Trade Secrets Podcast (Travel Weekly and TravelAge West)
Explorez tous les épisodes de Trade Secrets Podcast
| Date | Titre | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22 Apr 2024 | How should travel agents address travel advisories? | 00:34:45 | |
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:
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. | |||
| 06 Nov 2023 | How do I get started as a travel advisor? | 00:50:40 | |
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 Travel Jobs board Hosted Travel Advisor Report 2023 Independent Travel Advisor Report 2023 Seven-day agency setup program Mentioned on this episode:
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. | |||
| 14 Jun 2021 | Episode Nine - LGBTQ+ Travel | 00:41:28 | |
In honor of Pride month in June, Trade Secrets co-hosts Jamie Biesiada and Emma Weissmann are tackling some listener questions on LGBTQ+ travel with the help of Kelli Carpenter, co-founder of R Family Vacations and a travel advisor with Tzell Travel Group, and Rick Stiffler, senior vice president of global leisure sales at Preferred Hotels and Resorts. In this episode, they talk about how to market to the LGBTQ+ community the right way, how to vet a property to make sure it’s right for their LGBTQ+ travelers, trans-friendly destinations and more. In this episode:
Further resources: The state of LGBTQ+ family travel today Transgender travelers face unique challenges What makes Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara two of Mexico’s most LGBTQ-friendly destinations? Underrepresented LGBTQ community an untapped market Ft. Lauderdale features transgender models in new ads Need advice? 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. | |||
| 17 Feb 2025 | Guess what’s coming on March 3? A brand-new season of Trade Secrets! | 00:03:16 | |
Trade Secrets is back for its sixth season, but with a twist: Welcome to the Trade Secrets Tech Summit. Every week — you read that right, Trade Secrets is going weekly in season six — co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada will invite a travel agency technology provider on the show. They’ll discuss their tech and how it can help travel advisors’ businesses. Trade Secrets is using Host Agency Reviews’ list of travel agency software as a jumping-off point for the companies to feature, but listeners are invited to submit any other companies by emailing tradesecrets@travelweekly.com. The new season will premiere on Monday, March 3. 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. | |||
| 29 May 2023 | What’s it like to captain a small-ship cruise? | 00:47:59 | |
Picture it: you’re onboard a Windstar ship after spending the day in Venice. You’re the only cruise ship there, and as you exit the port, the sails unfurl and you literally sail past the city of canals on your way to your next stop. It’s a moment Captain Neil Broomhall, Windstar’s fleet captain, has experienced firsthand. In this special episode of Trade Secrets, we talk to Captain Neil Broomhall, Windstar Cruises’ fleet captain, about, what a typical day looks like onboard a Windstar ship (and whether he’s ever seen a mermaid or sea monster!).Then, Windstar president Chris Prelog fields listener questions, from how to sell small-ship cruising and how to book VIP experiences for clients to getting in touch with suppliers and why companies like Windstar pay commission in the first place. This episode is sponsored by Windstar Cruises. https://www.windstarcruises.com/ Further resources: Windstar’s previous Trade Secrets episode, “Is small-ship cruising right for my client?” Windstar contacts
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. | |||
| 07 Nov 2022 | Introducing Selling the Mouse, a new miniseries from Jamie | 00:01:44 | |
Introducing Selling the Mouse, a new miniseries from Jamie Biesiada, co-host of Trade Secrets! Each episode, Jamie will delve into the world of selling theme parks with expert travel advisors. She and her guests will talk theme park news, what's selling with clients, their business models and more, for a special five-episode run. Selling the Mouse will appear right in your Trade Secrets feed. And don't worry, Trade Secrets isn't going anywhere. Season three has already begun, and Selling the Mouse will only appear in off weeks. The first episode debuts Nov. 21- please listen in! Theme song: Adventures in Adventureland 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. | |||
| 10 Jul 2023 | Unleashing sales superpowers: Sales strategies for travel advisors, part two | 00:37:36 | |
In this two-part episode of Trade Secrets, we’ll delve deep into the world of sales strategies for travel advisors, with guests Byrd Bergeron (of the Travel Byrds) and Steven Gould (of Goulds Travel, Luxera Travel and the Travel Advisor Resource Center). They also operate the Facebook group “Sales Strategies for Travel Professionals.” In part two, we’ll discuss a variety of listener questions, from how to allocate your time and strategies with managing email inboxes, to finding outside help in today’s busy business environment. Tune in now for part two, and if you haven’t, check out part one here. This episode is sponsored by Lindblad Expeditions. Further resources: Byrd Bergeron
Steven Gould
Sales Strategies for Travel Professionals on Facebook Mentioned on this episode: 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. | |||
| 20 Jun 2022 | An update from the hosts of Trade Secrets | 00:01:38 | |
We’re looking for questions! Every other week on Trade Secrets, co-hosts Jamie Biesiada and Emma Weissmann invite industry experts onto the podcast to answer listeners’ questions about anything travel-related. We wanted to do a quick pulse check to hear from you, our listeners, about what topics matter most. Please get in touch via any of the methods below. We can’t wait to hear from you! Call our hotline and leave a voicemail: 201-902-2098 Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com Email Jamie directly: jbiesiada@ntmllc.com Email Emma directly: eweissmann@travelagewest.com Jamie’s Facebook (friend her!) Emma’s Instagram Jamie’s Instagram 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. | |||
| 01 Jan 2024 | Trade Secrets presents Humans of Travel: Kristin Karst of AmaWaterways | 00:45:42 | |
Trade Secrets is on a holiday break, but in the meantime, we wanted to share some of Travel Weekly and TravelAge West’s other podcasts with our listeners. This week’s episode is Humans of Travel, hosted by Trade Secrets co-host Emma Weissmann, featuring AmaWaterways’ Kristin Karst. If you’ve worked in the travel industry for any length of time, you’re probably familiar with Karst. The co-owner and executive vice president of river cruise line AmaWaterways, Karst is a staple at most travel industry conferences, perhaps best known for her bubbly personality, welcoming demeanor and close, personal relationships with travel advisors. However, many travel industry colleagues may not know Karst’s unique backstory. She was born and grew up in Dresden, a German town along the Elbe River, in what was formerly Eastern Germany, under a regime that mostly kept Karst and her family isolated from the Western World. In this episode of Humans of Travel, Karst reflects on a childhood spent under the Socialist Unity Party of Germany, and how the limited travel her family was able to do allowed her to gain an appreciation for all that Eastern Europe had to offer and fostered an early love of tourism. Karst will also dive into what it was like when the Berlin Wall came down in 1989, and how she got her start in the travel industry as a leisure manager at American Express Travel, a role that she kept until she moved to Southern California and met Rudi Schreiner, her husband-to-be and the former president of Viking Cruises. Listeners will hear Karst reflect on the early days of AmaWaterways, how she keeps her work-life balance in check and what’s behind her unwavering positivity. 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. | |||
| 13 Jan 2025 | Encore: How can new travel advisors build a successful career? (Feat. Bill Coyle) | 00:45:05 | |
Trade Secrets is on a winter break. We're sharing some of our favorite episodes until we return. This week, we're featuring one of our most popular episodes from season five. 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. Trade Secrets will return with season six in early 2025. This episode was sponsored by Collette.
