Trade Secrets Podcast

Checking in on 2026’s top travel trends

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 07:00:00 +0000

Six months into the year, Trade Secrets co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada look at the trends dominating 2026 so far, including shorter booking windows, a younger demographic for all-inclusives and the state of domestic travel. Plus, the hosts share a sneak peek at what’s in store for the rest of season seven.

This episode was sponsored by Brendan Vacations.

Further resources

The Travel Weekly team

Articles mentioned in this episode:

Travel Weekly’s top stories in the last six months:

From Travel Weekly, Global unrest is now clients’ No. 1 concern, travel advisors say
From TravelAge West, Five forces affecting travel choices — including more trust in AI bookings
From Travel Weekly, Travel agencies report a tale of two booking patterns

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Should travel advisors be worried about hantavirus? (Feat. Urvshi Marwah)

Mon, 25 May 2026 07:00:00 +0000

The hantavirus outbreak onboard MV Hondius, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, has been in the headlines for the past few weeks. Should travel advisors be talking to their cruising clients about the outbreak? How should they address concerns, and should they be worried about a real threat to public safety?

Find out all of this – plus, why cruise lines in particular tend to get an increasing amount of media coverage, and why expedition cruises may be more likely to have an outbreak – during our conversation with travel advisor Urvshi Marwah of The Suite Sojern.

This episode was sponsored by Tourism Cares.

Further resources

The Suite Sojourn on the web and Instagram

Need advice?

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trade Secrets After Dark: Growing up in travel and AI competition with Mr. Honeymoon (feat. Jim Augurinos)

Mon, 11 May 2026 17:18:34 +0000

In this episode, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada chat with Jim Augerinos of Perfect Honeymoons (aka Mr. Honeymoon) about his start in travel, keeping up with the latest on agentic AI and being a SMIT (IYKYK).

While Trade Secrets usually invites listeners to ask questions that are answered on the show by industry experts, enjoy the occasional “After Dark” episode, featuring casual chats — and drinks — with guests from around the travel industry.

This episode was sponsored by Tourism Cares.

Further resources

Jim Augerinos on Facebook and Instagram

Mentioned in this episode:

Get in touch!

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

"Sweeter Vermouth" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why make $5 when you can make $500? Breaking into the world of ultra-high-net-worth travel (feat. Jack Ezon)

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000

How can advisors break into the world of ultra-high-net-worth travel? Embark Beyond’s Jack Ezon addresses the connection economy, how to speak to this discerning group of clients and why, as he says, “All my success is made up of failure.”

This episode was sponsored by AmaWaterways.

Further resources

Find Jack Ezon on Instagram or via email

Embark Beyond on the web

Mentioned in this episode:

From TravelAge West, The perks and pitfalls of planning ultra-luxury travel
Internova executives on the number of millionaires in the U.S.
From Travel Weekly, Learning the language of luxury

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Encore: Trading social media for Substack: Using content to build a brand (Feat. SmartFlyer’s Kayla Douglas)

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 07:00:00 +0000

Trade Secrets is on a quick break this week, so please enjoy this encore episode. Here’s the article Jamie mentions in her updated intro, “How Substack became the hottest social media platform.”

In this episode, Trade Secrets is all about content — and why travel advisors should get theirs off social media and into an email newsletter. Kayla Douglas, director of content for SmartFlyer in New York, delves into the world of Substack with co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada.

This episode was sponsored by AmaWaterways.

Further resources

Kayla Douglas’ email, Instagram and Substack

SmartFlyer Core coverage

From TravelAge West: Five things we learned at SmartFlyer’s 2025 Core Conference
From Travel Weekly: Will luxury travel slow down? One expert expects a dip in hotel rates

Mentioned on this episode:

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Honest to blog: How one agency turned blogging into river cruise gold (feat. Hank Schrader)

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 07:00:00 +0000

River cruising is one of the fastest-growing verticals for many travel agencies. In this episode, listeners will hear from Hank Schrader, who owns Dream Destinations with his wife, Anne, about their success in the space — all thanks to blogging.

This episode was sponsored by AmaWaterways.

Further resources

Hank Schrader's website, blog and email

Mentioned in this episode:

Jamie’s project tracking new travel advisors
TravelAge West’s Trendsetter Awards
Emma’s reels on river cruise lines’ dating profiles: part one and part two
Hank’s Travel Weekly article

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trade Secrets After Dark: Bourbon, editorial strategy and cross-border incidents (feat. Johanna Jainchill)

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 07:00:00 +0000

This week on Trade Secrets After Dark, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada welcome Travel Weekly’s own Johanna Jainchill, the publication’s newly minted editor in chief. Get to know Jainchill, her vision for Travel Weekly’s editorial strategy and why the Bolivian military once picked her up after inadvertently crossing a border on foot (no, really!).

This episode was sponsored by AmaWaterways.

Further resources

Send Johanna Jainchill an email

Mentioned in this episode:

Johanna’s story on tourism (and bourbon) in Kentucky

Christina Jelski’s story on branded hotel apparel

The Travel Industry Survey

Robby Silk and his competitive sitting: read about it in Travel Weekly and Atlas Obscura, and hear about it on The Folo

Johanna’s column on reader feedback (and the article that inspired it)

Get in touch!

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

"Sweeter Vermouth" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Succession planning for travel agencies, part 2 (feat. attorney Tom Carpenter)

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 07:00:00 +0000

What’s your plan for your business when you retire, or you’re unable to run it anymore?

In this episode, the second in a two-part series on succession planning, hear from industry attorney Tom Carpenter. He discusses some of the varying ways agency owners prepare their businesses for the next step, and gives practical advice on how to make the transition smoother.

This episode was sponsored by AmaWaterways.

Further resources

Find Tom Carpenter:

Mentioned in this episode:

Mark Pestronk on the web and in Travel Weekly

Bob Sweeney’s Innovative Travel Acquisitions

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Succession planning for travel agencies, part 1 (feat. Stacey and Sami Ray)

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 08:00:00 +0000

What’s your plan for your business when you retire, or you’re unable to run it anymore?

In this episode, hear from mother-and-daughter duo Stacey and Sami Ray of Sisterhood Travels as they discuss their personal paths on the vital, albeit often overlooked, process of succession planning within a successful travel agency.

Next episode, tune in to hear from a travel industry attorney who’s an expert in succession planning.

This episode was sponsored by AmaWaterways.

Further resources

Sisterhood Travels on the web and via email

Stacey Ray’s podcast, Life. Reimagined. with Stacey Ray

Stacey Ray on Humans of Travel

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Don’t get burned: Navigating host agency red flags (feat. Marcie Muensterman)

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 08:00:00 +0000

How closely have you read your contract with your host agency? Does it have a non-compete clause? How about a detailed plan for termination?

In the season seven premiere of Trade Secrets, we’re digging into the fine print that every travel advisor needs to watch out for. We’re joined by Marcie Muensterman, travel advisor, coach and host of the No BS Travel Advisor Podcast, to identify host agency red flags. Welcome back to a brand-new season!

Thanks to our friends at Coastline Travel Group for helping us solicit travel advisor questions this season.

This episode was sponsored by the Globus family of brands.

Further resources

Marcie Muensterman

On Instagram
On Facebook
The No BS Travel Advisor Podcast
Courses
Freebies, including Marcie’s host agency interview questionnaire

Mentioned in this episode:

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Encore: How can new travel advisors build a successful career? (Feat. Bill Coyle of KHM Travel)

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 21:18:19 +0000

Trade Secrets is on a winter break but will return with new episodes in just two weeks, on Monday, Feb. 16. Until then, please enjoy this old favorite.

New travel advisors, look no further than this episode of Trade Secrets for advice on everything from setting up your business, to finding clients, to prioritizing fam trip destinations. Co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada are joined by KHM Travel Group’s Bill Coyle, vice president of agent engagement, to tackle listener questions on that and more.

This episode was sponsored by the Globus family of brands.

Further resources

Connect with KHM Travel Group online, on Facebook, on Instagram, on YouTube and on LinkedIn

Encompass the World Travel, Bill Coyle’s family agency

Mentioned in this episode and related reading:

From Travel Weekly, stories on card mills and the history of host agencies

Travel Weekly’s Legal Briefs column by industry attorney Mark Pestronk (many articles talk about terms and conditions)

From TravelAge West, an article on terms and conditions by industry attorney Jeffrey Ment

The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) and its educational offerings

The Travel Institute

The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and its educational offerings

Trade Secrets episode on fam trips

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Encore: Travel advisors, what’s your elevator pitch? (feat. Jackie Friedman)

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Trade Secrets is on a winter break but will return with new episodes in early 2026. For now, enjoy some old favorites.

Welcome to season five of Trade Secrets. In this episode, hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada welcome Nexion Travel Group president Jackie Friedman on the show to talk about the value of travel advisors. They discuss the modern history of the profession and the evolution from “agent” to “advisor,” then answer listener questions about standing out from the crowd, how advisors can sell their own value and what makes a good elevator pitch.

This episode was sponsored by the Globus family of brands.

Further resources

Nexion Travel Group on the web

Reach out to Jackie Friedman via email

Mentioned in this episode:

Erica Carr’s bookitbox Travel
Christine Potthoff’s travel beCAUSE
Courtnie Nichols’ client gifting strategy

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Encore: How do you grow your travel agency — and trust your new advisors?

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 16:44:37 +0000

Trade Secrets is on a holiday break but will return with new episodes in early 2026. For now, enjoy some old favorites.

When it’s time to expand your business, what’s the best way to do it? Should you hire independent contractors, employees or assistants? Then, once they’re onboarded, how do you effectively train — and, subsequently, trust — your new people? All that and more is covered in this week’s Trade Secrets, when co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada talk business expansion with Julie Lanham, president of Vacations to Remember in Augusta, Ga.

This episode was sponsored by the Globus family of brands.

Further resources

Julie Lanham on Instagram

Mentioned in this episode:

From TravelAge West: Why you should consider hiring an international virtual assistant
From TravelAge West: Travel agencies are struggling to hire qualified advisors, according to a new survey
Lucia

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Encore: Oh, the places you’ll go! Destination weddings, honeymoons & beyond, feat. Jennifer Donscesz

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Trade Secrets is on a holiday break but will return with new episodes in early 2026. For now, enjoy some old favorites.

This week, Trade Secrets takes on the world. Jennifer Doncsecz of VIP Vacations returns to the podcast to discuss her specialty: destination weddings and honeymoons. She talks about everything from getting started selling destination weddings and honeymoons, to turning those travelers into clients for life. Then, she answers a number of listener questions about destinations, ranging from the benefits of visiting a spot before selling it, qualifying for fam trips and where to send clients headed to Europe for the first time.

