Travel Professional News

  Finding work-life balance as a travel professional can be challenging. The industry operates around the clock, with clients booking trips across different time zones, last-minute travel emergencies, and an ever-evolving landscape of travel policies and trends. It’s easy to fall into the trap of always being "on," but without balance, burnout is inevitable. Instead of letting work consume all your time, take control by setting boundaries, optimizing your workflow, and prioritizing self-care. Here are practical strategies to help you maintain balance and longevity in your travel career. Set Clear Boundaries Between Work and Personal Life One of the biggest struggles in the travel industry is the expectation of constant availability. While excellent service is key to success, being available 24/7 is not sustainable. Establish clear work hours and communicate them with clients. Set up an autoresponder or voicemail message to inform clients of response times. If you work re...

Starting a travel business can be exciting, but navigating the complexities of the industry on your own can be overwhelming. That’s where a host travel agency comes in. Whether you’re a new agent looking for guidance or an experienced professional seeking better opportunities, partnering with a host agency can give you the support, tools, and resources you need to thrive. Lower Startup Costs, Higher Earnings One of the biggest barriers to starting a travel business is the upfront investment. When you join a host travel agency, you eliminate the need for expensive licensing, accreditation, and costly technology. Instead of shouldering these expenses alone, you gain access to a well-established infrastructure at a fraction of the cost. Additionally, host agencies negotiate top-tier commission rates with suppliers, meaning you earn more on every booking. Expert Training and Ongoing Support Success in the travel industry requires more than just a passion for travel. You need knowledge...

Wellness tourism is  transforming  as travelers seek personalized, science-backed, and inclusive experiences . No longer just about spa treatments and yoga retreats, today’s wellness travel integrates cutting-edge technology, data-driven health insights, and immersive well-being programs designed to optimize the mind and body. Wellness Tourism is Booming The wellness travel industry is projected to nearly double by 2028 , reflecting a major shift in how people view vacationing. More travelers prioritize health-conscious experiences , blending luxury, relaxation, and scientific innovation to enhance their well-being. From stress reduction to longevity retreats, the focus is on sustainable, life-enhancing travel rather than temporary relaxation. Resorts Leading the Charge High-end wellness retreats like Sensei Lanai are paving the way with evidence-based wellness programs , leveraging AI, biometric tracking, and personalized coaching to tailor experiences to individua...

  Outside Agents , America’s premier host travel agency, has earned recognition with 3 Gold Magellan Awards from Travel Weekly for innovation and excellence in the travel industry. These awards underscore their dedication to providing cutting-edge tools. training, and resources for travel advisors. One of the key innovations recognized is MAGgie™, an AI-powered assistant designed to streamline tasks and enhance productivity for travel advisors. This tool represents a significant advancement in how technology is transforming the travel industry. While making day-to-day operations more efficient and empowering advisors to better serve their clients. read more

  In the ever-evolving world of travel technology, new gadgets are constantly emerging to enhance the way we explore the world. Among the latest innovations are Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses, a groundbreaking fusion of style and functionality designed to transform the travel experience. Developed in collaboration with Meta (Facebook), these smart glasses bring the future of smart glasses and hands-free convenience to travelers everywhere. Whether you're navigating a foreign city, staying connected on the go, or looking to immerse yourself in new experiences, Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses have something to offer. Let’s take a closer look at how these sleek, high-tech glasses can revolutionize the way you travel.   I recently purchased a pair and was blown away by what they could do. Understand that I am a low-vision individual and have many vision issues. Many of the applications of Ray Ban META glasses are for people that are blind, or vision impaired. There is a Facebook group cal...