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. | |||
| 07 Aug 2023 | How do I use generative AI to improve my travel agency’s workflow? | 00:44:32 | |
In this episode of Trade Secrets, hosts Jamie Biesiada and Emma Weissmann are joined by Christine Vincent, business technology manager for Travelsavers and NEST. They discuss how generative AI is changing the travel industry, and delve into how travel advisors can use it to improve their workflows. They also chat about how to become an effective “prompt engineer” to get a desired output. And yes, if you were wondering, Google’s Bard wrote this episode’s title and description (but it was, of course, vetted and edited by the hosts). This episode is sponsored by ALG Vacations. Further resources: Christine Vincent on LinkedIn Dave Burse’s LinkedIn Learning course, “How to research and write using generative AI tools.” Use the CREATE acronym to write prompts:
Recent generative AI coverage from Travel Weekly and TravelAge West:
Mentioned on this episode:
Thanks to our friends at Brownell Travel for helping solicit questions for this season of Trade Secrets! 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. | |||
| 04 Dec 2023 | Trade Secrets presents The Last Resort: 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay | 00:38:24 | |
Trade Secrets is on a holiday break, but in the meantime, we wanted to share some of Travel Weekly and TravelAge West’s other podcasts with our listeners. This week’s episode is The Last Resort, hosted by Travel Weekly’s Christina Jelski. The Last Resort is a monthly hospitality-focused podcast where travel advisors share their first impressions of the last resort they visited. On this episode, Jelski talks to SmartFlyer-affiliated travel advisor Sarah Lopez and Travel Weekly managing editor Rebecca Tobin about their recent visits to the 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay on the Hawaiian island of Kauai. Lopez and Tobin talk about the resort's prime position along Kauai's famed North Shore and why it offers an ideal wellness retreat-style experience, without being an "in your face" wellness destination. The pair chat about some of their favorite amenities at the resort, from delicious bagels at the property's Neighbors cafe to complimentary access to electric Audi e-tron vehicles. Lopez also discusses the negative impact that the recent Maui wildfires have had on Hawaii bookings as a whole. This episode is sponsored by ALG Vacations. 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. | |||
| 05 Dec 2022 | Selling the Mouse: The tale of two Bobs, Universal’s new escape room and Sue Pisatoro on following your intuition and passions | 00:42:44 | |
This episode of Selling the Mouse, host Jamie Biesiada catches up with Sue Pisaturo, the president of Small World Vacations in Washington Township, N.J. They talk about how Sue started and grew her agency, Barbara Corcoran’s role in it (yes, Barbara Corcoran of “Shark Tank” fame), following your intuition and more. Jamie also reviews the news, including the ouster of Bob Chapek and the return of CEO Bob Iger. Selling the Mouse is a five-part miniseries, brought to you by Trade Secrets, a travel advisor-focused business development podcast. Trade Secrets is in its third season with new episodes every other Monday. Further resources Small World Vacations on the web, on Facebook and on Instagram Small World Vacations on Travel Weekly’s Power List Disney World’s Splash Mountain to close in late January for overhaul Tickets are on sale for Universal Orlando’s escape room Disney specialists cheer Bob Iger’s return as CEO Disney’s struggling streaming business is likely Iger’s top priority Gov. DeSantis signs bill to abolish Disney World tax district, but will it actually happen? Theme song: Adventures in Adventureland by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/8287-adventures-in-adventureland License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| 10 Feb 2025 | Trading social media for Substack: Using content to build a brand (Feat. SmartFlyer’s Kayla Douglas) | 00:39:32 | |
In this special bonus episode, Trade Secrets is all about content — and why travel advisors should get theirs off social media and into an email newsletter. Kayla Douglas, director of content for SmartFlyer in New York, delves into the world of Substack with co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada. And, stay tuned after the episode for some exciting announcements about season six of Trade Secrets. This episode was released in conjunction with a Humans in the Hot Seat episode (part of TravelAge West’s Humans of Travel podcast), featuring Erina Pindar, COO and managing partner at SmartFlyer. This episode was sponsored by Riverside Luxury Cruises. Further resources Kayla Douglas’ email, Instagram and Substack SmartFlyer Core coverage
Mentioned on this episode:
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. | |||
| 06 Mar 2023 | How can I find my travel industry mentor? | 00:47:01 | |
Julie Patterson, the founder of Wanderfully Planned, attributes a lot of her success in the travel industry to her mentor, Whitney Shindelar, the owner and founder of Undiscovered Sunsets and the host of the Masters in Travel podcast. But asking someone to be your mentor is asking them to commit time and effort that could otherwise be used developing their own business. In short, it’s a big ask, but the rewards can be even bigger on both sides. In this episode of Trade Secrets, learn about how Patterson and Shindelar have made the mentor-mentee relationship work for both of them in many positive ways, and get their advice on finding a mentor, building community in a digital-first world and more. This episode was sponsored by G Adventures. Further resources: Whitney Shindelar
Julie Patterson
TravelAge West Trendsetter Awards application Humans of Travel podcast featuring Vicki Freed Future Leaders in Travel Retreat, Powered by TravelAge West 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. | |||
| 26 Jun 2023 | Unleashing sales superpowers: Sales strategies for travel advisors, part one | 00:41:50 | |
In this two-part episode of Trade Secrets, delve deep into the world of sales strategies for travel advisors with guests Byrd Bergeron of the Travel Byrds and Steven Gould of Goulds Travel, Luxera Travel and the Travel Advisor Resource Center. We discuss practical techniques, answer listener questions and offer insights to help up travel advisors’ sales games. Tune in now for part one, and stay tuned for part two in two weeks, where we’ll dive into even more listener questions. This episode is sponsored by Windstar Cruises. https://www.windstarcruises.com/ Further resources: Byrd Bergeron
Steven Gould
Sales Strategies for Travel Professionals on Facebook From Travel Weekly, Travel Advisor Resource Center launches a supplier directory From TravelAge West, Four ways to use your CRM that will guarantee success “Profit First” by Mike Michalowicz Systems mentioned: 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. | |||
| 18 Nov 2024 | 2024 rewind: What trends shaped the travel industry — and impacted agents — this year | 00:47:21 | |
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:
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. | |||
| 16 May 2022 | Making the leap from employee to IC | 00:38:07 | |
There’s a big difference between a travel agency employee and an affiliated independent contractor (IC). Even before the pandemic, an increasing number of travel advisors were choosing to affiliate as ICs, but the pandemic has spurred even more agents to make the leap. In this episode of Trade Secrets, get into the topic of switching from an employee to an IC in depth with Amanda Klimak, president and co-owner of Largay Travel, along with co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada. This episode is sponsored by Windstar Cruises. In this episode:
Further resources: Largay Travel
Legal Briefs: Making staff ICs could prove costly Legal Briefs: A host can impose some rules on independent contractors 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. | |||
| 17 Jun 2024 | Trade Secrets on the road, part 2: From pitch to prime time, how travel advisors can — and should — get on TV (feat. Jenn Lee, Vanessa McGovern and Erika Richter) | 00:51:52 | |
Trade Secrets is on the road for a special, three-episode series recorded on the ground at the ASTA Travel Advisor Conference in Dallas. In this episode, part two in the series, travel advisors can learn all about how to get on TV, and why it’s the best marketing tactic a small business can employ. Vacation Planners International’s Jenn Lee, Gifted Travel Network’s Vanessa McGovern and ASTA’s Erika Richter — all experts in media relations — offer tips, advice and beyond. This episode is sponsored by the Globus family of brands. Further resources
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. | |||
| 26 Aug 2024 | Trade Secrets at Virtuoso Travel Week, part 1: What are the latest trends in luxury travel? (Feat. David Kolner) | 00:41:22 | |
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:
From Travel Weekly:
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. | |||
| 02 Dec 2024 | Season 5 finale: Emma and Jamie’s top 25 predictions for travel in 2025 | 00:42:11 | |
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:
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. | |||
| 11 Jul 2022 | Airmageddon 2022: Why has air travel become so miserable? | 00:30:47 | |
Air travel in the summer of 2022 has been, well, turbulent. What’s making flying so bad right now? Have we ever seen this level of disruption before? What can travel advisors do to help their clients who are flying this summer? On this week’s episode of Trade Secrets, we dig into it with Flight Centre’s Marc Casto. Then, after the break, we share some listeners’ tips for their fellow advisors booking air travel now. In this episode:
Further resources: Marc on LinkedIn A guide to the programs that help expedite travel A ‘perfect storm’ for summer air travel Surviving the summer of ‘airmageddon’ 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. | |||
| 03 Oct 2022 | Encore: So you want to become a travel agent? | 00:42:09 | |
Trade Secrets is on hiatus. New episodes will be out this October, but in the mean time, we're bringing you some of our favorite episodes every other week. Here's one of them! Have you ever wondered what it takes to become a travel agent? Find out all about the process this week on Trade Secrets, when co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada are joined by Travel Planners International's Jenn Lee. Emma and Jamie will kick off the episode pitching their concepts for travel agencies, then ask Jenn all the questions they would have if they were just starting out as travel advisors. Listen in for Jenn's advice, applicable to new and veteran advisors alike. Need advice? Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098 Theme song: Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod. License See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| 24 Jul 2023 | Navigating the expedition cruise boom: Insider insights for travel advisors | 00:41:03 | |
Embark on a voyage of discovery into the fast-growing world of expedition cruising on this episode of Trade Secrets. Co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada are joined by Rachel Woodward, vice president of sales for Lindblad Expeditions, and Beth Butzlaff, Global Travel Collection’s vice president of partnership. They’ll tackle everything from which clients are best suited for which expedition cruises, to can’t-miss stops in Alaska, to how better Starlink connectivity will affect cruisers in the future. This episode is sponsored by Lindblad Expeditions. Further resources: Rachel Woodward’s email address and cell phone: (510) 289-9941 Lindblad’s website for travel advisors To learn more about Global Travel Collection, send an email or go to Internova’s website Recent Lindblad coverage from Travel Weekly and TravelAge West:
Mentioned on this episode:
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. | |||
| 28 Jun 2021 | Episode 10 - The Great Comeback - Season 1 Finale | 00:35:59 | |
With what appears to be the worst of the coronavirus crisis behind the U.S., travel advisors are ready for a comeback — but they want to come back differently. They have spent the last 15 months reevaluating their businesses and work habits, considering things like productivity, service fees and more. This week, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada talk about that and more with industry coach Geraldine Ree. And, an announcement: This week’s episode is the season one finale of Trade Secrets. We’ll be going on hiatus for the remainder of the year, but we will be back in the beginning of 2022. Look for us then, and in the meantime, feel free to get in touch by emailing tradesecrets@travelweekly.com! In this episode:
Further resources: And her book, “Flying Colors: The Travel Advisor’s Guide to Breakthrough” How travel advisors can effectively market — and earn money — through YouTube California agency owner cultivates YouTube following Coronavirus crisis underscores value of travel agency service fees How travel agencies are rethinking fee structures Advisors getting comfortable with charging fees Behold, ten commandments for travel advisors Travel Weekly’s 2021 Power List What to know about luxury travel in 2021 and beyond Need advice? 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. | |||
| 15 May 2023 | Top travel pros and their best advice for advisors | 00:37:57 | |
This week’s Trade Secrets episode was recorded at the ASTA Global Convention in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on May 2. Co-hosts Jamie Biesiada and Emma Weissmann rounded up some of the industry’s finest to offer their best advice to travel advisors. They touch on everything from sustainability, to entering the luxury market, and beyond. This episode was sponsored by Windstar Cruises. Further resources: ASTA, the American Society of Travel Advisors Amanda Klimak’s Trade Secrets episode, “Making the leap from employee to independent contractor” Marc Casto’s Trade Secrets episode, “Airmaggedon 2022: Why has air travel become so miserable?” The Trade Secrets episode all about Jamie and Emma, “Who hosts this thing, anyway?” 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. | |||
| 21 Oct 2024 | Demystifying DMCs: What are destination management companies, and how can travel advisors best work with them? | 00:37:13 | |
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:
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. | |||
| 20 Mar 2023 | Who hosts this thing, anyway? | 00:47:05 | |
Welcome to the season three finale of Trade Secrets! This episode, hosts Jamie Biesiada and Emma Weissmann are flipping the tables a bit and interviewing each other. Find out if they’ve always envisioned being writers, how they found the travel industry, who’s a Swiftie, who believes in ghosts and more. This is the season finale, but we’ll share some favorite episodes and moments from Trade Secrets every other week until season four premieres this May. This episode was sponsored by G Adventures. Further resources: Jamie on Instagram ASTA names TW’s Jamie Biesiada journalist of the year Emma on Instagram TravelAge West’s 50th anniversary story: Travel milestones from the last 50 years Emma’s story about climbing Mount Kilimanjaro 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. | |||
| 04 Apr 2022 | Does charging a fee mean my client owns me? | 00:30:31 | |
To charge, or not to charge? Fees, that is — it’s a topic that’s gotten more and more attention among the travel agency community during the pandemic. Advisors make commission on the products they sell, but should they also charge clients for their services on top of that? This week, join co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada as they explore the ins and outs of the topic with two veteran advisors, Jamie Jones, president of WhirlAway Travel in West Chester, Pa., and Susanne Hays, president of Fairytale Journeys Travel in Alexander City, Ala. One charges fees (Jones) and one doesn’t (Hays), but both are confident in their business model. Tune in to learn more and hear them answer some listener questions, including how to avoid feeling like a client owns you if you charge a fee. This episode is sponsored by Historic Highlights of Germany https://historicgermany.travel/. In this episode:
Further resources: WhirlAway Travel Fairytale Journeys Travel A journey through travel history, fees included A travel advisor guide to charging service fees Advisors getting comfortable with charging fees How travel agencies are rethinking fee structures 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. | |||
| 12 Dec 2022 | How do I plan travel for transgender or gender nonconforming clients? | 00:31:54 | |
How can travel advisors best serve clients who are transgender or gender nonconforming? On this episode of Trade Secrets, hosts Jamie Biesiada and Emma Weissmann tackle that question and others related to transgender travelers with Scott Wismont, the owner of Rainbow Getaways in Kissimmee, Fla. Scott provides a number of useful resources, talks about the ‘X’ gender marker that’s now available for U.S. passport-holders and addresses how to serve transgender travelers if you haven’t worked with them before (spoiler: research, research, research!). Trade Secrets will be going on a brief break for the holidays, but we’ll be back with new episodes in January. In the meantime, look for a new episode of Selling the Mouse next week. Further resources: Scott’s agency, Rainbow Getaways, on the web, on Instagram and on Facebook Scott on LinkedIn Trade Secrets: Pride in LGBTQ+ travel bookings National Center for Transgender Equality Abeni Jones’ June 2021 Travel Weekly piece, Traveling while transgender Abeni’s June 2022 Travel Weekly piece, Focus on LGBTQ+ travel Abeni discussing the 2022 piece on Travel Weekly’s The Folo podcast IGLTA, the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association TravelAge West’s guide to the programs that help expedite travel From TravelAge West, the U.S. will offer a gender-neutral passport option and travel security measures OutCoast in Florida 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. | |||
| 15 Jul 2024 | How should travel advisors manage client expectations? | 00:42:54 | |
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:
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. | |||
| 03 Jun 2024 | Trade Secrets on the road, part 1: ASTA’s Zane Kerby on American Airlines and the importance of education | 00:49:43 | |
Trade Secrets is on the road for a special, three-episode series recorded on the ground at the ASTA Travel Advisor Conference in Dallas. In this episode, part one in the series, hear ASTA CEO Zane Kerby’s take on American Airlines’ decision to change course on its NDC implementation after listening and responding to the travel agency community, as well as why ATSA is making changes to its Verified Travel Advisor (VTA) certification program. Then, hear from two advisors on their own journeys to become VTAs. This episode is sponsored by the Globus family of brands. Further resources From TravelAge West:
From Travel Weekly:
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. | |||
| 14 Nov 2022 | Should travel advisors be selling air? | 00:36:19 | |
Please fasten your seatbelts and place your seat backs and tray tables in an upright position, because we’re ready to take off and talk all things air on Trade Secrets. This week, hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada delve into a plethora of questions: Should travel advisors sell air? Is it a value add for clients? Is selling air a must for luxury-focused advisors? Hear all that and more, with special guests Nadia Henry of Travel With Sparkle and Robbi Jumaa Hamida of Nexion Travel Group. Further resources: Nadia Henry's website and Instagram Robbi Jumaa Hamida of Nexion Travel Group on Instagram 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. | |||
| 03 May 2021 | Episode Six - Travel Insurance, Pt. 2 | 00:19:50 | |
Did you ever wonder why travel insurance is due at the time of deposit? Or, an important question today, if Covid-19 is covered by a travel insurance policy? Find out the answers to those questions and more on this episode of Trade Secrets, once again featuring Laura Heidt. Laura is Brownell Travel’s insurance desk manager, so she walks the insurance walk and talks the insurance talk — there’s no one better to field these questions. She joins senior editors Jamie Biesiada and Emma Weissmann in this episode to discuss all things travel insurance. In this episode:
Further resources: For more on Laura:
WTTC announces new insurance guidelines for travel - https://www.travelagewest.com/Industry-Insight/Opinion/WTTC-Announces-New-Insurance-Guidelines-for-Travel Need advice? 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. | |||
| 08 Aug 2022 | Encore: Why should I start selling groups? | 00:35:22 | |
Trade Secrets is on hiatus this summer. New episodes will be out this October, but in the meantime, we're bringing you some of our favorite episodes every other week. Here's one of them! This week on Trade Secrets, it’s all about groups. Join co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada as they talk to three travel advisors about how they successfully put together group trips during the pandemic using the “come away with me” strategy. Instead of finding a group leader to draw in travelers, they themselves become the leader, inspiring clients to have confidence in travel. Hear from Emer Coughlin, Carol McKee and Wendy Chambers. Further resources: From ‘pied piper’ to ‘come with me’ The ‘come with me strategy’ in action Smartbrief for the Travel Professional Travel is back -- and so are travel scams Need advice? 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. | |||
| 27 Feb 2023 | Selling the Mouse: Disney Parks pricing, more Mario to come and Travelmation’s Adam Duckworth on creating and growing the agency’s brand | 00:57:00 | |
What is Travelmation? Well, it’s a travel agency for starters, but its name is actually a combination of “travel” and “animation.” In this episode of Selling the Mouse, delve into the agency’s name, strong sense of branding and more with president Adam Duckworth. Adam and host Jamie Biesiada will also delve into the latest theme park news, from pricing and capacity at Disney Parks, to Avatar coming to Disneyland, to the opening of Super Nintendo World in Universal Hollywood. Get in touch to sign Adam and Jamie’s petition to return Soarin’ Over California to the Disneyland Resort. Disney and Universal news is the main topic until the 31:50 mark, when the conversation turns to Travelmation. Selling the Mouse is a five-part miniseries, brought to you by Trade Secrets, a travel advisor-focused business development podcast. This is actually the last episode of the miniseries, but if you’d like to hear more in the future, email Jamie at tradesecrets@travelweekly.com! Trade Secrets is in its third season with new episodes every other Monday. Further resources Travelmation on the web Bob Iger’s theme park updates The DisneylandForward initiative San Fransokyo Square is coming to Disney California Adventure Some recent theme park news stories from Travel Weekly:
Theme song: Adventures in Adventureland by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/8287-adventures-in-adventureland License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| 29 Jul 2024 | How can new travel advisors build a successful career? (Feat. Bill Coyle of KHM Travel Group) | 00:44:57 | |
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:
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. | |||
| 19 Apr 2021 | Episode Five - Travel Insurance | 00:29:00 | |
Travel insurance has always been a topic of interest, but the Covid-19 pandemic really propelled it into the forefront in the last 13 months. Coincidentally, just before the pandemic hit, Brownell Travel brought Laura Heidt on board as its insurance desk manager. Internally, she answers travel advisors’ questions about insurance, and will also work directly with clients. When she does the latter, she has an incredible 90-95% close rate. This week, Laura joins Jamie Biesiada and Emma Weissmann on Trade Secrets to talk all things travel insurance. In this episode:
Further resources: For more on Laura: Insurance desk debut a timely one at Brownell Travel - https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Travel-Agent-Issues/Insurance-desk-debut-a-timely-one-at-Brownell-Travel Legal Lingo column by travel attorney Jeffrey Ment - https://www.travelagewest.com/Search?q=jeffrey%20ment Legal Briefs column by travel attorney Mark Pestronk - https://www.travelweekly.com/Mark-Pestronk Pestronk’s resources - https://pestronk.com/resources/ Bad news, good sales for insurance - https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Travel-Agent-Issues/Bad-news-good-sales-for-insurance Five things to know about selling travel insurance right now - https://www.travelagewest.com/Industry-Insight/Business-Features/5-Things-to-Know-About-Selling-Travel-Insurance-Right-Now The benefits of education and travel insurance - https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Travel-Agent-Issues/Insights/The-benefits-of-education-and-travel-insurance How the Covid-19 pandemic has changed the world of travel insurance - https://www.travelagewest.com/Industry-Insight/Business-Features/How-the-COVID-19-Pandemic-Has-Changed-the-World-of-Travel-Insurance With a little help from our friends - https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Travel-Agent-Issues/Insights/With-a-little-help-from-our-friends Making the case for travel insurance - https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Travel-Agent-Issues/Insights/Making-the-case-for-travel-insurance Making travel insurance sales part of your workflow - https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Travel-Agent-Issues/Insights/How-agents-can-make-travel-insurance-sales-part-of-their-workflow Need advice? 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. | |||
