Trade Secrets Podcast

In the season finale of Trade Secrets, co-hosts Jamie Biesiada and Emma Weissmann share their top 25 travel predictions for 2025, covering everything from trends in the travel agency and tech landscape to destinations and travel styles they have their eyes on for the coming year. They also share some exciting news – Trade Secrets recently took home an award for Best Travel/Leisure Podcast in the annual Eddie and Ozzie Awards! The sixth season of Trade Secrets will debut in early 2025. Further resources Mentioned on the show: From TravelAge West, The top 5 trends for 2025 From TravelAge West, This cruise expert reached $3 million in annual sales using TikTok From Travel Weekly, Women-only tours: A niche that is going mainstream From Travel Weekly, Summer of the destination ‘dupes’ From Travel Weekly, A host of problems Host Agency Reviews’ Travel Agency Software Profiles Tern Approach Guides Epic Universe From Travel Weekly, more about Universal Horror Unleashed in Las Vegas Travel Weekly’s 2024 Travel Industry Survey From Travel Weekly, some reading on different aircraft designs being developed The new autonomous wheelchairs at Miami Airport Need advice? Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098 Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com   Theme song: Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From ASTA’s fight against American Airlines’ distribution strategy to the Taylor Swift effect on the travel industry, 2024 was bursting with headlines that affected travel advisors. This week on Trade Secrets, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada talk about the major travel trends and events that shaped the agency landscape. Further resources Mentioned on the show: Trade Secrets episode featuring Andrea Grisdale and a discussion on Italy Trade Secrets episode featuring David Kolner and a discussion on generational travel Emma on the Taylor Swift cruise SNAP, an air booking tool developed by Internova Travel Group and Sabre Omar Banihani's TravelAge West op-ed about the evolution of home-based advisors Some reading on American Airlines and its distribution strategy, including the fallout A win for travel advisors: American Airlines scraps controversial NDC strategy A victory for travel advisors was cause for celebration at the ASTA conference Alienating travel agencies could cost American Airlines $1.5 billion American Airlines unveils revised NDC plans, returns fares to GDSs American rebuilds sales staff, trying to win back agencies and corporates American Airlines says it is gradually winning back corporate business Travel Weekly's 2024 Power List Some reading (and listening) on Jenn Lee's Vacation Planners Need advice? Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098 Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com   Theme song: Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Balancing work responsibilities with the needs of personal life has become exponentially more difficult for travel advisors as workloads have increased. But it’s also critically important to find time for friends, family and hobbies outside of work, and to develop systems at work that improve efficiency and allow you to step away. What kind of boundaries should you set, and how can you enforce them? What can you automate to take more things off your plate? Hear all about this and more on this episode of Trade Secrets, featuring Host Agency Reviews founder Stephanie Lee. Further resources Host Agency Reviews on the web Steph Lee’s email and LinkedIn page Mentioned on this episode: Host Agency Reviews' guide to writing job descriptions From Travel Weekly, Dispatch, Disney World: The day after Milton's visit From Travel Weekly, Dispatch, Wondrous moments from a Taylor Swift affinity cruise From TravelAge West, HAR launches travel advisor tech software directory From Travel Weekly, Host Agency Reviews starts listing technology providers Steph Lee’s previous appearance on Trade Secrets Trade Secrets episode on dealing with travel advisor burnout Host Agency Reviews’ software profiles Calendly Text Blaze Need advice? Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098 Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com   Theme song: Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What’s the difference between a tour operator and a destination management company (DMC)? How can advisors find DMCs to work with, and what are the top do’s and don’ts of working with them? What if a contact at a DMC ghosts a travel advisor? Hear the answers to these questions and more in this week’s episode of Trade Secrets, where co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada chat about all things DMCs with Andrea Grisdale, CEO and founder of I.C. Bellagio in Italy. This episode is sponsored by AmaWaterways. Further resources IC Bellagio on the web Andrea Grisdale’s email Mentioned in this episode: Death of a Travel Advisor by Dori Saltzman - From TravelAge West: The ultimate travel advisor guide to destination management companies Conde Nast’s travel specialists Travel + Leisure’s A List Wendy Perrin’s WOW List Need advice? Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098 Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com   Theme song: Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Trade Secrets takes on the world. Jennifer Doncsecz of VIP Vacations returns to the podcast to discuss her specialty: destination weddings and honeymoons. She talks about everything from getting started selling destination weddings and honeymoons, to turning those travelers into clients for life. Then, she answers a number of listener questions about destinations, ranging from the benefits of visiting a spot before selling it, qualifying for fam trips and where to send clients headed to Europe for the first time. This episode is sponsored by AmaWaterways. Further resources VIP Vacations on Facebook Jennifer Doncsecz’s email Jennifer’s previous Trade Secrets episodes: All things branding Destination weddings and honeymoons Mentioned in this episode: Death of a Travel Advisor by Dori Saltzman -  The Travel Institute’s course on destination weddings and honeymoons From Travel Weekly, Getting into groups Need advice? Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098 Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com   Theme song: Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trade Secrets is on the road again, this time at Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas. In the second episode of a three-part series recorded on-site in Las Vegas, Megan Vatnsdal, owner of Onyx & Evergreen Travel and affiliate of Four Hundred, talks about how she’s spent the past few years building her luxury-focused agency. She and co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada cover everything from building a book of business, to getting in front of luxury clients, to using events to network. This episode is sponsored by AmaWaterways. Further resources Megan Vatnsdal on Instagram, Facebook and the web Mentioned in this episode: Four Hundred BNI (Business Network International) From Travel Weekly, evidence of normalization in travel this year Trade Secrets at Virtuoso Travel Week, part 1 Need advice? Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098 Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com   Theme song: Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trade Secrets is on the road again, this time at Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas. In the first episode of a three-part series recorded on site, Virtuoso executive vice president David Kolner shares updates on Virtuoso’s annual event, how advisors are selling so much right now, the different habits of each generation and what the term “luxury” means to him. Kolner also talks about Maui recovery and what travel advisors can do to help the island. This episode is sponsored by Allianz Partners.  Further resources Virtuoso’s website David Kolner on LinkedIn and Instagram UBS’s Global Wealth Report 2024 From TravelAge West: Five things we learned at Virtuoso Travel Week 2024 From Travel Weekly: Travel is flourishing, and Virtuoso says it’s at the top of the heap High prices are giving luxury travelers pause, but they’re paying Going back to Maui Need advice?   Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098 Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com   Theme song: Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Chad Burt of Outside Agents joins Jamie Biesiada and Emma Weissmann of Trade Secrets for our annual “mailbag” episode, featuring travel advisor listener questions on a variety of topics. During the episode, we’ll dig into advanced use cases of generative AI, airline loyalty, host agency affiliations, picking a travel advisor specialty and more.  This episode is sponsored by Allianz Partners USA.  Further resources and related readings Outside Agents on the web  Outside Agents’ blog More about Outside Agents’ MAGgie technology Outside Agents’ Power Prompts Chad’s book of prompts - password: oastrong Mentioned in this episode and related reading: Canva  Trade Secrets episode on generative AI  Some recent Travel Weekly coverage on consolidators Trade Secrets episode on switching host agencies  Need advice? Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098 Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com   Theme song: Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New travel advisors, look no further than this episode of Trade Secrets for advice on everything from setting up your business, to finding clients, to prioritizing fam trip destinations. Co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada are joined by KHM Travel Group’s Bill Coyle, vice president of agent engagement, to tackle listener questions on that and more. This episode is sponsored by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts.  Further resources Connect with KHM Travel Group online, on Facebook, on Instagram, on YouTube and on LinkedIn Encompass the World Travel, Bill Coyle’s family agency Mentioned in this episode and related reading: From Travel Weekly, stories on card mills and the history of host agencies Travel Weekly’s Legal Briefs column by industry attorney Mark Pestronk (many articles talk about terms and conditions) From TravelAge West, an article on terms and conditions by industry attorney Jeffrey Ment The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) and its educational offerings The Travel Institute  The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and its educational offerings Trade Secrets episode on fam trips Need advice? Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098 Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com   Theme song: Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Travel advisors, how do you handle it when a client has unrealistic expectations? What if they ask to stay at a property you wouldn’t recommend (especially if they serve truly lackluster midnight hotdogs)? What do you do when their budget is unrealistic for the trip they want? Or, what if they have a really bad experience while they’re in-destination? Get advice on all that and more in this week’s episode of Trade Secrets, where co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada are joined by Abbey Meyer, CEO of Sky High Travel in St. Louis, Missouri. This episode is sponsored by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts. Further resources Sky High Travel on the web, Facebook and Instagram Resources mentioned in this episode and related reading: Trade Secrets episode with Tique’s Jennifer Jacob, who talks about the “bless and release” method of breaking up with clients Abbey Meyer on Humans in the Hot Seat Need advice? Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098 Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com   Theme song: Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When it’s time to expand your business, what’s the best way to do it? Should you hire independent contractors, employees or assistants? Then, once they’re onboarded, how do you effectively train — and, subsequently, trust — your new people? All that and more is covered in this week’s Trade Secrets, when co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada talk business expansion with Julie Lanham, president of Vacations to Remember in Augusta, Ga. Thanks to our friends at Jetset World Travel for helping us solicit travel advisor questions this season. This episode is sponsored by All-Inclusive by Marriott Bonvoy. Further resources Julie Lanham on Instagram Mentioned in this episode: From TravelAge West: Why you should consider hiring an international virtual assistant From TravelAge West: Travel agencies are struggling to hire qualified advisors, according to a new survey Lucia Need advice? Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098 Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com   Theme song: Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Marketing is an important part of most travel advisors’ businesses. This week on Trade Secrets, Christina Vieira of Showcase the World Travel discusses finding your “why,” identifying ideal clients and reaching those clients on the platforms that make sense. She also discusses the importance of a good email marketing plan, automation and more with co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada. Thanks to our friends at Key to the World Travel for helping us solicit travel advisor questions this season. This episode is sponsored by All-Inclusive by Marriott Bonvoy.  Further resources Christina Vieira on Instagram and Facebook Magic Made Simple, which helps travel agents set up systems, online and on Instagram From Magic Made Simple, just for Trade Secrets listeners: Six workflows to automate From TravelAge West: Gifted Travel Network’s luxury travel symposium on the rivers Christina Vieira’s five Rs: Recognize Recommendation Relate Respond Request Mentioned in this episode: Simon Sinek’s TED Talk “Building a StoryBrand: Clarify Your Message So Customers Will Listen,” by Donald Miller ActiveCampaign Zapier LeadPages Need advice? Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098 Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com   Theme song: Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When the State Department upgrades its travel advisory for a destination, or updates an advisory with new information, it can make clients a little jumpy. How should travel agents navigate the situation? Get the answer on this week’s episode of Trade Secrets, when co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada are joined by travel advisor Brittany Shuford of Darling Destinations in Birmingham, Ala. Thanks to our friends at OutsideAgents.com for helping us solicit travel advisor questions this season.  This episode is sponsored by Travel Insured International.  Further resources Find Brittany Shuford on Instagram and Facebook Mentioned in this episode: The State Department’s travel site, Travel.State.Gov The State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) Emma’s Humans of Travel podcast Travel attorney Mark Pestronk’s free resources, including disclaimer and release forms A travel agent guide to selling high-risk travel Need advice? Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098 Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com   Theme song: Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to season five of Trade Secrets. In this episode, hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada welcome Nexion Travel Group president Jackie Friedman on the show to talk about the value of travel advisors. They discuss the modern history of the profession and the evolution from “agent” to “advisor,” then answer listener questions about standing out from the crowd, how advisors can sell their own value and what makes a good elevator pitch. Thanks to our friends at WorldVia for helping us solicit travel advisor questions this season.  This episode is sponsored by Travel Insured International. Further resources Nexion Travel Group on the web Reach out to Jackie Friedman via email Mentioned in this episode: Erica Carr’s bookitbox Travel Christine Potthoff’s travel beCAUSE Courtnie Nichols’ client gifting strategy Need advice? Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098 Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com   Theme song: Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to the season four finale of Trade Secrets. This week, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada welcome Royal Caribbean’s Vicki Freed, senior vice president of sales and trade support and service, and Jamie Margolis, owner of the Dream Vacations franchise Moms at Sea, during the second installment of a two-part series with Freed (listen to part one here).  During the episode, Freed and Margolis talk about the importance of forming — and maintaining — a good agent-supplier relationship, the “unicorn” cabins onboard Royal Caribbean ships that offer more space for less money, the value proposition of cruising and more. In two weeks, Trade Secrets will release a special episode about the making of the podcast. It will return for season five two weeks after that, on April 8. This episode is sponsored by Travel Insured International.  Further resources Contact Vicki Freed by email or her personal cell phone, 305-458-0463 Find Jamie Margolis and Moms at Sea online, on Facebook and on Instagram The last Trade Secrets episode, also featuring Vicki Freed From Travel Weekly, Agent Life: From Facebook group to franchisee: Moms at Sea’s fantastic voyage  Mentioned in this episode: The Taylor Swift cruise: From TravelAge West, Who is Marvelous Mouse Travels, and why is it hosting a Taylor Swift-themed cruise?  Sign up for Vicki’s Tips online  On Millie Schwartz, from Travel Weekly: At 90, Schwartz still drawn to selling travel  An example of Carnival’s Fun Ship cruise commercials from the 1980s Need advice? Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098 Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com   Theme song: Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Get ready for a cruise-filled episode of Trade Secrets. This week, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada welcome Royal Caribbean's Vicki Freed, senior vice president of sales and trade support and service, and Nick Weir, senior vice president of entertainment, onto the show. Hop aboard as we dive into everything from the brand-new Icon of the Seas — billed as the largest cruise ship at sea — to what it takes to entertain Royal’s millions of cruisers. This is the first of a two-part series featuring Freed; join us next time for a discussion on creating a strong advisor-supplier relationship. This episode is sponsored by Windstar Cruises.  Further resources Contact Vicki Freed by email or her personal cell phone, 305-458-0463 Follow Nick Weir on X (formerly Twitter) Royal’s trade marketing hub (also home to the link to register for Vicki’s Coffee Talk) Vicki Freed on Humans of Travel: Royal Caribbean’s Vicki Freed on breaking into the cruise industry _ and meeting the boss who helped shape her Icon of the Seas coverage Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas takes thrills to the max Royal Caribbean sets a new cruise benchmark with Icon of the Seas Need advice? Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098 Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com   Theme song: Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Travel advisors, are you stuck in the technological past? In this episode of Trade Secrets,  Brian Shultz, chief information officer for Cruise Planners, joins hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada to talk about the latest in tech offerings for advisors, game-changing generative AI use cases and tools that can save you both time and money.  This episode is sponsored by Windstar Cruises.  