Have you ever wondered what it would really be like to turn your passion for travel into a business?

In this episode of the podcast, I sit down with my friend and travel colleague Carmen Roberts, a seasoned BBC travel journalist and TV presenter, to explore why running a travel business is not only possible but deeply rewarding.

Carmen shares her journey of moving from traditional media into the world of travel entrepreneurship, explaining how changes in the industry pushed her to rethink her career. With over 20 years of experience, more than 85 countries visited, and countless stories to tell, Carmen discovered that the travel business was a natural extension of what she already loved: helping people plan and experience incredible adventures.

What really stood out to me in this conversation was how personal this journey is. It’s about so much more than holidays or commissions. Carmen and I talked about the unexpected gift of community, the confidence we’ve both gained, and the opportunities that come when you’re brave enough to step outside your comfort zone. We reflected on the joy of seeing others succeed, the friendships that form along the way, and the shared excitement of planning future trips together.

This episode dives into leadership, resilience, and the courage it takes to start something new. Whether you are a travel lover, a budding entrepreneur, or someone searching for more freedom in your life, I hope our discussion shows you that running a travel business is about creating a life on your terms.

Timestamps:

• 00:40 – Meet Carmen Roberts, BBC travel presenter and journalist
• 01:31 – How the travel media industry has changed since COVID
• 03:25 – Turning years of recommendations into a profitable travel business
• 05:19 – Using Instagram to share travel stories and generate bookings
• 06:14 – Building community through coffee mornings and events
• 12:01 – Discovering leadership and self-confidence through business
• 14:50 – Why starting young could be life-changing
• 15:49 – The reality: effort and commitment bring rewards

Key Lessons Learned:

• The travel industry is evolving, and traditional media is no longer the only pathway.
• Personal recommendations can be transformed into a thriving business opportunity.
• Community is a vital part of running a travel business, providing support and inspiration.
• Confidence grows when you step out of your comfort zone and embrace new challenges.
• Running a travel business requires effort, but with commitment, the rewards are significant.

Keywords:

travel business, running a travel business, BBC travel journalist, travel entrepreneurship, starting a travel business, travel industry changes, benefits of a travel business, confidence in business, community in travel, travel business opportunities

Mentioned in this episode:

Want to learn more about starting your own travel business? Email me for a free information pack: [email protected]

Website: www.thelatitudecollective.com

Thanks so much for tuning in to Freedom to Take Off. If you’re feeling that itch to do something for you, to travel more, and to take control of your time and income, I’m here to help.

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