Travel Agent Chatter | Friday 15
We’ve got two listening delights for you on this channel, folks! 😲 Season 1 is Travel Agent Chatter (TAC), a spotlight interview of a wide variety of travel advisors that we publish every quarter. Season 2 is our shorter, but more frequent Friday 15 series, where every Friday we answer your travel industry questions for — you guessed it — 15 minutes! Travel Agent Chatter -- a Host Agency Reviews audio series -- inspires you with in-depth interviews featuring successful travel agents. We dig into what they do that makes their agencies flourish and how they did it. Transcripts, videos and TAC show notes can be found at...
Hosts for cruising? Overwhelmed at the beginning? FAM etiquette?
This week for the Friday 15, Shayna co-hosts with April Swales of Uniglobe Travel Center! This week we’ve got a bunch of great questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST, and you know it’s gonna be good. Join us!
-What is the best host agency for cruises? - Susan
-I recently joined a host agency and I do a ton of research but somehow I feel more lost every day. I feel a little overwhelmed with so much information and access out there that my brain is freezing. I don't know...
OTA asking for marketing advice! Which HA for low fees + great training? How DO you handle your dual roles, Jenn Lee?
This week for the Friday 15, Steph co-hosts with Jenn Lee of Vacation Planners and TPI fame! This week we’ve got a bunch of great questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST, and you know it’s gonna be good. Join us!
1. I understand this podcast typically focuses on questions from advisors, but as a global OTA, we’re working to completely revamp our program for travel advisors in the US this year. While we already have several advisors from different host agencies using our services, our goal is to establish preferred partnerships with these agencies.
I’...
Travel Insurance? Cancel for any reason? New trends?
This week for the Friday 15, Shayna and Steph are thrilled to join forces with the Arch Roamright team. They'll take on a slew of questions about travel insurance this Friday at 12 pm CST, so don't miss this one!
Sometimes clients say they’re already covered through their credit card. How do I explain the differences without sounding sales-y?I often get questions about ‘cancel for any reason’ coverage , when is it truly worth recommending, and how do I explain the limitations?Are there any new trends in travel insurance we should know about, things like adventure travel, cruises, or luxu...He turned a love of D&D into $30k bookings. $35 events = 5-figure bkgs. Meet Rocky.
****** Transcript, Images + Show Notes: https://har.news/vol33 ******
What happens when you combine a Lord of the Rings obsession, a dragon-themed jeep, and a charismatic entrepreneur? You get Rocky Dimico, the owner of Flights and Fables - one of the most uniquely branded travel agencies we've ever featured!
Rocky went full-time from day one after a life-changing trip to New Zealand sparked his "aha" moment. But this isn't just another niche story - it's a masterclass in building a brand that people can't ignore. We're talking dragon logos on Jeeps, black tents with gold dragons at v...
Tech Trends? AI Practical Use? Staying Current?
This week for the Friday 15, Shayna and Steph are thrilled to join forces with Dan Christian, fellow podcaster and host of the excellent Travel Trends podcast. They'll take on a slew of questions about tech and AI this Friday at 12 pm CST, so don't miss this one!
There are so many new travel tech tools out there, it can feel overwhelming to choose what’s actually worth investing in. How do you recommend an advisor figure out which tools will really help their business grow?One of my biggest headaches is dealing with last-minute changes, like when flights get...Tech tools? Last minute changes? Tech Stack?
Shayna and Steph team up with Stephanie Gries from Travefy to cohost the Friday 15 this week! You can check out Travefy’s profile here: Travefy | Host Agency Reviews. Here are the awesome questions they’ll tackle this Friday at 12 pm CST!
There are so many new travel tech tools out there, it can feel overwhelming to choose what’s actually worth investing in. How do you recommend an advisor figure out which tools will really help their business grow?One of my biggest headaches is dealing with last-minute changes, like when flights get cancelled or clients want to add som...Marketing my agency? Working with DMCs? Franchise vs Host?
Shayna and Steph team up with Jenn Lee from Vacation Planners to cohost the Friday 15 this week! You can check out Vacation Planners profile here: Vacation Planners | Host Agency Reviews. Here are the awesome questions they’ll tackle this Friday at 12 pm CST!
I'm stuck on making a decision. I've only had two clients in the last year (my friends). They are FITs, its honestly been a pain to deal with. I do have a supplier helping me with this, but it's still been rough. I know I've only had 2 clients because I haven't advertised. It really seems soc...Hiring an agent for my agency? Selling other products? FAMs?
