What It's About
An adventurous couple turns Romanian travel itineraries into cash.
Business Model
Skills Required
Complexity
Profit Potential
Words of Wisdom
Sometimes it takes a while to get up and running. At the same time, in this story, we can identify a few things they would do differently if starting now that might save them some of that time (e.g. - fewer packages, track what’s working, focus on lead generation). Start small, pay attention to what works, and then use that knowledge to expand your offerings!
Fun Fact
There are a ton of reasons to visit Romania, but road trip enthusiasts would be remiss if they didn't check out the beautiful, 56 mile stretch of road known as the Transfagarasan Highway. Built between 1970 and 1974 by military forces following the 1968 invasion of Czechoslovakia by the Soviets, it was considered a strategic military route to cross the mountains in the event the Soviets attempted a similar move into Romania.
Notes from Chris
Episode 959
Besides packing, many consider the return trip home one of the worst parts of travel. The return trip signals the end of an adventure, sometimes a return to a less exciting routine. For others, the journey—lacking the anticipation that comes with starting a new adventure—just seems like it takes far too long. Returning from a weekend trip to the mountains, Bucharest, Romania-based Corina Preda and her husband, Florin, shared some of these thoughts. Driving back to the city meant a return to the hustle and bustle of their busy schedules and jobs in human resources and the pharmaceutical field. While they had little to complain about, they would have loved a few more days away. Driving along the country Romanian roads, they were already looking forward to their next adventure and discussed ideas for what they wanted to do next. They both immediately said “traveling,” which is not surprising since it’s something they’ve both loved since they were kids. But then one of them suggested, “Wouldn’t it be great to have a business in travel?” Excitement filled the car, and soon they decided on starting a travel agency offering guided trips and custom experiences of their beloved Romania. Corina loved researching and planning itineraries, and Florin loved sharing cool places and things with people, so the idea was perfect! Not only did they love showing off their home country, but a travel business could earn extra money and allow them to travel more themselves. It was a win all around … or at least it might be. They quickly discovered that travel agencies in Romania require licenses and training. These education requirements for licensing took several months, and Corina and Florin used this time wisely. Whatever time wasn’t spent at work or in class was spent developing their new business. Finally, their training was complete—and Secret Romania was officially open for business. Things, in the beginning, were slow to start, but today, in Secret Romania’s fourth year, this duo are consistently bringing in €1,300 euros per month, roughly $17,000 per year in US dollars … and also known as “a lot of money” in Romania. These extra funds allowed Corina and Florin to save money and to take more trips of their own. The bonus income from their side hustle also gives Florin more flexibility to reduce his work schedule, which he loves. The work continues. Corina and Florin are excitedly looking ahead, refining their marketing efforts and optimizing their website to showcase their homeland. Most of all, they never stop learning and never stop thinking about their next adventure.MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
- Secret Romania: Learn more about the secret wonders of Romania over on Corina & Florin's website!
- WordPress: Corina and Florin used WordPress to set up their site, and here you can learn how to install your own WordPress site in 5 minutes
- Amsterdam Bike Tours Become Passive Profit Center: A traveler’s attempt to pay rent turns into one of Amsterdam’s premier touring companies
- Anchors Aweigh! Graphic Designer Leads Guided Sailing Tours: A graphic designer packs his bags to see the world, then stumbles into a new line of work leading guided sailing tours
- Food and Travel Writer Creates Food Tours in Marrakech, Earns $60k Annually: In the North African city of Marrakech, an American expat starts a project that she hopes will earn $200/month in spending money. It ends up earning more than $5,000 a month
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