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/

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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.