by Victoria Detz, owner Wishlist Travel Collective
My story begins like many of yours might – as a mom looking for a way to contribute while staying present for my young children. I started my travel career eleven years ago, focusing exclusively on Disney Destinations. It was the perfect entry point for me – I loved Disney, and as a mom of young children, I understood exactly what families needed when planning their magical vacations.
As I reminisce about my daughter's dance competitions and my son's hockey games, I can't help but smile at how different my life looks today compared to eleven years ago. Back then, with two toddlers aged 3 and 4, I took a leap of faith into the travel industry – a decision that has allowed me to build a successful business while being present for every important moment in my children's lives. Now, with teenagers, my business has grown and evolved right alongside my family.
Over the years, something beautiful happened. As my clients' children grew (just like mine), their travel dreams expanded beyond the Disney parks. They began asking me about European adventures, tropical getaways, and bucket-list destinations around the globe. After a decade of success with my previous agency, I realized it was time to grow beyond my Disney specialization.
In early 2023, I took a leap of faith and founded Wishlist Travel Collective. What happened next was unexpected and heartwarming – three of my loyal clients, who had watched my journey over the years, approached me about learning the travel business themselves. They saw firsthand how this career had allowed me to be there for every dance recital, hockey tournament, and important moment in my children's lives while building a successful business.
The Real Deal: Legitimate Travel Agencies vs. MLMs
One of the most common questions I receive from moms interested in the travel industry is about the difference between legitimate travel agencies and travel MLMs (Multi-Level Marketing companies). Let me be crystal clear: Wishlist Travel Collective is the complete opposite of an MLM.
In our business model:
Your success is based on serving clients, not recruiting other advisors
You earn real commissions from actual travel bookings
Training is focused on travel expertise, not recruitment tactics
There's no pressure to build a "downline" or recruit friends and family
You're part of a professional network backed by our host agency, Travel Planners International
Red Flags: How to Spot a Travel MLM
Before joining any travel business opportunity, watch out for these warning signs of MLMs:
Heavy focus on recruitment and building teams
Promises of "passive income" from your downline
Required purchase of expensive starter kits vs. comprehensive travel training
Pressure to recruit friends and family
Complex compensation structures based on recruitment levels
Too-good-to-be-true income promises
Growing With Your Clients
One of the most rewarding aspects of this industry is how your business naturally evolves with your clients' life stages. I've had the privilege of being part of their most precious moments:
Planning exciting bachelorette getaways for college friends entering new life chapters
Creating romantic honeymoons for newlyweds starting their lives together
Arranging peaceful babymoons for expecting parents, or even gender reveals
Designing magical family vacations as children join the picture
Organizing milestone anniversary trips that celebrate decades of love
Coordinating multi-generational family reunions that bring entire families together
Each stage brings new challenges and joys, and as an advisor, you grow your expertise alongside your clients' changing needs. This natural progression not only keeps the work exciting but also deepens your relationships with clients who become more like family over the years.
Getting Started: Can Any Mom Do This?
The short answer is yes – with the right mindset and dedication. To begin, you'll need:
A passion for travel and helping others
Basic computer skills
Organization and attention to detail
A professional mindset
Social Media familiarity
Time to complete our comprehensive training program
Availability to work with clients on their schedule (which isn’t always yours)
We charge a modest training fee to cover the intensive preparation needed to succeed in this industry. Think of it as an investment in your education – similar to any professional certification. We also offer a monthly package that includes all the essential tools you'll need to run your business effectively.
The Money Talk: What Can You Expect to Earn?
I'll be transparent about income potential and the business structure. All of our advisors operate as independent contractors, receiving a 1099 at the end of the year. This means you're truly running your own business, with the freedom and responsibility that comes with it. You'll want to consult with a tax professional about quarterly estimates and deductions – something many of our advisors find beneficial for managing their business finances effectively.
As with all legitimate travel agencies, we operate on a commission split structure between advisor and agency. Thanks to our relationship with Travel Planners International, we're able to offer our advisors some of the highest initial commission rates in the industry. What's even better? As your experience and expertise grow, so does your commission percentage. We believe in rewarding growth and development, which is why our split structure is designed to increase in the advisor's favor as they gain knowledge and experience in the industry.
Like any business, earnings vary based on effort, dedication, and market conditions. Some of our advisors start by booking a few family vacations per month, earning $300-500 per booking. Others grow to handle corporate accounts or luxury travel, potentially earning several thousand dollars per booking.
What's more valuable than the potential income is the flexibility this career offers. You can scale your business up or down based on your family's needs and your personal goals. As an independent contractor, you have control over your schedule, your client base, and your growth trajectory.
Final Thoughts
Building a travel business isn't a get-rich-quick scheme – it's a legitimate career that allows you to build something meaningful while maintaining the flexibility your family needs. At Wishlist Travel Collective, we're proud to offer moms a real opportunity to grow professionally while staying present for life's important moments.
Working with Travel Planners International as our host agency has given us the best of both worlds: the intimate, supportive environment of a boutique agency combined with the robust backing of a major industry player. This means better commission rates, access to exclusive events, and comprehensive support for our advisors.
If you're ready to explore a career in travel, I'd love to share more about how we can help you succeed. After all, I was once in your shoes, looking for a way to contribute while putting my family first.
Ready to learn more about becoming a travel advisor with Wishlist Travel Collective? Let's connect and discuss how this opportunity might fit your life.
or email: info@wishlisttravelcollective.com
Thanks Victoria for sponsoring this post and helping to keep this community going! I hope you find some great people to work with.
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