Trade Secrets Podcast

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This week on Trade Secrets, Kimberly Wilson Wetty discusses her transition from being the longtime co-owner and co-president of Valerie Wilson Travel (VWT) to her newest venture, Keep Wondering Why. Wetty reflects honestly on the decision to sell VWT – which was first acquired by another family-owned business before transitioning to ownership by Chase Travel Group – and making the choice to branch out on her own. This episode also delves into Wetty’s passion for ensuring that all travelers feel welcomed and respected.

This episode was sponsored by Travel Insured International. https://www.travelinsured.com/

Further resources

Kimberly Wilson Wetty on LinkedIn

Keep Wondering Why on the web, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook

Mentioned in this episode:

Valerie Wilson on Humans of Travel
Wilson Wetty’s LinkedIn posts
Breaking the glass
Don’t crush the butterfly

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Inspired by a listener question from travel advisor Megan Vatnsdal, owner of Onyx & Evergreen Travel, Trade Secrets explores what’s going on with travel agency bookings. Join co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada in conversation with Cruise Planners’ Michelle Fee and Oasis Travel Network’s Ryan Ranahan, who offer a birds-eye view of what their advisors are experiencing right now, for the rest of the year and even into 2027 and 2028.

This episode was sponsored by National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions.

Further resources

Cruise Planners

Oasis Travel Network

Ryan Ranahan on LinkedIn

Need advice?

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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The world of entertainment travel can be similar to both luxury leisure and corporate travel, but don’t be fooled: it’s really a beast of its own. This week on Trade Secrets, delve into the world of entertainment travel and everything it entails, from multimillion-dollar contracts and high security clearances to catering to multi-page hotel riders and booking transfers for dogs. Co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada are joined by MD Travel Services’ Michael Dovey, Travel Princess Inc.’s Wendy Nyi-Baylock and ALTx Collective’s Corey Slee, all advisors under Global Travel Collection’s entertainment division. This episode was recorded during GTC’s Arrive conference in Austin in June.

This episode was sponsored by National Geographic Lindblad Expeditions.

Further resources

ALTx Collective on Instagram

Wendy Nyi-Baylock and Travel Princess Inc. on Instagram

MD Travel Services on the web and Instagram

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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In this episode of Trade Secrets, recorded in person at Global Travel Collection’s Arrive conference at the Fairmont Austin in June, get an update on all things GTC from president Angie Licea. From the labor of (mostly) love that was the GTC brand unification, uniting several agencies that sell $2.4 billion annually, to the Legacy in Motion program, which helps advisors both grow and sell their businesses, Licea offers an inside look at everything going on at the New York-based host agency. Then, she takes on several listener questions, ranging from breaking into ultra-high-net-worth travel to top holiday destinations. And for those who haven’t seen the ending of “Survivor 50,” beware of a spoiler at the 54:25 mark.

This is the first part in a two-part series of episodes recorded at Arrive. In two weeks, tune in for an episode all about entertainment travel.

This episode was sponsored by Brendan Vacations.

Further resources

Global Travel Collection on the web

Mentioned in this episode:

Austin’s Congress Avenue Bridge Bats

The latest from GTC:

Brand unification
TV show “1st Look Presents – Extra Mile Club”
Legacy in Motion program
Circle program
New-to-industry training program

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Six months into the year, Trade Secrets co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada look at the trends dominating 2026 so far, including shorter booking windows, a younger demographic for all-inclusives and the state of domestic travel. Plus, the hosts share a sneak peek at what’s in store for the rest of season seven.

This episode was sponsored by Brendan Vacations.

Further resources

The Travel Weekly team

Articles mentioned in this episode:

Travel Weekly’s top stories in the last six months:
Updated: U.S. issues an alert urging caution worldwide for American travelers
Mexico updates: Embassy says cities ‘returned to normal;’ advisors help clients
Norwegian Cruise Line eliminates NCFs, with no strings attached
U.S. considers revised approach to social media screening of foreign travelers
Advisors predict Egypt tourism will suffer due to mixed messages on safety
From Travel Weekly, Global unrest is now clients’ No. 1 concern, travel advisors say
From TravelAge West, Five forces affecting travel choices — including more trust in AI bookings
From Travel Weekly, Travel agencies report a tale of two booking patterns

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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The hantavirus outbreak onboard MV Hondius, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, has been in the headlines for the past few weeks. Should travel advisors be talking to their cruising clients about the outbreak? How should they address concerns, and should they be worried about a real threat to public safety?

Find out all of this – plus, why cruise lines in particular tend to get an increasing amount of media coverage, and why expedition cruises may be more likely to have an outbreak – during our conversation with travel advisor Urvshi Marwah of The Suite Sojern.

This episode was sponsored by Tourism Cares.

Further resources

The Suite Sojourn on the web and Instagram

Need advice?

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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In this episode, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada chat with Jim Augerinos of Perfect Honeymoons (aka Mr. Honeymoon) about his start in travel, keeping up with the latest on agentic AI and being a SMIT (IYKYK).

While Trade Secrets usually invites listeners to ask questions that are answered on the show by industry experts, enjoy the occasional “After Dark” episode, featuring casual chats — and drinks — with guests from around the travel industry.

This episode was sponsored by Tourism Cares.

Further resources

Jim Augerinos on Facebook and Instagram

Mentioned in this episode:

Batman’s Lamborghini
The infamous pickle milkshake

Get in touch!

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

"Sweeter Vermouth" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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How can advisors break into the world of ultra-high-net-worth travel? Embark Beyond’s Jack Ezon addresses the connection economy, how to speak to this discerning group of clients and why, as he says, “All my success is made up of failure.”

This episode was sponsored by AmaWaterways.

Further resources

Find Jack Ezon on Instagram or via email

Embark Beyond on the web

Mentioned in this episode:

From TravelAge West, The perks and pitfalls of planning ultra-luxury travel
Internova executives on the number of millionaires in the U.S.
From Travel Weekly, Learning the language of luxury

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Trade Secrets is on a quick break this week, so please enjoy this encore episode. Here’s the article Jamie mentions in her updated intro, “How Substack became the hottest social media platform.”

In this episode, Trade Secrets is all about content — and why travel advisors should get theirs off social media and into an email newsletter. Kayla Douglas, director of content for SmartFlyer in New York, delves into the world of Substack with co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada.

This episode was sponsored by AmaWaterways.

Further resources

Kayla Douglas’ email, Instagram and Substack

SmartFlyer Core coverage

From TravelAge West: Five things we learned at SmartFlyer’s 2025 Core Conference
From Travel Weekly: Will luxury travel slow down? One expert expects a dip in hotel rates

Mentioned on this episode:

Substack
Emma’s substack
Flodesk
Mailchimp
Stephanie Lee’s most recent appearance on Trade Secrets
Host Agency Reviews’ travel agency software profiles

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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River cruising is one of the fastest-growing verticals for many travel agencies. In this episode, listeners will hear from Hank Schrader, who owns Dream Destinations with his wife, Anne, about their success in the space — all thanks to blogging.

This episode was sponsored by AmaWaterways.

Further resources

Hank Schrader's website, blog and email

Mentioned in this episode:

Jamie’s project tracking new travel advisors
TravelAge West’s Trendsetter Awards
Emma’s reels on river cruise lines’ dating profiles: part one and part two
Hank’s Travel Weekly article

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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This week on Trade Secrets After Dark, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada welcome Travel Weekly’s own Johanna Jainchill, the publication’s newly minted editor in chief. Get to know Jainchill, her vision for Travel Weekly’s editorial strategy and why the Bolivian military once picked her up after inadvertently crossing a border on foot (no, really!).

While Trade Secrets usually invites listeners to ask questions that are answered on the show by industry experts, enjoy the occasional “After Dark” episode, featuring casual chats — and drinks — with guests from around the travel industry.

This episode was sponsored by AmaWaterways.

Further resources

Send Johanna Jainchill an email

Mentioned in this episode:

Johanna’s story on tourism (and bourbon) in Kentucky
Christina Jelski’s story on branded hotel apparel
The Travel Industry Survey
Robby Silk and his competitive sitting: read about it in Travel Weekly and Atlas Obscura, and hear about it on The Folo
Johanna’s column on reader feedback (and the article that inspired it)

Get in touch!

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

"Sweeter Vermouth" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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What’s your plan for your business when you retire, or you’re unable to run it anymore?

In this episode, the second in a two-part series on succession planning, hear from industry attorney Tom Carpenter. He discusses some of the varying ways agency owners prepare their businesses for the next step, and gives practical advice on how to make the transition smoother.

This episode was sponsored by AmaWaterways.

Further resources

Find Tom Carpenter:

On the web
Via email
On YouTube
On Facebook

Mentioned in this episode:

Mark Pestronk on the web and in Travel Weekly
Bob Sweeney’s Innovative Travel Acquisitions

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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What’s your plan for your business when you retire, or you’re unable to run it anymore?

In this episode, hear from mother-and-daughter duo Stacey and Sami Ray of Sisterhood Travels as they discuss their personal paths on the vital, albeit often overlooked, process of succession planning within a successful travel agency.

Next episode, tune in to hear from a travel industry attorney who’s an expert in succession planning.

This episode was sponsored by AmaWaterways.

Further resources

Sisterhood Travels on the web and via email

Stacey Ray’s podcast, Life. Reimagined. with Stacey Ray

Stacey Ray on Humans of Travel

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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How closely have you read your contract with your host agency? Does it have a non-compete clause? How about a detailed plan for termination?

In the season seven premiere of Trade Secrets, we’re digging into the fine print that every travel advisor needs to watch out for. We’re joined by Marcie Muensterman, travel advisor, coach and host of the No BS Travel Advisor Podcast, to identify host agency red flags. Welcome back to a brand-new season!

Thanks to our friends at Coastline Travel Group for helping us solicit travel advisor questions this season.

This episode was sponsored by the Globus family of brands.

Further resources

Marcie Muensterman

On Instagram
On Facebook
The No BS Travel Advisor Podcast
Courses
Freebies, including Marcie’s host agency interview questionnaire

Mentioned in this episode:

WorldVia Travel Network
Travel Planners International
Nexion Travel Group

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Trade Secrets is on a winter break but will return with new episodes in just two weeks, on Monday, Feb. 16. Until then, please enjoy this old favorite.

New travel advisors, look no further than this episode of Trade Secrets for advice on everything from setting up your business, to finding clients, to prioritizing fam trip destinations. Co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada are joined by KHM Travel Group’s Bill Coyle, vice president of agent engagement, to tackle listener questions on that and more.

This episode was sponsored by the Globus family of brands.

Further resources

Connect with KHM Travel Group online, on Facebook, on Instagram, on YouTube and on LinkedIn

Encompass the World Travel, Bill Coyle’s family agency

Mentioned in this episode and related reading:

From Travel Weekly, stories on card mills and the history of host agencies
Travel Weekly’s Legal Briefs column by industry attorney Mark Pestronk (many articles talk about terms and conditions)
From TravelAge West, an article on terms and conditions by industry attorney Jeffrey Ment
The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) and its educational offerings
The Travel Institute
The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and its educational offerings
Trade Secrets episode on fam trips

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Trade Secrets is on a winter break but will return with new episodes in early 2026. For now, enjoy some old favorites.

Welcome to season five of Trade Secrets. In this episode, hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada welcome Nexion Travel Group president Jackie Friedman on the show to talk about the value of travel advisors. They discuss the modern history of the profession and the evolution from “agent” to “advisor,” then answer listener questions about standing out from the crowd, how advisors can sell their own value and what makes a good elevator pitch.

This episode was sponsored by the Globus family of brands.

Further resources

Nexion Travel Group on the web

Reach out to Jackie Friedman via email

Mentioned in this episode:

Erica Carr’s bookitbox Travel
Christine Potthoff’s travel beCAUSE
Courtnie Nichols’ client gifting strategy

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Trade Secrets is on a holiday break but will return with new episodes in early 2026. For now, enjoy some old favorites.

When it’s time to expand your business, what’s the best way to do it? Should you hire independent contractors, employees or assistants? Then, once they’re onboarded, how do you effectively train — and, subsequently, trust — your new people? All that and more is covered in this week’s Trade Secrets, when co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada talk business expansion with Julie Lanham, president of Vacations to Remember in Augusta, Ga.

This episode was sponsored by the Globus family of brands.

Further resources

Julie Lanham on Instagram

Mentioned in this episode:

From TravelAge West: Why you should consider hiring an international virtual assistant
From TravelAge West: Travel agencies are struggling to hire qualified advisors, according to a new survey
Lucia

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Trade Secrets is on a holiday break but will return with new episodes in early 2026. For now, enjoy some old favorites.

This week, Trade Secrets takes on the world. Jennifer Doncsecz of VIP Vacations returns to the podcast to discuss her specialty: destination weddings and honeymoons. She talks about everything from getting started selling destination weddings and honeymoons, to turning those travelers into clients for life. Then, she answers a number of listener questions about destinations, ranging from the benefits of visiting a spot before selling it, qualifying for fam trips and where to send clients headed to Europe for the first time.

This episode was sponsored by KLM Royal Dutch Airlines.

Further resources

VIP Vacations on Facebook

Jennifer Doncsecz’s email

Jennifer’s previous Trade Secrets episodes:

All things branding
Destination weddings and honeymoons

Mentioned in this episode:

Death of a Travel Advisor by Dori Saltzman
The Travel Institute’s course on destination weddings and honeymoons
From Travel Weekly: Getting into groups

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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What does the new year have in store for travel advisors? On this week’s episode of Trade Secrets, the last of season six, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada give an overview of 2025 trends and break down their predictions for 2026. Will 2025’s bumpy road continue? Who will most influence travel decisions? What type of travel will continue to explode in popularity? Find out the answers to those questions — and more — on this week’s episode.

Trade Secrets will take a break after this episode, sharing some old favorites until season seven begins in early 2026. Happy holidays!

This episode was sponsored by KLM Royal Dutch Airlines.

Further resources

From Travel Weekly: Travel that spans the generations

From Travel Weekly: A gift that keeps on giving (Signature’s family travel magazine)

DMCs:

DMCs help bring the ‘wow’ (story)
DMCs: Your travel advisor’s (not-so-secret) travel-planning partner (podcast)
Demystifying DMCs (Trade Secrets podcast)

Brand USA’s America’s 250 events

Phocuswright social media panel with representatives from Reddit, TikTok and YouTube

Family Travel Association research on “kidfluence”

Get in touch!

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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This is the final episode of the Trade Secrets Tech Summit. Every Monday, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada feature a different travel technology company that works with travel advisors. A representative from the featured company will begin with a five-minute elevator pitch to tell advisors about their product, followed by a 15-minute Q-and-A with the hosts. Trade Secrets used Host Agency Reviews’ list of technology providers as a basis for this season.

This week’s featured company is Travel Industry Solutions, represented by CEO and founder Sheila Folk.

Trade Secrets will be back next week with a look back on 2025 and 2026 predictions before taking a holiday break. Season seven will return in early 2026 with Trade Secrets’ traditional question-and-answer format.

This episode was sponsored by KLM Royal Dutch Airlines.

Further resources

Travel Industry Solutions on the web

Travel Industry Solutions on Host Agency Reviews

Get in touch!

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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This season, Trade Secrets is hosting the Trade Secrets Tech Summit. Every Monday, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada will feature a different travel technology company that works with travel advisors. A representative from the featured company will begin with a five-minute elevator pitch to tell advisors about their product, followed by a 15-minute Q-and-A with the hosts.

This week’s featured company is VacationCRM, represented by general manager Stephen Kelly.

Trade Secrets is using Host Agency Reviews’ list of technology providers as a basis for this season. If a technology company doesn’t have a profile, advisors are encouraged to send a link to the hosts to be added to the list.

This episode was sponsored by Windstar Cruises.

Further resources

Email VacationCRM

VacationCRM on Host Agency Reviews

Get in touch!

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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This season, Trade Secrets is hosting the Trade Secrets Tech Summit. Every Monday, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada will feature a different travel technology company that works with travel advisors. A representative from the featured company will begin with a five-minute elevator pitch to tell advisors about their product, followed by a 15-minute Q-and-A with the hosts.

This week’s featured company is VacationPort (formerly Passport Online), represented by Sarah Bauman, vice president of product management for the company.

Trade Secrets is using Host Agency Reviews’ list of technology providers as a basis for this season. If a technology company doesn’t have a profile, advisors are encouraged to send a link to the hosts to be added to the list.

This episode was sponsored by Windstar Cruises.

Further resources

VacationPort on the web

From Travel Weekly, VacationPort acquires Voyager Websites

VacationPort on Host Agency Reviews

Get in touch!

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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This season, the aptly named Trade Secrets Tech Summit is all about technology. But this week, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada delve into how Brownel in Birmingham, Ala., completely modernized its tech stack with Chief Operating Officer Rene Alldredge. Learn about identifying the gaps that technology can fill, the “pit of despair” many agencies face and coming out on the other side of a major tech overhaul.

This episode was sponsored by Windstar Cruises.

Further resources

Visit Brownell on the web

Email Rene Alldredge

Trade Secrets Tech Summit episodes with Sabre, TripSuite and TravelWits

Get in touch!

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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This week on Trade Secrets After Dark, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada dig into all things luxury travel with David Kolner, Virtuoso’s executive vice president of strategic communications. From wellness and ultraluxe travel to reality television-inspired trips, they cover a lot of ground — including where to find the best chocolate martinis, tiki drinks and ciders. While the Trade Secrets Tech Summit is still ongoing, enjoy the occasional “After Dark” episode, featuring casual chats — and drinks — with guests from around the travel industry.

This episode was sponsored by Windstar Cruises.

Further resources

Virtuoso on the web

David Kolner on Instagram

David’s previous appearance on Trade Secrets

Turning bad TikToks into songs

Get in touch!

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

"Sweeter Vermouth" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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This season, Trade Secrets is hosting the Trade Secrets Tech Summit. Every Monday, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada will feature a different travel technology company that works with travel advisors. A representative from the featured company will begin with a five-minute elevator pitch to tell advisors about their product, followed by a 15-minute Q-and-A with the hosts.

This week’s featured company is Travelport, represented by Andrew Jordan, chief product and technology officer for Travelport.

Trade Secrets is using Host Agency Reviews’ list of technology providers as a basis for this season. If a technology company doesn’t have a profile, advisors are encouraged to send a link to the hosts to be added to the list.

This episode is sponsored by Europe Express.

Further resources

Travelport on the web

Get in touch!

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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With AI, automation and new platforms emerging every day, how can travel advisors ensure their businesses remain personal, authentic and human? Explore that question and more during this episode of the Trade Secrets Tech Summit, which is a recording of a panel moderated by Trade Secrets co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada. During the panel, which features Jenn Lee of Travel Planners International and Vacation Planners, Tern’s David Shull, and Travefy’s David Chait, panelists tackle practical ways to blend high tech with high touch.

Note: This panel was originally livestreamed during Host Agency Reviews’ HAR*Wired event on Thursday, Oct. 16.

This episode is sponsored by Europe Express.

Further resources

HAR*Wired

A video of this panel (starts at the 3:16:17 mark)

Host Agency Reviews profiles

Tern
Travefy
Travel Planners International and Vacation Planners

Get in touch!