Shayna and Steph team up with Jennifer Dugan from Dugan’s Travels to cohost the Friday 15 this week! You can check out Dugan’s profile here: Dugan's Travels LLC | Host Agency Reviews. Here are the awesome questions they’ll tackle this Friday at 12 pm CST!
I am a travel agent (since 2012) and own my own agency (since 2016). I am thinking of bringing on another agent and need to fully understand the differences and implications to both me as well as to the agent between me having this agent as an (a) employee, (b) and independent contractor, or (c) me bein...Balancing Work Life with Family Health Needs. Industry Standard for Payouts? Presenting Prices to Clients?
Shayna and Steph team up with Lori Speers from Levarte Travel to cohost the Friday 15 this week! You can check out Levarte’s profile here. Here are the awesome questions they’ll tackle this Friday at 12 pm CST!
Currently, I’m working as a receptionist, after my first year, I was promoted to Jr. Agent. Unfortunately, due to some health issues my son is facing, my career progress has been put on hold, and it wasn’t my choice to step back. I’ve had to prioritize his well-being, but it’s difficult not to be able to pursue my dre...Protection for Wedding Coordinator? Selling Merch as Agent? Franchise vs. Own Brand?
Steph teams up with Eric & co. of Cruise Planners to cohost the Friday 15 this week! You can check out CP's profile here. Here are the awesome questions they’ll tackle this Friday at 12 pm CST!
If you plan a destination wedding just as a coordinator - client pays vendor directly - how can you protect yourself? —Lenora D.I attend market festivals as a vendor advertising my travel business between the spring and fall. This year, I have added some physical items to sell that are related to a few countries that I advertise. Because these are physical produ...Backend business organization? Contracts? Fraud Risks?
Steph and Shayna welcome Sheila Folk of Travel Industry Solutions to cohost the Friday 15 this week! You can check out TIS’s profile here on our brand-new travel tech software profiles.Here are the juicy questions they’ll tackle this Friday, as always, at 12 pm CST!
I absolutely love working with clients and planning trips, but when it comes to the backend of running my business—things like systems, organization, and workflows—I feel like I’m constantly playing catch-up. What kinds of processes or tools should I be thinking about to stay on top of things and actually fr...Commission Splits? Selling Myself? Group Booking Contracts?
Shayna Zand and Steph join forces with Vacation Planners and Travel Planners International to host this week's Friday 15 to celebrate the beginning of the long weekend in the USA. You can check out their HAR profile HERE!
Don't forget that you can submit questions and sign up for reminders for the F15 here: https://hostagencyreviews.com/friday15 !
I am a huge fan of your podcasts and I look forward to listening to them each week. I have been in the industry for just over 2 years working part time while I build up my business. I am c...Investing in my website? Do I really need an SEO strategy?
Shayna Zand and Steph join forces with Solstice Collective to host this week's Friday 15 to celebrate the beginning of the long weekend in the USA. You can check out their HAR profile HERE! Also, we have a veritable barrage of questions this week, which you can read below, and then come and join us at 12 pm CST for the podcast.
Don't forget that you can submit questions and sign up for reminders for the F15 here: https://hostagencyreviews.com/friday15 !
I mostly get new clients from referrals. What’s the value of investing in a professional webs...Group Travel Niches? Preferred Supplier Networks? Boutique Suppliers?
Shayna Zand and Steph cohost with April Swales of Uniglobe Travel Center to host this week's Friday 15 to celebrate Travel Advisor Day/Month. You can check out their HAR profile HERE! You can scope out our questions below, then come and join us at 12 pm CST for the podcast!
Don't forget that you can submit questions and sign up for reminders for the F15 here: https://hostagencyreviews.com/friday15 !
1. I am thinking of getting into travel advising to share my love of animals. I have traveled to Kenya on a safari with a s...
How To Trademark Your Agency? Interested in Multi-Gen Niche!
Shayna Zand and Steph join forces with Fora Travel to host this week's Friday 15 to celebrate the beginning of May. You can check out their HAR profile HERE! Also, we have a veritable barrage of questions this week, which you can read below, and then come and join us at 12 pm CST for the podcast.
Don't forget that you can submit questions and sign up for reminders for the F15 here:https://hostagencyreviews.com/friday15 !
1. The name I wanted to move forward with is "Be Prepared Vacations." The focus is on Disney, so the "Be Pr...
Preparing for a Travel Agency NOW? Bookings for International Clients?
