Trade Secrets Podcast

Starting a career as a travel advisor is exciting, but it can also feel like drinking from a fire hose. From picking the right education programs and mastering daily organization to sending clients to a destination you’ve never set foot in — where do you even begin? On this episode of Trade Secrets, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada sit down with Henley Vazquez, co-founder of host agency Fora, to break it all down. Thanks to our friends at Travefy for helping us solicit travel advisor questions this season.  This episode was sponsored by Travel Insured International.  Further resources Fora on the web Fora on Instagram: Travel and community Need advice?   Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098 Email us: [email protected]   Theme song: Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As a travel advisor or supplier, what are your most pressing legal questions? That was the question posed to attendees at Future Leaders in Travel, an event for young travel advisors and suppliers powered by Travel Weekly’s sister publication, TravelAge West. Co-host Emma Weissmann was on-site at the event, held in late August in Mexico’s Riviera Maya, and sat down during the general session with Stephanie Hankins, an attorney and travel advisor at Fora, to tackle attendees’ legal questions. Hankins addresses the importance of creating iron-clad terms and conditions, how to properly classify independent contractors, how to protect yourself against fraud, the ethics of using AI and the question she most frequently receives from suppliers. This episode was recorded live, on-site, at Future Leaders in Travel, during the event’s general session on August 26. This episode was sponsored by Travel Insured International.  Further resources Ment Law Group Hankins on Instagram Future Leaders in Travel TravelAge West Need advice? Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098 Email us: [email protected]   Theme song: Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Picking a niche – or two – is a solid strategy for any agency business. This week on Trade Secrets, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada break down the benefits of specialization with Avoya’s Mickey McBride and top producer Dana Dziegiel. They cover everything from finding the right specialties to identifying great supplier partners and up-and-coming markets. Thanks to our friends at Tern for helping us solicit travel advisor questions this season. https://tern.travel/ This episode was sponsored by Travel Insured International. https://www.travelinsured.com/ Further resources Dana Dziegiel on Instagram and LinkedIn Email Mickey McBride Avoya Travel on the web Need advice?ff Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098 Email us: [email protected]   Theme song: Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Trade Secrets is coming to you from the halls of the Aria Resort & Casino at Virtuoso Travel Week. Co-host Jamie Biesiada is joined by guest host Johanna Jainchill, Travel Weekly’s editor in chief, and Virtuoso’s own David Kolner and Misty Belles. They cover the latest luxury travel trends, from the hot fall season to “maxxing” and beyond. This episode was sponsored by Travel Insured International.  Further resources Virtuoso on the web, on Instagram and on TikTok Email Virtuoso’s public relations department Mentioned in this episode: Johanna Jainchill on Trade Secrets After Dark The Bedford by Martha Stewart Brené Brown Travel Weekly’s Virtuoso Travel Week 2026 coverage: Virtuoso forecasts 2026 sales will be up nearly 21% Virtuoso unveils AI-powered intelligence tool The Takeaway: Let’s end these travel trends At Virtuoso Travel Week, word of another banner year Need advice?   Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098 Email us: [email protected]   Theme song: Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Trade Secrets, Kimberly Wilson Wetty discusses her transition from being the longtime co-owner and co-president of Valerie Wilson Travel (VWT) to her newest venture, Keep Wondering Why. Wetty reflects honestly on the decision to sell VWT – which was first acquired by another family-owned business before transitioning to ownership by Chase Travel Group – and making the choice to branch out on her own. This episode also delves into Wetty’s passion for ensuring that all travelers feel welcomed and respected. This episode was sponsored by Travel Insured International. https://www.travelinsured.com/ Further resources Kimberly Wilson Wetty on LinkedIn Keep Wondering Why on the web, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook Mentioned in this episode: Valerie Wilson on Humans of Travel Wilson Wetty’s LinkedIn posts  Breaking the glass Don’t crush the butterfly Need advice? Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098 Email us: [email protected]   Theme song: Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.