Travel Agent Chatter | Friday 15 (Host Agency Reviews)

In episode 179 Steph is co-hosting with David Meihoefer of TPI! Here’s a taste of the subjects they’ll tackle: 

1. I'm still debating which host agency to choose, do you suggest I wait until host week to choose?  Also do you think I should have my website set up before choosing a host? -Thanks, Jenn

2. I am still just doing lots of reading, and trying to better understand the travel advisor landscape a bit better.  One question I am wondering if you can answer for me is the relationship between the host agency and the consortium.  

When I talked to a host, it sounds like they select their suppliers directly. They have a team that does that. However, it also seems like their suppliers have to come from the consortium, or at least they have to maintain a certain ratio there. So if someone wanted to be a supplier to that host, would they also have to be a supplier to the consortium? 

Just trying to understand who really maintains that relationship between the suppliers? Is it both, or more one than the other? —Anonymous

RESOURCES:

https://hostagencyreviews.com/friday15 (Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering!) 

How to build a website in 7 minutes + videos (https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/wix-tutorial)

Register for the party of the year: Host Week (https://hostagencyreviews.com/page/host-week)

Advice on how to find the best host agency + questions to ask. (https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/tips-on-how-to-find-the-best-travel-host-agency) 

All about preferred suppliers in the travel industry. (https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-preferred-supplier)

What is a travel consortium? (https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/what-is-travel-consortia-travel-coops)

What is a host agency? 

(https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/what-is-a-host-agency)

Signature Travel Network’s HAR profile (https://hostagencyreviews.com/consortia/signature-travel-network)

Travel Planners International's profile with reviews and info (https://hostagencyreviews.com/hosts/travel-planners-international)

In episode 184 Steph cohosts with David Meihoefer of TPI! Steph and Dave have some really substantive questions to dig into, so make sure you don’t miss it! Here are the questions: 

1. Hi Steph and Guest. Our host agency was just hit with fraud and they sent a notice that we’ll be responsible for any fraudulent bookings. Is this common? I’m new and I’m worried I will make a fraudulent booking and not know it. It would be helpful if we knew what to look out and how to avoid bad bookings. —Anonymous

2. I am curious about the industry practice regarding changing from one commission split level to another within a host agency. Is it customary to be paid on a booking based on what your split is when you entered the booking into your host’s commission tracking system? Rather than what your split is at the time of travel?

Thanks for any insight!

—Anonymous

3. Do you recommend new travel advisors have a marketing budget from Day 1? I know you need to spend money to make money. However, I’m unclear how much to spend and would appreciate guidance.

Thanks!

—Anonymous

RESOURCES:

Mark Pestronk on Preventing Fraud

https://www.travelweekly.com/Mark-Pestronk/How-to-prevent-IC-fraud-on-suppliers

ARC’s Fraud Prevention Tools 

https://www2.arccorp.com/support-training/fraud-prevention

How to Protect Your Travel Agency from Credit Card Fraud

https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/protect-travel-agency-credit-card-fraud

Role Reversal: Thinking Like a Travel Agency Fraudster 2017

https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/role-reversal-thinking-like-travel-agency-fraudster-2017

Explaining Travel Agent Commissions [Infographic + Charts]

https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agent-commissions (All about travel agent commissions, including airline commissions.)

HAR’s $100 Travel Agency Marketing Plan  (https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/the-100-travel-agency-marketing-plan)

https://hostagencyreviews.com/friday15 (Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering!) 

In episode 181 Steph cohosts with a longtime Friday 15 friend, April Swales of Uniglobe Travel! Here's a taste of the topics they'll tackle -- via your questions! 

1. I'm a new advisor and the host agency's booking platform is soooo complicated! I'm still trying to make it through the training. Thinking about switching to another host. Are booking platforms so complicated in general? How can you find out?  —Marsha G.

2. Hi Steph, I've been a long-time listener and am now a regular caller—love the show!

For my Friyay! 15 Question, I’m thinking about adding my booking metrics data like the number of booked cruises, flights, and destinations to my website. Do you think this is a good idea? If so, how would an agent go about adding that information to the site?

All this to help build a trusting relationship with clients about the services that we provide.

Thanks for your insights! I’ll hang up and listen now.😁

Best,

Quincy H.

3. Hi Steph! I saw your post on LinkedIn about the Beneficial Ownership Information. Is this required for all agencies? Why haven’t I heard about this before? —Anonymous

RESOURCES:

Find booking tools and reviews on HAR’s travel agency software list. (https://hostagencyreviews.com/travel-agency-software)

Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI): What it Is, How to File, + Reporting Requirements (https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/beneficial-ownership-information-boi-what-it-is-how-to-file-reporting-requirements)

Uniglobe Travel Center’s profile with reviews and info 

(https://hostagencyreviews.com/hosts/uniglobe-travel-center)

Uniglobetravelcenter.com

https://hostagencyreviews.com/friday15 (Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering!) 

In episode 192, Steph cohosts again with Jennifer Dugan of Dugan’s Travels! Here are the questions they’ll cover!

1. ​​Hi I’m a new independent travel advisor just getting ramped up and which CRM is recommended for CC payments- I would like my clients to pay directly using a CC or debit card. -Kevin Jordan 

2. How in the world can we go through 30 hosts in detail with questions to finally decide 1 to sign on? I have already contacted an attorney to form the LLC before sign up with the host.

-Anonymous

3. How do you assess how and what to charge for planning fees?

-Anonymous

RESOURCES:

Host Agency Review’s Travel Agency Software Profiles https://hostagencyreviews.com/travel-agency-software

Travel Agency CRM List (with User Reviews (https://hostagencyreviews.com/travel-agency-software/category/crm)

Things to look for in your contract with your host agency (https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/independent-travel-agent-contracts)

Advice on how to find the best host agency. (https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/tips-on-how-to-find-the-best-travel-host-agency) 

https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agents-guide-to-charging-fees (Travel agent guide to charging fees.)

https://hostagencyreviews.com/travelagentchatter/lary-neron-airfare-consultant  (Podcast episode with an advisor who books air only and charges $50-500 fees per ticket.)

Travel market research report data on travel agent fee charging practices: what they charge for, how much, fee structures and more. 

https://hostagencyreviews.com/page/travel-advisor-research-reports/

https://hostagencyreviews.com/friday15 (Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering!) 

In episode 195, we have a HAR Team special with Shayna Zand and Rita Perez! Here are the questions they’ll cover in this week’s episode! 

1. At what point should you LLC (so as to protect your assets), even if your income is not large yet? 
2. How do you deal with failure? 
3. I feel lost on which course to take. There seems to be the ASTA roadmap, This Accelerator course, and then the TRIPKIT course, which all seem to have rave reviews. But what's the difference?

RESOURCES:

➡️ Travel Agency Business Structures: How to Choose https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agency-business-structures

➡️Previous Friday 15 where Steph and her co-host discussed LLCs and bank accounts: 

Getting Set Up with LLC, Bank Accts, Etc. – Using Points for Clients? – Host Agencies Outside US? | Host Agency Reviews https://hostagencyreviews.com/friday15/getting-set-up-with-llc-bank-accts-etc-using-points-for-clients-host-agencies-outside-us

Host Week Discussion with Stacey Cabell: Breaking Boundaries: How Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone Can Transform Your Travel Business 

https://www.youtube.com/live/mk-2kBH0aS8?t=18043s

➡️ Travel Agent Training and Education, 2025 https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agent-training-travel-agent-education

➡️ HAR Resource on Selling Travel Full-time vs. Part-time:  https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/selling-travel-full-time

➡️Travel Market Research Reports | Host Agency Reviews https://hostagencyreviews.com/page/travel-market-research-reports

➡️https://har.news/roadmap (HAR’s course through ASTA. The Roadmap to Becoming a Travel Advisor.)

➡️HAR’s 7 Day Setup LITE is a free online course that helps you start your agency. It does not have support and takes you through resources to help you make things happen. (https://www.hostagencyreviews.com/7-day-setup-lite)

➡️HAR’s 7 Day Setup Accelerator course with 70+ easily digestible videos, 48 exclusive resources, monthly live meetups with HAR team and others for support and...

In episode 177 Steph is co-hosting with Stephanie Pickles of Pickles Travel! They’ve got a ton to discuss, including the following: 

1. I hope to be a beginner agent one day soon and as I am sorting out how to break into this industry I have settled on going through a host agency, in large part thanks to your wonderful website and podcasts which I have been absorbing rapidly. 

However, as I review your Host Agency profiles I see GDS (which I understand and cannot use), as well as Ticketing for non-GDS agents and Air Programs listed under Corporate tools. What is the difference between a Ticketing for non-GDS agents program and an Air Program that is a corporate tool? Many thanks!  —Kerrin M.

2. I guess you can now call me an 'older newbie', but I think I am losing some clients when they ask, "Do you do flights." As I know most TAs don't do airfare I have been giving them the same response. 

However, I have lost some clients by saying that. I have learned recently that Centrav is now offering training on how to purchase airfare for clients. What's the best way to handle such a question or should I go ahead and make their flights if asked given the problems that could arise?  —Marc C.

3. Recently I had a client ask me to help him book a trip to Sicily.  I found two packaged deals that would fit his interests. The problem is that he asked me to send him the links I was looking at so that he could see the suppliers I am working with plus the hotels so he can make a choice. Not knowing how to handle such a response, I sent him the links. So far in two days, I haven't heard from him. What's the best way to handle such a situation from a client?  —Marc C.

RESOURCES:

Options for booking air without the GDS system + what the heck the GDS is. (https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/what-is-gds)

https://hostagencyreviews.com/page/travel-advisor-research-reports/ (Travel agent survey data on fee charging practices: what they charge for, how much, fee structures and more.)

Find itinerary builders + more in HAR’s new travel agency software list! (https://hostagencyreviews.com/travel-agency-software)

Pickles Travel Network’s profile with reviews and info (https://hostagencyreviews.com/hosts/pickles-travel-network)

In episode 185 Steph cohosts with Jennifer Dugan of Dugan’s Travels. Don’t miss this great episode chock full of helpful wisdom, covering the questions you will find below: 

1. What is the best way to contact a resort to do a site inspection (email, phone call), especially if the resort is out of the country?

Thanks, Jenn B.

2. After organizing group tours as a volunteer for my club, I am now transitioning to become a professional. I love your podcast and website - thank you.  I'll be doing the 7-day series soon.

I do group tours that are customized for a special interest.  Numerous times, I have tried to book a block of rooms with a hotel and the pricing they quote is more expensive than what I can get from Booking.com or Agoda.com.  In the most recent example, it was 133 room nights and the savings by leaving the rooms on Booking.com was over $15,000.  Additionally, the in-house contract usually requires up front deposits and has much worse cancellation policies.  I really want to help the hotels, but I can't wrap my head around why I should book direct when it costs more and has worse cancellation.  

Thoughts?

Larry P.

RESOURCES:

The Definitive Site Inspection Checklist (https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/definitive-site-inspection-checklist)

Make the Most of a Cruise Ship Inspection (https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/how-travel-agents-can-make-the-most-of-a-cruise-ship-inspection) 

Travel Agent FAM Trips: What They Are + How to Find Them + Etiquette (https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agent-fam-trip)

Options for booking air without the GDS system. (https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/what-is-gds)

Using a Travel Agent vs. Booking Online: An Infographic (https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agent-vs-booking-online)

How Much Do Travel Agents Make per Booking? (https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/how-much-do-travel-agents-make-per-booking)

10 Insider Group Booking Tips from Travel Advisors [+Infographic] (https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/group-booking-tips-travel-advisors-agents)

In episode 175 Steph is co-hosting with Kendra Tainsh of Travel Edge! Here are the questions they cover in this variety-filled episode! 

1. I am not in Canada -- is this still pertinent? I would, however love to speak to someone about how to narrow down the overwhelming selection of host agencies to find one that fits my niche. I am just starting out. My niche is environmental based trips in nature featuring hiking, snorkeling, scuba and just relaxing for those who want to.  --Robin R. 

2. Hey, Long time listener first time caller, LOL. I am getting a new website and I want to list my advisor fee. Where do you recommend I list out the information of my advisor fee on my website.Thanks, –Quincy in Houston  

3. I have an interest in working with boutique suppliers, especially accommodations such as boutique hotels and Bed and Breakfasts. I'm wondering how host agencies mix with boutique suppliers? Do they generally have these connections? Am I able to make these connections and book with these suppliers using my host agency’s IATA number? I heard from a friend that smaller, boutique suppliers don't like working with host agencies? Any truth to that? Looking forward to hearing your take. Thank you HAR team!   --Laura

RESOURCES:

Software

All about preferred suppliers in the travel industry. (https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-preferred-supplier)

Advice on how to find the best host agency. (https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/tips-on-how-to-find-the-best-travel-host-agency) 

https://hostagencyreviews.com/page/travel-advisor-research-reports/ (Travel agent survey data on fee charging practices: what they charge for, how much, fee structures and more.)

https://bookitboxtravel.com/services

https://www.travel-bash.com/faqs 

https://www.memoriesonthemovetravel.com/personalized-travel-planning-services

All about preferred suppliers in the travel industry. (https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-preferred-supplier)

What is a DMC and what do they do? (https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/what-is-dmc-destination-management-company)

In episode 186 Steph cohosts with Kendra Tainsh of Travel Edge. Here are the questions these expert ladies will cover for you all! 

1. I have been away from the corporate travel industry for over 20+ years and I would like to revisit being a corporate travel advisor. I used Sabre when I was an agent and I've been seeing so many jobs I could possibly qualify for but you need at least 2 years of corporate travel experience domestic and international.

I would like to know the best Sabre course/refresher I could take to once again be Sabre efficient and qualified to apply for these positions. I was told once you know Sabre it's like riding a bike you don't forget how to navigate it. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.  ---Robin B. 

2. Hi! Thank you for your super helpful website and podcast!

I've signed up with a host agency, and done the online education, but I am still pretty confused about how to create FIT trips through the host. For years I have run my own trips and have strong relationships with specific hotels, lodges, transportation companies and tour guides. There are specific hotels and lodges that I always use when I book trips. Now that I have my own company and a host agency, I am realizing that none of my contacts/hotels, etc. are used or even findable on the host agency's site.

When I did my initial call with the host agency, they said it wasn't a problem to book non preferred suppliers, but now I am not getting any info about how to book these hotels and lodges that I want to for upcoming trips. I can book these hotels and lodges with an OTA or directly with the hotel or lodge, but am I then liable as the supplier since I didn't book through the host agency? I was told by the attorney who I hired to do my Terms and Conditions that it was important for me to book everything through the host agency for my protection, but I am not sure how to do that. 

Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thank you from another Minnesotan! So grateful for your work with new advisors!!  ---Heather M.