This episode was sponsored by KLM Royal Dutch Airlines.

Further resources

VIP Vacations on Facebook

Jennifer Doncsecz’s email

Jennifer’s previous Trade Secrets episodes:

Mentioned in this episode:

Death of a Travel Advisor by Dori Saltzman
The Travel Institute’s course on destination weddings and honeymoons
From Travel Weekly: Getting into groups

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Event-based travel, ‘kidfluence’ and beyond: What’s in store for 2026?

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 08:00:00 +0000

What does the new year have in store for travel advisors? On this week’s episode of Trade Secrets, the last of season six, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada give an overview of 2025 trends and break down their predictions for 2026. Will 2025’s bumpy road continue? Who will most influence travel decisions? What type of travel will continue to explode in popularity? Find out the answers to those questions — and more — on this week’s episode.

Trade Secrets will take a break after this episode, sharing some old favorites until season seven begins in early 2026. Happy holidays!

This episode was sponsored by KLM Royal Dutch Airlines.

Further resources

From Travel Weekly: Travel that spans the generations

From Travel Weekly: A gift that keeps on giving (Signature’s family travel magazine)

DMCs:

DMCs help bring the ‘wow’ (story)
DMCs: Your travel advisor’s (not-so-secret) travel-planning partner (podcast)
Demystifying DMCs (Trade Secrets podcast)

Brand USA’s America’s 250 events

Phocuswright social media panel with representatives from Reddit, TikTok and YouTube

Family Travel Association research on “kidfluence”

Get in touch!

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trade Secrets Tech Summit: Travel Industry Solutions (feat. Sheila Folk)

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 08:00:00 +0000

This is the final episode of the Trade Secrets Tech Summit. Every Monday, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada feature a different travel technology company that works with travel advisors. A representative from the featured company will begin with a five-minute elevator pitch to tell advisors about their product, followed by a 15-minute Q-and-A with the hosts. Trade Secrets used Host Agency Reviews’ list of technology providers as a basis for this season.

This week’s featured company is Travel Industry Solutions, represented by CEO and founder Sheila Folk.

Trade Secrets will be back next week with a look back on 2025 and 2026 predictions before taking a holiday break. Season seven will return in early 2026 with Trade Secrets’ traditional question-and-answer format.

This episode was sponsored by KLM Royal Dutch Airlines.

Further resources

Travel Industry Solutions on the web

Travel Industry Solutions on Host Agency Reviews

Get in touch!

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trade Secrets Tech Summit: VacationCRM (feat. Stephen Kelly)

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 08:00:00 +0000

This season, Trade Secrets is hosting the Trade Secrets Tech Summit. Every Monday, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada will feature a different travel technology company that works with travel advisors. A representative from the featured company will begin with a five-minute elevator pitch to tell advisors about their product, followed by a 15-minute Q-and-A with the hosts.

This week’s featured company is VacationCRM, represented by general manager Stephen Kelly.

Trade Secrets is using Host Agency Reviews’ list of technology providers as a basis for this season. If a technology company doesn’t have a profile, advisors are encouraged to send a link to the hosts to be added to the list.

This episode was sponsored by Windstar Cruises.

Further resources

Email VacationCRM

VacationCRM on Host Agency Reviews

Get in touch!

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trade Secrets Tech Summit: VacationPort (feat. Sarah Bauman)

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 08:00:00 +0000

This week’s featured company is VacationPort (formerly Passport Online), represented by Sarah Bauman, vice president of product management for the company.

This episode was sponsored by Windstar Cruises.

Further resources

VacationPort on the web

From Travel Weekly, VacationPort acquires Voyager Websites

VacationPort on Host Agency Reviews

Get in touch!

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How did Brownell, America’s oldest travel agency, modernize its tech stack? (feat. Rene Alldredge)

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 08:00:00 +0000

This season, the aptly named Trade Secrets Tech Summit is all about technology. But this week, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada delve into how Brownel in Birmingham, Ala., completely modernized its tech stack with Chief Operating Officer Rene Alldredge. Learn about identifying the gaps that technology can fill, the “pit of despair” many agencies face and coming out on the other side of a major tech overhaul.

This episode was sponsored by Windstar Cruises.

Further resources

Visit Brownell on the web

Email Rene Alldredge

Trade Secrets Tech Summit episodes with Sabre, TripSuite and TravelWits

Get in touch!

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trade Secrets After Dark: The latest trends in luxury, reality TV travel and all the good vibes (Feat. Virtuoso’s David Kolner)

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 08:00:00 +0000

This week on Trade Secrets After Dark, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada dig into all things luxury travel with David Kolner, Virtuoso’s executive vice president of strategic communications. From wellness and ultraluxe travel to reality television-inspired trips, they cover a lot of ground — including where to find the best chocolate martinis, tiki drinks and ciders. While the Trade Secrets Tech Summit is still ongoing, enjoy the occasional “After Dark” episode, featuring casual chats — and drinks — with guests from around the travel industry.

This episode was sponsored by Windstar Cruises.

Further resources

Virtuoso on the web

David Kolner on Instagram

David’s previous appearance on Trade Secrets

Turning bad TikToks into songs

Get in touch!

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

"Sweeter Vermouth" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trade Secrets Tech Summit: Travelport (feat. Andrew Jordan)

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 07:00:00 +0000

This week’s featured company is Travelport, represented by Andrew Jordan, chief product and technology officer for Travelport.

This episode is sponsored by Europe Express.

Further resources

Travelport on the web

Get in touch!

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Beyond the algorithm: Keeping travel personal in a tech-driven world (2025 HAR*Wired Week)

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 07:00:00 +0000

With AI, automation and new platforms emerging every day, how can travel advisors ensure their businesses remain personal, authentic and human? Explore that question and more during this episode of the Trade Secrets Tech Summit, which is a recording of a panel moderated by Trade Secrets co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada. During the panel, which features Jenn Lee of Travel Planners International and Vacation Planners, Tern’s David Shull, and Travefy’s David Chait, panelists tackle practical ways to blend high tech with high touch.

Note: This panel was originally livestreamed during Host Agency Reviews’ HAR*Wired event on Thursday, Oct. 16.

This episode is sponsored by Europe Express.

Further resources

HAR*Wired

A video of this panel (starts at the 3:16:17 mark)

Host Agency Reviews profiles

Get in touch!

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

"Sweeter Vermouth" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trade Secrets After Dark: Expedition cruising, morning hikes and the best travel movies (Feat. Lindblad’s Rachel Woodward)

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 07:00:00 +0000

This week on Trade Secrets After Dark, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada dig into expedition cruising with Rachel Woodward, Lindblad Expeditions’ vice president of field sales. They’ll also share their favorite travel movies (“Titanic,” anyone?), who’s getting up early to go for a hike and what caffeinated beverage they’re drinking. While the Trade Secrets Tech Summit is still ongoing, enjoy the occasional “After Dark” episode, featuring casual chats — and drinks — with guests from around the travel industry.

This episode was sponsored by Europe Express.

Further resources

Rachel Woodward on LinkedIn and Facebook

Lindblad Expeditions

Mentioned on this episode:

Rachel Woodward’s previous appearance on Trade Secrets
Athletic Brewing Co.
HopTea
“Triangle of Sadness”
“Eat, Pray, Love,” the book and the movie
“Under the Tuscan Sun,” the book and the movie
Jamie’s column featuring Frances Mayes and Kathy McCabe
Kathy McCabe’s “Dream of Italy”
ASTA’s virtual events, including its virtual expedition cruise week

Get in touch!

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

"Sweeter Vermouth" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trade Secrets Tech Summit: Viator (feat. Sarah Dines)

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 07:00:00 +0000

This week’s featured company is Viator, represented by Chief Commercial Officer Sarah Dines.

This episode was sponsored by Europe Express.

Further resources

Sarah Dines on LinkedIn

Viator on the web

Viator’s travel agent center

Viator partner support:

Viator on social media

Get in touch!

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trade Secrets Tech Summit: TravelJoy (feat. Dayo Esho)

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 07:00:00 +0000

This week’s featured company is TravelJoy, represented by CEO Dayo Esho.

This episode was sponsored by Travel Insured International.

Further resources

TravelJoy on the web

Reach out via email

Email Dayo Esho directly

TravelJoy on Host Agency Reviews

Get in touch!

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trade Secrets Tech Summit: FamGuru (feat. Carrie Wallace)

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 07:00:00 +0000

This season, Trade Secrets is hosting the Trade Secrets Tech Summit. Every Monday, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada will feature a different travel technology company that works with travel advisors. A representative from the featured company will begin with a 5-minute elevator pitch to tell advisors about their product, followed by a 15-minute Q-and-A with the hosts.

This week’s featured company is FamGuru, represented by founder Carrie Wallace.

This episode was sponsored by Travel Insured International.

Further resources

FamGuru on the web and via email

Get in touch!

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trade Secrets Tech Summit: LUXPages (feat. Dora Karanikas)

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 07:00:00 +0000

This season, Trade Secrets is hosting the Trade Secrets Tech Summit. Every Monday, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada will feature a different travel technology company that works with travel advisors. A representative from the featured company will begin with a 5-minute elevator pitch to tell advisors about their product, followed by a 15-minute Q-and-A with the hosts.

This week’s featured company is LUXPages, represented by Dora Karanikas.

This episode was sponsored by Travel Insured International.

Further resources

LUXPages on the web

Email LUXPages' Dora Karanikas

Trade Secrets listeners, get a 30-day free trial of LUXPages and a discounted rate of $125 per year by clicking here

LUXPages on Host Agency Reviews

Get in touch!

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trade Secrets Tech Summit: Expedia TAAP (feat. Robin Lawther)

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 07:00:00 +0000

This season, Trade Secrets is hosting the Trade Secrets Tech Summit. Every Monday, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada will feature a different travel technology company that works with travel advisors. A representative from the featured company will begin with a 5-minute elevator pitch to tell advisors about their product, followed by a 15-minute Q-and-A with the hosts.

This week’s featured company is Expedia’s Travel Agent Affiliate Program (Expedia TAAP), represented by vice president Robin Lawther.

This episode was sponsored by Travel Insured International.

Further resources

Expedia TAAP on the web

Get in touch!

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trade Secrets Tech Summit: Tres Technologies (feat. Lee Rosen)

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 07:00:00 +0000

This season, Trade Secrets is hosting the Trade Secrets Tech Summit. Every Monday, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada will feature a different travel technology company that works with travel advisors. A representative from the featured company will begin with a 5-minute elevator pitch to tell advisors about their product, followed by a 15-minute Q-and-A with the hosts.

This week’s featured company is Tres Technologies, represented by founder and CEO Lee Rosen.

