How I Started My Travel Business: Victoria's Story

My first Disney World trip with my toddlers was a complete disaster. They were just three and four years old at the time. I had no idea what I was doing.

I didn't even know travel advisors were still around. But like many businesses that are born out of seeing a need and meeting it, that chaotic experience lit a fire in me to help other families avoid the same stress.

Now, eleven years later, those toddlers are teenagers, and that messy first trip turned into something amazing. What started as my mission to master Disney vacations has grown into planning dream trips for all kinds of travelers. Today, I manage over $1 million in annual travel bookings, helping families, couples, and friend groups create unforgettable experiences.

How did I do it? 

My background as an accountant taught me to be seriously detail-oriented, which turns out to be perfect for travel planning. Because my own kids were talking about riding a camel up a volcano and that time we shared an elevator with Ariel, I knew firsthand how the right planning makes those magical moments possible.

My goal was simple: handling all the details so families can focus on making memories. For group trips, this means coordinating everything from room assignments to dining reservations, ensuring everyone's preferences and needs are met.

The best part? Building this business never meant missing my kids' lives. I've been there for every dance competition, every hockey game, and every school event. What started as a way to work from home while raising little ones has grown into Wishlist Travel Collective, where I create personalized vacation experiences for every family.

When did I know it was going to work?

I'll never forget the moment I knew this business was really going to work. I had started like most travel advisors, booking trips for friends and family. But then something amazing happened - those clients started telling their friends, who told their friends, and suddenly I was planning vacations for people I'd never met before. The real game-changer? When those new clients came back to me year after year for their family vacations. 

There's nothing more rewarding than hearing "We're ready to plan our next trip!" from a family whose kids I've watched grow up through their vacation photos. One client who started with me planning their first Disney trip has now traveled to many countries with their kids (just three last summer alone)!

How did I get clients? 

Most of my clients come through word of mouth - happy families telling their friends about how nice it is to actually enjoy planning their vacation instead of stressing about it. 

How can you work with me? 

While my current training session is full, I am accepting applications for future advisor training opportunities. But my primary focus remains what it's always been: helping families create those unforgettable vacation memories without the stress of planning.

Because at the end of the day, a family vacation should be about enjoying time together, not losing sleep over the planning.

Final Thoughts

To the moms out there juggling toddlers while trying to build something for themselves - I've been where you are. Those early days of working during nap times and after bedtime weren't easy, but they laid the foundation for something incredible. Whether you're looking to start your own business or just get through another day of balancing work calls with snack time, know that it gets easier. The flexibility and joy of building something while being present for your kids is worth every challenging moment.

Visit my About Us page to learn more about our team and find the perfect advisor for your next adventure!

Read about how I started my travel business and apply to work as a travel advisor for my agency HERE.

Thanks Victoria for sponsoring this post and helping to keep this community going! I hope you find some great people to work with.