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...
Host Responses? Identification Numbers? Leads?
This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming Jennifer from Dugan’s Travels. Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us!
I have submitted 2 applications to host agencies I’d like to join, however they aren’t taking new agents right now. I have another meeting with another host and I’m not sure what to do. I’m new and need to get started. I’ve been waiting to hear back about 4 months now. Do you have any advice? - SandyDo you really need an Identification number to be seen as a travel agen...Host v Independent? Planning Fees? Booking Metrics?
This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming Gina from Uniglobe Travel Center. Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us!
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 my situation for many reasons. How do you know it's the right time to make this change? What do you see as the pros and cons of staying an IC and being independent?Do advisors typically split their planning fees with their host agencies? If so, does...Host Resources? Expansion? Finding a Niche?
This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming Geoff from KHM Travell Group. Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us!
I joined a host agency because I wanted access to support, tools, training and supplier relationships, but sometimes I wonder if I’m actually taking advantage of everything that’s available to me. What are some of the resources you see successful advisors using that other advisors tend to overlook?I’m getting busier and reaching the point where I can’t keep doing everything myself, but I’m nervous abou...Partner vs Solo? Commissions? Group Payments?
This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming Jackie from Nexion Travel Group. Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us!
I’m a brand new advisor. I have a friend who I thought would be fantastic at this as I was researching being a travel advisor. When I told her about my business idea, she wanted to partner. We had previously wanted to start a business together but could not generate enough capital for the business we wanted. However, we do have the capital to do this. We would...Marketing? Trust & New Leads? Switching Hosts?
(274) Marketing? Trust & New Leads? Switching Hosts?
This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming Chelsea from OASIS Travel Network. Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us!
I'm a newbie to the travel industry and I just started my business. I'm getting very close to choosing a host agency and I’m super excited to get started. I have a question about marketing on Facebook. Is it more beneficial to have a company page or group? Or both? I know the FB algorithms can be wonky, so I want to mak...Limited budgets? Multiple Bookings? Group Contracts?
This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming Samantha from Jus Adventures. Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us!
How do you work with clients who have a limited budget but expect a five-star luxury experience? What strategies do you use to set realistic expectations without losing the client, and when do you know it’s time to politely decline the booking? - SandyHow do I keep clients coming back and turn one trip into multiple bookings throughout the year without feeling like I’m constantly trying to sell to...Busy vs Productive? Next Trip? Higher-end Trips?
This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming Jennifer from Dugan’s Travels. Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us!
I feel like I’m busy all the time, but I’m not necessarily making more money. How do I figure out what I should actually be spending my time on?How far in advance should I be talking to clients about their next trip? I feel like I’m always waiting for them to come back to me.How do you sell higher-end trips when you don’t personally t...Leads? Planning Fees? Training vs Selling?
This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming Carolyn from KHM Travel Group. Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us!
I’m still pretty new and don’t have a huge client list yet. What would you focus on first to actually start getting consistent leads?How do you get comfortable charging planning fees when you’re a newer advisor and still feel like you’re learning?How much time should a newer advisor actually be spending on training versus trying to find and sell to clients? I feel like I...Follow-ups? Groups? Clients?
This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming Josh from Global Travel Collection. Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us!
How do you follow up with a potential client without feeling like you’re annoying them? How many follow-ups is too many?I’d love to start selling groups, but honestly, they intimidate me. What’s the best way to get started with groups without getting in over my head? And if I want to put together my own group trip, should I get people interested first or actually h...Net Rates? Facebook Groups? Marketing on Social?
This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming Jenn from Travel Planners International and Vacation Planners. Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us!
When advisors quote net rates, where does the markup actually get calculated? The picture I keep getting is a spreadsheet open next to whatever tool built the itinerary, and I'm curious whether that is most people or just the ones who talk about it.I am not sure if this is something you can answer, but I mainly focus on cruises and business has been pretty good late...Which host? Start-up? FIT?
This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming Gina from Uniglobe Travel Center. Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us!
