Cruise Planners is a travel agency franchise that allows you to set your own schedule, be your own boss, and work from anywhere as you run your own travel business. Cruise Planners travel franchise owners come from a variety of backgrounds, including education.
Lori Osgood is a former teacher that is now running a successful travel business as a Cruise Planners travel advisor. We sat down with Lori to learn about what it was like to leave the classroom behind and start a new career selling travel.
HBM: How long were you a teacher?
LO: “I taught 3rd and 4th grade for 7 years before I joined Cruise Planners.”
HBM: What was the most difficult aspect of being an elementary school teacher?
LO: “The most difficult aspect of being a teacher wasn’t what most would guess…it was the politics. I truly feel like teaching is one of the few professions where a person can get a degree and not be treated like a professional. I just got tired of being micro-managed, having people that walked into my classroom more concerned with the arrangement of what was written on my board/what was on my bulletin boards, not having the support I was promised to help meet the needs of my at-risk students, and so much more. It was heartbreaking to walk away, but I no longer felt valued and I couldn’t do my job to the best of my ability without the support I needed.”
HBM: What made you decide to pursue a different career?
LO: “I had a passion for education like most teachers, but the stresses of the job took their toll on me. After 7 years, I began to look for something else to do.”
HBM: Why did you choose a travel franchise and ultimately Cruise Planners? Did you consider any other companies or career paths?
LO: “I always had a passion for traveling and I wanted to pursue something that I would really enjoy. I discovered Cruise Planners after researching a few companies and I felt like it would be the perfect bridge between my skills as an educator and my love for travel. I enjoy being able to share my experiences and teach my clients about destinations while helping them create unforgettable experiences on their travels.”
HBM: How hard was it to make the transition from teaching?
LO: “The transition wasn’t hard… I was motivated and excited at the potential of growing my own business. Not that it was easy—I worked long hours and did many events to build up my client database, but it was so worth it! I was looking forward to the opportunity of running my own travel business after leaving the classroom. I joined Cruise Planners 7 years ago and since then I haven’t felt like I’ve worked a day.”
HBM: What do you like the most about being a travel franchise owner?
LO: “The flexibility. With Cruise Planners, I’m able to work from home, my favorite coffee shop, or even when I’m traveling. I set my own schedule and I enjoy being able to see the world with my husband and with my clients as well. Although I don’t have any children, I’m very close with my niece and nephew and running my own travel agency allows me to spend as much time with them as possible. Overall, I’m a much happier person.”
HBM: Did you have any travel experience prior to joining Cruise Planners?
LO: “I always loved to travel but I had no experience in the travel industry prior to Cruise Planners.”
HBM: Did you start Cruise Planners part-time or did you jump right in and work full-time?
LO: “When I purchased my franchise in April 2013, I was finishing up that school year of teaching. Once the school year was finished and I went to my training in June of 2013, I started full-time and have been full-time ever since.”
HBM: What advice would you give to teachers and others that are considering a different career?
LO: “It’s OK to be scared. I know I was. I finally got to the point where I was more afraid of staying put than taking a risk. Pursue something you are truly passionate about if you aren’t truly happy as a teacher.”
HBM: Are you content with the level of success you’ve achieved so far? Have you met any goals or milestones?
LO: “I am thrilled with the level of success I’ve achieved. I have grown my business year after year. I have hit Cruise Planner’s Millionaire status this past year, the highest level of achievement within the company, and I am so proud of myself. It is so fulfilling to see your passion and success match up! I am now making 2 ½ times what I made teaching, I work for myself and have never been happier!”
HBM: What challenges you the most as a travel franchise owner?
LO: “What challenges me most as a travel franchise owner is the external factors to my business. Whether it be the current situation of COVID-19 or online agencies… I am always looking for ways to be sure my clients feel like I am there for them. Like I will do everything I can to meet their needs, answer their questions, and more.”
HBM: What kind of travel do you sell the most?
LO: “I plan a lot of honeymoons… whether it be a cruise, all-inclusive resort, or trip abroad. I love helping plan romance travel. Honeymoons are truly the vacation of a lifetime for many, and I am thrilled to help build those memories for my clients.”
HBM: What advice would you give to someone that is looking to start their own travel business with Cruise Planners?
LO: “The best advice I have is the same advice that was given to me when I started: keep a narrow focus. Initially, I felt like I had to learn everything because I didn’t have any experience in the travel industry, but it was extremely overwhelming. You don’t have to be an expert in everything and you’ll learn more over time. Focus on one thing, learn it well, and then be ready to learn other aspects of travel as they come to you. One other thing: if you plan to pull in a full income from this business, you must work it more than full-time at first. A successful business will not happen overnight. You must be motivated and willing to find the answers on your own…no one will hand them over to you! You’ve got to fight for what you want.”
HBM: Where do you envision your business in 5 years? 10 years?
LO: “Continually growing! It has been exciting to see the growth that has occurred over the first 7 years of my franchise. I look forward to continuing to grow it by adding on additional reliable and motivated associates, as well as having my repeat and referral business continue to grow.”
HBM: If you couldn’t sell travel or pursue a career in education, what would you be doing?
LO: “Oh goodness, I don’t want to think of a world where I can’t sell travel. That’s a hard one… well, I hope to one day be a mother, so I’d probably be staying home with my children.”
Read franchisee success stories and learn more about why Cruise Planners is the perfect low-cost franchise opportunity for teachers that are looking to supplement their income as well as teachers that are looking for alternative careers: https://www.cruiseplannersfranchise.com
