Podcasts about Travel Weekly

Vanessa McGovern has built her entire career within the travel industry. And earlier this year, she stepped into a new role as senior vice president of partner product, marketing and events at Global Travel Collection (GTC), the luxury arm of Internova Travel Group. In this episode of Humans of Travel, Vanessa shares how she got her start as an art auctioneer onboard cruise ships — a role that taught her the fundamentals of sales, customer service and persuasive storytelling. She also reflects on her experience co-founding Gifted Travel Network, which earned a spot on the Inc. 5000 list and quickly became one of the fastest-growing private companies in Charlotte, North Carolina. Beyond her leadership roles, Vanessa is an educator, industry advocate and strategist. Now, in her position at GTC, she continues to shape the travel advisor community by strengthening partnerships, creating exclusive programs and redefining how luxury travel is curated and delivered. This episode is sponsored by Travel Insured International. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Global Travel Collection Internova Travel Group Vanessa McGovern on LinkedIn ABOUT YOUR HOST Emma Weissmann is the Executive Editor of TravelAge West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She is also the co-host of Trade Secrets, a podcast created with sister publication Travel Weekly, and the Editor-in-Chief of print publication AGENTatHOME.TravelAge West also produces events including Future Leaders in Travel, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala ad the Napa Valley Leadership Forum. ABOUT THE SHOW TravelAge West’s award-winning podcast, “Humans of Travel,” features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry’s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the highs and lows that make them human.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This year, it's all about travel brands making their entry into Europe river cruising. We’ve been surprised this year by the number of established names moving in to the Rhine, Danube and beyond: Celebrity Cruises, Trafalgar and National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions among them. With Lisa Fitzgerald, a river-cruise expert advisor and founder of Fitzgerald Travel, and river cruise editor Brinley Hineman, we’re exploring why each of these brands is approaching river, and how they’re doing it in different ways. We’ll also look at the popularity of emerging destinations around the world, and numbers from Viking, the biggest river cruise line. This episode was edited for length and clarity. Since it was recorded on May 23, more information has been published about Celebrity's foray into river cruising -- and stay tuned for even more. Episode sponsor This episode is sponsored by Travel Insured International https://www.travelinsured.com Summer series This episode is the finale of our annual Summer Series, where we feature some of our favorite recent Folo by Travel Weekly discussions. New episodes return to the Folo Sept. 15! Related reports New: Celebrity River Cruises reveals room categories and first itineraries https://www.travelweekly.com/River-Cruising/Celebrity-River-Cruises-room-categories-first-itineraries New: Viking's advance bookings surge amid continued expansion https://www.travelweekly.com/River-Cruising/Viking-sells-out-2025-capacity-expands-global-offerings Lindblad, Trafalgar, Waldorf: More companies are attracted to river cruising https://www.travelweekly.com/River-Cruising/Insights/river-cruise-attracts-more-travel-companies River cruise lines are excited that Celebrity is wading into the business -- why? https://www.travelweekly.com/River-Cruising/Insights/River-lines-react-to-Celebrity-Cruises-entry No slowing down for river cruising: 2026 looks better than 2025 https://www.travelweekly.com/River-Cruising/River-cruise-bookings-surging-for-2026?ct=river Dispatch, Riverside Debussy: An indulgent, fine-dining experience https://www.travelweekly.com/Blogs/Dispatch/Fine-dining-in-the-Vintage-Room-on-Riverside-Debussy?ct=river Fitzgerald Travel https://fitzgeraldtravel.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of The Last Resort, host Christina Jelski talks with Joe Casciola, founder of New Orleans-based Destinations Travel Advisors, about his recent visit to Peter Island Resort in the British Virgin Islands.Casciola shares insights on the property’s dramatic comeback following Hurricane Irma’s devastation in 2017, revealing how the eight-year closure has resulted in a completely reimagined resort with renovated accommodations and revamped dining concepts. He discusses the resort’s beachfront positioning, which allows guests to literally step from their rooms onto pristine sand, and the 22,000-square-foot Falcons Nest villa that he calls “celebrity-worthy.” He also shares why he believes the property offers exceptional value for today’s luxury villa clients.Currently in its third season, The Last Resort is a monthly hospitality-focused podcast brought to you by Travel Weekly. In each episode, travel advisors share their first impressions of the last resort they visited.The tenth episode of the third season will be posted on October 13.Further resources: Joe Casciola Destinations Travel Advisors Peter Island Resort Peter Island Resort to reopen after six-year closure (Travel Weekly) Peter Island Resort joins Preferred's Legend Collection (Travel Weekly) Want to share feedback on the last resort you visited?Email us: TheLastResort@travelweekly.com Theme Song:Beachfront Celebration by Kevin MacLeodLicenseSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Humans in the Hot Seat, a spinoff of the Humans of Travel, is currently running a 10-part mini-series on the 2025 TravelAge West Trendsetter Awards, which recognizes some of the most forward-thinking and impactful travel advisors in the U.S.  Each year, the Trendsetter Awards recognize outstanding travel advisors across five unique categories: Best Targeted Marketing Idea Best Group Booking Effort Upward Bound: Rockstar Advisor Under 40 Saving the Day Best Use of Social Media Listeners will hear directly from this year's finalists about what makes their work stand out, including the creativity, the dedication, and the stories behind their nomination. This episode features Beci Mahnken of MEI-Travel, nominated in the Best Targeted Marketing Idea category. This episode is sponsored by Travel Insured International. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Beci Mahnken on Instagram ABOUT YOUR HOST Emma Weissmann is the Executive Editor of TravelAge West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She is also the co-host of Trade Secrets, a podcast created with sister publication Travel Weekly, and the Editor-in-Chief of print publication AGENTatHOME.TravelAge West also produces events including Future Leaders in Travel, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala ad the Napa Valley Leadership Forum. ABOUT THE SHOW TravelAge West’s award-winning podcast, “Humans of Travel,” features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry’s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the highs and lows that make them human.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Travel Weekly’s annual Power List is a massive undertaking to identify and rank the biggest sellers of travel. And when we say big, we mean big: The minimum for inclusion this year was agencies that sold at least $125 million in travel in 2024. But among the 70 travel agencies that made the cut, which ones grew the most? In this episode we look at Departure Lounge, which moved almost 10 places in the rankings, after joining just last year. Host Rebecca Tobin and retail editor Jamie Biesiada talk with owner Keith Waldon about Departure Lounge’s founding as a travel agency/wine bar/coffee shop and how his experiences at Virtuoso shaped Departure Lounge. We also talk about how to find independent contractors and treat them right; why some advisors are making so much money; and the 2024 landscape and the 2025 prognosis. Episode sponsor This episode is sponsored by Travel Insured International https://www.travelinsured.com Summer series This episode is part of our annual Summer Series, where we feature some of our favorite recent Folo by Travel Weekly discussions. This episode was recorded July 7 and has been edited for length and clarity. Related links Departure Lounge https://www.departurelounge.com The 2025 Power List https://www.travelweekly.com/power-list-2025 A 2017 column from Richard Turen that features Departure Lounge: "Rethinking the travel agency experience" https://www.travelweekly.com/Richard-Turen/Rethinking-travel-agency-experienceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Humans in the Hot Seat, a spinoff of the Humans of Travel, is currently running a 10-part mini-series on the 2025 TravelAge West Trendsetter Awards, which recognizes some of the most forward-thinking and impactful travel advisors in the U.S.  Each year, the Trendsetter Awards recognize outstanding travel advisors across five unique categories: Best Targeted Marketing Idea Best Group Booking Effort Upward Bound: Rockstar Advisor Under 40 Saving the Day Best Use of Social Media Listeners will hear directly from this year's finalists about what makes their work stand out, including the creativity, the dedication, and the stories behind their nomination. This episode features Katie Brown of Travelmation, nominated in the Best Use of Social Media category. This episode is sponsored by Travel Insured International. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Travelmation Katie Brown on Instagram Katie's first Humans in the Hot Seat episode ABOUT YOUR HOST Emma Weissmann is the Executive Editor of TravelAge West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She is also the co-host of Trade Secrets, a podcast created with sister publication Travel Weekly, and the Editor-in-Chief of print publication AGENTatHOME.TravelAge West also produces events including Future Leaders in Travel, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala ad the Napa Valley Leadership Forum. ABOUT THE SHOW TravelAge West’s award-winning podcast, “Humans of Travel,” features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry’s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the highs and lows that make them human.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. 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 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The last two episodes have covered news topics like economic uncertainty and the troubles at Newark, so this week we’re going in a different direction: Literary tourism. That is, tours and travel based on a favorite book or character. Think Bath for Jane Austen or Prince Edward Island for L.M. Montgomery. London, Paris and New York .... any place a book club can dream up, there's probably a literary tour (or could be one). In this episode we talk about why literary tourism is growing in popularity with tours editor Brinley Hineman and Active England’s head of commercial, Gaby Cecil. This episode is sponsored by Travel Insured International https://www.travelinsured.com Summer series: This episode is part of our annual Summer Series, where we feature some of our favorite recent Folo by Travel Weekly discussions. This episode was recorded and has been edited for length and clarity. Related links True story: Literary tourism grows in popularity https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Tour-Operators/A-new-chapter-in-literary-tourism Active England Tours https://activeenglandtours.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve Smotrys, managing director and senior vice president, commercial for the Americas at HX Expeditions, has decades of experience in the cruise industry — but his first taste of travel came in the form of roadtrips up the California coast. And his first time on a cruise ship? During his senior prom, onboard the Queen Mary in Long Beach, California. In this episode of Humans of Travel, Smotrys reflects on his career journey, his passion for expedition cruising and how a pandemic-era social media post led him to meet his now-wife, Emmy. He also speaks about the evolution of the 130-year-old HX Expeditions (formerly Hurtigruten Expeditions), how the company is redefining what it means to explore remote parts of the world and why travel advisors shouldn’t be afraid to sell expeditions — even to clients who don’t consider themselves “adventurous.” This episode is sponsored by Travel Insured International. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE HX Expeditions Smotrys on LinkedIn @emmyandstevestravelcravings on Instagram ABOUT YOUR HOST Emma Weissmann is the Executive Editor of TravelAge West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She is also the co-host of Trade Secrets, a podcast created with sister publication Travel Weekly, and the Editor-in-Chief of print publication AGENTatHOME.TravelAge West also produces events including Future Leaders in Travel, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala ad the Napa Valley Leadership Forum. ABOUT THE SHOW TravelAge West’s award-winning podcast, “Humans of Travel,” features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry’s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the highs and lows that make them human.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re returning to a subject that continues to evolve: Cruise lines’ private islands and destinations. Even after this episode was recorded, Carnival opened its long-awaited Celebration Key and Norwegian Cruise Line announced big plans for Great Stirrup Cay. Royal Caribbean Group has often been at the forefront of these discussions, with its Perfect Day projects, a planned destination in the South Pacific and a hotel in Chile for Antarctica guests. In this episode, Jay Schneider, the chief product innovation officer for Royal Caribbean International, host Rebecca Tobin and cruise editor Teri West talk about the inspiration for Royal’s thrill-and-chill vibes, competition and the evolution of land-and-sea vacations in the Caribbean. Episode sponsor This episode is sponsored by Travel Insured International https://www.travelinsured.com Summer series: This episode is part of our annual Summer Series, where we feature some of our favorite recent Folo by Travel Weekly discussions. This episode was recorded May 29 and has been edited for length and clarity. Related links Perfect Day Mexico: Royal Caribbean previews its next frontier of fun https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Royal-Caribbean-previews-Perfect-Day-Mexico The Grand Lucayan overhaul is an $827M bet on cruise tourism https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Grand-Lucayan-Resort-overhaul-analysis Royal Caribbean expects to open its South Pacific destination in early 2027 https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Royal-Caribbean-renderings-for-Lelepa Holland America Line reveals plans for an upgraded Half Moon Cay https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Royal-Caribbean-renderings-for-Lelepa MSC Cruises will develop a private island adjacent to Ocean Cay www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/MSC-Cruises-developing-luxury-island-near-Ocean-Cay Carnival Corp.'s private-destination plan: Update, build and promote https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Carnival-private-destination-plan NCLH starts construction of a pier on Great Stirrup Cay https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/NCLH-starts-construction-of-Great-Stirrup-Cay-pier The evolution of cruising's private islands https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/evolution-of-cruising-private-islandsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Humans in the Hot Seat, a spinoff of the Humans of Travel, is currently running a 10-part mini-series on the 2025 TravelAge West Trendsetter Awards, which recognizes some of the most forward-thinking and impactful travel advisors in the U.S.  Each year, the Trendsetter Awards recognize outstanding travel advisors across five unique categories: Best Targeted Marketing Idea Best Group Booking Effort Upward Bound: Rockstar Advisor Under 40 Saving the Day Best Use of Social Media Listeners will hear directly from this year's finalists about what makes their work stand out, including the creativity, the dedication, and the stories behind their nomination. This episode features Jackie Waechter of Blissful Vacations, nominated in the Saving the Day category. This episode is sponsored by Travel Insured International. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Blissful Vacations Email Jackie: jackie@blissfulhoneymoons.com ABOUT YOUR HOST Emma Weissmann is the Executive Editor of TravelAge West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She is also the co-host of Trade Secrets, a podcast created with sister publication Travel Weekly, and the Editor-in-Chief of print publication AGENTatHOME.TravelAge West also produces events including Future Leaders in Travel, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala ad the Napa Valley Leadership Forum. ABOUT THE SHOW TravelAge West’s award-winning podcast, “Humans of Travel,” features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry’s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the highs and lows that make them human.