| 01 Jul 2024 | Trade Secrets on the road, part 3: How does Europe’s travel agency landscape compare to the U.S.? | 00:39:03 | |
Trade Secrets is on the road for a special, three-episode series recorded on the ground at the ASTA Travel Advisor Conference in Dallas. In this episode, the final in the series, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada welcome Eric Dresin, the secretary general of the European Travel Agents’ and Tour Operators’ Associations (ECTAA), onto the show. They chat about the travel agency landscape in Europe, the phenomenon of Europe’s travel “planners” (who don’t actually book travel) and more. Then, hear from Thekla Kammenou of the Greece-based tour operator Four Ways Travel, about the tourism scene in Greece and some of her favorite spots. This episode is sponsored by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts. Further resources
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. | |||
| 17 Apr 2023 | Encore: How do I build a brand for my travel agency? | 00:27:18 | |
Trade Secrets is on a brief hiatus to gather questions for season four, but in the meantime, hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada are sharing some of their favorite episodes of the show. We’ll be back with new episodes in May! This week, Jamie’s pick: Whenever Jennifer Doncsecz, president of VIP Vacations, is traveling, she always wears pink. She started years ago, and since then, she uses pink on VIP’s logo, website, and even the Victorian house where the agency is located. That, combined with a number of other strategic measures, has helped Doncsecz solidify her agency’s branding, making it instantly recognizable. This week, senior editors Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada delve into all things branding with Jennifer, who uses the four Cs: Credibility, consistency, customer service and clout. This episode was sponsored by G Adventures. https://www.gadventures.com/ Further resources: VIP Vacations on the web Jennifer on Instagram New travel advisor businesses that will help the industry build back better Outsourcing for travel advisors: Recommendations for the hired help you need Travel Genius Websites, websites for travel agents Tique, branding, websites and systems design Canva, for designing assets Fiverr, for freelance business services Some more sage words of advice from Jennifer on different topics: 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. | |||
| 01 May 2023 | Should travel-planning fees be the same for every client? | 00:56:48 | |
Fees are a perennial hot topic among the travel agency community. On the season four opener of Trade Secrets, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada delve into many different aspects of planning fees with Tiffany Hines, CEO and president of Global Escapes, and Cali Stein, a luxury advisor with Embark Beyond. They address normalizing fees, different ways to charge, whether every client should be charged the same way and more. In this episode: 8:22 - An overview on fee data from Travel Weekly’s survey 9:39 - How Cali and Tiffany charge fees 15:43 - How do agents normalize charging a fee for their services, both among clients and other advisors? 22:55 - What’s the right planning fee for a new travel advisor? 27:06 - How do you charge a fee for your services? How do you introduce the idea of a fee to clients? 29:32 - How do you handle charging fees for different kinds of clients, like referrals, for instance? 35:06 - Should booking fees be the same for every client? 36:10 - Are celebrity clients in a different tier than others? 38:40 - One advisor isn’t getting any takers with her fee – what gives? 44:57 - How do you actually collect and process fees from clients? 47:26 – How do you keep track of time if you’re charging an hourly fee? This episode was sponsored by Windstar Cruises. https://www.windstarcruises.com/ Further resources: Cali Stein: cali@embarkbeyond.com and Embark Beyond Tiffany Hines: tiffany@globalescapes.com or 706-548-4807 and Global Escapes Travel Consulting Associates, Tiffany’s consultancy, and a free guide to charging fees Trade Secrets season 2 podcast on fees The Last Resort podcast Humans of Travel podcast Travel Weekly’s fee survey The American Society of Travel Advisors' credo The Folo episode on fees Thanks to our friends at Montecito Village Travel for helping us source questions for this season! 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. | |||
| 18 Dec 2023 | Trade Secrets presents The Folo: A wish list for Disney’s $60 billion parks plan | 00:46:17 | |
Trade Secrets is on a holiday break, but in the meantime, we wanted to share some of Travel Weekly and TravelAge West’s other podcasts with our listeners. This week’s episode is The Folo, hosted by Travel Weekly’s Rebecca Tobin. Each week, The Folo digs deep into a topic of interest in the travel industry. On this episode, Tobin talks to Trade Secrets co-host Jamie Biesiada, also a senior editor at Travel Weekly covering retail travel sales and theme parks, about Disney’s planned $60 billion investment in its parks, experiences and products division over the next 10 years. They talk about what Disney’s been up to, the competition and what could be coming down the road. Most especially, they hone in on what kind of changes travel advisors would most like to see. This episode is sponsored by ALG Vacations. 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. | |||
| 26 Feb 2024 | Icon of the Seas: How big can a cruise ship get? | 00:42:08 | |
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
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. | |||
| 06 Feb 2023 | Travel advisors, stop using these phrases right now | 00:39:04 | |
This week on Trade Secrets, friend of the podcast Jenn Lee of Travel Planners International returns to talk about the kind of language travel advisors shouldn’t use when talking to clients. Co-hosts Jamie Biesiada and Emma Weissmann perform a sample dialogue for Jenn, and she takes Jamie, posing as an advisor, to task for all of her negative language (“I add value,” “What’s your budget?”). Jenn talks about why words matter, and the fact that, in her words, “People buy on emotion and justify logically.”
This episode was sponsored by ALG Vacations. Further resources: The Fiercely Forward Travel Advisors Facebook group Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes are High Words that Sell: More than 6,000 Entries to Help You Promote Your Products, Services and Ideas The companion to Words the Sell, More Words that Sell Phrases that Sell: The Ultimate Phrase Finder to Help You Promote Your Products, Services and Ideas Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller 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. | |||
| 10 Aug 2023 | Hawaii wildfires: What travel advisors need to know | 00:19:43 | |
In this special episode of Trade Secrets, co-host Jamie Biesiada gets an update on the wildfires in Hawaii from Ilihia Gionson, the Hawaii Tourism Authority’s public affairs officer. Gionson talks about what’s happening on Maui, thanks those visitors who have left the island and asks for patience in the weeks ahead as damage is assessed and recovery begins. This episode is sponsored by ALG Vacations. https://www.vaxvacationaccess.com/suppliers/apple-leisure-group/pages/algv-gives-you-more/ Further resources: For visitor-specific information, visit the Hawaii Tourism Authority on its website or gohawaii.com For general disaster information, visit the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency To lend a hand, consider donations to the American Red Cross or one of the organizations identified by the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| 20 Nov 2023 | The fast lane to success: Travel advisor Christy Menzies’ million-dollar start | 00:46:43 | |
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:
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. | |||
| 25 Sep 2023 | On the ground in Maui: Should travel agents send clients to the island right now? | 00:46:12 | |
One month after wildfires devastated Lahaina, Signature Travel Network decided to move forward with its annual Owners’ Meeting at the Grand Wailea, located on an unaffected part of Maui. This episode of Trade Secrets was recorded from the island. Hear from Signature CEO Alex Sharpe, travel agency owners and supplier representatives from Allianz Partners, Travel Insured International and Pleasant Holidays as they share their thoughts about promoting travel to the island. Listeners will also learn about Signature’s relief efforts, and the resounding takeaway for travel advisors who have visited: Responsible, compassionate tourism is welcome on the Valley Isle. Note: Although unaffected areas of Maui have remained open to tourism, the affected areas of West Maui will officially open on Oct. 8, according to Hawaii Gov. Josh Green. This episode is sponsored by Air France-KLM. Further resources: Coverage from Travel Weekly and TravelAge West:
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. | |||
| 23 Sep 2024 | Trade Secrets at Virtuoso Travel Week, part 3: How can travel advisors get ‘commissions with a comma'? (Feat. Dondra Ritzenthaler) | 00:30:10 | |
In this episode, the final in a three-part series of Trade Secrets recorded on the road at Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada welcome Azamara CEO Dondra Ritzenthaler. She discusses leaving her retirement to helm the small-ship luxury cruise line, the importance of suppliers listening to trade partners, luxury travel sales techniques and what sets luxury cruise lines like Azamara apart. This episode is sponsored by AmaWaterways. Further resources Dondra Ritzenthaler’s email Mentioned in this episode:
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. | |||
| 22 Mar 2021 | Episode Three - All Things Branding | 00:25:53 | |
Whenever Jennifer Doncsecz, president of VIP Vacations, is traveling, she always wears pink. She started years ago, and since then, she uses pink on VIP’s logo, website, and even the Victorian house where the agency is located. That, combined with a number of other strategic measures, has helped Doncsecz solidify her agency’s branding, making it instantly recognizable. This week, senior editors Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada delve into all things branding with Jennifer, who uses the four Cs: Credibility, consistency, customer service and clout. IN THIS EPISODE
FURTHER RESOURCES New travel advisor businesses that will help the industry build back better - https://www.travelagewest.com/Industry-Insight/Business-Features/9-New-Travel-Advisor-Businesses-That-Will-Help-the-Industry-Build-Back-Better Outsourcing for travel advisors: Recommendations for the hired help you need - https://www.travelagewest.com/Industry-Insight/Business-Features/Outsourcing-for-Travel-Advisors-5-Recommendations-for-the-Hired-Help-You-Need Travel Genius Websites, for websites for travel agents - https://travelgeniuswebsites.com/ 'Tique, for branding, websites and systems design - https://www.tiquehq.com/ Canva, for designing assets - https://www.canva.com/ Fiverr, for freelance business services - https://www.fiverr.com/ Some more sage words of advice from Jennifer on different topics:
NEED ADVICE? 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. | |||
| 08 Apr 2024 | Travel advisors, what’s your elevator pitch? (feat. Jackie Friedman) | 00:46:05 | |
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:
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. | |||
| 13 Jun 2022 | So you want to become a travel agent? | 00:42:39 | |
Have you ever wondered what it takes to become a travel agent? Find out all about the process this week on Trade Secrets, when co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada are joined by Travel Planners International’s Jenn Lee. Emma and Jamie will kick off the episode pitching their concepts for travel agencies, then ask Jenn all the questions they would have if they were just starting out as travel advisors. Listen in for Jenn’s advice, applicable to new and veteran advisors alike. This episode is sponsored by Windstar Cruises https://www.windstarcruises.com/. In this episode:
Further resources: Jenn Lee on Humans of Travel A travel advisor’s guide to industry terms Forty tips and resources for new travel agents TripChix on Instagram The Fiercely Forward Travel Advisors Facebook group Jenn Lee on Facebook - friend her! The book Words that Sell The book Phrases that Sell 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. | |||
| 22 Feb 2021 | Episode One - Covid-19 Vaccines | 00:30:01 | |
Will more suppliers require customers to get Covid-19 vaccines before traveling? Are more regulations on domestic travel coming? Senior editors Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada tackle these questions with the help of Sally Black, founder of the travel agency Vacationkids in Kunkletown, Pa. IN THIS EPISODE
FURTHER READING No vaccine, no service: How vaccinations may affect travel plans in the future (this includes Dean Headley’s theory that vaccinations could become a form of preferred travel status, as Emma mentioned) - https://www.cnbc.com/2021/01/14/will-vaccines-be-required-to-fly-or-travel-its-likely-say-experts.html Three cruise lines are requiring vaccinations. Will others follow? - https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/three-lines-will-require-vax-for-pax-but-will-the-mandate-spread Agents and clients respond to new cruise vaccination requirements - https://www.travelagewest.com/Travel/Cruise/Agents-and-Clients-Respond-to-New-Cruise-Vaccination-Requirements Need to know research: Travel advisors support strict Covid-19 testing requirements - https://www.travelagewest.com/Industry-Insight/Business-Features/Need-to-Know-Research-Travel-Advisors-Support-Strict-COVID-19-Testing-Requirements Is the travel industry opposed to requiring negative Covid-19 tests for domestic travel? - https://www.travelagewest.com/Industry-Insight/Business-Features/Is-the-Travel-Industry-Opposed-to-Requiring-Negative-COVID-19-Tests-for-Domestic-Travel- Since the podcast was recorded, some other suppliers have said they will require vaccines, and still others say it’s too early to tell. More on that in these articles: Crystal makes it clear: No vaccine, no cruise - https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Crystal-makes-it-clear-No-vaccine-no-cruise Vaccines required on Carnival Corp. lines? CEO Arnold Donald says too early to tell - https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Carnival-CEO-on-vaccines-and-cruise-restart Royal Caribbean Group will require crew to be vaccinated - https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Royal-Caribbean-Group-will-require-crew-to-be-vaccinated Globus will require Covid-19 vaccine, negative test or immunity - https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Tour-Operators/Globus-will-require-Covid-19-vaccine-negative-test-or-immunity See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| 25 Jul 2022 | Travel agents, is it time for some therapy? | 00:34:15 | |
Travel advisors are finally busy again — the good kind of busy, not the cancel-rebook-cancel-rebook cycle they’ve been stuck in for the past two-plus years. But many of them are too busy, and it’s taking its toll. Burnout is now a real problem in the travel agency community. That’s why we’ve invited Laura Magnuson, a licensed therapist and vice president of clinical engagement at Talkspace, to join us on this episode of Trade Secrets. We discuss how to avoid workplace burnout, how to balance work and life when work is just so busy, and more. This is our season two finale! We’ll be re-releasing some of our older episodes in August and September so you can take a look back on topics we’ve already covered. Please keep in touch with your questions and ideas in the meantime! Then, in October, we’ll be back with all new episodes of Trade Secrets. We’ll release a trailer with our season three premiere date as it draws closer. Thanks for listening! In this episode:
Further resources: Talkspace on the web, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Workplace stress resources from Talkspace Talkspace’s partnership with Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants From TravelAge West: Most travel advisors are facing burnout Esther Perel’s Where should we begin? podcast Danny Lavery’s Big Mood, Little Mood podcast Laurie Santos’ The Happiness Lab podcast 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. | |||
| 16 Dec 2024 | Encore: Why can't we be friends? Forming productive travel advisor-supplier relationships | 00:49:16 | |
Trade Secrets is on a holiday break. We're sharing some of our favorite episodes until we return. 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 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. Trade Secrets will return with season six in early 2025. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| 31 Oct 2022 | What exactly is pre-formed group travel, and how do I sell it? | 00:40:24 | |
Trade Secrets is back! Welcome to the first episode of season three, where hosts Jamie Biesiada and Emma Weissmann dig deep into the world of pre-formed group travel. As always, they’re joined by industry experts to answer travel advisors’ questions. This week, they tackle advisor Christy Mahon’s questions on groups with the help of Brian Jewell, the vice president and executive editor of The Group Travel Leader and host of the podcast Gather and Go with Brian Jewell, and Jim Friedlander, CEO of Arrangements Abroad. Further resources: Gather and Go with Brian Jewell Here’s the pitch: Affinity cruises are rewarding in multiple ways 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. | |||
| 19 Dec 2022 | Selling the Mouse: Will the Disney Dining Plan return, minions multiplying and Lauren Doyle on why agencies should have Disney specialists | 00:39:08 | |
Will Disney bring back the Disney Dining Plan? Travelers sure want to know. Meanwhile, minions are multiplying at Universal Studios Florida, Super Nintendo World is opening at Universal Hollywood and the holidays are in full swing in theme parks. We discuss all that and more on this episode of Selling the Mouse. We also get to know Lauren Doyle and her agency, The Travel Mechanic in Raleigh, N.C., and three of her advisors: Stacie Lowe, and Erin and Aaron Baucom. Find out why Lauren is expanding her agency’s ranks of Disney specialists, what drew Erin and Aaron to become new advisors just last month and how Stacie leverages TikTok to bring in an incredible 80% of her leads. Selling the Mouse is a five-part miniseries, brought to you by Trade Secrets, a travel advisor-focused business development podcast. Trade Secrets is in its third season with new episodes every other Monday. Further resources The Travel Mechanic on the web and on Instagram. Visit the agency here if you’re interested in the agency’s hosting services. Stacie on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok Erin and Aaron Baucom on Instagram and Facebook Universal is loading blaster attraction for Minion Land Let’s-a go! Nintendo area to open at Universal Hollywood in February Theme song: Adventures in Adventureland by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/8287-adventures-in-adventureland License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| 09 Jan 2023 | Lessons learned from acquisitions and setting expectations, plus your listener questions | 00:44:51 | |
This week on Trade Secrets, we go inside Epperly Travel’s 2021 acquisition of Jetset World Travel, and subsequent rebranding to Jetset, with founder and CEO Lindsey Epperly. She recounts lessons learned — for instance, her business partner and husband Jeremy Sulek’s mantra “silence breeds insecurity” — and we hear the proof in the pudding about good communication from one of her affiliates, Emma Major, founder of Major Traveler. Then, we open the Trade Secrets mailbag to answer a potpourri of questions from listeners with Lindsey and Emma, ranging from transitioning to travel from a previous career, to converting ocean cruisers to river cruisers and beyond. Further resources: Jetset World Travel on the web Email Lindsey: lindsey@jetsetworldtravel.com Major Traveler on the web Email Emma: emma@majortraveler.com Trade Secrets episode with Bob Joselyn: So you want to sell your travel agency? Here’s how “Bulls, Owls, Lambs and Tigers: Personality Selling,” by Charles J. Clarke III From Travel Weekly, Surviving was the plan, thriving the result From TravelAge West, Why the merging of two boutique travel agencies ‘goes against the trends’ of consolidation 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. | |||
| 17 May 2021 | Episode Seven - Culinary Travel | 00:25:10 | |
Where can you find experienced guides for culinary tours? Will the pandemic’s uptick in home cooking spur a surge in culinary travel requests? What are some destinations that aren’t known for their food, but should be? All of this and more in this episode of Trade Secrets, when co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada delve into the world of culinary travel with Rani Cheema of Cheema’s Travel. In this episode:
Further resources: For more on Rani - A taste for travel The World Food Travel Association Experiential culinary outings enrich advisors and clients Discovering Athens’ best food spots with Athens insiders A guide to culinary tourism’s top travel trends Travel Weekly’s Focus on Culinary Travel, looking at changes nearly one year after the pandemic began Tour operators feed travelers’ hunger for ‘Bourdain effect’ experiences Agents have several paths for culinary-travel knowledge (scroll to the end of this Focus on Culinary Travel) Jamie’s favorite sourdough cookbook author, Bryan Ford Need advice? 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. | |||
| 14 Oct 2022 | Guess what's coming on October 31? | 00:01:37 | |
October 31, 2022, isn't just Halloween this year — it's the premiere of Trade Secrets' third season! We're back and ready to answer your questions. Listen in wherever you get your podcasts. Keep an ear open for more information on a special mini-series debuting later this fall, too.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| 23 Oct 2023 | Which travel insurance policy is right for my clients? (part 2) | 00:24:41 | |
Travel insurance is an important product for travel advisors and travelers alike, but it’s also an undeniably complex one. What should advisors talk about when selling travel insurance, and what shouldn’t they discuss? Is an annual plan a better deal than per-trip plans? What is a preexisting condition, and what does it mean for advisors? Find out the answers to those questions and more in this week’s episode, the second in a two-part series on travel insurance featuring Richard Aquino, vice president and head of sales for Allianz Partners. Find part one here. This episode is sponsored by Air France-KLM. Further resources: Allianz Advantage, Allianz’s website for travel advisors Mentioned on this episode, Jamie’s air ambulance coverage:
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. | |||
| 29 Jan 2024 | Decoding 2024: What trends will shape the travel advisor landscape? | 00:29:57 | |
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:
Emma’s “out for 2024” list:
Jamie’s “in and out for 2024” list:
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. | |||
| 09 Sep 2024 | Trade Secrets at Virtuoso Travel Week, part 2: As a travel advisor, how do I break into the world of luxury travel sales? | 00:38:04 | |
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:
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. | |||
| 24 Apr 2023 | Our biggest and best season is on its way -- new episodes starting May 1 | 00:01:51 | |
Trade Secrets is returning May 1 with season four. At 20 episodes, this marks the show's longest season yet! Tune in for episodes on everything from fees, to Europe, to best business practices. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| 25 Mar 2024 | Mic check, one, two: How do we create Trade Secrets? | 00:30:15 | |
How is the Trade Secrets podcast made? Find out all the behind-the-scenes details in this special episode with co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada. From the show’s origin, to scripting, to editing and posting, take a peek behind the Trade Secrets curtain. This is a special episode of Trade Secrets between seasons four and five. Season five will return in two weeks, on April 8. This episode is sponsored by Travel Insured International. Further resources Email Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada Follow us on Instagram Mentioned in this episode:
Some previous episodes we mention:
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. | |||
| 30 Dec 2024 | Encore: Travel advisors, what’s your elevator pitch? (feat. Jackie Friedman) | 00:44:20 | |
Trade Secrets is on a holiday break. We're sharing some of our favorite episodes until we return. This week, we're featuring our first episode of season five. 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. Trade Secrets will return with season six in early 2025.