RESOURCES:

What is the GDS system and which travel agents use it? (https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/what-is-gds)

Tips on how to become a corporate travel agent. https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/become-corporate-travel-agent 

Sabre training (and other GDS trainings) by Viasinc. https://www.viasinc.com/products/sabre-training-courses.html

Travel Institute Sabre training. https://www.thetravelinstitute.com/product/sabre-personal-trainer/

Find travel agents jobs and get weekly roundup of new openings on HAR’s jobs board. https://hostagencyreviews.com/travel-jobs

What is a travel agency debit memo? (https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agency-debit-memo)

In episode 183 Steph cohosts with Kendra Tainsh of Travel Edge. They’re gonna have a go at the questions below, and give you plenty to learn about in the process!  

1. Hi, I am just joining a Travel Agent as part of her independent Agency starting in December but I do need to establish myself as an LLC as well as set up a business bank account which I will do at the bank that I have been using for my personal banking. Do you have any suggestions as to the best Credit card for TA's? Thank you, Robin R

2. Are there any arrangements where a customer can still earn points with a hotel chain or airline while purchasing through a travel agency? I hate having friends and family make an effort to work with me, pay the same as they would pay on their own & lose their points. –Jenn T.

3. Hi Steph, are there any host agencies that work with international new advisors outside the USA and Canada? Thank you! –Meseret G.

RESOURCES:

Setting Up Your Travel Agency’s Financials

(https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/setting-up-travel-agencys-financials)

The Best Credit Card Rewards for Your Travel Agency

(https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/best-credit-card-rewards-travel-agency)

How Much Do Travel Agents Make per Booking?

(https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/how-much-do-travel-agents-make-per-booking)

Using a Travel Agent vs. Booking Online: An Infographic

(https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agent-vs-booking-online)

Travel Agent Booking Basics

(https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agent-booking-basics)

Travel Agency Accreditation Options [Infographic + More]

(https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agency-accreditation)

Travel Edge | Host Agency Reviews with reviews and info (https://hostagencyreviews.com/hosts/travel-edge)

Luxury Travel Advisors & Agent Host Agency Network | TravelEdge

(https://www.traveledgenetwork.com/)

instagram:...

In episode 190, Steph Lee and Sheila Folk of Travel Industry Solutions go deep this week with questions on suppliers and seller of travel rules! Here are the questions in their entirely:

1. I have signed up with _____ as my host agent. Being very new to travel of this form, I feel I am learning a lot of the marketing. I know it is important but I’m not learning the program for the booking part and am getting frustrated. I must be missing something.

Ok sorry for the rant.

The question is: is it the suppliers that provide the software on the booking? I am going in the direction of cruises. Let me know.  —Deborah M..

2. I have been looking into host agencies and trying to find the right solution for my situation. I am hoping you could provide a little clarity with your expertise. I want to join a host agency with the hope that someday I can live wherever I want for up to 6 months out of the year. I currently live in Ontario, Canada and ideally when I retire I would like to continue my travel sales. I want a portable business. Is this possible with residency restrictions?

In reading more about "Seller of Travel" rules, my understanding is that in Ontario you need to be TICO certified to sell travel in Ontario. But you can only sell travel to Ontario residents and you must be an Ontario resident. Which I assume means even if my main residence is Ontario, if I'm visiting Italy for 3 months, I cannot continue to sell travel to Ontarions while staying in another country for several months out of the year?

So as I started to look into this issue, I found that the US is a little more lax, but there are still a few states that require certain licensing like Florida, California, Hawaii etc. So if I wanted a portable business would the solution be to connect with a host agency that is US based and accepts Canadians also, so that while I am living abroad I have the freedom to sell travel products to US residents without restrictions of licensing or where I live for a few months of the year?  —Patti

RESOURCES:

HAR’s travel industry conferences and events calendar with over 100+ events! https://hostagencyreviews.com/travel-conferences-events

Do you need a travel agent license/seller of travel registration? https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agent-license-seller-of-travel-license

Canadian Regulations for Travel Agencies in a Nutshell https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/canadian-regulations-travel-agencies-nutshell

ACTA - Association of Canadian Travel Agencies and Advisors https://www.acta.ca/index.php

Host Agency List with hundreds of hosts and reviews from their travel advisor members. 

Travel Industry Solutions website

Read reviews and ask questions on Travel Industry Solutions’

In episode 189, Steph Lee and April Swales of Uniglobe Travel chat on our first barrage of 2025 questions from all you lovely people! Here's a taste, make sure and tune in on Friday! 

1. I plan to continue working at my current job and want to start my travel agency in the new year. Do you have tips on how to juggle two jobs and make sure I get back to my clients quickly when I have another day job? I don’t want to lose any future clients but can’t afford to not work. —Katee R.

2. Our family of 3 takes a cruise every winter with 3 other families. I am the organizer. Would it be worth it for me to become a travel agent? What kind of savings can I access and how much would it cost to become a travel agent? —Jen R.

RESOURCES:

How much do travel agents make? https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/how-much-do-travel-agents-make-travel-agent-salary

How much does it cost to become a travel agent or start a travel agency?

https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/how-much-does-it-cost-become-travel-age

Information on travel agent income over time. https://hostagencyreviews.com/page/travel-advisor-research-reports/

Host Agency Review’s Travel Agency Software Profiles: https://hostagencyreviews.com/travel-agency-software

Do Travel Agents Need Errors and Omissions (E&O) Insurance?

https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agents-need-eo-insurance

A List of 200+ Travel Agent Rates in 2024

https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agent-rates

Explaining Travel Agent Commissions [Infographic + Charts]

https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agent-commissions

Host Week 2025! | Host Agency Reviews

https://hostagencyreviews.com/page/host-week

[2025] Uniglobe CoffeeSpot

In episode 172 Steph welcomes Carolyn Orf of KHM Travel as a co-host! They will cover a ton of helpful topics, including the following: 

1. My friend and I are interested in launching an agency together. We each bring slightly different skill sets to the table and have already worked together and been students together (and have been close for decades). 

When evaluating host agencies we see that only Travel Quest / WorldVia host agency seems to have a membership option geared towards a two person agency. 

Do other host agencies have a way to structure things so that two advisors are working together under the same hosted agency, sharing their clients and working together towards revenue goals and tiers of membership? From the outside looking in it appears that if we went with an agency like Fora we'd each have to independently reach revenue goals to unlock certain perks and access. —Shannon A.

2. What merchant account service should you use to take payments for bookings and what is the difference between Travefy, TravelJoy and Tern? Thank you!  –Robin B.

3.  Hi Stephanie! I've been loving your podcast and all the content you provide. Thank you for all you do! I'm working through the 7 Day Setup Lite and am brainstorming a name for my agency. I came up with one I keep coming back to. I Googled it as you recommend and there is not much competition. Then I searched the trademark database and there are 3 trademarks similar to my name but they are all dead. Should I be concerned about using this name if all similar trademarks are dead? Don't want to give up this name unnecessarily but also don't want to set myself up for trouble down the road. How would you advise? Thanks so much for sharing your expertise! -Anonymous

RESOURCES:

Host Agency List of over 235 hosts with reviews from their travel advisor members. 

Travel Agent FAM Trips: What They Are + How to Find Them + Etiquette (https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agent-fam-trip)

Friday 15 with Tern on things to think about before going into a business partnership. 

Over 200+ travel agent rates and info on how to access them

More on Travefy (https://www.hostagencyreviews.com/travel-agency-software/travefy)

More on Tern (https://www.hostagencyreviews.com/travel-agency-software/tern)

More on TravelJoy (https://www.hostagencyreviews.com/travel-agency-software/traveljoy) 

How Seller of Travel Laws Affect Service Fees. (

In episode 178 Steph is co-hosting with Jennifer Dugan of Dugan’s Travels! Here are the questions for this week! 

1. I loved the HAR CRM and Itinerary article. My head is spinning: I've looked at so many, Planiteasy, Travefy, Traveljoy, Unmapped, Axus, Tess, Tern. Which one can I either forward the email confirmation from hotels/air/car and it will input all the details not just the confirmation, dates... like prices, room type and cancel policies, or do they all make you enter this again to create the client itinerary once finished booking the reservation? Which let you import confirmations directly from suppliers and help create itineraries?

So yes I want a unicorn, a central repository for all my client's profiles and their bookings, plus the ability to create and send itineraries...that are of course beautiful.   Haha.

-Janette 

2. Does anyone have a place that they can recommend to track expenses?  I'm using an excel spreadsheet and honestly I'm not a fan of it. -Dina

3. Hi there! I have a client wanting to go on a fall foliage tour back east this year. I already quoted her a land tour, but now she’s asking about a train tour. Walking a lot would be a problem for my client. How should I balance all of these requests and find the right suppliers? Thank you for all your feedback. -Anonymous

RESOURCES:

Find itinerary builders, read over 90 advisor reviews + more in HAR’s new travel agency software list! (https://hostagencyreviews.com/travel-agency-software)

Freshbooks. https://www.freshbooks.com/

Xero. https://www.xero.com/

Quickbooks. https://quickbooks.intuit.com/

Expensify. https://www.expensify.com/

What travel expenses can you (and can’t you) write off? https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-expenses

Travel agents, here’s how to qualify clients. (Tutorials + real-life examples) https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/how-to-qualify-clients-travel-agent

Host Week EduSpot: Shifting Identities - Making Travel More Accessible. https://www.youtube.com/live/tT7cHbr_y-g?feature=shared&t=19139

 Host Week EduSpot: Growing Your Business Through Accessible Travel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0cSwYJxyOU&t=15922s

Dugan's Travels’ profile with reviews and info (https://hostagencyreviews.com/hosts/dugans-travels)

https://www.facebook.com/duganstravels/

In episode 188, Steph Lee and Jennifer Dugan of Dugan’s Travels cover some great questions this week, including how long it takes to get started as an advisor and how OTAs affect travel advisor business. Here are the queries in detail:  

1. Hi, I have been listening to the Friday 15s this month, thank you for all the information. What's the typical timeline from starting as a new advisor to becoming profitable? —Anonymous

2. I’m exploring a career as a travel advisor and am seriously thinking about starting my agency in 2025 after Host Week. I’m worried about competing with Booking.com and Expedia. How do those companies affect an agency’s business model and ability to compete? –Anonymous

RESOURCES:

How much do travel agents make? https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/how-much-do-travel-agents-make-travel-agent-salary

How much does it cost to become a travel agent or start a travel agency?

https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/how-much-does-it-cost-become-travel-age

Information on travel agent income over time. https://hostagencyreviews.com/page/travel-advisor-research-reports/

https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/3-ways-travel-agents-save-you-money (3 ways travel agents save you money that OTAs can’t)

Using a travel agent vs. booking online? 

https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agent-vs-booking-online

Internova North American Traveler Insights report

https://internova.com/research/

https://hostagencyreviews.com/friday15 (Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering!) 

In episode 191, Steph cohosts with Dave Meihoefer of TPI and they’ve got a ton of questions to cover, so make sure and ready up on ‘em in advance! Have a gander: 

1. Hi Steph!  I thought I had a rare name, but your podcast is making me feel like just another Stephanie! :). SO many Stephanies!!!  We should start a club!

I have gone through the Accelerator Course, just going back and starting the business end of things - after 2 1/2 months of name searching, I feel like I can finally fill in the blanks!  Thanks so much for all of your great podcasts and resources!!

This question doesn't really pertain to me now, but when looking to the future, in my successful advisor life, what is the benefit of leaving a host agency and going on my own?  Will I be a host agency lifer?  Or is there a pot of gold on the other side?  Just curious, cheers-

Another One of those Stephanies

2. Hi Steph, listener & big HAR fan here from Belgium, Europe!

Don't know if this has already been asked, but couldn't find it straight away in the archives 😉

Here is my question:

"How would you deal with clients who are travelling and complaining about every minor detail, going from "the gym was only open for 1 hour" (though the sign & website says from 6am to 7 pm), "the room was cold but they wouldn't turn on the heating" (even though it was already on), "breakfast is too British", "restaurant prices were too Western, not to Indian standards" (in a Michelin star restaurant in India), ... They are driving the local rep up the wall, nothing seems to suit them, they've been given free upgrades etc, but when confronting them personally, they're telling a completely different story than the local agency is.

I'm worried it's some sort of strategy, to get a reimbursment or discount for their next trip, but don't want to fall for this.

How should one handle this professionally without risking getting bad reviews and knowing they got everything they requested at time of booking and more.

They are also seasoned travellers so shouldn't be a case where they came unprepared.

Any thoughts, insights?

Kind regards,

Inez

3. Hi Friday 15! I'm a school teacher and will be starting part time until I retire in 2-5 years. During the summers I have tons of free time but if I have clients on a trip during the school year how will I be available to them? For example if a problem arises and they need me to rebook something / advocate for them with a supplier, etc? Teaching is not like some jobs where you can just duck away from your desk for 15 minutes randomly in the middle of the day to take a phone call. When I'm at school I'm very much in a "school bubble" that nothing can interrupt. 

I guess the main "questions behind my question" are, how realistic is it to successfully do this as a side hustle while teaching, and for how long? How much will I be able to take care of my clients (or how much of that will actually be needed) during the school year?

 ---Alissa B.

RESOURCES:

HAR’s 7 Day Setup Accelerator course on how to start your travel agency! https://hostagencyreviews.com/7-day-setup-accelerator

Top 10 benefits of using a host agency. https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/top-10-benefits-of-using-a-host-agency

Travel Agency Accreditation        

In episode 169 Steph cohosts with Jenn Lee in her brand-new role at Vacation Planners! They will tackle some great questions, so please join us! 

1. Hello, I would like to know about the host agency called MAGICAL VACATION PLANNER https://www.magicalvacationplanner.com/. I cannot find the reviews about this host agency on your list. Please help.Thank you  ---Rajan M.

2. I understand some suppliers don't pay the host until after the travel date, but I've found some suppliers like FareBuzz, Celebrity Cruises, Virgin Voyages, and Allianz pay the month after the sale or after the final payment it's made. 

I also know some host agencies pay out to their agents weekly, bi-monthly, or monthly. I'm curious to know the industry standard for how soon after receipt of commission from the supplier would a host agency pay the independent agent.  ---Jen C.

RESOURCES:

Virtuoso Travel Week – Check out events cal and article on how to make the most of your travel conference. 

5 Ways to Make Your Travel Conference Count (https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/make-your-travel-conference-count)

The Hive Webinar: How to curate a personalized selection of cruise itineraries for client proposals Wed. Aug 21st, 2pm ET / 1pm CT / 12pm MT / 11am PT

The Hive Webinar: 10 things to ask a "new to you" DMC Thurs. Aug 29th, 2pm ET / 1pm CT / 12pm MT / 11am PT

TPI Webinar: Holiday Travel: Do’s & Don’ts as a Selling Travel Advisor Wed. Sept. 4th, 1pm ET / 12pm CT / 11am MT / 10am PT

Vacation Planner’s Webinar: Securing Your Legacy: The Crucial Role of Succession Planning for Travel Advisors Wed. Aug 21st, 2pm ET / 1pm CT / 12pm MT / 11am PT

Find host agencies on HAR’s host agency list. It’s free to be listed! (https://www.hostagencyreviews.com/hosts)

Tips on how to find the best host agency for you. (https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/tips-on-how-to-find-the-best-travel-host-agency)

In episode 196, our very own Mary Stein co-hosts with the one and only Jenn Lee of Vacation Planners! Here’s the questions they’ll tackle this week! 

