TravelPulse Podcast

This week I first discuss the latest trending news in travel, including big brands partnering together, the government's new rules for airlines, and so much more.  Later, I'm joined by two guests: Cat Brask, Marketing Director at Northstar Travel Group and LaTasha Henderson, travel advisor with 2B1 Travel by Dream Vacations.  We talk about the CruiseWorld event - how it goes beyond cruising, how travel advisors can benefit, the epic lineup for ship inspections this year, and much more. Brask and Henderson also share insights into the STAR program that is available for all travel advisors.  The interview on CruiseWorld begins after the 14-minute mark. Today’s episode sponsor: Travel Insured  Travel mostly comes down to two simple things: a FOMO bucket-list, and financing it! Am I right? This is why TravelInsured.com is travel protection that can help with those big trip decisions. You’ll love how customizable the coverage is, which helps manage what you can’t control from departure to arrival. Get going with an easy online quote, and depending on the plan and availability, upgrade with the Cancel For Any Reason add-on benefit for an extra cost. The best part is, with protection that meets the moment, it's easy to say yes to new adventures at TravelInsured.com Have any feedback or questions? Want to sponsor the show? Contact us at Podcast@TravelPulse.com and follow us on social media @TravelPulse. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week I first discuss the latest trending news in travel, including big cruise news, new rules from the FAA for air traffic controllers, Amsterdam's big changes and more.  Later, I interview Barbra Merwin, President of Travel Insured. Merwin talks about how the travel insurance sector has changed following the pandemic and common misconceptions about travel insurance. Additionally, she shares advice and insights for travel advisors in handling travel insurance with their clients.  The interview on travel insurance begins at the 11-minute mark. Today’s episode sponsor: Travel Insured  Travel mostly comes down to two simple things: a FOMO bucket-list, and financing it! Am I right? This is why TravelInsured.com is travel protection that can help with those big trip decisions. You’ll love how customizable the coverage is, which helps manage what you can’t control from departure to arrival. Get going with an easy online quote, and depending on the plan and availability, upgrade with the Cancel For Any Reason add-on benefit for an extra cost. The best part is, with protection that meets the moment, it's easy to say yes to new adventures at TravelInsured.com Have any feedback or questions? Want to sponsor the show? Contact us at Podcast@TravelPulse.com and follow us on social media @TravelPulse. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week I first discuss the latest trending news in travel, including travel in the Middle East right now following Iran's attack on Israel, how airfare prices are trending ahead of summer, and so much more.  Later, Ali Krupnik, Chief Wellness Officer & Founder of My Well Co, joins me to chat about wellness travel today. Krupnik shares insights into how this sector of travel has transformed over recent years, the top trending destinations right now, and more.  The discussion on wellness travel begins just after the 9-minute mark.  Today’s episode sponsor: Travel Insured  Travel mostly comes down to two simple things: a FOMO bucket-list, and financing it! Am I right? This is why TravelInsured.com is travel protection that can help with those big trip decisions. You’ll love how customizable the coverage is, which helps manage what you can’t control from departure to arrival. Get going with an easy online quote, and depending on the plan and availability, upgrade with the Cancel For Any Reason add-on benefit for an extra cost. The best part is, with protection that meets the moment, it's easy to say yes to new adventures at TravelInsured.com Have any feedback or questions? Want to sponsor the show? Contact us at Podcast@TravelPulse.com and follow us on social media @TravelPulse. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week I'm joined by Andrea Wright, Vice President, Luxury Sales at Opulence by OutsideAgents. Together we first discuss the latest trending news in the travel industry, including record breaking tourism numbers, the projections for the most active Hurricane Season ever, and much more.  Later, Wright shares her insights into the meaning of luxury travel and what's hot in the luxury space, from yachts to villas to private jets and more. She also offers up advice to fellow travel advisors on expanding luxury travel sales.  The luxury travel discussion begins at the 17-minute mark.  Today’s episode sponsor: Travel Insured  Travel mostly comes down to two simple things: a FOMO bucket-list, and financing it! Am I right? This is why TravelInsured.com is travel protection that can help with those big trip decisions. You’ll love how customizable the coverage is, which helps manage what you can’t control from departure to arrival. Get going with an easy online quote, and depending on the plan and availability, upgrade with the Cancel For Any Reason add-on benefit for an extra cost. The best part is, with protection that meets the moment, it's easy to say yes to new adventures at TravelInsured.com Have any feedback or questions? Want to sponsor the show? Contact us at Podcast@TravelPulse.com and follow us on social media @TravelPulse. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week I'm joined by Mario Lopez, President of Destination Weddings Expert and Destination Wedding University. Together we first discuss the latest trending news in the travel industry, including privacy and fraud in travel, updates from the major US airlines, new developments for cruise line private islands and more.  Later, Lopez shares insights into the top trends in destination weddings and honeymoon travel, from fewer toes in the sand to more and more honeymoons in Europe. Lopez also provides tips for managing sargassum season in Mexico and the Caribbean and more tips for how travel advisors can improve their business in this market.  The destination weddings and honeymoon travel discussion begins at the 14-minute mark.  Today’s episode sponsor: Travel Insured  Travel mostly comes down to two simple things: a FOMO bucket-list, and financing it! Am I right? This is why TravelInsured.com is travel protection that can help with those big trip decisions. You’ll love how customizable the coverage is, which helps manage what you can’t control from departure to arrival. Get going with an easy online quote, and depending on the plan and availability, upgrade with the Cancel For Any Reason add-on benefit for an extra cost. The best part is, with protection that meets the moment, it's easy to say yes to new adventures at TravelInsured.com Have any feedback or questions? Want to sponsor the show? Contact us at Podcast@TravelPulse.com and follow us on social media @TravelPulse. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week I'm joined by Sydne Stubbs of Those Who Wander Travel and Ryan Doncsecz of VIP Vacations.  Together we discuss the latest trending news in the travel industry. Four years ago today the travel world was a week into the pandemic shutdown - how has the industry changed now that the world has reached pre-pandemic openness levels?  Other news talking points include Boeing's continued woes, Airbnb's latest move, river cruising on the rise, and more.  Today’s episode sponsor: Travel Insured  Travel mostly comes down to two simple things: a FOMO bucket-list, and financing it! Am I right? This is why TravelInsured.com is travel protection that can help with those big trip decisions. You’ll love how customizable the coverage is, which helps manage what you can’t control from departure to arrival. Get going with an easy online quote, and depending on the plan and availability, upgrade with the Cancel For Any Reason add-on benefit for an extra cost. The best part is, with protection that meets the moment, it's easy to say yes to new adventures at TravelInsured.com Have any feedback or questions? Want to sponsor the show? Contact us at Podcast@TravelPulse.com and follow us on social media @TravelPulse. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome back to another episode of the TravelPulse Podcast!  This week I'm joined by Michael Consoli, a record-setting agency owner with Cruise Planners. Together we first discuss the latest trending news in travel, including TSA's new self-service screening system, supplier shutdowns, and more.  Later, Consoli shares his thoughts on where the cruise industry excels and where it needs improvement. Consoli had a record $40 million in sales in 2023, and he closes the show with his top advice for fellow travel advisors.  The discussion on the cruise industry begins after the 13-minute mark.  Today’s episode sponsor: Travel Insured  Travel mostly comes down to two simple things: a FOMO bucket-list, and financing it! Am I right? This is why TravelInsured.com is travel protection that can help with those big trip decisions. You’ll love how customizable the coverage is, which helps manage what you can’t control from departure to arrival. Get going with an easy online quote, and depending on the plan and availability, upgrade with the Cancel For Any Reason add-on benefit for an extra cost. The best part is, with protection that meets the moment, it's easy to say yes to new adventures at TravelInsured.com Have any feedback or questions? Want to sponsor the show? Contact us at Podcast@TravelPulse.com and follow us on social media @TravelPulse. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week I'm joined by Abbey Meyer, CEO and co-owner of Sky High Travel to first discuss the latest trending news in the travel industry, including JetBlue and Spirit agreeing to end their merger plans, another new tourism fee, and so much more.  Later, Meyer shares her insights on the latest trends for the Spring Break travel season, including what's impacting family decision-making and which destinations are standing out. Meyer also provides tips for travel advisors to make it through this spring.  The discussion on Spring Break travel begins after the 13-minute mark.  