Masters in Travel

Representation companies are often misunderstood, but they're one of the most valuable allies a travel advisor can have. In this episode, Whitney and Natalia Aldacour-La Borie of TL Portfolio demystify the role of representation companies, explain why advisors should rely on them more often, and share how these partnerships elevate client experiences and advisor businesses alike.Takeaways:How reps act as liaisons between advisors and suppliers and why that connection mattersThe visibility and consistency in the market that reps provide for suppliersWhy advisors should loop in their reps early and often when working with suppliersHow reps can support marketing efforts and supplier education

In this episode, Whitney talks with Kaleigh Kirkpatrick and Julie Jamgochian from Shameless Tourist about how they're reimagining travel advising through AI. Instead of just dabbling, they've fully embraced AI tools—from itinerary review bots to inbox systems and trained ChatGPT models that write like them. They discuss what's working, what's not quite there yet, and how curiosity fuels their innovation.Takeaways:Why dedicating team resources to AI research has paid off for their businessHow ChatGPT is integrated into marketing, emails, and itinerary reviewsThe tools they're testing now—from AI concierges to real-time rate trackersHow AI can enhance personalization and efficiency without compromising quality

This episode dives into the critical (but often misunderstood) differences between training, coaching, and mentoring in the travel industry. Jeremy Seulich and Whitney unpack why using the wrong term can lead to misaligned expectations, and how understanding each role can help travel advisors find the exact support they need to grow. From the relational roots of mentorship to the goal-driven power of coaching, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone building a career in travel.

This month's Shop Talk is a masterclass in both luxury travel and operational resilience. Brianna recaps her epic Emirates first-class experience—secured via a flurry of points and last-minute magic—while Whitney walks us through losing both her employees in five weeks, onboarding overseas hires, and simplifying systems without skipping a beat. If you're navigating growth, hiring, or unexpected transition, this conversation will meet you right where you are.

In this conversation on DMCs, Whitney flips the script and chats with Hicham Mhammedi Alaoui, co-founder of Experience Morocco and The Travel Collection, to shine a light on the DMC side of working with travel advisors. They unpack how DMCs can create unique and memorable experiences without breaking the bank, how global expansion works behind the scenes, and what travel advisors should know to build successful partnerships. Hicham shares candid advice on communication, budgets, and the ever-evolving landscape of destination management, offering invaluable insights for both new and seasoned travel entrepreneurs.

Brianna welcomes Sahara Rose Devore, founder of the Travel Coach Network, to discuss the power of using personal stories and deeper purpose in building a thriving travel business. They explore how travel professionals can differentiate themselves in a crowded marketplace by tapping into their personal “why,” connecting more meaningfully with clients, and combining coaching principles with traditional travel advising. Sahara shares about her transformative journey from solo traveler to industry innovator, giving practical tips for business owners seeking more authenticity and alignment in both their marketing and client relationships.

How can you talk about hotels in a way that inspires and informs your clients? Joining Whitney this week is Madeline Steuber to shine a spotlight on the art of hotel and experience recommendations in the travel industry. Fresh from a FAM trip to Cape Town, they discuss the pitfalls of using superlatives (“the best hotel,” “must stay”) without context, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful, client-centered matching. And they dive into differentiating between luxury properties, understanding client priorities, and asking better discovery questions to ensure every traveler is matched with their ideal stay—not just “the best” one.

Pull back the curtain on a Master Hour inside the Advisor Accelerator, where Sarah Williams of Rebel Office Inc and the host of IT'S A VIBE Podcast joins us to talk about client experience! We dive into topics like client retention, the art of client onboarding/offboarding, and the power of nurturing long-term relationships with clients. Plus, we cover nuanced topics like how to create personalized touch-points that strike a balance between professional boundaries and friendly engagement + incentivizing referrals in a way that feels authentic rather than transactional. (This is a replay episode that originally aired in April 2024)

Shop Talk is where we talk about what is going on in our travel businesses, getting honest about the day to day and big picture successes and struggles. Brianna shares her transformative experience at a mastermind retreat, discussing both the energizing connections and the personal growth challenges she faced. Whitney recaps her recent travels—from Italian food explorations to her first-hand experience planning travel in Japan—highlighting the lessons learned when stepping outside comfort zones, both professionally and personally. As always, we have reflections & advice for travel advisors, and reminders to celebrate wins and learn from challenges along the journey.