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Travel advisors are often encouraged to seek out the more stable, and more lucrative, luxury market. But one question you might not have asked yourself is: What if you can’t speak the language? There’s definitely a right way to communicate with luxury-market clientele, both obvious and subtle. On this episode host Rebecca Tobin and senior editor Jamie Beisiada talk with travel experts from Embark Beyond: CEO Jack Ezon and advisor Laura Worth, who have identified this challenge – and created a series of training modules to help advisors follow the Billionaire’s Calendar; converse beyond travel in art, fashion and yachts; how to read luxury-brand tea leaves; and ways advisors can “fake it till they make it.” Episode sponsor This episode is sponsored by Travel Insured International https://www.travelinsured.com Summer series: This episode is part of our annual Summer Series, where we feature some of our favorite recent Folo by Travel Weekly discussions. This episode was recorded March 7 and has been edited for length and clarity. Related links: Learning the language of luxury https://www.travelweekly.com/Luxury-Travel/Learning-the-language-of-luxury The surge in the six-figure vacation https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Travel-Agent-Issues/The-six-figure-vacation-surge Embark Beyond on Travel Weekly's Power List https://www.travelweekly.com/Power-List-2024/Embark-Beyond Laura Worth of of Art & Travel https://www.artandtravel.net/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of The Last Resort, host Christina Jelski talks with Marc Telio, owner of Vancouver-based Entree Destinations, about his recent visit to the Nimmo Bay Wilderness Resort in British Columbia’s Great Bear Rainforest. Telio talks about what makes this intimate nine-cabin property stand out among luxury wilderness lodges, from its signature helicopter salmon fishing experiences to its innovative floating docks with wood-burning saunas. He also discusses his process for managing soft adventure expectations, navigating the destination’s seasonality and crafting mountain-to-ocean itineraries that may start in Whistler and end with seaplane arrivals at Nimmo Bay. Currently in its third season, The Last Resort is a monthly hospitality-focused podcast brought to you by Travel Weekly. In each episode, travel advisors share their first impressions of the last resort they visited.The ninth episode of the third season will be posted on September 8. Further resources: Marc Telio Entree Destinations Nimmo Bay Wilderness Resort Luxury fit for royalty on British Columbia trip (Travel Weekly) Want to share feedback on the last resort you visited?Email us: TheLastResort@travelweekly.com Theme Song:Beachfront Celebration by Kevin MacLeodLicenseSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, I welcome two guests: Rebecca Tobin, Managing Editor for Travel Weekly and Jamie Biesiada, Senior Editor for Travel Weekly. Together, we first discuss the latest trending news in the travel industry, including Delta's response to AI pricing practices, dress codes on cruises and more. Later, Robin and Biesiada share insights into the 2025 Power List. Tune in to hear who came out on top, what the biggest takeaways are, and so much more. The origins of the list date back to 1992, and it's quite interesting to see where some of those top agencies are today. The discussion on the power list begins after the 16-minute mark. You can learn more about this year's biggest riser on the power list on Travel Weekly's Folo podcast here. Today's episode sponsor: Travel Insured International For over thirty years, TravelInsured.com has provided reliable travel protection from cruising the Caribbean to trekking the Camino. Our Worldwide Trip Protector plans help travelers avoid paying out of pocket for expenses related to unexpected medical emergencies, travel delays, missed connections, and even lost or stolen baggage. With optional add-on bundles that include a cancel-for-any-reason bundle, Travel Insured offers travel protection to help steer every adventure in the right direction. Have any feedback or questions? Want to sponsor the show? Contact us at Podcast@TravelPulse.com and follow us on social media @TravelPulse.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Humans in the Hot Seat, a spinoff of the Humans of Travel, is currently running a 10-part mini-series on the 2025 TravelAge West Trendsetter Awards, which recognizes some of the most forward-thinking and impactful travel advisors in the U.S.  Each year, the Trendsetter Awards recognize outstanding travel advisors across five unique categories: Best Targeted Marketing Idea Best Group Booking Effort Upward Bound: Rockstar Advisor Under 40 Saving the Day Best Use of Social Media Listeners will hear directly from this year's finalists about what makes their work stand out, including the creativity, the dedication, and the stories behind their nomination. This episode features Autumn Trussell-Murray of Abundant Travel - Dream Vacations, nominated in the Saving the Day category. This episode is sponsored by Travel Insured International. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Autumn on Instagram: @abundant.travel ABOUT YOUR HOST Emma Weissmann is the Executive Editor of TravelAge West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She is also the co-host of Trade Secrets, a podcast created with sister publication Travel Weekly, and the Editor-in-Chief of print publication AGENTatHOME.TravelAge West also produces events including Future Leaders in Travel, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala ad the Napa Valley Leadership Forum. ABOUT THE SHOW TravelAge West’s award-winning podcast, “Humans of Travel,” features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry’s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the highs and lows that make them human.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite what we’re hearing about close-to-home travel, Americans are still headed to Europe in large numbers and to tourism hot spots like Venice, Barcelona, Greece and Lisbon. Many of these places have also been the sites of protests over tourism – in Barcelona, for example, protesters were again using water guns to spray visitors in an attempt to make their concerns known. Travel advisor Miriam Martinez of Revigorate, who works with and advises American clients, joins tours editor Brinley Hineman and host Rebecca Tobin to talk about whether travelers are concerned about overtourism protests and anti-tourism sentiment; how advisors and tour companies are packaging and selling lesser-visited destinations to travelers; and possible solutions to overcrowded cities. Episode sponsor This episode is sponsored by Travel Insured International https://www.travelinsured.com Summer series: This episode is part of our annual Summer Series, where we feature some of our favorite recent Folo by Travel Weekly discussions. This episode was recorded June 30 and has been edited for length and clarity. Related links In Europe, tour operators and advisors plan around overtourism https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Tour-Operators/Tour-operators-and-advisors-plan-around-overtourism Protesters spray tourists with water guns in Spain https://www.travelweekly.com/Europe-Travel/Protestors-spray-tourists-with-water-guns-in-Spain Cruise industry navigates a new wave of port taxes https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Cruise-industry-navigates-new-wave-port-taxes Previous Folo episodes Is the term 'overtourism' being overused? https://www.travelweekly.com/Podcasts/Folo/overtourism-overusedSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever visited a destination during the "low season?"It's often the most magical time to visit that place.And in this episode of the Travel Coach Network podcast, Sahara Interviews Ged Brown - the founder of Low Season Traveller. He's built an entire business, brand, and podcast around the idea of visiting places during the off-season.Ged Brown founded Low Season Traveller in 2018 as the world's first organisation completely dedicated to the promotion of travel during the off-peak seasons in each destination as a way to alleviate the growing issues of ‘over-tourism'.A passionate advocate of the advantages of tourism, Ged has spent his entire career of over 30 years working at senior director level with leading travel and tourism organisations such as Thomas Cook, MyTravel, Kuoni, Routes, ForwardKeys, Travel Weekly and AviaDev. He is dedicated to ensuring that there is a sustainable tourism offering for future generations which protects and nurtures destinations, their people and their cultures. As such, he is frequently called upon to present keynote speeches at several travel industry events throughout the year and regularly writes articles and publications on the industry.In addition to his role at Low Season Traveller, Ged is the Founder and CEO of the Tourism Seasonality Summits which are a series of events which bring together leaders from the travel and tourism sector to formulate strategies relating the the challenges and opportunities which seasonality brings. In 2025 the World Tourism Seasonality Summit and European Tourism Seasonality Summit are in partnership with Routes (Informa).  Ged is also proud to hold  an active role on the management board of The World Tourism Association of Culture & Heritage since 2018.CONNECT WITH GEDhttps://lowseasontraveller.com/https://lowseasontraveller.com/seasonality-summits/https://wtach.org/Interested in learning more about the Travel Coach Collective Hub?It's our new exclusive, year-long program designed to help you take action on what you've learned throughout the Travel Coach Certification Program.Click here to learn more and register:⁠⁠⁠https://thetravelcoachnetwork.mykajabi.com/collective-hub⁠⁠⁠Free Beginner's Guide to Travel Coaching:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thetravelcoachnetwork.mykajabi.com/main-email-series-and-workbook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠We'd love to see you in our free Facebook Group:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/928430197344106⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Have questions about the Travel Coach Certification Program? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Send Sahara a DM on Instagram over at @travelcoachnetwork.