1. Do you have a good system for organizing all your travel BD contacts and promotional material of properties? I get overwhelmed with paper and business cards and even online and notes I still cannot seem to get a system in place for everything I receive. - Sara

2. I am an IC with about 2 years in the business. I'm considering going out on my own because I'm not happy with my situation for many reasons. How do you know it's the right time to make this change? What do you see as the pros and cons of staying an IC and being independent?  - Anonymous

3. Hey Guys! I'm wondering, What are some ideas for "Thank You" gifts for my clients that are traveling to All Inclusives? I feel like it's easy to do gifts on cruises, I'm just not quite sure what to do for my land vacations. Any ideas?") - Cindy

RESOURCES:

➡️ Host Agency Review’s Travel Agency Software Profiles https://hostagencyreviews.com/travel-agency-software

➡️Host Week 2023: EduSpot, Personality Selling - Gain CONTROL from the Beginning https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfZ0EIkCYZU&t=13290s

➡️Top 10 benefits of using a host agency. https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/top-10-benefits-of-using-a-host-agency

➡️Things to look for in your contract with your host agency (https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/independent-travel-agent-contracts)

➡️Advice on how to find the best host agency. (https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/tips-on-how-to-find-the-best-travel-host-agency) 

➡️Brilliant Ideas to Surprise & Delight Your Clients, Host Week Eduspot Stephanie Gries: https://www.youtube.com/live/WhNhFEYhJwY?feature=shared&t=18609

➡️Ways to Contact Jenn Lee! 

jenn@vacationplanners.com

Vacation Planners Host Agency Reviews profile (https://www.hostagencyreviews.com/hosts/vacation-planners)

Vacation Planners website (https://vacationplannersfranchise.com/)

➡️Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be...

(180) What Computer Should I Buy? Discounts in Host Agency Choice. Dual-Ownership of Agency and HAs? 

In episode 180 Steph welcomes Kendra Tainsh of Travel Edge Network as a co-host. They'll cover the following topics in this week's Friday 15! 

1. As I move into setting up my own Travel Advisor business, I'm thinking about what computer to get. As a teacher, I've been provided a MacBook Pro, which I love, but I know no different! Laptop? PC? Apple?  —Stephanie B.

2. I am in the process of researching which host agency to join. Which ones offer discounts to tickets (concerts/sporting events/day tours/activities/etc.)? Evolution Travel offers those discounts, but am unsure whether the MLM model is the right choice for me. I haven't been able to find this level of detail when doing my search. Ideally, 'm looking for a host agency with a GDS, part of consortia, no minimum sales requirement and have discounts to tickets. Thank you so much! :)  —Cecily M.  

3. Most resources we come across assume that the agent is structured as a sole proprietorship or single-LLC. This has caused us to ask if there are any major differences in how a MMLLC is handled within the industry. For example, do host agencies see us as a single "agency" or as two agents when it comes to commissions, fees, training?  —Joseph H.

RESOURCES:

What is a DMC in Travel? (https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/what-is-dmc-destination-management-company)

All about preferred suppliers in the travel industry. (https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-preferred-supplier)

Everything you need to know about Travel MLMs (https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-mlms)

Advice on how to find the best host agency + questions to ask. (https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/tips-on-how-to-find-the-best-travel-host-agency) 

What the GDS is + options for booking air without the GDS system. (https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/what-is-gds)

In episode 176 Steph is co-hosting with Lori Speers of Levarte Travel! Here’s an introduction to the questions they’ll discuss. 

1.Hi Stephanie and Guest du jour! I’m a very new advisor and would like to know how best to make the most of an upcoming trip. 

My husband and I are cruising the Caribbean in February with our adult children. To be clear, this trip was planned a year ago, long before I decided to plan travel professionally. We will be cruising out of San Juan, stopping in St Kitts, St Lucia, Aruba, Punta Cana, and Curaçao. Most of the stops are for 8 hours or so. We will be spending a week in Puerto Rico post-cruise. 

This is most definitely a vacation, but I definitely want to leverage my time and opportunity in these places. I am planning to reach out to our BDM for the cruise line to see if I can request a ship tour. 

How long do site inspections take? Would it be feasible to hit up a resort while in port and do an inspection while I’m in town? Or are there other, or better ways to mix business with pleasure? Obviously I am planning on taking tons of photos, and posting all about our trip and all the fun we’ll be having in the sun! 

Thank you so much for your response, and for all that you do for the travel community! —-Rachel M

2. Hi HAR Friday 15!

I'm checking Friday 15 and TAC episodes off with every commute to work and love it!  I'm retiring from a fabulous 20 year career as an art educator in a public school this year.  I am committed to making it the best school year ever, but am so excited to begin a career I've always dreamed of in the travel industry.  I will retire in May and I would love your input on what would benefit my path to this new career while I'm still teaching full time.  I'm ready to commit to 2 or 3 hours 3 to 5 days a week.

I'm really enjoying doing some of the upfront work: finding a niche, developing a name/brand, reading up on the travel industry, reading ASTA articles, HAR articles and so on.  My questions are:Should I jump in and do the 7 Day Agency Set Up?  Or would that be a mistake? Is it possible to start with a host agency part time? Or would it be best to wait until I can dedicate my full brain and time to this new career?

While I'm young at heart (being a traveler does that to you!) I would be starting this new career later than some(at 58) are there other aspects of the travel industry that I could consider that might be better for a late start? I feel like it is such an awesome thing to have the time to do this before I become officially in the biz...I appreciate and enjoy all of the information that you put out there for people like me, so thanks! Hi to the dogs in charge, – Another Stephanie

RESOURCES:

What travel expenses can you (and can’t you) write off? https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-expenses

Travel Agent FAM Trips: What They Are + How to Find Them + Etiquette (https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agent-fam-trip)

How Travel Advisors Can Make the Most of a Cruise Ship Inspection (https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/how-travel-agents-can-make-the-most-of-a-cruise-ship-inspection)

In episode 194, Steph cohosts again with Lori Speers of Levarte Travel! Here are the questions they’ll cover!

1. How do I deal with a client who is searching while I am researching and I feel like I am in a race to find the best deal or price?  —Pamela C.

2. Hey Guys! I'm wondering, What are some ideas for "Thank You" gifts for my clients that are traveling to All Inclusives? I feel like it's easy to do gifts on cruises, I'm just not quite sure what to do for my land vacations. Any ideas?  —Cindy W.

3. ​​When changing Host agencies, is it possible to transfer clients and vendor information without doing it individually? As a courtesy, should I tell the agency that I am moving on to another agency?  —Pamela C.

RESOURCES:

➡️Did you miss Levare’s Host Week interview? What did they answer for their Karaoke question?!?

➡️Travel agent guide to charging fees.

➡️WATCH: Host Week 2025 EduSpot: Redefining Value Beyond Commissions: The Case for Planning Fees in Travel, Ajanaclair Wise

➡️WATCH: Host Week 2025 EduSpot: Different Ways to Surprise and Delight Your Clients, Stephanie Gries, Travefy

➡️What to think about when switching host agencies. 

➡️Host Agency Review’s Travel Agency Software Profiles 

➡️Things to look for in your contract with your host agency 

➡️ Virtual assistant companies: Lucia, 4TravelStaffing

➡️Read reviews and learn more on Levarte’s HAR profile! 

➡️Check out Levarte’s new website!

➡️Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering! https://hostagencyreviews.com/friday15

Transcript + Show Notes: https://har.news/vol31 

Special thanks to today’s sponsor: KHM Travel Group

Today's guests prove that sometimes the best partnerships start at home. Lauren Pronger launched Well Inspired Travels in 2011, inspired by witnessing travel's transformative power when her father used it to complement his cancer treatment. When her husband Chris, NHL Hall of Famer and Triple Gold Cup winner, joined the business in 2018, they discovered they were more powerful together.

What makes this power couple unique isn't just their high-profile clientele of professional athletes and executives—it's their holistic approach to travel planning and firm "no asshole policy." 

The Prongers have built a luxury agency that perfectly balances Lauren's creative vision with Chris's business development expertise. They've mastered the art of strategic outsourcing through their host agency, allowing them to be the face of the business while having strong back-office support.

Lauren brings her expertise as a wellness consultant to both clients and properties, helping hotels level up their wellness offerings while ensuring clients can maintain their health practices while traveling. With 10 different certifications and a deep understanding of both Eastern and Western approaches to wellness, she's helping to shape the future of luxury wellness travel.

Chris brings his experience as an elite athlete to help clients, especially professional athletes, navigate the unique challenges of maintaining peak performance while traveling. Together, they've mastered the art of what they call "travel matchmaking"—deeply understanding their clients' needs, goals, and challenges to create transformative travel experiences.

Join us for an inspiring conversation about building a successful family business, maintaining work-life balance, and the growing intersection of luxury and wellness travel. You'll learn about their "one thing" philosophy that every trip should improve your life in some way, how they maintain boundaries with ultra-high-net-worth clients, and why they're moving away from public travel recommendations to private newsletters for clients.

In episode 187, Steph Lee and Jennifer Dugan of Dugan’s Travels discuss a variety of topics this week, including E&O Insurance and when it’s a good idea to get your own IATA number! Here are the questions in all their glory: 

1. I would like to hear the Pros and Cons and the best strategy on choosing a supplier for E&O insurance. –Diane D.

2. Hello! I came across a blog and wanted to reach out as I am becoming more and more confused as I search. I am a 1099 contractor under a company with an IATA # I've been using to sell travel for approx 10 years. But my main business is wedding planning. I would like to earn commission on my hotel room blocks at 100%. For many reasons, but most hotels are capped at 7% so I am not gaining anything with my current travel partners volume. I do still want to sell travel under his IATA for Sandals, and most other trips that I book with TOs and benefit from higher commissions due to volume I would not have on my own.

I do not sell air. Can I/ Should I get my own IATA # to book the hotels and non volume commission bookings and keep 100%. If so, can I continue selling under his IATA (I have my own IATAN card under his number for my own personal travel perks).

Or is there another accreditation I could use just for hotel commissions (mostly Hilton and Marriott). I was reading about clia and arc and true... etc. I don't need a complex answer. But I'd love some direction. Thank you very much in advance! –Anonymous

RESOURCES:

Do Travel Agents Need Errors and Omissions (E&O) Insurance? (https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agents-need-eo-insurance)

What Is An IATA Number? (And How Do You Get It?) (https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/iata-number)

What is a CLIA Number? CLIA vs. ARC and CLIA vs. IATA (https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/what-is-a-clia-number)

Travel Agency Accreditation Options [Infographic + More] (https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agency-accreditation)

Belonging to more than one host agency: The pros and cons. (https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/belonging-to-more-than-one-host-agency)

Things to look for in your contract with your host agency (https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/independent-travel-agent-contracts)

Use HAR’s commission plan calculator:...

In episode 182 Steph cohosts with Jennnifer Dugan of Dugan’s Travels! Here’s a taste of the questions! 

1. Hello, HAR team. Thank you for your very informative article series on booking group travel.  I'm working on my first group and trying to wrap my brain around contracts. Is there a contract between you (the travel advisor) and the supplier, and another contract between you and the client, or is it all one contract? Is this in addition to the usual terms and conditions form used when booking FIT travel? Last, are there any red flags to watch out for or items to be sure to include when signing these contracts with suppliers? Thank you for all you do!  --Molly C. 

2.Do advisors typically split their planning fees with their host agencies? If so, does it follow the commission split? Thank you! --Anonymous

3. I've had a hard time summing up my niche into one word, as I'm new to the industry. My goal is to provide travel to the curious mind that is leisure, but can also include giving back to the community/land/culture through volunteering, shopping local markets, or through participating in educational experiences. It seems the appropriate name for this niche would be Eco Travel or Responsible Travel. Granted, it's difficult to be 100% environmentally friendly since some travel is unavoidable, but if you have any suggestions regarding the name or suggestions of suppliers that specialize work with this type of niche, I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you for this incredible podcast. - Jamie K. 

In episode 174 Steph is co-hosting with Heather Kindred of Nexion! Check it out below – a record-breaking four questions that they’ll cover! Tune in this Friday at 12 pm CST. 

1. What is defined as a FAM? Would I be able to describe it as a business trip on my tax filing? Do I have to have any official reports, etc.? –Anonymous

2. Why are host agencies apprehensive about advisors having access to the GDS systems? Or they say it "takes years" to master? And with some hosts you have to have 2 or more years experience to qualify in order to have access. I used Sabre years ago and it only took a few months to learn and with Sabre Red 360 it seems easier than ever. Reentering the travel industry I have a corporate background and I will be temporarily booking air only until I learn leisure efficiently and using Sabre would be so much easier than using a CRM all I would need is a refresher in Sabre. Please help. Thank you.  –Robin B.

3. Do you have a list of host agencies that have GDS access? —Anonymous

4. Has anyone purchased any additional training courses beyond HAR's? HAR's has been great for getting me started. I would be lost without it! However, now, after being in business for about six months, I want to learn more, especially about marketing and growing my business. I want something that offers some certification along with a mentorship. In my research, I have found a wide range of costs. Do you have advice on picking a program to leap to next or any programs you love and have found helpful?  —Anonymous

RESOURCES:

What travel expenses you can (and can’t) write off. https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-expenses

Travel Agent FAM Trips: What They Are + How to Find Them + Etiquette (https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agent-fam-trip)

Over 200+ travel agent rates and info on how to access them

How Travel Advisors Can Make the Most of a Cruise Ship Inspection (https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/how-travel-agents-can-make-the-most-of-a-cruise-ship-inspection)

The Definitive Site Inspection Checklist (https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/definitive-site-inspection-checklist)

Stephanie Cannon–CPA turned travel advisor–financial resources for advisors (https://withstephaniecannon.com/resources)

In-depth information on what the GDS (global distribution system) is and which travel advisors use it. https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/what-is-gds

Tips on how to become a corporate travel...

In episode 171 Steph co-hosts with Chad Burt of Outside Agents. Here’s the questions that they’ll cover:

1. Which host agency has the most organized training and accessible people if there are questions? –Joanne A.

2. Hi! I decided I can practice doing property inspection locally. I printed out your questionnaire and intended to go through it. I asked for a manager’s name and said I want a tour. Is it a good idea for me to do it at the point where I am at right now? Maybe I should just chill? Should I be paying attention to anything specific since I am a total amateur at this point, except everything listed in your questionnaire? How should I be introducing myself. I mean - I already did… but how do the professionals do it? —Anonymous

3. Which title should I use travel advisor or travel consultant and why? –Thanks, Jenn

00:00 Welcome to the Friday 15 with Steph and Chad

02:01 Most organized host agency?