Further resources and related reading: Meet Cruise Planners’ Brian Shultz  Cruise Planners’ website and franchise site Trade Secrets episode on generative AI: How do I use generative AI to improve my travel agency’s workflow? From TravelAge West: WTTC report: Artificial intelligence has the potential to ‘revolutionize’ travel and tourism How travel advisors can get ahead using artificial intelligence From Travel Weekly: Travel takes on generative AI At Ensemble event, confronting the emergence of AI in travel Travel advisor Lorryn Langton’s poem created with generative AI, made for a group headed to Puerto Vallarta and posted in their private Facebook page: T'was the night before Mexico, in the Midwest so cold, the women were bustling, their spirits so bold. With tequila in mind and pools to explore, they readied themselves for adventures galore. Sunshine awaited, a tropical delight, a respite from winter, a warm welcome sight. Catamaran sailings and whale spotting too, an escape from the cold, a dream coming true. The bags were all packed, passports in hand, visions of palm trees and white sandy land. To Mexico they'd go, leaving winter behind, A getaway to unwind, a paradise they'd find. Spa time awaited, relaxation in store, A pampering session, leaving stress at the door. In the warmth of the sun, with a breeze so divine, They'd sip on cocktails, letting worries decline. So, on the eve of departure, excitement so high, the women embraced, beneath the moonlit sky. To Mexico they'd journey, from the cold they'd break free, a holiday adventure, just as it should be. Need advice? Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098 Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com   Theme song: Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop 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, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada gaze into their crystal balls to reveal what 2024 might hold for the travel agency community. They share what’s in and what’s out for this year, along with major trends that will shape the advisor landscape. They’ll even share some resolutions for themselves and for the podcast.  Here’s a preview of what’s in and what’s out, according to our hosts. Emma’s “in for 2024” list: Using a travel advisor! High prices for both accommodations and airfare. Europe: Italy, Greece and Portugal are all hot spots. Group and event travel. River cruising for younger generations. Authentic, immersive experiences. Emma’s “out for 2024” list: Peak-season travel (book shoulder season!) Last-minute trips (book early!) Leaving sustainability out of the conversation. Working to the point of burnout. Being afraid of technology that can actually help business. Jamie’s “in and out for 2024” list: In: Being a traveler. Out: Being a tourist (credit to Signature Travel Network’s Ignacio Mazza) In: 201 destinations. Out: 101 destinations (credit to Jetset World Travel affiliate Sarah Sullivan) In: Slow travel. Out: The quick, cram-it-all-in trip In: On-time flights. Out: Flight disruptions (fingers crossed) Out: Economy class. In: Business and first (this is an aspirational joke for Jamie, who almost always flies economy) Further resources: Trade Secrets episode on burnout, balance and more Need advice? Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098 Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com   Theme song: Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How did Christy Menzies, the owner of Menzies Luxe Retreats, achieve $1 million in sales in her first six months in business as a travel advisor? Find out the answer to that question and many more in this week’s episode of Trade Secrets, where Menzies shares her journey in the industry and offers sage advice on explaining the value of travel advisors, finding clients as a new advisor, rapidly growing sales and more. This episode is sponsored by ALG Vacations.  Further resources: Menzies Luxe Retreats on the web Christy Menzies on Instagram  Mentioned on this episode: Host Agency Reviews’ Stephanie Lee on Trade Secrets From TravelAge West: How Virtuoso Rising Star Christy Menzies Reached $1 Million in Sales in 6 Months Host Agency Reviews Jenn Lee on Trade Secrets Lucia, a freelancer marketplace Trade Secrets’ honorable mention as best travel and leisure podcast from Folio Need advice? Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098 Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com   Theme song: Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thinking of becoming a travel advisor? This is the Trade Secrets episode for you, featuring the sound advice of Steph Lee, founder of Host Agency Reviews. During this episode, delve into the world of travel advising as a profession, including what to know about starting a business, what challenges you may face and more. Already established in the industry? We’ve got plenty for you to mull on, too, from using host- or consortium-provided marketing materials, advice on moving into a management role and more. This episode is sponsored by ALG Vacations.  Further resources: Steph Lee’s Facebook, Instagram and email Host Agency Reviews (HAR) Friday 15 podcast Travel Agent Chatter podcast Questions to ask a host agency sheet Host Week Travel Jobs board Hosted Travel Advisor Report 2023 Independent Travel Advisor Report 2023 Seven-day agency setup program Lite Accelerator Course Mentioned on this episode: Travel Advisor Resource Center resources ASTA’s roadmap to becoming a travel advisor Lucia marketplace The Professional Association of Travel Hosts From TravelAge West: Travel advisors, here’s how to protect yourself from fraud Need advice? Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098 Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com   Theme song: Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.