By Stacey Cabell, CTIE, Travel Expert, Leadership Coach and member of The Travel Institute’s Professional Educators Program (PEP).
Starting a travel business is exciting, overwhelming, and honestly, completely unpredictable. Looking back on my journey, there are so many lessons I learned the hard way, and if sharing them can help even one agent skip a misstep, it’s worth it.
Here are five things I really wish someone had told me when I first stepped into this industry:
1. You Don’t Need to Know Everything to Get Started
I used to think I had to have all the answers before I could be taken seriously as an advisor. Spoiler alert: nobody ever has all the answers. Clients aren’t hiring you for perfection; they’re hiring you for your passion, your resourcefulness, and your willingness to figure things out.
Takeaway: Progress beats perfection every time. Just start. The experience will teach you what training never can.
2. Not Every Client Is Your Ideal Client (and That’s Okay)
In the beginning, I said yes to everyone, because I was afraid to say no. But not every client is a good fit. Some drain your energy, question your value, or ignore your boundaries. Learning to identify (and walk away from) misaligned clients was a game-changer. This also goes for agency owners; your agents are your clients.
Takeaway: The clients who value you will find you when you make space for them.
3. Systems Are Everything
I didn’t understand the importance of systems until I was knee-deep in sticky notes and client chaos. From workflows and automation to CRM tools and content scheduling, systems saved me from burnout and gave me back my time.
Takeaway: Set up solid systems early, even if you’re a team of one. It will make you look (and feel) 10 times more professional.
4. Your Mindset Will Make or Break You
No one warned me how much self-doubt would come up, especially in the early years. But the biggest growth I experienced wasn’t from business strategy; it was from mindset work. Learning to reframe failure, lean into discomfort, and trust myself changed everything.
Takeaway: You can have the best training in the world, but if your mindset isn’t strong, you’ll stay stuck.
5. The Industry Is Big Enough for Everyone
I used to compare myself constantly, especially online. It felt like everyone else was growing faster, booking better trips, or getting more engagement. But the truth is, there’s room for all of us. When I finally stopped competing and started collaborating, everything shifted.
Takeaway: Community over competition, always. Your uniqueness is your superpower.
Check out Stacey’s website to learn more about her courses and coaching opportunities.