10:30 Property Inspections!

17:01 Advisor or Consultant?

RESOURCES:

Hosted travel advisor report will go live soon! Pre-order here: https://hostagencyreviews.com/page/travel-advisor-research-reports

TPI Webinar: Holiday Travel: Do’s & Don’ts as a Selling Travel Advisor Wed. Sept. 4th, 1pm ET / 12pm CT / 11am MT / 10am PT

Fora Webinar: Scaling Success: Fora's Roadmap for Aspiring Travel Advisors Wed. Sept. 11th, 4pm ET / 3pm CT / 2pm MT / 1pm PT

Check out both events and others here! https://hostagencyreviews.com/travel-conferences-events

Advice on how to find the best host agency. (https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/tips-on-how-to-find-the-best-travel-host-agency)

Training and education options for travel agents. (https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agent-training-travel-agent-education)

The Definitive Site Inspection Checklist (https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/definitive-site-inspection-checklist)

How Travel Advisors Can Make the Most of a Cruise Ship Inspection (https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/how-travel-agents-can-make-the-most-of-a-cruise-ship-inspection)

Travel Agent FAM Trips: What They Are + How to Find Them + Etiquette (https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agent-fam-trip)

What do travel agents do? And how do they do it? (https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/what-do-travel-agents-do)

HAR’s travel industry conferences and events calendar with over 100+ events! https://hostagencyreviews.com/travel-conferences-events

Submit your very own Friday 15 questions here! https://hostagencyreviews.com/friday15

In episode 170 Steph cohosts with April Swales of Uniglobe Travel! They will tackle these questions, all provided by one curious listener this week! 

Thank you so much for all the wonderful resources on your website! If you don’t mind me asking you for advice..

So I figured that I would be better off signing up with the Host Agency… I applied with 2 different ones and I'm gonna look into more. I can already see some obvious differences. Was wondering…

1. Should I be worried if the company says, “they don’t do air bookings- they are booking the ground, for the most part..

2. I realise that every Host agency has a different network. Even though I understand that I'm not supposed to go out of network if working in their system, if I am able to keep my own name and advertise as my own company, am I allowed to book with different networks of suppliers? As well as, “Is it at all possible to be affiliated with more than one HA, or is it completely unrealistic?” 

3. In between 2 different agencies that I looked into - the difference in signing up price is $400 a year. I'm not sure how to evaluate all that they offer as to education and tools. 

What should I be particularly looking at? Also, do you think I could try them out for a month or two, then change the affiliation if I decide to? Are there any consequences to that? I guess I am a bit scared to get in with someone who I might not be able to work with…What is your advice on that?

---Oksana N.

RESOURCES:



Hosted travel advisor report will go live soon! Pre-order here.

The Hive Webinar: 10 things to ask a "new to you" DMC Thurs. Aug 29th, 2pm ET / 1pm CT / 12pm MT / 11am PT

TPI Webinar: Holiday Travel: Do’s & Don’ts as a Selling Travel Advisor Wed. Sept. 4th, 1pm ET / 12pm CT / 11am MT / 10am PT

All about preferred suppliers in the travel industry. (https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-preferred-supplier)

Options for booking air without the GDS system. (https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/what-is-gds)

Belonging to more than one host agency: The pros and cons. (https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/belonging-to-more-than-one-host-agency)

What to think about when switching host agencies. (https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/switching-host-agencies-5-things-to-consider)

In episode 168 Steph cohosts with Kendra from Travel Edge. They’ve got some excellent questions to cover this week, everything from CRMs to autism to non-profits. Tune in! 

1. Can you provide any insight about ClientBase? My agency uses it as the CRM and the record for commission, and I hate it. IMO, it is antiquated and clunky and is the worst part of my job. Dramatic, I know. But the web-based version I have wastes my time and it's very unhelpful to me. It's all about getting paid by the host agency.  Do all host agencies work off of this ClientBase system? I like my agency, but I would consider a change if there are agencies out there that connect directly to the vendors so I'm not doing so much data entry. Or, even if they don't connect directly, maybe their CRM systems are more useful. Thank you, Thank you for all you do!  –-K

2. Do you have any resources for adults with autism who want to travel? The biggest issue I have is low stamina when things are too overwhelming. 

My concern is, what if I run into a place that feels too busy, stay too long for some reason, and then the subway or some form of public transit is in-between me and my hotel.

Sorry, it's so hard to find travel tips and resources for adults with disabilities sometimes!   –Anonymous

3. I volunteer for a non-profit that sends missionaries overseas and they want me to book airline tickets. Are there special fares for missionaries? Will joining a host agency mean I can book airline tickets? –Anonymous

RESOURCES:

COMING (very) SOON at HAR! Travel Agency Software profiles

What is a travel agency debit memo?

Yates Travel Design: Travel Edge agency specializing in autism travel

Austism Checked: Site with autism friendly travel companies + training for travel agents.

Travel is for Everyone: Why I specialize in travel with autism: Hear tips on traveling with autism from Dina Farmer, an advisor specializing in it.

International Board of Creditionally and Continuing Education: Autism certification for travel advisors.

In-depth information on what the global distribution system (GDS) is and which travel advisors use it.

In-depth information on what the global distribution system (GDS) is and which travel advisors use it.

Submit your very own Friday 15 questions here! F15?

In episode 173 Steph and Lindsay Taylor answer a bunch of excellent questions submitted by you, our faithful viewers and listeners. If you have a question, by the way, send it our way at https://hostagencyreviews.com/friday15! 

1. Hello Friday 15 team! I live in Ontario Canada & my question is, how do I get into the travel industry as an advisor with no experience but have the schooling as well as TICO Certified? Thank you kindly for all you do!  –Chrystal M.

2. I’ve decided to expand my agency and diversify income. I plan to open my host agency division soon. Do you have any tips for someone starting a host agency from scratch? —Anonymous

3. Hi, I am wondering how to join 'preferred agency program' (e.g. Marriott Luminous, Hyatt Prive etc.). All the program says they are invitation-only but I am wondering what the general criteria is. Does joining a consortium help to become eligible? –Anonymous

RESOURCES:

HAR’s travel jobs board. Subscribe to weekly jobs email of new postings! (https://hostagencyreviews.com/travel-jobs)

ASTA’s Roadmap to Becoming a Travel Advisor is a fantastic course for those looking to have a strong foundation before starting in the industry! Steph partnered with ASTA on it and they have a track for employees, independent contractors (ICs), and corporate travel agents. (https://har.news/roadmap)

ARC fraud protection resources (https://www2.arccorp.com/support-training/fraud-prevention)

Veriff identity verification (https://www.veriff.com/)

Older HAR blogs with some resources on credit card fraud and thinking like a frauster. A little dated, but still good content to read through.

PATH: Professional Association of Travel Hosts (need to be 50 ICs or more to join)

All about preferred suppliers in the travel industry. (https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-preferred-supplier)

This ex-ad agency advisor is doing things different and it’s paying off big for his $2M agency. Find out how he stumbled into booking sabbatical travel, uses social proof to grow his agency, and how his boutique agency won a big corporate client from a large TMC. We also hear about DeJuan's new project, FamTripReviews.com. | | | | Show Notes + Transcript + Video/Pics: https://har.news/tac18

Subscribe today so you don’t miss another episode: https://har.news/newsletter

This week, in our 6th episode of Friday 15, Steph chats on travel agency website options, the logistics of how and when to buy your domain, and how to go about selling travel when you already have a full-time day job. Give it a listen!

• https://hostagencyreviews.com/page/ASTAfinancials
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agency-websites
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/wix-tutorial
• https://asta.digitalchalk.com/learn/finance-and-accounting-for-travel-agencies?navItemNumber=30910
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/page/g-suite-codes
• Email hello@hostagencyreviews.com to get Google Workspace code
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/tips-for-choosing-travel-agency-names
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/travelagentchatter/dejuan-shorter-the-timely-traveler
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/travelagentchatter/
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/travelagentchatter/travel-agent-chatter-vol-2-zachary-russell-zetting-travel

This week, in our 7th episode of Friday 15, Steph Lee covers a lot of ground in a short time! She shares pearls of wisdom using your home address for your home-based business (yay or nay?), whether co-working spaces are worth it, what to ask hosts about their Error & Omissions insurance policies, and the reviews logistic of U.S.-based agents booking travel for foreign nationals.

Join us on Friday at 12CST! Can’t wait to see you there!

Resources we go over:

• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/protect-travel-agency-credit-card-fraud
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agents-need-eo-insurance
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-waivers-protect-your-travel-agency
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/how-to-protect-your-travel-agency

This week, in our 8th episode of Friday 15, Steph Lee covers a lot of ground in a short time! She shares pearls of wisdom on signing host contract as a personal rep of LLC, how to start charging fees, and do expensive hosts = better hosts?

She came from the world of non-profits with her eyes set on helping people of all abilities travel. Learn how this Indiana agent uses her agency to give back. You’ll walk away with LOADS of knowledge and some actionable tips to help your agency be more comfortable booking accessible travel.

Tune in to hear about why she set up a travel accessibility advocacy non-profit (lots of words, I know) alongside her agency. The Greater Go Foundation challenges the boundaries of travel and creates opportunities for all who desire to travel.

Plus, WE'RE HIRING! We'd love for you to join the HAR team. Applications due May 3rd, 2021. https://hostagencyreviews.com/travel-jobs

In HAR’s 9th episode of Friday 15, Steph Lee shares more travel agent tips and tricks, answering the latest travel industry questions that have come across her desk. Here’s what she’ll cover:

Question

IC with a Host vs. Sub Agent (What's the difference?)

Travel Agency Business Plan (Do you need one?)

Booking FITs Outside Your Host Agency (What to know.)

Join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips!

Resources Covered:

• https://hostagencyreviews.com/hosts
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/free-travel-agency-business-plan-template
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agency-startup-costs
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agency-franchise-or-host-agency
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/franchises
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agent-license
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/canadian-regulations-travel-agencies-nutshell
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agents-need-eo-insurance
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agency-accreditation

In HAR’s 10th episode of Friday 15, Steph Lee shares more travel agent tips and tricks, answering the latest travel industry questions that have come across her desk. Here’s what she’ll cover:

Cruise Ship Tracker App (We've got one!)

Storing Clients CC Info (How to do it securely)

New Agents: TRIPKIT vs. ASTA Roadmap Course (Which is better?)

Join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for a peek into Steph’s brain!

If you have a travel industry questions, Steph likely has an answer :) Submit your burning question here (bonus points if you can stump Steph!) har.news/friday15 See you next Friday, 12CST!

In HAR’s 11th episode of Friday 15, Steph Lee shares more travel agent tips and tricks, answering the latest travel industry questions that have come across her desk. Here’s what she’ll cover:

Going from Hosted to Indie (What should I know?)

Paying Yourself a Salary (How to Budget with an LLC)

Resources we go over:

• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agency-accreditation
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/what-is-travel-consortia-travel-coops
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-preferred-supplier
• https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6705806-the-money-book-for-freelancers-part-timers-and-the-self-employed
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/how-much-do-travel-agents-make-travel-agent-salary
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agency-business-structures
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/page/incomesurvey
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/feesurvey

If you have a travel industry questions, Steph likely has an answer :) Submit your burning question here (bonus points if you can stump Steph!) har.news/friday15 See you next Friday, 12CST!

Join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips!

In HAR’s 12th episode of Friday 15, Steph Lee imparts critical knowledge on starting and running a travel agent. Here’s what she covers this week:

Where to Display Your SOT # (Hosted IC Exemptions)

MLMs vs. Host Agencies (What's the Difference?)

A List of Relevant Resources:

• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agent-license
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/what-is-a-host-agency
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-mlms

If you have a travel industry questions, Steph likely has an answer :) Submit your burning question here (bonus points if you can stump Steph!) har.news/friday15

Join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips!

In HAR’s lucky 13th episode of Friday 15, Steph Lee's brain nearly explodes with knowledge about:

1. Non-Local Hosts + BDM Relationships (Does being non-local hurt you?)

2. Hosts for Non-US Nationals w/US-based Agency (What are the options?)

3. How Can New Advisors Find Clients

If you have a travel industry questions, Steph likely has an answer :) Submit your burning question here (bonus points if you can stump Steph!) Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips!

A List of Relevant Resources for This Episode:

https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agency-accreditation

https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-industry-lawyer-list

https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-mlms

https://hostagencyreviews.com/travelagentchatter

https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agents-guide-building-work-community

https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/get-more-clients-in-3-easy-steps

https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/the-100-travel-agency-marketing-plan

In HAR’s lucky 14th episode of Friday 15, Steph Lee brain nearly explodes with knowledge about:

1. Lead Programs for Travel Agents

2. Travel Agents vs. Online Booking

3. Belonging to Multiple Host Agencies

4. Should Your Niche Be in Your Agency's Name?

If you have a travel industry questions, Steph likely has an answer :) Submit your burning question here (bonus points if you can stump Steph!) Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips!

A List of Relevant Resources for This Episode:

https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-leads

https://hostagencyreviews.com/page/feesurvey

https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/3-ways-travel-agents-save-you-money

https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agent-vs-booking-online

https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/the-dangers-of-independent-contractor-travel-agent-misclassification

https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/belonging-to-more-than-one-host-agency

https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/tips-on-how-to-find-the-best-travel-host-agency

In our 16th episode of Friday 15, Steph Lee chats about Hawaii seller of travel license and you get to meet the whole HAR team!

If you have a travel industry questions, Steph likely has an answer :) Submit your burning question here (bonus points if you can stump Steph!) Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips!

A List of Relevant Resources for Today’s Episode:

• https://hostagencyreviews.com/page/survey
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agent-license
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/page/friday15

A LIST OF RELEVANT RESOURCES FOR TODAY’S EPISODE:

• https://hostagencyreviews.com/survey
• https://har.news/vote
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/setting-up-travel-agencys-financials
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/5-best-business-credit-cards-for-travel-agency-rewards
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agents-need-eo-insurance
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/travelagentchatter/travel-agent-chatter-vol-3-be-well-travel
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/travelagentchatter/travel-agent-chatter-volume-7-lu-maggiora-travel-by-lu
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/travelagentchatter/valerie-gossett-premier-resources-travel-group
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/5-steps-to-finding-groups
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/group-booking-tips-travel-advisors-agents
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/supplier-want-you-know-booking-groups

In this week's Friday 15, Steph Lee chats on three key industry issues:

What is a Host Agency?

Agency with Multiple Brands

Do I Need an LLC if I Buy a Franchise?

If you have a travel industry questions, Steph likely has an answer :) Submit your burning question here (bonus points if you can stump Steph!) Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips!

