Welcome back to The Travel Advisor Life! In Episode 9, host Amy Westerman, Founder of Curated Travel Collection, shares what she would do differently if she were starting her travel business today.

Drawing from nearly 28 years of experience, Amy outlines a practical 90-day roadmap for new travel advisors, focusing on building a strong foundation, creating momentum, and establishing sustainable business habits.

From choosing a starting niche and telling people about your business to strengthening client relationships and asking for referrals, Amy explains what deserves your attention and what distractions to avoid.

She also shares how experienced advisors can use this same 90-day approach to refresh their business, reconnect with ideal clients, and prepare for future growth.

The message: Focus on what matters, take consistent action, and build a business that works with your life.

In This Episode:

[00:00] Starting Over: The First 90 Days
Amy introduces her roadmap for new and experienced travel advisors.

[00:50] Lessons From Nearly 28 Years
Why early priorities matter more than talent or having everything figured out.

[01:43] Days 1–30: Build the Foundation
Focus on preparation rather than rushing to secure bookings.

[02:37] Choose Your Starting Niche
Start with travel experiences you know and a network you already have.

[03:27] Tell People About Your Business
Why trying to serve everyone or waiting until you’re ready can hold you back.

[04:23] Spread the Word
Share your new business with friends, family, and your existing network.

[05:08] Marketing Beyond Social Media
Why personal outreach and mailed announcements can be more effective than simply posting online.

[05:58] Learn Your Tools and Find Community
Understand booking systems, CRM tools, commissions, and agency resources.

[06:50] Days 31–60: Build Momentum
Create a consistent follow-up routine for quotes, bookings, and returning clients.

[07:46] Build Supplier Knowledge
Attend webinars, complete training, and learn from experienced advisors.

[08:40] Focus on One Training at a Time
Avoid overwhelming yourself with too many courses.

[09:34] Turn Clients Into Your Best Marketing
Deliver excellent service, then begin asking for referrals and reviews.

[10:29] Days 61–90: Build Your Rhythm
Grow through referrals, relationships, and consistent business habits.

[11:18] Set Clear Working Hours
Communicate your availability and create a schedule that fits your life.

[12:13] Review Your First 90 Days
Evaluate what’s working, what’s not, and what comes next.

[13:06] Avoid Common Mistakes
Don’t waste time perfecting branding, overspending on marketing, or comparing yourself to others.

[13:52] A 90-Day Reset for Experienced Advisors
Reevaluate your ideal clients as your business evolves.

[14:43] Align Your Marketing With Your Audience
Make sure your messaging attracts the clients you genuinely want to serve.

[15:26] Review Your Client Relationships
Identify which trips and clients energize you and which don’t.

[16:20] Create Your 90-Day Action Plan
Choose two priorities for each 30-day phase.

[17:18] Start Today
Amy encourages listeners to take action and build momentum.

Why This Matters

Starting a travel business can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to learn everything at once.

Amy explains that success isn’t about having the perfect website, logo, or marketing strategy. It’s about focusing on the right priorities and taking consistent action.

The first 30 days establish your foundation. The next 30 build momentum through relationships and follow-ups. The final 30 create sustainable routines that support long-term growth.

For experienced advisors, the same roadmap offers an opportunity to reassess their ideal clients, refresh their marketing, and reconnect with their community.

As Amy reminds listeners, “Consistency beats intensity.”

Your business can evolve with your life. What matters is being intentional about what comes next.

Action Steps for Listeners

• Choose a starting niche based on your knowledge.
• Tell your network about your travel business.
• Learn your booking tools, CRM, and agency resources.
• Join your advisor community and ask questions.
• Create a consistent client follow-up routine.
• Complete one supplier training at a time.
• Ask satisfied clients for referrals and reviews.
• Set clear working hours and expectations.
• Review your ideal clients and marketing.
• Choose two priorities for each 30-day phase.

Resources & Links

• Curious about life as a travel advisor? – https://curatedtravelprofessionals.com
• Curated Travel Collection – https://curatedtravelcollection.com

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Remember: Travel is simply the vehicle. The life you build is the destination.