Brianna dives deep into 'client experience', highlighting how creating a memorable and seamless experience for clients is not just about logistics and beautiful locations, but about how clients feel throughout their journey working with you. Tune in for insights and practical strategies to enhance client experience, drawing from Brianna's near decade of running a travel business. She breaks down the process into three key pillars: thoughtful communication, seamless logistics, and personal touches. Tune in for actionable tips to elevate client connections and ensure repeat business.

Making the leap from a corporate job to full-time travel advisor is a courageous and scary decision, and here to share her story about making the leap is Julia Asselin of The Itinerary Girls. Tune in to hear about her personal journey of balancing her burgeoning travel business while working a full-time job and the eventual leap to becoming a full-time entrepreneur. The conversation provides valuable insights into branding, marketing strategies, and building a clientele in the oversaturated travel industry. If you are contemplating a similar decision, Julia's story serves as inspiration to take the plunge into entrepreneurship.

Joining us on Masters in Travel is Lindsey Epperly, founder and former CEO of Jet Set World Travel, to chat with Whitney about "the future"—the future of our businesses, our futures as entrepreneurs, and our legacies. They dive into the topics like transitioning roles, the fears and realities of one day stepping down or shifting roles, and the introspective work required to make significant business changes. Whether you are afraid to think about future changes or you embrace them with arms wide open, this conversation sheds light on a path towards growth in unexpected directions.

Ever come home from a trip with hundreds of photos and videos, only to struggle with actually using them to create marketing content for your travel business? This week, we are replaying a past episode where Brianna and two other travel advisors – Julie Patterson and Kate Sullivan – talk about the nuances of crafting content for your business even while traveling. They cover the creative process, importance of authenticity, and practical tips that will help get your photos out of an album and out into the world.This episode is brought to you by Lucia – find vetted freelancers to support your travel business. Learn more at letslucia.com.

You own a travel business...but does your marketing showcase "travel influencer"? In this episode, Brianna dives into the balance of inspiration and advising with marketing content for a travel business. She talks elevating a business by effectively navigating the buyer's journey, and strategically using storytelling alongside strategic marketing. From leveraging your own travel experiences to client testimonials, Brianna provides actionable steps for travel entrepreneurs to transform engaging content into bookings, moving audiences seamlessly from dreaming about travel to actually doing it.This episode is brought to you by Lucia – find vetted freelancers to support your travel business. Learn more at letslucia.com

In this episode of Masters in Travel, Lisa Taub joins Brianna to explore the intricacies of building meaningful relationships with travel clients by understanding clients' deeper motivations and needs and communicating effectively. They talk about how consultation calls can be transformed into powerful relationship-building tools, sharing strategies on how to conduct them in a way that ensures clients feel seen and heard. With a background in consumer and market research, Lisa brings an expertise to the discussion that any travel advisor can learn from!This episode is brought to you by Lucia – find vetted freelancers to support your travel business. Learn more at letslucia.com

In classic Shop Talk style, this week Whitney & Brianna delve into sharing about their personal and professional journeys as travel entrepreneurs. Brianna shares about her decision to join a high-level mastermind and the importance of aligning business growth with personal peace and fulfillment. Plus, Whitney spills the tea on her recent transformative trip to South Africa, highlighting its impact on her marketing strategy and client engagement. For some inspiration on investing in one's self and travel business, the importance of setting intentional goals, and how to utilize travel experiences for strategic business development...tune in!Learn more about Lucia at www.letslucia.com

How can travel advisors create partnerships with DMCs that feel more like collaborations and less like transactions? Joining Whitney for Part 2 of a two-part convo are seasoned travel advisor Kate Sullivan and newer advisor Anna Tretter to explore the intricacies of working with DMCs. They talk about the role DMCs play in the travel industry, especially in crafting experiences that go beyond the traditional "greatest hits." And they share tips on effective communication with DMCs, the benefits of using technology and collaborative platforms,. and pursuing transparency that builds trust with both the DMC partner and clients.

Sometimes you love them, sometimes they drive you crazy...this week, we're talking all about Destination Management Companies (DMCs)! Seasoned advisor Kate Sullivan and newer advisor Anna Tretter join Whitney to share their personal experiences, frustrations, and strategies when working with DMCs. Plus, they talk about the importance of transparency, effective communication, and how to build strong partnerships with DMCs to enhance client experiences. This is Part 1 of a two part conversation!

