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Showing posts from October, 2024

Travel Like a Pro: Mastering the Art of Traveling Hacks with Travel Professional News

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Small details can significantly impact your travel experience. From booking the perfect flight to finding authentic local cuisine, traveling hacks can help you avoid pitfalls and maximize your enjoyment. These clever tricks can transform your next trip from ordinary to extraordinary. Think of traveling hacks as secret weapons in your travel arsenal. They will help you save money, and unlock hidden gems on your journey This article provides tips, from choosing the best airplane seat to discovering hidden culinary gems. Whether you are a seasoned adventurer or a nervous newbie, these hacks will enhance your upcoming trips. Offline Maps: Download and use offline maps to navigate seamlessly, especially in areas with limited or no internet connectivity. While offline maps may have fewer features than online maps, they are invaluable for exploring new cities. To download offline maps on Google Maps, simply zoom in on the desired area or search for the city, then select the "download of...

Ultimate All Inclusive – Dreams Resorts in the Dominican Republic

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  Discovering Luxury, Adventure, and Unforgettable Experiences   Written By: Geoff Millar, Owner – Ultimate All Inclusive Travel   This month we will begin our tour of the Dreams Resorts located in the Dominican Republic. There are six of them and the first 3 we will look at are Dreams Dominicus La Romana, Dreams Playa Esmarelda Resort and Spa, and the Dreams Flora Resort and Spa. With internationally known destinations — Cap Cana, La Romana, Puerto Plata, Punta Cana, Uvero Alto and Macao Beach — our all-inclusive Dominican Republic resorts have picture-perfect beaches and every kind of activity and entertainment imaginable. The Dominican Republic is also the #1 destination for golf in the Caribbean and Latin America. This vacation is tailor-made for every preference.   The first Dreams Resort we will look at is the Dreams Dominicus La Romana . Dreams® Dominicus La Romana offers something for everyone, just 20 minutes away from La Romana International Airport on the...

Sponsored - Why You Should Rethink Doing It Alone - Nexion Travel Group

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  Unlock the Power of Community with Nexion Travel Group’s Complimentary Guide   Contributed By: Nexion Travel Group Are you looking to take your travel business to the next level? At Nexion Travel Group, we’re firm believers that success thrives in community. That’s exactly why we’re excited to offer you an exclusive complimentary guide –  The Best Growth Strategy for Travel Advisors . What You’ll Find Inside Our guide is packed with valuable insights tailored just for you, including: Expert Advice:  Hear from our seasoned travel professionals on your next steps to success. Checklist:  Step-by-step actions you can implement to foster a supportive community around your business. Success Stories  Real stories from travel professionals who have elevated their businesses through the strength of community. Read more

Overcoming Doubts: Thriving in Business When Others Question Your Capability

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  Harnessing Confidence and Support to Achieve Success   Written By: Jennifer Dugan, President – Dugan’s Travels   In business, it’s common to encounter people who question your abilities, whether intentionally or not. Phrases like “You aren’t capable of ___” or “You can do it, but you need MY help” can be disheartening. These comments are not just words; they plant seeds of doubt, making you question your competence and value. Overcoming these toxic narratives is key to building a successful business and staying true to your vision. Identifying the Toxic Language: Toxic comments often come disguised as "helpful" advice or concern. They may sound like: "Are you sure you can handle this by yourself?" "I know someone who failed at this—be careful." "This might be too much for you to take on." "You can do it, but you really need my guidance to succeed."   These types of remarks aren’t about offering genuine support; they subtly imply that...

Managing Seasonal Travel Demand: Tips for Home-Based Agents

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Seasonal travel demand can be both a blessing and a challenge for home-based travel agents. During peak seasons like summer vacations, winter holidays, or spring breaks, client requests surge, making it essential to stay organized and prepared. Here are a few tips to manage these busy times effectively. Plan Ahead and Stay Updated: Start by identifying peak seasons early and preparing in advance. Research trending destinations, special events, and airline deals to stay ahead of client inquiries. Familiarize yourself with suppliers' seasonal offers and promotions, so you can quickly provide clients with attractive options. Streamline Client Communication: Set up an organized communication system, including automated responses to acknowledge inquiries. Use tools like scheduling apps or customer relationship management (CRM) software to keep track of bookings, follow-ups, and deadlines. Efficient communication is key to handling multiple client requests without missing a beat. Leverag...

