of GTN. Imagine how much the collective mindshare benefits our clients. I was not expecting instant responses to questions or requests for advice yet opening up the browser to 7 responses in thirty minutes is common. It's another level of vetting and advocacy, but it only happens if the culture is there. We are not competing like local real estate agents who might compete for a listing in town. Our clients are worldwide, an enviable difference, and it means we are not competing so let's help each other win. We share tips, insights and experiences on our internal system in discussion groups that pale in comparison to snarky online forums. We travel together, 14 GTN advisors and I are just back from 12 days in Tanzania, and as a result, we grow together. It's made all the difference in professional growth inspired by culture and education. What more can you ask for?
I joined GTN in January of 2024 and enrolled in their Travel MBA program, and I couldn’t be more impressed. The program is comprehensive, offering excellent mentors, an extensive educational platform, and a robust marketing system. What stands out most is the hands-on guidance GTN provides on how to build and grow your travel business successfully.
The supportive community of travel advisors is another major highlight, there’s no sense of competition, just collaboration and a genuine willingness to help each other thrive.
GTN has created a space where you can learn, grow, and build a solid foundation for your business. I highly recommend GTN for any travel professional looking for mentorship, support, and a roadmap to success!
Thank you so much, Johanna, for your heartfelt testimonial!
We're thrilled to hear how the Travel MBA program has exceeded your expectations. It’s inspiring to see that the mentorship, comprehensive educational platform, and robust marketing system have made such a positive impact on your business journey.
We're especially proud of the collaborative, supportive community of travel advisors you've highlighted—it's what sets GTN apart, and we're so glad you feel that sense of camaraderie. Your success is a true testament to the strength of our program, and we’re excited to continue being part of your growth and success.
Thanks again for your glowing recommendation!
I have previously written a review for Gifted Travel Network, and it has been some time, and I wanted to express where my latest part of my journey has taken me. In June of 2022 I joined their TravelMBA program after a 30-year corporate career. The only travel experience I had was planning my own trips, which also happened to be my biggest passion.
My first 12 months in TravelMBA were instrumental in building all the foundational building blocks that are required for a small business to thrive. There is nothing like it…a playbook for success combined with a supportive and collaborative network (including other Independent Contractors, Virtuoso, GTN Staff and all of their amazing and preferred partners)
I am proud to share that now just over 2 years in my business is thriving. In year 2 my sales exceeded $1 Million Annual Sales, and I am now a member of their Top Producers Club. At the beginning of the year I also became a mentor for their TravelMBA program. As someone who led teams most of her career, I find it very rewarding to now help others with their journey as my mentors supported me in mine.
It is hard to put in words the personal satisfaction I get from helping others create their dream trip. And on top of it I can do my work while traveling the world. I have stayed nearly 200 nights in hotels and cruise ships around the world in just the past 2 years.
If you are looking for a fulfilling way to spend your time in your next chapter of life after a corporate career, I highly recommend you consider a career in travel through the GTN TravelMBA program.
Deanna,
I loved reading about your incredible journey! It’s so inspiring to see how far you’ve come since joining the Travel MBA program, especially after making such a significant career shift. The fact that you’ve gone from planning your own trips as a passion to building a thriving business with over $1 million in annual sales in 2 years is truly impressive!
Your story highlights the power of the foundational support GTN provides—both through the playbook for success and the collaborative network you’ve been a part of. It’s also wonderful to hear that you’ve become a mentor, giving back to the same program that helped you succeed.
The way you describe the personal fulfillment you get from helping others create their dream trips really captures the heart of what we do here. And being able to travel the world while doing what you love—nearly 200 nights in hotels and cruise ships in two years—sounds like a dream come true!
Thank you for sharing your experience, and congratulations on your amazing achievements! It’s stories like yours that remind us how rewarding this industry can be, especially when someone brings the same passion and dedication that you have. Keep inspiring others on their journeys, and happy travels!
