The Lounge by Travefy

Are conferences actually worth the time and money, especially with so much virtual education available now? In this episode, we sit down with Kelley Wright (Travel Agent Recruitment) and Stephanie McCracken (Director of Marketing) from Travel Show Marketing Group, the team behind Travel Agent Forum, to break down how advisors can approach events strategically. You’ll learn how attendees can get the most ROI from conferences, when it may not make sense to attend, how to choose the right event for your business stage, and how to avoid burnout while maximizing networking and follow-up. Plus, we share details on Travefy Live, Travefy’s user conference happening May 12, 2026 in Las Vegas — and why it’s the perfect add-on to Travel Agent Forum. Show Notes: Learn More + Register for Travefy LiveLearn More + Register for Travel Agent Forum in Las VegasCheck out Travel Show Marketing Groups' other eventshttps://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/regis...https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/regis...

Choosing a host agency can shape your entire travel business—but it’s often misunderstood. In this episode, we're joined by Shayna Zand from Host Agency Reviews to break down what host agencies are actually designed to do for advisors, and what they’re not. We unpack common misconceptions around fees and commission splits, why long-term success has more to do with fit and expectations than numbers on paper, and what truly separates advisors who thrive at a host agency from those who struggle, even within the same host. This episode is a must-listen for agents and advisors considering a host, thinking about switching, or wanting to get more value from the one they’re with. 🔗 Show Notes & Resources: Host Week 2026 - [Register Here]Learn about Host Week and Register (for free!)Free Resources from Host Agency Reviews - Top 10 Benefits of Using a Host AgencyA Travel Agent's Guide to Charging FeesHost Agency Commission Plan Comparison CalculatorChoosing the Right Host: 5 Things to Consider

Artificial intelligence is no longer “coming soon” for travel advisors—it’s already reshaping how business gets done. In this episode, we’re joined by Travefy CEO David Chait to unpack what AI truly means for advisors right now and where it’s headed next. This conversation is grounded in real advisor insights from Travefy’s recent collaboration with Travel Market Report’s first-ever Outlook on AI Trends in the Travel Industry. Using key findings from the report, we explore where advisors are seeing the biggest efficiency gains, how AI impacts personalization and privacy, why adoption is accelerating, and what advisors should focus on as this shift continues. If you want a clear, realistic look at how AI is shaping the future of the advisor business, this episode delivers. ✨ Resources & Links: 🔗 Travel Market Reports's Outlook on A.I.Trends in the Industry, 2025 🔗 Learn more about The Lounge podcast & listen to other episodes 🔗 Subscribe to Travefy's Newsletter 🔗 Start a Free Trial of Travefy

After the booking is made, your sales process isn’t over, it’s entering the stage that matters most. In Episode 4 of The Lounge by Travefy’s Sales Workshop Series, we chat with Courtnie Nichols, CEO of Travel Bash and founder of The Biz Huddle, to explore how thoughtful post-booking care turns happy travelers into loyal, repeat clients. Courtnie shares simple ways to wow clients, how to personalize touch points, smart systems for gathering testimonials, and why referrals become effortless when you deliver an experience that feels unforgettable. As the finale of our four-part series, this episode brings the full sales journey together—from mindset to marketing to workflow to long-term loyalty. ✨ What you’ll learn: 🔗 Resources & Links: Learn more about The Lounge Podcast's Sales Workshop SeriesSubscribe to Travefy's NewsletterStart a Free Trial of TravefyVisit Courtnie's WebsiteLearn More About The Biz Huddle 🎧 This is Episode 4—the finale of The Lounge by Travefy’s Sales Workshop Series. Catch up on Episodes 1–3 to complete the full sales journey!

Once the leads start rolling in—what happens next? In Episode 3 of The Lounge by Travefy’s Sales Workshop Series, we chat with Angela Hughes, CEO of Trips & Ships Luxury Travel and founder of Luxury Travel University, to unpack how to design a sales workflow that actually works. Angela shares how to qualify clients effectively, when to charge fees, how to balance automation with personal connection, and why consistency—not hustle—is the real key to conversions. From the first discovery call to post-trip follow-up, this episode walks you through a repeatable system that keeps your pipeline flowing and clients returning. ✨ What you’ll learn: 🔗 Resources & Links: Learn more about The Lounge Podcast's Sales Workshop SeriesSubscribe to Travefy's NewsletterStart a Free Trial of TravefyTrips & Ships Luxury Travel WebsiteFollow Angela on InstagramFind Angela on Linkedin 🎧 This episode is part 3 of the 4-part Sales Workshop Series on The Lounge by Travefy. Catch up on Episodes 1 and 2 to complete your sales journey, from mindset to marketing to workflow. Learn more here!

Marketing doesn’t have to be loud, complicated, or icky. In this Sales Workshop Series episode, we chat with travel advisor and business strategist Roslyn Ranse from Travel Agent Achievers to unpack a simple, human-first system for getting more of the right clients. We cover why value beats “specials,” how to ask for referrals without feeling salesy, a one-hour-a-week marketing routine, and what to track over a 90-day test so momentum compounds. You’ll hear practical examples and a tiny homework assignment that moves the needle today. ✨ What you’ll learn: 🎧 This episode is part 2 of our 4-part Sales Workshop series on The Lounge by Travefy. Learn more about Sales Workshop and listen to other episodes! 🔗 Resources & Links: Learn more about The Lounge Podcast's Sales Workshop SeriesSubscribe to Travefy's NewsletterStart a Free Trial of TravefyRoslyn's Resources for Travefy Listeners!Listen to Roslyn's Podcast: Travel Agent Achievers Podcast 👉 Subscribe to The Lounge by Travefy so you don’t miss the next two episodes in the Sales Workshop series, and share this kickoff with an advisor who needs a confidence boost today!

Welcome back to The Lounge Podcast by Travefy and the kickoff of Sales Workshop series, designed to strengthen every step of your travel sales process. In Episode 1, we sit down with Glenda Beagle from The Art of Selling Travel to start where great selling truly begins: mindset. Glenda unpacks why advisors fear “being salesy,” how to stay authentic, and practical ways to stop getting ghosted after proposals. You’ll learn when not to send a proposal, how to walk clients through it (live or via a quick video), and a simple one-liner for confidently charging fees. We also dig into the difference between objections vs. rejections, why silence helps you close, and a weekly habit to build momentum and celebrate wins. ✨ What you’ll learn: 🔗 Resources & Links: Learn more about The Lounge Podcast's Sales Workshop SeriesSubscribe to Travefy's NewsletterLearn More about Glenda Beagle: artofsellingtravel.comListen to Art of Selling Travel's PodcastApply PodcastsSpotifyYouTubeFacebook GroupFacebookInstagram👉 Subscribe to The Lounge by Travefy so you don’t miss Episode 2 in the Sales Workshop series, and share this kickoff with an advisor who needs a confidence boost today!

In this episode, we chat with Kate Thomas, Founder of Travel Pro Theory and Owner of North + Leisure. Kate shares her love for data and why knowing your business numbers is so important and how you can use to make important decisions about your business. Kate walks through how you can get started right away by setting up a simple spreadsheet and system to start tracking your business numbers, from what your clients are booking, how long they're traveling for, the commission you're receiving and more. Being able to view these numbers can help you make strategic marketing and sales decisions to help your business thrive and succeed. Show Notes: TravelProTheory.comInstagramFreebie: Revenue ForecastStart a free trial of Travefy at https://info.travefy.com/get_started Recorded on August 22, 2024

In this episode, we catch up with Dave Natale, AKA the River Cruise King, whose business has skyrocketed since his last appearance on The Lounge Podcast in 2021! He shares the secrets behind his thriving river cruise group business, from using Travefy’s itinerary builder to crafting personalized experiences with city guides, movie and music recommendations, and more. Dave also reveals his top marketing tips and how he keeps travelers coming back. Plus, hear all about River Cruise King Academy’s upcoming group cruise designed for travel advisors who want to grow their group cruise business! Show Notes: River Cruise King Academy: Join on the Cruise!“Leveling Up Your Business by Charging Fees with The River Cruise King”Start a free trial of Travefy at https://info.travefy.com/get_started Recorded on September 3, 2024

In this episode, we dive into the essential legal risks, fraud prevention strategies, and best practices every travel advisor needs to know. Sheila Folk, CEO and Founder of Travel Industry Solutions, shares her expert insights on how travel advisors can navigate complex legal landscapes, protect themselves from fraud, and maintain financial stability. Learn why regularly updating contracts and privacy policies is crucial, how to implement effective identity verification tools, and the importance of charging fees for your services. Show Notes: https://travelindustrysolutions.com/FacebookLinkedInInstagramYouTubeStart a free trial of Travefy at https://info.travefy.com/get_started Recorded on June 20, 2024

In this episode, get inspired as we chat with global keynote speaker and marketer, Tim Hines. Tim shares his “marketing starter” mindset and how travel professionals can leverage this to navigate marketing in their business and excel their business forward. From the power of consistency, leveraging AI tools, understanding customer needs, and more, Tim will help ignite the entrepreneurial fire inside of you! Show Notes: Visit Tim’s WebsiteLinkedinTwitter (X)The Marketing Starter: How an Entrepreneurial Spirit Will Make You a More Savvy MarketerStart a free trial of Travefy at https://info.travefy.com/get_started Recorded on June 14, 2024

In this episode, Luxury Travel Advisor, Becky Lukovic joins us to explore the rising trends of women traveling together and the unique dynamics of women-led travel groups. Becky shares her insights on how women are shaping the travel industry, from popular destinations to preferred travel styles. We also dive into strategies for women who own travel businesses to build a strong sense of community and ensure their business thrives. Tune in for an empowering discussion on women in travel! Show Notes: Visit Becky’s Agency Site: Bella TravelInstagramFacebookLinkedinStart a free trial of Travefy at https://info.travefy.com/get_started Recorded on June 4, 2024

Join us as Attorney Jeff Ment unpacks the latest travel industry news, including DOT airplane refund rules and FTC non-compete potential changes coming later this year. Learn how these developments could impact your business and discover strategies to stay legally prepared for upcoming changes. Don’t miss this essential guide for your business! Show Notes: Visit The Ment Law Group WebsiteTop Resources to Stay Up-to-Date with Industry News: Mark Pestronk’s articles at Travel WeeklyTravelAge WestTravel ReportOpen JawStart a free trial of Travefy at https://info.travefy.com/get_started Recorded on June 5, 2024

Dive into the powerful world of social media with Owner of Haus Social, Amber Zakem. In this episode, she shares her essential tips for travel advisors, from choosing the right platform to leveraging AI for content creation. Whether you're just starting out or looking to stay ahead of trends, Amber's insights on using Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and other powerful tools will transform your social media game! Show Notes: Visit Haus Social WebsiteFacebookInstagramLinkedinSocial Media ExaminerAmber's Favorite Social Media Tools: ChatGPTVideoshopCapcutCanva Meta Business SuiteStart a free trial of Travefy at https://info.travefy.com/get_started Recorded on May 31, 2024

Do you find yourself overwhelmed with the endless marketing opportunities and strategies you can apply to your business? In this episode, we chat with marketing educator, Mary Charleson, on how travel advisors can use her rule-of-3 packing method when it comes to marketing. Mary breaks down how to simplify your marketing strategy and best of all, make it all work together seamlessly. We also chat about current marketing trends and different ideas that advisors can apply into their own marketing efforts. Show Notes: Visit FiveMinuteMarketing.comVisit Carry-On Queen WebsiteBlog Post: Learn more about word-of-mouth marketingSign up for Mary's Weekly NewsletterAccess Five Minute Marketing CoursesPart 1: Prepping for Peru (the Province)Part 2: The Road Less Traveled to Machu PicchuMary's Book List: Marketing RebellionKnownThink AgainThe Anxious GenerationImaginableThe Algebra of HappinessStart a free trial of Travefy at https://info.travefy.com/get_started Recorded on May 7, 2024

In this episode, we chat about the essential steps for travel advisors to establish their service fee structure with industry expert, Jennifer Jacob! Gain insights into tailoring fees based on niche, geographical considerations, and transitioning into fee charging for the first time. Jennifer shares actionable strategies to develop an objective approach rooted in expense analysis, time tracking, and trip complexity assessment, ensuring sustainable pricing for your business. Show Notes: Get TIQUE’s Client Welcome GuideVisit TIQUE’s WebsiteStart a free trial of Travefy at https://info.travefy.com/get_started Recorded on February 27, 2024

In this episode, we chat with Morris Sims who shares how to create a proactive strategy to getting new and more clients to your business. Morris challenges conventional approaches and emphasizes the importance of crafting a compelling introduction. Learn actionable strategies for visibility across social media, email marketing, events, and personal interactions. Morris also shares his game-changing 3-List Process with us so be sure to grab a pen and paper while you listen! Show Notes: Visit Travel Masters Learning Community WebsiteStart a free trial of Travefy at https://info.travefy.com/get_started Recorded on February 6, 2024

In this episode, we chat with Erin Novodvorsky, Lead Consultant at The Geek Travel Agent. Join us as Erin takes us through her journey in the travel industry, where she transformed her business by aligning it with her passions and expertise. Erin shares her pivot from selling travel that didn't resonate with her to focusing on unique niches such as pop culture travel. From movie and TV show-inspired tours to crafting K-Pop vacations, Erin found her clients and her calling. Her journey and insights will undoubtedly inspire and guide you towards discovering your own niche and standing out in your industry! Show Notes: Visit The Geek Travel Agent WebsiteStart a free trial of Travefy at https://info.travefy.com/get_started Recorded January 8, 2024

In this episode, we chat with Roni Weiss from Travel Unity to explore how travel advisors can enhance their support for clients and each other by embracing diversity and fostering an understanding of differences. Roni shares advice on how to better serve travelers by including specific questions when helping to plan their trip and thoughts to consider when working with each client. Show Notes: Visit Travel Unity's WebsiteFollow Travel Unity on Linkedin Part 1Part 2Part 3 Start a free trial of Travefy at https://info.travefy.com/get_started Recorded on December 13, 2023

Discover the ins and outs of S-Corps with Haylie Hardin in this episode as we delve into what they are and how to determine if your business is ready. Explore the advantages of transitioning to an S-Corp for tax planning, and get a quick guide on the actions you need to take to make the switch. Show Notes: Download a Presentation Slide Deck of Haylie’s Tax Tips!Visit Go Hardin’s WebsiteConnect with Haylie on LinkedinListen to Haylie’s previous episode “Money Matters: Expert Tax Tips for Small Business Success”Start a free trial of Travefy at https://info.travefy.com/get_started Recorded on December 13, 2023