Strategic Travel Entrepreneur: Business Tips for Travel Agents/Advisors, Travel Agency Owners, and Travel Business Owners

Rita M. Perez
  • 4.9 (27)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Each week I share, along with featured guests, tangible and practical business strategies for travel entrepreneurs.We discuss foundations, marketing, sales, client experience, systems, supplier relations, and everything in between to empower you to run an effective and profitable travel business, and not just another travel hobby.For travel agents, travel advisors, travel suppliers, tour operators, tourism professionals, travel coaches, travel creators, travel business owners, travel agency owners, host agency owners, and travel industry support partners.

  1. 1D AGO

    Ep 245 How I'm Changing My Personal Habits to Become a Stronger Travel Business Owner

    Send Rita a text with your thoughts! Stop wasting hours hunting for cruise content: https://programs.steeryourmarketing.com/products/courses/view/1166776 Get BOGO Consulting with Rita: https://calendly.com/ritaventures/take-the-helm-marketing-consulting-flash-sale-bogo Join the Interest List for Summer Camp at Sea 06/2027: https://programs.steeryourmarketing.com/products/offers/view/1192151 Entrepreneurship is amazing, but it can also feel incredibly chaotic, and sometimes life throws you curveballs that force you to finally make the changes you've been putting off.  After a pretty eye-opening specialist visit and an unexpected health scare, I started building personal habits and routines that have completely changed how I show up in my travel business.  Turns out, the structure I spent years fighting because I thought it would box me in is actually the thing giving me more freedom, clearer decision-making, and a faster recovery time when things go sideways.  If you've been resisting routine as an entrepreneur because you're afraid of losing your flexibility, this one's going to help.  Questions this episode answers: How do personal habits affect your performance as a business owner?How can travel entrepreneurs create structure without losing flexibility?What daily routines help reduce overwhelm and decision fatigue as an entrepreneur?How does adding structure to your personal life improve your travel business?Why do entrepreneurs struggle to prioritize their health over their business?How can travel advisors stay productive when life gets chaotic?What systems help travel business owners manage unexpected curveballs?How do you create a work routine when you're a night owl entrepreneur?Why is stability important for running a sustainable travel business?How do personal wellness habits make you a stronger business owner? Enjoy (and take action!) --------------------------------------------------------------- Rita M. Perez (Host) first began in the travel industry as a travel advisor in 2010. She only fully realized her role as a travel entrepreneur in 2018, and embarked on a mission to support her fellow travel advisors in 2021 when she began the Strategic Travel Entrepreneur Podcast. She now strategizes with travel entrepreneurs, so they too can build sustainable travel agencies and market effectively. She's a maven when it comes to content photography and videography, and as such founded the Cruise Content Library and leads retreats and partners on FAMs where advisors get top notch content and education for their marketing efforts. Website: https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/everything/ Socials: LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritaperez19/ IG: http://www.instagram.com/takethehelmvbs FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/529490048073622 Email: rita@steeryourmarketing.com

    37 min

  2. MAR 6

    Ep 244 How to Plan Your Content Strategy Before Your Next FAM Trip

    Send Rita a text with your thoughts! Stop wasting hours hunting for cruise content: https://programs.steeryourmarketing.com/products/courses/view/1166776 Join the Interest List for Orlando Summer Camp 6/2026: https://programs.steeryourmarketing.com/products/offers/view/1193096 Join the Interest List for Summer Camp at Sea 06/2027: https://programs.steeryourmarketing.com/products/offers/view/1192151 You know that feeling when a trip is coming up and you're like, oh shoot, I should probably think about content?  Yeah, same-ish, so let's talk about it :)  I'm breaking down exactly how I prep for content creation before I head out on my upcoming river cruise, from the equipment I actually pack (no, you don't need a bunch of fancy gear) to the types of shots that are going to stop the scroll and connect with your audience.  Whether you're heading out on a fAM trip, a cruise, or creating your own experience, these are the pro tips I use to make sure I come home with a content library that works hard for my travel business.  Oh, and if you've been wanting to up your content game without looking like a full-on tourist with a camera rig, this one's for you.  Questions this episode answers: What equipment do travel advisors need to create content on a cruise trip?How do travel advisors create content on a FAM trip without fancy gear?What types of videos should travel advisors film on a cruise ship?What are the best tips for filming travel content on location?How do you capture B-roll on a cruise that actually converts on social media?What should travel advisors wear when filming content on a cruise?How do you get great content on a cruise without looking like a content creator?How do travel advisors use cruise trip content across multiple marketing channels? Enjoy (and take action!) --------------------------------------------------------------- Rita M. Perez (Host) first began in the travel industry as a travel advisor in 2010. She only fully realized her role as a travel entrepreneur in 2018, and embarked on a mission to support her fellow travel advisors in 2021 when she began the Strategic Travel Entrepreneur Podcast. She now strategizes with travel entrepreneurs, so they too can build sustainable travel agencies and market effectively. She's a maven when it comes to content photography and videography, and as such founded the Cruise Content Library and leads retreats and partners on FAMs where advisors get top notch content and education for their marketing efforts. Website: https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/everything/ Socials: LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritaperez19/ IG: http://www.instagram.com/takethehelmvbs FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/529490048073622 Email: rita@steeryourmarketing.com

