From Zero Travel Experience to a £50,000 Booking: Cath’s Travel Franchise Success Story
Building a successful business in a new industry can seem daunting, especially without any previous experience. Yet that is exactly what Cath Bracegirdle achieved after joining The Travel Franchise.
Published at 02/06/2026 , Reading time: 3 min
Transformation and Growth: Cath Bracegirdle’s Journey with The Travel Franchise
Cath Bracegirdle’s career path was strikingly diverse before she found her place in the travel industry. After experimenting in fields ranging from art to chocolate making and bookkeeping, she encountered The Travel Franchise during the COVID period. With no prior background in travel, she quickly realized this was the direction she wanted for her career.
Joining The Travel Franchise as an Elite franchisee in late 2021, Cath underwent training and made her very first booking - a £7,000 trip to Mexico- after hosting a Facebook Live session to introduce her new venture. Recalling the initial experience, she states, “It solidified that this works, and it just built up from there.”
Achieving the Money Back Challenge
Cath’s story is a testament to the impact of the right franchise model. She achieved The Travel Franchise’s Money Back Challenge by earning back her full £14,995 Elite franchise fee within twelve months. Initially working part time, she transitioned to a full-time focus on travel when her other employment became demanding. Her business grew through repeat clients, referrals, and authentic supplier relationships.
Participation in mentorship retreats provided by the franchise, including the Millionaire’s Retreat in Cyprus and the Elite Experience in Jamaica, became pivotal moments for Cath. The latter event particularly helped her overcome imposter syndrome, affirming the legitimacy and potential of her business. “The realisation that yes, I can do this and yes I do have my own business and it’s getting somewhere,” she explains.
In February this year, Cath’s daughter joined the operation full time, transforming the enterprise into a family business.
The Lite Mentorship Programme: Opening New Doors
Recently, The Travel Franchise introduced the Lite Mentorship Programme, a part-time entry option designed for gradual business growth. This model pairs beginners with seasoned travel consultants who act as mentors. Cath was chosen as one of twenty mentors, reflecting her proven business results and supportive approach. As she notes, “It’s the start of something new. It’s a way for me to scale my business, with new income streams.”
Her first Lite mentee, Jo, joined without prior travel experience and within three months recorded 14 bookings totaling approximately £81,000. Jo’s largest commission came from an impressive £50,000 booking for a lengthy trip across Canada, Alaska, and America. Cath handled the complex arrangements, demonstrating the value of mentorship and collaboration. “She takes everything on board, she listens, she gets out there and tells everybody what she’s started and what she’s doing,” Cath says. “She’s been absolutely brilliant.”
A Model Supporting Success
Cath’s experience showcases The Travel Franchise’s approach, supporting individuals with no travel background to achieve significant growth. With options tailored to different levels of commitment, the franchise offers comprehensive training, guided mentorship, and access to powerful industry tools.
For newcomers like Jo, the Lite Mentorship Programme has already provided remarkable early success. Her journey, backed by Cath’s support, highlights the opportunities available for those considering a venture in travel through this franchise model. As Cath observes, Jo is determined and progressing rapidly, a demonstration of what can be achieved with structured guidance and support.