Gifted Travel Network (GTN) is a remarkable host agency that truly stands out in the travel industry. From the moment I joined, I felt supported, no matter where I was in my journey as a travel advisor. GTN fosters a strong, cohesive community where collaboration and camaraderie are at the heart of the experience. Advisors are seen as friends, not competitors, which creates a unique and uplifting atmosphere.
GTN offers an extensive range of resources that go well beyond a traditional host agency. Their support includes a wide variety of trainings, connections to top travel partners, and business navigation tools, as well as creative brainstorming sessions that help advisors grow and thrive. What sets GTN apart is their investment in the mindset and personal development of their advisors. They view success as a collective win, and that mindset is felt throughout the community.
If you're looking for a host agency that offers unparalleled support and fosters both professional and personal growth, GTN is an exceptional choice.
Thank you so much, Zoe!
It means a lot to hear how much you value the support and sense of community at GTN. We truly believe that when one advisor succeeds, we all succeed, and that mindset drives everything we do. I’m so glad that you've found the trainings, partner connections, and resources helpful, but even more so, that you've experienced the camaraderie and collaboration that makes GTN special. We’re always striving to create an environment where advisors can grow both personally and professionally, and your testimonial really reflects that mission.
We're so grateful to have you as part of our GTN family!
I just returned from the Gifted Travel Network conference in Charlotte - this host agency just keeps getting better and better. They anticipate the needs of their advisors and offer elevated education, mindset, and their support is second to none. I have been with GTN since we started our agency and feel so fortunate to have this power house behind us as we grow and thrive.
Thank You GTN
Emer,
It’s so great to hear your feedback! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the conference in Charlotte—it’s always our goal to anticipate the needs of our advisors and provide the best support possible.
We’re so grateful to have been part of your journey from the start and love watching your agency grow and thrive. Thanks for being a part of the GTN family!
Gifted Travel Network has been the perfect host agency to begin my career as a Travel Advisor. When I joined the industry last year, my first goal was to identify a host that provided collaboration, support, community, and genuine joy. GTN has absolutely delivered on all of those things!
One of my favorite elements of GTN is that their in-house professional development is ample and easily accessible. I am constantly learning new insights about business and virtually interacting with preferred partners. This is invaluable to me, especially living in a city that doesn't attract as many in-person travel events.
I recently attended my first GTN Conference, and I felt so welcomed by all. As an employee of a top-producing business, I wondered if I might be viewed differently than those who have their own businesses, but that was absolutely not the case. It is refreshing to feel that all advisors are equally championed, no matter where we are on our journeys or what our varying professional goals are.
Truly a wonderful and enthusiastic community!
Hi Abby!
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with Gifted Travel Network! It’s awesome to hear how well you’ve connected with the community, and I couldn’t agree more.
GTN really does foster such a welcoming and supportive environment for everyone, no matter where they are in their journey. I love that you felt embraced at the conference – that sense of collaboration and equality is one of the things that makes GTN so special.
And you’re spot on about the professional development! It’s amazing how much we can learn and grow with all the resources provided.
Here’s to more exciting travels and continued success!
As a member of GTN, I can't help but gush about the exceptional experience it brings to my professional journey.
From day one, GTN has provided a support system that's second to none. Whether it’s through timely and insightful responses to my endless questions, or ongoing mentorship, the backbone of support here ensures that I am empowered.
In my opinion education is the key to success in the travel industry, and GTN delivers it with the Travel MBA Program. The additional training programs, webinars, weekly and monthly team calls allows me to continuously upskill and stay on top of industry trends.
What truly stands out at GTN is the camaraderie. Being part of this community is being part of a family. Advisors support one another, share knowledge, and celebrate successes together. It’s an environment that nurtures growth.
The relationships that Gifted Travel Network holds with preferred suppliers and Virtuoso are also exceptional.
Staying updated with the latest technology is critical, and Gifted Travel Network equips me with that. The tools and platforms that are constantly researched and recommended streamline my operations. I am not a tech person, but GTN takes all the research off my plate so I can focus on my clients.
GTN understands the luxury travel space and goes above and beyond.
Hey Jackie!
