Curious about the 7-Figure Travel Business Summit and whether it’s right for you? In this solo episode, Meredith Calloway pulls back the curtain on GTN’s highly anticipated 3-day virtual event happening November 18–20.

Whether you’re dreaming about turning your passion for travel into a legitimate career or you’re an established advisor stuck in the “accidental hobbyist” trap, this summit was designed with you in mind. Meredith answers the most frequently asked questions, shares the inspiration behind bringing this industry-wide event to life, and walks through exactly what attendees can expect—from the game-changing content to the Partner Lounge lineup.

You’ll hear:

- What the summit actually is (and isn’t)

- Who it’s for (and who it’s not)

- Why the time to go all in on luxury travel is now

- A preview of the featured topics, speakers, and luxury partner sessions

Whether you're brand new, pivoting into luxury, or looking to finally scale, this episode will help you decide if this is your next best step. Spoiler alert: it probably is.

🎟️ Learn more & register: https://www.giftedtravelnetwork.com/events/summit

This week on The Travel Business Unpacked podcast, host Meredith Calloway is joined by Kim Esté, co-founder of Besté Travel Designs. A former high school educator who once led student trips through Europe, Kim shares how a casual conversation with a friend sparked a complete career transformation—and how she’s built a thriving travel business in her 60s.

In this candid conversation, Kim reflects on what it really takes to go from part-time planner to million-dollar producer, the emotional highs and mindset hurdles along the way, and why creating a brand rooted in your identity matters. She also opens up about what it’s like to build a business with a best friend, how community played a role in her success, and why she’s more confident than ever in the future of her travel career.

They also explore:

• How Kim built momentum in a 55+ community

• The role of rebranding in attracting luxury clients

• How group travel became a natural niche

• Why partnership and mindset are key to long-term success

• Her “pinch me” moments—from Cappadocia to business class flights

Whether you’re pivoting careers or growing your luxury travel business, Kim’s story is a grounded, inspiring look at what’s possible with heart, strategy, and a strong support system.

Meredith sits down with Top Producer Katie Crago of KHC Grand Travel to explore how she turned a love for Disney into the foundation of a thriving luxury travel business. Katie shares how she escaped the “accidental hobbyist” trap, defined her ideal client, and built a small but mighty team to support growth. They dive into mindset shifts, delegation strategies, and the three phases of the sales cycle - plus the partner relationships that open doors to those unforgettable, pinch-me moments for clients.