A List of Relevant Resources for Today’s Episode:

https://hostagencyreviews.com/survey

ASTA Board of Director's Candidate Chat: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZ0R3KkPlrA&

https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/what-is-a-host-agency

https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agency-franchise-or-host-agency

https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agency-accreditation

https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-mlms

Friday 15 on Travel MLMs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2Ol5dKEssk

https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/belonging-to-more-than-one-host-agency

This week on Friday 15, Steph is going to address the elephant in the room: fake reviews on the site. She’s going to chat on different kinds of fake reviews, why and how they happen, how we respond when one slips through the cracks, and what the HAR crew does to prevent them in the first place (spoiler alert, we do A LOT!).

So grab your magnifying glass, put on your fedora, and learn from HAR and you’ll become an amateur fake review sleuth in mere minutes.

Steph will also talk about what is a “good” commission split, highlighting one of our most creative site resources: HAR’s Commission Comparison Calculator.)

A short and sweet list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

HAR’s Review Guidelines: https://hostagencyreviews.com/etiquette-rules

HAR’s Host Agency Commission Plan Comparison Calculator: https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/host-agency-commission-plan-comparison-calculator

We do this every week! If you have travel industry questions, Steph likely has an answer :) Submit your burning question here (bonus points if you can stump Steph!) Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips!

If you found the video helpful, we'd love it if you could give it a like, drop us a comment!

Never miss a HAR resource. Join 30,000+ agents and subscribe to our newsletter:

http://www.hostagencyreviews.com/news...

Listen to our Podcast, Travel Agent Chatter:

http://www.hostagencyreviews.com/trav...

Travel Agent Think Tank FB Group:

http://www.facebook.com/groups/Travel...

________________________________________________________________

Follow us online!

Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/hostagencyrev...

Facebook (Steph):

http://www.facebook.com/iamstephly

Instagram:

http://www.instagram.com/hostagencyre...

Twitter:

http://www.twitter.com/iamstephly

LinkedIn:

http://www.linkedin.com/company/2534866

LinkedIn (Steph):

http://www.linkedin.com/in/iamstephly

This week on Friday 15, Steph chats about the coveted IATA/ITANA card, more on E&O insurance and if you or your host should hold it, and about active military/veteran host discounts.

Here's a short and sweet list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

• https://hostagencyreviews.com/page/survey
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/what-is-a-clia-number
• https://youtu.be/a3aO4UpZN04
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/franchises
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/hosts/kinship-vacations

We do this every week! If you have travel industry questions, Steph likely has an answer :) Submit your burning question here (bonus points if you can stump Steph!) Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips! If you found the video helpful, we'd love it if you could give it a like, drop us a comment!

Never miss a HAR resource. Join 30,000+ agents and subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.hostagencyreviews.com/news

Listen to our Podcast, Travel Agent Chatter: https://hostagencyreviews.com/travelagentchatter

Travel Agent Think Tank FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TravelAgentThinkTank

________________________________________________________________

Follow us online!

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hostagencyreviews/
• Facebook (Steph): https://www.facebook.com/iamstephly/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hostagencyreviews/
• Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/iamstephly
• LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/2534866
• LinkedIn (Steph): http://www.linkedin.com/in/iamstephly

This week on Friday 15, Steph and Maureen chat about commission overrides, company logos, and budget host agencies.

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/host-agency-commission-plan-comparison-calculator
• https://www.canva.com/
• https://99designs.com/
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/why-your-travel-agency-needs-a-style-guide
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/7-day-set-up
• https://www.facebook.com/groups/7daysetup
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/tips-on-how-to-find-the-best-travel-host-agency
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/tips-on-how-to-find-the-best-travel-host-agency
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agent-commissions
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KM2hnPZeCLU

We do this every week! If you have travel industry questions, Steph likely has an answer :) Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips! If you found the video helpful, we'd love it if you could give it a like, drop us a comment!

Never miss a HAR resource. Join 30,000+ agents and subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.hostagencyreviews.com/news

Listen to our Podcast, Travel Agent Chatter: https://hostagencyreviews.com/travelagentchatter

Travel Agent Think Tank FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TravelAgentThinkTank

________________________________________________________________

Follow us online!

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hostagencyreviews/
• Facebook (Steph): https://www.facebook.com/iamstephly/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hostagencyreviews/
• Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/iamstephly
• LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/2534866
• LinkedIn (Steph):

Hear from a 26-year travel industry veteran and host of the radio show Traveling Culturati, about how she’s successfully tackled her agency’s multiple brands, created a successful frequent traveler program, and blended her passions together to form a unique niche.

We promise you’ll leave with multiple creative ways to grow your agency! Whether through ideas on how to grow your agency through radio/podcast, creating your own frequent traveler program for clients, or planting a seed on how you can marry your passions to create your dream niche, we'll have something for everyone in this episode.

What’s Ja'Vonne's niche? This $2M agency has found major success in putting together come-along trips for radio stations, special interest groups that allow her to travel around the world and follow her curiosity and passions, as well as group trips for African American travelers.

****** Transcript + Show Notes: https://har.news/tac20

This week on Friday 15, Maureen goes solo and chats about Host Preferred Suppliers, Returning to the Industry, and Host Suppliers Sales Team.

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/what-is-travel-consortia-travel-coops
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/tagged/choose-a-host
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-preferred-supplier
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/7-day-set-up/
• https://www.facebook.com/groups/7daysetup
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/tips-on-how-to-find-the-best-travel-host-agency
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/find-a-travel-niche
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agent-advisor-guide-researching-qualifying-suppliers

We do this every week! If you have travel industry questions, Steph likely has an answer :) Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips!

❤️ If you found the video helpful, we'd love it if you could give it a like, drop us a comment! 💬💬💬

__________________________________________________

📧 Never miss a HAR resource. Join 30,000+ agents and subscribe to our newsletter:

http://www.hostagencyreviews.com/newsletter

🎧 Listen to our Podcast:

http://www.hostagencyreviews.com/travelagentchatter

🤔 Travel Agent Think Tank FB Group:

http://www.facebook.com/groups/TravelAgentThinkTank

🌴 Thinking of becoming a travel advisor? Join our FREE 7 Day Set Up program:

https://hostagencyreviews.com/7-day-set-up

________________________________________________________________

Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/hostagencyreviews

http://www.facebook.com/iamstephly

Twitter:

http://www.twitter.com/hostagencyrvws

This week on Friday 15, Steph and Maureen chat about what conferences to attend, type of travel industry jobs, and how to prepare for the return to travel!

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/host-agency-consortia-education

• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/make-your-travel-conference-count

• https://hostagencyreviews.com/events/category/kind_conference

• https://www.travelagentforum.com/

• https://www.asta.org

• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/new-hosted-travel-agent-report-2020

• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agent-employee-income-2020

• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/independent-travel-agent-income-report-2020

• https://hostagencyreviews.com/7-day-set-up

• https://www.facebook.com/groups/7daysetup/

• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agents-guide-building-work-community

• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-preferred-supplier

• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/find-a-travel-niche

• https://www.travelweekly.com

• https://www.travelmarketreport.com

• https://www.travelpulse.com

We do this every week! If you have travel industry questions, Steph likely has an answer :) Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips! If you found the video helpful, we'd love it if you could give it a like, drop us a comment!

Listen to our Podcast,

Travel Agent Chatter: https://hostagencyreviews.com/travelagentchatter

Travel Agent Think Tank FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TravelAgentThinkTank ______________________________________________________________

Follow us online!

• Facebook:

This week on Friday 15, Steph and Maureen chat about going solo and working with suppliers!

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/what-is-travel-consortia-travel-coops
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agent-advisor-guide-researching-qualifying-suppliers
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agents-need-eo-insurance
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/the-100-travel-agency-marketing-plan
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agent-social-media
• https://www.facebook.com/groups/TravelAgentThinkTank/

We do this every week! If you have travel industry questions, Steph likely has an answer :) Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips! If you found the video helpful, we'd love it if you could give it a like, drop us a comment!

Listen to our Podcast

Travel Agent Chatter: https://hostagencyreviews.com/travelagentchatter

Travel Agent Think Tank FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TravelAgentThinkTank _______________________________________________________________________________________________

Follow us online!

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hostagencyreviews/
• Facebook (Steph): https://www.facebook.com/iamstephly/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hostagencyreviews/
• Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/iamstephly
• LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/2534866
• LinkedIn (Steph): http://www.linkedin.com/in/iamstephly

This week on Friday 15 Maureen chats about switching host agencies, finding a host agency, and which host offer adventure travel!

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

• Independent Travel Agent Contracts
• How to Choose a Host
• How to Find the Best Host Agency
• Host Agency Map
• How to Find a Travel Niche
• Travel Preferred Supplier
• A Travel Agent Guide to Researching & Qualifying Suppliers
• Adventure Travel Trade Association
• Make your Travel Conference Count

We do this every week! If you have travel industry questions, HAR likely has an answer :) Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips! If you found the video helpful, we'd love it if you could give it a like, drop us a comment!

Listen to our Podcast

Travel Agent Chatter: https://hostagencyreviews.com/travelagentchatter

Travel Agent Think Tank FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TravelAgentThinkTank ______________________________________________________________

Follow us online!

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hostagencyreviews/
• Facebook (Steph): https://www.facebook.com/iamstephly/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hostagencyreviews/
• Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/iamstephly
• LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/2534866
• LinkedIn (Steph): http://www.linkedin.com/in/iamstephly

This week on Friday 15 Maureen chats about switching host agencies, finding a host agency, and which host offer adventure travel!

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/5-best-business-credit-cards-for-travel-agency-rewards

• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/best-credit-card-rewards-travel-agency

• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/top-travel-brand-credit-cards-travel-agents

• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/starting-a-travel-agency-from-home

• https://hostagencyreviews.com/7-day-set-up

• https://www.facebook.com/groups/7daysetup/

• https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/how-to-apply-for-an-ein

• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agency-business-structures

• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agent-license

• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agent-certification

• https://asta.digitalchalk.com/learn/RoadmapToBecomingATravelAdvisor

• https://www.thetravelinstitute.com/

We do this every week! If you have travel industry questions, HAR likely has an answer :) Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips! If you found the video helpful, we'd love it if you could give it a like, drop us a comment!

Listen to our Podcast

Travel Agent Chatter: https://hostagencyreviews.com/travelagentchatter

Travel Agent Think Tank FB Group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/TravelAgentThinkTank _____________________________________________________________

Follow us online!

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hostagencyreviews/
• Facebook (Steph): https://www.facebook.com/iamstephly/
• Instagram:

This week on Friday 15, Maureen chats about whether you should be hosted or not, if hosts provide leads, and travel school.

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/tagged/choose-a-host
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/top-10-benefits-of-using-a-host-agency
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-preferred-supplier
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/starting-a-travel-agency-from-home
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/setting-up-travel-agencys-financials
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agent-license
• https://forms.freshfromflorida.com/10200.pdf

Sellers of Travel / Business Services / Home - Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (fdacs.gov)

• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/starting-a-travel-agency-from-home
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/7-day-set-up
• https://www.facebook.com/groups/7daysetup/
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/tagged/choose-a-host
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/tips-on-how-to-find-the-best-travel-host-agency
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/find-a-travel-niche
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agent-license
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agent-certification
• https https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agent-school
• https://www.asta.org/

We do this every week! If you have travel industry questions, HAR likely has an answer :) Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips! If you found this helpful, we'd love it if you could give it a...

This week on Friday 15, Maureen chats about whether you should be hosted or not, if hosts provide leads, and travel school.

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

• https://hostagencyreviews.com/travelagentchatter/travel-agent-chatter-vol-5-karen-hurlbut-hurlbut-travel
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/travelagentchatter/lary-neron-airfare-consultant
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/what-is-gds
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/tqn-q4-2020
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/top-10-benefits-of-using-a-host-agency
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/find-a-travel-niche
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-preferred-supplier
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agency-accreditation
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agent-certification

We do this every week! If you have travel industry questions, HAR likely has an answer :) Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips!

Welcome to Friday 15! Today Maureen is going to take a look at the best host agencies, selling river cruises, and river cruises as a niche.

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/tips-on-how-to-find-the-best-travel-host-agency
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-preferred-supplier
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/find-a-travel-niche
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agent-certification
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/what-is-a-clia-number
• https://cruising.org/en/
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/how-travel-agents-can-make-the-most-of-a-cruise-ship-inspection
• https://cruise360.org/
• https://www.cruiseworldshow.com/

We do this every week! If you have travel industry questions, HAR likely has an answer :) Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips! If you found this helpful, we'd love it if you could give it a like, drop us a comment!

Listen to our Podcast

Travel Agent Chatter: https://hostagencyreviews.com/travelagentchatter

Travel Agent Think Tank FB Group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/TravelAgentThinkTank ________________________________________________________

Follow us online!

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hostagencyreviews/
• Facebook (Steph): https://www.facebook.com/iamstephly/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hostagencyreviews/
• Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/iamstephly
• LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/2534866
• LinkedIn (Steph): http://www.linkedin.com/in/iamstephly

Welcome to Friday 15! Today Maureen is going to chat about attending your host conference, choosing a host agency, and specialized travel niches.

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/find-a-travel-niche
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agent-advisor-guide-researching-qualifying-suppliers
• https://www.facebook.com/groups/7daysetup/
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/make-your-travel-conference-count
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/tips-on-how-to-find-the-best-travel-host-agency
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/5-steps-to-finding-groups
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/supplier-want-you-know-booking-groups

We do this every week! If you have travel industry questions, HAR likely has an answer :) Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips! If you found this helpful, we'd love it if you could give it a like, drop us a comment!

Listen to our Podcast

Travel Agent Chatter: https://hostagencyreviews.com/travelagentchatter

Travel Agent Think Tank FB Group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/TravelAgentThinkTank ________________________________________________________

Follow us online!

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hostagencyreviews/
• Facebook (Steph): https://www.facebook.com/iamstephly/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hostagencyreviews/
• Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/iamstephly
• LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/2534866
• LinkedIn (Steph): http://www.linkedin.com/in/iamstephly

Welcome to Friday 15! Today Maureen is going to chat about starting your own travel business, starting in the travel biz, and getting your own travel accreditation.

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/free-travel-agency-business-plan-template
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/starting-a-travel-agency-from-home
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/setting-up-travel-agencys-financials
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/tagged/choose-a-host
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/7-day-set-up
• https://www.facebook.com/groups/7daysetup/
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agency-accreditation
• https://www.iata.org

We do this every week! If you have travel industry questions, HAR likely has an answer :) Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips! If you found this helpful, we'd love it if you could give it a like, drop us a comment!

Listen to our Podcast

Travel Agent Chatter:

Travel Agent Think Tank FB Group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/TravelAgentThinkTank ________________________________________________________

Follow us online!

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hostagencyreviews/
• Facebook (Steph): https://www.facebook.com/iamstephly/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hostagencyreviews/
• Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/iamstephly
• LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/2534866
• LinkedIn (Steph): http://www.linkedin.com/in/iamstephly

Welcome to Friday 15! Today Maureen is going to chat about starting a travel agency, choosing the best host, marketing to a larger audience.

