In episode 178 Steph is co-hosting with Jennifer Dugan of Dugan’s Travels! Here are the questions for this week! 

1. I loved the HAR CRM and Itinerary article. My head is spinning: I've looked at so many, Planiteasy, Travefy, Traveljoy, Unmapped, Axus, Tess, Tern. Which one can I either forward the email confirmation from hotels/air/car and it will input all the details not just the confirmation, dates... like prices, room type and cancel policies, or do they all make you enter this again to create the client itinerary once finished booking the reservation? Which let you import confirmations directly from suppliers and help create itineraries?

So yes I want a unicorn, a central repository for all my client's profiles and their bookings, plus the ability to create and send itineraries...that are of course beautiful.   Haha.

-Janette 

2. Does anyone have a place that they can recommend to track expenses?  I'm using an excel spreadsheet and honestly I'm not a fan of it. -Dina

3. Hi there! I have a client wanting to go on a fall foliage tour back east this year. I already quoted her a land tour, but now she’s asking about a train tour. Walking a lot would be a problem for my client. How should I balance all of these requests and find the right suppliers? Thank you for all your feedback. -Anonymous

RESOURCES:

Find itinerary builders, read over 90 advisor reviews + more in HAR’s new travel agency software list! (https://hostagencyreviews.com/travel-agency-software)

Freshbooks. https://www.freshbooks.com/

Xero. https://www.xero.com/

Quickbooks. https://quickbooks.intuit.com/

Expensify. https://www.expensify.com/

What travel expenses can you (and can’t you) write off? https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-expenses

Travel agents, here’s how to qualify clients. (Tutorials + real-life examples) https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/how-to-qualify-clients-travel-agent

Host Week EduSpot: Shifting Identities - Making Travel More Accessible. https://www.youtube.com/live/tT7cHbr_y-g?feature=shared&t=19139

 Host Week EduSpot: Growing Your Business Through Accessible Travel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0cSwYJxyOU&t=15922s

Dugan's Travels’ profile with reviews and info (https://hostagencyreviews.com/hosts/dugans-travels)

https://www.facebook.com/duganstravels/

In episode 177 Steph is co-hosting with Stephanie Pickles of Pickles Travel! They’ve got a ton to discuss, including the following: 

1. I hope to be a beginner agent one day soon and as I am sorting out how to break into this industry I have settled on going through a host agency, in large part thanks to your wonderful website and podcasts which I have been absorbing rapidly. 

However, as I review your Host Agency profiles I see GDS (which I understand and cannot use), as well as Ticketing for non-GDS agents and Air Programs listed under Corporate tools. What is the difference between a Ticketing for non-GDS agents program and an Air Program that is a corporate tool? Many thanks!  —Kerrin M.

2. I guess you can now call me an 'older newbie', but I think I am losing some clients when they ask, "Do you do flights." As I know most TAs don't do airfare I have been giving them the same response. 

However, I have lost some clients by saying that. I have learned recently that Centrav is now offering training on how to purchase airfare for clients. What's the best way to handle such a question or should I go ahead and make their flights if asked given the problems that could arise?  —Marc C.

3. Recently I had a client ask me to help him book a trip to Sicily.  I found two packaged deals that would fit his interests. The problem is that he asked me to send him the links I was looking at so that he could see the suppliers I am working with plus the hotels so he can make a choice. Not knowing how to handle such a response, I sent him the links. So far in two days, I haven't heard from him. What's the best way to handle such a situation from a client?  —Marc C.

RESOURCES:

Options for booking air without the GDS system + what the heck the GDS is. (https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/what-is-gds)

https://hostagencyreviews.com/page/travel-advisor-research-reports/ (Travel agent survey data on fee charging practices: what they charge for, how much, fee structures and more.)

Find itinerary builders + more in HAR’s new travel agency software list! (https://hostagencyreviews.com/travel-agency-software)

Pickles Travel Network’s profile with reviews and info (https://hostagencyreviews.com/hosts/pickles-travel-network)

In episode 168 Steph cohosts with Kendra from Travel Edge. They’ve got some excellent questions to cover this week, everything from CRMs to autism to non-profits. Tune in! 

1. Can you provide any insight about ClientBase? My agency uses it as the CRM and the record for commission, and I hate it. IMO, it is antiquated and clunky and is the worst part of my job. Dramatic, I know. But the web-based version I have wastes my time and it's very unhelpful to me. It's all about getting paid by the host agency.  Do all host agencies work off of this ClientBase system? I like my agency, but I would consider a change if there are agencies out there that connect directly to the vendors so I'm not doing so much data entry. Or, even if they don't connect directly, maybe their CRM systems are more useful. Thank you, Thank you for all you do!  –-K

2. Do you have any resources for adults with autism who want to travel? The biggest issue I have is low stamina when things are too overwhelming. 

My concern is, what if I run into a place that feels too busy, stay too long for some reason, and then the subway or some form of public transit is in-between me and my hotel.

Sorry, it's so hard to find travel tips and resources for adults with disabilities sometimes!   –Anonymous

3. I volunteer for a non-profit that sends missionaries overseas and they want me to book airline tickets. Are there special fares for missionaries? Will joining a host agency mean I can book airline tickets? –Anonymous

RESOURCES:

COMING (very) SOON at HAR! Travel Agency Software profiles

What is a travel agency debit memo?

Yates Travel Design: Travel Edge agency specializing in autism travel

Austism Checked: Site with autism friendly travel companies + training for travel agents.

Travel is for Everyone: Why I specialize in travel with autism: Hear tips on traveling with autism from Dina Farmer, an advisor specializing in it.

International Board of Creditionally and Continuing Education: Autism certification for travel advisors.

In-depth information on what the global distribution system (GDS) is and which travel advisors use it.

In-depth information on what the global distribution system (GDS) is and which travel advisors use it.

Submit your very own Friday 15 questions here! F15?

