Freedom to Take Off
Welcome to Freedom to Take Off, this is a podcast for those ready to embrace new adventures; whether that means traveling more, building a flexible business, or gaining financial independence. I’m Kim Cooper, a lifelong traveler and mentor, and I found a way to make travel not just a passion but a business that gives me the freedom to work from anywhere. Now, I help others do the same." My only regret is I wish I had started this years ago! So, if you’re ready to create a life where you call the shots; where you can travel, earn, and live on your terms, you’re in the right place. Let’s take off!
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How I am Growing a Travel Business
06/09/2025
How I am Growing a Travel Business
What does the future of my travel business look like? And how can you build one too? Welcome back to Freedom to Take Off! Over the past episodes, I’ve shared my journey, rom turning travel into a business to helping others create their own path to flexibility and independence. Today, I want to take you behind the scenes of how my business is growing and where I see it going next. If you told me years ago that I’d be leading a team of over 110 people, I wouldn’t have believed you. But here I am building something that not only fuels my passion for travel but also helps others do the same. My team spans the UK, Ireland, the U.S., and the Caribbean, with even more countries joining us soon. And the best part? I get to support them every step of the way, through training, community events, and hands-on mentorship. Helping my team grow is just as rewarding as growing my own business. Whether it's answering questions, hosting coffee mornings, or hopping on Zoom calls with members across the globe, I’m here to make sure no one feels lost. When I first started, I had doubts, especially about the business side of things. I told myself I’d stick to booking travel, but looking back, I realise that was a huge mistake. I now love the business-building aspect and wish I’d embraced it sooner. The beauty of this journey is the freedom to shape it how you want. Some in my team focus on personal travel, while others build incredible niche businesses, luxury, safari, solo trips, cruises, and even Contiki tours. One of my team members travels with groups of fifteen, earns commission, gets her place for free, and then signs them up when they return home. How clever is that? For me, the future looks like continued growth, building this business, traveling as much as I can with my family and friends, and working towards my ultimate goal: retiring my husband. This business has given me new dreams and ambitions I never thought I'd have, and I wouldn't change it for the world. If you’re considering taking that first step, just know, you don’t have to do it alone. It’s an exciting and flexible opportunity that can fit into your life however you choose. And who knows? You could be the next success story, turning a passion into something life-changing. Key Lessons Learnt: Support & Mentorship Matter: Having a strong support system in business, whether through colleagues, mentors, or training, can make a huge difference. Flexibility & Growth: You can shape your business in the way that works for you, whether it's a side hustle or a full-time career. Niche Marketing Works: Finding your niche, from luxury packages to solo holidays, can be a powerful way to stand out. Opportunities Are Everywhere: You never know who might be interested in starting their own travel business, sometimes, all it takes is sharing the opportunity. Thinking Long-Term: The residual income and compensation plan structure make this business scalable and sustainable. Mentioned in this episode: Want to learn more about starting your own travel business? Email me for a free information pack: Website: Thanks so much for tuning in to Freedom to Take Off. If you’re feeling that itch to do something for you, to travel more, and to take control of your time and income, I’m here to help. Follow the show so you never miss an episode, and let’s take off together.
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How my Travel Business Gave me Freedom
06/09/2025
How my Travel Business Gave me Freedom
Ever wondered what it’s really like to run a travel business and how it can completely transform your life? In this episode, I take you behind the scenes of what life has looked like since I started my travel business and how it’s become something so much more than just a job. It’s opened doors I never imagined possible: doors to new cities, dream hotels, unforgettable experiences, and friendships I’ll treasure forever. Over the last 18 months, I’ve booked over £100,000 in travel for clients. That number still stuns me. Not just because of the bookings but because of the lifestyle that came with it. I’ve travelled more in the past year than I had in the previous decade, ticking off bucket list adventures and exploring the world with my family in ways we once only dreamed of. From skiing in France and Austria to cruising under the Northern Lights in Iceland, from Lake Como with my daughter to a girls’ trip in Ibiza this business hasn’t just given me a new career; it’s given me more life. And yes, I’ve earned commission on every booking, whether for clients or my own trips. And the best part? I’ve done all this while learning, growing, and gaining confidence in ways I never thought possible with incredible support, expert suppliers just a call away, and zero pressure to "hit targets". It’s entirely on your terms. In this episode, I share: How I turned family holidays into business opportunities The personal touches that make clients come back again and again The perks of being a travel agent, from upgrades to exclusive events My favourite travel agent conventions and why they’re unlike anything else The two sides of the business: travel booking and marketing What passive income really means, and how it changed everything for me Inspiring stories from others in the business, aged 20 to 60+ My upcoming trips to Porto, Monaco, and Orlando, and why they’re more than just holidays Key lessons: You grow through doing, confidence comes from experience, not perfection. The travel industry is about relationships, with clients, suppliers, and fellow agents. There’s more than one way to build this business, you can focus on bookings, marketing, or both. Passive income is real, and can create long-term security and legacy. Surrounding yourself with supportive people matters, this is a community that cheers you on. Mentioned in this episode: Want to learn more about starting your own travel business? Email me for a free information pack: Website: Thanks so much for tuning into Freedom to Take Off. If you’re feeling that itch to do something for you, to travel more, and to take control of your time and income, I’m here to help. Follow the show so you never miss an episode, and let’s take off together.