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts! I couldn't agree more—GTN truly is a special place to be. The support here is incredible, and I'm so glad that you've felt empowered from day one. The Travel MBA program, along with all the ongoing training, is a huge a game-changer.
What really sets GTN apart is the sense of community. It’s like being part of a big family where everyone genuinely wants to see each other succeed. Plus, the connections with suppliers and Virtuoso are top-notch, making it easier for our advisors to deliver exceptional service to their clients.
Glad you’re loving GTN!
I started working with Gifted Travel Network just before Covid - a memorable start for sure! They have been amazing to work for and with. I recently had clients who were on a Holland Amerca cruise with an extension to Denali. They arrived in Denali the day the fires began which was unfortunate. My clients felt they had not received the support they were entitled to during this emergency situation. GTN became involved immediately by following up on my submission report to Holland America. When I did not receive what I thought was appropriate for my clients, GTN once again followed up and made sure my clients received the compensation they deserved. Myself, alone, would never have been able to arrive at this agreement with Holland America. It is so wonderful knowing that I am associated with a company who will support me and will go to bat for me. Thank you GTN for standing behind me and allowing me to provide the best for my clients!
Thank you so much, Debbie, for sharing your experience!
We’re thrilled to hear that we could support you and your clients during such a challenging situation. It's our top priority to ensure our advisors feel empowered and backed up when it matters most. We’re grateful to have you as part of the GTN family and are always here to stand by you. Here's to many more successful journeys together!
Choosing GTN has been a game changer in terms of choosing my next career path. The support from the working mentors and the community as a whole is collaborative and not competitive. There are plenty of niche markets and clients to serve so nobody is direct competition. Our private group message board is FULL of ideas, thoughts and reviews. The initial investment is considerable but with everything, you must compare apples to apples. In our first year we have a weeklong onboarding retreat, weekly calls with active community mentors, and regular check-ins from the founders with words of wisdom, preferred vendor 15 minute live calls and much much more. There is a progress check in quarterly your first year and all of your fees are also included. So the cost is expensive but the value is far better than ANY other Hosting Agency I reviewed. If you weigh useless time spent looking for information, you will realize it is an immediate easy choice. GTN is for people that are actively interested in a proper business. I'm sure you can be a part time advisor that is successful, but they create the opportunity to have a full time career with the knowledge you receive. Add in a heaping tablespoon of Virtuoso and I don't see a close second option to GTN.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience, Visse!
We're thrilled that GTN has been such a pivotal choice for your career. It’s great to hear that our collaborative community and comprehensive support have made such a positive impact. We strive to create an environment where everyone can thrive, and it’s wonderful to see that reflected in your journey. The value you’ve found in our programs and resources is exactly what we aim to provide for all our members.
We’re excited to continue supporting you as you grow your business with GTN!
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.
Hey Audrey,
Wow, what an inspiring journey! It's awesome to hear how your passion for education has seamlessly transitioned into a love for travel. Working with family, like your cousin Katie, must make it even more special. I love that you recognize and are a part of the "we're all in this together" vibe that the GTN community brings. It really makes a difference, right? Everyone supports everyone!
I'm so happy to see how much you're enjoying this new chapter. Keep rocking it!
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.
Hi Shayla,
Thank you so much for your heartfelt review! We're absolutely thrilled to hear about your positive experience with Gifted Travel Network. It's wonderful to know that our guidance and support have been instrumental in building your business.
Our team is dedicated to ensuring that every member feels empowered and equipped to succeed, and your words affirm that we're on the right track. We're especially glad to hear that our comprehensive training programs, one-on-one coaching sessions, and the collaborative spirit of the GTN community have made a significant impact on your journey.
Your description of GTN as a family is exactly the atmosphere we strive to create. It's fantastic to see that this sense of camaraderie has contributed to your rewarding experience with us.
Celebrating your milestones alongside you is incredibly fulfilling for us. We're honored to be part of your journey and excited for the many more years of growth and success ahead. Thank you for your trust and for being such an integral part of the GTN family. Here's to many more achievements together!