Travel Advisor Success Stories focus on veteran advisors and how they achieved success. Here＊s a look at McLean Robbins, founder of Lily Pond Luxury Travel, an affiliate of Travel Experts.
How did you get your start as a travel advisor?
Like many advisors, I began by helping friends and family. I＊ve always loved travel logistics 每 finding the right hotel, the right routing, the right mix of experiences 每 so it came naturally. The moment I realized it could be a real business was early on, when I landed a client through a freelance platform who happened to be connected to the company＊s founder. It was a lucky break, but one that affirmed I was already circulating in the right network.
I launched Lily Pond Luxury in 2016 after nearly a decade working in luxury travel as a journalist, hotel inspector and digital strategist. At the time, I was working full-time in luxury brand marketing and editorial, and I treated travel as a third income stream.
Post-COVID, my travel revenue started matching my salary as a VP of marketing. I continued both roles until I had my first child in 2024 每 partly because I could, and partly because I truly enjoyed doing both. That pace prepared me well for the demands of motherhood.
How did you build your business?
The early days were all about saying yes, building trust and treating each trip like it was my own. I brought in about $250,000 in bookings that first year. My background in branding helped me position the business well, and I leaned into strong storytelling and strategic partnerships.
The real shift came during COVID. My clients wanted to travel, and they needed help navigating a world that was changing weekly. I brought on my first two independent contractors, friends in the industry who were eager to learn and contribute. What began as a solo brand grew into a team.
Today, Lily Pond Luxury includes nine advisors across the US, each with a unique focus and a shared commitment to high-touch service. We＊re now pacing toward $11 million in annual sales.
What characteristics make you a successful advisor?
I ask a lot of questions, and I listen carefully. I want to understand who you are, not just where you want to go. Every trip is designed around what I call ＆Return on Experience＊ 每 not just the financial investment but the emotional one. What do you want to feel, experience and take away from this trip? That＊s our North Star.
I＊m also honest. If something isn＊t worth it, I＊ll say so. If I think there＊s a better way to do something, I＊ll give the client the option. That kind of candor builds trust 每 and trust builds long-term clients.
What have your greatest challenges been?
Scaling while staying personal. I pour a lot into each trip, and sometimes I probably should treat things a little more like a transaction 每 but I don＊t. That＊s just not how I work.
I also waited too long to leave my second career. I was cautious, holding on to a high-powered role in case the business dried up. In hindsight, that fear was unfounded. When I finally took the leap (while also having a baby), I replaced my executive-level income in six months.
Early on, I didn＊t document enough, which made it harder to scale. But I learned quickly. Now we have processes and a team that understands how to deliver consistent excellence. It＊s a constant balance between growth and hands-on service 每 but I like being in the thick of it.
What have your greatest accomplishments been?
Some of our biggest wins are invisible to clients 每 like executing a six-figure trip with just two weeks＊ notice or rescuing a family itinerary after a flight cancellation. But the most fulfilling projects are milestone moments: birthdays, anniversaries, multi-generational trips. Especially now that I＊m a mom, I love helping create those core memories.
We＊ve been honored as a Cond谷 Nast Traveler Top Specialist and named to TravelPulse＊s 40 Under 40. But the best feedback is when a client says, ＆I＊d do that trip again tomorrow.＊ That＊s the bar we aim for.
What tips can you provide to advisors new to the industry?
Don＊t expect instant success. I tell new advisors to give themselves three years to hit $1 million in sales 每 and that＊s okay if it takes longer. Start small, learn by doing and build slowly. Some of the most valuable lessons come from the trips you must piece together yourself 每 when you learn how to problem-solve, improvise and work creatively.
Also, have a real business plan. Understand that income in this business often arrives months after the work is done. Savings or a second income stream can make all the difference in your early years.
And finally, invest in relationships. With clients, yes, but also with destination management companies, hotels and other suppliers, and also with other advisors. Ask questions. Stay curious. And charge for your time once you＊ve built something worth charging for. Confidence is great, but it should be backed by experience.
What sets Lily Pond Luxury apart?
We＊re high-touch and high-tech. We design each trip from scratch with the same care we＊d give to our own travel. We ask how you like to travel 每 not just where 每 and that insight helps us build something that fits.
Lily Pond was built to be thoughtful, not transactional. Every trip should feel like a good investment, not just a good time. Whether it＊s a milestone celebration or a weekend away, we show up with clarity, care and just the right amount of polish.
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