Steph Lee co-hosts with Stephanie Gagnon of Just Perfect Travel. Check out the questions below, and then come and join us Friday at 12 pm CST for the podcast! Please submit your questions and sign up for reminders for the F15 here!
Meaningful Travel? Supporting Local Communities? Impact on Destinations?
Shayna Zand and Steph join forces with Cazavia Travel to host a special edition this week's Friday 15 to celebrate Earth Month. Cazavia’s host agency is Montecito Village Travel and you can check out their HAR profile HERE! Also, we have a veritable barrage of questions this week, which you can read below, and then come and join us 12 pm CST for the podcast.
Don't forget that you can submit questions and sign up for reminders for the F15 here!
Narrowing Niche? TA Discounts? Customer Support? Air/Car Rentals Worth Low Commissions?
Shayna Zand and Steph join forces with Lori Speers to host this week's Friday 15. Lori's host agency is Levarte Travel and you can check out their HAR profile HERE! our co-host! Also, we have a veritable barrage of questions this week, which you can read below, and then come and join us 12 pm CST for the podcast.
Don't forget that you can submit questions and sign up for reminders for the F15 here!
1. Why is it so hard to narrow down a host on a general niche (like Mexico AIs)?
2. What's...
ID Number to Sell Travel? Newbie as a Sub-Agent? Transferring Clients?
Our Managing Director Shayna Zand takes the helm this week at the Friday 15, with Connie Miller of Montecito Village Travel as our co-host! Check out Montecito's profile here and the questions below that Shayna and Conni will tackle this Friday at 12 pm CST.
Don't forget that you can submit questions and sign up for reminders for the F15 here: https://hostagencyreviews.com/friday15
1. Do you really need an Identification number to be seen as a travel agency.. or can I essentially just book someone's trip for them? I’m not sure I want to find a h...
Host Agencies in Japan? Seller of Travel Liability? Foreign Transaction Fees?!
Steph and Shayna co-host the Friday 15 with Stephanie Pickles of PTN! Scope out PTN's profile here and the questions below that Stephanie, Stephanie and Shayna will cover this Friday at 12 pm CST.
Don't forget that you can submit questions and sign up for reminders for the F15 here!
1. Where do I find a list of all the host agencies in Japan (like HAR for US and CA). I want to start a branch operation in Japan. I want the consortium in Japan. What are the accreditation in Japan? -Joseph W.
2...
Billing for FIT Trips? How Do Leads Work?
Steph and Shayna welcome Sheila Folk of Travel Industry Solutions to cohost the Friday 15 this week! You can check out TIS’s profile here on our brand-new travel tech software profiles.Here are the juicy questions they’ll tackle this Friday, as always, at 12 pm CST!
1. Hi Stephanie and Team! Thanks for all you do! I am hitting a wall trying to figure out how to bill for group FIT trips. To have each person in the group pay individually for each hotel reservation and activity would cause many foreign transaction fees on their credit cards. It is so...
Ex-pat living 6,000 miles from your clients. Maximum efficiency w/time tracking. Charging fees from day one. Meet Grace from Switzerland.
View the video, transcript, and show notes at: https://har.news/vol32
Today's guest made the leap from tech project management to travel advising in 2023 while living abroad in Switzerland. Within just two years, she's grown her agency, Your Travel Story, to nearly 6 times the sales from Year 1.
What makes Grace Camoglu’s journey particularly fascinating is how she balances being an FIT travel advisor with living in Switzerland, raising two young children (ages 8 and 11), and primarily serving North American clients—all while operating in a different time zone.
Grace has embraced fees from...
Agency Name? Will Global Changes Affect US Travel? Do I Need a Host Agency?
In episode 200, Steph and Shayna co-host and Global Travel Collection is out sponsor. We’ve got three substantial questions to dig into this week, so study up & let’s go!
1. I'm just in the beginning of becoming a travel agent and really appreciate all the information I have been able to get from Host Agency Reviews. Thank you so much! My question is related to my potential agency name. I have looked up the possible name on NameCheap and it was not listed but when I look on Facebook there is a page with the same name. It do...
Travel with Small Children? How To Organize Digital Info?
In episode 199, Steph and Shayna co-host with Jennifer Dugan of Dugan’s Travels! Here’s the questions they’ll tackle this week. Please join us!