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

• https://hostagencyreviews.com/7-day-set-up
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/free-travel-agency-business-plan-template
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/starting-a-travel-agency-from-home
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/setting-up-travel-agencys-financials
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/tips-on-how-to-find-the-best-travel-host-agency
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/top-10-benefits-of-using-a-host-agency
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/top-4-travel-agency-marketing-tools
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/tqn-q3-2021
• https://www.adventuretravel.biz/

We do this every week! If you have travel industry questions, HAR likely has an answer :) Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips! If you found this helpful, we'd love it if you could give it a like, drop us a comment!

❤️ If you found the video helpful, we'd love it if you could give it a like, drop us a comment! 💬

__________________________________________________

📧 Never miss a HAR resource. Join 30,000+ agents and subscribe to our newsletter:

http://www.hostagencyreviews.com/newsletter

🎧 Listen to our Podcast:

http://www.hostagencyreviews.com/travelagentchatter

🤔 Travel Agent Think Tank FB Group:

http://www.facebook.com/groups/TravelAgentThinkTank

🌴 Thinking of becoming a travel advisor? Join our FREE 7 Day Set Up program:

https://hostagencyreviews.com/7-day-set-up

________________________________________________________________

Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/hostagencyreviews

http://www.facebook.com/iamstephly

Twitter:

Welcome to Friday 15! Today Maureen is going to chat about Disney travel agency, CLIA or other accreditations, and advantages to host agency size.

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agent-certification
• https://cruising.org/en/
• https://www.facebook.com/groups/7daysetup/
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/best-disney-travel-agents-booking-secrets
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/disney-cruise-lines-101-for-travel-agents
• https://www.disneytravelagents.com/
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/tips-on-how-to-find-the-best-travel-host-agency
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/top-10-benefits-of-using-a-host-agency

We do this every week! If you have travel industry questions, HAR likely has an answer :) Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips! If you found this helpful, we'd love it if you could give it a like, drop us a comment!

Listen to our Podcast

❤️ If you found the video helpful, we'd love it if you could give it a like, drop us a comment! 💬 __________________________________________________

📧 Never miss a HAR resource.

Join 30,000+ agents and subscribe to our newsletter:

http://www.hostagencyreviews.com/newsletter

🎧 Listen to our Podcast:

http://www.hostagencyreviews.com/travelagentchatter

🤔 Travel Agent Think Tank FB Group:

http://www.facebook.com/groups/TravelAgentThinkTank

🌴 Thinking of becoming a travel advisor?

Join our FREE 7 Day Set Up program: https://hostagencyreviews.com/7-day-set-up _____________________________________________________

Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/hostagencyreviews

http://www.facebook.com/iamstephly

Twitter:

http://www.twitter.com/hostagencyrvws

http://www.twitter.com/iamstephly

Instagram:...

Welcome to Friday 15! Today Maureen is going to chat about finding a host with low fees, what fees do host charge, and social media options.

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

• https://www.facebook.com/groups/7daysetup/
• https://www.facebook.com/groups/TravelAgentThinkTank/
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/tips-on-how-to-find-the-best-travel-host-agency
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/tagged/choose-a-host
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agents-guide-building-work-community
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agent-social-media
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/tqn-q2-2021

We do this every week! If you have travel industry questions, HAR likely has an answer :) Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips! If you found this helpful, we'd love it if you could give it a like, drop us a comment!

Listen to our Podcast

❤️ If you found the video helpful, we'd love it if you could give it a like, drop us a comment! 💬 __________________________________________________

📧 Never miss a HAR resource.

Join 30,000+ agents and subscribe to our newsletter:

http://www.hostagencyreviews.com/newsletter

🎧 Listen to our Podcast:

http://www.hostagencyreviews.com/travelagentchatter

🤔 Travel Agent Think Tank FB Group:

http://www.facebook.com/groups/TravelAgentThinkTank

🌴 Thinking of becoming a travel advisor?

Join our FREE 7 Day Set Up program: ________________________________________________________________

Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/hostagencyreviews

http://www.facebook.com/iamstephly

Twitter:

http://www.twitter.com/hostagencyrvws

http://www.twitter.com/iamstephly

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/hostagencyreviews/

LinkedIn:

Welcome to Friday 15! Today Maureen is going to chat about how advisors charge fees, service & consultation fees, and what types of fees advisors charge.

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agents-guide-to-charging-fees
• https://www.asta.org/
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/how-do-travel-agents-make-money
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/mvt-q2-2021
• https://www.facebook.com/groups/7daysetup/
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/hosted-travel-agent-fee-report-2020
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agent-demographics-fee-report-2020

We do this every week! If you have travel industry questions, HAR likely has an answer :) Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips! If you found this helpful, we'd love it if you could give it a like, drop us a comment!

Listen to our Podcast

❤️ If you found the video helpful, we'd love it if you could give it a like, drop us a comment! 💬 __________________________________________________

📧 Never miss a HAR resource.

Join 30,000+ agents and subscribe to our newsletter:

http://www.hostagencyreviews.com/newsletter

🎧 Listen to our Podcast:

http://www.hostagencyreviews.com/travelagentchatter

🤔 Travel Agent Think Tank FB Group:

http://www.facebook.com/groups/TravelAgentThinkTank

🌴 Thinking of becoming a travel advisor?

Join our FREE 7 Day Set Up program: https://hostagencyreviews.com/7-day-set-up ________________________________________________________________

Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/hostagencyreviews

http://www.facebook.com/iamstephly

Twitter:

http://www.twitter.com/hostagencyrvws

http://www.twitter.com/iamstephly

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/hostagencyreviews/

LinkedIn:

Welcome to Friday 15! Today Maureen is going to chat about leisure travel, travel niches, and the cost of starting an agency

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

• https://www.facebook.com/groups/7daysetup
• https://www.visitscotland.com
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/find-a-travel-niche
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agent-advisor-guide-researching-qualifying-suppliers
• https://cruising.org/en/
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/top-10-benefits-of-using-a-host-agency
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agency-startup-costs
• https://asta.digitalchalk.com/learn/RoadmapToBecomingATravelAdvisor
• https://www.thetravelinstitute.com/

We do this every week! If you have travel industry questions, HAR likely has an answer :) Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips! If you found this helpful, we'd love it if you could give it a like, drop us a comment!

Listen to our Podcast

❤️ If you found the video helpful, we'd love it if you could give it a like, drop us a comment! 💬 __________________________________________________

📧 Never miss a HAR resource.

Join 30,000+ agents and subscribe to our newsletter:

http://www.hostagencyreviews.com/newsletter

🎧 Listen to our Podcast:

http://www.hostagencyreviews.com/travelagentchatter

🤔 Travel Agent Think Tank FB Group:

http://www.facebook.com/groups/TravelAgentThinkTank

🌴 Thinking of becoming a travel advisor?

Join our FREE 7 Day Set Up program: ________________________________________________________________

Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/hostagencyreviews

http://www.facebook.com/iamstephly

Twitter:

http://www.twitter.com/hostagencyrvws

Welcome to Friday 15! Today Maureen is going to chat about getting started in leisure travel, travel niches, and the cost of starting an agency.

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

• https://departurelounge.com/join-our-travel-advisor-team/
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/tips-on-how-to-find-the-best-travel-host-agency
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/7-day-set-up
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/what-is-travel-consortia-travel-coops
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/consortia/virtuoso
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/specialize-luxury-travel
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/top-10-benefits-of-using-a-host-agency

We do this every week! If you have travel industry questions, HAR likely has an answer :) Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips! If you found this helpful, we'd love it if you could give it a like, drop us a comment!

Listen to our Podcast

❤️ If you found the video helpful, we'd love it if you could give it a like, drop us a comment! 💬 __________________________________________________

📧 Never miss a HAR resource.

Join 30,000+ agents and subscribe to our newsletter:

www.hostagencyreviews.com/newsletter

🎧 Listen to our Podcast:

www.hostagencyreviews.com/travelagentchatter

🤔 Travel Agent Think Tank FB Group:

www.facebook.com/groups/TravelAgentThinkTank

🌴 Thinking of becoming a travel advisor?

Join our FREE 7 Day Set Up program: ________________________________________________________________

Facebook:

www.facebook.com/hostagencyreviews

www.facebook.com/iamstephly

Twitter:

www.twitter.com/hostagencyrvws

www.twitter.com/iamstephly

Instagram:

www.instagram.com/hostagencyreviews/

LinkedIn:

Welcome to Friday 15! Today Maureen is going to chat about what a travel MLM is, MLM vs. a host agency, and disney dining tips.

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

• departurelounge.com/join-our-travel-advisor-team/
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-mlms
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/what-is-a-host-agency
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/top-10-benefits-of-using-a-host-agency
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agents-guide-hars-disney-world-planning-booking-cheatsheet
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/disney-dining-reservation-calculator
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/disney-world-tips-and-tricks-travel-agents-tell-all
• https://www.disneyinstitute.com/professional-development-courses/

We do this every week! If you have travel industry questions, HAR likely has an answer :) Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips! If you found this helpful, we'd love it if you could give it a like, drop us a comment!

Listen to our Podcast

❤️ If you found the video helpful, we'd love it if you could give it a like, drop us a comment! 💬 __________________________________________________

📧 Never miss a HAR resource.

Join 30,000+ agents and subscribe to our newsletter:

www.hostagencyreviews.com/newsletter

🎧 Listen to our Podcast:

www.hostagencyreviews.com/travelagentchatter

🤔 Travel Agent Think Tank FB Group:

www.facebook.com/groups/TravelAgentThinkTank

🌴 Thinking of becoming a travel advisor?

Join our FREE 7 Day Set Up program: ________________________________________________________________

Facebook:

www.facebook.com/hostagencyreviews

www.facebook.com/iamstephly

Twitter:

www.twitter.com/hostagencyrvws

Welcome to Friday 15! Today Maureen is going to chat about what a sub-agent is, a LLC business structure, and private airfare.

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/host-agency-consortia-education
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/7-day-set-up
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/top-10-benefits-of-using-a-host-agency
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agency-business-structures
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/airline-fare-types
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-preferred-supplier

We do this every week! If you have travel industry questions, HAR likely has an answer :) Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips! If you found this helpful, we'd love it if you could give it a like, drop us a comment!

Listen to our Podcast

❤️ If you found the video helpful, we'd love it if you could give it a like, drop us a comment! 💬 __________________________________________________

📧 Never miss a HAR resource.

Join 30,000+ agents and subscribe to our newsletter:

www.hostagencyreviews.com/newsletter

🎧 Listen to our Podcast:

www.hostagencyreviews.com/travelagentchatter

🤔 Travel Agent Think Tank FB Group:

www.facebook.com/groups/TravelAgentThinkTank

🌴 Thinking of becoming a travel advisor?

Join our FREE 7 Day Set Up program: ________________________________________________________________

Facebook:

www.facebook.com/hostagencyreviews

www.facebook.com/iamstephly

Twitter:

www.twitter.com/hostagencyrvws

www.twitter.com/iamstephly

Instagram:

www.instagram.com/hostagencyreviews/

LinkedIn:

www.linkedin.com/company/2534866

www.linkedin.com/in/iamstephly

Welcome to Friday 15! Today Maureen is going to chat about our 7-Day Setup Challenge, Travel Agent Education, and Agency Business Tips.

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

• https://hostagencyreviews.com/7-day-set-up
• https://www.facebook.com/groups/7daysetup/
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/tagged/choose-a-host
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agent-certification
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agency-business-structures

We do this every week! If you have travel industry questions, HAR likely has an answer :) Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips! If you found this helpful, we'd love it if you could give it a like, drop us a comment!

Listen to our Podcast

❤️ If you found the video helpful, we'd love it if you could give it a like, drop us a comment! 💬 __________________________________________________

📧 Never miss a HAR resource.

Join 30,000+ agents and subscribe to our newsletter:

http://www.hostagencyreviews.com/newsletter

🎧 Listen to our Podcast:

http://www.hostagencyreviews.com/travelagentchatter

🤔 Travel Agent Think Tank FB Group:

http://www.facebook.com/groups/TravelAgentThinkTank

🌴 Thinking of becoming a travel advisor?

Join our FREE 7 Day Set Up program: _________________________________________________________

Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/hostagencyreviews

http://www.facebook.com/iamstephly

Twitter:

http://www.twitter.com/hostagencyrvws

http://www.twitter.com/iamstephly

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/hostagencyreviews/

LinkedIn:

http://www.linkedin.com/company/2534866

http://www.linkedin.com/in/iamstephly

Welcome to Friday 15! Today Maureen is going to chat about travel agency website design, choosing your agency names, and our free marketing plan.

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/wix-tutorial
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agency-websites
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/tips-for-choosing-travel-agency-names
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/the-100-travel-agency-marketing-plan
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/free-diy-marketing-tools-for-travel-agents-2

We do this every week! If you have travel industry questions, HAR likely has an answer :) Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips! If you found this helpful, we'd love it if you could give it a like, drop us a comment!

Listen to our Podcast

❤️ If you found the video helpful, we'd love it if you could give it a like, drop us a comment! 💬 __________________________________________________

📧 Never miss a HAR resource.

Join 30,000+ agents and subscribe to our newsletter:

http://www.hostagencyreviews.com/newsletter

🎧 Listen to our Podcast:

http://www.hostagencyreviews.com/travelagentchatter

🤔 Travel Agent Think Tank FB Group:

http://www.facebook.com/groups/TravelAgentThinkTank

🌴 Thinking of becoming a travel advisor?

Join our FREE 7 Day Set Up program: ________________________________________________________________

Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/hostagencyreviews

http://www.facebook.com/iamstephly

Twitter:

http://www.twitter.com/hostagencyrvws

http://www.twitter.com/iamstephly

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/hostagencyreviews/

LinkedIn:

http://www.linkedin.com/company/2534866

http://www.linkedin.com/in/iamstephly

Welcome to Friday 15! Today Maureen is going to chat about choosing a host, if host agencies provide leads, and travel leads tips.

HERE'S A LIST OF HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR TODAY’S EPISODE:

• https://www.facebook.com/groups/7daysetup/
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/tagged/choose-a-host
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/top-10-benefits-of-using-a-host-agency
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/top-4-travel-agency-marketing-tools
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agency-websites
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-leads

We do this every week! If you have travel industry questions, HAR likely has an answer :) Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips! If you found this helpful, we'd love it if you could give it a like, drop us a comment!

Listen to our Podcast

❤️ If you found the video helpful, we'd love it if you could give it a like, drop us a comment! 💬 __________________________________________________

📧 Never miss a HAR resource.

Join 30,000+ agents and subscribe to our newsletter:

http://www.hostagencyreviews.com/newsletter

🎧 Listen to our Podcast:

http://www.hostagencyreviews.com/travelagentchatter

🤔 Travel Agent Think Tank FB Group:

http://www.facebook.com/groups/TravelAgentThinkTank

🌴 Thinking of becoming a travel advisor?