Today’s episode sponsor: Travel Insured  Travel mostly comes down to two simple things: a FOMO bucket-list, and financing it! Am I right? This is why TravelInsured.com. is travel protection that can help with those big trip decisions. You’ll love how customizable the coverage is, which helps manage what you can’t control from departure to arrival. Get going with an easy online quote, and depending on the plan and availability, upgrade with the Cancel For Any Reason add-on benefit for an extra cost. The best part is, with protection that meets the moment, it's easy to say yes to new adventures at TravelInsured.com. Have any feedback or questions? Want to sponsor the show? Contact us at Podcast@TravelPulse.com and follow us on social media @TravelPulse. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week I first discuss the latest trending news in travel, including American Queen Voyages shutting down, airlines raising fees, and much more.  Later, Chris Prelog, President of Windstar Cruises joins the show. He discusses what makes Windstar stand out when it comes to cruising in Tahiti and what travelers need to know before visiting. Prelog also shares more information on Windstar's new mystery cruise offer and the story about his recent sailing on how the ship had to pivot to avoid cyclones.  The interview with Prelog begins after the 11-minute mark.  Today’s episode sponsor: Windstar Cruises Your clients can discover Tahiti like never before with Windstar Cruises.  With over 35 years of expertise exploring Tahiti, Windstar now welcomes the award-winning, all-suite Star Breeze to Papeete for even more unparalleled experiences year-round. Windstar in Tahiti visits up to nine islands, has onboard enrichment programs with a Polynesian culture ambassador, and the most frequent departures of any cruise line. New in 2024 are voyages to the remote Marquesas islands; swimming with manta rays; and your clients can even plant their own coral and help to restore the ocean. This is Tahiti redefined. Contact Windstar today at 844.625.0198 or visit www.windstarcruises.com. Have any feedback or questions? Want to sponsor the show? Contact us at Podcast@TravelPulse.com and follow us on social media @TravelPulse. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, I'm joined by Mandee Migliaccio, CEO of Stepping Out Travel, and Stephen Scott, CEO of Travel Hub 365 and the Odyssey Travel App. Together we first talk about the top trending news of the week, including new improvements coming to US airports, a new call to action for EU travel, and more.  Later, the discussion turns to the FAM trip experience. Migliaccio and Scott share their thoughts on how the FAM trip has changed post pandemic and provide quality advice for fellow travel advisors to make sure they're making the most of the FAM trip.  The FAM trip discussion begins at the 17-minute mark.  Today’s episode sponsor: Windstar Cruises Your clients can discover Tahiti like never before with Windstar Cruises.  With over 35 years of expertise exploring Tahiti, Windstar now welcomes the award-winning, all-suite Star Breeze to Papeete for even more unparalleled experiences year-round. Windstar in Tahiti visits up to nine islands, has onboard enrichment programs with a Polynesian culture ambassador, and the most frequent departures of any cruise line. New in 2024 are voyages to the remote Marquesas islands; swimming with manta rays; and your clients can even plant their own coral and help to restore the ocean. This is Tahiti redefined. Contact Windstar today at 844.625.0198 or visit www.windstarcruises.com. Have any feedback or questions? Want to sponsor the show? Contact us at Podcast@TravelPulse.com and follow us on social media @TravelPulse. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, I'm joined by Alyssa Dial of LovinAway Travel to discuss the latest trending news in travel, including Jamaica's pushback against US travel advisory, cruise line private islands, and more.  Later, Dial shares her thoughts on the latest romance travel trends. What's standing out for couples and impacting their travel decisions? Which destinations are standing out? Dial shares insights on this and provides advice for fellow travel advisors on selling romance travel.  The romance travel discussion begins at the 17-minute mark.  Today’s episode sponsor: Windstar Cruises Your clients can discover Tahiti like never before with Windstar Cruises.  With over 35 years of expertise exploring Tahiti, Windstar now welcomes the award-winning, all-suite Star Breeze to Papeete for even more unparalleled experiences year-round. Windstar in Tahiti visits up to nine islands, has onboard enrichment programs with a Polynesian culture ambassador, and the most frequent departures of any cruise line. New in 2024 are voyages to the remote Marquesas islands; swimming with manta rays; and your clients can even plant their own coral and help to restore the ocean. This is Tahiti redefined. Contact Windstar today at 844.625.0198 or visit www.windstarcruises.com. Have any feedback or questions? Want to sponsor the show? Contact us at Podcast@TravelPulse.com and follow us on social media @TravelPulse. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, I first discuss the latest trending news in the travel industry, including airline merger updates, President Biden's social media post on air travel, and much more.  Later, I'm joined by Peter Bopp, Director of Research at the Family Travel Association and Tyson Wharton, owner of Sioux Empire Travel to discuss the 2024 outlook for family travel. Bopp and Wharton share insights on 2024 family travel trends, top destinations, and advice for travel advisors.  The discussion on family travel begins at the 11-minute mark.  Today’s episode sponsor: Windstar Cruises Your clients can discover Tahiti like never before with Windstar Cruises.  With over 35 years of expertise exploring Tahiti, Windstar now welcomes the award-winning, all-suite Star Breeze to Papeete for even more unparalleled experiences year-round. Windstar in Tahiti visits to up to nine islands, has onboard enrichment programs with a Polynesian culture ambassador, and the most frequent departures of any cruise line. New in 2024 are voyages to the remote Marquesas islands; swimming with manta rays; and your clients can even plant their own coral and help to restore the ocean. This is Tahiti redefined. Contact Windstar today at 844.625.0198 or visit www.windstarcruises.com. Have any feedback or questions? Want to sponsor the show? Contact us at Podcast@TravelPulse.com and follow us on social media @TravelPulse. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, I first discuss the latest trending news in the travel industry, including updates on the JetBlue-Spirit merger, new details about Universal Orlando's new Epic Universe theme park, and much more.  Later, hear my thoughts on Icon of the Seas as well as details from Royal Caribbean executives Vicki Freed, SVP of Sales, Trade Support for Royal Caribbean. Additionally, hear comments from Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International and Jason Liberty, President and CEO for Royal Caribbean Group during the onboard Q&A with the media.  The discussion around Icon of the Seas begins after the 9-minute mark.  Have any feedback or questions? Want to sponsor the show? Contact us at Podcast@TravelPulse.com and follow us on social media @TravelPulse. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, I first discuss the latest trending news in the travel industry, including updates on Boeing 737-Max 9's return, JetBlue-Spirit merger dying out, and much more.  Later, I interview Dale Buckner, CEO of Global Guardian, to talk about the world's riskiest and safest travel destinations. Buckner shares his thoughts on the current state of global tourism as well as tips for traveling safely.  The interview on risky and safe travel destinations begins after the 9-minute mark.  Have any feedback or questions? Want to sponsor the show? Contact us at Podcast@TravelPulse.com and follow us on social media @TravelPulse. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, I'm joined by Jesse Morris, owner of We Book Travel, to first discuss the latest trending news in the travel industry, including Boeing's rough start to 2024, a new ban in Las Vegas, and much more.  Later, Morris and I dive into the 2024 Wave Season outlook. Morris shares insights into what the expectations are this year and how wave season is continually changing post-pandemic. He also provides terrific tips for travel advisors when it comes to excelling this Wave Season.  The discussion on Wave Season begins after the 22-minute mark.  Have any feedback or questions? Want to sponsor the show? Contact us at Podcast@TravelPulse.com and follow us on social media @TravelPulse. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, I'm joined by Veranda Adkins – founder of Travel Legacy, a high-end travel agency, and the Association of Black Travel Professionals, an organization dedicated to the development of Black travel agents.  Together we first discuss the latest trending news in travel, including FAA grounding Boeing planes, winter storm impacting flights and more.  Later, Adkins and I dive into what we can expect from travel in 2024. She also shares her top advice for travel advisors to grow their business in 2024.  The discussion on 2024 travel trends begins after the 16-minute mark.  Today’s episode sponsor: Travel Agent Academy Travel Agent Academy provides you with the most advanced, interactive travel agent training available today on products sure to both impress and protect your clients – from popular destinations to top resorts around the world plus cruises and comprehensive travel insurance. The award-winning content is designed to help you learn and retain information in fun and interactive ways, and help increase bookings by empowering you to sell as a specialist. You’ll learn how to acquire a strong grasp of each product’s key selling points. You can gain credits, earn rewards, and even learn on the go on your tablet device. Learn more about these free programs at TravelAgentAcademy.com Have any feedback or questions? Want to sponsor the show? Contact us at Podcast@TravelPulse.com and follow us on social media @TravelPulse. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, I'm joined by travel advisor Ryan Doncsecz of VIP Vacations. We recap the top storylines in travel from 2023, discussing war's impact on travel, airline mergers, new tourism fees, the rise in demand for travel advisors, and so much more.  Today’s episode sponsor: Windstar Cruises As you pen down your New Year's resolutions, make 2024 the year of extraordinary experiences with Windstar Cruises. Sail onboard their boutique, all-suite yachts or iconic sailboats to the picturesque corners of Europe, the Caribbean, Tahiti and beyond. Immerse yourself in port-intensive itineraries, exceptional service, and an innovative culinary program curated by the official cruise line of the James Beard Foundation. For a voyage that's not just a journey but a masterpiece like no other, choose Windstar Cruises. Contact Your Travel Advisor Today or Visit WindstarCruises.com Have any feedback or questions? Want to sponsor the show? Contact us at Podcast@TravelPulse.com and follow us on social media @TravelPulse. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome back to another episode of the TravelPulse Podcast!  This week, I'm joined by Heather Di Pietro, owner of Travel Sales Group and She the World Luxury Guided Experiences, to first discuss the latest trending news in travel, including Southwest's record penalty, big happenings in Mexico, and more.  Later, Di Pietro shares insights into what's trending in group travel. She highlights the challenges of booking groups, and how to overcome them and provides advice to fellow advisors.  The discussion on group travel begins at the 18-minute mark.  Today’s episode sponsor: Windstar Cruises As you pen down your New Year's resolutions, make 2024 the year of extraordinary experiences with Windstar Cruises. Sail onboard their boutique, all-suite yachts or iconic sailboats to the picturesque corners of Europe, the Caribbean, Tahiti and beyond. Immerse yourself in port-intensive itineraries, exceptional service, and an innovative culinary program curated by the official cruise line of the James Beard Foundation. For a voyage that's not just a journey but a masterpiece like no other, choose Windstar Cruises. Contact Your Travel Advisor Today or Visit WindstarCruises.com Have any feedback or questions? Want to sponsor the show? Contact us at Podcast@TravelPulse.com and follow us on social media @TravelPulse. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, I'm joined by Brian Major, Caribbean travel expert and Managing Editor of Digital Guides here at TravelPulse. Together we first discuss the latest trending news in the travel industry, including TSA's prototype for self-screening passengers, new high-speed rail projects in the United States, and much more.  Later, Major provides the top storylines in Caribbean travel from 2023. He shares which destinations stood out the most this year in the Caribbean, the underrated places on the rise, and his top advice for traveling to the islands.  The discussion on Caribbean travel updates begin after the 15-minute mark.  Today’s episode sponsor: Windstar Cruises As you pen down your New Year's resolutions, make 2024 the year of extraordinary experiences with Windstar Cruises. Sail onboard their boutique, all-suite yachts or iconic sailboats to the picturesque corners of Europe, the Caribbean, Tahiti and beyond. Immerse yourself in port-intensive itineraries, exceptional service, and an innovative culinary program curated by the official cruise line of the James Beard Foundation. For a voyage that's not just a journey but a masterpiece like no other, choose Windstar Cruises. Contact Your Travel Advisor Today or Visit WindstarCruises.com Have any feedback or questions? Want to sponsor the show? Contact us at Podcast@TravelPulse.com and follow us on social media @TravelPulse. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week I first discuss the latest trending news in travel, including Alaska Airlines buying Hawaiian Airlines, new updates to popular theme parks, and more.  Later in the show, I interview Chris Prelog, President of Windstar Cruises. Prelog shares the latest news and offerings from Windstar Cruises. Plus, we learn how he became known as Mr. Tahiti.  The interview with Prelog begins after the 11-minute mark.  Today’s episode sponsor: Windstar Cruises As you pen down your New Year's resolutions, make 2024 the year of extraordinary experiences with Windstar Cruises. Sail onboard their boutique, all-suite yachts or iconic sailboats to the picturesque corners of Europe, the Caribbean, Tahiti and beyond. Immerse yourself in port-intensive itineraries, exceptional service, and an innovative culinary program curated by the official cruise line of the James Beard Foundation. For a voyage that's not just a journey but a masterpiece like no other, choose Windstar Cruises. Contact Your Travel Advisor Today or Visit WindstarCruises.com Have any feedback or questions? Want to sponsor the show? Contact us at Podcast@TravelPulse.com and follow us on social media @TravelPulse. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.