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

"Sweeter Vermouth" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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This week on Trade Secrets After Dark, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada dig into expedition cruising with Rachel Woodward, Lindblad Expeditions’ vice president of field sales. They’ll also share their favorite travel movies (“Titanic,” anyone?), who’s getting up early to go for a hike and what caffeinated beverage they’re drinking. While the Trade Secrets Tech Summit is still ongoing, enjoy the occasional “After Dark” episode, featuring casual chats — and drinks — with guests from around the travel industry.

This episode was sponsored by Europe Express.

Further resources

Rachel Woodward on LinkedIn and Facebook

Lindblad Expeditions

Mentioned on this episode:

Rachel Woodward’s previous appearance on Trade Secrets
Athletic Brewing Co.
HopTea
“Triangle of Sadness”
“Eat, Pray, Love,” the book and the movie
“Under the Tuscan Sun,” the book and the movie
Jamie’s column featuring Frances Mayes and Kathy McCabe
Kathy McCabe’s “Dream of Italy”
ASTA’s virtual events, including its virtual expedition cruise week

Get in touch!

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

"Sweeter Vermouth" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman's Search for Everything Across Italy, India and Indonesia

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This season, Trade Secrets is hosting the Trade Secrets Tech Summit. Every Monday, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada will feature a different travel technology company that works with travel advisors. A representative from the featured company will begin with a five-minute elevator pitch to tell advisors about their product, followed by a 15-minute Q-and-A with the hosts.

This week’s featured company is Viator, represented by Chief Commercial Officer Sarah Dines.

Trade Secrets is using Host Agency Reviews’ list of technology providers as a basis for this season. If a technology company doesn’t have a profile, advisors are encouraged to send a link to the hosts to be added to the list.

This episode was sponsored by Europe Express.

Further resources

Sarah Dines on LinkedIn

Viator on the web

Viator’s travel agent center

Viator partner support:

Help center
Contact

Viator on social media

LinkedIn
Instagram
X
Facebook
TikTok
YouTube

Get in touch!

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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This season, Trade Secrets is hosting the Trade Secrets Tech Summit. Every Monday, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada will feature a different travel technology company that works with travel advisors. A representative from the featured company will begin with a five-minute elevator pitch to tell advisors about their product, followed by a 15-minute Q-and-A with the hosts.

This week’s featured company is TravelJoy, represented by CEO Dayo Esho.

Trade Secrets is using Host Agency Reviews’ list of technology providers as a basis for this season. If a technology company doesn’t have a profile, advisors are encouraged to send a link to the hosts to be added to the list.

This episode was sponsored by Travel Insured International.

Further resources

TravelJoy on the web

Reach out via email

Email Dayo Esho directly

TravelJoy on Host Agency Reviews

Get in touch!

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

This season, Trade Secrets is hosting the Trade Secrets Tech Summit. Every Monday, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada will feature a different travel technology company that works with travel advisors. A representative from the featured company will begin with a 5-minute elevator pitch to tell advisors about their product, followed by a 15-minute Q-and-A with the hosts.

This week’s featured company is FamGuru, represented by founder Carrie Wallace.

Trade Secrets is using Host Agency Reviews’ list of technology providers as a basis for this season. If a technology company doesn’t have a profile, advisors are encouraged to send a link to the hosts to be added to the list.

This episode was sponsored by Travel Insured International.

Further resources

FamGuru on the web and via email

Sign up for a free FamGuru account here

Get in touch!

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

This season, Trade Secrets is hosting the Trade Secrets Tech Summit. Every Monday, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada will feature a different travel technology company that works with travel advisors. A representative from the featured company will begin with a 5-minute elevator pitch to tell advisors about their product, followed by a 15-minute Q-and-A with the hosts.

This week’s featured company is LUXPages, represented by Dora Karanikas.

Trade Secrets is using Host Agency Reviews’ list of technology providers as a basis for this season. If a technology company doesn’t have a profile, advisors are encouraged to send a link to the hosts to be added to the list.

This episode was sponsored by Travel Insured International.

Further resources

LUXPages on the web

Email LUXPages' Dora Karanikas

Trade Secrets listeners, get a 30-day free trial of LUXPages and a discounted rate of $125 per year by clicking here

LUXPages on Host Agency Reviews

Get in touch!

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

This season, Trade Secrets is hosting the Trade Secrets Tech Summit. Every Monday, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada will feature a different travel technology company that works with travel advisors. A representative from the featured company will begin with a 5-minute elevator pitch to tell advisors about their product, followed by a 15-minute Q-and-A with the hosts.

This week’s featured company is Expedia’s Travel Agent Affiliate Program (Expedia TAAP), represented by vice president Robin Lawther.

Trade Secrets is using Host Agency Reviews’ list of technology providers as a basis for this season. If a technology company doesn’t have a profile, advisors are encouraged to send a link to the hosts to be added to the list.

This episode was sponsored by Travel Insured International.

Further resources

Expedia TAAP on the web

Get in touch!

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

This season, Trade Secrets is hosting the Trade Secrets Tech Summit. Every Monday, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada will feature a different travel technology company that works with travel advisors. A representative from the featured company will begin with a 5-minute elevator pitch to tell advisors about their product, followed by a 15-minute Q-and-A with the hosts.

This week’s featured company is Tres Technologies, represented by founder and CEO Lee Rosen.

Trade Secrets is using Host Agency Reviews’ list of technology providers as a basis for this season. If a technology company doesn’t have a profile, advisors are encouraged to send a link to the hosts to be added to the list.

This episode was sponsored by Travel Insured International.

Further resources

Tres Technologies on the web and via email

Tres Technologies on Host Agency Reviews

Get in touch!

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

This season, Trade Secrets is hosting the Trade Secrets Tech Summit. Every Monday, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada will feature a different travel technology company that works with travel advisors. A representative from the featured company will begin with a 5-minute elevator pitch to tell advisors about their product, followed by a 15-minute Q-and-A with the hosts.

This week’s featured company is Brava, represented by founder Jeremy Sulek.

Trade Secrets is using Host Agency Reviews’ list of technology providers as a basis for this season. If a technology company doesn’t have a profile, advisors are encouraged to send a link to the hosts to be added to the list.

This episode was sponsored by Travel Insured International.

Further resources

Brava on the web and Instagram

Stories on Brava from Travel Weekly and TravelAge West

Get in touch!

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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This week on Trade Secrets After Dark, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada tackle the evolution of the travel agency community, the best mai tais in Hawaii and more with Northstar’s Mary Pat Sullivan, executive vice president of marketing and partnerships. While the Trade Secrets Tech Summit is still ongoing, enjoy the occasional “After Dark” episode, featuring casual chats — and drinks — with guests from around the travel industry.

This episode was sponsored by Travel Insured International.

Further resources

Mentioned on this episode:

Pinter
Digital copies of Travel Weekly, TravelAge West and Agent At Home
The Bedford
Hinano
Monkeypod Kitchen

Get in touch!

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

"Sweeter Vermouth" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

This season, Trade Secrets is hosting the Trade Secrets Tech Summit. Every Monday, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada will feature a different travel technology company that works with travel advisors. A representative from the featured company will begin with a 5-minute elevator pitch to tell advisors about their product, followed by a 15-minute Q-and-A with the hosts.

This week’s featured company is The Trip Boutique, represented by CEO and co-founder Fernanda Barrence Mutz.

Trade Secrets is using Host Agency Reviews’ list of technology providers as a basis for this season. If a technology company doesn’t have a profile, advisors are encouraged to send a link to the hosts to be added to the list.

This episode was sponsored by Travel Insured International.

Further resources

The Trip Boutique online

Fernanda Barrence Mutz on LinkedIn

The Trip Boutique on Host Agency Reviews

Get in touch!

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

This season, Trade Secrets is hosting the Trade Secrets Tech Summit. Every Monday, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada will feature a different travel technology company that works with travel advisors. A representative from the featured company will begin with a 5-minute elevator pitch to tell advisors about their product, followed by a 15-minute Q-and-A with the hosts.

This week’s featured company is Magic Made Simple, represented by co-founder Christina Vieira.

Trade Secrets is using Host Agency Reviews’ list of technology providers as a basis for this season. If a technology company doesn’t have a profile, advisors are encouraged to send a link to the hosts to be added to the list.

This episode was sponsored by Travel Insured International.

Further resources

Christina Vieira on LinkedIn

Magic Made Simple online and on Instagram

The Streamlining Your Travel Business Facebook group

Get in touch!

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

This season, Trade Secrets is hosting the Trade Secrets Tech Summit. Every Monday, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada will feature a different travel technology company that works with travel advisors. A representative from the featured company will begin with a 5-minute elevator pitch to tell advisors about their product, followed by a 15-minute Q-and-A with the hosts.

This week’s featured company is TravelWits, represented by CEO Arman Bimatov.

Trade Secrets is using Host Agency Reviews’ list of technology providers as a basis for this season. If a technology company doesn’t have a profile, advisors are encouraged to send a link to the hosts to be added to the list.

This episode was sponsored by National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions.

Further resources

TravelWits on the web

TravelWits on Host Agency Reviews

From TravelAge West: What is TravelWits? Here’s why Virtuoso accepted the AI-powered platform built for travel advisors

Mentioned in this episode:

Lindblad’s Expedition 360
Lindblad’s Facebook group for travel advisors
Trade Secrets Tech Summit: Approach Guides
Trade Secrets Tech Summit: TripSuite

Get in touch!

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Welcome to Trade Secrets After Dark, a new series from Trade Secrets co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada. While the Trade Secrets Tech Summit is still ongoing, enjoy the occasional “After Dark” episode, featuring casual chats — and drinks — with guests from around the travel industry. This week, ASTA’s vice president of advocacy, Jessica Klement, joins the show. Find out her beverage of choice, hear a cautionary travel tale and learn all about ASTA’s advocacy efforts (plus, get the ins and outs of lobbying; it isn’t about coyly passing out money to congressional staffers in a Washington, D.C. alleyway — that’s illegal!).

This episode was sponsored by National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions.

Further resources

ASTA on the web

Email Jessica Klement

Mentioned on this episode:

“Maybe You Should Talk To Someone” by Lori Gottlieb
From Travel Weekly: Nebraska decides not to charge sales tax that would have hurt travel advisors
From Travel Weekly: ASTA lauds two measures in Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill
From Travel Weekly: Congress members request repeal of refund rule affecting travel advisors

Get in touch!

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

"Sweeter Vermouth" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Maybe You Should Talk To Someone: A Therapist, HER Therapist, and Our Lives Revealed

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This season, Trade Secrets is hosting the Trade Secrets Tech Summit. Every Monday, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada will feature a different travel technology company that works with travel advisors. A representative from the featured company will begin with a 5-minute elevator pitch to tell advisors about their product, followed by a 15-minute Q-and-A with the hosts.

This week’s featured company is Approach Guides, represented by founder and chief marketing officer Jennifer Raezer.

Trade Secrets is using Host Agency Reviews’ list of technology providers as a basis for this season. If a technology company doesn’t have a profile, advisors are encouraged to send a link to the hosts to be added to the list.

This episode was sponsored by National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions.

Further resources

Approach Guides on the web

Get in touch!

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

This season, Trade Secrets is hosting the Trade Secrets Tech Summit. Every Monday, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada will feature a different travel technology company that works with travel advisors. A representative from the featured company will begin with a 5-minute elevator pitch to tell advisors about their product, followed by a 15-minute Q-and-A with the hosts.

This week’s featured company is FyndTravel, represented by founder and owner Lisa Watson.

Trade Secrets is using Host Agency Reviews’ list of technology providers as a basis for this season. If a technology company doesn’t have a profile, advisors are encouraged to send a link to the hosts to be added to the list.

This episode was sponsored by National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions.

Further resources

FyndTravel on the web

Email Lisa Watson

Facebook group Travel Industry Events Guide

Get in touch!

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

This season, Trade Secrets is hosting the Trade Secrets Tech Summit. Every Monday, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada will feature a different travel technology company that works with travel advisors. A representative from the featured company will begin with a 5-minute elevator pitch to tell advisors about their product, followed by a 15-minute Q-and-A with the hosts.

This week’s featured company is Travel42, represented by senior customer support and relationship coordinator Larissa Worley.

Trade Secrets is using Host Agency Reviews’ list of technology providers as a basis for this season. If a technology company doesn’t have a profile, advisors are encouraged to send a link to the hosts to be added to the list.

This episode was sponsored by Globus family of brands.

Further resources

Travel42 on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn

Email Travel42

Reach Larissa Worley by phone: 336-714-3321

Get in touch!

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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The Trade Secrets Tech Summit (season six of the podcast) is taking a quick summer break. In the meantime, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada are sharing some of their favorite past episodes. Join them this week for a look back at last season’s episode about finding and maintaining a good work-life balance. Enjoy!

This episode was sponsored by Globus family of brands.

--

Balancing work responsibilities with the needs of personal life has become exponentially more difficult for travel advisors as workloads have increased. But it’s also critically important to find time for friends, family and hobbies outside of work, and to develop systems at work that improve efficiency and allow you to step away. What kind of boundaries should you set, and how can you enforce them? What can you automate to take more things off your plate? Hear all about this and more on this episode of Trade Secrets, featuring Host Agency Reviews founder Stephanie Lee.

Further resources

Host Agency Reviews on the web

Steph Lee’s email and LinkedIn page

Mentioned on this episode:

From Travel Weekly: Jamie’s Hurricane Milton story: Dispatch, Disney World: The Day after Milton’s Visit
From Travel Weekly: Dispatch, Wondrous Moments From a Taylor Swift Affinity Cruise
From TravelAge West: HAR launches travel advisor tech software directory
Steph Lee’s previous appearance on Trade Secrets
Trade Secrets episode on dealing with travel advisor burnout
Host Agency Reviews’ software profiles
Calendly
Text Blaze

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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The Trade Secrets Tech Summit(Season 6 of the podcast) is taking a brief summer break, but we're partially interrupting that pause to bring you a special episode highlighting some of the latest tech news in the travel industry: Tern’s acquisition of Lucia.

Co-host Jamie Biesiada sits down with Tern’s David Shull and Lucia’s Grace Van Hollebeke to discuss what led to the acquisition, what travel advisors can expect moving forward, and more.

Then, stick around for one of Jamie’s favorite episodes from last season, featuring travel advisor Christina Viera in a deep dive on finding your brand identity.

This episode was sponsored by Globus family of brands.

Mentioned in this episode:

Tern on Trade Secrets
Lucia on Trade Secrets
From Travel Weekly, Tern acquires freelancer marketplace Lucia

Encore: Travel advisors, what’s your brand identity? (Feat. Christina Vieira)

Marketing is an important part of most travel advisors’ businesses. This week on Trade Secrets, Christina Vieira of Showcase the World Travel discusses finding your “why,” identifying ideal clients and reaching those clients on the platforms that make sense. She also discusses the importance of a good email marketing plan, automation and more with co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada.

Further resources

Christina Vieira on Instagram and Facebook

Magic Made Simple, which helps travel agents set up systems, online and on Instagram

From Magic Made Simple, just for Trade Secrets listeners: Six workflows to automate

From TravelAge West: Gifted Travel Network’s Luxury Travel Symposium on the Rivers

Christina Vieira’s five Rs:

Recognize
Recommendation
Relate
Respond
Request

Mentioned in this episode:

Simon Sinek’s TED Talk
“Building a StoryBrand: Clarify Your Message So Customers Will Listen,” by Donald Miller
ActiveCampaign
Zapier
LeadPages

Get in touch!

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Building a StoryBrand: Clarify Your Message So Customers Will Listen

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The Trade Secrets Tech Summit (season six of the podcast) is taking a quick summer break. In the meantime, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada are sharing some of their favorite past episodes. Join them this week for an update on the Tech Summit — which will return toward the end of June — then a look back at last season’s episode all about destination management companies (DMCs). Enjoy!

This episode was sponsored by Globus family of brands.

–

What’s the difference between a tour operator and a DMC? How can advisors find DMCs to work with, and what are the top dos and don’ts of working with them? What if a contact at a DMC ghosts a travel advisor? Hear the answers to these questions and more in this week’s episode of Trade Secrets, featuring Andrea Grisdale, CEO and founder of I.C. Bellagio in Italy.

Further resources

IC Bellagio on the web

Andrea Grisdale’s email

Mentioned in this episode:

Death of a Travel Advisor by Dori Saltzman
From TravelAge West: The ultimate travel advisor guide to destination management companies
Conde Nast’s travel specialists
Travel + Leisure’s A List
Wendy Perrin’s WOW List

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

This season, Trade Secrets is hosting the Trade Secrets Tech Summit. Every Monday, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada will feature a different travel technology company that works with travel advisors. A representative from the featured company will begin with a 5-minute elevator pitch to tell advisors about their product, followed by a 15-minute Q-and-A with the hosts.

This week’s featured company is Travel Pro Theory, represented by founder Kate Thomas.

Trade Secrets is using Host Agency Reviews’ list of technology providers as a basis for this season. If a technology company doesn’t have a profile, advisors are encouraged to send a link to the hosts to be added to the list.

This episode was sponsored by Globus family of brands.

Further resources

Travel Pro Theory on the web and Instagram (feel free to DM)

Kate Thomas’ previous appearance on Trade Secrets talking about advisor-supplier relationships

From TravelAge West: 10 ChatGPT prompts every travel advisor should use

Get in touch!

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

This season, Trade Secrets is hosting the Trade Secrets Tech Summit. Every Monday, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada will feature a different travel technology company that works with travel advisors. A representative from the featured company will begin with a five-minute elevator pitch to tell advisors about their product, followed by a 15-minute Q-and-A with the hosts.

This week’s featured company is Tique, represented by COO and co-founder, Jennifer Jacob.

Trade Secrets is using Host Agency Reviews’ list of technology providers as a basis for this season. If a technology company doesn’t have a profile, advisors are encouraged to send a link to the hosts to be added to the list.

This episode was sponsored by Globus family of brands.

Further resources

Email Tique

Follow Tique on Instagram

Listen to Tique’s podcast, Tique Talks

Jennifer Jacob’s previous appearance on Trade Secrets

Get in touch!

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

This season, Trade Secrets is hosting the Trade Secrets Tech Summit. Every Monday, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada will feature a different travel technology company that works with travel advisors. A representative from the featured company will begin with a 5-minute elevator pitch to tell advisors about their product, followed by a 15-minute Q-and-A with the hosts.

This week’s featured company is TripSuite, represented by cofounder and CEO Jacey Jones.

Trade Secrets is using Host Agency Reviews’ list of technology providers as a basis for this season. If a technology company doesn’t have a profile, advisors are encouraged to send a link to the hosts to be added to the list.

This episode was sponsored by Globus family of brands.

Further resources

TripSuite on the web

Email TripSuite

Request a demo of TripSuite with Jacey Jones

Get in touch!

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

This season, Trade Secrets is hosting the Trade Secrets Tech Summit. Every Monday, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada will feature a different travel technology company that works with travel advisors. A representative from the featured company will begin with a 5-minute elevator pitch to tell advisors about their product, followed by a 15-minute Q-and-A with the hosts.

This week’s featured company is Safari Portal, represented by founder and CEO Rachel West.

