Explore every episode of the podcast Trade Secrets Podcast
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trade Secrets at Virtuoso Travel Week, part 2: As a travel advisor, how do I break into the world of luxury travel sales? | 09 Sep 2024 | 00:38:04 | |
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:
Need advice? Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098 Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com
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| Trade Secrets at Virtuoso Travel Week, part 1: What are the latest trends in luxury travel? (Feat. David Kolner) | 26 Aug 2024 | 00:41:22 | |
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:
From Travel Weekly:
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| How should travel agents address travel advisories? | 22 Apr 2024 | 00:34:45 | |
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:
Need advice? Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098 Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com
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| Travel advisors, what’s your elevator pitch? (feat. Jackie Friedman) | 08 Apr 2024 | 00:46:05 | |
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:
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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| Mic check, one, two: How do we create Trade Secrets? | 25 Mar 2024 | 00:30:15 | |
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 Mentioned in this episode:
Some previous episodes we mention:
Need advice? Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098 Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com
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| Why can't we be friends? Forming productive travel advisor-supplier relationships (feat. Vicki Freed and Jamie Margolis) | 11 Mar 2024 | 00:49:59 | |
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:
Need advice? Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098 Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com
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| Icon of the Seas: How big can a cruise ship get? | 26 Feb 2024 | 00:42:08 | |
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
Need advice? Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098 Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com
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| Travel advisors, are you using the right tech stack? | 12 Feb 2024 | 00:45:49 | |
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:
From Travel Weekly: 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
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| Decoding 2024: What trends will shape the travel advisor landscape? | 29 Jan 2024 | 00:29:57 | |
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:
Emma’s “out for 2024” list:
Jamie’s “in and out for 2024” list:
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
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| Encore: Top travel pros and their best advice for advisors | 15 Jan 2024 | 00:37:37 | |
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
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| Trade Secrets presents Humans of Travel: Kristin Karst of AmaWaterways | 01 Jan 2024 | 00:45:42 | |
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
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| Trade Secrets presents The Folo: A wish list for Disney’s $60 billion parks plan | 18 Dec 2023 | 00:46:17 | |
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
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| Inside the Trade Secrets mailbag: Answering your most pressing questions (Feat. Chad Burt of Outside Agents) | 12 Aug 2024 | 00:35:54 | |
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:
Need advice? Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098 Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com
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| Trade Secrets presents The Last Resort: 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay | 04 Dec 2023 | 00:38:24 | |
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
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| The fast lane to success: Travel advisor Christy Menzies’ million-dollar start | 20 Nov 2023 | 00:46:43 | |
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:
Need advice? Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098 Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com
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| How do I get started as a travel advisor? | 06 Nov 2023 | 00:50:40 | |
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 Travel Jobs board Hosted Travel Advisor Report 2023 Independent Travel Advisor Report 2023 Seven-day agency setup program Mentioned on this episode:
Need advice? Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098 Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com
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| Which travel insurance policy is right for my clients? (part 2) | 23 Oct 2023 | 00:24:41 | |
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:
Need advice? Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098 Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com
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| Which travel insurance policy is right for my clients? (part 1) | 09 Oct 2023 | 00:26:03 | |
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:
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
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| On the ground in Maui: Should travel agents send clients to the island right now? | 25 Sep 2023 | 00:46:12 | |
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:
Need advice? Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098 Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com
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| Fam trips: How can they help your business, travel advisors? | 11 Sep 2023 | 00:36:52 | |
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
Tyson Wharton, owner and founder of Sioux Empire Travel, and his fam trip do’s and don’ts: Do:
Don’t:
Mentioned in this episode: 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
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| As a travel advisor, how do I encourage my clients to travel more sustainably? | 28 Aug 2023 | 00:38:12 | |
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:
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:
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
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| Hawaii wildfires: What travel advisors need to know | 10 Aug 2023 | 00:19:43 | |
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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| How do I use generative AI to improve my travel agency’s workflow? | 07 Aug 2023 | 00:44:32 | |
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:
Recent generative AI coverage from Travel Weekly and TravelAge West:
Mentioned on this episode:
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