In episode 167 Steph hosts the Friday 15, all about Disney and seller of travel. Chad Burt of Outside Agents also pops in! 

1. I am a new agent as of early spring 2024, so I am just getting my business known out into my community. I do live on a relatively small island in the PNW so I am excited to help facilitate tropical winter trips for the people who live here year round. 

2. Should I seek out a host agency if I live in WA state that adheres to WA seller of travel laws? ---Anonymous

RESOURCES:

https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-business-press-release-templates-and-guide (Press release templates and guide to writing!)

https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/best-disney-travel-agents-booking-secrets (Best Disney Travel Agents Share their Booking Secrets)

https://hostagencyreviews.com/travelagentchatter/amy-garner-wicked-travel-concierage (TAC episode with Amy Garner who focuses on accessibility and Disney when she started)

https://hostagencyreviews.com/travelagentchatter/vol-22-laurie-burg-cupcakes-castle-travel-company (TAC episode with Laurie Burg on how she systematized booking Disney)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tn4S0mV4zMk&t=9850s (Host Week 2023 session on The Marketing Playbook with Erica Carr)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acWJe1gyY5U&t=18945s (Host Week 2023 session on 5 Steps to Building a Marketing Plan with Christine Hardenberger)

https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/the-100-travel-agency-marketing-plan ($100 Marketing Plan)

https://www.youtube.com/live/b8PvbmxA35U?feature=shared&t=7421 (Host Week 2024 session on Reels Blueprint: Create 30 reels in 20 minutes)

https://www.youtube.com/live/tT7cHbr_y-g?feature=shared&t=18225 (Host Week 2024 session Storytelling to Sell with Aubrey Jackson)

https://sourceofsources.com/ (The new HARO!)

In episode 142 Steph co-hosts with Melissa Fahs of ATHome by Atlas and they answer your questions about the wide world of travel, host agencies and advising.

Questions :

1. How can you tell if a host is legit if they’re not listed on your site? I had an owner of a TX agency reach out to me about joining them. --Anonymous

2. Hi Steph! I'm still having trouble wrapping my head around the difference between a DMC and a vacation wholesaler and when I would use one over the other. Love your show! Thanks, Courtney F.

3. ​Is there a Consortium that is better for Disney focused agents? Trying to decide between two host agencies and one is affiliated with travel leaders and one is with Signature Travel network. –Anonymous

TODAY’S RESOURCES:

(More info on travel MLMs)

(Download our free excel sheet with questions to ask your prospective host agencies)

(What are travel consortia/coops?)

Identifying leads worth your time, Betsy Grebinoski's Eduspot from Host Week 2024! : https://www.youtube.com/live/nWiZpma6hFg?feature=shared&t=15127

In this special Host Week edition of the Friday 15 (episode 141), Steph chats with Nadine of Nova Travel Solutions as they answer questions from you, our sweet HAR community.

Questions :

1. For those looking to start a podcast to bring in potential clients to our agency, what are some tips you've learned through your podcast Nadine that other advisors can implement? Some of the "wish someone would have told me this when I started" type of advice. --Steph L. (Me!)

2. I need a great group of people to bounce an idea off of. I'm currently creating a logo for my company, Alpine Escape Travel. I'm thinking of adding "From Alaska to the Appalachians." on it. I'm specializing in Alaska and the Appalachian mountains because they are two of my favorite places. Anyway, I'm worried that might run people off that might be interested in other destinations. Thoughts? ---Kori W.

3. I'm having trouble copying over the Cruise Packing List generator from your article (Here's the link Nadine) to my agency website. Can you walk through it? ---Pupan S.

TODAY’S RESOURCES:

(HAR podcast on how to start a podcast w/3-4 successful podcast hosts in travel industry!)

(HAR podcast on how to market your podcast w/3-4 successful podcast hosts in travel industry)

(Host Week Eduspot on Podcasting for your Travel Business)

(Tips on choosing a travel agency name article and exercise)

(HAR’s customizable cruise packing list. Copy and embed on your agency’s website)

https://www.novatravelsolutions.com/ (Nadine’s company, Nova Travel Solutions’ website)

In episode 140 Steph co-hosts with Christine Hardenberger of Modern Travel Professionals. They tackle the following questions, all about getting started or starting fresh with a new agency this week:

Questions :

00:00 | Welcome to Friday 15

01:13 | Disney & Universal criteria for advisors

07:52 | What to ask hosts when switching

16:10 | Starting an agency with a partner

1. I'm a new-ish agent, under 3 years experience, and I have been entertaining the idea of venturing out on my own. I am currently with a host agency. I am curious about some suppliers, specifically Disney and Universal's criteria for 'accepting' a new agency. I don't want to leave my host agency if I won't be accepted to sell Disney and Universal, as these are the two I primarily sell. And how do I start the process to apply? I can't seem to find any contact information for applying to sell these suppliers. --New Agent

2. I'm thinking of switching agencies. How does that process work? What should I be asking the new host? --Anonymous

3. My best friend and I are wanting to look at becoming travel agents together as a side job. We both work full-time day jobs. Do you know if any of your agencies cater to joint ventures? She has traveled much more than me and knows a lot about Carnival / Princess Cruises. Although cruising is what we would like to focus on, we would love to learn more about what we need to do to get started. --Anonymous

TODAY’S RESOURCES:

• Disney Commission Eligibility form: https://media.disneywebcontent.com/Me...
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/tr... (Travel Agency Accreditation options for if you’re going on your own, without a host agency)
• (Disney Travel Agents website portal)
• https://www.universalpartnercommunity... (Universal Studios Travel Agent website portal)
• (5 things to consider when switching host agencies)
• (10 things to look for in your host agency contract)
• (List of travel industry specific attorneys)
• (Tips on finding the best host agency for you)
• (List where you can use filters to search if they accept sub agents)
• (7 Day Setup Accelerator Course)
• (7 Day Setup LITE Course)
• (Modern Travel Professional’s HAR profile)
• (Register for Host Week! It’s free. It’s fun. It’s full of info to grow your agency!)

