Expedia Cruises Turned a Passion for Travel into a Profitable Second Career

When it comes to a second career business, Wendy and Ted Randall are proof that oil and water do mix.

The couple, with more than a decade of experience in the oil and gas industry, pivoted to a business that combined their professional expertise with a passion for travel. In August 2021, they purchased an Expedia Cruises franchise in Round Rock, Texas.

“That moment was the culmination of a long period of reflection about what we wanted our next chapter to look like, and travel felt like the perfect fit for us personally, professionally and as a family,” says Wendy.

Opting for a second career business is not uncommon. According to the Manpower Group’s Global Talent Barometer, 35 percent of U.S. workers were considering a job switch in 2025.

The couple says they were ready to find their next opportunity after having spent 12 years in Saudi Arabia in business development, venture capital and the oil industry.

Expedia Cruises was a natural fit.

Power of the Brand

The full-service leisure travel agency, backed by Expedia, one of the world’s most recognizable travel brands, offered these seasoned entrepreneurs a profitable, scalable and future-proof business.

“Living abroad for more than a decade allowed us to experience the world in a way few people do,” says Ted. “We fell in love with travel as a way to connect people and cultures, and the franchise allowed us to turn that passion into a business while leveraging a proven system.”

Expedia Cruises provides expertise through a network of nearly 300 locations across the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada.

Each franchise location is a full-service travel agency with dedicated Vacation Consultants with experience in booking flights, hotels and transfers, all-inclusive resorts, vacation packages, excursions, insurance and cruises, which are booming.

Nearly 40 million passengers took a cruise in 2025, according to The Cruise Line International Association (CLIA), with 82% of past cruisers saying they plan to cruise again.

As more Gen Xers and Millennials embrace cruising, the Randalls launched themed sailings, including “Authors and Anchors” cruises (bestselling author Marc Cameron will be the guest in August), and “Dungeons & Dragons” (Spring 2027).  “They have become a major differentiator for us,” says Wendy. “These sailings allow us to create unforgettable experiences while introducing new clients to cruising.”

Unique Franchise Opportunity

Expedia Cruises franchise owners are natural leaders, coaches and mentors. They do not need to be world travelers to open a location, although experience in sales, marketing or customer service is a plus. The company provides comprehensive initial training, coaching, marketing support and access to a proprietary booking platform.

As part of Expedia Group, franchise owners are able to leverage Expedia’s brand awareness, brand equity state-of-the-art technology and partnerships to become their community’s go-to travel and cruise experts.

“Having personally traveled around the world, from Europe and Asia to Africa and Antarctica, we have gained a deep understanding of destinations, cultures and travel styles,” Ted says. “That firsthand experience allows us to better guide our clients and our Vacation Consultants.”

Family Affair

For the Randalls, opting for a second career business had another benefit: the opportunity to build a legacy franchise with their family. Ted oversees the day-to-day operations, finances, marketing and back-end systems, while Wendy focuses on coaching, training and supporting the team of Vacation Consultants, as well as nurturing client relationships.

Their kids are involved, as well.

“All four of our daughters are Vacation Consultants within our Expedia Cruises franchise, which has been incredibly special,” says Ted. “They’re truly invested in the business.”

For other couples considering franchise ownership as a second career, Wendy offers this advice: “Lean into your individual strengths and don’t try to do everything together. If you follow the process, invest in marketing and truly commit to learning the business, you’re setting your business up for long-term success.”

How to Make a Second Career Business Work

Wendy and Ted Randall, owners of an Expedia Cruises franchise in Texas, have advice for others considering a second career business:

• Choose Wisely: Do your research before committing. “Having a proven franchise system makes a huge difference.”
• Leverage Your Experience: After years of international travel, the Randalls guide their clients with firsthand insights, which builds trust with customers.
• Embrace the Process: Getting the doors open may seem arduous, but “staying committed to the process (no shortcuts) is the key to maintaining efficient operations and delivering strong customer service.”

Expedia Cruises is currently seeking like-minded team-leaders interested in pursuing franchise opportunities. For more information about the Expedia Cruises franchise opportunity, visit expediafranchise.com.