Join Brianna this week for another solo episode where she breaks down her favorite topic for travel advisors – branding! She breaks down with examples how to incorporate your mission/vision/values into your brand. Plus, she illustrates how to pinpoint a unique selling proposition (USP) and the foundational elements that shape and differentiate travel brands. With practical advice on visual and verbal branding and the importance of consistency, the episode empowers travel entrepreneurs to craft recognizable and memorable brands that attract ideal clients and foster business growth.

Tune in as Brianna chats with a successful travel advisor and founder of the Biz Huddle, Courtney Nichols, in this week's inspiring, "I can achieve anything!" episode. Together, they delve into the art of breaking through barriers to build a sustainable and thriving travel business. Courtney shares her unique insights into dreaming bigger, overcoming industry norms, and thinking outside the box. This conversation is filled with practical strategies (like working backward from a revenue goal through the steps to achieve it) and mindset shift inspiration that empower travel advisors to grow with intention and purpose.

In our first Shop Talk of 2025, we (Whitney & Brianna) bring back the tradition of opening up about what's going on in our travel businesses. There's some strategizing, some win-sharing, and a little venting, too. We delve into ongoing branding and marketing strategies that are working and that aren't, like Brianna's experience with a new marketing hire and Whitney's evaluation of her brand authenticity. Plus, we share personal anecdotes and hot takes about popular travel destinations!

We're bringing back a favorite past episode that is full of insights, even for a second listen! You may be interested in being a travel advisor, but are you also interested in being an entrepreneur? Sometimes running a travel advisor business requires much more than just planning travel. You may have to ask yourself if you'd rather join a team to help with the workload, or go solo to control more of your business. On this episode, Whitney is joined by Korrine Johnson to dive into this big question, considering all of your options, and how to figure out what will work for your business.

Joining Whitney this week are two star travel business owners, Madeline Steuber & Kaleigh Kirkpatrick, to delve into the intricate balance between hiring independent contractors (ICs) and employees for business growth. The discussion covers the benefits and challenges of both models, the importance of mentorship, and practical strategies for managing and integrating diverse team structures. Each guest shares personal insights and experiences, offering invaluable advice for travel advisors aiming to expand their businesses effectively.

Welcome to 2025! We're doing something a little different by bringing you a solo episode featuring Brianna Glenn that explores "CEO-worthy goals" for travel advisors. We all make some sort of goals in our travel businesses, but are your goals "regular" goals or CEO-worthy one? AND, are they SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound)? Get actionable tips and personal insights to help you reflect on the past year and set goals that will actually scale your travel business effectively this year.

That's a wrap to 2024! In this special Shop Talk, Brianna and Whitney reflect on 2024 and look ahead at what the next year holds for their travel businesses, from ROI metrics to track with marketing to utilizing Google profile reviews for local business. Tune in to hear their strategies for adjusting target client demographics and fine-tuning business strategies from branding approach, marketing campaigns, and financial management.

Travel industry expert Lisa Fletcher has watched the industry evolve since the '80's when she first got into the business, and while it has evolved, her passion has remained the same: using email newsletters to connect with clients. Lisa shares her journey of writing "The Effortless Newsletter," offering practical tips on creating engaging content that fosters client relationships and highlights the importance of consistency. The episode explores alternative content creation methods, the role of AI, and poignant anecdotes that underscore the long-term benefits of committed marketing efforts.

Joining Brianna on the podcast again is Cynthia, the brand strategist who gave Masters in Travel our new look! Together, these two branding gurus delve into the essentials of effective strategies to truly connect with clients. Gain clarity on how to practically implement a marketing plan...and how that differs from develop a marketing strategy. Plus, Cynthia offers actionable advice on identifying your unique value proposition, the role of client experience in branding, and how to make the most of your marketing efforts without overspending.

What really goes on behind the scenes of a travel business? Find out in Shop Talk! This week we spill the tea on past and upcoming FAM trips and the art of balancing family, personal, and professional travel commitments. Get Whitney's tips on taking personal time while traveling with children & hear how many books Brianna read on her last FAM! Plus, we talk about using AI tools for content creation, the work we are both doing with marketing professionals to tell our business stories, and KPIs we track to truly gauge if financial investments are moving the needle. Tune in for all this and more!

A travel industry favorite, Kaytee Fisher of Moxie and Forth, joins Whitney to share her marketing insights, having worked with many travel advisors to help move the marketing needle. In this convo, hear her take on why personalized experiences are valued over cost-saving measures, the significance of niching down, and how consistent, authentic content can build deep connections and trust with consumers. Plus, Kaytee shares insights on balancing promotional content with storytelling, the effectiveness of personal branding, and practical tips for creating engaging newsletters.