Join our FREE 7 Day Set Up program: ________________________________________________________________

Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/hostagencyreviews

http://www.facebook.com/iamstephly

Twitter:

http://www.twitter.com/hostagencyrvws

http://www.twitter.com/iamstephly

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/hostagencyreviews/

LinkedIn:

Join us as we pick the brain of Molly Williams, a 10-year travel industry veteran who specializes in bringing some of your favorite bands around the world. That’s right, her 6-woman remote team found a niche in entertainment/production travel! While production travel isn’t for everyone, Molly’s lessons apply to any agency moving large groups around.

And during that awful pandemic, Molly had an epiphany. She could either walk away or go all in and refresh her company. If you’ve considered a rebrand, Molly’s agency is one that’s done an amazing job. She worked with a pricing strategist to find out what fees she should charge and where. She worked with a copy writer to narrow down exactly the value she provided and what clients could expect working with her. She worked with a branding agency to turn her vision of her newly renamed agency, The Optimists Travel, into a reality.

For those that are looking for some ways to build corporate responsibility into your agency’s DNA, we’ve also got some inspiration for you on that front too!

****** Transcript + Show Notes: https://har.news/tac21 ******

Special thanks to Uniworld River Cruises for sponsoring this episode.

Welcome to Friday 15! Today Maureen is going to chat about travel agency website design, choosing your agency names, and our free marketing plan.

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/tips-on-how-to-find-the-best-travel-host-agency
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/find-a-travel-niche
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-preferred-supplier
• https://cruising.org/en/
• https://www.facebook.com/groups/7daysetup/
• https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/form-llc-in-your-state-31019.html
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agency-business-structures

We do this every week! If you have travel industry questions, HAR likely has an answer :) Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips! If you found this helpful, we'd love it if you could give it a like, drop us a comment!

Listen to our Podcast

❤️ If you found the video helpful, we'd love it if you could give it a like, drop us a comment! 💬 __________________________________________________

📧 Never miss a HAR resource.

Join 30,000+ agents and subscribe to our newsletter:

www.hostagencyreviews.com/newsletter

🎧 Listen to our Podcast:

www.hostagencyreviews.com/travelagentchatter

🤔 Travel Agent Think Tank FB Group:

www.facebook.com/groups/TravelAgentThinkTank

🌴 Thinking of becoming a travel advisor?

Join our FREE 7 Day Set Up program: ________________________________________________________________

Facebook:

www.facebook.com/hostagencyreviews

www.facebook.com/iamstephly

Twitter:

www.twitter.com/hostagencyrvws

www.twitter.com/iamstephly

Instagram:

www.instagram.com/hostagencyreviews/

LinkedIn:

Welcome to Friday 15! Today Maureen is going to give tips chat about travel agency names, give domain name tips, and how to choose a business structures.

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/tips-for-choosing-travel-agency-names
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/find-a-travel-niche
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agent-advisor-guide-researching-qualifying-suppliers
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agency-business-structures
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/host-agency-consortia-education

We do this every week! If you have travel industry questions, HAR likely has an answer :) Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips! If you found this helpful, we'd love it if you could give it a like, drop us a comment!

Listen to our Podcast

❤️ If you found the video helpful, we'd love it if you could give it a like, drop us a comment! 💬 __________________________________________________

📧 Never miss a HAR resource.

Join 30,000+ agents and subscribe to our newsletter:

www.hostagencyreviews.com/newsletter

🎧 Listen to our Podcast:

www.hostagencyreviews.com/travelagentchatter

🤔 Travel Agent Think Tank FB Group:

www.facebook.com/groups/TravelAgentThinkTank

🌴 Thinking of becoming a travel advisor?

Join our FREE 7 Day Set Up program: ________________________________________________________________

Facebook:

www.facebook.com/hostagencyreviews

www.facebook.com/iamstephly

Twitter:

www.twitter.com/hostagencyrvws

www.twitter.com/iamstephly

Instagram:

www.instagram.com/hostagencyreviews/

LinkedIn:

www.linkedin.com/company/2534866

www.linkedin.com/in/iamstephly

Welcome to Friday 15! Today Maureen chats about travel agency contracts, our 7-day setup program, and a CLIA number vs IATA.

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/tips-for-choosing-travel-agency-names
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/host-agency-not-paying-commissions
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/independent-travel-agent-contracts
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/7-day-set-up
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/tips-on-how-to-find-the-best-travel-host-agency
• https://cruising.org/
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/what-is-a-clia-number

We do this every week! If you have travel industry questions, HAR likely has an answer :) Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips! If you found this helpful, we'd love it if you could give it a like, drop us a comment!

Listen to our Podcast

❤️ If you found the video helpful, we'd love it if you could give it a like, drop us a comment! 💬 __________________________________________________

📧 Never miss a HAR resource.

Join 30,000+ agents and subscribe to our newsletter:

http://www.hostagencyreviews.com/newsletter

🎧 Listen to our Podcast:

http://www.hostagencyreviews.com/travelagentchatter

🤔 Travel Agent Think Tank FB Group:

http://www.facebook.com/groups/TravelAgentThinkTank

🌴 Thinking of becoming a travel advisor?

Join our FREE 7 Day Set Up program: ________________________________________________________________

Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/hostagencyreviews

http://www.facebook.com/iamstephly

Twitter:

http://www.twitter.com/hostagencyrvws

http://www.twitter.com/iamstephly

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/hostagencyreviews/

LinkedIn:

Welcome to Friday 15! Today Maureen chats with Joshua Harrell from Travel Quest Network about benefits with Travel Leaders affiliation, TQN training & onboarding program, TQN marketing tips.

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

• https://hostagencyreviews.com
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/host-agency-consortia-education
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/tqn-q3-2021
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/find-a-travel-niche
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/tips-for-choosing-travel-agency-names
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/what-is-a-clia-number

We do this every week! If you have travel industry questions, HAR likely has an answer :) Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips! If you found this helpful, we'd love it if you could give it a like, drop us a comment!

Listen to our Podcast

❤️ If you found the video helpful, we'd love it if you could give it a like, drop us a comment! 💬 __________________________________________________

📧 Never miss a HAR resource.

Join 30,000+ agents and subscribe to our newsletter:

http://www.hostagencyreviews.com/newsletter

🎧 Listen to our Podcast:

http://www.hostagencyreviews.com/travelagentchatter

🤔 Travel Agent Think Tank FB Group:

http://www.facebook.com/groups/TravelAgentThinkTank

🌴 Thinking of becoming a travel advisor?

Join our FREE 7 Day Set Up program: ________________________________________________________________

Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/hostagencyreviews

http://www.facebook.com/iamstephly

Twitter:

http://www.twitter.com/hostagencyrvws

http://www.twitter.com/iamstephly

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/hostagencyreviews/

LinkedIn:

http://www.linkedin.com/company/2534866

Welcome to Friday 15! Today Maureen chats with Lori Speers, CEO and Founder of Levarte Travel about benefits of TravelSavers & Affluent Travel Affiliation, Levarte Academy & advisor support and website & lead tools.

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

• https://hostagencyreviews.com
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/host-agency-consortia-education
• https://www.thetravelinstitute.com/
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agency-websites
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-leads
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/hosts/levarte-travel

We do this every week! If you have travel industry questions, HAR likely has an answer :) Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips! If you found this helpful, we'd love it if you could give it a like, drop us a comment!

Listen to our Podcast

❤️ If you found the video helpful, we'd love it if you could give it a like, drop us a comment! 💬 __________________________________________________

📧 Never miss a HAR resource.

Join 30,000+ agents and subscribe to our newsletter:

http://www.hostagencyreviews.com/newsletter

🎧 Listen to our Podcast:

http://www.hostagencyreviews.com/travelagentchatter

🤔 Travel Agent Think Tank FB Group:

http://www.facebook.com/groups/TravelAgentThinkTank

🌴 Thinking of becoming a travel advisor?

Join our FREE 7 Day Set Up program: _____________________________________________________________

Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/hostagencyreviews

http://www.facebook.com/iamstephly

Twitter:

http://www.twitter.com/hostagencyrvws

http://www.twitter.com/iamstephly

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/hostagencyreviews/

LinkedIn:

http://www.linkedin.com/company/2534866

http://www.linkedin.com/in/iamstephly

Welcome to Friday 15! Today Maureen chats with Shannon Cunningham, Membership & Engagement Specialist for Gifted Travel Network about perks with Virtuoso affiliation, Gifted Travel Network MBA program and their support, coaching & mentoring

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

• https://hostagencyreviews.com
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/what-is-travel-consortia-travel-coops
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/host-agency-consortia-education
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/tips-on-how-to-find-the-best-travel-host-agency
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/hosts/gifted-travel-network

We do this every week! If you have travel industry questions, HAR likely has an answer :) Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips! If you found this helpful, we'd love it if you could give it a like, drop us a comment!

Listen to our Podcast

❤️ If you found the video helpful, we'd love it if you could give it a like, drop us a comment! 💬 __________________________________________________

📧 Never miss a HAR resource.

Join 30,000+ agents and subscribe to our newsletter:

http://www.hostagencyreviews.com/newsletter

🎧 Listen to our Podcast:

http://www.hostagencyreviews.com/travelagentchatter

🤔 Travel Agent Think Tank FB Group:

http://www.facebook.com/groups/TravelAgentThinkTank

🌴 Thinking of becoming a travel advisor?

Join our FREE 7 Day Set Up program: _____________________________________________________________

Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/hostagencyreviews

http://www.facebook.com/iamstephly

Twitter:

http://www.twitter.com/hostagencyrvws

http://www.twitter.com/iamstephly

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/hostagencyreviews/

LinkedIn:

http://www.linkedin.com/company/2534866

http://www.linkedin.com/in/iamstephly

Welcome to Friday 15! Today Maureen chats with Chad Burt, Co-Owner of Outside Agent about their education programs, support, Mentoring and Networking Tips, Fraud Protection Program.

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

• https://hostagencyreviews.com/
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/tips-on-how-to-find-the-best-travel-host-agency
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agents-guide-building-work-community
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/top-4-travel-agency-marketing-tools
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/hosts/outside-agents-com
• go.outsideagents.com/meet

We do this every week! If you have travel industry questions, HAR likely has an answer :) Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips! If you found this helpful, we'd love it if you could give it a like, drop us a comment!

Listen to our Podcast

❤️ If you found the video helpful, we'd love it if you could give it a like, drop us a comment! 💬 __________________________________________________

📧 Never miss a HAR resource.

Join 30,000+ agents and subscribe to our newsletter:

http://www.hostagencyreviews.com/newsletter

🎧 Listen to our Podcast:

http://www.hostagencyreviews.com/travelagentchatter

🤔 Travel Agent Think Tank FB Group:

http://www.facebook.com/groups/TravelAgentThinkTank

🌴 Thinking of becoming a travel advisor?

Join our FREE 7 Day Set Up program: ____________________________________________________________

Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/hostagencyreviews

http://www.facebook.com/iamstephly

Twitter:

http://www.twitter.com/hostagencyrvws

http://www.twitter.com/iamstephly

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/hostagencyreviews/

LinkedIn:

http://www.linkedin.com/company/2534866

http://www.linkedin.com/in/iamstephly

Welcome to Friday 15! Today Steph chats with Connie Miller, VP of Business Development of Montecito Village Travel why choose a virtuoso host agency, air consolidators, hosts with no ratings on HAR, and corporate travel for newbies.

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/what-is-travel-consortia-travel-coops
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/consortia/virtuoso
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/become-corporate-travel-agent
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/what-is-gds
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agency-debit-memo
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/travelagentchatter/travel-agent-chatter-vol-5-karen-hurlbut-hurlbut-travel
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/travelagentchatter/lary-neron-airfare-consultant
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/airline-fare-types

We do this every week! If you have travel industry questions, HAR likely has an answer :) Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips! If you found this helpful, we'd love it if you could give it a like, drop us a comment!

Listen to our Podcast

❤️ If you found the video helpful, we'd love it if you could give it a like, drop us a comment! 💬 __________________________________________________

📧 Never miss a HAR resource.

Join 30,000+ agents and subscribe to our newsletter:

http://www.hostagencyreviews.com/newsletter

🎧 Listen to our Podcast:

http://www.hostagencyreviews.com/travelagentchatter

🤔 Travel Agent Think Tank FB Group:

http://www.facebook.com/groups/TravelAgentThinkTank

🌴 Thinking of becoming a travel advisor?

Join our FREE 7 Day Set Up program: ____________________________________________________________

Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/hostagencyreviews

http://www.facebook.com/iamstephly

Twitter:

http://www.twitter.com/hostagencyrvws

Welcome to Friday 15! Today Steph chats with Chris Green, Director of Network Expansion at Avoya Travel Network on travel agency accreditation options, how to process fees, travel MLMs, and if trainings transfer when moving hosts.

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agency-accreditation
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/what-is-a-host-agency
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agents-guide-to-charging-fees
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/page/feesurvey
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/seller-travel-laws-service-fees
• https://youtu.be/4Gh3KOJBP9M?t=1336
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-mlms
• Chris.Greene@avoyatravel.com

We do this every week! If you have travel industry questions, HAR likely has an answer :) Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips! If you found this helpful, we'd love it if you could give it a like, drop us a comment!

Listen to our Podcast

❤️ If you found the video helpful, we'd love it if you could give it a like, drop us a comment! 💬 __________________________________________________

📧 Never miss a HAR resource.

Join 30,000+ agents and subscribe to our newsletter:

http://www.hostagencyreviews.com/newsletter

🎧 Listen to our Podcast:

http://www.hostagencyreviews.com/travelagentchatter

🤔 Travel Agent Think Tank FB Group:

http://www.facebook.com/groups/TravelAgentThinkTank

🌴 Thinking of becoming a travel advisor?

Join our FREE 7 Day Set Up program: _______________________________________________________

Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/hostagencyreviews

http://www.facebook.com/iamstephly

Twitter:

http://www.twitter.com/hostagencyrvws

http://www.twitter.com/iamstephly

Instagram:

Welcome to Friday 15! Today Steph chats with Stephanie Cannon, founder of SC Travel Design, on travel expense write offs, personal travel with a work component, accounting software, a gives some tax tips.

HERE'S A LIST OF HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR TODAY’S EPISODE:

• https://hostagencyreviews.com/events
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-expenses
• www.withstephaniecannon.com/taxprepkit
• https://withstephaniecannon.com/kyn-challenge

We do this every week! If you have travel industry questions, HAR likely has an answer :) Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips! If you found this helpful, we'd love it if you could give it a like, drop us a comment!

Listen to our Podcast

❤️ If you found the video helpful, we'd love it if you could give it a like, drop us a comment! 💬 __________________________________________________

📧 Never miss a HAR resource.