In episode 139 Steph chats with April Swales of Uniglobe Travel center and they answer questions from you, our awesome HAR community.

Questions :

1. Can an agency change your commission level without notifying you or sending you a new contract to sign? Shouldn't there be some kind of agreement or acknowledgement from the agent before that happens? What if a host changes to a monthly fee -- shouldn’t there be a new contract or the option to leave and take your business? My partner and I are experiencing this and could use some advice. – Lori S.

2. How do I have my agency added to Host Agency Reviews? —Jamie W.

3. I currently have a host agency, but I'm starting to look around. I have a few subagents under me. What are the average commission splits out there? I'm at 80%. What things are typically included in the host fee? —Anonymous

TODAY’S RESOURCES:

• (10 things to look for in your host agency contract)
• (Travel attorney Mark Pestronk’s website)
• (Mark Pestronk’s Travel Weekly column)
• (List of travel industry specific attorneys)
• hello@hostagencyreviews.com (Who to email to get your free host agency profile set up)
• (Data on average host commission splits and more)
• (HAR’s annual research reports have loads of data on commission splits, earnings, specialties and more)
• (Article on how to find the best host travel agency for you. The comparison checklist sheet is really helpful!)
• (Register for Uniglobe’s CoffeeSpot during Host Week! Friday, Feb 2nd, 12pm ET/11am CT/10am MT/ 9am PT)

In episode 138 we chat with the lovely Lindsay Taylor of Travel Leaders 365 as they tackle three questions from an astute listener named Tim M. Thanks, Tim! Thanks to you all for your great questions from week to week.

Questions :

1) How to navigate clients’ loyalty programs: what are the logistics of ensuring they receive loyalty benefits, qualifying nights, miles/points?

2) Being an Agent vs. an Operator: If I want to book FIT travel, how can I safely curate customized itineraries as a travel agent and not stray into accidentally being considered a tour operator?

3) Project Management Platforms! Do agents typically manage their workflow with their host agency provided CRM program only, or are there other project management platforms that are popular with travel agents?

We do this every week! If you have travel industry questions, HAR likely has an answer :) Submit your burning question here: https://har.news/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips!

TODAY’S RESOURCES:

• (Whitney’s podcast, Masters in Travel)
• (The Hive: Global directory of suppliers, properties and DMCs)
• tcarpenter@carpentertaylor.com (Thomas Carpenter’s email)
• (Thomas Carpenter’s law firm’s website)
• (Complete list of travel industry specific attorneys)

In episode 137 Steph has a new co-host! Join Scott Wismont, owner of Rainbow Getaways, as we dive into great questions you’ve been kind enough to submit. :)

Questions :

We break down if hosts and consortia look down upon advisors that are part-time, including what % of advisors are full time. And when we hear from an advisor with a background in entrepreneurship who is struggling to make a go of things as a self-employed agent, we answer if going the employee route is right for her. Including what income you can make as an employee and some things to think about if you want to start as an employee and make the leap to self-employed later on.

Lastly, what the heck is a trust account, which advisors need them, and what for?

We do this every week! If you have travel industry questions, HAR likely has an answer :) Submit your burning question here: https://har.news/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips!

TODAY’S RESOURCES:

• (Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering!)
• (Register for HAR’s Host Week event!)
• (HAR’s annual reports with information on the % of advisors that work FT.)
• (More information on travel MLMs, or multi-level marketing/direct sales/pyramid schemes.)
• (Red flags to look for in travel agent contracts)
• (The dangers of a host agency misclassifying an independent contractor as an employee.)
• (Interview with Rose Gray of Fox World Travel. Advice for new advisors at 8:40.)

Employee report

• (HAR’s 2023 travel advisor employee report with data on income, benefits, etc.)
• (Check out the travel agent jobs out there and sign up for our weekly job alerts!)
• (Rainbow Getaways HAR profile)
• (Join Scott’s webinar February 12th, 2024 on Exploring the Benefits of an LGBTQ+ Host Agency)
• (More information on the states that have seller of travel laws and what that means in terms of an IC handling money from clients.)

In episode 136 Steph's co-host is Eduardo Cartaya with G Adventures. :)

Questions :

What's their relationship with Travel Leaders Network like when it comes to commissions? What does Eduardo see successful new advisors doing that listeners can start emulating? We need to know the secret sauce! And Eduardo breaks it down for us why single supplements are often so spendy. (Hint: It's not because the suppliers are being greedy)

Lastly, we chat on if there are sales taxes that agencies need to be paying and how you find out what the situation is in your state.

We do this every week!

If you have travel industry questions, HAR likely has an answer :) Submit your burning question here: https://har.news/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips!

TODAY’S RESOURCES:

• (Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering!)
• (Register for HAR’s Host Week event!)
• (Once you’ve got a lead, here’s how you qualify them and find the best product)
• (Create and polish your elevator pitch. Use HAR’s brainstorming guide to help you out.)
• (Listen to/watch/read the stories of successful travel advisors to get inspired and pick up tips)
• (Find your perfect fee verbiage)
• (Know the booking process before you start to look professional and ask the right questions at the right time)
• (NM gross tax receipt info)
• (SD gross tax receipt info)
• (SBA locations)
• (SCORE office locations)
• (More on TA commission levels)

Mary chats with Katie Williams from Tern. We discuss when the best time to invest in a CRM and/or travel itinerary builder, how effective using supplier advertisements are for agencies, things to consider when taking on a business partner, and our listener Michael sent us over his fees and wants to know what we think about them!

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

(Learn more about Tern)

(BranchUp - FREE option)

(Travel marketing and media - Sandra McLemore, which includes paid, more of an array of marketing content from social to blog posts etc.)