Humans in the Hot Seat, a spinoff of the Humans of Travel, is currently running a 10-part mini-series on the 2025 TravelAge West Trendsetter Awards, which recognizes some of the most forward-thinking and impactful travel advisors in the U.S.  Each year, the Trendsetter Awards recognize outstanding travel advisors across five unique categories: Best Targeted Marketing Idea Best Group Booking Effort Upward Bound: Rockstar Advisor Under 40 Saving the Day Best Use of Social Media Listeners will hear directly from this year's finalists about what makes their work stand out, including the creativity, the dedication, and the stories behind their nomination. This episode features Jamie Rumpf of Love of the Magic Vacations, nominated in the Best Use of Social Media category. This episode is sponsored by Lindblad Expeditions - National Geographic. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Jamie Rumpf of Love of the Magic Vacations Email Jamie: jamie@lotmv.com Jamie on Instagram ABOUT YOUR HOST Emma Weissmann is the Executive Editor of TravelAge West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She is also the co-host of Trade Secrets, a podcast created with sister publication Travel Weekly, and the Editor-in-Chief of print publication AGENTatHOME.TravelAge West also produces events including Future Leaders in Travel, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala ad the Napa Valley Leadership Forum. ABOUT THE SHOW TravelAge West’s award-winning podcast, “Humans of Travel,” features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry’s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the highs and lows that make them human.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The opening of Universal Orlando Resort's Epic Universe park earlier this year has created new opportunities for theme-park lovers for the first time in nearly 25 years. What's so special about the new Epic theme park? In this episode, retail editor Jamie Biesiada walks host Rebecca Tobin through innovations in ride technology, the queues and other Epic details - favorite or most surprising rides? -- and we talk about theme park performance in 2025 overall so far. And we discuss a few new tidbits from Walt Disney World's Cool Kid summer promotion and disclose details of a new nighttime parade. Summer series: This episode is part of our annual Summer Series, where we feature some of our favorite recent Folo by Travel Weekly discussions. This episode was recorded May 30 and has been edited for length and clarity. Episode sponsor: This episode is sponsored by National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions https://www.expeditions.com/ Related links: Jamie Biesiada's Cover Story: An Epic opening for Universal Orlando Resort https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/Epic-Universe-opening-analysis-Universal-Orlando Exploring the enchanting details at Epic Universe https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/Enchanting-details-Epic-Universe Waiting in line at Epic Universe: Which has the best queue https://www.travelweekly.com/Blogs/Dispatch/Best-queue-experience-Epic-Universe It's an Epic era for Universal Orlando, and Celestial Park sets the tone https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/Epic-Universe-new-era-Universal-Orlando-Resort Walt Disney World's summer promo leads to a magic resort stay https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/The-magic-of-a-resort-day-at-Disney-World Dispatch, Orlando: Discovering Disney's 'Cool Kid Summer' https://www.travelweekly.com/Blogs/Dispatch/Discovering-Disney-Cool-Kid-Summer New Disney 'Starlight parade' opens at Magic Kingdom https://www.travelweekly.com/North-America-Travel/Disney-Starlight-nighttime-parade-debuts-at-Walt-Disney-World-Resort A Disneyland park is coming to Abu Dhabi https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/Disneyland-park-coming-to-Abu-Dhabi See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Host agencies are hiring, but can't find qualified travel advisors. In this eye-opening episode, Kelli and Cyndi dive into the Travel Weekly article that sparked a deeper conversation about burnout, barriers to entry, and the disconnect between advisor expectations and host agency realities.We're sharing:Why over 60% of agencies report hiring strugglesHow undertrained ICs are slowing growth and causing burnoutThe difference between hobbyists and business ownersReal stats from our vetted host partners about graduate successHow boutique agencies can protect their growth (and their sanity)Why now is the time to invest in real training and certificationThis episode is a must-listen for travel advisors, host agency leaders, and anyone passionate about the future of the travel industry.

What if AI, automation, and thoughtful design could smooth out managed travel while still keeping it human?In this episode of dojo.live, we sit down with Sam Hilgendorf, Chief Information Officer at Fox World Travel, as part of our exclusive GBTA 2025 series. From automation to AI assistants, Sam unpacks how Fox is tackling some of managed travel's stickiest pain points, like unused ticket redemption and group air coordination, with tools built for both scale and empathy.We dive into the vision behind Colby, Fox's proprietary AI travel assistant, and explore how it's helping to streamline traveler experiences in real time while giving travel managers more visibility and control. Sam also shares key insights from the “From Friction to Flow” panel, reflecting on how AI and NDC can work together to bring clarity and speed to traditionally clunky workflows.This conversation offers a grounded perspective on where tech innovation meets real traveler needs and how organizations like Fox are designing with both in mind.About Sam HilgendorfSam Hilgendorf has served as Chief Information Officer at Fox World Travel since 2018, where he leads the company's technology strategy across IT, business intelligence, product development, and project management. Under his leadership, Fox has introduced innovative tools such as a cloud-based collaboration suite, a modern customer contact center, and an enterprise data management platform, all aimed at enhancing performance and customer experience.Sam's efforts have earned Fox multiple Magellan Awards from Travel Weekly and recognition as a Distinguished Partner for SAP Concur, thanks to their custom integration work with the Concur Travel platform. He is also an active contributor to industry conversations around emerging tech, including AI, blockchain, and automation, and was recently named Wisconsin's CIO of the Year.A firm believer in the power of technology to unlock human potential, Sam is passionate about building high-performing teams and delivering meaningful innovation. Outside of work, he enjoys life with his wife and daughter, and proudly embraces all things nerdy—from tabletop gaming to comic books to Renaissance fairs.

Anne Marie Brown was born into one of Hawaii’s most iconic hospitality families — the Kelleys of Outrigger Hotels — and got her start in the industry with hands-on internships in nearly every department, from housekeeping and front desk to maintenance and the bell desk. Today, her path has taken her far beyond the Hawaiian Islands and the hotel world. Brown is now the co-founder of Alpenglow Travel, a luxury travel agency specializing in FIT, small group travel, events and corporate B2B planning. In this episode of Humans of Travel, Brown reflects on her family’s legacy and the lasting impact Outrigger Hotels & Resorts has had on Hawaii’s tourism landscape. She also shares valuable lessons from her background in hospitality, the story behind launching Alpenglow Travel and how her passion for poetry — including her viral piece, "Pretty," written for her daughter — continues to shape the way she sees the world. This episode is sponsored by Lindblad Expeditions - National Geographic. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Outrigger Hotels & Resorts Alpenglow Travel Contact:  info@alpenglowtravel.com The viral poem "Pretty" ABOUT YOUR HOST Emma Weissmann is the Executive Editor of TravelAge West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She is also the co-host of Trade Secrets, a podcast created with sister publication Travel Weekly, and the Editor-in-Chief of print publication AGENTatHOME.TravelAge West also produces events including Future Leaders in Travel, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala ad the Napa Valley Leadership Forum. ABOUT THE SHOW TravelAge West’s award-winning podcast, “Humans of Travel,” features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry’s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the highs and lows that make them human.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Travel Weekly’s annual Power List is a massive undertaking to identify and rank the biggest sellers of travel. And when we say big, we mean big: The minimum for inclusion this year was agencies that sold at least $125 million in travel in 2024. But among the 70 travel agencies that made the cut, which ones grew the most? In this episode we look at Departure Lounge, which moved almost 10 places in the rankings, after joining just last year. Host Rebecca Tobin and retail editor Jamie Biesiada talk with owner Keith Waldon about Departure Lounge’s founding as a travel agency/wine bar/coffee shop and how his experiences at Virtuoso shaped Departure Lounge. We also talk about how to find independent contractors and treat them right; why some advisors are making so much money; and the 2024 landscape and the 2025 prognosis. This episode was recorded July 7 and has been edited for length and clarity. Episode sponsor: This episode is sponsored by National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions https://www.expeditions.com/ Related links: Departure Lounge https://www.departurelounge.com The 2025 Power List https://www.travelweekly.com/power-list-2025 A 2017 column from Richard Turen that features Departure Lounge: "Rethinking the travel agency experience" https://www.travelweekly.com/Richard-Turen/Rethinking-travel-agency-experience See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of The Last Resort, host Christina Jelski talks with Philippa (Pip) Clarke, head of Caribbean for U.K.