Join 30,000+ agents and subscribe to our newsletter:

http://www.hostagencyreviews.com/newsletter

🎧 Listen to our Podcast:

http://www.hostagencyreviews.com/travelagentchatter

🤔 Travel Agent Think Tank FB Group:

http://www.facebook.com/groups/TravelAgentThinkTank

🌴 Thinking of becoming a travel advisor?

Join our FREE 7 Day Set Up program: ________________________________________________________________

Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/hostagencyreviews

http://www.facebook.com/iamstephly

Twitter:

http://www.twitter.com/hostagencyrvws

http://www.twitter.com/iamstephly

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/hostagencyreviews/

LinkedIn:

http://www.linkedin.com/company/2534866

http://www.linkedin.com/in/iamstephly

Welcome to Friday 15! Today Steph talks about lead programs for agents, whether you need a business license, and about asking client to pay commission.

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/what-is-travel-consortia-travel-coops
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-leads
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agent-license
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/free-travel-agency-business-plan-template
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agents-guide-to-charging-fees

We do this every week! If you have travel industry questions, HAR likely has an answer :) Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips! If you found this helpful, we'd love it if you could give it a like, drop us a comment!

Listen to our Podcast

❤️ If you found the video helpful, we'd love it if you could give it a like, drop us a comment! 💬 __________________________________________________

📧 Never miss a HAR resource.

Join 30,000+ agents and subscribe to our newsletter:

http://www.hostagencyreviews.com/newsletter

🎧 Listen to our Podcast:

http://www.hostagencyreviews.com/travelagentchatter

🤔 Travel Agent Think Tank FB Group:

http://www.facebook.com/groups/TravelAgentThinkTank

🌴 Thinking of becoming a travel advisor?

Join our FREE 7 Day Set Up program: ________________________________________________________________

Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/hostagencyreviews

http://www.facebook.com/iamstephly

Twitter:

http://www.twitter.com/hostagencyrvws

http://www.twitter.com/iamstephly

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/hostagencyreviews/

LinkedIn:

http://www.linkedin.com/company/2534866

http://www.linkedin.com/in/iamstephly

Welcome to Friday 15! Today Steph chats with Christopher Sherman, Brand Strategy and Marketing from Travel Edge Network , pros/cons of host that has own clients, difference between host and consortium, if you need a business banking account, and if client payments work.

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

https://hostagencyreviews.com/hosts

https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/what-is-travel-consortia-travel-coops

https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/what-is-a-host-agency

https://hostagencyreviews.com/events

https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/setting-up-travel-agencys-financials

We do this every week! If you have travel industry questions, HAR likely has an answer :) Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips! If you found this helpful, we'd love it if you could give it a like, drop us a comment!

Welcome to Friday 15! Today Steph chats with Bill Coyle, VP Agent Engagement for KHM Travel Group, about host mentorship being free but lower commission %, what to look for in a consortium, and travel niche examples.

HERE'S A LIST OF HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR TODAY’S EPISODE:

https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/independent-travel-agent-contracts

https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/host-agency-commission-plan-comparison-calculator

https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/what-is-travel-consortia-travel-coops

https://hostagencyreviews.com/consortia

https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/find-a-travel-niche

We do this every week! If you have travel industry questions, HAR likely has an answer :) Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips!

An entrepreneur twice over, Laurie Burg has seen her sales skyrocket from $15M pre-pandemic, to $20M today.

We sit down and talk with Laurie about why she made the decision to have her Disney-only agency broaden its focus beyond the World of Walt.

Not only that, we discuss how she has managed to make the complex Disney bookings with low commissions profitable. (gasp!) The past ten years, she’s managed to iron out all the wrinkles and systemized the Disney booking process for both agents and clients, cutting down friction and optimizing conversions through thoughtful tweaks, such as different quote forms based on where clients are in the customer journey.

Laurie also shares some tips on how she build community in her team of advisors. During the pandemic she realized the importance of motivating her team and keeping spirits up, which resulted in the creation of a recognition program.

Whether you’re a Disney booking agency, a person looking for small changes you can add to your website to increase our sales, or someone looking at how to build a remote team, we’ve got a little something for all of you.

****** Transcript + Show Notes: https://har.news/tac22

Welcome to Friday 15! Today Steph chats about getting an agency Job without experience, negotiating hotel rates for groups, and 50-50 commission split.

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

• https://hostagencyreviews.com/travel-jobs
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/travelagentchatter/valerie-gossett-premier-resources-travel-group
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/travelagentchatter/travel-agent-chatter-vol-5-karen-hurlbut-hurlbut-travel
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-industry-lawyer-list
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/host-agency-commission-plan-comparison-calculator

We do this every week! If you have travel industry questions, HAR likely has an answer :) Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips! If you found this helpful, we'd love it if you could give it a like, drop us a comment!

Welcome to Friday 15! Today Steph chats with Stephanie Kwong from DBC Law about the difference between trade/service mark/copyright, how the trademark process works, trademark costs & time, and the 3 biggest trademark mistakes.

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/tips-for-choosing-travel-agency-names
• https://www.wipo.int/trademarks/en/
• https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks/search
• Stephanie Kwong's email: skwong@dbclaw.com

We do this every week! If you have travel industry questions, HAR likely has an answer :) Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips!

Welcome to Friday 15! Today Steph chats with Lori Speere, Owner and CEO, from Levarte Travel about hosts for LGBTQ+ niche, going from sole proprietor to LLC, IATAN or CLIA to book group cruise, and tips for booking cruise groups.

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

• https://iglta.org
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/7-day-set-up
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-preferred-supplier
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agency-business-structures
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agency-accreditation
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/5-steps-to-finding-groups
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/supplier-want-you-know-booking-groups
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/group-booking-tips-travel-advisors-agents
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agent-certification

Welcome to Friday 15! Today Steph chats about trainings offered for corporate advisors, booking school groups and if you should join a host, and a UK agency with same name as me.

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

• https://www.gbta.org/professional-development/global-travel-professional-certification-gtp
• (use promo code HAR149 for 50% off)
• https://www.gbta.org/professional-development/gbta-academy-career-path
• https://www.bunnyboot.camp/courses/travel-agent-training
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agent-commissions
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/travelagentchatter/valerie-gossett-premier-resources-travel-group
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/travelagentchatter/travel-agent-chatter-vol-5-karen-hurlbut-hurlbut-travel
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/3-ways-travel-agents-save-you-money
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agent-vs-booking-online
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/tips-for-choosing-travel-agency-names
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=umjhBBmBpTQ
• https://uspto.gov/
• https://www.wipo.int/trademarks/en/

We do this every week! If you have travel industry questions, HAR likely has an answer :) Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips!

Welcome to Friday 15! Today Steph chats Mark Mead from ASTA about what ASTA is doing to help with hotel resort fees, what the real difference is between ARC & IATA, and booking your employer's travel: ethics.

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:

• *Take the annual HAR survey*
• https://onemileatatime.com/news/marriott-hotel-sustainability-fee/
• https://my.asta.org/ASTAVTA/Home/ASTAVTA/Default.aspx
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/3-travel-agents-creative-fee-structures
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agents-guide-to-charging-fees
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/what-is-gds
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agency-accreditation
• (use promo code HAR149 for 50% off)

We do this every week! If you have travel industry questions, HAR likely has an answer :) Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips!

Welcome to Friday 15! Today Steph chats Jackie Friedman, President of Nexion Travel Group, about being a travel advisor with a fulltime job, best ways to market your business, non-US citizen abroad w/ US clients finding host, and what to do after you finish our 7-day setup.

Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode:



https://hostagencyreviews.com/7-day-set-up

sales@nexion.com

jackie.friedman@nexion.com

We do this every week! If you have travel industry questions, HAR likely has an answer :) Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips!

Welcome to Friday 15! Today Steph chats with Keith Waldon, Founder and Director of Departure Lounge, about the best travel conferences, why to join a virtuoso host for luxury travel, and what to know about merchant accounts.

We do this every week! If you have travel industry questions, HAR likely has an answer :) Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips!

Resources we go over:

• https://hostagencyreviews.com/events
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agent-commissions
• https://www.flywire.com/
• https://wise.com/
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/seller-travel-laws-service-fees
• kwaldon@departurelounge.com
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/hosts/departure-lounge
• https://departurelounge.com/join-our-travel-advisor-team/

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 64 Steph chats with Lori Speers, Owner & Founder of Levarte Travel about working with more than one host, how much to earn in the 1st year to break even, cost of host educational programs, and are credit checks with hosts normal.

Helpful Resources:

• (Love HAR's data? It comes from our survey and we need your help! Please take the survey today so we can continue to push out the valuable info to free to the advisor community.)
• (What to look for in your host contracts + red flags.)
• (More on why it's so important that a host agency is following the IC rules.)
• (The pros and cons of aligning with more than one host agency.)
• (What's the average startup cost for a travel agency in 2021? We've got the data!)
• (A great free resource to help you with financial projections. Fabulous for both new advisors and those taking another look at their business.)

We do this every week! If you have travel industry questions, HAR likely has an answer :) Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips!

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 64 Steph chats with Lori Speers, Owner & Founder of Levarte Travel about working with more than one host, how much to earn in the 1st year to break even, cost of host educational programs, and are credit checks with hosts normal.

Helpful Resources:

• (Love HAR's data? It comes from our survey and we need your help! Please take the survey today so we can continue to push out the valuable info to free to the advisor community.)
• (What to look for in your host contracts + red flags.)
• (More on why it's so important that a host agency is following the IC rules.)
• (The pros and cons of aligning with more than one host agency.)
• (What's the average startup cost for a travel agency in 2021? We've got the data!)
• (A great free resource to help you with financial projections. Fabulous for both new advisors and those taking another look at their business.)
• (New advisors, this is the data you need! Get an idea of what to expect your first few years in the industry.)
• (Banks, business cards, financial software, and more!)
• marketing@levartetravel.com or (To reach Levarte team)
• (To learn more about Levarte Travel's hosting program)

We do this every week! If you have travel industry questions, HAR likely has an answer :) Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips!

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 66 April chats about educational programs, what are travel agent rates, and how to get travel agent rates.

Helpful Resources:

• https://hostagencyreviews.com/page/survey
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/7-day-set-up
• https://www.facebook.com/groups/1470400299678907
• https://asta.digitalchalk.com/learn/RoadmapToBecomingATravelAdvisor
• *Use code HAR149 for Roadmap Deal*
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agent-rates

We do this every week! If you have travel industry questions, HAR likely has an answer :) Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips!

Welcome to our 67th Friday 15! Today Steph chats promoting suppliers (do you need permission?), How commissions work with a host agency, and affiliate marketing on site/email.

Helpful Resources:

• **** HAR is hosting a Candidate Chat for ASTA's Board of Directors election --- Thurs, July 7th @12pm CT. It'll be so fun! Check out last year's Candidate Chat to get a feel for it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZ0R3KkPlrA ****
• (Great guide for new advisors on how to vet suppliers)
• (Guide to how travel agent commissions work and typical commission levels)
• (Wondering what a travel consortia/consortium is?)
• (If your agency is thinking of doing affiliate links, here's the FTC's rules for affiliate marketing and some examples of affiliate language)

We do this every week! If you have travel industry questions, HAR likely has an answer :) Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips!

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 68 Steph chats with April Swales, Marketing Director for Uniglobe Travel Center about working full-time while starting an agency, is $10k normal cost to start travel agency, and best host + trainings for groups

Helpful Resources:

(Real numbers on the average cost to start a travel agency)

(A great resources for different educational and training options for travel advisors.)

(Travefy is mentioned in the podcast as a great itinerary builder -- and it is -- but there are a few more out there if you're shopping around)

(Info on Uniglobe Travel Center's 3-month training program for new advisors.)

(The most comprehensive travel industry event calendar out there! Find trainings, conferences, events, FAM trips, ship inspections, etc.)

https://hostagencyreviews.com/travelagentchatter

Use the podcast filter feature to find in-depth podcast interviews with successful agencies. Our podcast tags include: Accessible Travel, Branding, Building Community, Corporate, Destination Specialists, Destination Weddings/Honeymoons, Disney, Entertainment/Production Travel, FIT, Groups, Homebased, Inbound Marketing, Leisure, Luxury, Marketing, Meetings and Incentives, New Agent, Remote Team, Social Media, Storefront, Team Management, Work-Life Balance)

We do this every week! If you have travel industry questions, HAR likely has an answer :) Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips!

Welcome to Friday 15! Today Steph chats about going from hosted to a true number and all you need to know and best host for wheelchair travel.

Helpful Resources:

• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agent-license
• (All about seller of travel licensing/registrations.)
• (Breakdown and infographic of the different accreditation options for travel agencies, includes more details on the TRUE accreditation number)
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agents-need-eo-insurance
• (When moving from hosted to independently accredited, make sure your bookings under your new accreditation number are covered by E&O -- errors and omissions -- insurance if you were getting it through your host)
• (Podcast interview with an advisor that specializes in accessible travel)
• (Supplier that works with travelers and travel advisors that are booking travelers in a wheelchair.)
• (Blogger who travels in his wheelchair something like 200 days a year! A great source of info.)
• https://travelability.net/ (Travelability Conference connects a wide range of people who are interested in making travel more accessible. Everyone from bloggers to tech companies, to travel advisors, to hospitality companies. Their resources page has a great curated list of specialized travel advisors)

We do this every week! If you have travel industry questions, HAR likely has an answer :) Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips!

This quarter we sit down with a mom of seven who left a career in education to start a travel agency focused on educational travel just four years ago. She’s moved from being with a traditional host to a host-franchise hybrid and we dig into why. (Not sure what a host-franchise hybrid is? We cover that too.) If you’ve ever wondered the difference between an agency that belongs to a travel franchise, vs. one that doesn’t, we break down the main differentiators in layman’s terms for you.

Not only has LaTonya sampled two different host structures, she’s also made the leap from home based to renting office space. We tap into her knowledge on how to get in as a vendor with schools and educational organizations, as well as the challenges and joys of focusing on educational trips for students of all ages.

****** Transcript + Show Notes: https://har.news/tac23 ******

Special thanks to our sponsor: Uniglobe Travel Center

Welcome to Friday 15! Today Steph chats with Jenn Lee, VP of Industry Engagement & Support for TPI, about starting an agency without travel experience, how long to plan for a site inspection, and recommended PCI-compliant CC storage.

RESOURCES:

- How Travel Agents Can Make the Most of a Cruise Ship Inspection: https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/how-travel-agents-can-make-the-most-of-a-cruise-ship-inspection

- The Definitive Site Inspection Checklist: https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/definitive-site-inspection-checklist

- FAM with intention: https://www.famwithintention.com/

- How to Properly Crowd Source: https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/how-to-ask-questions-to-peers-on-social-media

- Free Travel Advisor Forms: https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/free-travel-agent-forms-clients

- Travel Planners International profile: https://hostagencyreviews.com/hosts/travel-planners-international

We do this every week! If you have travel industry questions, HAR likely has an answer :) Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips!