30 April 2026
Growing a Travel Advisory Business (That’s Not an MLM)
Revenue Rascals | Sales Strategies for Business Growth
About
What does it take to build a thriving travel advisory business from scratch — twice?
Michelle sits down with Ali Raymer of Picture This Travel, a former high school English teacher who went from organizing student trips to Europe to becoming the sole breadwinner for her family after selling $2.5 million in travel in a single year. Ali breaks down how the modern travel advisory model works—and why most people misunderstand it.She draws a clear line between order-taking agents and true client-focused advisors, and explains why that distinction is everything when it comes to building long-term, referral-driven revenue.
Ali also goes deep on the realities of scaling a service-based business. She shares how she rebuilt her business from the ground up after COVID wiped it out entirely, and came back stronger. Whether you're a sales professional, a business owner, or simply curious how the travel industry works, this episode is packed with practical insight and motivation for everyone.
Chapters
[Start] The Travel Agency Business Model, Debunked: The difference between MLM-style travel programs and true boutique advisory agencies.
09:27 Entering the Industry: How people get started and what the financial reality looks like.
25:02 Building Her Brand: How Ali rebuilt her client base and established her business reputation.
40:09 Saying No to Scale Faster: Why narrowing your focus leads to better growth.
51:41 The Most Rascal Thing: What set Ali apart and why demand for travel isn’t going away.
Links & Resources
Objectionly 14-Day Free Trial
If you are a founder or sales manager who wants to sell more and stop losing days to call review, Objectionly gives you back your time and puts accountability where it belongs. Grab your 14-Day Free Trial now: https://objectionly.com/?via=revenuerascals
Access All Revenue Rascals Resources for FREE at www.revenuerascals.com/listen
One-time sign-up gives you everything you need.
Got a question for Michelle? Fill out this form for a chance to have your question answered during the coaching corner segment of episodes.
Submit a Question to Michelle
Want my eyes on your revenue strategy? Grab a call with Michelle.
Revenue Rascals Discovery Call with Michelle Terpstra
Check out three ways Michelle and her team can support your path to predictable growth.
Uncover your Sales Leadership IQ and get your personalized plan for leading through change. quiz.revenuerascals.com
Connect with Michelle:
Disclaimer: Some episodes of Revenue Rascals may include paid sponsorships or affiliate partnerships. We only feature brands, products, or services that align with our values and are relevant to helping founders, revenue leaders, and entrepreneurs grow. Sponsorships help support the show—opinions shared are always our own.
Michelle Terpstra's Privacy Policy
Michelle sits down with Ali Raymer of Picture This Travel, a former high school English teacher who went from organizing student trips to Europe to becoming the sole breadwinner for her family after selling $2.5 million in travel in a single year. Ali breaks down how the modern travel advisory model works—and why most people misunderstand it.She draws a clear line between order-taking agents and true client-focused advisors, and explains why that distinction is everything when it comes to building long-term, referral-driven revenue.
Ali also goes deep on the realities of scaling a service-based business. She shares how she rebuilt her business from the ground up after COVID wiped it out entirely, and came back stronger. Whether you're a sales professional, a business owner, or simply curious how the travel industry works, this episode is packed with practical insight and motivation for everyone.
Chapters
[Start] The Travel Agency Business Model, Debunked: The difference between MLM-style travel programs and true boutique advisory agencies.
09:27 Entering the Industry: How people get started and what the financial reality looks like.
25:02 Building Her Brand: How Ali rebuilt her client base and established her business reputation.
40:09 Saying No to Scale Faster: Why narrowing your focus leads to better growth.
51:41 The Most Rascal Thing: What set Ali apart and why demand for travel isn’t going away.
Links & Resources
Objectionly 14-Day Free Trial
If you are a founder or sales manager who wants to sell more and stop losing days to call review, Objectionly gives you back your time and puts accountability where it belongs. Grab your 14-Day Free Trial now: https://objectionly.com/?via=revenuerascals
Access All Revenue Rascals Resources for FREE at www.revenuerascals.com/listen
One-time sign-up gives you everything you need.
Got a question for Michelle? Fill out this form for a chance to have your question answered during the coaching corner segment of episodes.
Submit a Question to Michelle
Want my eyes on your revenue strategy? Grab a call with Michelle.
Revenue Rascals Discovery Call with Michelle Terpstra
Check out three ways Michelle and her team can support your path to predictable growth.
Uncover your Sales Leadership IQ and get your personalized plan for leading through change. quiz.revenuerascals.com
Connect with Michelle:
- MichelleTerpstra.comLinkedInInstagram
- Website: https://www.alipicturethistravel.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/alipicturethistravelLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alipicturethistravel/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@alipicturethistravel
Disclaimer: Some episodes of Revenue Rascals may include paid sponsorships or affiliate partnerships. We only feature brands, products, or services that align with our values and are relevant to helping founders, revenue leaders, and entrepreneurs grow. Sponsorships help support the show—opinions shared are always our own.
Michelle Terpstra's Privacy Policy