-based Hummingbird Travel, about her recent visit to Curtain Bluff in Antigua. Clarke reveals why this Antiguan resort’s approach to all-inclusive luxury—complete with multiple sommeliers, rotating a la carte menus and pickleball—keeps families and couples returning year after year. She also discusses topics like dinnertime dress codes and how Curtain Bluff successfully maintains these types of traditional elements, while continuing to evolve with changing guest expectations. Additionally, Clarke shares her process for matching clients to the right Caribbean property, especially when working with those “vague inquiries” that simply ask for “all-inclusive in the Caribbean.”Currently in its third season, The Last Resort is a monthly hospitality-focused podcast brought to you by Travel Weekly. In each episode, travel advisors share their first impressions of the last resort they visited.The eighth episode of the third season will be posted on August 11. Further resources: Philippa (Pip) Clarke Hummingbird Travel Curtain Bluff Renovations planned for Antigua's Curtain Bluff resort (Travel Weekly) Want to share feedback on the last resort you visited?Email us: TheLastResort@travelweekly.com Theme Song:Beachfront Celebration by Kevin MacLeodLicensehttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Humans in the Hot Seat, a spinoff of the Humans of Travel, is currently running a 10-part mini-series on the 2025 TravelAge West Trendsetter Awards, which recognizes some of the most forward-thinking and impactful travel advisors in the U.S.  Each year, the Trendsetter Awards recognize outstanding travel advisors across five unique categories: Best Targeted Marketing Idea Best Group Booking Effort Upward Bound: Rockstar Advisor Under 40 Saving the Day Best Use of Social Media Listeners will hear directly from this year's finalists about what makes their work stand out, including the creativity, the dedication, and the stories behind their nomination. This episode features Lisa McCarl of McCarl Travel, nominated in the Best Group Booking Effort category. This episode is sponsored by Lindblad Expeditions - National Geographic. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Lisa McCarl of McCarl Travel Email Lisa: lisa.mccarl@gmail.com Lisa on Facebook and LinkedInLisa's partnership with the National Health Association ABOUT YOUR HOST Emma Weissmann is the Executive Editor of TravelAge West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She is also the co-host of Trade Secrets, a podcast created with sister publication Travel Weekly, and the Editor-in-Chief of print publication AGENTatHOME.TravelAge West also produces events including Future Leaders in Travel, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala ad the Napa Valley Leadership Forum. ABOUT THE SHOW TravelAge West’s award-winning podcast, “Humans of Travel,” features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry’s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the highs and lows that make them human.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Humans in the Hot Seat, a spinoff of the Humans of Travel, is currently running a 10-part mini-series on the 2025 TravelAge West Trendsetter Awards, which recognizes some of the most forward-thinking and impactful travel advisors in the U.S.  Each year, the Trendsetter Awards recognize outstanding travel advisors across five unique categories: Best Targeted Marketing Idea Best Group Booking Effort Upward Bound: Rockstar Advisor Under 40 Saving the Day Best Use of Social Media Listeners will hear directly from this year's finalists about what makes their work stand out, including the creativity, the dedication, and the stories behind their nomination. This episode features Sam Johnson of Prescription Travel, nominated in the Upward Bound, Rockstar Advisor Under 40 category. This episode is sponsored by Lindblad Expeditions - National Geographic. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Sam Johnson of Prescription Travel Sam's previous Humans in the Hot Seat Episode Call Sam:  (406) 570-9612 ABOUT YOUR HOST Emma Weissmann is the Executive Editor of TravelAge West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She is also the co-host of Trade Secrets, a podcast created with sister publication Travel Weekly, and the Editor-in-Chief of print publication AGENTatHOME.TravelAge West also produces events including Future Leaders in Travel, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala ad the Napa Valley Leadership Forum. ABOUT THE SHOW TravelAge West’s award-winning podcast, “Humans of Travel,” features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry’s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the highs and lows that make them human.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Humans of Travel, Ken Shapiro, group vice president and editorial director for Northstar Travel Group (the parent company of TravelAge West), speaks with Stephanie Brooks, vice president of product and operations for the Globus family of brands. Brooks’ passion for travel stems from seeing the power of shared experiences and personal connections, and she shares her own journey from aspiring teacher to tourism executive, shaped by summers spent working at a remote fishing lodge in Canada and an early role at the Banff Visitor Center. She also reflects on her two decades with Globus, including roles in product development, operations and supplier contracting. Listeners will also hear Brooks’ insights into the misconceptions around escorted touring, as she highlights its modern-day flexibility, comfort and value. She also shares memorable travel experiences in Kenya, Vietnam and Newfoundland, and talks about an exciting new Globus offering in South Africa. This episode is sponsored by The Globus Family of Brands. IN THIS EPISODE 00:53 Meet Stephanie Brooks 01:35 Stephanie's Early Career and Influences 01:53 Transition to the Globus Family of Brands 08:59 Insights into Product Development and Operations 14:19 Challenges and Rewards in the Travel Industry 17:26 The Value of Escorted Touring 17:44 Stephanie's Favorite Destinations 25:57 Future Travel Plans and Final Thoughts RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Globus family of brands and www.globusjourneys.com ABOUT YOUR HOST Emma Weissmann is the Executive Editor of TravelAge West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She is also the co-host of Trade Secrets, a podcast created with sister publication Travel Weekly, and the Editor-in-Chief of print publication AGENTatHOME.TravelAge West also produces events including Future Leaders in Travel, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala ad the Napa Valley Leadership Forum. ABOUT THE SHOW TravelAge West’s award-winning podcast, “Humans of Travel,” features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry’s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the highs and lows that make them human.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s been an eventful year for Los Angeles tourism, but as we’re nearing the six-month mark from the devastating fires that tore through Pacific Palisades and Altadena, we wanted to look back at the hotels that were impacted or evacuated during the disaster – specifically in this episode one of a small group of luxury properties in Malibu: The 47-room Malibu Beach Inn. This area has been also challenged by the subsequent closure of the Pacific Coast Highway that links it to western Los Angeles, so on this episode we’re talking with managing director Geoffrey Day and Travel Weekly’s hotels editor Christina Jelski about business, the delicate business of keeping workers on the job and happy during demand peaks and valleys, housing first responders and what it takes to evacuate and then restore a luxury hotel. This episode was recorded Thursday June 26 and has been edited for length and clarity. Episode sponsor: This episode is sponsored by the Globus Family of Brands https://www.globusandcosmos.com Related links: The Malibu Beach Inn https://www.malibubeachinn.com From Los Angeles, a plea for visitors: https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/Los-Angeles-hotels-plea-for-visitors See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Humans in the Hot Seat, a spinoff of the Humans of Travel, is currently running a 10-part mini-series on the 2025 TravelAge West Trendsetter Awards, which recognizes some of the most forward-thinking and impactful travel advisors in the U.S.  Each year, the Trendsetter Awards recognize outstanding travel advisors across five unique categories: Best Targeted Marketing Idea Best Group Booking Effort Upward Bound: Rockstar Advisor Under 40 Saving the Day Best Use of Social Media Listeners will hear directly from this year's finalists about what makes their work stand out, including the creativity, the dedication, and the stories behind their nomination. This episode features Jennifer Buck of Love Travel Collection, nominated in the Best Targeted Marketing Category. This episode is sponsored by The Globus Family of Brands. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Jennifer Buck, Love Travel Collection Love Travel Collection ABOUT YOUR HOST Emma Weissmann is the Executive Editor of TravelAge West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She is also the co-host of Trade Secrets, a podcast created with sister publication Travel Weekly, and the Editor-in-Chief of print publication AGENTatHOME.TravelAge West also produces events including Future Leaders in Travel, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala ad the Napa Valley Leadership Forum. ABOUT THE SHOW TravelAge West’s award-winning podcast, “Humans of Travel,” features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry’s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the highs and lows that make them human.