(Travel Agent Collective)

(Find great content by going on FAMs and pushing out your FAM content throughout the year.)

(Wanderfully planned, Julie Patterson)

(Find a travel industry attorney)

(Everything you’ve ever wanted to know about charging fees.)

(HAR’s research reports have a TON of data on charging fees. What people are charging for, how much, the fee range when it’s a variable fee, etc.)

We do this every week! If you have travel industry questions, HAR likely has an answer :) Submit your burning question here: https://har.news/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips!

In episode 166 Steph is co-hosting with Chad Burt of Outside Agents. Here are the questions they’ll tackle together this week! 

1. I'm currently doing The Travel Institute’s TripKit course. Should I complete the CTA course before I start contacting host agencies? Also, what CTA course do you recommend (The Travel Institute, ASTA, etc…)  ---Anonymous

2. I'm interested in learning more about utilizing press releases for attendance of industry events and/or FAMS. How would you recommend doing that? ---Anonymous

RESOURCES:

https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agent-certification (What travel agent certification is and isn’t. Plus, what are the certifications out there for agents?)

https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-business-press-release-templates-and-guide 

https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agent-fam-trip (Travel Agent FAM Trips: What They Are + How to Find Them + Etiquette)

https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/how-travel-agents-can-make-the-most-of-a-cruise-ship-inspection (How Travel Advisors Can Make the Most of a Cruise Ship Inspection)

https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/how-travel-agents-can-make-the-most-of-a-cruise-ship-inspection (The Definitive Site Inspection Checklist)

https://form.jotform.com/241655302194150 (Become a HAR subject matter expert! Fill out the form and get quoted or appear in future HAR resources.)

https://hostagencyreviews.com/friday15 (Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering!) 

In episode 134 Steph chats with Eduardo Cartaya from G Adventures about what family options G Adventures (and other resorts/operators) offer for advisors looking to focus on families. We also dive into what steps G Adventures takes to vet their on-the-ground partners and ensuring they're keeping the dollars in the local community to improve the welfare of those who live in the destination. Lastly, we answer the question how to handle chargebacks (and how G Adventures handles them).

A reminder that G Adventures will be back on December 15th, 2024 and you can submit any questions you'd like them to answer here: https://hostagencyreviews.com/friday15

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

(Register for HAR’s Host Week event!)

(Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering!)

(National Geographic Family Journeys operated by G Adventures)

(G Adventures family collection)

(Family Travel Association)

(G’s measure of how much of every dollar stays in destination–Ripple score)

(National geographic Journeys collection)

(Marine collection)

(Geluxe – 28 experiences at superior or upgraded service level. Adults only.)

We do this every week! If you have travel industry questions, HAR likely has an answer :) Submit your burning question here: https://har.news/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips!

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

• (Register for HAR’s Host Week event!)
• (Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering!)
• https://skillbridge.osd.mil/industry-employers.htm?section=2
•  (More info on DOD’s Skill Bridge program)
• (HAR’s travel jobs board)
• (Sign up for weekly job alert emails from HAR’s travel board)
•  (ALTOUR University internship)
• Https://Asta.org
• (HAR’s report on travel advisor employees. Lots of great data and stats for agency owners and employees!)
•  (Podcast with advisor who does large incentive cruise groups)
• (Gift a trip to employees)
•  (TPI’s profile on HAR)
• (Fiercely Forward FB group for all advisors. Doesn’t need to be a part of TPI)
• jennl@tpionline.com (Jenn’s email)
• (Register for Host Week! It’s free. It’s fun. It’s full of info to grow your agency!)

We do this every week! If you have travel industry questions, HAR likely has an answer :) Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips!

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 132 Steph chats with Lori Speers, CEO and Owner of Levarte Travel about previous Friday15 questions, Disney & charge fees, and new agent “Must Haves”.

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

https://hostagencyreviews.com/hostweek (Register for HAR’s Host Week event!)

https://hostagencyreviews.com/friday15 (Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering!)

https://hostagencyreviews.com/friday15 (Complete list of F15s: Sort Friday 15 episodes by tags)

https://hostagencyreviews.com/page/travel-advisor-research-reports/ (HAR’s research reports with data on fees, who charges, how much, what for, and lots of other good stuff!)

https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agency-websites (A list and comparison of the travel agency websites options)

https://www.happiestthingstravel.com/ (Disney Travel Advisor Planner – digital and hard copy available)

https://www.practicallymagic.co/ (Theme Park Itinerary Software for Advisors)

https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/what-is-gds (Learn what the GDS is and who needs it)

https://hostagencyreviews.com/hosts/levarte-travel (Levarte’s profile on HAR)

https://levartetravel.com/ (Levarte’s website)

Nov 17 (TPI), Off for Black Friday. Dec 1 (G Adventures)

https://hostagencyreviews.com/hostweek (Register for Host Week! It’s free. It’s fun. It’s full of info to grow your agency!)

We do this every week! If you have travel industry questions, HAR likely has an answer :) Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips!

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 131 Steph chats with April Swales, Director of Marketing & Sales from Uniglobe Travel Center about what a FIT is and how to specialize in it, getting an IATA & CLIA number as a new independent agent, and helping clients get a US Passports.

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

• (Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering!)
• (Register for HAR’s Host Week event!)
• (Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering!)
•  (Indie report is out!)
• (Sign up for survey reminders for 2024)
• (Get the free download for HAR’s abbreviated travel industry glossary)
• (Get the full travel industry glossary by signing on for our 7 Day Setup Accelerator course)
• (Travel Agent Chatter podcast episode with advisor who does FIT vacations)
• (Travel Agent Chatter podcast episode with advisor who does FIT vacations)
• (Learn more about travel agent commissions) 
• (HAR’s research reports with data on income by niche, year, and lots of other good stuff!)
• (Learn more about accreditation option)
• (CIBT Visas)
• (Where you can apply for passports)
• (List of travel industry specific attorneys to help with your Terms and Conditions)
• (Uniglobe’s profile on HAR)
• (Schedule a time to chat)
• Nov 10 (Levarte Travel), Nov 17 (TPI), Off for Black Friday
• (Register for Host Week! It’s free. It’s fun. It’s full of info to grow your agency!)

