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.