Trade Secrets is using Host Agency Reviews’ list of technology providers as a basis for this season. If a technology company doesn’t have a profile, advisors are encouraged to send a link to the hosts to be added to the list.

This episode was sponsored by Globus family of brands.

Further resources

Safari Portal on the web

Email Rachel West

Safari Portal on Host Agency Reviews

Get in touch!

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

This season, Trade Secrets is hosting the Trade Secrets Tech Summit. Every Monday, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada will feature a different travel technology company that works with travel advisors. A representative from the featured company will begin with a 5-minute elevator pitch to tell advisors about their product, followed by a 15-minute Q-and-A with the hosts.

This week’s featured company is AtlasGuru, represented by CEO Kim Bennett.

Trade Secrets is using Host Agency Reviews’ list of technology providers as a basis for this season. If a technology company doesn’t have a profile, advisors are encouraged to send a link to the hosts to be added to the list.

This episode was sponsored by Globus family of brands.

Further resources

AtlasGuru on the web, Instagram, Facebook and email

Kim Bennett’s email and LinkedIn

Get in touch!

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

This season, Trade Secrets is hosting the Trade Secrets Tech Summit. Every Monday, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada will feature a different travel technology company that works with travel advisors. A representative from the featured company will begin with a 5-minute elevator pitch to tell advisors about their product, followed by a 15-minute Q-and-A with the hosts.

This week’s featured company is Travefy, represented by senior education manager Stephanie Gries.

Trade Secrets is using Host Agency Reviews’ list of technology providers as a basis for this season. If a technology company doesn’t have a profile, advisors are encouraged to send a link to the hosts to be added to the list.

This episode was sponsored by the Travel Corporation.

Further resources

Travefy links:

On the web
New Travel Advisor Program
Travefy Premium
On YouTube
Facebook Group
Facebook Page
On Instagram
Support page

Travefy on Host Agency Reviews

Get in touch!

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

This season, Trade Secrets is hosting the Trade Secrets Tech Summit. Every Monday, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada will feature a different travel technology company that works with travel advisors. A representative from the featured company will begin with a 5-minute elevator pitch to tell advisors about their product, followed by a 15-minute Q-and-A with the hosts.

This week’s featured company is Lucia, represented by founder and CEO Grace Van Hollebeke.

Trade Secrets is using Host Agency Reviews’ list of technology providers as a basis for this season. If a technology company doesn’t have a profile, advisors are encouraged to send a link to the hosts to be added to the list.

This episode was sponsored by the Travel Corporation.

Further resources

Lucia on the web

Follow Grace Van Hollebeke on Instagram

Grace on Humans of Travel

Lucia on Host Agency Reviews

Get in touch!

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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This season, Trade Secrets is hosting the Trade Secrets Tech Summit. Every Monday, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada will feature a different travel technology company that works with travel advisors. A representative from the featured company will begin with a 5-minute elevator pitch to tell advisors about their product, followed by a 15-minute Q-and-A with the hosts.

This week’s featured company is WeTravel, represented by CEO Ted Clements.

Trade Secrets is using Host Agency Reviews’ list of technology providers as a basis for this season. If a technology company doesn’t have a profile, advisors are encouraged to send a link to the hosts to be added to the list.

This episode was sponsored by the Travel Corporation.

Further resources

WeTravel on the web

Ted Clements on LinkedIn

WeTravel on Host Agency Reviews

Get in touch!

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

This season, Trade Secrets is hosting the Trade Secrets Tech Summit. Every Monday, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada will feature a different travel technology company that works with travel advisors. A representative from the featured company will begin with a 5-minute elevator pitch to tell advisors about their product, followed by a 15-minute Q-and-A with the hosts.

This week’s featured company is Axus, represented by Gregory Wilshire. Axus, Travel Weekly and TravelAge West have the same parent company, Northstar Travel Group.

Trade Secrets is using Host Agency Reviews’ list of technology providers as a basis for this season. If a technology company doesn’t have a profile, advisors are encouraged to send a link to the hosts to be added to the list.

This episode was sponsored by the Travel Corporation.

Further resources

Reach out to Axus via email

Axus on Host Agency Reviews

Get in touch!

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

This season, Trade Secrets is hosting the Trade Secrets Tech Summit. Every Monday, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada will feature a different travel technology company that works with travel advisors. A representative from the featured company will begin with a 5-minute elevator pitch to tell advisors about their product, followed by a 15-minute Q-and-A with the hosts.

This week’s featured company is Sabre, represented by senior vice president of product management and distribution experience Kathy Morgan.

Trade Secrets is using Host Agency Reviews’ list of technology providers as a basis for this season. If a technology company doesn’t have a profile, advisors are encouraged to send a link to the hosts to be added to the list.

This episode was sponsored by the Travel Corporation.

Further resources

Learn more about Sabre on the web

Get in touch!

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

This season, Trade Secrets is hosting the Trade Secrets Tech Summit. Every Monday, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada will feature a different travel technology company that works with travel advisors. A representative from the featured company will begin with a 5-minute elevator pitch to tell advisors about their product, followed by a 15-minute Q-and-A with the hosts.

This week’s featured company is VAX VacationAccess, owned by Trisept Solutions and represented by Josef Shomperlen.

Trade Secrets is using Host Agency Reviews’ list of technology providers as a basis for this season. If a technology company doesn’t have a profile, advisors are encouraged to send a link to the hosts to be added to the list.

This episode was sponsored by the Travel Corporation.

Further resources

VAX VacationAccess on the web, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn

The Compass on Instagram

VAX VacationAccess on Host Agency Reviews

Get in touch!

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

This season, Trade Secrets is hosting the Trade Secrets Tech Summit. Every Monday, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada will feature a different travel technology company that works with travel advisors. A representative from the featured company will begin with a 5-minute elevator pitch to tell advisors about their product, followed by a 15-minute Q-and-A with the hosts.

This week’s featured company is Sion, represented by founder and CEO Irving Betesh.

Trade Secrets is using Host Agency Reviews’ list of technology providers as a basis for this season. If a technology company doesn’t have a profile, advisors are encouraged to send a link to the hosts to be added to the list.

This episode was sponsored by the Travel Corporation.

Further resources

Get in touch with Sion on the web or via email

Sion on Host Agency Reviews

Get in touch!

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

This season, Trade Secrets is hosting the Trade Secrets Tech Summit. Every Monday, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada will feature a different travel technology company that works with travel advisors. A representative from the featured company will begin with a five-minute elevator pitch to tell advisors about their product, followed by a 15-minute Q-and-A with the hosts.

This week’s featured company is the Hive, represented by founder and CEO Whitney Shindelar.

Trade Secrets is using Host Agency Reviews’ list of technology providers as a basis for this season. If a technology company doesn’t have a profile, advisors are encouraged to send a link to the hosts to be added to the list.

This episode was sponsored by the Travel Corporation.

Further resources

The Hive online and on Instagram

The Hive on Host Agency Reviews

Whitney Shindelar’s previous appearance on Trade Secrets, talking about mentorship in the industry

Get in touch!

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

This season, Trade Secrets is hosting the Trade Secrets Tech Summit. Every Monday, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada will feature a different travel technology company that works with travel advisors. A representative from the featured company will begin with a 5-minute elevator pitch to tell advisors about their product, followed by a 15-minute Q-and-A with the hosts.

This week’s featured company is Tern, represented by co-founder and CEO David Shull.

Trade Secrets is using Host Agency Reviews’ list of technology providers as a basis for this season. If a technology company doesn’t have a profile, advisors are encouraged to send a link to the hosts to be added to the list.

This episode was sponsored by the Travel Corporation.

Further resources

Tern’s website

David’s email

Tern’s Facebook group for users

Get in touch!

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Trade Secrets is back for its sixth season, but with a twist: Welcome to the Trade Secrets Tech Summit. Every week — you read that right, Trade Secrets is going weekly in season six — co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada will invite a travel agency technology provider on the show. They’ll discuss their tech and how it can help travel advisors’ businesses.

Trade Secrets is using Host Agency Reviews’ list of travel agency software as a jumping-off point for the companies to feature, but listeners are invited to submit any other companies by emailing tradesecrets@travelweekly.com.

The new season will premiere on Monday, March 3.

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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In this special bonus episode, Trade Secrets is all about content — and why travel advisors should get theirs off social media and into an email newsletter. Kayla Douglas, director of content for SmartFlyer in New York, delves into the world of Substack with co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada. And, stay tuned after the episode for some exciting announcements about season six of Trade Secrets.

This episode was released in conjunction with a Humans in the Hot Seat episode (part of TravelAge West’s Humans of Travel podcast), featuring Erina Pindar, COO and managing partner at SmartFlyer.

This episode was sponsored by Riverside Luxury Cruises.

Further resources

Kayla Douglas’ email, Instagram and Substack

SmartFlyer Core coverage

From TravelAge West: Five things we learned at SmartFlyer’s 2025 Core Conference
From Travel Weekly: Will luxury travel slow down? One expert expects a dip in hotel rates

Mentioned on this episode:

Substack
Emma’s substack
Flodesk
Mailchimp
Stephanie Lee’s most recent appearance on Trade Secrets
Host Agency Reviews’ travel agency software profiles

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Trade Secrets is on a winter break. We're sharing some of our favorite episodes until we return.

Travel advisors, how do you handle it when a client has unrealistic expectations? What if they ask to stay at a property you wouldn’t recommend (especially if they serve truly lackluster midnight hotdogs)? What do you do when their budget is unrealistic for the trip they want? Or, what if they have a really bad experience while they’re in-destination? Get advice on all that and more in this week’s episode of Trade Secrets, where co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada are joined by Abbey Meyer, CEO of Sky High Travel in St. Louis, Missouri.

This episode was sponsored by Collette.

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

View Details

Trade Secrets is on a winter break. We're sharing some of our favorite episodes until we return.

This week, we're featuring one of our most popular episodes from season five. New travel advisors, look no further than this episode of Trade Secrets for advice on everything from setting up your business, to finding clients, to prioritizing fam trip destinations. Co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada are joined by KHM Travel Group’s Bill Coyle, vice president of agent engagement, to tackle listener questions on that and more.

Trade Secrets will return with season six in early 2025.

This episode was sponsored by Collette.

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Trade Secrets is on a holiday break. We're sharing some of our favorite episodes until we return.

This week, we're featuring our first episode of season five. Hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada welcome Nexion Travel Group president Jackie Friedman on the show to talk about the value of travel advisors. They discuss the modern history of the profession and the evolution from “agent” to “advisor,” then answer listener questions about standing out from the crowd, how advisors can sell their own value and what makes a good elevator pitch.

Trade Secrets will return with season six in early 2025.

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Trade Secrets is on a holiday break. We're sharing some of our favorite episodes until we return.

This week, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada welcome Royal Caribbean’s Vicki Freed, senior vice president of sales and trade support and service, and Jamie Margolis, owner of the Dream Vacations franchise Moms at Sea. During the episode, Freed and Margolis talk about the importance of forming — and maintaining — a good agent-supplier relationship, the “unicorn” cabins onboard Royal Caribbean ships that offer more space for less money, the value proposition of cruising and more.

Trade Secrets will return with season six in early 2025.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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In the season finale of Trade Secrets, co-hosts Jamie Biesiada and Emma Weissmann share their top 25 travel predictions for 2025, covering everything from trends in the travel agency and tech landscape to destinations and travel styles they have their eyes on for the coming year. They also share some exciting news – Trade Secrets recently took home an award for Best Travel/Leisure Podcast in the annual Eddie and Ozzie Awards!

The sixth season of Trade Secrets will debut in early 2025.

Further resources

Mentioned on the show:

From TravelAge West, The top 5 trends for 2025
From TravelAge West, This cruise expert reached $3 million in annual sales using TikTok
From Travel Weekly, Women-only tours: A niche that is going mainstream
From Travel Weekly, Summer of the destination ‘dupes’
From Travel Weekly, A host of problems
Host Agency Reviews’ Travel Agency Software Profiles
Tern
Approach Guides
Epic Universe
From Travel Weekly, more about Universal Horror Unleashed in Las Vegas
Travel Weekly’s 2024 Travel Industry Survey
From Travel Weekly, some reading on different aircraft designs being developed
The new autonomous wheelchairs at Miami Airport

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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From ASTA’s fight against American Airlines’ distribution strategy to the Taylor Swift effect on the travel industry, 2024 was bursting with headlines that affected travel advisors. This week on Trade Secrets, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada talk about the major travel trends and events that shaped the agency landscape.

Further resources

Mentioned on the show:

Trade Secrets episode featuring Andrea Grisdale and a discussion on Italy
Trade Secrets episode featuring David Kolner and a discussion on generational travel
Emma on the Taylor Swift cruise
SNAP, an air booking tool developed by Internova Travel Group and Sabre
Omar Banihani's TravelAge West op-ed about the evolution of home-based advisors
Some reading on American Airlines and its distribution strategy, including the fallout
- A win for travel advisors: American Airlines scraps controversial NDC strategy
- A victory for travel advisors was cause for celebration at the ASTA conference
- Alienating travel agencies could cost American Airlines $1.5 billion
- American Airlines unveils revised NDC plans, returns fares to GDSs
- American rebuilds sales staff, trying to win back agencies and corporates
- American Airlines says it is gradually winning back corporate business
Travel Weekly's 2024 Power List
Some reading (and listening) on Jenn Lee's Vacation Planners

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Balancing work responsibilities with the needs of personal life has become exponentially more difficult for travel advisors as workloads have increased. But it’s also critically important to find time for friends, family and hobbies outside of work, and to develop systems at work that improve efficiency and allow you to step away. What kind of boundaries should you set, and how can you enforce them? What can you automate to take more things off your plate? Hear all about this and more on this episode of Trade Secrets, featuring Host Agency Reviews founder Stephanie Lee.

Further resources

Host Agency Reviews on the web

Steph Lee’s email and LinkedIn page

Mentioned on this episode:

Host Agency Reviews' guide to writing job descriptions
From Travel Weekly, Dispatch, Disney World: The day after Milton's visit
From Travel Weekly, Dispatch, Wondrous moments from a Taylor Swift affinity cruise
From TravelAge West, HAR launches travel advisor tech software directory
From Travel Weekly, Host Agency Reviews starts listing technology providers
Steph Lee’s previous appearance on Trade Secrets
Trade Secrets episode on dealing with travel advisor burnout
Host Agency Reviews’ software profiles
Calendly
Text Blaze

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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What’s the difference between a tour operator and a destination management company (DMC)? How can advisors find DMCs to work with, and what are the top do’s and don’ts of working with them? What if a contact at a DMC ghosts a travel advisor? Hear the answers to these questions and more in this week’s episode of Trade Secrets, where co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada chat about all things DMCs with Andrea Grisdale, CEO and founder of I.C. Bellagio in Italy.

This episode is sponsored by AmaWaterways.

Further resources

IC Bellagio on the web

Andrea Grisdale’s email

Mentioned in this episode:

Death of a Travel Advisor by Dori Saltzman -
From TravelAge West: The ultimate travel advisor guide to destination management companies
Conde Nast’s travel specialists
Travel + Leisure’s A List
Wendy Perrin’s WOW List

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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This week, Trade Secrets takes on the world. Jennifer Doncsecz of VIP Vacations returns to the podcast to discuss her specialty: destination weddings and honeymoons. She talks about everything from getting started selling destination weddings and honeymoons, to turning those travelers into clients for life. Then, she answers a number of listener questions about destinations, ranging from the benefits of visiting a spot before selling it, qualifying for fam trips and where to send clients headed to Europe for the first time.

This episode is sponsored by AmaWaterways.

Further resources

VIP Vacations on Facebook

Jennifer Doncsecz’s email

Jennifer’s previous Trade Secrets episodes:

All things branding
Destination weddings and honeymoons

Mentioned in this episode:

Death of a Travel Advisor by Dori Saltzman -
The Travel Institute’s course on destination weddings and honeymoons
From Travel Weekly, Getting into groups

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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In this episode, the final in a three-part series of Trade Secrets recorded on the road at Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada welcome Azamara CEO Dondra Ritzenthaler. She discusses leaving her retirement to helm the small-ship luxury cruise line, the importance of suppliers listening to trade partners, luxury travel sales techniques and what sets luxury cruise lines like Azamara apart.

This episode is sponsored by AmaWaterways.

Further resources

Dondra Ritzenthaler’s email

Mentioned in this episode:

Azamara World Academy
From Travel Weekly, Azamara introduces advisor training with incentives
From TravelAge West: Azamara launches travel advisor celebration with enhanced incentives
Dondra Ritzenthaler on Humans of Travel

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Trade Secrets is on the road again, this time at Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas. In the second episode of a three-part series recorded on-site in Las Vegas, Megan Vatnsdal, owner of Onyx & Evergreen Travel and affiliate of Four Hundred, talks about how she’s spent the past few years building her luxury-focused agency. She and co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada cover everything from building a book of business, to getting in front of luxury clients, to using events to network.

This episode is sponsored by AmaWaterways.

Further resources

Megan Vatnsdal on Instagram, Facebook and the web

Mentioned in this episode:

Four Hundred
BNI (Business Network International)
From Travel Weekly, evidence of normalization in travel this year
Trade Secrets at Virtuoso Travel Week, part 1

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Trade Secrets is on the road again, this time at Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas. In the first episode of a three-part series recorded on site, Virtuoso executive vice president David Kolner shares updates on Virtuoso’s annual event, how advisors are selling so much right now, the different habits of each generation and what the term “luxury” means to him. Kolner also talks about Maui recovery and what travel advisors can do to help the island.

This episode is sponsored by Allianz Partners.

Further resources

Virtuoso’s website

David Kolner on LinkedIn and Instagram

UBS’s Global Wealth Report 2024

From TravelAge West:

Five things we learned at Virtuoso Travel Week 2024

From Travel Weekly:

Travel is flourishing, and Virtuoso says it’s at the top of the heap
High prices are giving luxury travelers pause, but they’re paying
Going back to Maui

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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This week, Chad Burt of Outside Agents joins Jamie Biesiada and Emma Weissmann of Trade Secrets for our annual “mailbag” episode, featuring travel advisor listener questions on a variety of topics. During the episode, we’ll dig into advanced use cases of generative AI, airline loyalty, host agency affiliations, picking a travel advisor specialty and more.

This episode is sponsored by Allianz Partners USA.

Further resources and related readings

Outside Agents on the web

Outside Agents’ blog

More about Outside Agents’ MAGgie technology

Outside Agents’ Power Prompts

Chad’s book of prompts - password: oastrong

Mentioned in this episode and related reading:

Canva
Trade Secrets episode on generative AI
Some recent Travel Weekly coverage on consolidators
Trade Secrets episode on switching host agencies

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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New travel advisors, look no further than this episode of Trade Secrets for advice on everything from setting up your business, to finding clients, to prioritizing fam trip destinations. Co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada are joined by KHM Travel Group’s Bill Coyle, vice president of agent engagement, to tackle listener questions on that and more.

This episode is sponsored by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts.