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Why I Started a Travel Business
06/09/2025
Why I Started a Travel Business
Have you ever reached a point in life where you finally had time for yourself and wondered what to do with it? For me, that moment came when all three of my wonderful kids; Harry, Charlie and Molly, had grown up and flown the nest. For the first time in decades, I had space to do something just for me. What started as a simple curiosity quickly turned into a full-blown travel business, and in this first episode of Freedom to Take Off, I’m sharing the honest, behind-the-scenes story of how it all began. I’ll take you through my journey from expat life in Romania and Budapest, to returning to the UK and reigniting my passion for travel in an entirely new way. You'll hear how I overcame my doubts (and my Scottish scepticism!) to step into something I never thought possible, running my own business in an industry I’d never worked in, and loving every minute of it. It wasn’t just about travel; it was about confidence, identity, and discovering that it’s never too late to start again. What I cover in this episode: Why I started my travel business after 20+ years out of work How I went from booking our own family trips to earning commission on holidays, concerts, and events The incredible support and training available, even with no prior experience What it actually means to run a travel business from anywhere (yes, even from a corner suite at Malmaison!) Why this opportunity works for everyone, from mums and nurses to CEOs and students How you can get commission on travel you’re already booking The freedom of choosing your own hours, clients, and location, with no sales pressure or targets Key lessons: It’s never too late to start something new, no matter how long you’ve been away from traditional work. Saying “yes” to something outside your comfort zone can lead to an entirely new life. You don’t need experience to succeed, you just need curiosity, community, and a willingness to learn. The travel you’re already doing can earn you money, with the right tools and platform. There’s no one way to do this business, it truly fits around your life, whether as a side hustle or full-time gig. Mentioned in this episode: Want to learn more about starting your own travel business? Email me for a free information pack: Website: Thanks so much for tuning into the very first episode of Freedom to Take Off. If you’re feeling that itch to do something for you, to travel more, and to take control of your time and income, I’m here to help. Follow the show so you never miss an episode, and let’s take off together.
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Freedom to Take Off Trailer
06/08/2025
Freedom to Take Off Trailer
Hi, I’m Kim Cooper, and after raising three kids, moving countries, and living the expat life, I found myself with the empty nest! With my youngest off to university and my husband still flying back and forth to Budapest every week for work… it hit me. This was my time. I needed a purpose, something to fill that time which I hadnt had before and had always been so busy. I’d spent years making sure everyone else was taken care of. But what about me? That’s when I decided to give something new a go, something that let me travel, build a business, and reconnect with who I am, all at the same time. I have always loved to travel so why not build a business around something I love doing. And that’s how Freedom to Take Off was born. This podcast is for anyone, any age from 18, who’s feeling stuck, ready for change, or simply wants to do something for themselves. Whether your kids have flown the nest, your career doesn’t spark joy anymore, or you’ve just always dreamed of building a life around travel, this is your permission slip. Each episode, I’ll be sharing the real stories behind starting a travel business from scratch, tips to design a flexible lifestyle, and conversations with others who’ve taken off, on their own terms. No pressure. No salesy nonsense. Just honest chats, practical advice, and a whole lot of encouragement. So if you’re ready to explore new paths, create income from something you love, and finally rediscover your freedom… then hit that follow button. Because your next chapter, it’s waiting for you to take off.
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