In this episode of The Travel Business Unpacked, Meredith Calloway interviews Jen Campbell Boles, the successful owner of Explore More Travel Co. Jen shares her inspiring journey from corporate finance to becoming a top travel advisor. Let’s dive into how she transitioned from managing finances to managing dream vacations for families, and how her passion for travel became a thriving business.
Leaving Corporate Life Behind
Before launching Explore More Travel Co, Jen Campbell Boles spent years in corporate finance. After the birth of her twins in 2013, Jen decided to become a stay-at-home mom. “That was enough for me,” Jen recalls, noting the challenges of balancing motherhood and a corporate career. As her children approached kindergarten, Jen started thinking about her next career move, which she assumed would return her to finance.
However, a fateful Facebook post about selling travel caught her attention. Jen met with a travel industry friend who suggested she attend the Book More Travel Workshop in 2019. With no experience as a travel advisor, Jen took a leap of faith. “I came home from the event and said to my husband, ‘I’m going to do this, and I’m going to be successful.’” With that, Jen enrolled in the Travel MBA program and embarked on a new career path.
Overcoming Misconceptions and Embracing Fulfillment
Despite a successful career in finance, Jen faced her own misconceptions about becoming a travel advisor. “I thought of it as a travel agent’s role,” she explains, recalling how she didn’t initially realize the evolving opportunities within the travel industry.
Jen’s transition into travel was driven more by passion than financial gain at first. “I was blessed to be in a position where I didn’t have to rely on immediate income,” she says, focusing instead on creating a fulfilling career. And while her journey started slowly—launching her business just before the pandemic hit—Jen’s dedication paid off as she built her brand, even during challenging times.
The Power of Passion: What Fuels Jen’s Love for Travel
Jen’s passion for travel extends far beyond planning trips for her clients. “I always have to have a trip planned to look forward to because it feeds my soul,” she says. Jen’s enthusiasm for exploring new destinations, reading about unique experiences, and sharing those adventures with her family is evident in everything she does.
She also emphasizes the importance of showing her children the world. “We travel three to four times a year as a family, and we go far,” she shares, with recent trips to Italy and upcoming plans for Japan. Jen’s approach to travel encourages families to explore the world together, regardless of the challenges that come with traveling with young children.
Navigating the Pandemic: From Setbacks to Success
Like many travel advisors, Jen faced challenges when the pandemic hit in 2020. Having just signed her first group trip, she had to navigate rescheduling and the complexities of managing travel in uncertain times. Despite the setbacks, Jen used this period to refine her business systems and keep her brand alive through virtual events.
Jen recalls creating virtual travel lessons for children, keeping her passion for travel alive while the world was on hold. As travel demand returned in 2021, Jen’s efforts to build a strong foundation for her business paid off, leading to significant growth in the following years.
Hitting the Million-Dollar Milestone
Jen crossed the million-dollar sales mark in December 2022, a major milestone for any travel advisor. “There were no fears. I just thought, ‘Let’s do it again,’” she says, reflecting on her success. In 2023, she exceeded her previous sales, showing how consistent hard work and passion can yield impressive results.
Jen attributes much of her success to hiring help and building a strong team. “Hiring has been key,” she emphasizes, noting how having support allowed her to scale her business and focus on client experience.
Balancing Business and Motherhood
As a mother of two, Jen knows the importance of finding balance between her growing business and her family life. “There are long days, but I have the flexibility to pick my kids up from school, take them to their activities, and spend quality time with them,” she says. Jen’s ability to build a thriving business while being present for her family has been one of the most rewarding aspects of her journey.
A Secret Sauce to Travel Success
When asked about her “secret sauce” for success, Jen credits her genuine excitement and transparency with clients. “I’m upfront with people. I don’t push unnecessary expenses, but I will suggest splurging on things that will elevate their experience.” Her approach is less about selling and more about giving her clients the best possible travel experiences.
The Gifted Travel Network: Fueling Growth and Community
Jen’s success story is a testament to the power of community and support, which she found through the Gifted Travel Network (GTN). “Being part of GTN has provided me with invaluable mentorship and a supportive community of like-minded travel advisors,” she says.
For those looking to enter the travel industry, joining the Gifted Travel Network can offer the tools and guidance necessary for success. With the right resources, mindset, and community, you too can build a thriving business and create a life centered around your passion for travel—just like Jen Campbell Boles.