Further resources

Connect with KHM Travel Group online, on Facebook, on Instagram, on YouTube and on LinkedIn

Encompass the World Travel, Bill Coyle’s family agency

Mentioned in this episode and related reading:

From Travel Weekly, stories on card mills and the history of host agencies
Travel Weekly’s Legal Briefs column by industry attorney Mark Pestronk (many articles talk about terms and conditions)
From TravelAge West, an article on terms and conditions by industry attorney Jeffrey Ment
The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) and its educational offerings
The Travel Institute
The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and its educational offerings
Trade Secrets episode on fam trips

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Travel advisors, how do you handle it when a client has unrealistic expectations? What if they ask to stay at a property you wouldn’t recommend (especially if they serve truly lackluster midnight hotdogs)? What do you do when their budget is unrealistic for the trip they want? Or, what if they have a really bad experience while they’re in-destination? Get advice on all that and more in this week’s episode of Trade Secrets, where co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada are joined by Abbey Meyer, CEO of Sky High Travel in St. Louis, Missouri.

This episode is sponsored by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts.

Further resources

Sky High Travel on the web, Facebook and Instagram

Resources mentioned in this episode and related reading:

Trade Secrets episode with Tique’s Jennifer Jacob, who talks about the “bless and release” method of breaking up with clients
Abbey Meyer on Humans in the Hot Seat

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Trade Secrets is on the road for a special, three-episode series recorded on the ground at the ASTA Travel Advisor Conference in Dallas. In this episode, the final in the series, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada welcome Eric Dresin, the secretary general of the European Travel Agents’ and Tour Operators’ Associations (ECTAA), onto the show. They chat about the travel agency landscape in Europe, the phenomenon of Europe’s travel “planners” (who don’t actually book travel) and more. Then, hear from Thekla Kammenou of the Greece-based tour operator Four Ways Travel, about the tourism scene in Greece and some of her favorite spots.

This episode is sponsored by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts.

Further resources

Eric Dresin on LinkedIn
The ECTAA
Four Ways Travel online and on Facebook
Thekla Kammenou on LinkedIn, Facebook and email

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Trade Secrets is on the road for a special, three-episode series recorded on the ground at the ASTA Travel Advisor Conference in Dallas. In this episode, part two in the series, travel advisors can learn all about how to get on TV, and why it’s the best marketing tactic a small business can employ. Vacation Planners International’s Jenn Lee, Gifted Travel Network’s Vanessa McGovern and ASTA’s Erika Richter — all experts in media relations — offer tips, advice and beyond.

This episode is sponsored by the Globus family of brands.

Further resources

Email Jenn Lee and ask for her step-by-step process for pitching the media
Connect with Vanessa McGovern on LinkedIn
Email Erika Richter, join the ASTA Member Lounge on Facebook and find ASTA’s educational opportunities online

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

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Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

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Trade Secrets is on the road for a special, three-episode series recorded on the ground at the ASTA Travel Advisor Conference in Dallas. In this episode, part one in the series, hear ASTA CEO Zane Kerby’s take on American Airlines’ decision to change course on its NDC implementation after listening and responding to the travel agency community, as well as why ATSA is making changes to its Verified Travel Advisor (VTA) certification program. Then, hear from two advisors on their own journeys to become VTAs.

This episode is sponsored by the Globus family of brands.

Further resources

From TravelAge West:

Travel Advisor Conference: ASTA celebrates AA win, pushes VTA certification

From Travel Weekly:

ASTA says its advocacy factored into American’s NDC reversal
A victory for travel advisors was cause for celebration at the ASTA conference
ASTA stiffens certification requirements for Verified Travel Advisor program

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

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When it’s time to expand your business, what’s the best way to do it? Should you hire independent contractors, employees or assistants? Then, once they’re onboarded, how do you effectively train — and, subsequently, trust — your new people? All that and more is covered in this week’s Trade Secrets, when co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada talk business expansion with Julie Lanham, president of Vacations to Remember in Augusta, Ga.

Thanks to our friends at Jetset World Travel for helping us solicit travel advisor questions this season.

This episode is sponsored by All-Inclusive by Marriott Bonvoy.

Further resources

Julie Lanham on Instagram

Mentioned in this episode:

From TravelAge West: Why you should consider hiring an international virtual assistant
From TravelAge West: Travel agencies are struggling to hire qualified advisors, according to a new survey
Lucia

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

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Marketing is an important part of most travel advisors’ businesses. This week on Trade Secrets, Christina Vieira of Showcase the World Travel discusses finding your “why,” identifying ideal clients and reaching those clients on the platforms that make sense. She also discusses the importance of a good email marketing plan, automation and more with co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada.

Thanks to our friends at Key to the World Travel for helping us solicit travel advisor questions this season.

This episode is sponsored by All-Inclusive by Marriott Bonvoy.

Further resources

Christina Vieira on Instagram and Facebook

Magic Made Simple, which helps travel agents set up systems, online and on Instagram

From Magic Made Simple, just for Trade Secrets listeners: Six workflows to automate

From TravelAge West: Gifted Travel Network’s luxury travel symposium on the rivers

Christina Vieira’s five Rs:

Recognize
Recommendation
Relate
Respond
Request

Mentioned in this episode:

Simon Sinek’s TED Talk
“Building a StoryBrand: Clarify Your Message So Customers Will Listen,” by Donald Miller
ActiveCampaign
Zapier
LeadPages

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

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When the State Department upgrades its travel advisory for a destination, or updates an advisory with new information, it can make clients a little jumpy. How should travel agents navigate the situation? Get the answer on this week’s episode of Trade Secrets, when co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada are joined by travel advisor Brittany Shuford of Darling Destinations in Birmingham, Ala.

Thanks to our friends at OutsideAgents.com for helping us solicit travel advisor questions this season.

This episode is sponsored by Travel Insured International.

Further resources

Find Brittany Shuford on Instagram and Facebook

Mentioned in this episode:

The State Department’s travel site, Travel.State.Gov
The State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
Emma’s Humans of Travel podcast
Travel attorney Mark Pestronk’s free resources, including disclaimer and release forms
A travel agent guide to selling high-risk travel

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

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Welcome to season five of Trade Secrets. In this episode, hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada welcome Nexion Travel Group president Jackie Friedman on the show to talk about the value of travel advisors. They discuss the modern history of the profession and the evolution from “agent” to “advisor,” then answer listener questions about standing out from the crowd, how advisors can sell their own value and what makes a good elevator pitch.

Thanks to our friends at WorldVia for helping us solicit travel advisor questions this season.

This episode is sponsored by Travel Insured International.

Further resources

Nexion Travel Group on the web

Reach out to Jackie Friedman via email

Mentioned in this episode:

Erica Carr’s bookitbox Travel
Christine Potthoff’s travel beCAUSE
Courtnie Nichols’ client gifting strategy

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

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How is the Trade Secrets podcast made? Find out all the behind-the-scenes details in this special episode with co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada. From the show’s origin, to scripting, to editing and posting, take a peek behind the Trade Secrets curtain.

This is a special episode of Trade Secrets between seasons four and five. Season five will return in two weeks, on April 8.

This episode is sponsored by Travel Insured International.

Further resources

Email Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada

Follow us on Instagram

Travel Weekly
TravelAge West
Emma Weissmann
Jamie Biesiada

Mentioned in this episode:

Slate’s Dear Prudence
“Tiny Beautiful Things,” by Cheryl Strayed
Auphonic
Omny Studio
PodBean

Some previous episodes we mention:

When is it time to leave your host agency and join a consortium?
Top travel pros and their best advice for advisors
On the ground in Maui: Should travel agents send clients to the island right now?
Icon of the Seas: How big can a cruise ship get?
Why can’t we be friends? Forming productive travel advisor-supplier relationships
How do I use generative AI to improve my travel agency’s workflow?
Travel advisors, are you using the right tech stack?

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

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Tiny Beautiful Things: Advice on Love and Life from Dear Sugar

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Welcome to the season four finale of Trade Secrets. This week, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada welcome Royal Caribbean’s Vicki Freed, senior vice president of sales and trade support and service, and Jamie Margolis, owner of the Dream Vacations franchise Moms at Sea, during the second installment of a two-part series with Freed (listen to part one here).

During the episode, Freed and Margolis talk about the importance of forming — and maintaining — a good agent-supplier relationship, the “unicorn” cabins onboard Royal Caribbean ships that offer more space for less money, the value proposition of cruising and more.

In two weeks, Trade Secrets will release a special episode about the making of the podcast. It will return for season five two weeks after that, on April 8.

This episode is sponsored by Travel Insured International.

Further resources

Contact Vicki Freed by email or her personal cell phone, 305-458-0463

Find Jamie Margolis and Moms at Sea online, on Facebook and on Instagram

The last Trade Secrets episode, also featuring Vicki Freed

From Travel Weekly, Agent Life: From Facebook group to franchisee: Moms at Sea’s fantastic voyage

Mentioned in this episode:

The Taylor Swift cruise: From TravelAge West, Who is Marvelous Mouse Travels, and why is it hosting a Taylor Swift-themed cruise?
Sign up for Vicki’s Tips online
On Millie Schwartz, from Travel Weekly: At 90, Schwartz still drawn to selling travel
An example of Carnival’s Fun Ship cruise commercials from the 1980s

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

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Get ready for a cruise-filled episode of Trade Secrets. This week, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada welcome Royal Caribbean's Vicki Freed, senior vice president of sales and trade support and service, and Nick Weir, senior vice president of entertainment, onto the show. Hop aboard as we dive into everything from the brand-new Icon of the Seas — billed as the largest cruise ship at sea — to what it takes to entertain Royal’s millions of cruisers. This is the first of a two-part series featuring Freed; join us next time for a discussion on creating a strong advisor-supplier relationship.

This episode is sponsored by Windstar Cruises.

Further resources

Contact Vicki Freed by email or her personal cell phone, 305-458-0463

Follow Nick Weir on X (formerly Twitter)

Royal’s trade marketing hub (also home to the link to register for Vicki’s Coffee Talk)

Vicki Freed on Humans of Travel: Royal Caribbean’s Vicki Freed on breaking into the cruise industry _ and meeting the boss who helped shape her

Icon of the Seas coverage

Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas takes thrills to the max
Royal Caribbean sets a new cruise benchmark with Icon of the Seas

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

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Travel advisors, are you stuck in the technological past? In this episode of Trade Secrets, Brian Shultz, chief information officer for Cruise Planners, joins hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada to talk about the latest in tech offerings for advisors, game-changing generative AI use cases and tools that can save you both time and money.

This episode is sponsored by Windstar Cruises.

Further resources and related reading:

Meet Cruise Planners’ Brian Shultz

Cruise Planners’ website and franchise site

Trade Secrets episode on generative AI: How do I use generative AI to improve my travel agency’s workflow?

From TravelAge West:

WTTC report: Artificial intelligence has the potential to ‘revolutionize’ travel and tourism
How travel advisors can get ahead using artificial intelligence

From Travel Weekly:

Travel takes on generative AI
At Ensemble event, confronting the emergence of AI in travel

Travel advisor Lorryn Langton’s poem created with generative AI, made for a group headed to Puerto Vallarta and posted in their private Facebook page:

T'was the night before Mexico, in the Midwest so cold, the women were bustling, their spirits so bold. With tequila in mind and pools to explore, they readied themselves for adventures galore.

Sunshine awaited, a tropical delight, a respite from winter, a warm welcome sight. Catamaran sailings and whale spotting too, an escape from the cold, a dream coming true.

The bags were all packed, passports in hand, visions of palm trees and white sandy land. To Mexico they'd go, leaving winter behind, A getaway to unwind, a paradise they'd find.

Spa time awaited, relaxation in store, A pampering session, leaving stress at the door. In the warmth of the sun, with a breeze so divine, They'd sip on cocktails, letting worries decline.

So, on the eve of departure, excitement so high, the women embraced, beneath the moonlit sky. To Mexico they'd journey, from the cold they'd break free, a holiday adventure, just as it should be.

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

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This week on Trade Secrets, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada gaze into their crystal balls to reveal what 2024 might hold for the travel agency community. They share what’s in and what’s out for this year, along with major trends that will shape the advisor landscape. They’ll even share some resolutions for themselves and for the podcast.

Here’s a preview of what’s in and what’s out, according to our hosts.

Emma’s “in for 2024” list:

Using a travel advisor!
High prices for both accommodations and airfare.
Europe: Italy, Greece and Portugal are all hot spots.
Group and event travel.
River cruising for younger generations.
Authentic, immersive experiences.

Emma’s “out for 2024” list:

Peak-season travel (book shoulder season!)
Last-minute trips (book early!)
Leaving sustainability out of the conversation.
Working to the point of burnout.
Being afraid of technology that can actually help business.

Jamie’s “in and out for 2024” list:

In: Being a traveler. Out: Being a tourist (credit to Signature Travel Network’s Ignacio Mazza)
In: 201 destinations. Out: 101 destinations (credit to Jetset World Travel affiliate Sarah Sullivan)
In: Slow travel. Out: The quick, cram-it-all-in trip
In: On-time flights. Out: Flight disruptions (fingers crossed)
Out: Economy class. In: Business and first (this is an aspirational joke for Jamie, who almost always flies economy)

Further resources:

Trade Secrets episode on burnout, balance and more

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

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Trade Secrets is on a break right now, but will be back starting Jan. 29 with brand-new episodes. In the meantime, we wanted to share one of our favorite episodes from season four. It’s also one of the most popular.

This episode was recorded at the ASTA Global Convention in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on May 2, 2023. Co-hosts Jamie Biesiada and Emma Weissmann rounded up some of the industry’s finest to offer their best advice to travel advisors. They touch on everything from sustainability, to entering the luxury market, and beyond.

Further resources:

The ASTA Travel Advisor Conference 2024

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

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Trade Secrets is on a holiday break, but in the meantime, we wanted to share some of Travel Weekly and TravelAge West’s other podcasts with our listeners. This week’s episode is Humans of Travel, hosted by Trade Secrets co-host Emma Weissmann, featuring AmaWaterways’ Kristin Karst.

If you’ve worked in the travel industry for any length of time, you’re probably familiar with Karst. The co-owner and executive vice president of river cruise line AmaWaterways, Karst is a staple at most travel industry conferences, perhaps best known for her bubbly personality, welcoming demeanor and close, personal relationships with travel advisors.

However, many travel industry colleagues may not know Karst’s unique backstory. She was born and grew up in Dresden, a German town along the Elbe River, in what was formerly Eastern Germany, under a regime that mostly kept Karst and her family isolated from the Western World.

In this episode of Humans of Travel, Karst reflects on a childhood spent under the Socialist Unity Party of Germany, and how the limited travel her family was able to do allowed her to gain an appreciation for all that Eastern Europe had to offer and fostered an early love of tourism.

Karst will also dive into what it was like when the Berlin Wall came down in 1989, and how she got her start in the travel industry as a leisure manager at American Express Travel, a role that she kept until she moved to Southern California and met Rudi Schreiner, her husband-to-be and the former president of Viking Cruises.

Listeners will hear Karst reflect on the early days of AmaWaterways, how she keeps her work-life balance in check and what’s behind her unwavering positivity.

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

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Trade Secrets is on a holiday break, but in the meantime, we wanted to share some of Travel Weekly and TravelAge West’s other podcasts with our listeners. This week’s episode is The Folo, hosted by Travel Weekly’s Rebecca Tobin. Each week, The Folo digs deep into a topic of interest in the travel industry.

On this episode, Tobin talks to Trade Secrets co-host Jamie Biesiada, also a senior editor at Travel Weekly covering retail travel sales and theme parks, about Disney’s planned $60 billion investment in its parks, experiences and products division over the next 10 years.

They talk about what Disney’s been up to, the competition and what could be coming down the road. Most especially, they hone in on what kind of changes travel advisors would most like to see.

This episode is sponsored by ALG Vacations.

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

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Trade Secrets is on a holiday break, but in the meantime, we wanted to share some of Travel Weekly and TravelAge West’s other podcasts with our listeners. This week’s episode is The Last Resort, hosted by Travel Weekly’s Christina Jelski. The Last Resort is a monthly hospitality-focused podcast where travel advisors share their first impressions of the last resort they visited.

On this episode, Jelski talks to SmartFlyer-affiliated travel advisor Sarah Lopez and Travel Weekly managing editor Rebecca Tobin about their recent visits to the 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay on the Hawaiian island of Kauai.

Lopez and Tobin talk about the resort's prime position along Kauai's famed North Shore and why it offers an ideal wellness retreat-style experience, without being an "in your face" wellness destination. The pair chat about some of their favorite amenities at the resort, from delicious bagels at the property's Neighbors cafe to complimentary access to electric Audi e-tron vehicles. Lopez also discusses the negative impact that the recent Maui wildfires have had on Hawaii bookings as a whole.

This episode is sponsored by ALG Vacations.

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

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How did Christy Menzies, the owner of Menzies Luxe Retreats, achieve $1 million in sales in her first six months in business as a travel advisor? Find out the answer to that question and many more in this week’s episode of Trade Secrets, where Menzies shares her journey in the industry and offers sage advice on explaining the value of travel advisors, finding clients as a new advisor, rapidly growing sales and more.

This episode is sponsored by ALG Vacations.

Further resources:

Menzies Luxe Retreats on the web

Christy Menzies on Instagram

Mentioned on this episode:

Host Agency Reviews’ Stephanie Lee on Trade Secrets
From TravelAge West: How Virtuoso Rising Star Christy Menzies Reached $1 Million in Sales in 6 Months
Host Agency Reviews
Jenn Lee on Trade Secrets
Lucia, a freelancer marketplace
Trade Secrets’ honorable mention as best travel and leisure podcast from Folio

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

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Thinking of becoming a travel advisor? This is the Trade Secrets episode for you, featuring the sound advice of Steph Lee, founder of Host Agency Reviews. During this episode, delve into the world of travel advising as a profession, including what to know about starting a business, what challenges you may face and more. Already established in the industry? We’ve got plenty for you to mull on, too, from using host- or consortium-provided marketing materials, advice on moving into a management role and more.

This episode is sponsored by ALG Vacations.

Further resources:

Steph Lee’s Facebook, Instagram and email

Host Agency Reviews (HAR)

Friday 15 podcast

Travel Agent Chatter podcast

Questions to ask a host agency sheet

Host Week

Travel Jobs board

Hosted Travel Advisor Report 2023

Independent Travel Advisor Report 2023

Seven-day agency setup program

Lite
Accelerator Course

Mentioned on this episode:

Travel Advisor Resource Center resources
ASTA’s roadmap to becoming a travel advisor
Lucia marketplace
The Professional Association of Travel Hosts
From TravelAge West: Travel advisors, here’s how to protect yourself from fraud

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

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Travel insurance is an important product for travel advisors and travelers alike, but it’s also an undeniably complex one. What should advisors talk about when selling travel insurance, and what shouldn’t they discuss? Is an annual plan a better deal than per-trip plans? What is a preexisting condition, and what does it mean for advisors? Find out the answers to those questions and more in this week’s episode, the second in a two-part series on travel insurance featuring Richard Aquino, vice president and head of sales for Allianz Partners. Find part one here.

This episode is sponsored by Air France-KLM.

Further resources:

Allianz Advantage, Allianz’s website for travel advisors

Mentioned on this episode, Jamie’s air ambulance coverage:

Dispatch, Richmond: Onboard a Skyservice Air Ambulance
Skyservice’s air ambulances swoop in when travel turns tragic

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

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Travel insurance is an important product for travel advisors and travelers alike, but it’s also an undeniably complex one. How should travel advisors position this product to clients? What insurance provider should they use? How do they parse through complicated plans? Find out the answers to those questions and more in this week’s episode, the first in a two-part series on travel insurance featuring Richard Aquino, vice president and head of sales for Allianz Partners.

This episode is sponsored by Air France-KLM.

Further resources:

Allianz Advantage, Allianz’s website for travel advisors

Mentioned on this episode:

Travel Weekly’s Legal Briefs, a column by industry attorney Mark Pestronk
Trade Secrets’ season one episodes on travel insurance, part one and part two

Thanks to our friends at Cruise Planners for helping solicit questions for this season of Trade Secrets! https://www.cruiseplannersfranchise.com/

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

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One month after wildfires devastated Lahaina, Signature Travel Network decided to move forward with its annual Owners’ Meeting at the Grand Wailea, located on an unaffected part of Maui.

This episode of Trade Secrets was recorded from the island. Hear from Signature CEO Alex Sharpe, travel agency owners and supplier representatives from Allianz Partners, Travel Insured International and Pleasant Holidays as they share their thoughts about promoting travel to the island. Listeners will also learn about Signature’s relief efforts, and the resounding takeaway for travel advisors who have visited: Responsible, compassionate tourism is welcome on the Valley Isle.

Note: Although unaffected areas of Maui have remained open to tourism, the affected areas of West Maui will officially open on Oct. 8, according to Hawaii Gov. Josh Green.

This episode is sponsored by Air France-KLM.

Further resources:

Coverage from Travel Weekly and TravelAge West:

A visit to Maui, a month after the Lahaina fire: Aloha and welcoming hospitality for visitors
As Maui thanks agents and urges travel, it plans a new marketing campaign
Signature Travel Network to Proceed With Owners' Meeting in Maui
On the ground in Maui: Signature’s Owners’ Meeting highlights ‘respectful, compassionate’ tourism to the island
Go, postpone, cancel or move Maui travel? Advisors share how they're managing upcoming booking

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

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This week, Trade Secrets is all about the fam — fam, or familiarization, trips, that is! Hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada are joined by Theresa Chu-Bermudez, owner of Get Out! Custom Travels, co-host of the Tin Lounge Podcast and the creator of Fam with Intention. They talk about all of the ins and outs of fams: how to find them, how to prepare for them, what to do on a fam, and what to do after the trip is over.

This episode is sponsored by Air France-KLM.

Further resources:

Theresa Chu-Bermudez

Theresa’s agency, Get Out! Custom Travels, online and on Instagram
Fam with Intention online and on Instagram

Tyson Wharton, owner and founder of Sioux Empire Travel, and his fam trip do’s and don’ts:

Do:

Be on time and on schedule
Dress and act professionally
Be positive, helpful, mindful and respectful of other guests on the property
Introduce yourself to your sales managers, BDMs, other travel advisors and hotel staff
Pack a bunch of business cards
See the place through your clients’ eyes
Be prepared — pack comfortable shoes
Be grateful, be kind, be awesome

Don’t:

Approach other guests and try to sell them your services
Treat this as a vacation — it’s work
Complain
Break the rules of a site inspection
Act a fool
Take calls during inspections and important fam appointments, but you can work in your room or on down time if you need to
Annoy or overwhelm your BDM, hosts or managers

Mentioned in this episode:

Gimbals for your phone
Future Leaders in Travel Retreat
Trello

Thanks to our friends at The Hive for helping solicit questions for this season of Trade Secrets!

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

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In this episode of Trade Secrets, Indagare’s Melissa Biggs Bradley discusses the company’s sustainability efforts — including how her agency offsets the carbon footprints of all staff and client travel — the end of “fast travel,” and how travel advisors can encourage clients to travel more sustainably.

This episode is sponsored by ALG Vacations.

Further resources:

Melissa Biggs Bradley:

Indagare’s website
On Instagram
Her radio show/podcast, Passport to Everywhere

From Travel Weekly, “Agent Life: Indagare aims to positively impact clients and the places they visit”

Indagare’s explainer on its carbon neutrality

From TravelAge West, “Need to Know Research: How Do Travel Advisors Really Feel About Sustainability?”

Mentioned on this episode:

Tourism Cares and its travel advisor guide to meaningful travel
The Long Run
The Center for Responsible Travel (CREST)
Julie Patterson on Trade Secrets with Whitney Shindelar on mentorship
The Last Tourist

Thanks to our friends at the Travel Advisor Resource Center for helping solicit questions for this season of Trade Secrets!

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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In this special episode of Trade Secrets, co-host Jamie Biesiada gets an update on the wildfires in Hawaii from Ilihia Gionson, the Hawaii Tourism Authority’s public affairs officer. Gionson talks about what’s happening on Maui, thanks those visitors who have left the island and asks for patience in the weeks ahead as damage is assessed and recovery begins.

This episode is sponsored by ALG Vacations. https://www.vaxvacationaccess.com/suppliers/apple-leisure-group/pages/algv-gives-you-more/

Further resources:

For visitor-specific information, visit the Hawaii Tourism Authority on its website or gohawaii.com

For general disaster information, visit the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency

To lend a hand, consider donations to the American Red Cross or one of the organizations identified by the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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In this episode of Trade Secrets, hosts Jamie Biesiada and Emma Weissmann are joined by Christine Vincent, business technology manager for Travelsavers and NEST. They discuss how generative AI is changing the travel industry, and delve into how travel advisors can use it to improve their workflows. They also chat about how to become an effective “prompt engineer” to get a desired output. And yes, if you were wondering, Google’s Bard wrote this episode’s title and description (but it was, of course, vetted and edited by the hosts).

This episode is sponsored by ALG Vacations.

Further resources:

Christine Vincent on LinkedIn

Dave Burse’s LinkedIn Learning course, “How to research and write using generative AI tools.” Use the CREATE acronym to write prompts:

Character: Tell the AI the role you want it to play.
Request: Be specific in your request and give context.
Examples: Provide examples of similar styles of writing (this is optional).
Adjustments: Ask for adjustments to fine-tune the response.
Type of output: Tell the AI how the response should be formatted.
Extras: Anything not included in the above that would generate a high-quality response.

Recent generative AI coverage from Travel Weekly and TravelAge West:

Can ChatGPT be a travel planner? We tested it out
Trade Secrets column: A chat with and about ChatGPT
Expedia Group is deploying ChatGPT early, often and widely
How travel advisors can get ahead using artificial intelligence
Editorial: When it comes to advisor vs. AI, advisors excel at being human

Mentioned on this episode:

OpenAI, creator of ChatGPT
“Class of ‘09,” Jamie’s TV show recommendation
ASTA’s Erika Richter on “Today,” talking about AI in travel

Thanks to our friends at Brownell Travel for helping solicit questions for this season of Trade Secrets!

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Embark on a voyage of discovery into the fast-growing world of expedition cruising on this episode of Trade Secrets. Co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada are joined by Rachel Woodward, vice president of sales for Lindblad Expeditions, and Beth Butzlaff, Global Travel Collection’s vice president of partnership. They’ll tackle everything from which clients are best suited for which expedition cruises, to can’t-miss stops in Alaska, to how better Starlink connectivity will affect cruisers in the future.

This episode is sponsored by Lindblad Expeditions.

Further resources:

Rachel Woodward’s email address and cell phone: (510) 289-9941

Lindblad’s website for travel advisors

To learn more about Global Travel Collection, send an email or go to Internova’s website

Recent Lindblad coverage from Travel Weekly and TravelAge West:

An in-depth look at Lindblad Expedition’s Endurance
Extraordinary polar bear sightings and more with Lindblad Expeditions
Emma’s review of Islander II, a new Lindblad ship sailing the Galapagos

Mentioned on this episode:

Royal Caribbean Moms at Sea Facebook group, started by travel advisor Jamie Margolis Ross
Sales Strategies for Travel Professionals on Facebook

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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In this two-part episode of Trade Secrets, we’ll delve deep into the world of sales strategies for travel advisors, with guests Byrd Bergeron (of the Travel Byrds) and Steven Gould (of Goulds Travel, Luxera Travel and the Travel Advisor Resource Center). They also operate the Facebook group “Sales Strategies for Travel Professionals.”

In part two, we’ll discuss a variety of listener questions, from how to allocate your time and strategies with managing email inboxes, to finding outside help in today’s busy business environment. Tune in now for part two, and if you haven’t, check out part one here.

This episode is sponsored by Lindblad Expeditions.

Further resources:

Byrd Bergeron

Email
Website
Byrd’s virtual assistant tasks, separated by single agent and agency owner
An example of how Byrd trains her virtual assistants. Byrd says: “This type of work may seem unnecessary, but when someone leaves, you will not have to go back to square one with training. It’s more of a plug-and-play model at that point. You’re going to take the time to train, just record that instead, and have it so they can go back to reference at any time.”

Steven Gould

Email
Travel Advisor Resource Center (TARC)
Goulds Travel
Luxera Travel
“The Perfect Consultation & Proposal,” a resource from Steven and Byrd

Sales Strategies for Travel Professionals on Facebook

Mentioned on this episode:

Pineapple Virtual Assistant Hub
Tess
Upwork
Fiverr
Lucia
Emma’s Timing Cube

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feilifan Cube Timer, Kitchen Timer Child Timer Exercise Timer Gravity Sensor flip Timer for Time Management and Countdown Settings (15-20-30-60 Minutes, White)

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In this two-part episode of Trade Secrets, delve deep into the world of sales strategies for travel advisors with guests Byrd Bergeron of the Travel Byrds and Steven Gould of Goulds Travel, Luxera Travel and the Travel Advisor Resource Center. We discuss practical techniques, answer listener questions and offer insights to help up travel advisors’ sales games. Tune in now for part one, and stay tuned for part two in two weeks, where we’ll dive into even more listener questions.

This episode is sponsored by Windstar Cruises. https://www.windstarcruises.com/

Further resources:

Byrd Bergeron

Email
The Travel Byrds
Byrd’s virtual assistant tasks, separated by single agent and agency owner
An example of how Byrd trains her virtual assistants. Byrd says: “This type of work may seem unnecessary, but when someone leaves, you will not have to go back to square one with training. It’s more of a plug and play model at that point. You’re going to take the time to train, just record that instead and have it so they can go back to reference at any time!”

Steven Gould

Email
Travel Advisor Resource Center (TARC)
Goulds Travel
Luxera Travel
“The Perfect Consultation & Proposal,” a resource from Steven and Byrd

Sales Strategies for Travel Professionals on Facebook

From Travel Weekly, Travel Advisor Resource Center launches a supplier directory

From TravelAge West, Four ways to use your CRM that will guarantee success

“Profit First” by Mike Michalowicz

Systems mentioned:

ClientBase
Moxy Messenger
TravelJoy
Tess
Monday.com
Calendly

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Travel to Europe surged last summer after two years of pandemic-related restrictions, and this year is no different. The continent is undeniably busy — even busier than last summer, by many metrics. Travel advisors are grappling with planning travel to sometimes sold-out destinations, difficulty securing airfare, high prices and more.

In this episode, we’ll help navigate European travel this summer with the help of Lindsay Taylor-Lauer, director of luxury and hosting at Travel Leaders 365. We answer listener questions about dealing with sold-out suppliers, getting in touch with luxury operators and more. We’re also starting a new Trade Secrets tradition: count how many times Jamie’s microphone, which is on a spring-loaded stand, goes flying in an episode (spoiler: it’s just once this time).

This episode is sponsored by Windstar Cruises. https://www.windstarcruises.com/

Further resources:

Travel Leaders 365 on the web

Lindsay’s email and Instagram

Europe is busy this season! Articles from Emma and Jamie

The Hive, from friend of the pod Whitney Shindelar

Thanks to our friends at Travelmation for helping us solicit questions for this season!

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

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Picture it: you’re onboard a Windstar ship after spending the day in Venice. You’re the only cruise ship there, and as you exit the port, the sails unfurl and you literally sail past the city of canals on your way to your next stop. It’s a moment Captain Neil Broomhall, Windstar’s fleet captain, has experienced firsthand.

In this special episode of Trade Secrets, we talk to Captain Neil Broomhall, Windstar Cruises’ fleet captain, about, what a typical day looks like onboard a Windstar ship (and whether he’s ever seen a mermaid or sea monster!).Then, Windstar president Chris Prelog fields listener questions, from how to sell small-ship cruising and how to book VIP experiences for clients to getting in touch with suppliers and why companies like Windstar pay commission in the first place.

This episode is sponsored by Windstar Cruises. https://www.windstarcruises.com/

Further resources:

Windstar’s previous Trade Secrets episode, “Is small-ship cruising right for my client?”

Windstar contacts

General questions - email
Travel advisor hub
Travel agent information and reservations
Phone - 866-851-4042
Fax - 786-685-3089
Hours, Eastern Time - Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-7:30 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
Brochures and promotional material - 800-824-8636
Sales and service (travel agents only)
Phone - 866-766-3873
Fax - 786-685-3044
Email

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

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This week’s Trade Secrets episode was recorded at the ASTA Global Convention in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on May 2. Co-hosts Jamie Biesiada and Emma Weissmann rounded up some of the industry’s finest to offer their best advice to travel advisors. They touch on everything from sustainability, to entering the luxury market, and beyond.

This episode was sponsored by Windstar Cruises.

Further resources:

ASTA, the American Society of Travel Advisors

FyndTravel

Amanda Klimak’s Trade Secrets episode, “Making the leap from employee to independent contractor”

Marc Casto’s Trade Secrets episode, “Airmaggedon 2022: Why has air travel become so miserable?”

The Trade Secrets episode all about Jamie and Emma, “Who hosts this thing, anyway?”

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

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Fees are a perennial hot topic among the travel agency community. On the season four opener of Trade Secrets, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada delve into many different aspects of planning fees with Tiffany Hines, CEO and president of Global Escapes, and Cali Stein, a luxury advisor with Embark Beyond. They address normalizing fees, different ways to charge, whether every client should be charged the same way and more.

In this episode:

8:22 - An overview on fee data from Travel Weekly’s survey

9:39 - How Cali and Tiffany charge fees

15:43 - How do agents normalize charging a fee for their services, both among clients and other advisors?

22:55 - What’s the right planning fee for a new travel advisor?

27:06 - How do you charge a fee for your services? How do you introduce the idea of a fee to clients?

29:32 - How do you handle charging fees for different kinds of clients, like referrals, for instance?

35:06 - Should booking fees be the same for every client?

36:10 - Are celebrity clients in a different tier than others?

38:40 - One advisor isn’t getting any takers with her fee – what gives?

44:57 - How do you actually collect and process fees from clients?

47:26 – How do you keep track of time if you’re charging an hourly fee?

This episode was sponsored by Windstar Cruises. https://www.windstarcruises.com/

Further resources:

Cali Stein: cali@embarkbeyond.com and Embark Beyond

Tiffany Hines: tiffany@globalescapes.com or 706-548-4807 and Global Escapes

Travel Consulting Associates, Tiffany’s consultancy, and a free guide to charging fees

Trade Secrets season 2 podcast on fees

The Last Resort podcast

Humans of Travel podcast

Travel Weekly’s fee survey

The American Society of Travel Advisors' credo

The Folo episode on fees

Thanks to our friends at Montecito Village Travel for helping us source questions for this season!

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Trade Secrets is returning May 1 with season four. At 20 episodes, this marks the show's longest season yet! Tune in for episodes on everything from fees, to Europe, to best business practices.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Trade Secrets is on a brief hiatus to gather questions for season four, but in the meantime, hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada are sharing some of their favorite episodes of the show. We’ll be back with new episodes in May!

This week, Jamie’s pick: Whenever Jennifer Doncsecz, president of VIP Vacations, is traveling, she always wears pink. She started years ago, and since then, she uses pink on VIP’s logo, website, and even the Victorian house where the agency is located. That, combined with a number of other strategic measures, has helped Doncsecz solidify her agency’s branding, making it instantly recognizable. This week, senior editors Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada delve into all things branding with Jennifer, who uses the four Cs: Credibility, consistency, customer service and clout.

This episode was sponsored by G Adventures. https://www.gadventures.com/

Further resources:

VIP Vacations on the web

Jennifer on Instagram

New travel advisor businesses that will help the industry build back better

Outsourcing for travel advisors: Recommendations for the hired help you need

Travel Genius Websites, websites for travel agents

Tique, branding, websites and systems design

Canva, for designing assets

Fiverr, for freelance business services

Some more sage words of advice from Jennifer on different topics:

Move it, don’t lose it
Women helping women

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Trade Secrets is on a brief hiatus to gather questions for season four, but in the meantime, hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada are sharing some of their favorite episodes of the show. We’ll be back with new episodes in May!

This week, Emma’s pick: all things client relations with Jennifer Jacob. Jennifer is the COO and co-founder of Tique, a travel advisor brand and systems design studio, and the former founder of Explorateur Travel. They tackle qualifying clients, keeping track of — and using — client data, breaking up with clients and beyond. You’ll also learn about Jennifer’s “pushback channel,” which often leads to the “bless and release.” Hear about all that and more this week on Trade Secrets.

This episode was sponsored by G Adventures. https://www.gadventures.com/

Further resources:

Tique on Instagram and on the web

Jennifer’s book recommendations, “Crucial Conversations” and “Radical Candor”

Trade Secrets episode on charging fees

Explorateur Travel, the agency Jennifer founded

From TravelAge West: New travel advisor businesses that will help the industry build back better

From TravelAge West: Five ways for travel advisors to deal with (or fire) problematic clients

Travefy’s webinar on firing clients

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High, Second Edition

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Welcome to the season three finale of Trade Secrets! This episode, hosts Jamie Biesiada and Emma Weissmann are flipping the tables a bit and interviewing each other. Find out if they’ve always envisioned being writers, how they found the travel industry, who’s a Swiftie, who believes in ghosts and more.

This is the season finale, but we’ll share some favorite episodes and moments from Trade Secrets every other week until season four premieres this May.

This episode was sponsored by G Adventures.

Further resources:

Jamie on Instagram

ASTA names TW’s Jamie Biesiada journalist of the year

Emma on Instagram

TravelAge West’s 50th anniversary story: Travel milestones from the last 50 years

Emma’s story about climbing Mount Kilimanjaro

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

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Julie Patterson, the founder of Wanderfully Planned, attributes a lot of her success in the travel industry to her mentor, Whitney Shindelar, the owner and founder of Undiscovered Sunsets and the host of the Masters in Travel podcast. But asking someone to be your mentor is asking them to commit time and effort that could otherwise be used developing their own business. In short, it’s a big ask, but the rewards can be even bigger on both sides. In this episode of Trade Secrets, learn about how Patterson and Shindelar have made the mentor-mentee relationship work for both of them in many positive ways, and get their advice on finding a mentor, building community in a digital-first world and more.

This episode was sponsored by G Adventures.

Further resources:

Whitney Shindelar

Undiscovered Sunsets on Instagram
Masters in Travel on Instagram
Masters in Travel podcast
Masters in Travel Community + Think Tank
Masters in Travel Community (free)

Julie Patterson

Wanderfully Planned on Instagram
Wanderfully Fammed, her fam trips for advisors

TravelAge West Trendsetter Awards application

Humans of Travel podcast featuring Vicki Freed

Future Leaders in Travel Retreat, Powered by TravelAge West

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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What is Travelmation? Well, it’s a travel agency for starters, but it’s name is actually a combination of “travel” and “animation.” In this episode of Selling the Mouse, delve into the agency’s name, strong sense of branding and more with president Adam Duckworth. Adam and host Jamie Biesiada will also delve into the latest theme park news, from pricing and capacity at Disney Parks, to Avatar coming to Disneyland, to the opening of Super Nintendo World in Universal Hollywood. Get in touch to sign Adam and Jamie’s petition to return Soarin’ Over California to the Disneyland Resort.

Disney and Universal news is the main topic until the 31:50 mark, when the conversation turns to Travelmation.

Selling the Mouse is a five-part miniseries, brought to you by Trade Secrets, a travel advisor-focused business development podcast. This is actually the last episode of the miniseries, but if you’d like to hear more in the future, email Jamie at tradesecrets@travelweekly.com! Trade Secrets is in its third season with new episodes every other Monday.

Further resources

Travelmation on the web

Adam’s Facebook and Instagram

Bob Iger’s theme park updates

The DisneylandForward initiative

San Fransokyo Square is coming to Disney California Adventure

Some recent theme park news stories from Travel Weekly:

Toy Story-themed restaurant to open in Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Dispatch: Wondrous Journeys nighttime show is a new must-do at Disneyland
Dispatch: Runaway Railway ride at Disneyland is pun for the whole family
Dispatch: World of Color – One is an extravaganza of lights and Disney characters
Disneyland celebrates films from its first 100 years
Universal’s parent is bullish on smaller-scale theme parks
At Disney100, Disneyland invites travel advisors to join the party

Theme song:

Adventures in Adventureland by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/8287-adventures-in-adventureland

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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The travel advisor-business development manager (BDM) relationship can be critical to an advisor’s growth with supplier partners. So, how can advisors go about building strong relationships with BDMs, and how do they leverage that partnership to ensure the success of both parties?

This special episode of Trade Secrets was recorded on-site at Hard Rock Los Cabos in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, during ALG Vacations’ Pros in Paradise event. At the event, ALG Vacations brought together a group of travel advisors and social media influencers to network, learn from each other and create content. While there, the advisors and Jacki Marks, executive vice president of ALGV, joined Trade Secrets co-hosts Jamie Biesiada and Emma Weissmann to record this episode.

Listeners will hear travel advisors asking their BDM-related questions live during the recording, including, “How should I be communicating with BDMs?” “When should I escalate an issue past a service center?” and “Is it appropriate to ask BDMs to conduct private trainings for their agency?”

This episode is sponsored by ALG Vacations.

Further resources:

Trade Secrets podcast: How do I actually use TikTok and Instagram Reels for my agency?

Find your ALG Vacations BDM at algvacations.com/bdm

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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This week on Trade Secrets, friend of the podcast Jenn Lee of Travel Planners International returns to talk about the kind of language travel advisors shouldn’t use when talking to clients. Co-hosts Jamie Biesiada and Emma Weissmann perform a sample dialogue for Jenn, and she takes Jamie, posing as an advisor, to task for all of her negative language (“I add value,” “What’s your budget?”). Jenn talks about why words matter, and the fact that, in her words, “People buy on emotion and justify logically.”

This episode was sponsored by ALG Vacations.

Further resources:

The Fiercely Forward Travel Advisors Facebook group

Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes are High

Words that Sell: More than 6,000 Entries to Help You Promote Your Products, Services and Ideas

The companion to Words the Sell, More Words that Sell

Phrases that Sell: The Ultimate Phrase Finder to Help You Promote Your Products, Services and Ideas

Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes are High

Words that Sell: More than 6000 Entries to Help You Promote Your Products, Services, and Ideas

Phrases That Sell : The Ultimate Phrase Finder to Help You Promote Your Products, Services, and Ideas

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Sara Butruff, the owner of Travel Leaders - Galaxy Travel in Apple Valley, Minn., does something a little differently than a lot of agency owners: her agencies charge service fees for theme park vacations. Butruff is a major proponent for service fees in general, but is something of a standout in the Disney agency community with two levels of fees: the Magic Touch Concierge Fee and the White Glove Service. Listen in to hear about both, as well as Butruff’s conversation with host Jamie Biesiada ranging from the latest news (Disney100, Universal’s kid-friendly theme park and more), and what her clients headed to theme parks want right now. Also learn just how many sets of ears Butruff has in her spare-bedroom-turned-closet (spoiler: we’re talking triple digits!). And, hang around for the “lightening” round for some top-notch snack suggestions.

Disney and Universal news is the main topic until the 19:40 mark, when the conversation turns to Butruff’s business model and fee structure.

Selling the Mouse is a five-part miniseries, brought to you by Trade Secrets, a travel advisor-focused business development podcast. Trade Secrets is in its third season with new episodes every other Monday.

Further resources

Travel Leaders - Galaxy Travel on the web

Email Sara Butruff: sara@travelleaders.com

Trade Secrets podcast episode on charging fees: ‘Does charging a fee mean my clients own me?’

Some recent theme park news stories from Travel Weekly:

Universal will build a theme park in North Texas
Universal will open horror experience in Las Vegas
Disney sheds light on its latest nighttime spectacular
Let’s-a go! Nintendo area to open at Universal Hollywood in February
Disney World sets an opening date for its Tron roller coaster
Disney makes customer-friendly changes at resorts and theme parks
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway will have a virtual queue

Theme song:

Adventures in Adventureland by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/8287-adventures-in-adventureland

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Many travel advisors get their start in the industry by affiliating with a host agency as an independent contractor. But what happens when they outgrow their host, or want to move in a different direction with their business? One possible avenue is becoming an agency member of a consortium. That’s exactly what Lila Fox, owner of Lila Fox Travel Co. in Denver, did. This week on Trade Secrets, we’ll delve into Fox’s journey in the travel industry and how she decided to strike out from a host and join Virtuoso directly. She offers advice to other advisors thinking about making the same move, shares her no-regrets attitude and more.

Further resources:

Lila Fox Travel Co. online

Lila on LinkedIn

Stephanie Lee on the Humans of Travel podcast

Lee’s site, Host Agency Reviews

Andy Ogg on Trade Secrets, talking about finding the right host agency

On TravelAge West, a must-read guide for choosing a travel agent network

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

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This week on Trade Secrets, we go inside Epperly Travel’s 2021 acquisition of Jetset World Travel, and subsequent rebranding to Jetset, with founder and CEO Lindsey Epperly. She recounts lessons learned — for instance, her business partner and husband Jeremy Sulek’s mantra “silence breeds insecurity” — and we hear the proof in the pudding about good communication from one of her affiliates, Emma Major, founder of Major Traveler. Then, we open the Trade Secrets mailbag to answer a potpourri of questions from listeners with Lindsey and Emma, ranging from transitioning to travel from a previous career, to converting ocean cruisers to river cruisers and beyond.

Further resources:

Jetset World Travel on the web

Email Lindsey: lindsey@jetsetworldtravel.com

Major Traveler on the web

Email Emma: emma@majortraveler.com

Trade Secrets episode with Bob Joselyn: So you want to sell your travel agency? Here’s how

“Bulls, Owls, Lambs and Tigers: Personality Selling,” by Charles J. Clarke III

From Travel Weekly, Surviving was the plan, thriving the result

From TravelAge West, Why the merging of two boutique travel agencies ‘goes against the trends’ of consolidation

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

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Trade Secrets is on a brief hiatus for the holidays, but we'll be back with brand new episodes in January. In the mean time, enjoy this encore episode on travel advisor-supplier relationships!

The travel advisor-supplier relationship can be key for higher sales on both sides of the coin. It's truly a win-win, but really solid relationships between advisors and their supplier representatives can sometimes be elusive. This week, we get deep into the topic with Kate Thomas and Heather Christopher, a supplier and advisor who have a great, longstanding relationship.

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song: Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod. License

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Will Disney bring back the Disney Dining Plan? Travelers sure want to know. Meanwhile, minions are multiplying at Universal Studios Florida, Super Nintendo World is opening at Universal Hollywood and the holidays are in full swing in theme parks. We discuss all that and more on this episode of Selling the Mouse. We also get to know Lauren Doyle and her agency, The Travel Mechanic in Raleigh, N.C., and three of her advisors: Stacie Lowe, and Erin and Aaron Baucom. Find out why Lauren is expanding her agency’s ranks of Disney specialists, what drew Erin and Aaron to become new advisors just last month and how Stacie leverages TikTok to bring in an incredible 80% of her leads.

Selling the Mouse is a five-part miniseries, brought to you by Trade Secrets, a travel advisor-focused business development podcast. Trade Secrets is in its third season with new episodes every other Monday.

Further resources

The Travel Mechanic on the web and on Instagram. Visit the agency here if you’re interested in the agency’s hosting services.

Stacie on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok

Erin and Aaron Baucom on Instagram and Facebook

Universal is loading blaster attraction for Minion Land

Let’s-a go! Nintendo area to open at Universal Hollywood in February

Theme song:

Adventures in Adventureland by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/8287-adventures-in-adventureland

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

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How can travel advisors best serve clients who are transgender or gender nonconforming? On this episode of Trade Secrets, hosts Jamie Biesiada and Emma Weissmann tackle that question and others related to transgender travelers with Scott Wismont, the owner of Rainbow Getaways in Kissimmee, Fla. Scott provides a number of useful resources, talks about the ‘X’ gender marker that’s now available for U.S. passport-holders and addresses how to serve transgender travelers if you haven’t worked with them before (spoiler: research, research, research!).

Trade Secrets will be going on a brief break for the holidays, but we’ll be back with new episodes in January. In the meantime, look for a new episode of Selling the Mouse next week.

Further resources:

Scott’s agency, Rainbow Getaways, on the web, on Instagram and on Facebook

Scott on LinkedIn

Trade Secrets: Pride in LGBTQ+ travel bookings

National Center for Transgender Equality

Abeni Jones’ June 2021 Travel Weekly piece, Traveling while transgender

Abeni’s June 2022 Travel Weekly piece, Focus on LGBTQ+ travel

Abeni discussing the 2022 piece on Travel Weekly’s The Folo podcast

IGLTA, the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association

TravelAge West’s guide to the programs that help expedite travel

From TravelAge West, the U.S. will offer a gender-neutral passport option and travel security measures

OutCoast in Florida

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

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This episode of Selling the Mouse, host Jamie Biesiada catches up with Sue Pisaturo, the president of Small World Vacations in Washington Township, N.J. They talk about how Sue started and grew her agency, Barbara Corcoran’s role in it (yes, Barbara Corcoran of “Shark Tank” fame), following your intuition and more. Jamie also reviews the news, including the ouster of Bob Chapek and the return of CEO Bob Iger.

Selling the Mouse is a five-part miniseries, brought to you by Trade Secrets, a travel advisor-focused business development podcast. Trade Secrets is in its third season with new episodes every other Monday.

Further resources

Small World Vacations on the web, on Facebook and on Instagram

Small World Vacations on Travel Weekly’s Power List

Disney World’s Splash Mountain to close in late January for overhaul

Tickets are on sale for Universal Orlando’s escape room

Disney specialists cheer Bob Iger’s return as CEO

Disney’s struggling streaming business is likely Iger’s top priority

Gov. DeSantis signs bill to abolish Disney World tax district, but will it actually happen?

Theme song:

Adventures in Adventureland by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/8287-adventures-in-adventureland

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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This week on Trade Secrets, hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada are tackling all things client relations with Jennifer Jacob. Jennifer is the COO and co-founder of Tique, a travel advisor brand and systems design studio, and the former founder of Explorateur Travel. They tackle qualifying clients, keeping track of — and using — client data, breaking up with clients and beyond. You’ll also learn about Jennifer’s “pushback channel,” which often leads to the “bless and release.” Hear about all that and more this week on Trade Secrets.

Further resources:

Tique on Instagram and on the web

Jennifer’s book recommendations, “Crucial Conversations” and “Radical Candor”

Trade Secrets episode on charging fees

Explorateur Travel, the agency Jennifer founded

From TravelAge West: New travel advisor businesses that will help the industry build back better

From TravelAge West: Five ways for travel advisors to deal with (or fire) problematic clients

Travefy’s webinar on firing clients

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

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On the first episode of Selling the Mouse, host Jamie Biesiada talks with Beci Mahnken of MEI-Travel, Mouse Fan Travel and Universal Travel on the latest theme park news. They discuss Disney’s new megaship and theme park demand, among other topics, and get into the details on Beci’s business. She talks about her agency, hiring for passion and not skill, why consumers are using travel advisors more than ever, and why you shouldn’t sell out of your own pocket. At the end, catch their not-so-lightning-fast lightning round of Beci’s favorites.

Selling the Mouse is a five-part miniseries, brought to you by Trade Secrets, a travel advisor-focused business development podcast. Trade Secrets is in its third season with new episodes every other Monday. Episode three will be posted on Nov. 28.

Further resources

Beci on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

MEI & Mouse Fan Travel on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter (MEI and Mouse Fan)

And, on the web

Jamie's story on a problematic host agency, A host of problems

Theme song:

Adventures in Adventureland by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/8287-adventures-in-adventureland

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Please fasten your seatbelts and place your seat backs and tray tables in an upright position, because we’re ready to take off and talk all things air on Trade Secrets. This week, hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada delve into a plethora of questions: Should travel advisors sell air? Is it a value add for clients? Is selling air a must for luxury-focused advisors? Hear all that and more, with special guests Nadia Henry of Travel With Sparkle and Robbi Jumaa Hamida of Nexion Travel Group.

Further resources:

Nadia Henry's website and Instagram

Robbi Jumaa Hamida of Nexion Travel Group on Instagram

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

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Introducing Selling the Mouse, a new miniseries from Jamie Biesiada, co-host of Trade Secrets!

Each episode, Jamie will delve into the world of selling theme parks with expert travel advisors. She and her guests will talk theme park news, what's selling with clients, their business models and more, for a special five-episode run.

Selling the Mouse will appear right in your Trade Secrets feed. And don't worry, Trade Secrets isn't going anywhere. Season three has already begun, and Selling the Mouse will only appear in off weeks. The first episode debuts Nov. 21- please listen in!

Theme song: Adventures in Adventureland by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Trade Secrets is back! Welcome to the first episode of season three, where hosts Jamie Biesiada and Emma Weissmann dig deep into the world of pre-formed group travel. As always, they’re joined by industry experts to answer travel advisors’ questions. This week, they tackle advisor Christy Mahon’s questions on groups with the help of Brian Jewell, the vice president and executive editor of The Group Travel Leader and host of the podcast Gather and Go with Brian Jewell, and Jim Friedlander, CEO of Arrangements Abroad.

Further resources:

Gather and Go with Brian Jewell

The Group Travel Leader

Arrangements Abroad

The Museum Travel Alliance

Here’s the pitch: Affinity cruises are rewarding in multiple ways

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

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October 31, 2022, isn't just Halloween this year — it's the premiere of Trade Secrets' third season! We're back and ready to answer your questions. Listen in wherever you get your podcasts. Keep an ear open for more information on a special mini-series debuting later this fall, too.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Trade Secrets is on hiatus. New episodes will be out this October, but in the mean time, we're bringing you some of our favorite episodes every other week. Here's one of them!

Have you ever wondered what it takes to become a travel agent? Find out all about the process this week on Trade Secrets, when co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada are joined by Travel Planners International's Jenn Lee.

Emma and Jamie will kick off the episode pitching their concepts for travel agencies, then ask Jenn all the questions they would have if they were just starting out as travel advisors. Listen in for Jenn's advice, applicable to new and veteran advisors alike.

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098
Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song: Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod. License

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Trade Secrets is on hiatus. New episodes will be out this October, but in the mean time, we're bringing you some of our favorite episodes every other week. Here's one of them!

These days, there seem to be more host agencies than ever. Even before the pandemic, more and more travel advisors were driven to work for themselves as independent contractors (ICs). That was fueled further by Covid-19, which drove many to move their employees to IC status. The pandemic also gave entrepreneurial companies and individuals time to launch new host agencies entirely. But with so many hosts out there, how do you choose the right one? And when it’s time to make a change, how do you break up with your current host agency? This week, Trade Secrets co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada get into the thick of hosts with Andy Ogg, co-owner of FindaHostTravelAgency.com.

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

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Trade Secrets is on hiatus. New episodes will be out this October, but in the mean time, we're bringing you some of our favorite episodes every other week. Here's one of them!

What is the most beneficial travel agent training available today? What are travel's must-attend events for advisors? Senior editors Jamie Biesiada and Emma Weissmann delve into these questions with veteran advisor Sally Black, founder of the travel agency Vacationkids in Kunkletown, Pa. They'll also get a sneak peek into Sally's new gig at New York University, and her take on why you should say yes to things — most especially, if they terrify you.

Need advice?

Email us: tradesecretspod@gmail.com or tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:
Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

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From Aug. 11-14, Apple Leisure Group Vacations (ALGV) hosted its first-ever Beachfront Bru event at Breathless Cancun Soul Resort & Spa in Cancun, Mexico. During the three-day event, an invited group of social media content creators ⁠— made up of travel advisors, social media micro influencers and former contestants of The Bachelor franchise, among others ⁠— created social media content for the resort, swapped best practices in content creation and promoted ALGV’s #AskATravelAdvisor campaign.

The event also celebrated the launch of ALGV’s new TikTok account, @AskAnAdvisorALGV.

“Breathless Cancun Soul is the perfect location to create exciting social media content,” said Erin McCarthy, senior director of marketing for Apple Leisure Group Vacations. “This gathering provides ALG Vacations’ travel advisor partners with new opportunities for learning new skills like social media photography and TikTok best practices. It’s also a great opportunity for us to launch our new TikTok channel, @AskAnAdvisorALGV which promotes the benefits and of using a travel advisor.”

“One of ALGV’s missions is to arm our loyal travel advisors with new ideas and practical guides to the latest trends,” she added. “We know that advisors need to be where the clients are, and that’s in emerging social media platforms.”

In addition to participating in networking opportunities, the group recorded on-site radio shows and podcasts, including this episode of Trade Secrets.

On this special bonus episode, sponsored by ALGV, Trade Secrets co-host Emma Weissmann (Managing Editor of TravelAge West) sits down with ALGV’s five travel advisors and a special guest: Bernice Padilla, an American Airlines flight attendant who has accumulated 30,000 followers on Instagram (@TrendyTraveler_) and 110,000 followers on TikTok.

Here, she shares best practices when it comes to social media marketing, building a personal brand and improving audience engagement.

In this episode:

2:00: Meet Bernice Padilla, flight attendant for American Airlines and @TrendyTraveler on TikTok.
3:00 Padilla shares how she chooses which content to post to which platform.
4:30: Padilla talks about the importance of consistency when posting to social media platforms.
5:00 What’s the difference between TikTok videos and Instagram Reels?
6:40 Padilla encourages listeners to use CapCut for video editing.
7:30: Padilla gives advice to travel advisors on what to look for when traveling – and what translates well to a social media post.
8:30: When you’re looking to partner with a travel supplier, how do you approach that conversation about a social media partnership?
10:30: Travel advisor Kelli asks Padilla about what has worked for her for increasing engagement and a following, and if she has tips for someone who is just starting out on social media.
11:30: Ashley from J Co. Travel wants to know how to balance authenticity with reaching your audience.
14:30: Tyler with CS Elements Travel asks Padilla how she’s used her travel knowledge to grow her following and create more relatable content, and how important it is to have a cohesive look (with similar images) across social media channels.
15:50: Padilla advises the travel advisors to have a niche and stay “on-brand.”
16:15: Does Padilla suggest splitting a personal and business social media account into two separate accounts?
18:00 Alyssa from Lovin Away wonders if Padilla would consider using a travel advisor for future trips.
19:20 Will Medina of Destination Wedding Expert asks if Padilla wants a destination wedding, and what content she thinks would work best for brides when promoting this niche.