We do this every week! If you have travel industry questions, HAR likely has an answer :) Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this...

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 130 Steph chats with Chad Burt, co-owner of Outside Agents about leads through online marketing, honing in on a niche, and setting income goals.

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

(Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering!)

(Register for HAR’s Host Week event!)

(Sign up for Google My Business)

(A great exercise on how to find your niche!)

(TAC episode with an advisor who has an amazing website that creates great leads)

(TAC episode with a Japan specialist agency that uses content marketing to find clients)

(TAC episode with an Italy expert that uses content marketing to find clients)

(Learn more about travel agent commissions) 

(HAR’s research reports with data on income by niche, year, and lots of other good stuff!)

(Outside Agents’ profile on HAR)

(866) 208-5604 x210 (Chad), x312 (Steve)

(OA’s contact us page)

info@outsideagents.com (email to reach OA team)

Nov 3rd (uniglobe), Nov 10 (Levarte Travel), Nov 17 (TPI)

(Register for Host Week! It’s free. It’s fun. It’s full of info to grow your agency!)

We do this every week! If you have travel industry questions, HAR likely has an answer :) Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips!

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 129 Steph chats with Jenn Lee, VP Industry Engagement and Support for Travel Planners International about travel certification, hosting outside of the US, and developing your brand.

A list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

(Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering!)

(Register for HAR’s Host Week event!)

(Travel agent certification options, including Travel Institute, ASTA, CLIA)

 (Traveller Made, a European based consortium, changed its name to the much harder to remember and pronounce: Serandipians!)

(Departure Lounge takes advisors that are not US citizens that live in the following countries: USA, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Holy See, Hungary, India, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Virgin Islands (U.S.))

(1000 Mile Travel Group takes advisors worldwide.)

(A list of the different travel agency specific website programs, including Voyageur that Jenn mentioned, as well as some non-TA-specific ones)

(Sign up for Google My Business)

(Offers web design and branding services + marketing courses to travel agencies)

(Copywriting and branding services for agencies)

(Travel Marketing and Media has a website in a week program to help with copywriting and fully building out your website)

 (TPI’s profile on HAR)

(Fiercely Forward FB group for all advisors. Doesn’t need to be a part of TPI)

jennl@tpionline.com (Jenn’s email)

October 27th, (Outside Agents) Nov 3rd (uniglobe), Nov 10 (Levarte Travel)

(Register for Host Week! It’s free. It’s fun. It’s full of info to grow your agency!)

Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips!

Join 30,000+ agents and subscribe to our newsletter: http://www.hostagencyreviews.com/newsletter

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 128 Steph chats with Chad Burt, co-owner of Outside Agents about linking a landing page, host agency website, and our host week event.

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

(Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering!)

(Register for HAR’s Host Week event!)

 (Virtually attend Adventure Together and tune in to Steph’s sessions!)

(Discover the options for your travel agency website)

(Create a subdomain of your main domain)

(Chad’s bookshelf. Pw: oastrong)

(Register for HAR’s Host Week event – Jan 29 - Feb 2!)

 (Outside Agents’ profile on HAR)

(866) 208-5604x210 (Chad), x312 (Steve)

(OA’s contact us page)

info@outsideagents.com (email to reach OA team)

Oct 20th Travel Planners International, October 27th, Outside Agents, Nov 3rd (uniglobe)

(Register for Host Week! It’s free. It’s fun. It’s full of info to grow your agency!)

We do this every week! If you have travel industry questions, HAR likely has an answer :) Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips!

Welcome to Friday 15! in episode 127 Steph chats with Connie Miller, Chief Relationship Officer/Business Development for Your Travel Center/Montecito Village Travel about hotel views on takeover bookings, competing with discounts, and 7 Day Setup Accelerator Course.

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

(Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering!)

(Register for HAR’s Host Week event!)

Hosted advisor report

 (HAR’s 7 Day Setup Accelerator Course curriculum)

 (MVT’s profile on HAR)

conniem@ytc.com (Connie’s email)

805-456-2545 (Connie’s phone)

(Register for Host Week! It’s free. It’s fun. It’s full of info to grow your agency!)

We do this every week! If you have travel industry questions, HAR likely has an answer :) Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips!

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 126 Steph chats about qualifying customers booking air, sub agency contract, and payment gateway.

A list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

(Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering!)

(Register for HAR’s Host Week event!)

Hosted advisor report

(Stats on air traffic control)

 (What to look for in a host agency contract – Red flags and more)

 (Host agency list where you can find host-franchise hybrids)

(Travel attorney Mark Pestronk’s law office – Travel Law Office)

(Travel attorney Tom Carpenter’s law office)

(What E&O insurance covers, and what it doesn’t)

(Register for Host Week! It’s free. It’s fun. It’s full of info to grow your agency!)

Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips!

Join 30,000+ agents and subscribe to our newsletter: http://www.hostagencyreviews.com/newsletter

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 125 Steph chats with Carolyn Sekerak, Director of Marketing Strategy and Community Engagement about finding a host with one-on-one relationships, business structures, and pinpointing a niche.

A list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

(Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering!)

(Register for HAR’s Host Week event!)

https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/tips-on-how-to-find-the-best-travel-host-agency

(Info on the seller of travel licensing in US)

(Info on seller of travel registrations in Canada)

(More ideas on finding a niche

(2023 Hosted Advisor Research Report with info on income by niche.)

