Article written by Stacey Cabell, Owner of Starstuff Travel. Stacey's passion is assisting others by growing their travel business so they can live the life of their dreams. Starstuff Travel is a family owned and operated, full-service travel agency established in 2013. Their mission is to assist clients with creating extraordinary vacation memories that will last them a lifetime.

As travel agents, we’re pros at helping others step out of their everyday routines to experience something new. But when it comes to ourselves, stepping out of our comfort zones can feel a lot more intimidating. I get it—I've been there. But the truth is, real growth happens in those uncomfortable moments when we push ourselves to do something we’ve never done before.

One of the first big challenges I faced as a new travel agent was attending the inaugural Family Travel Agent Forum years ago hosted by the Travel Show Marketing Group. At that point, I had never traveled out of the country by myself, and the thought of attending a conference where I knew absolutely no one was terrifying. I could have easily stayed in my comfort zone and avoided the event altogether. But I didn’t. I pushed myself to go, and it ended up being a game-changer for my business. That experience taught me the power of networking and how stepping into the unknown can open doors you never expected.

Why It’s Important to Step Outside Your Comfort Zone

Your comfort zone feels safe, but it can also hold you back. When you only stick with what you know, you limit your growth. The travel industry is constantly evolving, and to keep up, you have to be willing to evolve too. That might mean exploring a new travel niche, learning a new skill, or even reaching out to that high-profile client you’ve always been nervous about contacting. Those moments of discomfort are what push us forward, leading to new opportunities and greater success.

How to Identify What’s Holding You Back

The first step in breaking out of your comfort zone is figuring out what’s keeping you there. Ask yourself:

● What types of clients or bookings do I feel most comfortable with?
● What travel niches or opportunities have I been avoiding?
● What fears or doubts are keeping me from taking on new challenges?

Once you have a clearer idea of where you’re playing it safe, you can start working on expanding your boundaries.

Expect the Discomfort

Pushing yourself out of your comfort zone doesn’t feel good. In fact, it can feel downright awful. It’s completely normal to experience anxiety, panic attacks, or even feeling sick to your stomach when you’re doing something new and challenging. I’ve been there too, and it’s important to remember that these feelings are part of the process.

When you find yourself in that uncomfortable space, remind yourself that this is how growth happens. It doesn’t feel great in the moment, but if you can push through those feelings, you’ll come out stronger on the other side. Every time you tackle a new challenge, you’re building your confidence like a muscle. The more you do it, the stronger that confidence becomes. Before you know it, you’ll be doing things you never thought you could.

Simple Steps to Help You Push Through

Here are some practical steps to help you step out of your comfort zone and grow your business:

1. Start Small: You don’t have to make a giant leap right away. Start with small, manageable steps. For instance, if you’ve been avoiding luxury travel bookings, start by researching one new luxury destination each week or attending a webinar on the topic. Gradual progress makes things less overwhelming.

2. Seek Out Training: Whether it’s supplier training, conferences, or even in-house training within your agency, these are perfect opportunities to expand your knowledge and boost your confidence. The more you know, the less intimidating new challenges will feel.

3. Find a Mentor: Having a mentor can be a game-changer when you’re stepping outside your comfort zone. They provide guidance, encouragement, and, most importantly, accountability. Personally, I’ve found that once I’ve told someone I’m going to do something, I’m much more likely to follow through. A mentor can help you push yourself to tackle those uncomfortable tasks and keep you on track. Don’t be afraid to reach out to someone you admire—mentorship is a powerful tool in achieving your goals.

4. Build Relationships: Strong relationships with suppliers are key. When you have personal connections, suppliers will not only take great care of your clients but often invite you to future events that can also help grow your business. Sometimes, that first connection starts with a step outside your comfort zone.

5. The 7-Day Business Card Challenge: For those who are still nervous about handing out business cards, make a pact with yourself to hand out your card to everyone you meet for seven days straight. This challenge isn’t about gaining new clients—it’s about getting in the habit of sharing your business. You can even tell people that you’re doing a business card challenge as a way to start the conversation. This was an exercise I created for myself at the beginning of my career, and it helped me push past my nerves.


By the end of the seven days, I had no issue handing out my business cards, and it really gave me the confidence boost I needed.

Embrace the Journey

Growth doesn’t happen overnight, and it definitely doesn’t happen without discomfort. But every step you take outside of your comfort zone brings you closer to greater success. Whether it’s exploring new destinations, building stronger connections, or challenging yourself in new ways, pushing past those limits will open up incredible opportunities for you and your business. So, take a deep breath, acknowledge the discomfort, and embrace the journey. You’ve got this!