Further resources:

Padilla’s TikTok: @TrendyTraveler

Padilla’s Instagram: @TrendyTraveler_

Apple Leisure Group Vacations

@AskAnAdvisorALGV on TikTok

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Meanwhile in Bavaria by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

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Trade Secrets is on hiatus this summer. New episodes will be out this October, but in the meantime, we're bringing you some of our favorite episodes every other week. Here's one of them!

This week on Trade Secrets, it’s all about groups. Join co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada as they talk to three travel advisors about how they successfully put together group trips during the pandemic using the “come away with me” strategy. Instead of finding a group leader to draw in travelers, they themselves become the leader, inspiring clients to have confidence in travel. Hear from Emer Coughlin, Carol McKee and Wendy Chambers.

Further resources:

From ‘pied piper’ to ‘come with me’

The ‘come with me strategy’ in action

Smartbrief for the Travel Professional

Travel is back -- and so are travel scams

Need advice?

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

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Travel advisors are finally busy again — the good kind of busy, not the cancel-rebook-cancel-rebook cycle they’ve been stuck in for the past two-plus years. But many of them are too busy, and it’s taking its toll. Burnout is now a real problem in the travel agency community. That’s why we’ve invited Laura Magnuson, a licensed therapist and vice president of clinical engagement at Talkspace, to join us on this episode of Trade Secrets. We discuss how to avoid workplace burnout, how to balance work and life when work is just so busy, and more.

This is our season two finale! We’ll be re-releasing some of our older episodes in August and September so you can take a look back on topics we’ve already covered. Please keep in touch with your questions and ideas in the meantime! Then, in October, we’ll be back with all new episodes of Trade Secrets. We’ll release a trailer with our season three premiere date as it draws closer. Thanks for listening!

In this episode: 0:55 - A quick note about the end of Trade Secrets’ second season, and season three 2:42 - Meet our guest, Talkspace’s Laura Magnuson 4:38 - How can travel advisors manage the level of stress they’re currently facing in their professional lives? 9:00 - A lot of travel advisors are one-person businesses and might not have the benefits of a traditional 9-5 job. If you work from home and own your own business, how do you keep work boundaries from bleeding into your personal life when your personal life is all around you? 11:57 - How can you best manage stress in the moment, during the workday? 15:22 - What are the signs that you should seek outside help from a therapist? 18:340 - Travel advisor Antoine Wilson is feeling burned out. As a serial entrepreneur, his mentality is always “go, go, go.” He asks, how does he combat that mentality and relax a bit? 21:18 - Listener Heidi Creed has noticed something among her agency’s clients: they’re nervous about traveling, and asking their advisors way too many questions. She wonders how they can set boundaries with clients, while still offering a high level of service. 23:35 - Using your out-of-office reply to your advantage 24:21 - On Talkspace’s relationship with Kimpton Hotels 25:12 - Metherlyn Rondon is a travel advisor but also trained as a counselor. She offers some advice, including getting outside and getting some sun, and checking in with yourself and reminding yourself why you’re a travel advisor. 29:58 - Laura, Emma and Jamie offer some of their favorite resources (linked below)

Further resources:

Talkspace on the web, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

Workplace stress resources from Talkspace

Talkspace’s partnership with Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants

From TravelAge West: Most travel advisors are facing burnout

Brené Brown

Esther Perel’s Where should we begin? podcast

Danny Lavery’s Big Mood, Little Mood podcast

Laurie Santos’ The Happiness Lab podcast

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

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Air travel in the summer of 2022 has been, well, turbulent. What’s making flying so bad right now? Have we ever seen this level of disruption before? What can travel advisors do to help their clients who are flying this summer? On this week’s episode of Trade Secrets, we dig into it with Flight Centre’s Marc Casto. Then, after the break, we share some listeners’ tips for their fellow advisors booking air travel now.

In this episode: 1:08 - Meet our guest, Flight Centre’s Marc Casto 1:52 - What is going on with air travel? Delays and cancellations abound - why are things so bad? 3:09 - Has air travel ever been this disrupted in the past? 4:24 - What can travel advisors do to help their clients who are taking to the skies? 2:27 - If a traveler doesn’t buy a refundable airline ticket, do they have a right to get their money back? 8:00 - If an agent didn’t book someone’s ticket, can they still step in and help if they wanted to? 9:06 - There’s another big story about airlines this summer: a potential merger between Spirit and Frontier or JetBlue. Will that have an impact on the larger air travel space in general? 10:05 - Marc is a frequent traveler. Have rampant flight delays and cancellations changed the way he travels recently? 12:42 - Is there any end in sight to what’s going on with airlines? 15:02 - A PSA from Emma: Sign up for trusted traveler programs! 15:45 - An addendum from Marc: Use biometric services, too! 16:00 - And Jamie’s secret shame: She’s only had PreCheck since 2019! 17:45 - In the second half of the show, we’ll hear from two listeners: Sarah Johnson of Paper, Ink & Passports Travel, and Ronda Helton of the Travel Connection Group. They share some tips and tricks for dealing with air travel this summer.

Further resources:

Marc on LinkedIn

A guide to the programs that help expedite travel

A ‘perfect storm’ for summer air travel

Surviving the summer of ‘airmageddon’

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song: Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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The travel advisor-supplier relationship can be key for higher sales on both sides of the coin. It’s truly a win-win, but really solid relationships between advisors and their supplier representatives can sometimes be elusive. This week, we get deep into the topic with Kate Thomas and Heather Christopher, a supplier and advisor who have a great, long-standing relationship.

This episode is sponsored by Windstar Cruises https://www.windstarcruises.com/.

In this episode: 1:17 - Meet our guests, Heather Christopher and Kate Thomas — and advisor and supplier, respectively, and longtime friends and colleagues and co-founders of Travel Pro Theory 5:29 - A 30,000-foot-view on travel advisor-supplier relationships 8:19 - Is a good supplier-advisor relationship a unicorn? 11:25 - Mary Therese Dinga of Addicted to Travel, a newer advisor, shares a positive story about working with a business development manager 16:35 - Why are suppliers frustrated with travel agents right now? 21:45 - Lena Sutton of Go Wander Travel asks: what kind of qualifying questions should she ask to determine if a supplier is a proponent of sustainable travel? 23:35 - Are many advisors asking suppliers about sustainability? 28:22 - Curated Greece’s Seetha Ramanathan asks about commission invoicing, and final documents 36:53 - Lindsay Deevy, and advisor with Houlahan Travel, asks about qualifying questions outside of the basics

Further resources:

Travel Pro Theory, advice and resources for travel pros

Travel Pro Theory’s The Digest

Tourism Cares

Kate on Instagram

Heather on Instagram

Heather’s BE The Travel

This is why advisors, suppliers and clients are frustrated right now

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

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We’re looking for questions! Every other week on Trade Secrets, co-hosts Jamie Biesiada and Emma Weissmann invite industry experts onto the podcast to answer listeners’ questions about anything travel-related. We wanted to do a quick pulse check to hear from you, our listeners, about what topics matter most.

Please get in touch via any of the methods below. We can’t wait to hear from you!

Call our hotline and leave a voicemail: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Email Jamie directly: jbiesiada@ntmllc.com

Email Emma directly: eweissmann@travelagewest.com

Jamie’s Facebook (friend her!)

Emma’s Instagram

Jamie’s Instagram

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

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Have you ever wondered what it takes to become a travel agent? Find out all about the process this week on Trade Secrets, when co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada are joined by Travel Planners International’s Jenn Lee. Emma and Jamie will kick off the episode pitching their concepts for travel agencies, then ask Jenn all the questions they would have if they were just starting out as travel advisors. Listen in for Jenn’s advice, applicable to new and veteran advisors alike.

This episode is sponsored by Windstar Cruises https://www.windstarcruises.com/.

In this episode: 1:24 - Meet our guest, Jenn Lee of Travel Planners International 2:28 - A quick note on our format this week 3:43 - Emma pitches her agency: All ABoat Travel 8:00 - If an agent specializes in cruising, should they specialize in a particular subset of cruising? 10:09 - Jamie pitches her agency: Disney meets ghosts (really!) 13:59 - Should an agency with two specialties (or more) have multiple names? 15:50 - More about travel agency names - should you use your name? Should you trademark? And when? 19:00 - What’s the first thing you need to do when you decide to open an agency? (Spoiler: It’s more than one thing.) 22:05 - What if your personal network isn’t supportive of your new business? 23:52 - How many clients do you need to start your agency? 25:58 - How many trips should a travel advisor be planning in any given week? 28:20 - How do you juggle planning trips to destinations that you know well, versus those that you don’t, and how do you keep an air of expertise when planning a trip to somewhere you’ve never been? 30:20 - How soon can you make money once you launch your agency? 31:29 - Do you need a lawyer? 33:32 - How much does it cost to start a travel agency? 35:02 - How much time should a travel advisor spend working each week

Further resources:

Jenn Lee on Humans of Travel

A travel advisor’s guide to industry terms

Forty tips and resources for new travel agents

How to Become a Travel Agent

TripChix on Instagram

The Fiercely Forward Travel Advisors Facebook group

Jenn Lee on Facebook - friend her!

The book Words that Sell

The book Phrases that Sell

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

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The cruise industry is massive. In fact, CLIA estimates it generates more than $150 billion in economic activity every year around the world. This week on Trade Secrets, we’re focusing on one segment of that larger industry: small-ship cruising. Jamie Biesiada and guest host Andrea Zelinski, Travel Weekly’s cruise editor, talk all things small ships (and, spoiler, Tahiti) with Windstar Cruises’ Chris Prelog and travel advisor Nancy Cutter.

This episode is sponsored by Windstar Cruises https://www.windstarcruises.com/.

In this episode: 1:51 - Meet our guests, Windstar’s Chris Prelog and travel advisor Nancy Cutter 3:30 - What is small-ship cruising, anyway? 4:45 - Windstar is squarely within the small-ship category; who else sits there? 7:50 - Chris on returning Windstar’s crew after the Covid-19-mandated pause in cruising 9:14 - Who is the ideal client for a small-ship product? 10:38 - What kind of passengers does Windstar typically host? 11:29 - Let’s talk Tahiti, and Windstar’s 35th year there 13:17 - What’s the competition like for the cruise market in Tahiti? 15:09 - Where are the two places in the world that particularly lend themselves to small-ship cruising? 17:20 - What has demand been like for small-ship cruises? 18:28 - Travel advisor Jade has a few questions for Chris. First, are there ever exceptions made for families with children under 8? 19:30 - Chris on why Windstar requires 100% of passengers to be vaccinated against Covid-19 20:12 - What destination or itinerary of Windstar’s has the highest return rate? 21:11 - Will Windstar add more North American sailings? 21:40 - Jade’s agency is new to Windstar and she’s looking for some unique marketing ideas 26:17 - Travel advisor Kleon is curious about Windstar’s decision to bring a larger, non-sail ship into French Polynesia

Further resources:

Windstar Cruises - https://www.windstarcruises.com/

Court Travel - https://www.courttravel.com/

Windstar wants to put a bigger ship in Tahiti - https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Windstar-wants-bigger-ship-Tahiti

Focus on Cruise: Windstar’s Tahiti turn - https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Focus-on-Cruise-Windstar-Tahiti-turn

Ponant plans to build ship for Tahiti cruising - https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Ponant-plans-build-Tahiti-ship

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

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There’s a big difference between a travel agency employee and an affiliated independent contractor (IC). Even before the pandemic, an increasing number of travel advisors were choosing to affiliate as ICs, but the pandemic has spurred even more agents to make the leap. In this episode of Trade Secrets, get into the topic of switching from an employee to an IC in depth with Amanda Klimak, president and co-owner of Largay Travel, along with co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada.

This episode is sponsored by Windstar Cruises.

In this episode: 1:13 - Meet our guest, Amanda Klimak, president and co-owner of Largay Travel in Waterbury, Conn. 2:00 - Starting with the basics, what’s the difference between a travel agency employee and an IC? 2:56 - What was it like when Largay transitioned its employees to IC status? 6:30 - Health insurance is a big factor for someone considering making the jump to IC; what are some of the options available? 7:47 - Amanda’s advice to agencies transitioning employees to ICs 12:23 - An IRS red flag to watch out for 15:22 - Some ICs use their own business name, and others use their host affiliation - many use both. Why? 17:02 - Don’t rush the leap! Do your due diligence 17:33 - Before the pandemic, agencies with employees and ICs were very common. Is the pendulum swinging more toward the pure host? 21:00 - It’s not easy to find talent today. Where are Largay’s coming from? 23:06 - Travel advisor Tara shares some of her top tips about switching to an IC 25:53 - Amanda adds her top tips 27:20 - Travel advisor Katy asks about host agency commission splits 29:31 - Amanda talks about vetting hosts and their commission splits (spoiler: don’t just look at the split!)

Further resources:

Largay Travel Website Please Go Away 800-322-9481

HostAgencyReviews.com

FindaHostTravelAgency.com

Legal Briefs: Making staff ICs could prove costly

Legal Briefs: A host can impose some rules on independent contractors

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

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These days, there seem to be more host agencies than ever. Even before the pandemic, more and more travel advisors were driven to work for themselves as independent contractors (ICs). That was fueled further by Covid-19, which drove many to move their employees to IC status. The pandemic also gave entrepreneurial companies and individuals time to launch new host agencies entirely. But with so many hosts out there, how do you choose the right one? And when it’s time to make a change, how do you break up with your current host agency? This week, Trade Secrets co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada get into the thick of hosts with Andy Ogg, co-owner of FindaHostTravelAgency.com.

This episode is sponsored by Windstar Cruises https://www.windstarcruises.com/.

In this episode: 1:15 - Meet our guest, Andy Ogg, of FindaHostTravelAgency.com 1:56 - Travel advisor Nikki compares finding a host agency to dating — you don’t have to marry the first host you date 4:30 - How do you learn about host agencies and vet the hosts you’re considering affiliating with? 7:10 - Nikki asks: when is it time to look at changing hosts? 11:53 - When you decide to break up with a host, how do you approach that breakup conversation? 14:23 - Heather switched hosts a year ago. She was looking for a bigger host with more training and an affiliation with Virtuoso. The sense of community at her new host, Departure Lounge, was a bonus. 15:48 - Why might one particular consortium affiliation appeal more than others? 18:16 - An agent lives in a state where ICs aren’t really protected. They had to walk away from their last host and left a number of commissions behind. What kind of advice does Andy have about actually leaving a host, not just breaking up? 20:13 - Listener Morgan shares some of the questions that she found most helpful the second time she switched hosts (spoiler: there is no such thing as a “perfect” host agency). 22:27 - Andy shares his top tips 24:46 - Which host agency is the best? 27:53 - Have travel advisors ever just decided to start their own host agency?

Further resources:

FindaHostTravelAgency.com

TravelProfessionalNEWS.com

HomeBasedTravelAgent.com

A host of problems: A cautionary tale

A travel agent’s guide to host agencies

Host agencies have grown with IC numbers

Host agencies on the rise

A must-read guide to choosing a travel agent network

FindaHostTravelAgency.com’s top agencies for 2022 (video)

FindaHostTravelAgency.com’s host agency checklist (free download)

HomeBasedTravelAgent.com’s 22-part free course on how to start a home-based agency

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

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What kind of options do travel agents have when they’re ready to exit the business? Selling their agency is one. In this episode, Trade Secrets tackles succession planning — and its cousin, disaster planning — with industry consultant Bob Joselyn. From potential buyers, to how they pay for the agency, to talking to clients about the change, hear it all on this week’s episode of Trade Secrets.

This episode is sponsored by Historic Highlights of Germany https://historicgermany.travel/.

In this episode: 1:10 - Meet this week’s guest, Bob “Dr. Bob” Joselyn, travel industry consultant and educator 2:21 - Justin Murphy of VIP Travel Experience asks: After building a successful book of business, what is he building towards? What options does an independent contractor have to exit the industry? 3:10 - Bob’s crash course in succession planning begins 3:40 - The three potential buyers, and what they’re actually buying 5:50 - How earnout purchases work 8:42 - We tackle another issue similar to succession planning: Disaster planning 11:44 - A summary of Bob’s crash course 15:09 - When selling, think of the Golden Rule: Tell clients about it 16:16 - Non-service agreements required by buyers are becoming the norm 18:15 - How do you find a potential buyer? Where do you start? 19:12 - You need a lawyer to sell your agency, right? 20:52 - More agencies have been looking to sell throughout the pandemic 22:32 - Some basics about selling a brick-and-mortar agency 28:06 - What are some of the best practices for independent contractors when it comes to disaster planning? 30:30 - A quick tip from a listener if you’re an advisor working with airlines

Further resources:

The Joselyn Consulting Group

Legal Briefs by industry attorney Mark Pestronk

Industry attorney Jeffrey Ment writing for TravelAge West

Travel agency consolidation is fueled by Pandemic, retirements

M&A activity within travel is brisk, especially at small and midsize agencies

Future revenue informs agency sale price

Why acquisitions make sense now

For acquisitions, it’s still a buyer’s market

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

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To charge, or not to charge? Fees, that is — it’s a topic that’s gotten more and more attention among the travel agency community during the pandemic. Advisors make commission on the products they sell, but should they also charge clients for their services on top of that?

This week, join co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada as they explore the ins and outs of the topic with two veteran advisors, Jamie Jones, president of WhirlAway Travel in West Chester, Pa., and Susanne Hays, president of Fairytale Journeys Travel in Alexander City, Ala. One charges fees (Jones) and one doesn’t (Hays), but both are confident in their business model. Tune in to learn more and hear them answer some listener questions, including how to avoid feeling like a client owns you if you charge a fee.

This episode is sponsored by Historic Highlights of Germany https://historicgermany.travel/.

In this episode: 1:23 - Meet our guests, Jamie and Susanne, two veteran travel advisors 2:34 - Susanne’s agency, Fairytale Journeys Travel, doesn’t charge fees. Why? 3:35 - On the flip side, WhirlAway Travel was one of the first agencies in West Chester to charge fees, and still does today. Jamie tells us more. 4:51 - The Disney agency space - where Susanne operates - is very crowded. Does that mean fees aren’t feasible? 7:09 - Are hobbyist agents on the upswing? 8:11 - Jamie’s main teaching points for new agents (spoiler: consultation and confidence) 11:19 - More advisors are gravitating toward charging fees; what are Jamie and Susanne noticing among their peers? 15:40 - Would either Jamie or Susanne consider flipping their stance on charging fees? 17:38 - Julie Lanham, owner of Vacations to Remember, just started charging fees, and it’s been a great experience. But she’s concerned about the future: Will her clients feel like they own her once they’ve paid her fee? 20:37 - Donna Wolfe, an advisor with Plaza Travel, wonders: How do you ask longtime clients to start paying a fee? 24:21 - Disney agencies often advertise that booking with them won’t cost consumers any more than booking directly. Learn how that plays into Susanne’s strategy.