(Travel Agent Chatter episode with destination wedding, honeymoon specialist)

(Travel Agent Chatter episode with destination wedding, honeymoon specialist)

(Travel Agent Chatter episode with destination wedding, honeymoon specialist)

 (KHM’s profile on HAR)

corf@khmtravel.com (Carolyn’s email)

(Register for Host Week! It’s free. It’s fun. It’s full of info to grow your agency!)

Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips!

Join 30,000+ agents and subscribe to our newsletter: http://www.hostagencyreviews.com/newsletter

****** Transcript + Show Notes: https://har.news/vol30 ******

Special thanks to today’s sponsors: Travel Edge and Uniglobe Travel Center

Today’s guest got her start in the industry with the inside sales team at Travel Impressions. After a reorg, Veranda Adkins decided to start her own agency, Travel Legacy. She gave herself 6 months to see if she could make things work. She’s yet to look back.

Having been in the shoes of a supplier, Veranda tells us how advisors—even those just started out—can strengthen supplier relationships to help grow their agency.

Celebrating 10 years of business, Veranda has grown her agency to an impressive $1.5M in annual sales. In the past decade, she’s evolved from selling mainly cruises to now doing destination weddings as well as escorting 8-10 groups a year around the world.

A firm believer in “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”, Veranda focuses her destination wedding business with one supplier, resulting in an elite status that helps to ensure her clients have an amazing stay AND results in a client satisfaction rate of 99%.

And for those feeling like work encroaches on their personal life way more than they’d like, our guest has managed to find the work-life balance that eludes many entrepreneurs. She shares with us how avoiding FITs is part of her strategy to ensure she continues to love her job and has downtime to rejuvenate.

You’ll hear how to avoid losing your business Facebook page after a hack. From first hand experience, Veranda gives us two simple fail-safes so you can avoid the heartache and hassle she experienced.

Join us as we dig into groups with our globetrotting guest!

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 124 Steph chats with Jackie Friedman, President of Nexion Travel Group about the advantages of joining a host, the best travel agent education, and going from salary to being an IC.

A list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

(Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering!)

(Register for HAR’s Host Week event!)

(Benefits of using a host agency.)

 (HAR’s 2023 Hosted Travel Advisor Research Report.)

(List of training/educational opportunities for advisors.)

(How to ask questions to your travel industry peers on social media.)

(Wanderlust program)

(Travel Leaders of Tomorrow)

 (HAR’s 2023 Hosted Travel Advisor Research Report.)

 (Nexion’s profile on HAR)

(Nexion’s website, click on getting started)

(Register for Host Week! It’s free. It’s fun. It’s full of info to grow your agency!)

(Sign up for e-reminders for the Friday 15 and submit your questions!)

Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips!

Join 30,000+ agents and subscribe to our newsletter: http://www.hostagencyreviews.com/newsletter

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 123 Steph chats with April Swales, Director of Marketing and Sales for Uniglobe Travel Center about Travel MLMs, choosing a Host, and multiple company names.

A list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

(Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering!)

 (Call for Host Week event speakers is open! Submit your Eduspot idea!)

(Register for HAR’s Host Week event!)

 (Who are the travel MLMs and what you need to know before joining one. Muy importante!)

(List of host agencies where you can filter our MLM hybrids

(Use the spreadsheet to narrow down your host agency options)

(PATH website)

(HAR’s annual research report on hosted travel advisors is out!)

(What is the GDS?)

 (Uniglobe Travel Center’s profile on HAR)

(Schedule a call with April)

(April’s email)

(Register for Host Week! It’s free. It’s fun. It’s full of info to grow your agency!)

(Sign up for e-reminders for the Friday 15 and submit your questions!)

Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips!

Join 30,000+ agents and subscribe to our newsletter: http://www.hostagencyreviews.com/newsletter

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 122 Steph chats with Keith Waldon, owner of Departure Lounge about travel business hierarchy, help with vision impaired IC, and travel agent testing.

A list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

(Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering!)

 (Call for Host Week event speakers is open! Submit your Eduspot idea!)

(Register for HAR’s Host Week event!)

 (HAR’s Accelerator course to get your agency set up faster!)

(What is a host agency?)

(What are Travel consortia/coops?)

(What is a travel preferred supplier?)

(Mind’s Eye Travel)

(Travel Eyes)

(Travel advisor education options)

(Travel advisor certification options)

(ASTA’s verified travel advisor (VTA) course)

(The 1000 travel advisor club)

 (Departure Lounge’s profile on HAR)

(Keith’s email address)

(Sign up for e-reminders for the Friday 15 and submit your questions!)

Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips!

Join 30,000+ agents and subscribe to our newsletter: http://www.hostagencyreviews.com/newsletter

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 121 Steph chats with Lindsay Taylor Lauer, Director of Luxury & Hosting for Travel Leaders 365 about booking groups, payments done in installments, and ticketing vs. non-ticketing.

A list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

(Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering!)

 (Call for Host Week speakers is open! Submit your Eduspot idea!)

(HAR’s free event calendar w/ over 100 industry events!)

(10 Insider Group Booking Tips from Travel Advisors [+Infographic])

(5 Steps to Finding Groups)

(What Suppliers Want you to Know About Booking Groups)

(Listen to advisors who specialize in booking groups! Use tag dropdown and select ‘groups’)

(Ja’Vonne Harley’s educational trips with ~100 people around the world)

(Ashley Morris’ destination wedding groups)

(Valerie Gossett’s cruise groups)

(Will Medina destination wedding groups and processes)

(Deb Fogarty affinity group cruises and how she finds them)

(Travel agency accreditation options — ARC and IATA ticketing/non-ticketing)

(A primer on what the heck the GDS is!)

(Everything you’ve ever wanted to know about debit memos)

 (TL 365’s profile on HAR)

ltaylor@travelleaders365.com (Lindsay’s email address)

(Sign up for e-reminders for the Friday 15 and submit your questions!)

Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday...

