Last updated: 12:45 PM ET, Tue October 27, 2026
Shannon Kittner.
Bio
Shannon Kittner began her travel career as an advisor in 2019 before moving into travel marketing, where she discovered a passion for helping advisors build stronger, more visible businesses. In 2024, Kittner founded The Wander Network, a boutique host agency that has grown to more than 240 advisors nationwide. Today, she focuses on bringing a younger generation into the travel industry through modern training, meaningful supplier relationships, and a strong emphasis on social media marketing. As Founder & CEO, Kittner is passionate about helping newer advisors build confidence, create recognizable brands, develop lasting businesses, and find long-term success in travel.
Through The Wander Network, she has created social media-focused training, workshops, pre-made content, and educational resources that help advisors confidently market themselves and turn online visibility into real client relationships. Today, her community has grown to more than 215 advisors and continues to expand. Her work in social media marketing has also been recognized with industry awards from Travel Weekly and TravelAge West. Kittner is passionate about helping evolve the way the industry attracts, educates, and supports the next generation of travel professionals.
Kittner brings a younger, social-first perspective to the industry and is passionate about making a travel career feel accessible and exciting to the next generation. She differentiates herself by continually creating new ways for advisors to learn, connect, stay motivated, and build sustainable businesses.
Kittner is 33 years old.
"Being named to TravelPulse’s 40 Under 40 is an incredible honor and a testament to the hard work, dedication, and heart that have gone into building The Wander Network," said Kittner. "I started with a vision for a new style of host agency—one where modern marketing, meaningful education, and a connected community give advisors the confidence and tools to build businesses of their own."
"This recognition means so much because of the people behind that vision," she added. "Our team and advisors have helped shape TWN into what it is today, and I’m proud to share this moment with them. They’ve trusted us, embraced new ideas, and shown up for one another as we’ve grown. To be recognized while building something I believe in so deeply is incredibly rewarding, and it makes me even more excited about what we can accomplish together."
Industry References
"From the beginning, it has been clear that Shannon's vision for The Wander Network extends far beyond simply operating a host agency. She has intentionally created an environment where travel advisors are encouraged to grow as business owners, continue their education, support one another, and create companies that truly reflect their individual goals and visions," said Samantha Cooley, Owner and Travel Advisor of Worth The Miles Travel. "Shannon continually listens to the needs of her advisors, which influences her development of new resources, training, and opportunities to help us succeed."
"In an industry that is constantly changing, having access to continued training and a leader who recognizes the importance of keeping her advisors informed and educated is incredibly valuable. Shannon doesn't simply provide advisors with a place to affiliate their businesses; she provides opportunities for us to continually become better advisors and stronger business owners," added Cooley.
"What makes Shannon exceptional is that she did not simply start a host agency. She built a brand, a community, and a movement. Today, The Wander Network has grown from one advisor to more than 200. That growth directly reflects her vision, work ethic, and ability to inspire others," said Sydney Tukel, Regional Sales Director, Riviera Travel River Cruises.
"As a supplier partner, I have also seen firsthand how invested Shannon is in strengthening supplier relationships. She approaches every partnership as a true collaboration and consistently looks for ways to help suppliers succeed alongside her advisors. Her professionalism, creativity, and partnership mindset make her an invaluable advocate for advisors and industry partners alike," said Tukel.
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