This month we will look at 3 more Dreams Resorts in Mexico. The 3 resorts we will look at are the Dreams Huatulco Resort and Spa, the Dreams Los Cabos Suites Golf Resort & Spa, and the new Dreams Estrella del Mar Mazatlán Golf & Spa Resort. These 3 resorts are found on the West coast of Mexico. The resorts on the West coast of Mexico tend to price lower than those on the East coast. This is because the resorts on the East Coast of Mexico are promoted a lot more and the airlift tends to be greater on the East coast. One big positive of the West coast of Mexico is it tends to offer more of a traditional Mexican experience.   The first Dreams resort we will look at is the Dreams Huatulco Resort and Spa . Nestled along the sparkling Pacific coastline of Mexico, only 25 minutes from Huatulco International Airport, a tropical paradise awaits at our family-friendly, all-inclusive resort. Surrounded by lush jungle, soaring mountains, dazzling coral reefs, golden beaches, and the...

I read a number of newsletters every day related to AI wave, but when I saw this article in the Superhuman newsletter ( Superhuman AI ) I thought of the opportunities it presents travel agents . This is from the December 14th, 2024 issue. The Trend If you've ever booked a trip, you know how frustrating the entire process is. Last time I booked a trip, I had 40 different tabs open comparing everything from WiFi quality at hotels to vegetarian food options on every flight. No wonder AI giants regularly show off travel booking as one of the tasks their latest and greatest AI models can handle. The Opportunity The "AI wave in Travel" market is experiencing explosive growth, with market size projected to grow to $5.1B by 2034, according to Precedence Research. The ground is ripe for AI travel assistant apps that can analyze user preferences and past behavior to suggest destinations, manage hotel bookings, and organize payments. There's already some signal that potential us...

  Celebrating Innovation and Excellence: MAGgie™ Leads OutsideAgents.com to Triple Gold Magellan Wins Contributed By: Outsideagents.com  OutsideAgents.com, America’s premier host travel agency, has earned recognition with 3 Gold Magellan Awards from Travel Weekly for innovation and excellence in the travel industry. These awards underscore their dedication to providing cutting-edge tools, training, and resources for travel advisors. One of the key innovations recognized is MAGgie™, an AI-powered assistant designed to streamline tasks and enhance productivity for travel advisors. This tool represents a significant advancement in how technology is transforming the travel industry by making day-to-day operations more efficient and empowering advisors to better serve their clients. MAGgie: Revolutionizing the Way Travel Advisors Work MAGgie is an all-in-one AI assistant that offers a variety of tools to simplify and enhance the work of travel advisors, including: Automated Content...

  Designing Travel eBooks That Inspire: Tools and Tips for Stunning Digital Publishing Written By: Tom Ogg, Co-Founder and Co-Owner - Travel Professional NEWS Now that you have created your eBook content it is time to create your eBook. Following is a discussion about the best tools to use to create beautiful and compelling eBooks that will convert readers into clients. A well paginated and laid out eBook with vibrant textual and visual content will go a long way to reaching new clients.  Before you start the designing and paginating process, you should have a definite design concept. Creating eBooks is not the same as printing books. First of all, you have all the space that you need and nothing adds to a good eBook better than quality images, textual layout and interactivity. Full page images are the best choice. You can use stock photos or just create them using text-to-image ai tools like Adobe Firefly.  Be aware that all images on the Internet are copyrighted to the...

  From Pitch to Partnership: Turning Presentations into Client Commitments Written By: Tom Ogg, Co-Founder and Co-Owner - Travel Professional NEWS Part Three In parts one and two we looked at how to structure a winning presentation and delivery strategies. In part three we look at activities post-presentation that will make new clients out of people in the audience. Handling Pricing and Value Proposition One of the most delicate aspects of any travel presentation is discussing costs. Position pricing within a broader value context: Value-First Approach Begin with the value proposition before revealing prices. What is unique about the travel product that you are presenting? Highlight the exclusive benefits, unique offerings, and inclusions. Demonstrate ROI through concrete examples, such as a client who became ill on a tour but received emergency medical support from the tour escort. Compare total cost of ownership versus competitors.   Pricing Strategy Present options at diff...