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 120 Steph chats with Jenn Lee, VP of Industry Engagement and Support for Travel Leaders International about how to go about finding a travel advisor mentor, leveraging your Facebook marketing (page vs. group?), and choosing between Sole Proprietorship and LCC!

A list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

(TAC episode where advisor uses a FB group for her clients)

(Jenn’s webinar: How to Create a FB Community That Converts)

(Jenn’s webinar: Facebook Content That Converts)

(ASTA’s mentoring program)

(Find a travel industry event)

(Read this before a travel industry event to help you make the most of it!)

(The tourism industry’s award-winning business accelerator program for women and non-binary early-stage entrepreneurs.)

(TPI’s profile on HAR)

jennl@tpionline.com (Jenn’s contact)

(Jenn’s Fiercely Forward FB Group)

(TPI’s email address)

Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips!

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 119 Step chats with Lori Spears, Owner of Levarte Travel about gaining trust as a new advisor, reducing IC Misclassification w/Planning Fees, and FAM trip qualifications.

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

(Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering!)

 (Call for Host Week speakers is open! Submit your Eduspot idea!)

(HAR’s free event calendar w/ over 100 industry events!)

(Find your senator)

 (More on Airport Trading Cards)

 (Episode 115 discussing more on the dangers of misclassification

(More on the ramifications of a host misclassifying you as an IC when you’re more like an employee)

(Travel attorney)

(IC contracts: What to look for)

 (Episode 118 with answer to first part of questions with Mary and co-host Chad Burt, Outside Agents)

(HAR’s list of 200+ Travel Agent Rates)

(What’s a FAM Trip and Where to Find Them)

  (Levarte’s profile on HAR)

(Levarte’s website)

(Sign up for e-reminders for the Friday 15 and submit your questions!)

We do this every week! If you have travel industry questions, HAR likely has an answer :) Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips!

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 118 Mary chats with Chad Burt, Co-Owner of Outside Agents about startup investment decisions, startup investment on tech, and sales minimums for FAMs.

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

(Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering!)

 (Call for Host Week speakers is open! Submit your Eduspot idea!)

har.news/survey Sign up for survey report updates to get notified when we publish our 2023 reports

https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agent-fam-trip - FAM Trips

https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agent-rates - Resource on travel agent rates

  (Industry events)

Travel Agent Training and Education will drop you into the rabbit hole for host education, certifications, business coaching and more. 

har.news/7DS

har.news/survey - for notification when we publish our report

Technology is personal keynote with David Chait of Travefy from Host Week 2022

HAR’s favorite free marketing tools. 

(Talk to the OA’s executive team)

 (Outside Agents’ profile on HAR)

(Sign up for e-reminders for the Friday 15 and submit your questions!)

We do this every week! If you have travel industry questions, HAR likely has an answer :) Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips!

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 117 Steph chats with Lindsay Taylor Lauer, Director of Luxury & Hosting for Travel Leaders 365 about how travel agents deal with visas, website links, and how to break up with your host agency.

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

(Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering!)

 (Call for Host Week speakers is open! Submit your Eduspot idea!)

(Sherpa provides visas for travelers and a wealth of info! Best fit for agencies with a significant % of travelers needing visas)

(CIBT visa services)

 (G3 visa services)

(Tips for choosing your agency’s name)

(Trademark/servicemark process with trademark attorney on Friday 15 #58)

(What to do if host isn’t paying out commissions)

(Info on what to look for in contracts with host agencies)

(Lindsay’s email address)

 (TL 365’s profile on HAR)

(Sign up for e-reminders for the Friday 15 and submit your questions!)

We do this every week! If you have travel industry questions, HAR likely has an answer :) Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips!

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 116 Steph chats with Jenn Lee, VP of Industry Engagement and Support for Travel Planners International about business cards and what should be on them, if you should get to know the business before specializing, and what guides are out there on how to set up your own agency.

A list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

(Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering!)

(Travel Agent Career Outlook article: Full of great stats and facts for people that ask you about career as an advisor!)

 (Call for Host Week speakers is open! Submit your Eduspot idea!)

(Info on CA SOT disclosures)

(Info on if you need a SOT registration in the 4 US states that have registrations)

(Info on if you need a SOT registration in Canadian provinces that have registrations)

(Host Week presentation on accessible travel)

(TAC episode with Amy Garner, who specializes in accessible travel)

(TAC episode with Becky Kirby, who specializes in accessible travel)

(HAR’s free email sequence on setting up your agency)

(HAR’s in-depth course with more support and resources to help you get started)

(Jenn’s Fiercely Forward TA Group on FB)

jennl@tpionline.com (Jenn’s email)

(TPI’s profile on HAR)

(Sign up for e-reminders for the Friday 15 and submit your questions!)

Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips!

📧 Never miss a HAR resource. Join 30,000+ agents and subscribe to our newsletter: http://www.hostagencyreviews.com/newsletter

****** Transcript + Show Notes: https://har.news/vol27 ******

When it comes to booking cruises, Karen Devine doesn’t just book a ton of rooms. She and her team of 8 literally charter entire ships for some of their corporate clients!

Your immediate reaction may be that her agency sales of $30-40M are way out of your league. But fear not! The head of 3D Cruise Partners has tips for agencies of all sizes and experience levels that are looking to level up their business.

With a combined total of 40 years of experience spanning the cruise side, the hotel side, the supplier side, and the customer side, Karen brings a deep perspective that’s rare to find in the industry. She shares how she’s mastered converting clients who haven’t cruised before to considering cruising as an option by using a travel comparison everyone can relate to.

Most leisure cruise advisors are familiar with the cruise line’s leisure groups department, but take some time to get to know about their corporate groups from the leading agency in the charters, meetings and incentive space for Royal Carribbean, Norwegian, and Celebrity Cruises.

We’ll also let you know a secret about how your agency can successfully help corporate clients with their meetings/incentives/charters and make FULL commission . . .

without having cruise expertise on the meetings and incentives side.

