No Travel Experience, Two Kids, a Second Job - And I Still Got My Franchise Fee Refunded
How Stuart built a thriving travel business in just 12 months with The Travel Franchise
When Stuart, a dad of two from Newcastle, joined The Travel Franchise, he wasn’t looking for overnight success — he was looking for a way to build something meaningful on his own terms. He had no background in travel, was still working part-time as a sports analyst and life was already busy with two young children.
But something about the idea of being his own boss, of turning his love for travel into a business, kept pulling him back.
One year later, Stuart had sold almost half a million pounds’ worth of holidays — and had made a set commission target to earn his entire franchise fee back. The Travel Franchise is the only franchise to offer the Money-Back Challenge and it’s a perk that attracts many entrepreneurs.
“To get that money back — it felt incredible. A real moment of pride. It showed me I’d built something real.”
And he’d done it without compromising his life, his family, or the things that mattered to him most.
Stuart’s journey began in the simplest of ways: as a holidaymaker. After booking a trip through another franchisee, he had a thought that changed everything.
“I just thought... I could do this. I love researching holidays. I’ve travelled a lot. And I wanted more control over my work and life.”
After discovering The Travel Franchise online, Stuart was immediately drawn in — not just by the opportunity, but by the promise of support. He wasn’t a travel expert, but he didn’t need to be. With full training, a dedicated mentor, and daily access to expert help, he felt confident he could learn as he went.
“The support was the biggest thing for me. I’d never done anything like this before, so knowing there’d be someone to guide me was massive.”
Within days of training, he was up and running — booking holidays for clients, making connections, and laying the foundations of a serious business. And he did it smartly. By joining a business networking group and forming partnerships in his local community, he built up a steady stream of referrals and loyal clients.
Even with limited hours — working around school pick-ups and another job — he kept growing the business.
“I’d be lying if I said it was always easy. But it was achievable.”
Now, just a year in, Stuart’s story is proof of what’s possible. Not just because he earned back his investment, but because he built something that fits his life — and his future.
“If you’d told me I’d sell nearly £500k of holidays in year one, I wouldn’t have believed you. But here I am.”
His advice for anyone considering it?
“The first year of any business is a challenge — but with this franchise, you’re never alone. The support has been unbelievable. If you’re thinking about it — just go for it.”