    35 min

  3. FEB 27

    Ep 243 Why I Don't Rely on Social Media to Get Clients

    Send Rita a text with your thoughts! Stop wasting hours hunting for cruise content: https://programs.steeryourmarketing.com/products/courses/view/1166776 Join us at the Lead Generation Accelerator: https://docs.google.com/document/d/176WVpzZcflAJV3wLT7nFp5VeaocFlURo659PZ4PwvmQ/view Nina's SEO Masterclass *affiliate link*: https://ritaventures--ninaclapperton.thrivecart.com/6-months-to-50k/ If you've been spinning your wheels on social media waiting for clients to find you, I want to give you full permission to stop.  Social media is a great nurture tool, but it has never been my lead generator, and I'm breaking down exactly why, plus what has actually built my business over the years.  We're talking relationships, LinkedIn, searchable content, and yes, even a little bit of serendipity.  If you're ready to stop chasing viral reels and start building something sustainable, this one's for you.  Questions this episode answers: Why doesn't social media bring me clients as an entrepreneur?How do travel advisors get clients without social media?Is LinkedIn worth it for travel business owners?How do I build a sustainable client base as an entrepreneur?What is the best lead generation strategy for travel advisors?How do I create searchable content that attracts clients?Does going viral on social media actually grow your business?What is the difference between social media as a nurture tool vs a lead generator?How do relationships and networking grow a small business?Does the size of your social media following determine how many clients you get? Enjoy (and take action!) --------------------------------------------------------------- Rita M. Perez (Host) first began in the travel industry as a travel advisor in 2010. She only fully realized her role as a travel entrepreneur in 2018, and embarked on a mission to support her fellow travel advisors in 2021 when she began the Strategic Travel Entrepreneur Podcast. She now strategizes with travel entrepreneurs, so they too can build sustainable travel agencies and market effectively. She's a maven when it comes to content photography and videography, and as such founded the Cruise Content Library and leads retreats and partners on FAMs where advisors get top notch content and education for their marketing efforts. Website: https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/everything/ Socials: LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritaperez19/ IG: http://www.instagram.com/takethehelmvbs FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/529490048073622 Email: rita@steeryourmarketing.com

    37 min

  4. FEB 20

    Ep 242 How to Build the Perfect Sales Mix for Your Travel Business

    Send Rita a text with your thoughts! Stop wasting hours hunting for cruise content: https://programs.steeryourmarketing.com/products/courses/view/1166776 Join us at the Lead Generation Accelerator: https://docs.google.com/document/d/176WVpzZcflAJV3wLT7nFp5VeaocFlURo659PZ4PwvmQ/view Give your Feedback on Summer Camp: https://forms.gle/kc8U8J6V9UYBion77 Check out the Plan Your Year Workbook: https://amzn.to/4aYAQMW You cannot build a marketing plan before you have a sales plan, and yet, that's exactly what most travel advisors are out here doing!  Before you touch your content calendar or post another reel, you need to know your income goal, your capacity, and exactly what types of trips are going to get you there.  In this episode, I'm breaking down how to figure out your perfect sales mix so you can stop booking everything and start making real, strategic money in your travel business.  Whether you're a cruise specialist, an African safari advisor, or a theme park pro, going deeper on fewer things is what turns you from a transactional booking agent into a true and trusted advisor your clients can't stop talking about. Questions this episode answers: How do I figure out what to sell in my travel business? What should my sales mix look like as a travel advisor? How many trips do I need to sell to hit my income goal? Why do I need a sales plan before I create a marketing plan? How do I choose a travel niche that actually makes me money? How can I increase my commission revenue without working more hours? What is the best way to boost sales in a travel agency? How do I transition from booking budget travel to selling luxury trips? What are the best upsells and add-ons for travel advisors? How do I stop taking every client and start building a profitable travel business? Enjoy (and take action!) --------------------------------------------------------------- Rita M. Perez (Host) first began in the travel industry as a travel advisor in 2010. She only fully realized her role as a travel entrepreneur in 2018, and embarked on a mission to support her fellow travel advisors in 2021 when she began the Strategic Travel Entrepreneur Podcast. She now strategizes with travel entrepreneurs, so they too can build sustainable travel agencies and market effectively. She's a maven when it comes to content photography and videography, and as such founded the Cruise Content Library and leads retreats and partners on FAMs where advisors get top notch content and education for their marketing efforts. Website: https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/everything/ Socials: LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritaperez19/ IG: http://www.instagram.com/takethehelmvbs FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/529490048073622 Email: rita@steeryourmarketing.com