While I have years of experience building my own travel plans for business, and leisure, I want to become a travel agent. The number of hosting agencies is overwhelming. Which one do you suggest, and why? - ChrisHi! I've done some domestic travel and love it. I am interested in working as a part-time travel agent. I see start up fees are around $500. Are there any other fees? What...Larger hosts? BDMs? Time?
This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming Laura from WorldVia Travel Network! Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us!
I'm currently researching host agencies, and one thing I keep coming back to is whether I'll actually get the support I need at a larger host. I love that larger hosts often have more resources and training, but I also worry that I'll just be another number, especially as someone who's still fairly new. How do you make sure advisors feel supported and don't get lost in the crow...Airfare? Beyond Commission? Expansion?
This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming Amy from KHM Travel! Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us!
With airfare remaining one of the biggest travel expenses, what are some legitimate ways travel advisors can maximize value for their clients? Are there particular consolidators, supplier partnerships, or booking strategies you recommend?If you were building a travel business today focused on Europe, Middle East and Asia, which host agency features would you prioritize beyond commission splits?I am a travel agent (since 2012) and own my own agency (sinc...Find Clients? Luxury Clients? Habits?
This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming Simon from Global Travel Collection! Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us!
I don't have a big network of friends and family to sell to. Where do successful new advisors actually find their first paying clients?How do you attract luxury clients if your current audience isn't necessarily affluent? Is it a marketing challenge, a networking challenge, or something else?What are some habits or routines you've seen your most successful advisors develop that newer advisors could start doing today?RESO...
Mistakes? New Tech? Switching Hosts?
This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming Chelsea Martinez from OASIS Travel Network! Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us!
If I join a host agency today, what are the biggest mistakes you see new advisors make in their first six months that slow down their success and what would you encourage them to focus on instead?There seems to be a new travel technology platform launching every month. How do you evaluate whether a new tool is actually worth adopting versus just another shiny object that could end up c...Host v Franchise? Tech? Questions to ask?
This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming Jenn Lee from TPI and Vacation Planners! Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us!
I'm trying to decide between joining a host agency or a franchise. They both seem to offer training, support, and supplier relationships, so what are the biggest differences that someone new to the industry should really understand before making that decision?How much technology should I expect my host agency to provide versus what I should expect to purchase myself? I'd love to know what's typically included and what...Commission Changes? Terms & Conditions? Travel in Advance?
This week’s Friday 15, Steph Lee is back! She’ll be cohosting with Jenn Lee of TPI and Vacation Planners. C'mon over and dip in to these great questions with these awesome ladies of industry.
I never knew my agency had a commission scale. [percentage increased as income increased] I asked to see it once i learnt about it and noticed I had met the goal in 2025 for a 5% increase in commission. They agreed and said the increase would start now. Shouldn't they do end of year reviews and increase or decrease? Why should it be the agents resp...Luxury Market? Use of AI? Need Inspiration!
This week’s Friday 15, Steph Lee is back! She’ll be cohosting with Andrea of Outside Agents! Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us!
1. How does an agent who doesn’t travel in luxury themselves, break into the luxury market? I’m not understanding how I can visit the properties and know about them if I’ve never traveled there. —anonymous
2. I’m interested in hearing HAR’s and the co-host’s views on how to use AI as a travel advisor. Is there a certain area...
Tech Investment? 7-Day Setup Enough? Taking the Leap to FT?
This week’s Friday 15, Steph Lee is back! She’ll be cohosting with Phil and Samantha Hammond of Jus Adventures! Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us!
I watched some of HAR Wired last week, thank you. My question is what do you suggest should be the first technology investment I make once my agency is set up? —AnonymousI’m a new travel agent and have found HAR invaluable as I try to learn. I’m thinking of taking ASTA’s Roadmap Course and HAR’s 7 Day Setup Accelerator. Do...Paying Commission? Boutique Suppliers? Booking Platforms?
This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming Gina McGinnis from Uniglobe Travel Center! Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us!
