The Personal Travel Agent welcomes Lisa McCallum, a travel agent from Not Just Travel, who recently won a silver award for Best Customer Service at the Best Businesswomen Awards. Listen in as Lisa shares her journey, beginning with departing from home at 16 under challenging circumstances, to becoming a successful business owner. Her story is a testament to the power of self-belief and overcoming doubts, even those from her 13-year-old son, as she highlights how determination and a passion for customer service propelled her to unexpected success.

Explore the transformative journey toward self-employment in the travel industry, as she explains how she invested in a travel franchise. At 24, despite having a seemingly perfect life, Lisa felt unfulfilled until a spontaneous decision to become a holiday rep showed her that loving her work was possible.

Returning to an unfulfilling retail career, motherhood inspired a new path. Her husband's decision to retrain, led her into the travel business. Driven by the need to focus on two autistic sons, she needed the ability to work from home. Thus, a new chapter began, embracing opportunities for growth and passion in a home-based travel business.

Finally, discover the essence of personalized customer service in the travel industry and the benefits of being a franchisee. We explore the importance of catering to clients' unique needs, enhancing their travel experiences with thoughtful gestures, and providing unwavering support during crises. The change from simple package holidays to the allure of off-the-beaten-track destinations showcase the dynamic nature of the travel industry.

Lisa demonstrates how following your passion can earn you an income doing something you love. Her determination to enter awards despite others trying to deter her, shows how important resilience and belief are to entrepreneurs. Anyone fascinated by travel will love this episode. It clearly demonstrates the benefits of using a travel specialist. And for any female entrepreneur mums out there, you'll be reassured that it is possible to manage the needs of your family with your business.

{1:20} Lisa's PR from winning her award.

{1:59} Lisa's thought process that led to entering the awards.

{4:26} The journey to starting a travel franchise.

{11:45} Lisa's travel services.

{12:46} Growing a business despite the pandemic.

{18:11} How a travel agent supports customers in a crisis.

{19:08} 2025's hottest travel destinations.

{21:29} How Lisa plans her own travel.

{23:00} Lisa's forthcoming travel agenda.

{24:14} The benefits of being a franchisee.

{28:06} Lisa's business tips.

Connect with Debbie at: https://thebusinessawardsshow.co.uk

Connect with Lisa McCallum: https://lisamccallum.notjusttravel.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/njtlisamccallum/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NJTLisaMcCallum/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-mccallum-personal-travel-specialist-8bb26a126/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@notjusttravel