Travel Professional News

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 called “...

In an era where digital transformation continues to reshape the travel industry, travel agents have not only survived but thrived by diversifying their revenue streams and offering specialized services that automated booking platforms cannot match. This article explores the various income sources available to travel advisors in 2025 and the years ahead that can generate a large income.   The COVID pandemic taught consumers the value of using an agent and since the pandemic travel is booming and demand for qualified agents is soaring. With social media so prevalent, websites so inexpensive, AI chatbots, AI agents and digital marketing, a travel advisors can specialize in products with high internal yields and market their expertise globally. The travel business is simple to understand. travel agents work for suppliers who pay the agent for completing a sale to a consumer. This is the most effective way for travel suppliers to gain national distribution.   Each product ...

  The travel industry constantly evolves, and Dream Vacations keeps our community of over 2,000 franchise owners ahead of the curve. We’re excited to launch brand-new, customizable homepages- that elevate your business and inspire your clients.   As a home-based travel agency owner, your website is your storefront. That’s why these enhancements are an essential part of your success. The redesigned pages feature intuitive layouts that make it easy for clients to navigate and dream about their next extraordinary adventure.   Read More

  The travel industry has seen immense changes over the years. With advancements in technology, evolving travel preferences, and shifting consumer expectations, the role of travel agents has transformed as well. Home-based travel agents are now at the forefront, offering personalized services and customized travel experiences. However, to truly thrive in the ever-competitive travel industry, these agents need the right support system. That’s where host travel agencies come in. In this blog post, we’ll explore the dynamic landscape of host travel agencies, home-based travel agents, and how both can benefit from the resources provided by websites like Travel Professional News , Home-Based Travel Agent , and Find A Host Travel Agency . Host Travel Agencies: The Backbone of Home-Based Travel Agents Host travel agencies provide home-based travel agents with the resources and support they need to succeed. Whether you're just starting your journey as a home-based travel agent or you...

I had the pleasure of catching-up with my good friend and colleague Diane Petras, CTIE, President of The Travel Institute this month. Diane and I have known each other for many years and we both have such a passion for this industry and the travel professionals out there on the front-lines who we both admire so much. You know when you meet someone and you just get that feeling that you could be great friends? Well, that is how I felt when I first met Diane Petras. Over the years we have enjoyed so many great conversations and many a glass of wine as well! She is an amazing professional and our industry is so lucky to have her at the helm of The Travel Institute. We are also proud to have some of our books, How to Start a Home Based Travel Agency Study Guide and Workbook, included in The Travel Institute’s TRIPKIT program. When I asked Diane to share some of her sage advice and insight with our readers, she graciously agreed. First and foremost, thank you to Diane and her team for all t...

 Planning a trip can be exciting but also overwhelming. With so many options available online, how do you know you’re getting the best deal, the right itinerary, and the support you need? That’s where a  home-based travel agent  comes in! These professionals work remotely yet have access to exclusive travel perks, ensuring you enjoy a seamless experience from start to finish. Here are the  top three reasons  to book with a home-based travel agent: 1. Get Insider Deals You Won’t Find Online While online booking platforms may offer flashy discounts, home-based travel agents have  access to exclusive deals  that aren’t available to the general public. These deals come from their direct relationships with hotels, cruise lines, airlines, and tour operators. ●     Many travel suppliers provide  special rates and perks  to agents, meaning you might score a free room upgrade, onboard credits, or VIP experiences. ●  ...

  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 travel presentation. Part two will continue about how to present perfect presentations.      Creating the Perfect Presentation Visual travel 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 t...

  Revolutionizing eBook Creation: How Travel Advisors Can Leverage Designerr for Instant Marketing Tools Written By: Tom Ogg, Co-Founder and Co-Owner -   Travel Professional NEWS AI is really changing a lot of aspects of marketing and operations, but when I run across a major opportunity, I will certainly share it so those of our readers that see it working in their agency, can explore its viability.    I have taken a keen interest in AI and read four different AI newsletters every day trying to keep up with what is happening in the AI world. Every now and then I read about a new AI tool that captures my interest and I make an effort to try it out to see if it is something that would be good for travel professionals to consider.  Read More- travelprofessionalnews.com 

  As a travel agent, you enjoy the freedom of running your own business. You set your schedule, choose your clients, and build your brand. But independence doesn’t mean you have to do everything alone. Many travel agents struggle with challenges like supplier relationships, marketing, client management, and commission negotiations. Without the right support, it can feel overwhelming. A  host travel agency  can change that. By partnering with a host agency, you gain access to resources, technology, and industry connections that help you grow faster and earn more. At  FindAHostTravelAgency.com , you can compare different host agencies and find the best fit for your business. If you’re wondering how a host agency can help, here are some key benefits that can take your travel business to the next level. Earn Higher Commissions and Keep More of Your Profits Many independent travel agents leave money on the table without realizing it. When you work alone, you may not quali...

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 Travel Presentations 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 Winning Travel Presentations 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 ...

  Solo travel is no longer a niche trend—it has become a movement. More travelers than ever are choosing to embark on solo journeys, seeking independence, self-discovery, and the opportunity to immerse themselves in new cultures. Whether it’s for personal growth, relaxation, or adventure, solo travel in 2025 is evolving with new trends, safety measures, and destination preferences that cater to the needs of independent travelers. At TravelProfessionalNews.com , we stay ahead of industry trends to help travel professionals serve their clients better. Let’s explore what’s driving the solo travel boom and how you can leverage this trend for your business. Why Solo Travel is More Popular Than Ever Several key factors are contributing to the rapid growth of solo travel: Flexibility and Freedom Solo travelers have the luxury of making their own schedules without the need to compromise. Whether they want to spend an entire day at a museum or change their itinerary last minute, solo travel...

  Extend Your Clients’ Journey with Complimentary Land Packages   Contributed By: AmaWaterways   Award-winning river cruise line AmaWaterways has always offered the luxury of more. Welcoming an average of just 156 guests on board stunning ships, there is more space for guests to stretch their legs or find a quiet moment within the ship’s inviting venues. With guided hiking, biking, culinary demonstrations and enriching city tours for both active and gentle walkers, there are more included experiences that appeal to every interest and every generation. And with resident Wellness Hosts throughout Europe, as well as a sun-deck pool or whirlpool, well-equipped fitness room and daily cocktail hours with robust beverage menus all included in the river cruise fare, there are more onboard amenities for guests to enjoy.  READ MORE 

  Join the Hunt for Maxwell: VAX VacationAccess’ Penguin Mascot Brings Fun, Learning, and Prizes to Travel Advisors   Written By: Jenna Buege, senior editor -  VAX VacationAccess   If you’re active on VAX VacationAccess, you might have noticed Maxwell, a stylish traveling penguin who doubles as the brand’s mascot. Outfitted with a flashy pair of red sunglasses and a distinguished orange beak, Maxwell is ever-present across the VAX marketplace with eagle-eyed advisors recognizing him from marketing campaigns, social media and even The Compass magazine in which he has a recurring department titled “Ask Maxwell” where he answers common VAX FAQs.  READ MORE