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Part 2 of our conversation with Matthew Upchurch, the chairman and CEO of Virtuoso discusses the transformative challenges that have shaped today’s travel advisor profession. Listeners will gain insight into how the industry navigated the rise of online travel agencies, the strategic decision behind Virtuoso’s rebranding and the far-reaching influence of mobile technology and social media. Upchurch also speaks about his mission to elevate the role of travel advisors, his evolving definition of luxury and why cross-generational collaboration is vital to the future of the industry. Listen to Part 1 here. This episode is sponsored by The Globus Family of Brands. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Virtuoso ABOUT YOUR HOST Emma Weissmann is the Executive Editor of TravelAge West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She is also the co-host of Trade Secrets, a podcast created with sister publication Travel Weekly, and the Editor-in-Chief of print publication AGENTatHOME.TravelAge West also produces events including Future Leaders in Travel, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala ad the Napa Valley Leadership Forum. ABOUT THE SHOW TravelAge West’s award-winning podcast, “Humans of Travel,” features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry’s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the highs and lows that make them human.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today is all about travel brands making an entry into Europe river cruising. We’ve been surprised this year by the number of established names moving in to the Rhine, Danube and beyond: Celebrity, Trafalgar and National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions among them. With Lisa Fitzgerald, a river-cruise expert advisor and founder of Fitzgerald Travel, and river cruise editor Brinley Hineman, we’re exploring why each of these brands is approaching river, and how they’re doing it in different ways. We’ll also look at the popularity of emerging destinations around the world, and numbers from Viking, the biggest river cruise line. We also talk about Brinley’s trip on Riverside Luxury Cruises – this episode was recorded in mid-May, so that trip has already concluded, and we've included some of her reporting in the show notes. This episode was edited for length and clarity. Episode sponsor This episode is sponsored by the Globus Family of Brands. https://www.globusandcosmos.com At the end of this episode, stay on for a special, bonus discussion about the latest from the Globus Family of Brands between Camille Olivere, Globus' chief sales officer, and Mary Pat Sullivan, the executive vice president of marketing partnerships for Northstar Travel Group, Travel Weekly's parent company. Related reports Trafalgar's river cruise debut is seen as just a first step https://www.travelweekly.com/River-Cruising/Trafalgar-river-cruise-debut-seen-as-just-a-first-step?ct=river Lindblad, Trafalgar, Waldorf: More companies are attracted to river cruising https://www.travelweekly.com/River-Cruising/Insights/river-cruise-attracts-more-travel-companies River cruise lines are excited that Celebrity is wading into the business -- why? https://www.travelweekly.com/River-Cruising/Insights/River-lines-react-to-Celebrity-Cruises-entry No slowing down for river cruising: 2026 looks better than 2025 https://www.travelweekly.com/River-Cruising/River-cruise-bookings-surging-for-2026?ct=river Dispatch, Riverside Debussy: An indulgent, fine-dining experience https://www.travelweekly.com/Blogs/Dispatch/Fine-dining-in-the-Vintage-Room-on-Riverside-Debussy?ct=river Fitzgerald Travel https://fitzgeraldtravel.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As a second-generation travel industry leader, Matthew Upchurch — chairman and CEO of luxury travel network Virtuoso — offers a unique perspective on how the world of luxury travel has evolved over the past four decades. In this episode of Humans of Travel, the first of a two-part conversation, Upchurch shares personal stories from his upbringing, the pioneering legacy of his father and the surprising origins of Virtuoso. You'll hear how the concept of a travel advisor collective emerged out of necessity in the post-World War II era, and how early collaborations set the foundation for what Virtuoso is today. Upchurch also reflects on how his perception of travel advisors has evolved throughout his career. This episode is sponsored by The Globus Family of Brands. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Virtuoso ABOUT YOUR HOST Emma Weissmann is the Executive Editor of TravelAge West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She is also the co-host of Trade Secrets, a podcast created with sister publication Travel Weekly, and the Editor-in-Chief of print publication AGENTatHOME.TravelAge West also produces events including Future Leaders in Travel, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala ad the Napa Valley Leadership Forum. ABOUT THE SHOW TravelAge West’s award-winning podcast, “Humans of Travel,” features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry’s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the highs and lows that make them human.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of The Last Resort, host Christina Jelski talks with Michelle McSorley, a concierge travel advisor with Favorite Grampy Travels, and Jamie Biesiada, a Travel Weekly senior editor and host of the Trade Secrets podcast, about their recent visits to the Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel at Universal Studios Resort. McSorley and Biesiada share why the luxury property’s direct access to Universal Epic Universe is a gamechanger, as well as offer details on the hotel’s park views, dining options and themed How To Train Your Dragon Kids’ Suites. The pair also touch on how Universal Studios’ latest hotel and park expansions may change guest patterns, potentially extending Universal stays from quick add-ons to full-week experiences. Currently in its third season, The Last Resort is a monthly hospitality-focused podcast brought to you by Travel Weekly. In each episode, travel advisors share their first impressions of the last resort they visited. The seventh episode of the third season will be posted on July 14. Further resources: Michelle McSorley Favorite Grampy Travels Facebook Nova Luxury Travels Jamie Biesiada Travel Weekly Trade Secrets Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel at Universal Studios Resort Epic Universe: A new era for Universal Orlando Resort (Travel Weekly) Want to share feedback on the last resort you visited?Email us: TheLastResort@travelweekly.com Theme Song:Beachfront Celebration by Kevin MacLeodLicensehttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to Humans in the Hot Seat, a spinoff series of Humans of Travel. Today’s episode features Eli Wagner, founder of Wagner Bespoke Travel.  Wagner entered the industry about three years ago, and she has seen tremendous growth since, being named Virtuoso's Rising Star last year and surpassing $1 million in sales. She's also in the process of opening up a physical office in Santa Monica, California. In this episode, Wagner details what led her to make the decision to open a physical space when so many travel advisors are moving home, and shares the benefits of working in an office with employees -- along with the financial risks involved. This episode is sponsored by The Globus Family of Brands. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Wagner Bespoke Travel Wagner Bespoke Travel's Instagram ABOUT YOUR HOST Emma Weissmann is the Executive Editor of TravelAge West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She is also the co-host of Trade Secrets, a podcast created with sister publication Travel Weekly, and the Editor-in-Chief of print publication AGENTatHOME.TravelAge West also produces events including Future Leaders in Travel, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala ad the Napa Valley Leadership Forum. ABOUT THE SHOW TravelAge West’s award-winning podcast, “Humans of Travel,” features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry’s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the highs and lows that make them human.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Paul Brady didn’t always want to be a journalist. But when he participated in a language-immersion program in Italy between high school and college, he fell in love with travel. Now, he’s the current news director and cruise expert for consumer publication Travel + Leisure. In this episode of Humans of Travel, we’ll hear about what it’s like to work for one of the most well-known U.S.-based travel magazines today — what makes a compelling story, what a typical day looks like and what it really means when you’re tasked with creating content that needs to appeal to a wide range of travelers. This episode is sponsored by The Globus Family of Brands. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Travel + LeisureHow to Pitch Travel + Leisure (staff contact information)Paul Brady’s Instagram ABOUT YOUR HOST Emma Weissmann is the Executive Editor of TravelAge West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She is also the co-host of Trade Secrets, a podcast created with sister publication Travel Weekly, and the Editor-in-Chief of print publication AGENTatHOME.TravelAge West also produces events including Future Leaders in Travel, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala ad the Napa Valley Leadership Forum. ABOUT THE SHOW TravelAge West’s award-winning podcast, “Humans of Travel,” features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry’s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the highs and lows that make them human.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 126 of Victory Vision is an interview with the Morrison Family on life as an evangelist in music ministry.