1. What is your favorite place to travel with children under 5? ---Staci W.
2. Hi guys, my question is about organizing and processes. Working independently it's difficult to see how other people organize not only their workflow but how they store
their information to recall it. From as simple as an A-Z address book to put formats or special codes for suppliers, sometimes you just want things simple and quick.
I st...
How To Organize Contacts? Should I Go Out On My Own?
In episode 198, Steph Lee co-hosts with a longtime friend of the Friday 15, April Swales of Uniglobe Travel Center. They’ve got two especially in-depth questions, so have a look and tune in Friday 12 pm CST!
1. Do you have a good system for organizing all your travel BD contacts and promotional material of properties? I get overwhelmed with paper and business cards and even online and notes I still cannot seem to get a system in place for everything I receive. --- Sara R.
2. I am an IC with about 2 years in the business. I'm considering going...
When to LLC? How To Be a Sub-Agent? Worried About Refunds!
In episode 197, Steph Lee hosts and Andavo Travel is our sponsor. (Thanks, Andavo!) Here's a taste of the questions she'll cover!
1. At what point should you LLC (so as to protect your assets), even if your income is not large yet? — Anonymous
2. How does a newbie travel advisor become a sub-agent? And where can a newbie find a mentor? —Diana B.
3. I always worry about being considered the Merchant of Record on flights and being on the hook for any refunds that are due the client while waiting on the airline to send the re...
System for Supplier Contacts? Go Independent? Thank You Gifts?
In episode 196, our very own Mary Stein co-hosts with the one and only Jenn Lee of Vacation Planners! Here’s the questions they’ll tackle this week!
1. Do you have a good system for organizing all your travel BD contacts and promotional material of properties? I get overwhelmed with paper and business cards and even online and notes I still cannot seem to get a system in place for everything I receive. - Sara
2. I am an IC with about 2 years in the business. I'm considering going out on my own because I'm not happy with...
When to LLC? How to Deal with Failure? Which Course To Take?
In episode 195, we have a HAR Team special with Shayna Zand and Rita Perez! Here are the questions they’ll cover in this week’s episode!
At what point should you LLC (so as to protect your assets), even if your income is not large yet? How do you deal with failure? I feel lost on which course to take. There seems to be the ASTA roadmap, This Accelerator course, and then the TRIPKIT course, which all seem to have rave reviews. But what's the difference?RESOURCES:
➡️ Travel Agency Business Structures: How to Choose https://hos...
Client thank you gifts? Changing host agencies? Racing client for best price?
In episode 194, Steph cohosts again with Lori Speers of Levarte Travel! Here are the questions they’ll cover!
1. How do I deal with a client who is searching while I am researching and I feel like I am in a race to find the best deal or price? —Pamela C.
2. Hey Guys! I'm wondering, What are some ideas for "Thank You" gifts for my clients that are traveling to All Inclusives? I feel like it's easy to do gifts on cruises, I'm just not quite sure what to do for my land vacations. Any ideas? —Cindy W...
What CRM for Credit Cards? Too Many Hosts!! How to Assess Fees?
In episode 192, Steph cohosts again with Jennifer Dugan of Dugan’s Travels! Here are the questions they’ll cover!
1. Hi I’m a new independent travel advisor just getting ramped up and which CRM is recommended for CC payments- I would like my clients to pay directly using a CC or debit card. -Kevin Jordan
2. How in the world can we go through 30 hosts in detail with questions to finally decide 1 to sign on? I have already contacted an attorney to form the LLC before sign up with the host.
-Anonymous
3. How do you...
Benefits of Leaving a Host Agency? Clients Who Complain? A Teacher + Also Sell Travel?
In episode 191, Steph cohosts with Dave Meihoefer of TPI and they’ve got a ton of questions to cover, so make sure and ready up on ‘em in advance! Have a gander:
1. Hi Steph! I thought I had a rare name, but your podcast is making me feel like just another Stephanie! :). SO many Stephanies!!! We should start a club!
I have gone through the Accelerator Course, just going back and starting the business end of things - after 2 1/2 months of name searching, I feel like I can finally fill in the blanks! Thanks so much for...
Do Suppliers Provide Booking Software? Seller of Travel and Working Outside the U.S.
In episode 190, Steph Lee and Sheila Folk of Travel Industry Solutions go deep this week with questions on suppliers and seller of travel rules! Here are the questions in their entirely:
1. I have signed up with _____ as my host agent. Being very new to travel of this form, I feel I am learning a lot of the marketing. I know it is important but I’m not learning the program for the booking part and am getting frustrated. I must be missing something.
Ok sorry for the rant.