Why You Should Rethink Doing It Alone as a Travel Advisor

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  Unlock the Power of Community with Nexion Travel Group’s Complimentary Guide Contributed By: Nexion Travel Group Are you looking to take your travel business to the next level? At Nexion Travel Group, we’re firm believers that success thrives in community. That’s exactly why we’re excited to offer you an exclusive complimentary guide –  The Best Growth Strategy for Travel Advisors . What You’ll Find Inside Our guide is packed with valuable insights tailored just for you, including: Expert Advice:  Hear from our seasoned travel professionals on your next steps to success. Checklist:  Step-by-step actions you can implement to foster a supportive community around your business. Success Stories  Real stories from travel professionals who have elevated their businesses through the strength of community. Read more

How Much Do Travel Agents Make: Understanding Compensation in an Exciting Career

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The role of a travel agent has evolved dramatically over the years, providing a dynamic and rewarding career path for those passionate about travel. Independent travel agents enjoy the freedom to curate unique experiences for their clients while earning income in various ways. Understanding how much do travel agents make is crucial for aspiring professionals in this field. This article explores the different compensation structures, the exciting aspects of being a travel agent, and how to maximize earnings while enjoying the job. How Much Do Travel Agents Make: Compensation Landscape  Travel agents primarily earn their income through commissions, but the landscape of compensation has diversified. Here are the main ways in which independent travel agents can get paid: 1. Commission-Based Earnings A. Supplier Commissions Travel agents often generate income primarily through commissions received from various travel providers. These providers, including airlines, hotels, cruise lines,...

Navigating Change: Tips for Home-Based Travel Agents

  Change is the only constant but how does a Travel Advisor navigate it to success in 2024 and beyond? Written By: Tom Ogg, Co-Founder and Co-Owner – FindaHostTravelAgency.com   The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped the global landscape in many ways, with the travel industry being one of the most profoundly affected sectors. As the world gradually recovers and adapts to a post-pandemic environment, home-based travel agents face a unique set of challenges and opportunities. This article provides insights and tips for home-based travel agents to navigate this new landscape successfully. 1. Embrace Technology The pandemic accelerated the adoption of technology across various industries, and travel is no exception. For home-based travel agents, leveraging technology is no longer optional— it’s essential. From virtual tours to AI-driven customer service, the tools available today can significantly enhance your ability to serve clients. Read more  

This New Feature on The Compass Helps Clients Keep Your Brand Top of Mind

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  The Compass is Making It Easier for You to Promote Your Business Written By: Codie Liermann - VAX VacationAccess   VAX VacationAccess exists to serve the needs of travel advisors, and the latest enhancement on The Compass certainly does this. We know advisors are busy. Between researching, planning, rearranging and saving the day for clients, there isn’t a lot of time left to spend on marketing.   The Compass already helps make content marketing a breeze. With one click sharing buttons at the top right-hand corner of each article, you can easily share to social media or in an email. And there’s no need to worry – content on The Compass is in front of the VAX login, meaning travelers can’t access anything you’re working on behind the scenes. Read more

Experience the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Like Never Before at Del Frisco’s

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  Experience the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in Unmatched Luxury and Comfort Written By: Carole Peck - Beyond Times Square   For decades now, every year on the fourth Thursday of November, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade has captivated audiences with its in-sync marching bands, whimsical, spectacularly decorated floats, beloved singers and Broadway stars serenading the crowd and larger-than-life balloons floating as high as the buildings themselves. If seeing this world-famous parade is on your bucket list, but you prefer not to stand for hours with thousands of spectators lining the sidewalks in the unpredictable weather the Big Apple is known for this time of year, then we’ve got great news! Imagine a Thanksgiving morning spent in the heart of New York City, surrounded by a festive atmosphere, but without any of the usual holiday stress. Thanks to Beyond Times Square, you can enjoy this quintessential New York City event stress-free in luxury and comfort at our Exclus...

Navigating Change: Tips for Home Based Travel Professionals

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  Chance is the Only Constant but with an Ever Changing Enviroment, How Can a Travel Advisor Best Adapt? Written By: Tom Ogg, Co-Founder and Co-Owner - Travel Professional NEWS The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped the global landscape in many ways, with the travel industry being one of the most profoundly affected sectors. As the world gradually recovers and adapts to a post-pandemic environment, home-based travel agents face a unique set of challenges and opportunities. This article provides insights and tips for home-based travel agents to navigate this new landscape successfully. 1. Embrace Technology The pandemic accelerated the adoption of technology across various industries, and travel is no exception. For home-based travel agents, leveraging technology is no longer optional— it’s essential. From virtual tours to AI-driven customer service, the tools available today can significantly enhance your ability to serve clients. Virtual Consultations: With physical meetings becoming les...