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. | |||
| 02 May 2022 | Should I break up with my host agency? | 00:34:00 | |
These days, there seem to be more host agencies than ever. Even before the pandemic, more and more travel advisors were driven to work for themselves as independent contractors (ICs). That was fueled further by Covid-19, which drove many to move their employees to IC status. The pandemic also gave entrepreneurial companies and individuals time to launch new host agencies entirely. But with so many hosts out there, how do you choose the right one? And when it’s time to make a change, how do you break up with your current host agency? This week, Trade Secrets co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada get into the thick of hosts with Andy Ogg, co-owner of FindaHostTravelAgency.com. This episode is sponsored by Windstar Cruises https://www.windstarcruises.com/. In this episode:
Further resources: A host of problems: A cautionary tale A travel agent’s guide to host agencies Host agencies have grown with IC numbers A must-read guide to choosing a travel agent network FindaHostTravelAgency.com’s top agencies for 2022 (video) FindaHostTravelAgency.com’s host agency checklist (free download) HomeBasedTravelAgent.com’s 22-part free course on how to start a home-based agency 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. | |||
| 21 Nov 2022 | Selling the Mouse: Disney’s newest cruise ship, theme park demand and Beci Mahnken’s best advice for advisors | 00:49:22 | |
On the first episode of Selling the Mouse, host Jamie Biesiada talks with Beci Mahnken of MEI-Travel, Mouse Fan Travel and Universal Travel on the latest theme park news. They discuss Disney’s new megaship and theme park demand, among other topics, and get into the details on Beci’s business. She talks about her agency, hiring for passion and not skill, why consumers are using travel advisors more than ever, and why you shouldn’t sell out of your own pocket. At the end, catch their not-so-lightning-fast lightning round of Beci’s favorites. Selling the Mouse is a five-part miniseries, brought to you by Trade Secrets, a travel advisor-focused business development podcast. Trade Secrets is in its third season with new episodes every other Monday. Episode three will be posted on Nov. 28. Further resources Beci on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram MEI & Mouse Fan Travel on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter (MEI and Mouse Fan) And, on the web Jamie's story on a problematic host agency, A host of problems Theme song: Adventures in Adventureland by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/8287-adventures-in-adventureland License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| 04 Nov 2024 | How do I find and maintain work-life balance as a travel advisor? (Feat. Stephanie Lee) | 00:55:35 | |
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:
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. | |||
| 11 Mar 2024 | Why can't we be friends? Forming productive travel advisor-supplier relationships (feat. Vicki Freed and Jamie Margolis) | 00:49:59 | |
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:
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. | |||
| 03 Apr 2023 | Encore: As a travel advisor, how do I break up with clients? | 00:51:39 | |
Trade Secrets is on a brief hiatus to gather questions for season four, but in the meantime, hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada are sharing some of their favorite episodes of the show. We’ll be back with new episodes in May! This week, Emma’s pick: all things client relations with Jennifer Jacob. Jennifer is the COO and co-founder of Tique, a travel advisor brand and systems design studio, and the former founder of Explorateur Travel. They tackle qualifying clients, keeping track of — and using — client data, breaking up with clients and beyond. You’ll also learn about Jennifer’s “pushback channel,” which often leads to the “bless and release.” Hear about all that and more this week on Trade Secrets. This episode was sponsored by G Adventures. https://www.gadventures.com/ Further resources: Tique on Instagram and on the web Jennifer’s book recommendations, “Crucial Conversations” and “Radical Candor” Trade Secrets episode on charging fees Explorateur Travel, the agency Jennifer founded From TravelAge West: New travel advisor businesses that will help the industry build back better From TravelAge West: Five ways for travel advisors to deal with (or fire) problematic clients Travefy’s webinar on firing clients 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. | |||
| 19 Sep 2022 | Encore: Should I break up with my host agency? | 00:33:41 | |
Trade Secrets is on hiatus. New episodes will be out this October, but in the mean time, we're bringing you some of our favorite episodes every other week. Here's one of them! These days, there seem to be more host agencies than ever. Even before the pandemic, more and more travel advisors were driven to work for themselves as independent contractors (ICs). That was fueled further by Covid-19, which drove many to move their employees to IC status. The pandemic also gave entrepreneurial companies and individuals time to launch new host agencies entirely. But with so many hosts out there, how do you choose the right one? And when it’s time to make a change, how do you break up with your current host agency? This week, Trade Secrets co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada get into the thick of hosts with Andy Ogg, co-owner of FindaHostTravelAgency.com. 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. | |||
| 20 May 2024 | How do you grow your travel agency — and trust your new advisors? | 00:44:46 | |
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:
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. | |||
| 12 Jun 2023 | Why is Europe so busy this summer? | 00:43:34 | |
Travel to Europe surged last summer after two years of pandemic-related restrictions, and this year is no different. The continent is undeniably busy — even busier than last summer, by many metrics. Travel advisors are grappling with planning travel to sometimes sold-out destinations, difficulty securing airfare, high prices and more. In this episode, we’ll help navigate European travel this summer with the help of Lindsay Taylor-Lauer, director of luxury and hosting at Travel Leaders 365. We answer listener questions about dealing with sold-out suppliers, getting in touch with luxury operators and more. We’re also starting a new Trade Secrets tradition: count how many times Jamie’s microphone, which is on a spring-loaded stand, goes flying in an episode (spoiler: it’s just once this time). This episode is sponsored by Windstar Cruises. https://www.windstarcruises.com/ Further resources: Travel Leaders 365 on the web Europe is busy this season! Articles from Emma and Jamie The Hive, from friend of the pod Whitney Shindelar Thanks to our friends at Travelmation for helping us solicit questions for this season! 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. | |||
| 28 Nov 2022 | As a travel advisor, how do I break up with clients? | 00:51:19 | |
This week on Trade Secrets, hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada are tackling all things client relations with Jennifer Jacob. Jennifer is the COO and co-founder of Tique, a travel advisor brand and systems design studio, and the former founder of Explorateur Travel. They tackle qualifying clients, keeping track of — and using — client data, breaking up with clients and beyond. You’ll also learn about Jennifer’s “pushback channel,” which often leads to the “bless and release.” Hear about all that and more this week on Trade Secrets. Further resources: Tique on Instagram and on the web Jennifer’s book recommendations, “Crucial Conversations” and “Radical Candor” Trade Secrets episode on charging fees Explorateur Travel, the agency Jennifer founded From TravelAge West: New travel advisor businesses that will help the industry build back better From TravelAge West: Five ways for travel advisors to deal with (or fire) problematic clients Travefy’s webinar on firing clients 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. | |||
| 20 Feb 2023 | What are the do's and don'ts of working with a BDM? | 00:30:43 | |
The travel advisor-business development manager (BDM) relationship can be critical to an advisor’s growth with supplier partners. So, how can advisors go about building strong relationships with BDMs, and how do they leverage that partnership to ensure the success of both parties? This special episode of Trade Secrets was recorded on-site at Hard Rock Los Cabos in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, during ALG Vacations’ Pros in Paradise event. At the event, ALG Vacations brought together a group of travel advisors and social media influencers to network, learn from each other and create content. While there, the advisors and Jacki Marks, executive vice president of ALGV, joined Trade Secrets co-hosts Jamie Biesiada and Emma Weissmann to record this episode. Listeners will hear travel advisors asking their BDM-related questions live during the recording, including, “How should I be communicating with BDMs?” “When should I escalate an issue past a service center?” and “Is it appropriate to ask BDMs to conduct private trainings for their agency?” This episode is sponsored by ALG Vacations. Further resources: Trade Secrets podcast: How do I actually use TikTok and Instagram Reels for my agency? Find your ALG Vacations BDM at algvacations.com/bdm 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. | |||
| 03 Mar 2025 | Trade Secrets Tech Summit: Tern (feat. David Shull) | 00:25:25 | |
This season, Trade Secrets is hosting the Trade Secrets Tech Summit. Every Monday, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada will feature a different travel technology company that works with travel advisors. A representative from the featured company will begin with a 5-minute elevator pitch to tell advisors about their product, followed by a 15-minute Q-and-A with the hosts. This week’s featured company is Tern, represented by co-founder and CEO David Shull. Trade Secrets is using Host Agency Reviews’ list of technology providers as a basis for this season. If a technology company doesn’t have a profile, advisors are encouraged to send a link to the hosts to be added to the list. This episode was sponsored by the Travel Corporation. Further resources Tern’s website David’s email Tern’s Facebook group for users Get in touch! 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. | |||
| 24 May 2021 | Episode Seven, Part Two - All About Rani Cheema | 00:18:11 | |
Last week, we got all sorts of advice about culinary travel from Rani Cheema, the owner of Cheema’s Travel. In this week’s special episode, get to know all about Rani herself, and how she found her way to the travel industry. We’ll get back to our regularly scheduled programming next Monday, June 7, with an episode dedicated to group travel. In this episode:
Further resources: For more on Rani: Need advice? 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. | |||
| 28 Aug 2023 | As a travel advisor, how do I encourage my clients to travel more sustainably? | 00:38:12 | |
In this episode of Trade Secrets, Indagare’s Melissa Biggs Bradley discusses the company’s sustainability efforts — including how her agency offsets the carbon footprints of all staff and client travel — the end of “fast travel,” and how travel advisors can encourage clients to travel more sustainably. This episode is sponsored by ALG Vacations. Further resources: Melissa Biggs Bradley:
From Travel Weekly, “Agent Life: Indagare aims to positively impact clients and the places they visit” Indagare’s explainer on its carbon neutrality From TravelAge West, “Need to Know Research: How Do Travel Advisors Really Feel About Sustainability?” Mentioned on this episode:
Thanks to our friends at the Travel Advisor Resource Center for helping solicit questions for this season of Trade Secrets! 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. | |||
| 07 Oct 2024 | Oh, the places you’ll go! Destination weddings, honeymoons and beyond, feat. Jennifer Doncsecz | 00:59:23 | |
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: Mentioned in this episode:
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. | |||
| 06 May 2024 | Travel advisors, what’s your brand identity? (feat. Christina Vieira) | 00:38:50 | |
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:
Mentioned in this episode:
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. | |||
| 27 Jan 2025 | Encore: How should travel advisors manage client expectations? | 00:43:01 | |
Trade Secrets is on a winter break. We're sharing some of our favorite episodes until we return. 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 was sponsored by Collette. 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. | |||
| 21 Mar 2022 | Selling Germany | 00:31:56 | |
In the season two premiere of Trade Secrets, we’re headed to Europe — Germany, to be precise. This week, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada explore the country with Sascha Mayerer, CEO of Historic Highlights of Germany, and Sandra Weinacht, president and founder of Inside Europe. Together, they will answer listener questions about the Black Forest, the Romantic Road and more. This episode is sponsored by Historic Highlights of Germany https://historicgermany.travel/. In this episode:
Further resources: Historic Highlights of Germany website, Instagram and Facebook German National Tourist Board trade website, Instagram The Romantic Road AmaWaterways partners with Ancestry on heritage river cruises Kensington Tours and Ancestry partner on genealogy travel Sascha Mayerer is on LinkedIn Sandra Weinacht is on LinkedIn and Instagram Need advice? Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098 Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com
Theme song: Meanwhile in Bavaria 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. | |||
| 18 Apr 2022 | So you want to sell your business? Here's how. | 00:32:42 | |
What kind of options do travel agents have when they’re ready to exit the business? Selling their agency is one. In this episode, Trade Secrets tackles succession planning — and its cousin, disaster planning — with industry consultant Bob Joselyn. From potential buyers, to how they pay for the agency, to talking to clients about the change, hear it all on this week’s episode of Trade Secrets. This episode is sponsored by Historic Highlights of Germany https://historicgermany.travel/. In this episode:
Further resources: Legal Briefs by industry attorney Mark Pestronk Industry attorney Jeffrey Ment writing for TravelAge West Travel agency consolidation is fueled by Pandemic, retirements M&A activity within travel is brisk, especially at small and midsize agencies Future revenue informs agency sale price Why acquisitions make sense now For acquisitions, it’s still a buyer’s market 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. | |||
| 26 Dec 2022 | Encore: Why can the travel advisor-supplier relationship be so fraught? | 00:41:38 | |
Trade Secrets is on a brief hiatus for the holidays, but we'll be back with brand new episodes in January. In the mean time, enjoy this encore episode on travel advisor-supplier relationships! The travel advisor-supplier relationship can be key for higher sales on both sides of the coin. It's truly a win-win, but really solid relationships between advisors and their supplier representatives can sometimes be elusive. This week, we get deep into the topic with Kate Thomas and Heather Christopher, a supplier and advisor who have a great, longstanding relationship. Need advice? Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098 Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com Theme song: Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod. License See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| 05 Sep 2022 | Encore: What is the industry's top event for travel agents? | 00:20:59 | |
Trade Secrets is on hiatus. New episodes will be out this October, but in the mean time, we're bringing you some of our favorite episodes every other week. Here's one of them! What is the most beneficial travel agent training available today? What are travel's must-attend events for advisors? Senior editors Jamie Biesiada and Emma Weissmann delve into these questions with veteran advisor Sally Black, founder of the travel agency Vacationkids in Kunkletown, Pa. They'll also get a sneak peek into Sally's new gig at New York University, and her take on why you should say yes to things — most especially, if they terrify you. Need advice? Email us: tradesecretspod@gmail.com or tradesecrets@travelweekly.com Theme song: See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| 27 Jun 2022 | Why can the travel advisor-supplier relationship be so fraught? | 00:41:38 | |
The travel advisor-supplier relationship can be key for higher sales on both sides of the coin. It’s truly a win-win, but really solid relationships between advisors and their supplier representatives can sometimes be elusive. This week, we get deep into the topic with Kate Thomas and Heather Christopher, a supplier and advisor who have a great, long-standing relationship. This episode is sponsored by Windstar Cruises https://www.windstarcruises.com/. In this episode:
Further resources: Travel Pro Theory, advice and resources for travel pros Travel Pro Theory’s The Digest Kate on Instagram Heather on Instagram Heather’s BE The Travel This is why advisors, suppliers and clients are frustrated right now 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. | |||
| 10 Mar 2025 | Trade Secrets Tech Summit: The Hive (feat. Whitney Shindelar) | 00:25:20 | |
This season, Trade Secrets is hosting the Trade Secrets Tech Summit. Every Monday, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada will feature a different travel technology company that works with travel advisors. A representative from the featured company will begin with a five-minute elevator pitch to tell advisors about their product, followed by a 15-minute Q-and-A with the hosts. This week’s featured company is the Hive, represented by founder and CEO Whitney Shindelar. Trade Secrets is using Host Agency Reviews’ list of technology providers as a basis for this season. If a technology company doesn’t have a profile, advisors are encouraged to send a link to the hosts to be added to the list. This episode was sponsored by the Travel Corporation. Further resources The Hive online and on Instagram The Hive on Host Agency Reviews Whitney Shindelar’s previous appearance on Trade Secrets, talking about mentorship in the industry Get in touch! 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. | |||
| 23 Jan 2023 | When is it time to leave your host agency and join a consortium? | 00:36:45 | |
Many travel advisors get their start in the industry by affiliating with a host agency as an independent contractor. But what happens when they outgrow their host, or want to move in a different direction with their business? One possible avenue is becoming an agency member of a consortium. That’s exactly what Lila Fox, owner of Lila Fox Travel Co. in Denver, did. This week on Trade Secrets, we’ll delve into Fox’s journey in the travel industry and how she decided to strike out from a host and join Virtuoso directly. She offers advice to other advisors thinking about making the same move, shares her no-regrets attitude and more. Further resources: Lila Fox Travel Co. online Lila on LinkedIn Stephanie Lee on the Humans of Travel podcast Lee’s site, Host Agency Reviews Andy Ogg on Trade Secrets, talking about finding the right host agency On TravelAge West, a must-read guide for choosing a travel agent network 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. | |||
| 15 Jan 2024 | Encore: Top travel pros and their best advice for advisors | 00:37:37 | |
Trade Secrets is on a break right now, but will be back starting Jan. 29 with brand-new episodes. In the meantime, we wanted to share one of our favorite episodes from season four. It’s also one of the most popular. This episode was recorded at the ASTA Global Convention in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on May 2, 2023. Co-hosts Jamie Biesiada and Emma Weissmann rounded up some of the industry’s finest to offer their best advice to travel advisors. They touch on everything from sustainability, to entering the luxury market, and beyond. Further resources: The ASTA Travel Advisor Conference 2024 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. | |||
| 09 Oct 2023 | Which travel insurance policy is right for my clients? (part 1) | 00:26:03 | |
Travel insurance is an important product for travel advisors and travelers alike, but it’s also an undeniably complex one. How should travel advisors position this product to clients? What insurance provider should they use? How do they parse through complicated plans? Find out the answers to those questions and more in this week’s episode, the first in a two-part series on travel insurance featuring Richard Aquino, vice president and head of sales for Allianz Partners. This episode is sponsored by Air France-KLM. Further resources: Allianz Advantage, Allianz’s website for travel advisors Mentioned on this episode:
Thanks to our friends at Cruise Planners for helping solicit questions for this season of Trade Secrets! https://www.cruiseplannersfranchise.com/ 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. | |||
| 12 Feb 2024 | Travel advisors, are you using the right tech stack? | 00:45:49 | |
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:
From Travel Weekly: 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. | |||
| 31 May 2021 | Episode Eight - Group Travel | 00:35:04 | |