    37 min

  5. FEB 13

    Ep 241 How to Create Ultra-Personalized Travel Experiences Your Clients Will Never Forget

    Send Rita a text with your thoughts! Stop wasting hours hunting for cruise content: https://programs.steeryourmarketing.com/products/courses/view/1166776 With AI helping you work faster in the background, you should have more time to add the humanity and ultra-personalization that makes clients choose YOU over booking it themselves.  So I've brought together 8 of my industry pals to share their best tips for creating those jaw-dropping, magical moments that clients talk about for years, from VIP-ing every single client to using automation so you actually have the space to connect.  You're going to hear practical strategies for personalization before, during, and after the trip, plus how to leverage technology without losing that irreplaceable human touch that differentiates you from the machines.  Questions this episode answers: What should travel advisors do to follow up with clients before, during, and after trips? What are the best off-the-beaten-path experiences to recommend in the Mexican Caribbean?How do you use email marketing effectively as a travel advisor? What automation tools help travel advisors deliver consistent personalized service? How can AI help travel advisors remember client preferences and personalize future trips? What are the most important client touchpoints that create unforgettable travel experiences? Featured Speakers: Marcie Muensterman: https://thetraveladvisormarcie.com/Lori Gold: https://www.exploremoremexico.com/a/2147513843/oDT729BMDana Zificsak: https://gutsgritgoals.com/Ros Ranse: https://www.travelagentachievers.com/Kate Thomas: https://www.instagram.com/travelprotheorySahara Rose De Vore: https://thetravelcoachnetwork.mykajabi.com/a/30752/PcLjkYYAStephanie Gries:  https://travefy.com/Angelique Jo--------------------------------------------------------------- Rita M. Perez (Host) first began in the travel industry as a travel advisor in 2010. She only fully realized her role as a travel entrepreneur in 2018, and embarked on a mission to support her fellow travel advisors in 2021 when she began the Strategic Travel Entrepreneur Podcast. She now strategizes with travel entrepreneurs, so they too can build sustainable travel agencies and market effectively. She's a maven when it comes to content photography and videography, and as such founded the Cruise Content Library and leads retreats and partners on FAMs where advisors get top notch content and education for their marketing efforts. Website: https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/everything/ Socials: LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritaperez19/ IG: http://www.instagram.com/takethehelmvbs FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/529490048073622 Email: rita@steeryourmarketing.com

    45 min

  6. FEB 6

    Ep 240 The Complete Marketing Matrix for Growing Your Travel Business

    Send Rita a text with your thoughts! Get me as your personal photographer at Summer Camp at Sea: https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/summer-camp-at-sea/ Join Korrine and I on Feb 10th at 3pm EST: https://programs.steeryourmarketing.com/products/offers/view/1192150 Most travel advisors are doing the connecting part of business with emails and social media, but completely missing the meeting part where you actually get clients.  The marketing matrix shows you exactly where to focus your energy across four phases, and I'm breaking down specific tactics for each one, including which activities only you can do versus what you might outsource.  You'll hear real talk about why not everyone in your network should be a client, how to get featured on podcasts and media as a guest expert, and why your discovery calls need better questions.  If you need more clients and less busywork, grab your notebook for this one.  Questions this episode answers: What is the marketing matrix for travel advisors? Why is social media not getting me travel clients? How do travel advisors get more clients proactively?What networking strategies work best for travel advisors? Should travel advisors attend networking events or focus on social media? How do I convert leads into paying travel clients? What is the difference between attracting clients and meeting clients? Can I outsource my travel business marketing? How do travel advisors stay top of mind with past clients? What marketing activities should travel business owners do themselves? Whitney's Session on Prep for Wave Week: https://youtu.be/H4FwXgpls2k Tee McNeill's Session on Host Week: https://www.youtube.com/live/7gWMn_BMbdk?si=Wqbr82ZhW4vuNGiV&t=18268 Enjoy (and take action)! --------------------------------------------------------------- Rita M. Perez (Host) first began in the travel industry as a travel advisor in 2010. She only fully realized her role as a travel entrepreneur in 2018, and embarked on a mission to support her fellow travel advisors in 2021 when she began the Strategic Travel Entrepreneur Podcast. She now strategizes with travel entrepreneurs, so they too can build sustainable travel agencies and market effectively. She's a maven when it comes to content photography and videography, and as such founded the Cruise Content Library and leads retreats and partners on FAMs where advisors get top notch content and education for their marketing efforts. Website: https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/everything/ Socials: LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritaperez19/ IG: http://www.instagram.com/takethehelmvbs FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/529490048073622 Email: rita@steeryourmarketing.com