I understand some suppliers don't pay the host until after the travel date, but I've found some suppliers like FareBuzz, Celebrity Cruises, Virgin Voyages, and Allianz pay the month after the sale or after the final payment it's made. I also know some host agencies pay out to their agents weekly, bi-monthly, or monthly. I'm curious to know the industry standard for how soon after receipt of commission from the...Sales near $1M in a few years. Accessible travel advisor has AT tips for you. Meet Karen.
It didn’t start with a niche, it started with a perspective. And in just a few short years, Karen has turned that perspective into a fast-growing travel business that’s on track to hit $1M in annual sales in 2026.
Since entering the industry in 2022, Karen has built her business around accessible travel, not as a checkbox, but as a core part of how she serves every single client. As a wheelchair user herself, she brings lived experience into every itinerary, helping travelers navigate a world that isn’t always designed with them in mind… and showing them wha...
DMC Quotes? IC vs Employee? IC vs Independent?
This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming Lori Speers from KHM Travel Group! Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us!
Can you talk about the practice of DMCs presenting quotes in gross vs net commission, and is it preferred or acceptable to request one over the other? - CarrieI 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...FITs? Switching Hosts? Planning Fees?
Welcome to this week's Friday 15 podcast! This week Shayna's live on location at ASTA, with Carolyn Okon from Exodus Travels. And thanks to our sponsor Outside Agents for making this episode possible. Here's the questions:
I am an ICF certified Travel Coach, and when I pursued my certification I intended to building an online coaching practice to help women in major life transitions (career change, loss, divorce, etc.) find their inner bravery to face those transitions via adventure travel. As I’m coming along I’ve begun to learn I’d actually like to host my coaching via IRL ex...IC vs Independent? Selling? Marketing Activities?
This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming Vanessa from Global Travel Collection! Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us!
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 my situation for many reasons. How do you know it's the right time to make this change? What do you see as the pros and cons of staying an IC and being independent?I’m finding it can sometimes feel awkward or intimidating to confidently charge fees, upsell experi...Payments? Outreach? Using DMCs?
This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming Samantha from Jus Adventures! Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us!
Hi!! I am a new agent (8 months) working on planning my first group trip and I want to build a girls trip to New Orleans and offer a package price and then clients can sign up to go. I have checked with Traveljoy and it appears that I am able to take payment through Traveljoy, for them to hold and then I can pay each supplier with a virtual card instead of c...Tour Operator vs DMC? What is Adventure Travel?
This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming Katy from Explore Worldwide! Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us!
A lot of us hear ‘tour operator’ and ‘DMC’ used interchangeably, and it can be hard to know who to go to for what. From your perspective, how should advisors think about working with an adventure tour operator versus going direct to a DMC?For advisors who are trying to grow their business, what are some of the biggest opportunities you see when it comes to selling adventure travel? Are there simple ways...Independent? CRMs? FIT?
This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming Bill from KHM Travel! Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us!
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 how this would work with suppliers and if this is a good idea.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?I ke...Quoting? Incentives? Host Agencies?
This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming Jennifer from Dugan’s Travels! Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us!
What I'm still not clear on are things like this: how do I present options and prices to a client, and give them time to make a decision? Am I supposed to reserve all of the options first to guarantee the price, and then cancel the discarded options afterward? Or do you just present it and hope the prices don't change in the meantime? Are there other good places to find t...Travel Insurance? Fees? First 30 Days?
This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming Jenn from HAR! A huge thank you to Avoya Travel for sponsoring this episode. Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us!
How important is it to get a client to decline insurance or purchase insurance? If I send out a form to a client to decline insurance or confirm that they already purchased insurance and they don’t fill it out, is the email confirmation enough that I offered them the insurance and made them aware of the consequences of not having? Am I p...$2M in Sales. No Team. No Marketing Budget. Meet Amy!
****** Transcript + Show Notes: https://har.news/vol35
Special thanks to today’s sponsor: Uniglobe Travel Center
Today’s guest took a life-changing leap, selling her home, putting everything in storage, and moving her family to Japan. What started as a bold personal decision quickly turned into something much bigger.
Since becoming a travel advisor in 2019, Amy has grown her business to over $2 million in annual sales, all as a solo advisor.