This week on Trade Secrets, it’s all about groups. Join co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada as they talk to three travel advisors about how they successfully put together group trips during the pandemic using the “come away with me” strategy. Instead of finding a group leader to draw in travelers, they themselves become the leader, inspiring clients to have confidence in travel. Hear from Emer Coughlin, Carol McKee and Wendy Chambers. In this episode:
Further resources: From ‘pied piper’ to ‘come with me’ The ‘come with me strategy’ in action Smartbrief for the Travel Professional Travel is back -- and so are travel scams Need advice? 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. | |||
| 30 May 2022 | Is small-ship cruising right for my client? | 00:32:00 | |
The cruise industry is massive. In fact, CLIA estimates it generates more than $150 billion in economic activity every year around the world. This week on Trade Secrets, we’re focusing on one segment of that larger industry: small-ship cruising. Jamie Biesiada and guest host Andrea Zelinski, Travel Weekly’s cruise editor, talk all things small ships (and, spoiler, Tahiti) with Windstar Cruises’ Chris Prelog and travel advisor Nancy Cutter. This episode is sponsored by Windstar Cruises https://www.windstarcruises.com/. In this episode:
Further resources: Windstar Cruises - https://www.windstarcruises.com/ Court Travel - https://www.courttravel.com/ Windstar wants to put a bigger ship in Tahiti - https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Windstar-wants-bigger-ship-Tahiti Focus on Cruise: Windstar’s Tahiti turn - https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Focus-on-Cruise-Windstar-Tahiti-turn Ponant plans to build ship for Tahiti cruising - https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Ponant-plans-build-Tahiti-ship 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. | |||
| 12 Aug 2024 | Inside the Trade Secrets mailbag: Answering your most pressing questions (Feat. Chad Burt of Outside Agents) | 00:35:54 | |
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:
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. | |||
| 22 Aug 2022 | How do I actually use TikTok and Instagram Reels for my travel agency? | 00:22:50 | |
From Aug. 11-14, Apple Leisure Group Vacations (ALGV) hosted its first-ever Beachfront Bru event at Breathless Cancun Soul Resort & Spa in Cancun, Mexico. During the three-day event, an invited group of social media content creators — made up of travel advisors, social media micro influencers and former contestants of The Bachelor franchise, among others — created social media content for the resort, swapped best practices in content creation and promoted ALGV’s #AskATravelAdvisor campaign. The event also celebrated the launch of ALGV’s new TikTok account, @AskAnAdvisorALGV. “Breathless Cancun Soul is the perfect location to create exciting social media content,” said Erin McCarthy, senior director of marketing for Apple Leisure Group Vacations. “This gathering provides ALG Vacations’ travel advisor partners with new opportunities for learning new skills like social media photography and TikTok best practices. It’s also a great opportunity for us to launch our new TikTok channel, @AskAnAdvisorALGV which promotes the benefits and of using a travel advisor.” “One of ALGV’s missions is to arm our loyal travel advisors with new ideas and practical guides to the latest trends,” she added. “We know that advisors need to be where the clients are, and that’s in emerging social media platforms.” In addition to participating in networking opportunities, the group recorded on-site radio shows and podcasts, including this episode of Trade Secrets. On this special bonus episode, sponsored by ALGV, Trade Secrets co-host Emma Weissmann (Managing Editor of TravelAge West) sits down with ALGV’s five travel advisors and a special guest: Bernice Padilla, an American Airlines flight attendant who has accumulated 30,000 followers on Instagram (@TrendyTraveler_) and 110,000 followers on TikTok. Here, she shares best practices when it comes to social media marketing, building a personal brand and improving audience engagement. In this episode:
Further resources: Padilla’s TikTok: @TrendyTraveler Padilla’s Instagram: @TrendyTraveler_ @AskAnAdvisorALGV on TikTok Need advice? Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098 Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com
Theme song: Meanwhile in Bavaria 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. | |||
| 22 Feb 2021 | Trade Secrets by Travel Weekly and TravelAge West — Trailer | 00:01:26 | |
Introducing Trade Secrets, a podcast from the editors of Travel Weekly and TravelAge West, where travel advisors ask -- and answer -- questions. On each podcast, our editors will ask a veteran travel advisor to join them and field listeners’ questions. Topics will range from business advice to industry trends, history and more — as long as it’s travel-related, we want to address it! Find Trade Secrets wherever you get your podcasts, or at travelweekly.com/podcasts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| 11 Sep 2023 | Fam trips: How can they help your business, travel advisors? | 00:36:52 | |
This week, Trade Secrets is all about the fam — fam, or familiarization, trips, that is! Hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada are joined by Theresa Chu-Bermudez, owner of Get Out! Custom Travels, co-host of the Tin Lounge Podcast and the creator of Fam with Intention. They talk about all of the ins and outs of fams: how to find them, how to prepare for them, what to do on a fam, and what to do after the trip is over. This episode is sponsored by Air France-KLM. Further resources: Theresa Chu-Bermudez
Tyson Wharton, owner and founder of Sioux Empire Travel, and his fam trip do’s and don’ts: Do:
Don’t:
Mentioned in this episode: Thanks to our friends at The Hive for helping solicit questions for this season of Trade Secrets! 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. | |||
| 30 Jan 2023 | Selling the Mouse: Disney100, Universal’s new kid-friendly theme park, and Sara Butruff on charging service fees — even for theme park vacations | 00:48:14 | |
Sara Butruff, the owner of Travel Leaders - Galaxy Travel in Apple Valley, Minn., does something a little differently than a lot of agency owners: her agencies charge service fees for theme park vacations. Butruff is a major proponent for service fees in general, but is something of a standout in the Disney agency community with two levels of fees: the Magic Touch Concierge Fee and the White Glove Service. Listen in to hear about both, as well as Butruff’s conversation with host Jamie Biesiada ranging from the latest news (Disney100, Universal’s kid-friendly theme park and more), and what her clients headed to theme parks want right now. Also learn just how many sets of ears Butruff has in her spare-bedroom-turned-closet (spoiler: we’re talking triple digits!). And, hang around for the “lightening” round for some top-notch snack suggestions. Disney and Universal news is the main topic until the 19:40 mark, when the conversation turns to Butruff’s business model and fee structure. Selling the Mouse is a five-part miniseries, brought to you by Trade Secrets, a travel advisor-focused business development podcast. Trade Secrets is in its third season with new episodes every other Monday. Further resources Travel Leaders - Galaxy Travel on the web Email Sara Butruff: sara@travelleaders.com Trade Secrets podcast episode on charging fees: ‘Does charging a fee mean my clients own me?’ Some recent theme park news stories from Travel Weekly:
Theme song: Adventures in Adventureland by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/8287-adventures-in-adventureland License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| 05 Apr 2021 | Episode Four - Destination Weddings & Honeymoons | 00:34:11 | |
In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic in the summer of 2020, Jennifer Doncsecz and her agency, VIP Vacations, sold more destination weddings than they had the summer prior. Considering many in travel considered 2019 their historic best year, it’s quite the feat. How did she do it? What advice does she have for other advisors planning romance travel in today’s climate? And why does she think romance travel will lead the way as the industry emerges from the coronavirus crisis? Find out in this episode of Trade Secrets, with senior editors Jamie Biesiada and Emma Weissmann. In this episode:
Further resources: Destination Wedding & Honeymoon Specialists Association - http://dwhsa.com/ VIP Vacations - https://www.vacationsbyvip.com/ This travel advisor sold more destination weddings this summer than last summer - https://www.travelagewest.com/Travel/Romance/This-Travel-Advisor-Sold-More-Destination-Weddings-This-Summer-Than-Last-Summer How to use clubhouse to grow your business - https://www.travelagewest.com/Industry-Insight/Business-Features/How-to-Use-Clubhouse-to-Grow-Your-Business Paid wedding sites to utilize for leads:
Travel Weekly’s Legal Briefs column by industry attorney Mark Pestronk - https://www.travelweekly.com/Legal-Briefs Mark Pestronk’s resources, including models of disclaimers (both general and related to Covid-19) - https://pestronk.com/resources/ Need advice? 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. | |||
| 08 Mar 2021 | Episode Two - Training & Education | 00:21:17 | |
What is the most beneficial travel agent training available today? What are travel’s must-attend events for advisors? Senior editors Jamie Biesiada and Emma Weissmann delve into these questions with veteran advisor Sally Black, founder of the travel agency Vacationkids in Kunkletown, Pa. They’ll also get a sneak peak into Sally’s new gig at New York University, and her take on why you should say yes to things — most especially, if they terrify you. IN THIS EPISODE 1:25 - There are so many training courses and programs out there with great options from The Travel Institute and ASTA. Which have you found to be the most beneficial? FURTHER READING Training: ASTA - https://www.asta.org/Education Must-attend events: Is it ‘crazy’ to open an agency now? New advisors accept the challenge - https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Travel-Agent-Issues/New-advisors-open-agencies-during-pandemic Most agencies adapting quickly to keep their businesses alive - https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Travel-Agent-Issues/Most-agencies-adapting-quickly-to-keep-their-businesses-alive Community voices: A travel advisor on the power of partnership - https://www.travelagewest.com/Industry-Insight/Opinion/Community-Voices-A-Travel-Advisor-on-the-Power-of-Partnership Top free online courses for travel advisors - https://www.travelagewest.com/Industry-Insight/Business-Features/Top-Free-Online-Courses-for-Travel-Advisors NEED ADVICE? Email us: tradesecretspod@gmail.com or tradesecrets@travelweekly.com Theme song: See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||