Why Home-Based Travel Agents Are the Future of the Industry

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The travel industry is evolving, and one of the most significant shifts in recent years is the rise of home-based travel agents. With the flexibility of working from home, these agents are transforming the way people plan and book travel, creating a bright future for this model of business. One key reason for the growth of home-based travel agents is the flexibility it offers. Agents can set their own hours, allowing for a better work-life balance. This flexibility also allows agents to focus on their strengths, whether it’s planning luxury vacations, adventure trips, or family getaways. By specializing, home-based agents can offer personalized services that large online booking platforms can't match. The technology available today also plays a crucial role in this shift. With easy access to online booking systems, CRM tools, and virtual meetings, home-based agents can manage their clients' needs just as efficiently as traditional agencies. In fact, clients often prefer the pe...

Inside the World of a Travel Advisor: An Exclusive Interview with H. Alicia Lister

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  Navigating Luxury Travel with Expertise: An Interview with H. Alicia Lister of Travel Edge Contributed By: Travel Edge What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the words ‘Travel Advisor’? Perhaps you think of an agent who helps you book a flight or prepare a cruise itinerary. Or a concierge who takes care of all your travel requirements at the right time. Traveling is about more than just visiting new places; it's about experiencing different cultures, exploring unknown landscapes, and creating unforgettable memories. To help us navigate this vast world of travel, we turn to the expertise of talented travel advisors who transform our wanderlust into meticulously planned adventures. We are thrilled to have H. Alicia Lister , a Travel Edge Network advisor and an expert about luxury travel, share her insights, tips, and stories with us. Q. What has your journey in the travel world been like? How did you find yourself specializing in luxury travel? Alicia: It all star...

Best Travel Hacks 2024 for Solo International Travelers

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Navigating the Solo Travel Experience While solo travel offers a unique opportunity for personal growth and adventure, it can also present challenges for those embarking on their first independent journey. To maximize the benefits and minimize the potential drawbacks, consider the following travel hacks specifically designed for solo travelers. Pack Light When preparing for a solo trip, always envision a scenario where you are the only passenger on a flight, responsible for stowing your luggage without assistance. This mental exercise helps you assess whether you can manage your belongings independently, leading you to eliminate unnecessary items like heavy curling irons. Packing light ensures you can navigate unexpected travel challenges, such as hotels without elevators. To keep the luggage minimal, opt for a relatively small suitcase, ideally a carry-on size. This proactive travel hack also mitigates the risk of lost luggage, a common solo travel concern, as you won't be relian...

Event Interviews - CoNexion Travel Professional Conversations

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Insights from Success Stories and Industry Leadership Interview X April Marshall  April Marshall, Owner 5 Star Travel Lubbock, Texas april@5StarTravel.vip Owner I had the opportunity and honor to interview April Marshall, Owner of 5 Star Travel who is the proud recipient of the 2024 Rising Star Award in the United States. April was chosen by Nexion’s leadership team for her impressive achievements as a newer travel advisor. It was great to learn a bit more from April about her journey and to learn more about how she manages her business. Enjoy this interview and learn more about her strategies for success.   Joanie: "Can you tell me about your experience in the travel industry?" April: "I have only been a travel advisor professionally for about 13 months, however, I have been fortunate to travel all over the world before entering this amazing and fun career.  My family and friends always relied on me to help them plan vacations and tours and ask for ideas on where to go...

Event - CoNexion 2024 - New Orleans, Louisiana

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Attended by: Joanie Ogg, CTC, MCC (Co-Founder - Travel Professional NEWS )   New Orleans, Louisiana and its festive and lively energy is a destination not to be missed. This was the home of CoNexion 2024 and where Nexion advisors joined together to celebrate their partnership with Nexion Travel Group. The lively spirit and fun that emanates from this city is intoxicating and this was felt by all who had the pleasure of being apart of this year’s conference.   This year’s event took place at the iconic Hilton New Orleans Riverside which sits right on the shore of the Mississippi River. The location of the hotel is perfect for visitors looking to enjoy what this historic city has to offer all within easy walking distance. One can enjoy the luxury of this beautiful hotel and the peace and calm of its location on the beautiful river, but also be in the heart of the fun and frolic that New Orleans is famous for on Bourbon Street within minutes. Welcome to New Orleans and our overvi...