Welcome to Humans in the Hot Seat, a spinoff series of Humans of Travel. Today’s episode features Susie Flores of Countdown Travels, aka Cruisin' Susie (@cruise_yes_please).  Flores began posting cruise videos to TikTok, and quickly gained traction on the social media platform. Now, she boasts nearly 100,000 followers (along with more than 8,000 on her Instagram) and runs her multimillion-dollar business largely through leads she gets through TikTok. In this episode, Flores talks about her overall social media strategy (including how to be authentic online) and gives travel advisors tips on how to make social media part of their business model. This episode is sponsored by The Globus Family of Brands. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Susie on Instagram and TikTok Countdown Travels Contact: info@countdowntravels.com ABOUT YOUR HOST Emma Weissmann is the Executive Editor of TravelAge West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She is also the co-host of Trade Secrets, a podcast created with sister publication Travel Weekly, and the Editor-in-Chief of print publication AGENTatHOME.TravelAge West also produces events including Future Leaders in Travel, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala ad the Napa Valley Leadership Forum. ABOUT THE SHOW TravelAge West’s award-winning podcast, “Humans of Travel,” features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry’s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the highs and lows that make them human.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to Humans in the Hot Seat, a spinoff series of Humans of Travel. Today’s episode features John Sutherland,  senior director of community impact at Tourism Cares.  Tourism Cares, a nonprofit organization within the travel industry, is dedicated to advancing positive social, environmental and economic impact to help the world's people and places thrive. The organization offers a professional membership for travel agents ($99 per year), along with free tools like the Meaningful Travel Map. They also offer events, education and consulting. In this episode, Sutherland talks about what it really means to sell "meaningful travel" (and why it's important now, more than ever), and how advisors can engage with Tourism Cares. Register for Tourism Cares' "How Travel Advisors Are Embracing Sustainable and Impactful Travel," taking place at 12 p.m. Eastern on May 19, 2025. This episode is sponsored by The Globus Family of Brands. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Tourism Cares Learning Opportunities for Travel Advisors Meaningful Travel Map Meaningful Travel Training Meaningful Travel Client Checklist Tourism Cares' Programs and Events Tourism Cares Sustainable Help Desk Appointments How Travel Advisors Are Embracing Sustainable and Impactful Travel webinar (on May 19, 2025) ABOUT YOUR HOST Emma Weissmann is the Executive Editor of TravelAge West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She is also the co-host of Trade Secrets, a podcast created with sister publication Travel Weekly, and the Editor-in-Chief of print publication AGENTatHOME.TravelAge West also produces events including Future Leaders in Travel, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala ad the Napa Valley Leadership Forum. ABOUT THE SHOW TravelAge West’s award-winning podcast, “Humans of Travel,” features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry’s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the highs and lows that make them human.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of The Last Resort, host Christina Jelski talks with Amy Nidds, a travel consultant with VWT by Chase Travel, about her recent visit to the Hotel Balzac in Paris.Nidds reveals why this intimate 58-room hotel with Eiffel Tower views delivers an experience that feels like “your own apartment in Paris,” complete with a concierge team willing to go the extra mile to secure “impossible” restaurant reservations. She confirms that luxury European travel demand remains “crazy,” with clients not only booking Paris but often pairing the city with stays in Provence or Normandy. Nidds also shares her must-do recommendations, including the 30-seat Hemingway Bar and where to find the best chocolate mousse in Paris.Currently in its third season, The Last Resort is a monthly hospitality-focused podcast brought to you by Travel Weekly. In each episode, travel advisors share their first impressions of the last resort they visited.The sixth episode of the third season will be posted on June 9th.Further resources: Amy Nidds White Glove Getaways Instagram Hotel Balzac ParisWant to share feedback on the last resort you visited?Email us: TheLastResort@travelweekly.com Theme Song:Beachfront Celebration by Kevin MacLeodLicensehttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to Humans in the Hot Seat, a spinoff series of Humans of Travel. Today’s episode features Asia Lantz, owner of Travel With Asia. Lantz recently moved to the Phoenix, Arizona area and has an especially unique way of marketing her business. Rather than focusing on garnering leads online, she has built a network of clients within her new community by meeting them during her free time, whether it's in a workout class, by hosting trivia at a local brewery or through tasting wine. Listeners will hear how Lantz has incorporated her community into local travel events, how she's taken these events and turned them into group bookings and more. This episode is sponsored by The Globus Family of Brands. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Travel With Asia Asia's private Facebook Group ABOUT YOUR HOST Emma Weissmann is the Executive Editor of TravelAge West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She is also the co-host of Trade Secrets, a podcast created with sister publication Travel Weekly, and the Editor-in-Chief of print publication AGENTatHOME.TravelAge West also produces events including Future Leaders in Travel, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala ad the Napa Valley Leadership Forum. ABOUT THE SHOW TravelAge West’s award-winning podcast, “Humans of Travel,” features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry’s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the highs and lows that make them human.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to Humans in the Hot Seat, a spinoff series of Humans of Travel. Today’s episode features Roman Chiporukha, the founder of SpaceVIP, a travel agency for space tourism. Chiporukha founded SpaceVIP after he sold a $50 million ticket for a passenger to fly onboard Axiom’s Ax-1 mission — the first all-private space mission to the International Space Station. Roman is an advocate for “universal space literacy” and making space exploration more accessible to the private sector. This episode is sponsored by The Travel Corporation. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE SpaceVIP ABOUT YOUR HOST Emma Weissmann is the Executive Editor of TravelAge West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She is also the co-host of Trade Secrets, a podcast created with sister publication Travel Weekly, and the Editor-in-Chief of print publication AGENTatHOME.TravelAge West also produces events including Future Leaders in Travel, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala and the Napa Valley Leadership Forum. ABOUT THE SHOW TravelAge West’s award-winning podcast, “Humans of Travel,” features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry’s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the highs and lows that make them human.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As you’ll hear in this discussion, it’s Earth Month, and we couldn’t not have an episode about sustainability efforts within travel. Here, host Rebecca Tobin speaks with Paula Vlammings, the chief impact officer of nonprofit Tourism Cares, and Travel Weekly hospitality editor Christina Jekski about some of the hot topics of 2025. Topics we cover: Solutions to overtourism; why travelers don’t want to pay more for green travel initiatives; and whether recent shifts in U.S. policy will have an impact on sustainability efforts. This episode was recorded April 24 and was edited for length and clarity. Episode sponsor: This episode is sponsored by The TTC Tour Brands https://agents.ttc.com/login Related links: Sustainability-minded hotels are staying the course https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/Sustainability-minded-hotels-staying-the-course Arnie Weissmann’s From the Window Seat column: CLIA: “Regulate us. please!” https://www.travelweekly.com/Arnie-Weissmann/CLIA-Regulate-us-Please From 2024: A focus on overtourism overlooks destinations’ problems: https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Tour-Operators/Overtourism-focus-misses-destination-problems From 2024: Overtourism solutions: putting residents first https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Travel-Agent-Issues/Tourism-related-issues-need-right-approach-experts-say Tourism Cares: https://www.tourismcares.org/ Note: This episode is ahead of the news: A column by Christina Jelski on Trina White and the Parkside Hotel & Spa will be published later this week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Tom Marchant co-founded the tour operator Black Tomato with two friends, the term “experiential travel” wasn’t even part of the travel zeitgeist. Now, 20 years later, Marchant and the Black Tomato team remain committed to crafting bespoke, deeply personalized itineraries that feed their clients’ adventurous spirit and insatiable curiosity. In this episode of Humans of Travel, Marchant shares what makes a Black Tomato trip so unique (including the origin story behind the company’s name), how the brand is staying ahead of the tech curve with innovations like its new AI-powered “Feelings Engine” — which suggests travel experiences based on how a user feels — and the impact his entrepreneur father had on his journey. He also reveals the hottest destinations on the horizon for intrepid travelers. This episode is sponsored by The Travel Corporation. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Black Tomato The Feelings Engine ABOUT YOUR HOST Emma Weissmann is the Executive Editor of TravelAge West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She is also the co-host of Trade Secrets, a podcast created with sister publication Travel Weekly. She's also the Editor-in-Chief of print publication AGENTatHOME.TravelAge West also produces events including Future Leaders in Travel, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala and the Napa Valley Leadership Forum. ABOUT THE SHOW TravelAge West’s award-winning podcast, “Humans of Travel,” features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry’s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the highs and lows that make them human.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to Humans in the Hot Seat, a spinoff series of Humans of Travel. Travel advisor Kristie Keller of Addicted to Adventures entered the travel industry two years ago. Then, a chance encounter with Amadeus River Cruises' Executive Vice President, Marcus Leskovar, at ASTA's River Cruise Expo soon propelled her to success; since that meeting, she's booked seven groups (with 40-50 people, each) and has skyrocketed to become the No. 1 seller in her host agency, OTN. On this episode, she explains how meeting Leskovar helped pave the way for her sales success, and gives advice to advisors looking to follow in her footsteps. This episode is sponsored by The Travel Corporation. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Get in touch with Kristie on Facebook Amadeus River Cruises OTN (Formerly Oasis Travel Network) ABOUT YOUR HOST Emma Weissmann is the Executive Editor of TravelAge West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She is also the co-host of Trade Secrets, a podcast created with sister publication Travel Weekly. TravelAge West also produces events including Future Leaders in Travel, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala and the Napa Valley Leadership Forum. ABOUT THE SHOW TravelAge West’s award-winning podcast, “Humans of Travel,” features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry’s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the highs and lows that make them human.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After the new Department of Government Efficiency began making cuts to the federal workforce, Travel Weekly began looking at the effect of those cuts on travel advisors, particularly those who are Washington-based and may have clients who are employed by the government. And we decided to go further with a reader survey about the effects of government cutbcks on travel. Retail editor Jamie Biesiada and host Rebecca Tobin talk about the results of that survey today, which included overall concerns our survey respondents had about travel, and whether their clients are feeling anxious about traveling abroad. This episode was recorded Friday April 4 and has been edited for length and clarity. Episode sponsor: This episode is sponsored by The TTC Tour Brands https://agents.ttc.com/login Related links: Travel advisors voice their concerns about federal job cuts and the economy https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Travel-Agent-Issues/Travel-agents-voice-concerns-federal-job-cuts After tariff turmoil, there’s concern that Trump’s policies will hurt travel https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Government/Tariff-turmoil-causes-worries-about-travel Federal job cuts affect official and leisure travel https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Travel-Agent-Issues/Federal-government-layoffs-affect-travel From Travel Weekly’s archives (2001): Camouflage passports https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Travel-Agent-Issues/Reality-Bytes-A-new-identity-in-a-crisisSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to Humans in the Hot Seat, a spinoff series of Humans of Travel. This is Emma Weissmann, Executive Editor at TravelAge West, and your host. Michael Schottey, the vice president of membership, marketing and communications at the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) is the co-host for a brand-new podcast, Travel You Can Trust, with colleague Alvin Adriano. Here, he talks about the ideation for the show, what listeners can expect and how to find new episodes. This episode is sponsored by The Travel Corporation. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE ASTA Travel You Can Trust ABOUT YOUR HOST Emma Weissmann is the Executive Editor of TravelAge West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She is also the co-host of Trade Secrets, a podcast created with sister publication Travel Weekly. TravelAge West also produces events including Future Leaders in Travel, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala and the Napa Valley Leadership Forum. ABOUT THE SHOW TravelAge West’s award-winning podcast, “Humans of Travel,” features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry’s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the highs and lows that make them human.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Trade Secrets is using Host Agency Reviews’ list of technology providers as a basis for this season. If a technology company doesn’t have a profile, advisors are encouraged to send a link to the hosts to be added to the list. This episode was sponsored by the Travel Corporation. Further resources 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What makes a trip truly unforgettable? Celebrations! Whether it's a honeymoon, anniversary, or a milestone birthday, these moments deserve more than a standard itinerary. Jim Augerinos (also known as Mr. Honeymoon) has built a reputation for crafting extraordinary, personalized experiences. In this episode, he shares the secrets behind making clients feel special - through thoughtful details, deep understanding of their vision, and surprise touches that turn a trip into a cherished memory. From personal touches to unforgettable surprises, learn how to enhance your client's celebrations and create trips that leave a lasting impact! About Jim Augerinos: Jim, also known as Mr. Honeymoon, grew up in the travel business—his family founded their agency in 1989—and he has been exploring the world ever since. Having personally visited 70 countries (and counting), he specializes in planning unforgettable honeymoons, babymoons, anniversary trips, and multi-generational getaways. His work has been featured in The Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, Martha Stewart Weddings, Washingtonian Magazine, and Travel Weekly, and he has appeared on the cover of Luxury Travel Advisor. He is also a proud Travel + Leisure A-List advisor. Whether designing a luxe beach escape or a deep cultural adventure, Jim brings firsthand experience, global connections, and a personal touch to every trip he curates. perfecthoneymoons.com Today we will cover: (02:15) Jim's unique journey in the travel industry; becoming Mr. Honeymoon (10:35) Listening and understanding clients; building personal connections (19:20) Trends in honeymoon planning (27:00) The value of charging fees (32:10) Special touches that elevate the honeymoon experience (33:55) Challenging client assumptions (38:45) Creating special in-destination experiences (51:50) Personalized gifts and final touches JOIN THE NICHE COMMUNITY An interactive membership for travel advisors wanting the community, education, & support to grow their business. VISIT THE TEMPLATE SHOP Create an enjoyable booking experience for every one of your travel clients. EXPLORE THE PROGRAMS Self-paced style courses for the modern travel advisor. _____ FOLLOW ALONG ON INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/tiquehq CHECK OUT OUR SERVICES & PROGRAMS: tiquehq.com

Welcome to Humans in the Hot Seat, a spinoff series of Humans of Travel. This is Emma Weissmann, Executive Editor at TravelAge West, and your host.  Today on Humans in the Hot Seat, we are welcoming Katie Brown, a travel advisor with Travelmation. Katie is an award-winning travel advisor; she entered the industry in February, 2020, just prior to the pandemic. In the past five years, Katie has booked over $6 million in travel, has planned trips to over 20 countries and was named as one of TravelAge West's Five Future Leaders to Watch in 2023. Today, Katie will address a question that's on the minds of many travel advisors: How do you blend personal touch with automation in your workflow? This episode is sponsored by The Travel Corporation. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Travelmation Get in Touch With Katie on Instagram: @itskatiejobro ABOUT YOUR HOST Emma Weissmann is the Executive Editor of TravelAge West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She is also the co-host of Trade Secrets, a podcast created with sister publication Travel Weekly. TravelAge West also produces events including Future Leaders in Travel, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala and the Napa Valley Leadership Forum. ABOUT THE SHOW TravelAge West’s award-winning podcast, “Humans of Travel,” features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry’s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the highs and lows that make them human.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.