In this milestone episode (200 episodes later...wow!), Brianna chats with Valerie Merut, founder of social media marketing agency Cerita, to explore the vital role of storytelling in social media for travel businesses. Valerie shares her expert insights on building relationships and trust over time through authentic, personal content that truly invites your clients into a story. Learn about strategic social media planning, the significance of engagement over follower count, and practical tips for creating impactful and relatable content.

Remember when AI wasn't a part of our daily lives? How quicklly things can change, but that doesn't have to be a scary thing! Join Whitney as she chats with Emily Kessler, the communications specialist at Gifted Travel Network, about the transformative potential of AI tools for travel businesses. Learn from the expert about how AI tools like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Toby AI can streamline tasks and improve communication quality. Plus, learn practical applications for integrating AI into your workflows to achieve greater efficiency and impact. Whether artificial intelligence scares or excites you, this episode will give you insights about how to use these tools for your benefit.

We're getting closer to the end of the year, which means that even though inquires are slower right now, travel advisors are preparing to ramp up in 2025. In this episode, Whitney and Brianna share about their current journeys to reach more clients in 2025, brainstorming various marketing strategies like targeting certain destinations through content and utilizing quizes on websites to engage visitors. This candid convo also touches on financial planning, client engagement strategies, and the value of team experiences in boosting employee retention and business growth.

Let's talk about FAMs! Brianna is joined by her agency team, Kelsey and Ellen, to debrief their recent self-FAM trip to Peru. Gain some colorful insights into this experience, plus the team shares why self-FAMs are key to a travel advisor's success. Plus, hear how the experience helped benefit their team personally and professionally, and the special moments that help them grow stronger as a company. So whether you're a solo advisor or part of a growing team, you won't want to miss this deep dive into the value of self-FAMs and how they can transform your business.

What questions are travel advisors asking their clients to build loyalty and plan unforgettable travel experiences? Back by popular demand, Sandy Saburn of Gifted Travel Network shares her insights about the questions she hears all too often...and the questions too few advisors are asking. Insights from this conversation will help any advisor improve their communicaton with clients and set up the foundation to see steady, predictable business growth.

What is AI's role in the travel advising industry, and what are today's travelers actually looking for? Oh, and how can travel agency owners truly elevate themselves and the industry to a level of respect and professionalism that matches those of other industries? In this episode, Jenn Lee joins Whitney to dive into these BIG questions! They talk about how AI is revolutionizing marketing, client communication, content creation, and more...and how it can help you, not hurt you. Plus, they explore what clients are actually hoping for when they book with a travel advisor and how you can elevate your business as a legimitate service provider.

It's a topic many travel business owners can't get off their minds – hiring. This week, Grace Van Hollebeke of Lucia joins Whitney to talk about how to find the right fit for your team, delegate, train, and continue to fit employees and ICs into the right parts of your workflows. So whether you have hired and looking to improve your team workflows, or are thinking about finding help, this episode gives actionable insights to guide any travel business owner.

On this week's episode of Shop Talk, we are covering a variety of topics – quiet months in business, handling difficult conversations with supplier partners, and communicating to skeptical clients about our planning fees. Plus, Whitney fills us in on her journey of embracing a business rebrand and trying to attract new clients. And Brianna's plans for her team FAM to Peru is that does or travel inspiration that reminds us why we are in this industry to begin with.

This week on the podcast, we're covering a favorite topic at Masters in Travel – mentorship! Mentor and mentee Margaret Haas and Brittany Pigorini join Brianna to talk about their experiences on both sides of the mentorship relationship. But if you think that mentorship is just one travel advisor teling another how to build a business, think again. Margaret and Brittany shed light on the intricacies of a mentorship that helps a newer travel advisor build a business vs. copy one. Tune in to hear more about each of these advisors' personal journeys to career success and how walking alongside a colleague made all the difference.

"If you aren't working hard, you're hardly working." Heard this before? On today's episode, Brianna is joined by Marcie Muensterstrom, a seasoned travel advisor, to talk about why this old adage doesn't have to be true for travel advisors. Hear about how Marcie shifted from a hustle-driven career to a balanced, profitable business model. She shares her strategic insights on the math behind business decisions, how to work fewer hours and still deliver top-notch results, and maintaining boundaries. So, if you're craving some reclaimed time and less hustle, tune in!