What makes Amy’s journey particularly powerful is how it’s rooted in lived experience. From fully immersing her family in life...
Closing a lead? Payment Practices? Trust?
This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming Betsy from Uniglobe Travel Center! Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us!
I just started as a travel agent this past September. And I do have quite a few sales, more than I expected. However, There’s been a few instances lately, where people have reached out to me and seemed eager to work together, and I’ll respond back to them to try and set up a quick phone call or video chat to get a vision for their trip, and before I...Leads? Payment Gateways? Hierarchies?
This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming Erwing from Oasis Travel Network! Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us!
New advisor here, just starting out-I’m wondering if it’s possible to be successful in getting leads through online marketing only, and not tap into friends and family or local community?I am a new home-based travel agent and I am curious as to which online payment gateway host you recommend? I will be using this payment gateway only for my fee. All other payments go directly to the vendors...CRMs? Tech Tools? Unnecessary tech?
This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming Katie from Tern! Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us!
I’m just getting started and trying to wrap my head around using a CRM, but I’m honestly not sure what I should actually be tracking in it day-to-day. Right now, I have client emails, trip details, and notes kind of scattered across different places. What are the most important things a travel advisor should be tracking in a CRM to stay organized and not let things fall through the cracks?There ar...Client IDs? Net vs Gross? Selling Yourself?
This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming Samantha from Jus Adventures! Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us!
I continue to see it recommended that we get copies of our client's ID's. However, I am unsure of a process to do this that is secure? Or does it need to be secure? Can they just text or email me a photo? I'd love your perspective on this. - ErinCan you talk about the practice of DMCs presenting quotes in gross vs net commission, and is it preferred or acceptable to r...Corporate to Leisure? DMC Services? Destination Weddings?
This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming Jennifer from Dugan’s Travels! Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us!
I love your podcasts and have been a loyal listener for over 3 years. In 2023, I trained and started working as a Corporate Travel Advisor for a small agency, remotely. I took the job because thought I needed training in GDS platforms but my true desire is to run my own leisure travel agency. I work full time, have great benefits and have mastered two platforms. My question is, is there a conf...Checklists? Responsible Travel? Website?
This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming Fora! Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us!
I am working on creating more automated processes and was wondering if there is a general "checklist" of things an agent should do before each trip? I feel like I am forgetting something and just want to be able to check things off (virtually). Things like "gather personal info", "make airline booking" "make hotel/resort booking" "confirm car rental" "email hotel 2 weeks prior to confirm reservation was received" "deposit due" "final payment due" "call hote...Niche from beginning? Website? FIT?
This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming GTN! Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us!
Hi! I am looking forward to starting this next great adventure. I have a background as a paralegal that I think will serve me well in the administrative side of things as well as problem solving. I am thinking of specializing in accessible travel. Is this a good idea at the start or would it be better to get to know the business before specializing? - PattiAre you allowed to have your own landing page...Commission on Fees? Certifications? Facebook?
This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming Dugan’s Travels! Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us!
How common is it for a Host Agency to take a commission on the planning/consulting/concierge/other fees I charge my clients? Is it even okay to charge commission on my planning fee given that I am an IC? For this question, I'm not asking about a payment processing fee if you use the Host payment processor. Rather, I'm talking about applying the same commission split to both sales and any fees I...CC Auths? Charging Fees? Switching Hosts?
This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming Uniglobe Travel Center! Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us!
I have several corporate clients that pay with the same card throughout the year. Can I have them sign a cc authorization form at the beginning of the year and how often do you suggest I renew it? They are extremely busy people and I cannot ask them to complete the form for each and every flight they need.I would love continued conversations about how to execute charging fees when different trip...Suppliers? Rebranded? Credit Card Authorizations?
This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming NEST Plus with April! Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us!
When choosing a supplier to work with, what are some questions to ask them about their support given to you and your clients. Same question for host agencies. It gets expensive trying so many only to discover the fit is not right. Thanks - BarbaraHi!!! I have basically been binge listening to the podcast for about a month now and I've enjoyed everything thus far!!I am a (fairly) new advisor. I've...