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...

The host agency travel industry has undergone significant changes in recent years. Many savvy host agencies are adapting rapidly to shifting traveler behaviors, technological advancements, and evolving global landscapes. It is equally true that staying ahead of this trend is not just a luxury. Rather, it has become a necessity for growth and long-term success. Explore how the host travel agency landscape is evolving and uncover actionable insights to drive your business forward.   Why Host Agencies Need to Stay Ahead of Trends The travel industry is more dynamic than ever. Post-pandemic shifts have redefined how people travel, with an emphasis on sustainability, personalization, and flexibility. Additionally, the integration of cutting-edge technology has transformed how agents and agencies interact with travelers. It is safe to say that host agencies that embrace these trends can get a competitive edge in this rapidly changing landscape. 1. The Rise of Remote an...

Providing Exceptional Customer Service as a Home-Based Travel Agent  Written By: Tom Ogg, Co-Founder and Co-Owner - Travel Professional NEWS  In today’s highly competitive travel industry, customer service has become a key differentiator for businesses of all sizes. For home-based travel agencies, offering excellent customer service is not just a luxury; it’s essential for survival and success. While operating from home may seem like a disadvantage compared to large brick-and-mortar agencies, it can actually be a strength. By leveraging personalized service, efficient communication, and industry expertise, home-based travel agents can provide a superior customer experience. This article explores the strategies and practices that a home-based travel agency can implement to offer excellent customer service. Personalized Attention: The Cornerstone of Customer Service One of the most significant advantages that home-based travel agencies have over larger agencies is the abil...

  Mastering Visuals and Storytelling to Close the Sale Written By: Tom Ogg, Co-Founder and Co-Owner - Travel Professional NEWS Part Two In part one of this article, we discussed how to qualify your audience and build an effective presentation. Part two will continue about how to present perfect presentations.    Creating the Perfect Presentation Visual presentation is paramount. Your materials should transport prospects to their destination before they even leave the room. Use high-quality, professional images that showcase destinations and experiences. Maintain consistent branding throughout. Avoid clutter in your images. Use plenty of white space, fonts and colors that enhance readability. Avoid using beiges, pinks and other colors that those with color blindness cannot see. Highly contrasting colors are always the best choice. Try to avoid using small text on your slides. Infographics can be very helpful to make complex points, but make sure they can be seen and read....

  Empowering Travel Advisors: Cruise Planners Unveils Innovative Training for 2025   Contributed by: Cruise Planners   CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. (December 20, 2024) – Cruise Planners, the nation's largest home-based travel agent franchise network, continues to set the gold standard for support, training, and resources in the travel industry . Cruise Planners offers a comprehensive suite of tools, training, and a community-driven approach that empowers its franchisees to achieve long-term success.   The company now hosts over 25 in-person training events annually, including Sales Academies, Tech Days, and the new River Cruise Academy. These programs ensure advisors remain well-versed in industry trends, tools, and best practices.   In 2025, Cruise Planners will further expand its training offerings with several exciting new programs: River Cruise Academy: Advisors will perfect their river cruise sales techniques aboard the Tauck ms Savor before the ASTA Rive...

Creating travel packages that stand out requires creativity, insight, and a focus on client preferences. Start by understanding your target audience—whether it’s families, couples, or adventure seekers—and tailor the package to their needs. Add value by including unique experiences such as private tours, local food tastings, or exclusive accommodations that they can’t easily book on their own. Incorporate flexibility into your packages, allowing clients to customize based on their budget or interests. Highlight special deals or perks like early-bird discounts, complimentary upgrades, or free travel insurance to make the offer irresistible. Use visuals and detailed descriptions to paint a vivid picture of what clients can expect. Showcasing testimonials from satisfied travelers can also build trust and excitement. Finally, promote your packages effectively on social media, through email newsletters, or via your travel agent website. Don’t forget to emphasize the convenience of booking t...