We discover what a cruise brokerage company is, how she finds clients, why she doesn’t charge fees and the depth of customization she goes through for her clients. We also find out which vendors help her execute the unique customizations and how she streamlines the process to make it easy for her clients.

With a remote team spread across the US, we discover how Karen keeps her team motivated and engaged. And while Karen credits her team with a huge role in the success of the company, Karen is the first to say that there is one other person that is the key to her success. Find out who it is and why she suggests every business owner invests in this person.

This episode is a firehose of information for any agency ready to go full steam ahead and learn from the best.

Thanks to today’s sponsor: International Driving Authority ☀️ Learn more: https://idaoffice.org

In episode 165 Steph is co-hosting David Meihoefer of Travel Planners International. Here’s a taste of the questions they’ll cover! 

1. Hello, as a founding partner of an IATA accredited travel agency with plans to move to the United States by the end of the summer to operate from home, will I still have to go through all the stages of ARC-IATAN? Could HAR provide me with end-to-end support in this regard considering your 7 day agency setup program? Thanks & Regards.  —Roland Y.

2. Before I started my travel agency I created a few Facebook groups to get the ball rolling. I have 5 groups currently all specific to Royal Caribbean and their ships. Combined they have over 120k members and growing daily. It's a fantastic source for leads. 

This is where my question comes in. 

They are all public groups and in the rules it states "Pirates be Gone" no selling or promoting business within the groups. I have many many travel agents doing whatever they can to get leads from the groups. I have had to remove members, ban members for just doing their jobs as travel agents. Some are vultures and it's ridiculous. 

How do I handle this? I do not want to remove anyone, we all learn from these groups, we all make connections but I also put in 100s of hours creating content and managing these spaces to benefit my own agency. 

Is there a happy medium? We are new to the travel industry and it really stinks watching others swoop in and take potential sales away. We have had some downright nasty messages come through because of this, but we have also had some very nice messages with people willing to help. 

Any feedback you can provide would be great. Thank you for all of the incredible information you have provided, it has been invaluable. 

Thank you, Travis

RESOURCES:

https://hostagencyreviews.com/7DS-accelerator (HAR’s 7 Day Setup Accelerator course on starting your agency)

https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/iata-number (What is an IATA number?) 

https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agent-certification (What travel agent certification is and isn’t. Plus, what are the certifications out there for agents?)

https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agency-accreditation (A list of the different travel agent accreditation options.)

https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/what-is-an-arc-number (What is an ARC number?)

https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-leads (How to build a client base and find leads)

https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/top-4-travel-agency-marketing-tools (Promoting your travel agency on social media with these tools) 

https://hostagencyreviews.com/hosts/travel-planners-international

(Travel Planners International’s profile on HAR) 

https://hostagencyreviews.com/friday15 (Submit

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 115 Steph chats with Chad Burt, Co-Founder of Outside Agents about host contracts that only allow you to book through them and travel advisor-related podcast options.

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

(Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering!)

(New article on FAM trips: What they are and how to find them!)

 (Call for Host Week speakers is open! Submit your Eduspot idea!)

(What happens if an independent contractor is reclassified as an employee? All about IC misclassification.)

(What to look for in your contract with host agencies.)

(Travel Weekly’s Trade Secrets with Emma Weissman and Jamie Biesada — ask questions about the industry)

(TIN Lounge with Theresa Chu-Bermudez and Korrine Johnson – TAs sharing their experiences and best practices)

(Travefy’s The Lounge)

 (Host Week presentation of travel advisors who have started their own podcasts)

(Travel Pulse’s podcast)

 (Outside Agents’ profile on HAR)

(Sign up for e-reminders for the Friday 15 and submit your questions!)

We do this every week! If you have travel industry questions, HAR likely has an answer :) Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips!

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 114 Steph chats with Henley Vasquez, Co-Founder of Fora on how to narrow down and choose a host agency and the best travel software package that handles CRM, group management, and invoicing

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

(Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering!)

(How to research and qualify suppliers)

(Tips on choosing a host agency)

(Tern, new travel tech looking to unify all the agency tech)

(TripSuite, new travel tech looking to unify all the agency tech)

(TravelJoy: CRM, groups management, invoicing)

(VacationCRM: CRM, groups management, invoicing)

(Travefy: Itinerary builder, CRM. *** Visit link and enter promo code HAR15 to receive 15% off your first 6 months or first annual subscription with Travefy.)

(Zendesk CRM: not travel agency specific but free and you can customize!

(SION commission tracking software for agencies)

 (To get more information, go to ‘Apply’. Add ‘HostAgencyReviews’ to question on who referred you to get pulled to the top!)

 (Fora’s profile on HAR)

(Sign up for e-reminders for the Friday 15 and submit your questions!)

We do this every week! If you have travel industry questions, HAR likely has an answer :) Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips!

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 113 Steph chats about getting a VTC accreditation as an independent agent or to make a CTD with a company, answering client fee questions and whether to get an accreditation first or apply to host first.

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

(Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering!)

(New article on what FAM trips are, how to find them, and how to go on one!)

(Sign up for HAR’s newsletter to get alert when Call for Speakers opens)

(More on the GDS: What it is and if you need it.)

(How to become a corporate travel advisor.)

(What are the travel agency accreditation options, including VTC and CTD?)

(A little more on what you can expect when it comes to airline commissions.)

(Section 8.3 goes over personnel requirements for CTD agencies.)

(Find all sorts of fee information in our annual travel advisor report! What % of advisors charge fees, what for, and how much.)

(Verbiage from 50+ advisors on how they communicate fees.)

(Familiarize yourself with seller of travel laws and fees if you live in, or have clients in: FL, WA, CA, HI)

 (Outside Agents’ profile on HAR)

We do this every week! If you have travel industry questions, HAR likely has an answer :) Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips!