What’s the difference between starting your own travel business and joining an existing agency as a booking member? In this episode, Meredith Calloway sits down with Stephanie Jones, Membership Development Specialist at Gifted Travel Network, to unpack the two paths into the travel industry and what it takes to succeed. From her firsthand experience as both a booking member and now the person who interviews prospective Travel MBA applicants, Stephanie shares insights on Jumpstart, selling luxury travel, and building lasting relationships. This week on The Travel Business Unpacked podcast, Meredith is joined by Stephanie Jones, Membership Development Specialist at Gifted Travel Network. Stephanie came to GTN after her own experience as a booking member with The Travel Boutique, where she discovered both the rewards and realities of working as a travel advisor. Now, she’s the first point of contact for aspiring advisors exploring GTN’s Travel MBA program. In this episode, Stephanie shares her unique perspective on the two distinct paths into the travel industry, building your own business versus joining as a booking member, and why both have an important place in the profession. She also reflects on what she’s learned from auditing the Travel MBA program, including the emotional impact of Jumpstart, the value of relationships in luxury travel, and why selling early is essential to long-term success.

Stephanie also shares her own adventurous spirit—from becoming a licensed pilot to planning her dream trips—and how her journey continues to shape her role in helping new advisors take their first steps.