Further resources:

WhirlAway Travel Website Facebook Instagram

Fairytale Journeys Travel Website Facebook Instagram TikTok

A journey through travel history, fees included

A travel advisor guide to charging service fees

Advisors getting comfortable with charging fees

How travel agencies are rethinking fee structures

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

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Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

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In the season two premiere of Trade Secrets, we’re headed to Europe — Germany, to be precise. This week, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada explore the country with Sascha Mayerer, CEO of Historic Highlights of Germany, and Sandra Weinacht, president and founder of Inside Europe. Together, they will answer listener questions about the Black Forest, the Romantic Road and more.

This episode is sponsored by Historic Highlights of Germany https://historicgermany.travel/.

In this episode: 1:15 - Meet Sascha and Sandra, this week’s guests 3:15 - Christy asks about the best itineraries for clients heading to the Black Forest 8:43 - Most people thinking of Germany think beer, but perhaps they should think wine 15:01 - Heather asks for a tour operator recommendation for a heritage visit 21:30 - Lisa is knee-deep in planning a Romantic Road journey for clients and needs a hand 27:19 - Consider sending clients on pre- and post-cruise journeys around Germany

Further resources:

Historic Highlights of Germany website, Instagram and Facebook

German National Tourist Board trade website, Instagram

Inside Europe

Compass Tours Incoming

The Romantic Road

AmaWaterways partners with Ancestry on heritage river cruises

Kensington Tours and Ancestry partner on genealogy travel

Sascha Mayerer is on LinkedIn

Sandra Weinacht is on LinkedIn and Instagram

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Meanwhile in Bavaria by Kevin MacLeod

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With what appears to be the worst of the coronavirus crisis behind the U.S., travel advisors are ready for a comeback — but they want to come back differently. They have spent the last 15 months reevaluating their businesses and work habits, considering things like productivity, service fees and more. This week, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada talk about that and more with industry coach Geraldine Ree.

And, an announcement: This week’s episode is the season one finale of Trade Secrets. We’ll be going on hiatus for the remainder of the year, but we will be back in the beginning of 2022. Look for us then, and in the meantime, feel free to get in touch by emailing tradesecrets@travelweekly.com!

In this episode: 1:32 - Meet Geraldine Ree, coach to travel advisors and agency executives 2:14 - Tackling productivity and social media in today’s busy, busy world 4:30 - The story behind Geraldine’s book, “Flying Colors: The Travel Advisor’s Guide to Breakthrough” 6:04 - How Geraldine, Emma and Jamie structure their days to be productive (sneak peek: Geraldine uses zones, and Emma and Jamie are obsessed with lists) 9:49 - Social media can be overwhelming. Why not try a deep dive into one platform, like Danny Genung did with YouTube? 13:53 - Fees, fees and more fees! Should you charge them? How do you start? 23:13 - Luxury and upselling - now is the time 28:43 - What is the role of the travel advisor, especially as former online travel agency customers move to working with humans? How can advisors take advantage of this?

Further resources:

Geraldine’s website

And her book, “Flying Colors: The Travel Advisor’s Guide to Breakthrough”

How travel advisors can effectively market — and earn money — through YouTube

California agency owner cultivates YouTube following

Coronavirus crisis underscores value of travel agency service fees

How travel agencies are rethinking fee structures

Advisors getting comfortable with charging fees

Behold, ten commandments for travel advisors

Travel Weekly’s 2021 Power List

What to know about luxury travel in 2021 and beyond

The upside of upselling

Need advice?

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

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Flying Colours: The Travel Advisor's Guide to Breakthrough

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In honor of Pride month in June, Trade Secrets co-hosts Jamie Biesiada and Emma Weissmann are tackling some listener questions on LGBTQ+ travel with the help of Kelli Carpenter, co-founder of R Family Vacations and a travel advisor with Tzell Travel Group, and Rick Stiffler, senior vice president of global leisure sales at Preferred Hotels and Resorts. In this episode, they talk about how to market to the LGBTQ+ community the right way, how to vet a property to make sure it’s right for their LGBTQ+ travelers, trans-friendly destinations and more.

In this episode: 1:51 - Meet this week’s guests, Kelli Carpenter and Rick Stiffler 6:27 - How Kelli and Rick met 7:51 - Our first listener question: How can you best market to the LGBTQ+ community? Hint: don’t logo-slap! 17:16 - What should travel advisors look out for at a resort or property to make sure it’s an enjoyable and inclusive experience? 20:12 - What does Kelli recommend advisors ask hotels about inclusivity? 23:28 - What are the top Pride events and destinations for the summer? What are some particularly LGBTQ+ friendly destinations in general? 29:54 - Destinations that are open will undoubtedly be busy this summer. What is availability like right now? 32:40 - What destinations are particularly welcome to transgender travelers, specifically? 36:30 - There’s a lot of anti-transgender legislation cropping up in the U.S. Has that cropped up with any of Kelli’s clients yet? What’s her advice to other advisors when it comes to really thorny issues like that? 38:26 - An important reminder: Pride isn’t just for June

Further resources:

R Family Vacations

Preferred Hotels and Resorts

Preferred Pride

The forgotten T

The state of LGBTQ+ family travel today

Transgender travelers face unique challenges

What makes Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara two of Mexico’s most LGBTQ-friendly destinations?

Welcome change

Underrepresented LGBTQ community an untapped market

Ft. Lauderdale features transgender models in new ads

Need advice?

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

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This week on Trade Secrets, it’s all about groups. Join co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada as they talk to three travel advisors about how they successfully put together group trips during the pandemic using the “come away with me” strategy. Instead of finding a group leader to draw in travelers, they themselves become the leader, inspiring clients to have confidence in travel. Hear from Emer Coughlin, Carol McKee and Wendy Chambers.

In this episode: 1:21 - Meet Emer Coughlin of Celtic Hearts Travel, Atlanta, Ga. 1:52 - Meet Carol McKee of McKee Travel, Charlotte, N.C. 2:25 - Meet Wendy Chambers of Victory Travel, Westport, Conn. 3:09 - We’ve only got one question this week, but it’s a meaty one: A listener asks for success stories, step-by-step, on travel advisor-led group trips -- not just “I did this” stories, but “here’s how I did this” stories 3:33 - A little background on Gifted Travel Network’s “come with me” strategy that’s been helpful for group sales during the pandemic 4:13 - Emer tells us about the river cruise group she arranged for 2021 7:14 - Carol on her inspiration (Emer) and execution of a group with Celestyal Cruises in Greece 18:27 - Wendy on her group trip to Kenya 28:12 - How Emer managed to keep her entire group traveling in 2022 after 2021’s river cruise was canceled 31:37 - Let your clients know where other people are traveling now

Further resources:

From ‘pied piper’ to ‘come with me’

The ‘come with me strategy’ in action

Smartbrief for the Travel Professional

Travel is back -- and so are travel scams

Need advice?

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

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Last week, we got all sorts of advice about culinary travel from Rani Cheema, the owner of Cheema’s Travel. In this week’s special episode, get to know all about Rani herself, and how she found her way to the travel industry. We’ll get back to our regularly scheduled programming next Monday, June 7, with an episode dedicated to group travel.

In this episode: 00:47 - Cheema’s Travel specializes in culinary travel and tours. 1:18 - Why Rani loves travel and food, and what made her put the two together

Further resources:

For more on Rani: Cheema’s Travel Instagram A taste for travel\

Need advice?

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

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Where can you find experienced guides for culinary tours? Will the pandemic’s uptick in home cooking spur a surge in culinary travel requests? What are some destinations that aren’t known for their food, but should be? All of this and more in this episode of Trade Secrets, when co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada delve into the world of culinary travel with Rani Cheema of Cheema’s Travel.

In this episode: 1:05 - Meet Rani, who specializes in sending clients on culinary adventures. 1:45 - Where can you find experienced culinary arts guides? 5:22 - What kind of budget do most tourists have for culinary tours? And Rani’s take, which, she cautions, you may not like. 10:21 - Don’t forget to factor in travelers’ stamina when it comes to culinary tours. 11:57 - People have been at home for more than a year. Many have taken on home cooking projects. Will this spur a surge in culinary travel requests? 13:29 - Will travelers with dietary restrictions have trouble in destinations around the world? 16:20 - Where are some off-the-beaten-path places to learn about, and enjoy, food around the world? 20:45 - Should you attract tourists with typical dishes from a region, or with typical dishes for an entire country?

Further resources:

For more on Rani - A taste for travel

The World Food Travel Association

Experiential culinary outings enrich advisors and clients

Discovering Athens’ best food spots with Athens insiders

A guide to culinary tourism’s top travel trends

Travel Weekly’s Focus on Culinary Travel, looking at changes nearly one year after the pandemic began

Tour operators feed travelers’ hunger for ‘Bourdain effect’ experiences

Agents have several paths for culinary-travel knowledge (scroll to the end of this Focus on Culinary Travel)

Jamie’s favorite sourdough cookbook author, Bryan Ford

Jamie’s pandemic bakes

Need advice?

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

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Did you ever wonder why travel insurance is due at the time of deposit? Or, an important question today, if Covid-19 is covered by a travel insurance policy? Find out the answers to those questions and more on this episode of Trade Secrets, once again featuring Laura Heidt. Laura is Brownell Travel’s insurance desk manager, so she walks the insurance walk and talks the insurance talk — there’s no one better to field these questions. She joins senior editors Jamie Biesiada and Emma Weissmann in this episode to discuss all things travel insurance.

In this episode: 1:22 - How Laura jumped right in at Brownell Travel amidst the pandemic 1:56 - Brownell is the oldest agency in the U.S. and has seen more than a few speed bumps over the years, not just Covid-19 3:17 - Daniela asks: What’s your advice for agents with insurance policies for clients that have reached their maximum modification potential, after the trip has been canceled for the third or fourth time, and the policy can’t be changed or refunded? 6:12 - Harold asks: Why is insurance due at the time of deposit? 8:40 - VIP Vacations’ advisors prefer to use a third party for insurance. Some are protecting commissions. Is that common? 11:49 - Theodor describes an issue that has left him discouraged about insurance - what advice does Laura have? 14:16 - One of Laura’s most-asked questions: Is Covid covered on travel insurance policies? 16:43 - If you have an elderly parent, can you cancel for their illness?

Further resources:

For more on Laura: Insurance desk debut a timely one at Brownell Travel - https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Travel-Agent-Issues/Insurance-desk-debut-a-timely-one-at-Brownell-Travel Selling clients on travel insurance - https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Travel-Agent-Issues/Insights/Selling-clients-on-travel-insurance

WTTC announces new insurance guidelines for travel - https://www.travelagewest.com/Industry-Insight/Opinion/WTTC-Announces-New-Insurance-Guidelines-for-Travel

Need advice?

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

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Travel insurance has always been a topic of interest, but the Covid-19 pandemic really propelled it into the forefront in the last 13 months. Coincidentally, just before the pandemic hit, Brownell Travel brought Laura Heidt on board as its insurance desk manager. Internally, she answers travel advisors’ questions about insurance, and will also work directly with clients. When she does the latter, she has an incredible 90-95% close rate. This week, Laura joins Jamie Biesiada and Emma Weissmann on Trade Secrets to talk all things travel insurance.

In this episode: 1:07 - Meet Laura, and learn about what she does at Brownell Travel. 4:45 - Insurance can be a complicated product. That’s where Laura steps in. 6:11 - When Laura works with travel advisors’ clients to sell them insurance, she has an astounding close rate. How does she do that? 9:44 - Insurance commissions can have a pretty big impact on agencies’ profits. 11:04 - It can be daunting for advisors to shift through insurance policies and read the fine print. Industry attorney Jeffrey Ment recommends agents have their clients do their own insurance research and plan-picking. What does Laura think? 13:15 - All about cancel-for-any-reason (CFAR) benefits. 16:41 - What does the future hold for CFAR? Will there be major changes? 21:19 - Why does change take so long when it comes to travel insurance? 22:47 - This is the bare minimum insurance Laura suggests for travelers. And it could be a gift to a client from their travel advisor. 25:23 - Declination waivers are important for liability purposes.

Further resources:

For more on Laura: Insurance desk debut a timely one at Brownell Travel - https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Travel-Agent-Issues/Insurance-desk-debut-a-timely-one-at-Brownell-Travel

Legal Lingo column by travel attorney Jeffrey Ment - https://www.travelagewest.com/Search?q=jeffrey%20ment

Legal Briefs column by travel attorney Mark Pestronk - https://www.travelweekly.com/Mark-Pestronk

Pestronk’s resources - https://pestronk.com/resources/

Bad news, good sales for insurance - https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Travel-Agent-Issues/Bad-news-good-sales-for-insurance

Five things to know about selling travel insurance right now - https://www.travelagewest.com/Industry-Insight/Business-Features/5-Things-to-Know-About-Selling-Travel-Insurance-Right-Now

The benefits of education and travel insurance - https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Travel-Agent-Issues/Insights/The-benefits-of-education-and-travel-insurance

How the Covid-19 pandemic has changed the world of travel insurance - https://www.travelagewest.com/Industry-Insight/Business-Features/How-the-COVID-19-Pandemic-Has-Changed-the-World-of-Travel-Insurance

With a little help from our friends - https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Travel-Agent-Issues/Insights/With-a-little-help-from-our-friends

Making the case for travel insurance - https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Travel-Agent-Issues/Insights/Making-the-case-for-travel-insurance

Making travel insurance sales part of your workflow - https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Travel-Agent-Issues/Insights/How-agents-can-make-travel-insurance-sales-part-of-their-workflow

Need advice?

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

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In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic in the summer of 2020, Jennifer Doncsecz and her agency, VIP Vacations, sold more destination weddings than they had the summer prior. Considering many in travel considered 2019 their historic best year, it’s quite the feat. How did she do it? What advice does she have for other advisors planning romance travel in today’s climate? And why does she think romance travel will lead the way as the industry emerges from the coronavirus crisis? Find out in this episode of Trade Secrets, with senior editors Jamie Biesiada and Emma Weissmann.

In this episode: 1:21 - How did Jennifer sell more destination weddings in 2020 than 2019, amidst the global pandemic, and continue setting records in the first quarter of 2021? 7:02 - How might the pandemic affect destination wedding and honeymoon patterns for 2021 and beyond? Will smaller groups, domestic weddings and short honeymoons become the norm? 10:06 - What does venue availability look like in 2022? Spoiler: You shouldn’t expect to get one on 2/2/22 or 2/22/22 ... 11:44 - How long will it take for travel to normalize again, either a return to what it was pre-Covid or reach a new normal post-Covid? 14:20 - In-person bridal events are still on pause. How can travel advisors reach prospective clients? 16:34 - Some email hacks to get your clients’ attention. 20:59 - Think about leveraging other social media platforms outside of Facebook and Instagram, like TikTok or Clubhouse. 24:15 - Does it make sense for agents to consider getting more involved in destination wedding ceremony planning, like becoming a wedding planner, to charge new fees? 27:55 - Beyond adjusting the language in client agreements and disclaimers, what other steps can agents take to protect themselves against future liability if another pandemic happens?

Further resources:

Destination Wedding & Honeymoon Specialists Association - http://dwhsa.com/

VIP Vacations - https://www.vacationsbyvip.com/

This travel advisor sold more destination weddings this summer than last summer - https://www.travelagewest.com/Travel/Romance/This-Travel-Advisor-Sold-More-Destination-Weddings-This-Summer-Than-Last-Summer

How to use clubhouse to grow your business - https://www.travelagewest.com/Industry-Insight/Business-Features/How-to-Use-Clubhouse-to-Grow-Your-Business

Paid wedding sites to utilize for leads: WeddingWire - https://www.weddingwire.com/ Wedding Chicks - https://www.weddingchicks.com/ The Knot - https://www.theknot.com/ Style Me Pretty - https://www.stylemepretty.com/

Travel Weekly’s Legal Briefs column by industry attorney Mark Pestronk - https://www.travelweekly.com/Legal-Briefs

Mark Pestronk’s resources, including models of disclaimers (both general and related to Covid-19) - https://pestronk.com/resources/

Need advice?

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

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Whenever Jennifer Doncsecz, president of VIP Vacations, is traveling, she always wears pink. She started years ago, and since then, she uses pink on VIP’s logo, website, and even the Victorian house where the agency is located. That, combined with a number of other strategic measures, has helped Doncsecz solidify her agency’s branding, making it instantly recognizable. This week, senior editors Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada delve into all things branding with Jennifer, who uses the four Cs: Credibility, consistency, customer service and clout.

IN THIS EPISODE 1:05 - Meet Jennifer Doncsecz, president of VIP Vacations in Bethlehem, Pa. 1:46 - Our previous guest, travel advisor Sally Black, sparked our first question - listen to her shout-out of VIP’s branding. 2:28 - How does Jennifer do it? And, the four Cs of branding. 8:42 - Jennifer advises home-based agents who might not have physical assets like cars or billboards to use for branding. 12:42 - What kind of mistakes are new-to-the-industry travel advisors making when it comes to branding? 16:09 - A listener asks: What should you prioritize when branding?

FURTHER RESOURCES

New travel advisor businesses that will help the industry build back better - https://www.travelagewest.com/Industry-Insight/Business-Features/9-New-Travel-Advisor-Businesses-That-Will-Help-the-Industry-Build-Back-Better

Outsourcing for travel advisors: Recommendations for the hired help you need - https://www.travelagewest.com/Industry-Insight/Business-Features/Outsourcing-for-Travel-Advisors-5-Recommendations-for-the-Hired-Help-You-Need

Travel Genius Websites, for websites for travel agents - https://travelgeniuswebsites.com/

'Tique, for branding, websites and systems design - https://www.tiquehq.com/

Canva, for designing assets - https://www.canva.com/

Fiverr, for freelance business services - https://www.fiverr.com/

Some more sage words of advice from Jennifer on different topics: Move it, don’t lose it - https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Travel-Agent-Issues/Insights/Move-it-dont-lose-it Women helping women - https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Travel-Agent-Issues/Insights/Women-helping-women-at-Los-Cabos-retreat

NEED ADVICE?

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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What is the most beneficial travel agent training available today? What are travel’s must-attend events for advisors? Senior editors Jamie Biesiada and Emma Weissmann delve into these questions with veteran advisor Sally Black, founder of the travel agency Vacationkids in Kunkletown, Pa. They’ll also get a sneak peak into Sally’s new gig at New York University, and her take on why you should say yes to things — most especially, if they terrify you.

IN THIS EPISODE

1:25 - There are so many training courses and programs out there with great options from The Travel Institute and ASTA. Which have you found to be the most beneficial? 1:37 - A brief pause to offer compliments to the branding prowess (and pinkness) of the agency VIP Vacations in Bethlehem, Pa. 2:12 - Sally helps us through the many training programs available. 4:24 - The three pillars that make a successful travel agent. 8:22 - Sally’s take: Licensing for travel advisors? 11:00 - Is there one must-attend event in travel that agents should put on their calendars? 12:57 - Sally’s new gig at NYU — and why you should always say yes, especially when something scares the heck out of you. 16:39 - How can you be a good student, especially when you haven’t been a student in a long time?

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