The question is: is it th...
Starting an Agency While Working Another Job! I Like To Cruise – Should I Become a Travel Advisor?
In episode 189, Steph Lee and April Swales of Uniglobe Travel chat on our first barrage of 2025 questions from all you lovely people! Here's a taste, make sure and tune in on Friday!
1. I plan to continue working at my current job and want to start my travel agency in the new year. Do you have tips on how to juggle two jobs and make sure I get back to my clients quickly when I have another day job? I don’t want to lose any future clients but can’t afford to not work. —Katee R.
2. Ou...
Typical Timeline for Starting Out as Agent? Does Expedia Hurt My Sales?
In episode 188, Steph Lee and Jennifer Dugan of Dugan’s Travels cover some great questions this week, including how long it takes to get started as an advisor and how OTAs affect travel advisor business. Here are the queries in detail:
1. Hi, I have been listening to the Friday 15s this month, thank you for all the information. What's the typical timeline from starting as a new advisor to becoming profitable? —Anonymous
2. I’m exploring a career as a travel advisor and am seriously thinking about starting my agency in 2025 after Host Week. I’m worried ab...
Choosing E&O Insurance? When Should I Get My Own IATA Number?
In episode 187, Steph Lee and Jennifer Dugan of Dugan’s Travels discuss a variety of topics this week, including E&O Insurance and when it’s a good idea to get your own IATA number! Here are the questions in all their glory:
1. I would like to hear the Pros and Cons and the best strategy on choosing a supplier for E&O insurance. –Diane D.
2. Hello! I came across a blog and wanted to reach out as I am becoming more and more confused as I search. I am a 1099 contractor under a company with an...
Sabre Refresher? How Do You Do FIT Trips?
In episode 186 Steph cohosts with Kendra Tainsh of Travel Edge. Here are the questions these expert ladies will cover for you all!
1. I have been away from the corporate travel industry for over 20+ years and I would like to revisit being a corporate travel advisor. I used Sabre when I was an agent and I've been seeing so many jobs I could possibly qualify for but you need at least 2 years of corporate travel experience domestic and international.
I would like to know the best Sabre course/refresher I could take to once again be S...
NHL Star to Luxury Travel: How This Power Couple Built a Wellness-Focused Travel Agency. Meet Lauren + Chris.
Transcript + Show Notes: https://har.news/vol31
Special thanks to today’s sponsor: KHM Travel Group
Today's guests prove that sometimes the best partnerships start at home. Lauren Pronger launched Well Inspired Travels in 2011, inspired by witnessing travel's transformative power when her father used it to complement his cancer treatment. When her husband Chris, NHL Hall of Famer and Triple Gold Cup winner, joined the business in 2018, they discovered they were more powerful together.
What makes this power couple unique isn't just their high-profile clientele of professional athletes and executives—it's their holistic appro...
Site Inspections Out of Country? Why Are Bookings More Expensive with my HA?
In episode 185 Steph cohosts with Jennifer Dugan of Dugan’s Travels. Don’t miss this great episode chock full of helpful wisdom, covering the questions you will find below:
1. What is the best way to contact a resort to do a site inspection (email, phone call), especially if the resort is out of the country?
Thanks, Jenn B.
2. After organizing group tours as a volunteer for my club, I am now transitioning to become a professional. I love your podcast and website - thank you. I'll be doing the 7-day series soon.
...
Preventing My Agency from Fraud? Do Commissions Change? Budgeting for a Travel Agency?
In episode 184 Steph cohosts with David Meihoefer of TPI! Steph and Dave have some really substantive questions to dig into, so make sure you don’t miss it! Here are the questions:
1. Hi Steph and Guest. Our host agency was just hit with fraud and they sent a notice that we’ll be responsible for any fraudulent bookings. Is this common? I’m new and I’m worried I will make a fraudulent booking and not know it. It would be helpful if we knew what to look out and how to avoid bad bookings. —Anonymous
Getting Set Up with LLC, Bank Accts, Etc. – Using Points for Clients? – Host Agencies Outside US?
In episode 183 Steph cohosts with Kendra Tainsh of Travel Edge. They’re gonna have a go at the questions below, and give you plenty to learn about in the process!
1. Hi, I am just joining a Travel Agent as part of her independent Agency starting in December but I do need to establish myself as an LLC as well as set up a business bank account which I will do at the bank that I have been using for my personal banking. Do you have any suggestions as to the best Credit card for TA's? Thank you, Robi...