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| How can new travel advisors build a successful career? (Feat. Bill Coyle of KHM Travel Group) | 29 Jul 2024 | 00:44:57 | |
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:
Need advice? Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098 Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com
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| Navigating the expedition cruise boom: Insider insights for travel advisors | 24 Jul 2023 | 00:41:03 | |
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:
Mentioned on this episode:
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| Unleashing sales superpowers: Sales strategies for travel advisors, part two | 10 Jul 2023 | 00:37:36 | |
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
Steven Gould
Sales Strategies for Travel Professionals on Facebook Mentioned on this episode: Need advice? Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098 Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com
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| Unleashing sales superpowers: Sales strategies for travel advisors, part one | 26 Jun 2023 | 00:41:50 | |
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
Steven Gould
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: Need advice? Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098 Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com
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| Why is Europe so busy this summer? | 12 Jun 2023 | 00:43:34 | |
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 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
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| What’s it like to captain a small-ship cruise? | 29 May 2023 | 00:47:59 | |
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
Need advice? Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098 Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com
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| Top travel pros and their best advice for advisors | 15 May 2023 | 00:37:57 | |
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 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
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| Should travel-planning fees be the same for every client? | 01 May 2023 | 00:56:48 | |
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
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| Our biggest and best season is on its way -- new episodes starting May 1 | 24 Apr 2023 | 00:01:51 | |
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. | |||
| Encore: How do I build a brand for my travel agency? | 17 Apr 2023 | 00:27:18 | |
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: Need advice? Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098 Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com
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| Encore: As a travel advisor, how do I break up with clients? | 03 Apr 2023 | 00:51:39 | |
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
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| How should travel advisors manage client expectations? | 15 Jul 2024 | 00:42:54 | |
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:
Need advice? Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098 Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com
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| Who hosts this thing, anyway? | 20 Mar 2023 | 00:47:05 | |
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
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| How can I find my travel industry mentor? | 06 Mar 2023 | 00:47:01 | |
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
Julie Patterson
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
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| Selling the Mouse: Disney Parks pricing, more Mario to come and Travelmation’s Adam Duckworth on creating and growing the agency’s brand | 27 Feb 2023 | 00:57:00 | |
What is Travelmation? Well, it’s a travel agency for starters, but its 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 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:
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| What are the do's and don'ts of working with a BDM? | 20 Feb 2023 | 00:30:43 | |
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
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| Travel advisors, stop using these phrases right now | 06 Feb 2023 | 00:39:04 | |
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
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| Selling the Mouse: Disney100, Universal’s new kid-friendly theme park, and Sara Butruff on charging service fees — even for theme park vacations | 30 Jan 2023 | 00:48:14 | |
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:
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| When is it time to leave your host agency and join a consortium? | 23 Jan 2023 | 00:36:45 | |
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
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| Lessons learned from acquisitions and setting expectations, plus your listener questions | 09 Jan 2023 | 00:44:51 | |
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
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| Encore: Why can the travel advisor-supplier relationship be so fraught? | 26 Dec 2022 | 00:41:38 | |
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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| Selling the Mouse: Will the Disney Dining Plan return, minions multiplying and Lauren Doyle on why agencies should have Disney specialists | 19 Dec 2022 | 00:39:08 | |
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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| Trade Secrets on the road, part 3: How does Europe’s travel agency landscape compare to the U.S.? | 01 Jul 2024 | 00:39:03 | |
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
Need advice? Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098 Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com
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| How do I plan travel for transgender or gender nonconforming clients? | 12 Dec 2022 | 00:31:54 | |
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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| Selling the Mouse: The tale of two Bobs, Universal’s new escape room and Sue Pisatoro on following your intuition and passions | 05 Dec 2022 | 00:42:44 | |
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
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| As a travel advisor, how do I break up with clients? | 28 Nov 2022 | 00:51:19 | |
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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| Selling the Mouse: Disney’s newest cruise ship, theme park demand and Beci Mahnken’s best advice for advisors | 21 Nov 2022 | 00:49:22 | |
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
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