This episode was sponsored by Travel Insured International.

Further resources

Tres Technologies on the web and via email

Tres Technologies on Host Agency Reviews

Get in touch!

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trade Secrets Tech Summit: Brava (feat. Jeremy Sulek)

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 07:00:00 +0000

This season, Trade Secrets is hosting the Trade Secrets Tech Summit. Every Monday, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada will feature a different travel technology company that works with travel advisors. A representative from the featured company will begin with a 5-minute elevator pitch to tell advisors about their product, followed by a 15-minute Q-and-A with the hosts.

This week’s featured company is Brava, represented by founder Jeremy Sulek.

This episode was sponsored by Travel Insured International.

Further resources

Brava on the web and Instagram

Stories on Brava from Travel Weekly and TravelAge West

Get in touch!

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trade Secrets After Dark: Travel advisor resilience, mai tais and upgrades gone wrong (Feat. Northstar Travel Group’s Mary Pat Sullivan)

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 07:00:00 +0000

This week on Trade Secrets After Dark, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada tackle the evolution of the travel agency community, the best mai tais in Hawaii and more with Northstar’s Mary Pat Sullivan, executive vice president of marketing and partnerships. While the Trade Secrets Tech Summit is still ongoing, enjoy the occasional “After Dark” episode, featuring casual chats — and drinks — with guests from around the travel industry.

This episode was sponsored by Travel Insured International.

Further resources

Mentioned on this episode:

Pinter
Digital copies of Travel Weekly, TravelAge West and Agent At Home
The Bedford
Hinano
Monkeypod Kitchen

Get in touch!

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

"Sweeter Vermouth" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trade Secrets Tech Summit: The Trip Boutique (feat. Fernanda Barrence Mutz)

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 07:00:00 +0000

This season, Trade Secrets is hosting the Trade Secrets Tech Summit. Every Monday, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada will feature a different travel technology company that works with travel advisors. A representative from the featured company will begin with a 5-minute elevator pitch to tell advisors about their product, followed by a 15-minute Q-and-A with the hosts.

This week’s featured company is The Trip Boutique, represented by CEO and co-founder Fernanda Barrence Mutz.

This episode was sponsored by Travel Insured International.

Further resources

The Trip Boutique online

Fernanda Barrence Mutz on LinkedIn

The Trip Boutique on Host Agency Reviews

Get in touch!

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trade Secrets Tech Summit: Magic Made Simple (feat. Christina Vieira)

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 07:00:00 +0000

This season, Trade Secrets is hosting the Trade Secrets Tech Summit. Every Monday, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada will feature a different travel technology company that works with travel advisors. A representative from the featured company will begin with a 5-minute elevator pitch to tell advisors about their product, followed by a 15-minute Q-and-A with the hosts.

This week’s featured company is Magic Made Simple, represented by co-founder Christina Vieira.

This episode was sponsored by Travel Insured International.

Further resources

Christina Vieira on LinkedIn

Magic Made Simple online and on Instagram

The Streamlining Your Travel Business Facebook group

Get in touch!

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trade Secrets Tech Summit: TravelWits (feat. Arman Bimatov)

Mon, 28 Jul 2025 07:00:00 +0000

This season, Trade Secrets is hosting the Trade Secrets Tech Summit. Every Monday, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada will feature a different travel technology company that works with travel advisors. A representative from the featured company will begin with a 5-minute elevator pitch to tell advisors about their product, followed by a 15-minute Q-and-A with the hosts.

This week’s featured company is TravelWits, represented by CEO Arman Bimatov.

This episode was sponsored by National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions.

Further resources

TravelWits on the web

TravelWits on Host Agency Reviews

From TravelAge West: What is TravelWits? Here’s why Virtuoso accepted the AI-powered platform built for travel advisors

Mentioned in this episode:

Lindblad’s Expedition 360
Lindblad’s Facebook group for travel advisors
Trade Secrets Tech Summit: Approach Guides
Trade Secrets Tech Summit: TripSuite

Get in touch!

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trade Secrets After Dark: Travel advisor advocacy, travel mishaps and favorite cocktail recipes (Feat. ASTA’s Jessica Klement)

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 07:00:00 +0000

Welcome to Trade Secrets After Dark, a new series from Trade Secrets co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada. While the Trade Secrets Tech Summit is still ongoing, enjoy the occasional “After Dark” episode, featuring casual chats — and drinks — with guests from around the travel industry. This week, ASTA’s vice president of advocacy, Jessica Klement, joins the show. Find out her beverage of choice, hear a cautionary travel tale and learn all about ASTA’s advocacy efforts (plus, get the ins and outs of lobbying; it isn’t about coyly passing out money to congressional staffers in a Washington, D.C. alleyway — that’s illegal!).

This episode was sponsored by National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions.

Further resources

ASTA on the web

Email Jessica Klement

Mentioned on this episode:

“Maybe You Should Talk To Someone” by Lori Gottlieb
From Travel Weekly: Nebraska decides not to charge sales tax that would have hurt travel advisors
From Travel Weekly: ASTA lauds two measures in Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill
From Travel Weekly: Congress members request repeal of refund rule affecting travel advisors

Get in touch!

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

"Sweeter Vermouth" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trade Secrets Tech Summit: Approach Guides (feat. Jennifer Raezer)

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 07:00:00 +0000

This season, Trade Secrets is hosting the Trade Secrets Tech Summit. Every Monday, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada will feature a different travel technology company that works with travel advisors. A representative from the featured company will begin with a 5-minute elevator pitch to tell advisors about their product, followed by a 15-minute Q-and-A with the hosts.

This week’s featured company is Approach Guides, represented by founder and chief marketing officer Jennifer Raezer.

This episode was sponsored by National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions.

Further resources

Approach Guides on the web

Get in touch!

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trade Secrets Tech Summit: FyndTravel (feat. Lisa Watson)

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 07:00:00 +0000

This season, Trade Secrets is hosting the Trade Secrets Tech Summit. Every Monday, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada will feature a different travel technology company that works with travel advisors. A representative from the featured company will begin with a 5-minute elevator pitch to tell advisors about their product, followed by a 15-minute Q-and-A with the hosts.

This week’s featured company is FyndTravel, represented by founder and owner Lisa Watson.

This episode was sponsored by National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions.

Further resources

FyndTravel on the web

Email Lisa Watson

Facebook group Travel Industry Events Guide

Get in touch!

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trade Secrets Tech Summit: Travel42 (feat. Larissa Worley)

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 07:00:00 +0000

This season, Trade Secrets is hosting the Trade Secrets Tech Summit. Every Monday, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada will feature a different travel technology company that works with travel advisors. A representative from the featured company will begin with a 5-minute elevator pitch to tell advisors about their product, followed by a 15-minute Q-and-A with the hosts.

This week’s featured company is Travel42, represented by senior customer support and relationship coordinator Larissa Worley.

This episode was sponsored by Globus family of brands.

Further resources

Travel42 on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn

Email Travel42

Reach Larissa Worley by phone: 336-714-3321

Get in touch!

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Encore: How do I find and maintain work-life balance as a travel advisor? (Feat. Stephanie Lee)

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 07:00:00 +0000

The Trade Secrets Tech Summit (season six of the podcast) is taking a quick summer break. In the meantime, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada are sharing some of their favorite past episodes. Join them this week for a look back at last season’s episode about finding and maintaining a good work-life balance. Enjoy!

This episode was sponsored by Globus family of brands.

Balancing work responsibilities with the needs of personal life has become exponentially more difficult for travel advisors as workloads have increased. But it’s also critically important to find time for friends, family and hobbies outside of work, and to develop systems at work that improve efficiency and allow you to step away. What kind of boundaries should you set, and how can you enforce them? What can you automate to take more things off your plate? Hear all about this and more on this episode of Trade Secrets, featuring Host Agency Reviews founder Stephanie Lee.

Further resources

Host Agency Reviews on the web

Steph Lee’s email and LinkedIn page

Mentioned on this episode:

From Travel Weekly: Jamie’s Hurricane Milton story: Dispatch, Disney World: The Day after Milton’s Visit
From Travel Weekly: Dispatch, Wondrous Moments From a Taylor Swift Affinity Cruise
From TravelAge West: HAR launches travel advisor tech software directory
Steph Lee’s previous appearance on Trade Secrets
Trade Secrets episode on dealing with travel advisor burnout
Host Agency Reviews’ software profiles
Calendly
Text Blaze

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bonus: Inside Tern’s acquisition of Lucia, plus an encore episode about finding your brand identity

Mon, 16 Jun 2025 07:00:00 +0000

The Trade Secrets Tech Summit (Season 6 of the podcast) is taking a brief summer break, but we're partially interrupting that pause to bring you a special episode highlighting some of the latest tech news in the travel industry: Tern’s acquisition of Lucia.

Co-host Jamie Biesiada sits down with Tern’s David Shull and Lucia’s Grace Van Hollebeke to discuss what led to the acquisition, what travel advisors can expect moving forward, and more.

Then, stick around for one of Jamie’s favorite episodes from last season, featuring travel advisor Christina Viera in a deep dive on finding your brand identity.

This episode was sponsored by Globus family of brands.

Mentioned in this episode:

Tern on Trade Secrets
Lucia on Trade Secrets
From Travel Weekly, Tern acquires freelancer marketplace Lucia

Encore: Travel advisors, what’s your brand identity? (Feat. Christina Vieira)

Marketing is an important part of most travel advisors’ businesses. This week on Trade Secrets, Christina Vieira of Showcase the World Travel discusses finding your “why,” identifying ideal clients and reaching those clients on the platforms that make sense. She also discusses the importance of a good email marketing plan, automation and more with co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada.

Further resources

Christina Vieira on Instagram and Facebook

Magic Made Simple, which helps travel agents set up systems, online and on Instagram

From Magic Made Simple, just for Trade Secrets listeners: Six workflows to automate

From TravelAge West: Gifted Travel Network’s Luxury Travel Symposium on the Rivers

Christina Vieira’s five Rs:

Recognize
Recommendation
Relate
Respond
Request

Mentioned in this episode:

Simon Sinek’s TED Talk
“Building a StoryBrand: Clarify Your Message So Customers Will Listen,” by Donald Miller
ActiveCampaign
Zapier
LeadPages

Get in touch!

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Encore: Demystifying DMCs: What are destination management companies, and how can travel advisors best work with them?

Mon, 09 Jun 2025 07:00:00 +0000

The Trade Secrets Tech Summit (season six of the podcast) is taking a quick summer break. In the meantime, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada are sharing some of their favorite past episodes. Join them this week for an update on the Tech Summit — which will return toward the end of June — then a look back at last season’s episode all about destination management companies (DMCs). Enjoy!

This episode was sponsored by Globus family of brands.

–

What’s the difference between a tour operator and a DMC? How can advisors find DMCs to work with, and what are the top dos and don’ts of working with them? What if a contact at a DMC ghosts a travel advisor? Hear the answers to these questions and more in this week’s episode of Trade Secrets, featuring Andrea Grisdale, CEO and founder of I.C. Bellagio in Italy.

Further resources

IC Bellagio on the web

Andrea Grisdale’s email

Mentioned in this episode:

Death of a Travel Advisor by Dori Saltzman
From TravelAge West: The ultimate travel advisor guide to destination management companies
Conde Nast’s travel specialists
Travel + Leisure’s A List
Wendy Perrin’s WOW List

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trade Secrets Tech Summit: Travel Pro Theory (feat. Kate Thomas)

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 07:00:00 +0000

This season, Trade Secrets is hosting the Trade Secrets Tech Summit. Every Monday, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada will feature a different travel technology company that works with travel advisors. A representative from the featured company will begin with a 5-minute elevator pitch to tell advisors about their product, followed by a 15-minute Q-and-A with the hosts.

This week’s featured company is Travel Pro Theory, represented by founder Kate Thomas.

This episode was sponsored by Globus family of brands.

Further resources

Travel Pro Theory on the web and Instagram (feel free to DM)

Kate Thomas’ previous appearance on Trade Secrets talking about advisor-supplier relationships

From TravelAge West: 10 ChatGPT prompts every travel advisor should use

Get in touch!

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trade Secrets Tech Summit: Tique (feat. Jennifer Jacob)

Mon, 26 May 2025 07:00:00 +0000

This week’s featured company is Tique, represented by COO and co-founder, Jennifer Jacob.

This episode was sponsored by Globus family of brands.

Further resources

Email Tique

Follow Tique on Instagram

Listen to Tique’s podcast, Tique Talks

Jennifer Jacob’s previous appearance on Trade Secrets

Get in touch!

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trade Secrets Tech Summit: TripSuite (feat. Jacey Jones)

Mon, 19 May 2025 07:00:00 +0000

This season, Trade Secrets is hosting the Trade Secrets Tech Summit. Every Monday, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada will feature a different travel technology company that works with travel advisors. A representative from the featured company will begin with a 5-minute elevator pitch to tell advisors about their product, followed by a 15-minute Q-and-A with the hosts.

This week’s featured company is TripSuite, represented by cofounder and CEO Jacey Jones.

This episode was sponsored by Globus family of brands.

Further resources

TripSuite on the web

Email TripSuite

Request a demo of TripSuite with Jacey Jones

Get in touch!

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trade Secrets Tech Summit: Safari Portal (feat. Rachel West)

Mon, 12 May 2025 07:00:00 +0000

This season, Trade Secrets is hosting the Trade Secrets Tech Summit. Every Monday, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada will feature a different travel technology company that works with travel advisors. A representative from the featured company will begin with a 5-minute elevator pitch to tell advisors about their product, followed by a 15-minute Q-and-A with the hosts.

This week’s featured company is Safari Portal, represented by founder and CEO Rachel West.

This episode was sponsored by Globus family of brands.

Further resources

Safari Portal on the web

Email Rachel West

Safari Portal on Host Agency Reviews

Get in touch!

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trade Secrets Tech Summit: AtlasGuru (feat. Kim Bennett)

Mon, 05 May 2025 07:00:00 +0000

This season, Trade Secrets is hosting the Trade Secrets Tech Summit. Every Monday, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada will feature a different travel technology company that works with travel advisors. A representative from the featured company will begin with a 5-minute elevator pitch to tell advisors about their product, followed by a 15-minute Q-and-A with the hosts.

This week’s featured company is AtlasGuru, represented by CEO Kim Bennett.

This episode was sponsored by Globus family of brands.

Further resources

AtlasGuru on the web, Instagram, Facebook and email

Kim Bennett’s email and LinkedIn

Get in touch!

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trade Secrets Tech Summit: Travefy (feat. Stephanie Gries)

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 07:00:00 +0000

This season, Trade Secrets is hosting the Trade Secrets Tech Summit. Every Monday, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada will feature a different travel technology company that works with travel advisors. A representative from the featured company will begin with a 5-minute elevator pitch to tell advisors about their product, followed by a 15-minute Q-and-A with the hosts.

This week’s featured company is Travefy, represented by senior education manager Stephanie Gries.

This episode was sponsored by the Travel Corporation.

Further resources

Travefy links:

Travefy on Host Agency Reviews

Get in touch!

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trade Secrets Tech Summit: Lucia (feat. Grace Van Hollebeke)

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 07:00:00 +0000

This season, Trade Secrets is hosting the Trade Secrets Tech Summit. Every Monday, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada will feature a different travel technology company that works with travel advisors. A representative from the featured company will begin with a 5-minute elevator pitch to tell advisors about their product, followed by a 15-minute Q-and-A with the hosts.

This week’s featured company is Lucia, represented by founder and CEO Grace Van Hollebeke.

This episode was sponsored by the Travel Corporation.

Further resources

Lucia on the web

Follow Grace Van Hollebeke on Instagram

Grace on Humans of Travel

Lucia on Host Agency Reviews

Get in touch!

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trade Secrets Tech Summit: WeTravel (feat. Ted Clements)

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 07:00:00 +0000

This season, Trade Secrets is hosting the Trade Secrets Tech Summit. Every Monday, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada will feature a different travel technology company that works with travel advisors. A representative from the featured company will begin with a 5-minute elevator pitch to tell advisors about their product, followed by a 15-minute Q-and-A with the hosts.

This week’s featured company is WeTravel, represented by CEO Ted Clements.

This episode was sponsored by the Travel Corporation.

Further resources

WeTravel on the web

Ted Clements on LinkedIn

WeTravel on Host Agency Reviews

Get in touch!

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trade Secrets Tech Summit: Axus (feat. Gregory Wilshire)

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 07:00:00 +0000

This season, Trade Secrets is hosting the Trade Secrets Tech Summit. Every Monday, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada will feature a different travel technology company that works with travel advisors. A representative from the featured company will begin with a 5-minute elevator pitch to tell advisors about their product, followed by a 15-minute Q-and-A with the hosts.

This week’s featured company is Axus, represented by Gregory Wilshire. Axus, Travel Weekly and TravelAge West have the same parent company, Northstar Travel Group.

This episode was sponsored by the Travel Corporation.

Further resources

Reach out to Axus via email

Axus on Host Agency Reviews

Get in touch!

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trade Secrets Tech Summit: Sabre (feat. Kathy Morgan)

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 07:00:00 +0000

This season, Trade Secrets is hosting the Trade Secrets Tech Summit. Every Monday, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada will feature a different travel technology company that works with travel advisors. A representative from the featured company will begin with a 5-minute elevator pitch to tell advisors about their product, followed by a 15-minute Q-and-A with the hosts.

This week’s featured company is Sabre, represented by senior vice president of product management and distribution experience Kathy Morgan.

This episode was sponsored by the Travel Corporation.

Further resources

Learn more about Sabre on the web

Get in touch!

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trade Secrets Tech Summit: VAX VacationAccess (feat. Josef Shomperlen)

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 07:00:00 +0000

This season, Trade Secrets is hosting the Trade Secrets Tech Summit. Every Monday, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada will feature a different travel technology company that works with travel advisors. A representative from the featured company will begin with a 5-minute elevator pitch to tell advisors about their product, followed by a 15-minute Q-and-A with the hosts.

This week’s featured company is VAX VacationAccess, owned by Trisept Solutions and represented by Josef Shomperlen.

This episode was sponsored by the Travel Corporation.

Further resources

VAX VacationAccess on the web, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn

The Compass on Instagram

VAX VacationAccess on Host Agency Reviews

Get in touch!

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trade Secrets Tech Summit: Sion (feat. Irving Betesh)

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 07:00:00 +0000

This season, Trade Secrets is hosting the Trade Secrets Tech Summit. Every Monday, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada will feature a different travel technology company that works with travel advisors. A representative from the featured company will begin with a 5-minute elevator pitch to tell advisors about their product, followed by a 15-minute Q-and-A with the hosts.

This week’s featured company is Sion, represented by founder and CEO Irving Betesh.

This episode was sponsored by the Travel Corporation.

Further resources

Get in touch with Sion on the web or via email

Sion on Host Agency Reviews

Get in touch!

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trade Secrets Tech Summit: The Hive (feat. Whitney Shindelar)

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 07:00:00 +0000

This week’s featured company is the Hive, represented by founder and CEO Whitney Shindelar.

This episode was sponsored by the Travel Corporation.

Further resources

The Hive online and on Instagram

The Hive on Host Agency Reviews

Whitney Shindelar’s previous appearance on Trade Secrets, talking about mentorship in the industry

Get in touch!

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trade Secrets Tech Summit: Tern (feat. David Shull)

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 08:00:00 +0000

This season, Trade Secrets is hosting the Trade Secrets Tech Summit. Every Monday, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada will feature a different travel technology company that works with travel advisors. A representative from the featured company will begin with a 5-minute elevator pitch to tell advisors about their product, followed by a 15-minute Q-and-A with the hosts.

This week’s featured company is Tern, represented by co-founder and CEO David Shull.

This episode was sponsored by the Travel Corporation.

Further resources

Tern’s website

David’s email

Tern’s Facebook group for users

Get in touch!

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Guess what’s coming on March 3? A brand-new season of Trade Secrets!

Mon, 17 Feb 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Trade Secrets is back for its sixth season, but with a twist: Welcome to the Trade Secrets Tech Summit. Every week — you read that right, Trade Secrets is going weekly in season six — co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada will invite a travel agency technology provider on the show. They’ll discuss their tech and how it can help travel advisors’ businesses.

Trade Secrets is using Host Agency Reviews’ list of travel agency software as a jumping-off point for the companies to feature, but listeners are invited to submit any other companies by emailing tradesecrets@travelweekly.com.

The new season will premiere on Monday, March 3.

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trading social media for Substack: Using content to build a brand (Feat. SmartFlyer’s Kayla Douglas)

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 08:00:00 +0000

In this special bonus episode, Trade Secrets is all about content — and why travel advisors should get theirs off social media and into an email newsletter. Kayla Douglas, director of content for SmartFlyer in New York, delves into the world of Substack with co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada. And, stay tuned after the episode for some exciting announcements about season six of Trade Secrets.

This episode was released in conjunction with a Humans in the Hot Seat episode (part of TravelAge West’s Humans of Travel podcast), featuring Erina Pindar, COO and managing partner at SmartFlyer.

This episode was sponsored by Riverside Luxury Cruises.

Further resources

Kayla Douglas’ email, Instagram and Substack

SmartFlyer Core coverage

From TravelAge West: Five things we learned at SmartFlyer’s 2025 Core Conference
From Travel Weekly: Will luxury travel slow down? One expert expects a dip in hotel rates

Mentioned on this episode:

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Encore: How should travel advisors manage client expectations?

Mon, 27 Jan 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Trade Secrets is on a winter break. We're sharing some of our favorite episodes until we return.

Travel advisors, how do you handle it when a client has unrealistic expectations? What if they ask to stay at a property you wouldn’t recommend (especially if they serve truly lackluster midnight hotdogs)? What do you do when their budget is unrealistic for the trip they want? Or, what if they have a really bad experience while they’re in-destination? Get advice on all that and more in this week’s episode of Trade Secrets, where co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada are joined by Abbey Meyer, CEO of Sky High Travel in St. Louis, Missouri.

This episode was sponsored by Collette.

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Encore: How can new travel advisors build a successful career? (Feat. Bill Coyle)

Mon, 13 Jan 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Trade Secrets is on a winter break. We're sharing some of our favorite episodes until we return.

This week, we're featuring one of our most popular episodes from season five. New travel advisors, look no further than this episode of Trade Secrets for advice on everything from setting up your business, to finding clients, to prioritizing fam trip destinations. Co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada are joined by KHM Travel Group’s Bill Coyle, vice president of agent engagement, to tackle listener questions on that and more.

Trade Secrets will return with season six in early 2025.

This episode was sponsored by Collette.

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Encore: Travel advisors, what’s your elevator pitch? (feat. Jackie Friedman)

Mon, 30 Dec 2024 08:00:00 +0000

Trade Secrets is on a holiday break. We're sharing some of our favorite episodes until we return.

This week, we're featuring our first episode of season five. Hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada welcome Nexion Travel Group president Jackie Friedman on the show to talk about the value of travel advisors. They discuss the modern history of the profession and the evolution from “agent” to “advisor,” then answer listener questions about standing out from the crowd, how advisors can sell their own value and what makes a good elevator pitch.

Trade Secrets will return with season six in early 2025.

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Encore: Why can't we be friends? Forming productive travel advisor-supplier relationships

Mon, 16 Dec 2024 08:00:00 +0000

Trade Secrets is on a holiday break. We're sharing some of our favorite episodes until we return.

This week, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada welcome Royal Caribbean’s Vicki Freed, senior vice president of sales and trade support and service, and Jamie Margolis, owner of the Dream Vacations franchise Moms at Sea. During the episode, Freed and Margolis talk about the importance of forming — and maintaining — a good agent-supplier relationship, the “unicorn” cabins onboard Royal Caribbean ships that offer more space for less money, the value proposition of cruising and more.

Trade Secrets will return with season six in early 2025.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Season 5 finale: Emma and Jamie’s top 25 predictions for travel in 2025

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 08:00:00 +0000

In the season finale of Trade Secrets, co-hosts Jamie Biesiada and Emma Weissmann share their top 25 travel predictions for 2025, covering everything from trends in the travel agency and tech landscape to destinations and travel styles they have their eyes on for the coming year. They also share some exciting news – Trade Secrets recently took home an award for Best Travel/Leisure Podcast in the annual Eddie and Ozzie Awards!

The sixth season of Trade Secrets will debut in early 2025.

Further resources

Mentioned on the show:

From TravelAge West, The top 5 trends for 2025
From TravelAge West, This cruise expert reached $3 million in annual sales using TikTok
From Travel Weekly, Women-only tours: A niche that is going mainstream
From Travel Weekly, Summer of the destination ‘dupes’
From Travel Weekly, A host of problems
Host Agency Reviews’ Travel Agency Software Profiles
Tern
Approach Guides
Epic Universe
From Travel Weekly, more about Universal Horror Unleashed in Las Vegas
Travel Weekly’s 2024 Travel Industry Survey
From Travel Weekly, some reading on different aircraft designs being developed
The new autonomous wheelchairs at Miami Airport

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2024 rewind: What trends shaped the travel industry — and impacted agents — this year

Mon, 18 Nov 2024 08:00:00 +0000

From ASTA’s fight against American Airlines’ distribution strategy to the Taylor Swift effect on the travel industry, 2024 was bursting with headlines that affected travel advisors. This week on Trade Secrets, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada talk about the major travel trends and events that shaped the agency landscape.

Further resources

Mentioned on the show:

Trade Secrets episode featuring Andrea Grisdale and a discussion on Italy
Trade Secrets episode featuring David Kolner and a discussion on generational travel
Emma on the Taylor Swift cruise
SNAP, an air booking tool developed by Internova Travel Group and Sabre
Omar Banihani's TravelAge West op-ed about the evolution of home-based advisors
Some reading on American Airlines and its distribution strategy, including the fallout
- A win for travel advisors: American Airlines scraps controversial NDC strategy
- A victory for travel advisors was cause for celebration at the ASTA conference
- Alienating travel agencies could cost American Airlines $1.5 billion
- American Airlines unveils revised NDC plans, returns fares to GDSs
- American rebuilds sales staff, trying to win back agencies and corporates
- American Airlines says it is gradually winning back corporate business
Travel Weekly's 2024 Power List
Some reading (and listening) on Jenn Lee's Vacation Planners

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do I find and maintain work-life balance as a travel advisor? (Feat. Stephanie Lee)

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 08:00:00 +0000

Further resources

Host Agency Reviews on the web

Steph Lee’s email and LinkedIn page

Mentioned on this episode:

Host Agency Reviews' guide to writing job descriptions
From Travel Weekly, Dispatch, Disney World: The day after Milton's visit
From Travel Weekly, Dispatch, Wondrous moments from a Taylor Swift affinity cruise
From TravelAge West, HAR launches travel advisor tech software directory
From Travel Weekly, Host Agency Reviews starts listing technology providers
Steph Lee’s previous appearance on Trade Secrets
Trade Secrets episode on dealing with travel advisor burnout
Host Agency Reviews’ software profiles
Calendly
Text Blaze

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Demystifying DMCs: What are destination management companies, and how can travel advisors best work with them?

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 07:00:00 +0000

What’s the difference between a tour operator and a destination management company (DMC)? How can advisors find DMCs to work with, and what are the top do’s and don’ts of working with them? What if a contact at a DMC ghosts a travel advisor? Hear the answers to these questions and more in this week’s episode of Trade Secrets, where co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada chat about all things DMCs with Andrea Grisdale, CEO and founder of I.C. Bellagio in Italy.

This episode is sponsored by AmaWaterways.

Further resources

IC Bellagio on the web

Andrea Grisdale’s email

Mentioned in this episode:

Death of a Travel Advisor by Dori Saltzman -
From TravelAge West: The ultimate travel advisor guide to destination management companies
Conde Nast’s travel specialists
Travel + Leisure’s A List
Wendy Perrin’s WOW List

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oh, the places you’ll go! Destination weddings, honeymoons and beyond, feat. Jennifer Doncsecz

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 07:00:00 +0000

This episode is sponsored by AmaWaterways.

Further resources

VIP Vacations on Facebook

Jennifer Doncsecz’s email

Jennifer’s previous Trade Secrets episodes:

Mentioned in this episode:

Death of a Travel Advisor by Dori Saltzman -
The Travel Institute’s course on destination weddings and honeymoons
From Travel Weekly, Getting into groups

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trade Secrets at Virtuoso Travel Week, part 3: How can travel advisors get ‘commissions with a comma'? (Feat. Dondra Ritzenthaler)

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 10:00:00 +0000

In this episode, the final in a three-part series of Trade Secrets recorded on the road at Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada welcome Azamara CEO Dondra Ritzenthaler. She discusses leaving her retirement to helm the small-ship luxury cruise line, the importance of suppliers listening to trade partners, luxury travel sales techniques and what sets luxury cruise lines like Azamara apart.

This episode is sponsored by AmaWaterways.

Further resources

Dondra Ritzenthaler’s email

Mentioned in this episode:

Azamara World Academy
From Travel Weekly, Azamara introduces advisor training with incentives
From TravelAge West: Azamara launches travel advisor celebration with enhanced incentives
Dondra Ritzenthaler on Humans of Travel

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trade Secrets at Virtuoso Travel Week, part 2: As a travel advisor, how do I break into the world of luxury travel sales?

Mon, 09 Sep 2024 07:00:00 +0000

Trade Secrets is on the road again, this time at Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas. In the second episode of a three-part series recorded on-site in Las Vegas, Megan Vatnsdal, owner of Onyx & Evergreen Travel and affiliate of Four Hundred, talks about how she’s spent the past few years building her luxury-focused agency. She and co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada cover everything from building a book of business, to getting in front of luxury clients, to using events to network.

This episode is sponsored by AmaWaterways.

Further resources

Megan Vatnsdal on Instagram, Facebook and the web

Mentioned in this episode:

Four Hundred
BNI (Business Network International)
From Travel Weekly, evidence of normalization in travel this year
Trade Secrets at Virtuoso Travel Week, part 1

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trade Secrets at Virtuoso Travel Week, part 1: What are the latest trends in luxury travel? (Feat. David Kolner)

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 07:00:00 +0000

Trade Secrets is on the road again, this time at Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas. In the first episode of a three-part series recorded on site, Virtuoso executive vice president David Kolner shares updates on Virtuoso’s annual event, how advisors are selling so much right now, the different habits of each generation and what the term “luxury” means to him. Kolner also talks about Maui recovery and what travel advisors can do to help the island.

This episode is sponsored by Allianz Partners.

Further resources

Virtuoso’s website

David Kolner on LinkedIn and Instagram

UBS’s Global Wealth Report 2024

From TravelAge West:

Five things we learned at Virtuoso Travel Week 2024

From Travel Weekly:

Travel is flourishing, and Virtuoso says it’s at the top of the heap
High prices are giving luxury travelers pause, but they’re paying
Going back to Maui

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Inside the Trade Secrets mailbag: Answering your most pressing questions (Feat. Chad Burt of Outside Agents)

Mon, 12 Aug 2024 07:00:00 +0000

This week, Chad Burt of Outside Agents joins Jamie Biesiada and Emma Weissmann of Trade Secrets for our annual “mailbag” episode, featuring travel advisor listener questions on a variety of topics. During the episode, we’ll dig into advanced use cases of generative AI, airline loyalty, host agency affiliations, picking a travel advisor specialty and more.

This episode is sponsored by Allianz Partners USA.

Further resources and related readings

Outside Agents on the web

Outside Agents’ blog

More about Outside Agents’ MAGgie technology

Outside Agents’ Power Prompts

Chad’s book of prompts - password: oastrong

Mentioned in this episode and related reading:

Canva
Trade Secrets episode on generative AI
Some recent Travel Weekly coverage on consolidators
Trade Secrets episode on switching host agencies

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How can new travel advisors build a successful career? (Feat. Bill Coyle of KHM Travel Group)

Mon, 29 Jul 2024 07:00:00 +0000

This episode is sponsored by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts.

Further resources

Connect with KHM Travel Group online, on Facebook, on Instagram, on YouTube and on LinkedIn

Encompass the World Travel, Bill Coyle’s family agency

Mentioned in this episode and related reading:

From Travel Weekly, stories on card mills and the history of host agencies
Travel Weekly’s Legal Briefs column by industry attorney Mark Pestronk (many articles talk about terms and conditions)
From TravelAge West, an article on terms and conditions by industry attorney Jeffrey Ment
The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) and its educational offerings
The Travel Institute
The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and its educational offerings
Trade Secrets episode on fam trips

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How should travel advisors manage client expectations?

Mon, 15 Jul 2024 07:00:00 +0000

This episode is sponsored by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts.

Further resources

Sky High Travel on the web, Facebook and Instagram

Resources mentioned in this episode and related reading:

Trade Secrets episode with Tique’s Jennifer Jacob, who talks about the “bless and release” method of breaking up with clients
Abbey Meyer on Humans in the Hot Seat

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trade Secrets on the road, part 3: How does Europe’s travel agency landscape compare to the U.S.?

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 07:00:00 +0000

Trade Secrets is on the road for a special, three-episode series recorded on the ground at the ASTA Travel Advisor Conference in Dallas. In this episode, the final in the series, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada welcome Eric Dresin, the secretary general of the European Travel Agents’ and Tour Operators’ Associations (ECTAA), onto the show. They chat about the travel agency landscape in Europe, the phenomenon of Europe’s travel “planners” (who don’t actually book travel) and more. Then, hear from Thekla Kammenou of the Greece-based tour operator Four Ways Travel, about the tourism scene in Greece and some of her favorite spots.

This episode is sponsored by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts.

Further resources

Eric Dresin on LinkedIn
The ECTAA
Four Ways Travel online and on Facebook
Thekla Kammenou on LinkedIn, Facebook and email

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trade Secrets on the road, part 2: From pitch to prime time, how travel advisors can — and should — get on TV (feat. Jenn Lee, Vanessa McGovern and Erika Richter)

Mon, 17 Jun 2024 07:00:00 +0000

Trade Secrets is on the road for a special, three-episode series recorded on the ground at the ASTA Travel Advisor Conference in Dallas. In this episode, part two in the series, travel advisors can learn all about how to get on TV, and why it’s the best marketing tactic a small business can employ. Vacation Planners International’s Jenn Lee, Gifted Travel Network’s Vanessa McGovern and ASTA’s Erika Richter — all experts in media relations — offer tips, advice and beyond.

This episode is sponsored by the Globus family of brands.

Further resources

Email Jenn Lee and ask for her step-by-step process for pitching the media
Connect with Vanessa McGovern on LinkedIn
Email Erika Richter, join the ASTA Member Lounge on Facebook and find ASTA’s educational opportunities online

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trade Secrets on the road, part 1: ASTA’s Zane Kerby on American Airlines and the importance of education

Mon, 03 Jun 2024 08:00:00 +0000

Trade Secrets is on the road for a special, three-episode series recorded on the ground at the ASTA Travel Advisor Conference in Dallas. In this episode, part one in the series, hear ASTA CEO Zane Kerby’s take on American Airlines’ decision to change course on its NDC implementation after listening and responding to the travel agency community, as well as why ATSA is making changes to its Verified Travel Advisor (VTA) certification program. Then, hear from two advisors on their own journeys to become VTAs.

This episode is sponsored by the Globus family of brands.

Further resources

From TravelAge West:

Travel Advisor Conference: ASTA celebrates AA win, pushes VTA certification

From Travel Weekly:

ASTA says its advocacy factored into American’s NDC reversal
A victory for travel advisors was cause for celebration at the ASTA conference
ASTA stiffens certification requirements for Verified Travel Advisor program

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do you grow your travel agency — and trust your new advisors?

Mon, 20 May 2024 07:00:00 +0000

Thanks to our friends at Jetset World Travel for helping us solicit travel advisor questions this season.

This episode is sponsored by All-Inclusive by Marriott Bonvoy.

Further resources

Julie Lanham on Instagram

Mentioned in this episode:

From TravelAge West: Why you should consider hiring an international virtual assistant
From TravelAge West: Travel agencies are struggling to hire qualified advisors, according to a new survey
Lucia

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Travel advisors, what’s your brand identity? (feat. Christina Vieira)

Mon, 06 May 2024 07:00:00 +0000

Thanks to our friends at Key to the World Travel for helping us solicit travel advisor questions this season.

This episode is sponsored by All-Inclusive by Marriott Bonvoy.

Further resources

Christina Vieira on Instagram and Facebook

Magic Made Simple, which helps travel agents set up systems, online and on Instagram

From Magic Made Simple, just for Trade Secrets listeners: Six workflows to automate

From TravelAge West: Gifted Travel Network’s luxury travel symposium on the rivers

Christina Vieira’s five Rs:

Recognize
Recommendation
Relate
Respond
Request

Mentioned in this episode:

Simon Sinek’s TED Talk
“Building a StoryBrand: Clarify Your Message So Customers Will Listen,” by Donald Miller
ActiveCampaign
Zapier
LeadPages

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How should travel agents address travel advisories?

Mon, 22 Apr 2024 07:00:00 +0000

When the State Department upgrades its travel advisory for a destination, or updates an advisory with new information, it can make clients a little jumpy. How should travel agents navigate the situation? Get the answer on this week’s episode of Trade Secrets, when co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada are joined by travel advisor Brittany Shuford of Darling Destinations in Birmingham, Ala.

Thanks to our friends at OutsideAgents.com for helping us solicit travel advisor questions this season.

This episode is sponsored by Travel Insured International.

Further resources

Find Brittany Shuford on Instagram and Facebook

Mentioned in this episode:

The State Department’s travel site, Travel.State.Gov
The State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
Emma’s Humans of Travel podcast
Travel attorney Mark Pestronk’s free resources, including disclaimer and release forms
A travel agent guide to selling high-risk travel

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Travel advisors, what’s your elevator pitch? (feat. Jackie Friedman)

Mon, 08 Apr 2024 07:00:00 +0000

Thanks to our friends at WorldVia for helping us solicit travel advisor questions this season.

This episode is sponsored by Travel Insured International.

Further resources

Nexion Travel Group on the web

Reach out to Jackie Friedman via email

Mentioned in this episode:

Erica Carr’s bookitbox Travel
Christine Potthoff’s travel beCAUSE
Courtnie Nichols’ client gifting strategy

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mic check, one, two: How do we create Trade Secrets?

Mon, 25 Mar 2024 07:00:00 +0000

How is the Trade Secrets podcast made? Find out all the behind-the-scenes details in this special episode with co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada. From the show’s origin, to scripting, to editing and posting, take a peek behind the Trade Secrets curtain.

This is a special episode of Trade Secrets between seasons four and five. Season five will return in two weeks, on April 8.

This episode is sponsored by Travel Insured International.

Further resources

Email Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada

Mentioned in this episode:

Slate’s Dear Prudence
“Tiny Beautiful Things,” by Cheryl Strayed
Auphonic
Omny Studio
PodBean

Some previous episodes we mention:

When is it time to leave your host agency and join a consortium?
Top travel pros and their best advice for advisors
On the ground in Maui: Should travel agents send clients to the island right now?
Icon of the Seas: How big can a cruise ship get?
Why can’t we be friends? Forming productive travel advisor-supplier relationships
How do I use generative AI to improve my travel agency’s workflow?
Travel advisors, are you using the right tech stack?

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why can't we be friends? Forming productive travel advisor-supplier relationships (feat. Vicki Freed and Jamie Margolis)

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 07:00:00 +0000

Welcome to the season four finale of Trade Secrets. This week, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada welcome Royal Caribbean’s Vicki Freed, senior vice president of sales and trade support and service, and Jamie Margolis, owner of the Dream Vacations franchise Moms at Sea, during the second installment of a two-part series with Freed (listen to part one here).

During the episode, Freed and Margolis talk about the importance of forming — and maintaining — a good agent-supplier relationship, the “unicorn” cabins onboard Royal Caribbean ships that offer more space for less money, the value proposition of cruising and more.

In two weeks, Trade Secrets will release a special episode about the making of the podcast. It will return for season five two weeks after that, on April 8.

This episode is sponsored by Travel Insured International.

Further resources

Contact Vicki Freed by email or her personal cell phone, 305-458-0463

Find Jamie Margolis and Moms at Sea online, on Facebook and on Instagram

The last Trade Secrets episode, also featuring Vicki Freed

From Travel Weekly, Agent Life: From Facebook group to franchisee: Moms at Sea’s fantastic voyage

Mentioned in this episode:

The Taylor Swift cruise: From TravelAge West, Who is Marvelous Mouse Travels, and why is it hosting a Taylor Swift-themed cruise?
Sign up for Vicki’s Tips online
On Millie Schwartz, from Travel Weekly: At 90, Schwartz still drawn to selling travel
An example of Carnival’s Fun Ship cruise commercials from the 1980s

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Icon of the Seas: How big can a cruise ship get?

Mon, 26 Feb 2024 08:00:00 +0000

Get ready for a cruise-filled episode of Trade Secrets. This week, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada welcome Royal Caribbean's Vicki Freed, senior vice president of sales and trade support and service, and Nick Weir, senior vice president of entertainment, onto the show. Hop aboard as we dive into everything from the brand-new Icon of the Seas — billed as the largest cruise ship at sea — to what it takes to entertain Royal’s millions of cruisers. This is the first of a two-part series featuring Freed; join us next time for a discussion on creating a strong advisor-supplier relationship.

This episode is sponsored by Windstar Cruises.

Further resources

Contact Vicki Freed by email or her personal cell phone, 305-458-0463

Follow Nick Weir on X (formerly Twitter)

Royal’s trade marketing hub (also home to the link to register for Vicki’s Coffee Talk)

Vicki Freed on Humans of Travel: Royal Caribbean’s Vicki Freed on breaking into the cruise industry _ and meeting the boss who helped shape her

Icon of the Seas coverage

Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas takes thrills to the max
Royal Caribbean sets a new cruise benchmark with Icon of the Seas

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Travel advisors, are you using the right tech stack?

Mon, 12 Feb 2024 08:00:00 +0000

Travel advisors, are you stuck in the technological past? In this episode of Trade Secrets, Brian Shultz, chief information officer for Cruise Planners, joins hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada to talk about the latest in tech offerings for advisors, game-changing generative AI use cases and tools that can save you both time and money.

This episode is sponsored by Windstar Cruises.

Further resources and related reading:

Meet Cruise Planners’ Brian Shultz

Cruise Planners’ website and franchise site

Trade Secrets episode on generative AI: How do I use generative AI to improve my travel agency’s workflow?

From TravelAge West:

From Travel Weekly:

Travel advisor Lorryn Langton’s poem created with generative AI, made for a group headed to Puerto Vallarta and posted in their private Facebook page:

T'was the night before Mexico, in the Midwest so cold, the women were bustling, their spirits so bold. With tequila in mind and pools to explore, they readied themselves for adventures galore.

Sunshine awaited, a tropical delight, a respite from winter, a warm welcome sight. Catamaran sailings and whale spotting too, an escape from the cold, a dream coming true.

The bags were all packed, passports in hand, visions of palm trees and white sandy land. To Mexico they'd go, leaving winter behind, A getaway to unwind, a paradise they'd find.

Spa time awaited, relaxation in store, A pampering session, leaving stress at the door. In the warmth of the sun, with a breeze so divine, They'd sip on cocktails, letting worries decline.

So, on the eve of departure, excitement so high, the women embraced, beneath the moonlit sky. To Mexico they'd journey, from the cold they'd break free, a holiday adventure, just as it should be.

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Decoding 2024: What trends will shape the travel advisor landscape?

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 08:00:00 +0000

This week on Trade Secrets, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada gaze into their crystal balls to reveal what 2024 might hold for the travel agency community. They share what’s in and what’s out for this year, along with major trends that will shape the advisor landscape. They’ll even share some resolutions for themselves and for the podcast.

Here’s a preview of what’s in and what’s out, according to our hosts.

Emma’s “in for 2024” list:

Using a travel advisor!
High prices for both accommodations and airfare.
Europe: Italy, Greece and Portugal are all hot spots.
Group and event travel.
River cruising for younger generations.
Authentic, immersive experiences.

Emma’s “out for 2024” list:

Peak-season travel (book shoulder season!)
Last-minute trips (book early!)
Leaving sustainability out of the conversation.
Working to the point of burnout.
Being afraid of technology that can actually help business.

Jamie’s “in and out for 2024” list:

In: Being a traveler. Out: Being a tourist (credit to Signature Travel Network’s Ignacio Mazza)
In: 201 destinations. Out: 101 destinations (credit to Jetset World Travel affiliate Sarah Sullivan)
In: Slow travel. Out: The quick, cram-it-all-in trip
In: On-time flights. Out: Flight disruptions (fingers crossed)
Out: Economy class. In: Business and first (this is an aspirational joke for Jamie, who almost always flies economy)

Further resources:

Trade Secrets episode on burnout, balance and more

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Encore: Top travel pros and their best advice for advisors

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 08:00:00 +0000

Trade Secrets is on a break right now, but will be back starting Jan. 29 with brand-new episodes. In the meantime, we wanted to share one of our favorite episodes from season four. It’s also one of the most popular.

This episode was recorded at the ASTA Global Convention in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on May 2, 2023. Co-hosts Jamie Biesiada and Emma Weissmann rounded up some of the industry’s finest to offer their best advice to travel advisors. They touch on everything from sustainability, to entering the luxury market, and beyond.

Further resources:

The ASTA Travel Advisor Conference 2024

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trade Secrets presents Humans of Travel: Kristin Karst of AmaWaterways

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 08:00:00 +0000

Trade Secrets is on a holiday break, but in the meantime, we wanted to share some of Travel Weekly and TravelAge West’s other podcasts with our listeners. This week’s episode is Humans of Travel, hosted by Trade Secrets co-host Emma Weissmann, featuring AmaWaterways’ Kristin Karst.

If you’ve worked in the travel industry for any length of time, you’re probably familiar with Karst. The co-owner and executive vice president of river cruise line AmaWaterways, Karst is a staple at most travel industry conferences, perhaps best known for her bubbly personality, welcoming demeanor and close, personal relationships with travel advisors.

However, many travel industry colleagues may not know Karst’s unique backstory. She was born and grew up in Dresden, a German town along the Elbe River, in what was formerly Eastern Germany, under a regime that mostly kept Karst and her family isolated from the Western World.

In this episode of Humans of Travel, Karst reflects on a childhood spent under the Socialist Unity Party of Germany, and how the limited travel her family was able to do allowed her to gain an appreciation for all that Eastern Europe had to offer and fostered an early love of tourism.

Karst will also dive into what it was like when the Berlin Wall came down in 1989, and how she got her start in the travel industry as a leisure manager at American Express Travel, a role that she kept until she moved to Southern California and met Rudi Schreiner, her husband-to-be and the former president of Viking Cruises.

Listeners will hear Karst reflect on the early days of AmaWaterways, how she keeps her work-life balance in check and what’s behind her unwavering positivity.

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trade Secrets presents The Folo: A wish list for Disney’s $60 billion parks plan

Mon, 18 Dec 2023 08:00:00 +0000

Trade Secrets is on a holiday break, but in the meantime, we wanted to share some of Travel Weekly and TravelAge West’s other podcasts with our listeners. This week’s episode is The Folo, hosted by Travel Weekly’s Rebecca Tobin. Each week, The Folo digs deep into a topic of interest in the travel industry.

On this episode, Tobin talks to Trade Secrets co-host Jamie Biesiada, also a senior editor at Travel Weekly covering retail travel sales and theme parks, about Disney’s planned $60 billion investment in its parks, experiences and products division over the next 10 years.

They talk about what Disney’s been up to, the competition and what could be coming down the road. Most especially, they hone in on what kind of changes travel advisors would most like to see.

This episode is sponsored by ALG Vacations.

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trade Secrets presents The Last Resort: 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 08:00:00 +0000

Trade Secrets is on a holiday break, but in the meantime, we wanted to share some of Travel Weekly and TravelAge West’s other podcasts with our listeners. This week’s episode is The Last Resort, hosted by Travel Weekly’s Christina Jelski. The Last Resort is a monthly hospitality-focused podcast where travel advisors share their first impressions of the last resort they visited.

On this episode, Jelski talks to SmartFlyer-affiliated travel advisor Sarah Lopez and Travel Weekly managing editor Rebecca Tobin about their recent visits to the 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay on the Hawaiian island of Kauai.

Lopez and Tobin talk about the resort's prime position along Kauai's famed North Shore and why it offers an ideal wellness retreat-style experience, without being an "in your face" wellness destination. The pair chat about some of their favorite amenities at the resort, from delicious bagels at the property's Neighbors cafe to complimentary access to electric Audi e-tron vehicles. Lopez also discusses the negative impact that the recent Maui wildfires have had on Hawaii bookings as a whole.

This episode is sponsored by ALG Vacations.

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The fast lane to success: Travel advisor Christy Menzies’ million-dollar start

Mon, 20 Nov 2023 08:00:00 +0000

How did Christy Menzies, the owner of Menzies Luxe Retreats, achieve $1 million in sales in her first six months in business as a travel advisor? Find out the answer to that question and many more in this week’s episode of Trade Secrets, where Menzies shares her journey in the industry and offers sage advice on explaining the value of travel advisors, finding clients as a new advisor, rapidly growing sales and more.

This episode is sponsored by ALG Vacations.

Further resources:

Menzies Luxe Retreats on the web

Christy Menzies on Instagram

Mentioned on this episode:

Host Agency Reviews’ Stephanie Lee on Trade Secrets
From TravelAge West: How Virtuoso Rising Star Christy Menzies Reached $1 Million in Sales in 6 Months
Host Agency Reviews
Jenn Lee on Trade Secrets
Lucia, a freelancer marketplace
Trade Secrets’ honorable mention as best travel and leisure podcast from Folio

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do I get started as a travel advisor?

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 08:00:00 +0000

Thinking of becoming a travel advisor? This is the Trade Secrets episode for you, featuring the sound advice of Steph Lee, founder of Host Agency Reviews. During this episode, delve into the world of travel advising as a profession, including what to know about starting a business, what challenges you may face and more. Already established in the industry? We’ve got plenty for you to mull on, too, from using host- or consortium-provided marketing materials, advice on moving into a management role and more.

This episode is sponsored by ALG Vacations.

Further resources:

Steph Lee’s Facebook, Instagram and email

Host Agency Reviews (HAR)

Friday 15 podcast

Travel Agent Chatter podcast

Questions to ask a host agency sheet

Host Week

Travel Jobs board

Hosted Travel Advisor Report 2023

Independent Travel Advisor Report 2023

Seven-day agency setup program

Mentioned on this episode:

Travel Advisor Resource Center resources
ASTA’s roadmap to becoming a travel advisor
Lucia marketplace
The Professional Association of Travel Hosts
From TravelAge West: Travel advisors, here’s how to protect yourself from fraud

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Which travel insurance policy is right for my clients? (part 2)

Mon, 23 Oct 2023 07:00:00 +0000

Travel insurance is an important product for travel advisors and travelers alike, but it’s also an undeniably complex one. What should advisors talk about when selling travel insurance, and what shouldn’t they discuss? Is an annual plan a better deal than per-trip plans? What is a preexisting condition, and what does it mean for advisors? Find out the answers to those questions and more in this week’s episode, the second in a two-part series on travel insurance featuring Richard Aquino, vice president and head of sales for Allianz Partners. Find part one here.

This episode is sponsored by Air France-KLM.

Further resources:

Allianz Advantage, Allianz’s website for travel advisors

Mentioned on this episode, Jamie’s air ambulance coverage:

Dispatch, Richmond: Onboard a Skyservice Air Ambulance
Skyservice’s air ambulances swoop in when travel turns tragic

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Which travel insurance policy is right for my clients? (part 1)

Mon, 09 Oct 2023 07:00:00 +0000

Travel insurance is an important product for travel advisors and travelers alike, but it’s also an undeniably complex one. How should travel advisors position this product to clients? What insurance provider should they use? How do they parse through complicated plans? Find out the answers to those questions and more in this week’s episode, the first in a two-part series on travel insurance featuring Richard Aquino, vice president and head of sales for Allianz Partners.

This episode is sponsored by Air France-KLM.

Further resources:

Allianz Advantage, Allianz’s website for travel advisors

Mentioned on this episode:

Travel Weekly’s Legal Briefs, a column by industry attorney Mark Pestronk
Trade Secrets’ season one episodes on travel insurance, part one and part two

Thanks to our friends at Cruise Planners for helping solicit questions for this season of Trade Secrets! https://www.cruiseplannersfranchise.com/

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the ground in Maui: Should travel agents send clients to the island right now?

Mon, 25 Sep 2023 07:00:00 +0000

One month after wildfires devastated Lahaina, Signature Travel Network decided to move forward with its annual Owners’ Meeting at the Grand Wailea, located on an unaffected part of Maui.

This episode of Trade Secrets was recorded from the island. Hear from Signature CEO Alex Sharpe, travel agency owners and supplier representatives from Allianz Partners, Travel Insured International and Pleasant Holidays as they share their thoughts about promoting travel to the island. Listeners will also learn about Signature’s relief efforts, and the resounding takeaway for travel advisors who have visited: Responsible, compassionate tourism is welcome on the Valley Isle.

Note: Although unaffected areas of Maui have remained open to tourism, the affected areas of West Maui will officially open on Oct. 8, according to Hawaii Gov. Josh Green.

This episode is sponsored by Air France-KLM.

Further resources:

Coverage from Travel Weekly and TravelAge West:

A visit to Maui, a month after the Lahaina fire: Aloha and welcoming hospitality for visitors
As Maui thanks agents and urges travel, it plans a new marketing campaign
Signature Travel Network to Proceed With Owners' Meeting in Maui
On the ground in Maui: Signature’s Owners’ Meeting highlights ‘respectful, compassionate’ tourism to the island
Go, postpone, cancel or move Maui travel? Advisors share how they're managing upcoming booking

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fam trips: How can they help your business, travel advisors?

Mon, 11 Sep 2023 07:00:00 +0000

This week, Trade Secrets is all about the fam — fam, or familiarization, trips, that is! Hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada are joined by Theresa Chu-Bermudez, owner of Get Out! Custom Travels, co-host of the Tin Lounge Podcast and the creator of Fam with Intention. They talk about all of the ins and outs of fams: how to find them, how to prepare for them, what to do on a fam, and what to do after the trip is over.

This episode is sponsored by Air France-KLM.

Further resources:

Theresa Chu-Bermudez

Theresa’s agency, Get Out! Custom Travels, online and on Instagram
Fam with Intention online and on Instagram

Tyson Wharton, owner and founder of Sioux Empire Travel, and his fam trip do’s and don’ts:

Do:

Be on time and on schedule
Dress and act professionally
Be positive, helpful, mindful and respectful of other guests on the property
Introduce yourself to your sales managers, BDMs, other travel advisors and hotel staff
Pack a bunch of business cards
See the place through your clients’ eyes
Be prepared — pack comfortable shoes
Be grateful, be kind, be awesome

Don’t:

Approach other guests and try to sell them your services
Treat this as a vacation — it’s work
Complain
Break the rules of a site inspection
Act a fool
Take calls during inspections and important fam appointments, but you can work in your room or on down time if you need to
Annoy or overwhelm your BDM, hosts or managers

Mentioned in this episode:

Thanks to our friends at The Hive for helping solicit questions for this season of Trade Secrets!

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As a travel advisor, how do I encourage my clients to travel more sustainably?

Mon, 28 Aug 2023 07:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Trade Secrets, Indagare’s Melissa Biggs Bradley discusses the company’s sustainability efforts — including how her agency offsets the carbon footprints of all staff and client travel — the end of “fast travel,” and how travel advisors can encourage clients to travel more sustainably.

This episode is sponsored by ALG Vacations.

Further resources:

Melissa Biggs Bradley:

Indagare’s website
On Instagram
Her radio show/podcast, Passport to Everywhere

From Travel Weekly, “Agent Life: Indagare aims to positively impact clients and the places they visit”

Indagare’s explainer on its carbon neutrality

From TravelAge West, “Need to Know Research: How Do Travel Advisors Really Feel About Sustainability?”

Mentioned on this episode:

Tourism Cares and its travel advisor guide to meaningful travel
The Long Run
The Center for Responsible Travel (CREST)
Julie Patterson on Trade Secrets with Whitney Shindelar on mentorship
The Last Tourist

Thanks to our friends at the Travel Advisor Resource Center for helping solicit questions for this season of Trade Secrets!

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hawaii wildfires: What travel advisors need to know

Thu, 10 Aug 2023 21:33:03 +0000

In this special episode of Trade Secrets, co-host Jamie Biesiada gets an update on the wildfires in Hawaii from Ilihia Gionson, the Hawaii Tourism Authority’s public affairs officer. Gionson talks about what’s happening on Maui, thanks those visitors who have left the island and asks for patience in the weeks ahead as damage is assessed and recovery begins.

This episode is sponsored by ALG Vacations. https://www.vaxvacationaccess.com/suppliers/apple-leisure-group/pages/algv-gives-you-more/

Further resources:

For visitor-specific information, visit the Hawaii Tourism Authority on its website or gohawaii.com

For general disaster information, visit the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency

To lend a hand, consider donations to the American Red Cross or one of the organizations identified by the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do I use generative AI to improve my travel agency’s workflow?

Mon, 07 Aug 2023 07:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Trade Secrets, hosts Jamie Biesiada and Emma Weissmann are joined by Christine Vincent, business technology manager for Travelsavers and NEST. They discuss how generative AI is changing the travel industry, and delve into how travel advisors can use it to improve their workflows. They also chat about how to become an effective “prompt engineer” to get a desired output. And yes, if you were wondering, Google’s Bard wrote this episode’s title and description (but it was, of course, vetted and edited by the hosts).

This episode is sponsored by ALG Vacations.

Further resources:

Christine Vincent on LinkedIn

Dave Burse’s LinkedIn Learning course, “How to research and write using generative AI tools.” Use the CREATE acronym to write prompts:

Character: Tell the AI the role you want it to play.
Request: Be specific in your request and give context.
Examples: Provide examples of similar styles of writing (this is optional).
Adjustments: Ask for adjustments to fine-tune the response.
Type of output: Tell the AI how the response should be formatted.
Extras: Anything not included in the above that would generate a high-quality response.

Recent generative AI coverage from Travel Weekly and TravelAge West:

Can ChatGPT be a travel planner? We tested it out
Trade Secrets column: A chat with and about ChatGPT
Expedia Group is deploying ChatGPT early, often and widely
How travel advisors can get ahead using artificial intelligence
Editorial: When it comes to advisor vs. AI, advisors excel at being human

Mentioned on this episode:

OpenAI, creator of ChatGPT
“Class of ‘09,” Jamie’s TV show recommendation
ASTA’s Erika Richter on “Today,” talking about AI in travel

Thanks to our friends at Brownell Travel for helping solicit questions for this season of Trade Secrets!

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Navigating the expedition cruise boom: Insider insights for travel advisors

Mon, 24 Jul 2023 07:00:00 +0000

Embark on a voyage of discovery into the fast-growing world of expedition cruising on this episode of Trade Secrets. Co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada are joined by Rachel Woodward, vice president of sales for Lindblad Expeditions, and Beth Butzlaff, Global Travel Collection’s vice president of partnership. They’ll tackle everything from which clients are best suited for which expedition cruises, to can’t-miss stops in Alaska, to how better Starlink connectivity will affect cruisers in the future.

This episode is sponsored by Lindblad Expeditions.

Further resources:

Rachel Woodward’s email address and cell phone: (510) 289-9941

Lindblad’s website for travel advisors

To learn more about Global Travel Collection, send an email or go to Internova’s website

Recent Lindblad coverage from Travel Weekly and TravelAge West:

An in-depth look at Lindblad Expedition’s Endurance
Extraordinary polar bear sightings and more with Lindblad Expeditions
Emma’s review of Islander II, a new Lindblad ship sailing the Galapagos

Mentioned on this episode:

Royal Caribbean Moms at Sea Facebook group, started by travel advisor Jamie Margolis Ross
Sales Strategies for Travel Professionals on Facebook

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Unleashing sales superpowers: Sales strategies for travel advisors, part two

Mon, 10 Jul 2023 07:00:00 +0000

In this two-part episode of Trade Secrets, we’ll delve deep into the world of sales strategies for travel advisors, with guests Byrd Bergeron (of the Travel Byrds) and Steven Gould (of Goulds Travel, Luxera Travel and the Travel Advisor Resource Center). They also operate the Facebook group “Sales Strategies for Travel Professionals.”

In part two, we’ll discuss a variety of listener questions, from how to allocate your time and strategies with managing email inboxes, to finding outside help in today’s busy business environment. Tune in now for part two, and if you haven’t, check out part one here.

This episode is sponsored by Lindblad Expeditions.

Further resources:

Byrd Bergeron

Email
Website
Byrd’s virtual assistant tasks, separated by single agent and agency owner
An example of how Byrd trains her virtual assistants. Byrd says: “This type of work may seem unnecessary, but when someone leaves, you will not have to go back to square one with training. It’s more of a plug-and-play model at that point. You’re going to take the time to train, just record that instead, and have it so they can go back to reference at any time.”

Steven Gould

Email
Travel Advisor Resource Center (TARC)
Goulds Travel
Luxera Travel
“The Perfect Consultation & Proposal,” a resource from Steven and Byrd

Sales Strategies for Travel Professionals on Facebook

Mentioned on this episode:

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Unleashing sales superpowers: Sales strategies for travel advisors, part one

Mon, 26 Jun 2023 07:00:00 +0000

In this two-part episode of Trade Secrets, delve deep into the world of sales strategies for travel advisors with guests Byrd Bergeron of the Travel Byrds and Steven Gould of Goulds Travel, Luxera Travel and the Travel Advisor Resource Center. We discuss practical techniques, answer listener questions and offer insights to help up travel advisors’ sales games. Tune in now for part one, and stay tuned for part two in two weeks, where we’ll dive into even more listener questions.

This episode is sponsored by Windstar Cruises. https://www.windstarcruises.com/

Further resources:

Byrd Bergeron

Email
The Travel Byrds
Byrd’s virtual assistant tasks, separated by single agent and agency owner
An example of how Byrd trains her virtual assistants. Byrd says: “This type of work may seem unnecessary, but when someone leaves, you will not have to go back to square one with training. It’s more of a plug and play model at that point. You’re going to take the time to train, just record that instead and have it so they can go back to reference at any time!”

Steven Gould

Email
Travel Advisor Resource Center (TARC)
Goulds Travel
Luxera Travel
“The Perfect Consultation & Proposal,” a resource from Steven and Byrd

Sales Strategies for Travel Professionals on Facebook

From Travel Weekly, Travel Advisor Resource Center launches a supplier directory

From TravelAge West, Four ways to use your CRM that will guarantee success

“Profit First” by Mike Michalowicz

Systems mentioned:

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com

Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.