Join us to hear a special airing of a special event hosted by The Hive, featuring a conversation about the intricacies of curating personalized cruise itineraries for clients. Cruise experts Carol and Korrine walked us through various strategies to up-level your cruise planning. They share about knowing client psychographics, leveraging various tools for efficient search and organization, how to educate yourself about various cruise lines, and a nitty gritty comparison of various cruise experiences. This episode encapsulates everything you need to know to better serve your clients in the world of cruising.

We're back with another episode of Shop Talk, the conversations where we don't hold anything back and share transparently what is going on right now in our travel businesses. Whitney shares about her ambitious goal to double her business in the next two years and the uncertainties she is facing right now. And Brianna updates us on her ongoing website refresh and reflects on her successful sabbatical in Portugal, sharing insights on managing business operations remotely. Finally, we talk about the importance of understanding the "why" behind various business goals and how to retain the excitement during each stage in business.

Building a book of business from scratch, regardless of how you do it, is a big feat. Most commonly, travel advisors start off by diving into their personal network to find their first clients. On this episode, Kim and Haleigh share their unique stories of networking as a launching pad in building their travel businesses. Learn about the journey from accepting any business to setting boundaries, how to tap into a corporate background, and building trust no matter who your clients are.

When a new inquiry comes in, how do you approach it? In today's episode, Jeremy Sulek of Jetset World Travel shares his less conventional approach to handling every inquiry and effectively booking clients. If you cautiously vet potential clients when inquiries come in, expecting them to prove that they are worth your time and energy, Jeremy will challenge your mindset. Learn how to maintain a positive outward posture, even with potentially unsuitable clients. Plus, learn strategies for restructuring qualification processes and approaching your travel business with a business mindset.

We're all in this industry for the travel, but achieving financial freedom is an (attainable) goal that many travel advisors have! Join Brianna as she chats with Stephanie Cannon, a licensed CPA and small business accountant who specializes in helping travel advisors achieve higher profits without needing a finance or accounting degree. Dive into financial planning, expense management, profitability misconceptions, and strategic decision-making to foster business growth in the travel industry.

How can you utilize the world's most powerful search engine to spread word about your business and attract ideal clients? Join us for this informative conversation with Lee Friedman and Denise Kubica, who both share their unconventional strategies for building their travel businesses by leveraging Google reviews, blogging, and SEO. Tune in for fresh ideas from these seasoned advisors!

Personalization is the key to success when it comes to your client experience. So, how do you curate a personalized selection of hotels to share with your clients when planning a new trip? Tune in to learn from three top travel advisors (Whitney Shindelar, Julia Matheson and Kate Sullivan), all self-proclaimed hotel lovers, on how they select hotels to include in proposals and how they present them to clients. This episode was a free webinar hosted by The Hive – if you want to learn more about how to transfer these skills to The Hive, visit thehive.travel/eventdemos to see a free demonstration!

Peel back the curtain on a Master Hour member call inside the Advisor Accelerator! Join us as Victoria of BrandWell Designs leads us in a session about brand differentiation and how to leverage your brand to stand out in a saturated market. Victoria and her team have designed more than a thousand brands and websites over the last several years, so you'll definitely want to tune in to learn from her extensive expertise!

And we're back with Part 2 of how to create content while traveling! By popular request, we invite back Kate Sullivan and Julie Patterson for this practical discussion that any travel advisor will find useful. We delve deep into marketing strategies, ROI measurements, the importance of authenticity, and balancing content creation with being present in the moment. From pre-trip planning to post-trip posts, Brianna and guests share their personal experiences and practical tips for maximizing engagement and brand visibility while staying true to their unique perspectives and client needs.

We asked listeners on our Instagram what topics you want to hear on the podcast, and the topic of "incentive travel" was one. So today, Brittney Tromanhauser of Avery Travel Group shares about her journey as a corporate incentive travel specialist. She discusses the transition from leisure travel to focusing on corporate group travel and the ins and outs of that sector.

Looking to build or shift a travel business into the luxury travel market? Join Brianna and guest Becky Lukovic for a conversation about the intricacies of providing luxury travel services, from catering to discerning clients, ensuring superior service, and doing the research to take you to this level. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mastersintravel/message

Do you ever find finance-related conversations to be dry and not very inspiring? Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at an Advisor Accelerator Master hour call – we welcome Travis Shelton, an executive financial coach and host of the Meaning Over Money podcast, to help us find the meaning behind the work we do and the $ we bring in. We talk abut the challenges faced by small business owners in the travel industry, balancing financial stability with passion, and defining personal success in unconventional ways. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mastersintravel/message