We’re a few weeks into 2026, and now that the “new year momentum” has met real life, it’s time to get clear on what will actually move the needle in your travel business this year.

In this episode of Bliss to Abundance, Kelli Hayes Smith and Cyndi Williams break down the five essentials they believe will matter most in building a thriving travel business in 2026—especially in a world where platforms shift, the economy fluctuates, and “busy season” isn’t a strategy.

You’ll hear how to identify your blind spots, fix the real reason leads slow down, stop panic posting, and build a business that grows through clarity + decisive action (even when it feels scary).

In this episode, we cover:

• How to spot the real “blind spot” holding your growth back

• The 5 most common problems inside a travel business (and how to diagnose yours)

• Why “posting” isn’t the same as marketing (and what to do instead)

• Innovation + AI: how to stay current without chasing every trend

• Why community matters more than ever in 2026 (especially in uncertain moments)

• The difference between crappy-but-comfortable vs. fearful-but-forward

• Why decisive momentum beats perfect planning every time

Resources & Links:

• Free masterclass inside your free Wanderlust Campus™ account: https://wanderlust-ceo.com/p2l-masterclass-signup/

Subscribe & Share
If this episode hit home, share it with a travel advisor friend who needs a reset this January—and make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss next week’s episode.

Episode Summary
Happy New Year! In this episode, Kelli and Cyndi dig into the worst advice travel advisors hear online — and why it’s so dangerous when you’re trying to build a real business.

They break down three big myths that keep advisors stuck:

1. “Don’t charge fees.”

2. “Suppliers will train you on everything you need.”

3. “Just post on social media and clients will come.”

You’ll also hear practical truth bombs about what luxury clients actually expect, why systems matter more than hustle, how to think about marketing like a real machine (not a hope-and-pray strategy), and the mindset shift that helps you move faster without crumbling later.

They wrap with the best advice to start your year strong: get crystal clear on your goals, make decisive moves, and allow yourself to win or learn.

• Why “free” marketing language can quietly destroy your value

• How fees protect your time, revenue, and client experience

• Why supplier training ≠ business training (and what’s missing)

• The “Lego” analogy that explains why piecing random advice together fails

• Why posts don’t equal bookings, and what actually creates sales

• The importance of a conversion path + multi-channel marketing

• The fastest-scaling advisors aren’t always the smartest — they’re decisive

• How to set goals that are measurable, actionable, and aligned

00:00 – Welcome to 202600:48 – The problem with “loud” advice from people without results04:40 – Bad advice #1: “Don’t charge fees”07:30 – Please stop marketing your services as “free”10:02 – Why vacations aren’t a $24.99 impulse buy12:05 – Deal-of-the-day marketing attracts the wrong clients16:41 – Bad advice #2: “Suppliers will teach you everything”18:05 – The Lego box analogy: why you need instructions22:15 – Fast, cheap, quality: you only get two29:45 – Bad advice #3: “Just post on social media”33:29 – Marketing is multi-channel, and it requires testing36:28 – The conversion path question: “Where do they go?”42:29 – The best advice for 2026: clarity + decisive action44:50 – Join the Goal Mapping Workshop + Open House46:00 – WLC upgrades, alumni updates, and what’s new for 2026

Open House: https://wanderlust-ceo.com/open-houses/
Goal Mapping Call: https://wanderlust-ceo.com/goalmapping/
Free WLC Account: https://wanderlust-ceo.com

Episode Summary
It’s the busiest (and most emotional) time of the year — and if you feel pulled in 12 different directions, this episode will feel like a deep exhale. Kelli and Cyndi sit down for a candid, heartfelt conversation about navigating holiday overwhelm, unlearning chaos culture, breaking the constant “hustle” loop, and building healthier rhythms in life and business.

Together, they explore everything from mom guilt to entrepreneur guilt, from phone boundaries to dopamine addiction, from the pressure to “do more” to the relief that comes from aligning your time with your values. Plus, they offer practical strategies that help travel advisors shift out of reaction mode and step into intention — not only for the holidays, but for 2026 and beyond.

This one is warm, relatable, needed… and packed with wisdom that hits home.

In this episode, we cover:
• Why December feels overwhelming for entrepreneurs
• How to break the chaos cycle and stop glorifying busy
• Reframing the pressure to “show up everywhere”
• Boundaries that actually work: email, social, notifications, time blocks
• Why scrolling steals more than just your time
• How to measure your success by impact, not hours
• Permission to slow down and fully enjoy your life
• How Cyndi reframed work after loss
• Why “it’s never all done” is actually freedom
• How to prep your business for wave season without burning out

Resources Mentioned:
• Create your free Wanderlust Campus account: wanderlust-ceo.com
• Explore Certifications, Skills Lab, WanderBots, and 2026 updates
• Follow Wanderlust Campus on Instagram
• Careers on Vacation® application & info

If this episode gives you the breath of fresh air you needed, share it with a fellow advisor who is juggling all the things right now.

Episode Summary
In this heartfelt and deeply practical episode, Kelli and Cyndi are back together and kicking off December with the reset every travel advisor needs. From navigating hard seasons to redefining success, they share real stories and the exact framework they use every year to build clarity, intention, and momentum for the year ahead.

You’ll learn how to get out of hobby mode, step confidently into business ownership, and map your goals in a way that actually moves your life and business forward. Plus, the big announcement inside Careers on Vacation — including major 2026 upgrades and the launch of the brand-new Skills Lab and WanderBots.

This episode is your first step toward a grounded, aligned, and wildly abundant 2026.

In this episode, we cover:
• Why December is the most important month for travel advisors
• The reflection process that helps you leave behind what no longer fits
• How to get crystal clear about the life you’re building
• Why clarity shifts fear, increases momentum, and attracts opportunities
• The real difference between a dream and a goal
• How goal mapping works (and why advisors swear by it)
• What’s new inside Careers on Vacation
• How the WanderBots help you master real-world client situations
• Why investing in education is one of the highest ROI moves you can make

Links & Resources Mentioned:
• Create your free Wanderlust Campus account: wanderlust-ceo.com
• Find the complimentary Goal Mapping Workshop inside your free account
• Learn more about Careers on Vacation® certification
• Explore the new Skills Lab + WanderBots

If you loved this episode, make sure to subscribe and share it with another travel advisor who needs clarity for the year ahead.

Kelli is back with Cyndi after a whirlwind month to unpack Wander Beyond Orlando—our biggest, most heart-full retreat yet.

We walk through VIP day at the Disney monorail resorts, Student Ambassadors, the Legacy Scholarship in memory of Evie, Cyndi’s Hero’s Journey keynote, community moments (yes, the custom ears 🤩), and two huge announcements for 2026: Kenya with Tembo Wild (Nov 2026) and Alaska on Royal Caribbean (July 2026).

We also share new creative perks (the Abby Grace Collection inside Wanderlust Social) and answer a listener voice memo on AI disclosures.

In this episode you’ll learn:

• How we build retreats around your business growth (workshops, audits, content labs—not just supplier talks)

• Why community and mentorship fuel sustainable momentum (and what our Student Ambassadors actually do)

• What’s changing for 2026 retreats (smaller caps, deeper experiences, more sellable niche content)

• New creative resources: Abby Grace limited photo licenses (subscriber-only) and our partner Suitcase Designs website offer for the WLC community

• How we’re honoring Evie through the Wanderland Legacy Fund scholarship

Mentions & Links:

• Create your free Wanderlust Campus account to access dashboards & first-to-know drops: wanderlust-ceo.com

• 2026 Retreats (going live to grads/community first): Africa (Kenya, Nov 2026) • Alaska (July 2026)

• Partner Perk: Suitcase Designs (COV grad-founded) — done-for-you websites from $129/mo, exclusive to WLC members

• Wanderlust Social x Abby Grace limited collection (subscriber-only access)

• Follow on IG: @careersonvacation @wanderlustceo

Have a question for the show?
Send us a voice memo via Instagram DM to @careersonvacation and we may feature it in a future episode.

In this episode of Bliss to Abundance, Kelli Hayes Smith and Cyndi Williams dive into one of the biggest cultural moments of the year—Taylor Swift’s engagement—and what it teaches us about marketing in the travel industry.

We talk about why authenticity is everything when weaving trends into your brand, and how understanding your ideal client shapes the way you show up in the market. From the power of SEO and local marketing strategies to building trust as a travel advisor, this conversation is packed with insights to help you grow your travel business.

You’ll also hear our take on why “travel agent” still matters for SEO, how Disney continues to be a niche with staying power, and why training the next generation of advisors is critical for the industry’s future.

Whether you’re dreaming up your next big marketing move or looking for clarity in your branding, this episode will inspire you to lean into what’s real for you and to rise with confidence in your business.

✨ Takeaways:

• Pop culture moments like Taylor Swift’s engagement can fuel your marketing strategy.

• Authenticity and brand voice matter more than trends.

• Knowing your ideal client changes everything.

• Travel agents should embrace the word “agent” for SEO visibility.

• Local marketing is a game-changer for trust and growth.

• Disney is still a powerful niche opportunity.

• Training and certification keep our industry strong.

Join Kelli Hayes Smith and Cyndi Williams as they share fresh insights from two major travel industry events—the Star of the Seas preview and Sandals St. Vincent. This episode dives into why industry events are more than just beautiful destinations; they’re opportunities to learn, create powerful content, and connect with clients on a deeper level.

From confidence in content creation to understanding your ideal client, we’ll break down the strategies travel advisors need to market with clarity and impact. Plus, hear about a new Royal Caribbean scholarship opportunity that can open doors for aspiring travel professionals.

If you’ve ever wondered how to turn your travel experiences into a thriving business strategy, this episode is your roadmap.

Episode Summary:
In this honest and inspiring episode, Cyndi Williams and Kelli Hayes Smith open up about the why and how behind their latest rebrand. From the early days of hot pink logos and "Cartoon Cyndi" to a full brand glow-up for Wanderlust Campus™ and Tripsy, they share real behind-the-scenes moments, mindset shifts, and what it means to build a brand that evolves with you.

Whether you’re in the early stages of building your business or feeling like your branding no longer reflects your growth, this conversation is packed with advice, encouragement, and a few good laughs (plus a cameo by... coffee creamer?).

In This Episode:

• How the Wanderlust brand began—and why it had to change

• Why branding is more than just logos and fonts

• What to do when your business (or you!) outgrow your brand

• The connection between branding, ideal clients, and aligned growth

• Personal stories of courage, pivoting, and stepping into your next season

Resources Mentioned:

• Free Wanderlust Campus™ Account → wanderlust-ceo.com

• Wander Beyond Retreat – Almost Sold Out!

• Follow on IG: @wanderlustceo, @careersonvacation