Lindsay Blain & Kim Downs discuss the travel business
Listen to the interview on the Business Innovators Radio Network: Interview with Lindsay Blain & Kim Downs Owners of Castle Explorers, Discussing The Travel Business
Lindsay Blain and Kim Downs, the owners of Castle Explorers. They discuss how to transform a love for travel into a thriving business. Lindsay shares her journey of discovering that being a travel agent could be a fulfilling career, emphasizing that it can start as a side hustle or grow into a full-time endeavor. The conversation explores the flexibility of the travel business, accommodating varying backgrounds and goals. They highlight that while passion for travel is beneficial, one doesn’t necessarily need to travel extensively to succeed in this field.
In the travel industry, a passion for travel is often regarded as a fundamental requirement for success. However, as discussed in the podcast episode featuring Lindsay Blain and Kim Downs, extensive travel experience is not necessarily a prerequisite. Instead, a genuine desire to help others plan their trips can be equally valuable.
Lindsay emphasizes that passion is the most critical factor for anyone considering a career as a travel agent. She notes that many individuals enter the industry not because they have traveled extensively, but because they have a love for travel and a desire to explore more. This passion drives them to seek opportunities that allow them to travel more frequently, often while helping others do the same.
A significant aspect of being a successful travel agent is the ability to assist clients in planning their trips. Lindsay mentions that many of their agents come to them because they are already the go-to person among friends and family for travel advice. This natural inclination to help others, combined with a passion for travel, can lead to a fulfilling career in the travel industry. Agents do not need to have traveled to every destination they sell; instead, they can leverage their enthusiasm for travel and their research skills to provide valuable insights and recommendations. Lindsay points out that many agents start with limited travel experience but excel because they enjoy researching destinations, understanding client needs, and planning memorable trips.
Castle Explorers, the agency co-owned by Lindsay and Kim, recognizes that not all aspiring travel agents will have extensive travel backgrounds. Therefore, they provide comprehensive training and support to help new agents succeed. This includes teaching them the basics of building a travel business, understanding their target market, and developing their unique value proposition.
They also emphasize the importance of personal qualities such as determination, responsibility, and a willingness to learn. These traits can often outweigh the need for extensive travel experience, as they enable agents to grow and adapt in a dynamic industry
Lindsay and Kim shared: “At Castle Explorers, we’re dedicated to creating personalized travel experiences for all families that go beyond the ordinary, ensuring every journey is filled with meaningful moments and lasting memories.”
About Castle Explorers
Castle Explorers is more than just a travel agency—it’s a community built on passion, connection, and opportunity. Founded by Lindsay and Kim—two moms, business owners, and travel enthusiasts—our mission is to help families and travelers create unforgettable experiences while empowering travel agents to build successful, flexible businesses they love.
With industry-leading training, mentorship, and exclusive vendor partnerships, we equip our agents with the tools, support, and confidence to thrive in the travel industry. Whether you’re booking dream vacations or growing your own business, Castle Explorers is where passion meets purpose.
Learn more: http://www.castleexplorerstravel.com/
Recent News and interviews:
- Lindsay Blain & Kim Downs discuss the power of travel agents: Lindsay Blain & Kim Downs, Owners of Castle Explorers interviewed on The Influential Entrepreneurs Podcast, Discussing The Power of Travel Agents
