Ever wonder how travel agents make planning FREE for you? Tammy Whiting, owner of Storybook Destinations, breaks down the business model AND shares an unbelievable story of surviving 36 hours seasick on Antarctica's infamous Drake Shake – and why she'd do it again! On this episode of the COS Business Podcast, we sit down with Tammy, a Colorado Springs-based travel expert, military spouse, and owner of Storybook Destinations & Wayfinder Destinations. Discover the secrets behind the travel agency business, how they build relationships with suppliers like Disney, why there's often no extra cost to use their services, and the value they bring beyond simple booking. Tammy shares her entrepreneurial journey, from starting as a Disney-focused agent over 20 years ago to building her own successful agency with 25 agents. Hear her insights on: • The "Rising Tide Lifts All Boats" collaboration philosophy in the travel industry. • Navigating the immense challenges the travel world faced during the pandemic and the lessons learned. • Building a business you can run from anywhere as a military spouse. The unique magic of Disney cruises and the level of service that sets them apart. PLUS, buckle up for Tammy's incredible firsthand account of traveling to Antarctica! She details the breathtaking beauty, the unique wildlife encounters, the strict environmental rules, and the harrowing experience of conquering the "Drake Shake." Find out why, even after 36 hours bedridden, the experience was profoundly worth it. Whether you're a business owner, aspiring entrepreneur, or someone dreaming of your next cruise or adventure (Disney, Antarctica, or beyond!), this episode is packed with insights and inspiration. Learn more about Tammy & Book Your Trip: Storybook Destinations: https://www.storybookdestinations.com/ Wayfinder Destinations: https://www.wayfinderdestinations.com/ The Unofficial Guide to Disney Cruise Line (Co-Author): https://www.amazon.com/Unofficial-Guide-Disney-Cruise-Guides/dp/1628091622 In This Episode (Timestamps): 0:00 Intro & Welcome Tammy 2:41 Tammy's Origin Story: Military Spouse to Travel Agent 3:42 Launching Storybook Destinations & Building the Agency 4:18 Why Disney? Service, Nostalgia & Cruise Line Deep Dive 8:14 The Entrepreneurial Journey & Business Building Insights 16:34 How Travel Agents Get Paid (FREE Planning Explained!) 28:12 70+ Cruises! Expert Insights, Fears & Destinations 42:00 Collaboration Over Competition & Launching Wayfinder 48:26 ANTARCTICA Adventure: Surviving the Drake Shake 56:12 Navigating the Pandemic: Lessons for the Travel Industry 1:01:12 Travel Philosophy, Walt Disney & Final Cruise Advice 1:05:48 Connect with Tammy / Outro Subscribe to the COS Business Podcast for more interviews with Colorado Springs entrepreneurs! https://www.youtube.com/@ColoradoBusinessPodcast Local Sponsors: Bolton Co: For Purpose-Driven Executives. https://www.boltonco.net/ ProLift Garage Doors: Lifting Your Expectations. https://www.proliftdoors.com/ Be Our Guest Getaways: Making Magical Memories. https://beourguestgetaways.com/ Planet Duct: Your go-to cleaning service in Colorado Springs. https://www.planetduct.com/ Pinnacle Advanced Primary Care: Hassle-free healthcare. https://www.pinnacleapc.com Epoch Eyewear: Timeless Quality, Modern Edge. https://epocheyewear.com/ HomeDay : https://gethomeday.com/ Exponential Impact: https://www.exponentialimpact.com/ Fast Signs: https://www.fastsigns.com/ Cars Helping Charities: https://carshelpingcharities.org/ Dream Accounting - https://dreamaccountingsolutions.com/ Awesome Home Services - https://www.awesomeservice.com/ Reveal Med Spa - https://revealmedspas.com/ #COSBusinessPodcast #ColoradoSprings #TravelAgent #CruiseTravel #Antarctica #DrakeShake #DisneyCruise #StorybookDestinations #WayfinderDestinations #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #BusinessPodcast #TravelTips #TravelIndustry #MilitarySpouseOwned #TravelPlanning #BusinessOwner