    39 min

  7. JAN 30

    Ep 239 What I Would Do to Get Clients in February as a Travel Advisor

    Send Rita a text with your thoughts! Get me as your personal photographer at Summer Camp at Sea: https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/summer-camp-at-sea/ Crunch your numbers on the Lead Generation Calculator: https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/calculator If you need travel clients this month, stop talking about everything and start selling something specific.  I'm sharing the exact steps I'd take to book clients in February, including how to use your numbers to create a crystal-clear sales target, where to show up (online and in-person), and how to leverage promotions with personal outreach that doesn't sound desperate.  This is your permission slip to put on your business owner hat and get out of your comfort zone.  The stuffy treat is waiting, you just have to keep moving forward :) Questions this episode answers: How do I get travel clients in February when I need sales now?What should I do first when I need to book more travel clients fast?How do I calculate how many trips I need to sell each month as a travel advisor?Should I focus on marketing multiple trip types or just one when I need clients?What are the best networking events for travel advisors to attend in February?How do I reach out to past clients who haven't booked in a while?What should I say when re-engaging travel inquiry leads who ghosted me?How can I use social media to get travel clients without sounding desperate?Should I host my own event as a travel advisor to get more clients?How do I choose which trips to market when I have limited time and need sales? Enjoy (and take action)! --------------------------------------------------------------- Rita M. Perez (Host) first began in the travel industry as a travel advisor in 2010. She only fully realized her role as a travel entrepreneur in 2018, and embarked on a mission to support her fellow travel advisors in 2021 when she began the Strategic Travel Entrepreneur Podcast. She now strategizes with travel entrepreneurs, so they too can build sustainable travel agencies and market effectively. She's a maven when it comes to content photography and videography, and as such founded the Cruise Content Library and leads retreats and partners on FAMs where advisors get top notch content and education for their marketing efforts. Website: https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/everything/ Socials: LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritaperez19/ IG: http://www.instagram.com/takethehelmvbs FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/529490048073622 Email: rita@steeryourmarketing.com

    41 min

  8. JAN 23

    Ep 238 6 Marketing Trends I Noticed at Podfest for Travel Advisors

    Send Rita a text with your thoughts! Get me as your personal photographer at Summer Camp at Sea: https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/summer-camp-at-sea/ Fresh off of PodFest 2026, I'm sharing the 6 biggest marketing trends that kept coming up and they apply directly to growing your travel business.   We're talking LinkedIn, the power of relationships over vanity metrics, getting paid what you're worth, and why you absolutely need a website in 2026.  Plus, I'm calling out the busy-work trap that's keeping you invisible and sharing why being a small fish doesn't mean you can't land big opportunities.  If you're ready to stop spinning your wheels and start building real visibility and revenue in your travel business, this one's for you. Questions this episode answers: Why should travel advisors be using LinkedIn in 2026? How do I grow my travel business without a large following? What's more important than follower count for travel advisors? Do I need a website for my travel agency? How can I get paid more as a travel advisor? Why am I busy but not making money in my travel business? How do I find clients as a new travel advisor? What networking strategies work best for travel businesses? How can small travel advisors compete with larger agencies? Why isn't my travel business growing despite all my effort? Enjoy (and take action)! --------------------------------------------------------------- Rita M. Perez (Host) first began in the travel industry as a travel advisor in 2010. She only fully realized her role as a travel entrepreneur in 2018, and embarked on a mission to support her fellow travel advisors in 2021 when she began the Strategic Travel Entrepreneur Podcast. She now strategizes with travel entrepreneurs, so they too can build sustainable travel agencies and market effectively. She's a maven when it comes to content photography and videography, and as such founded the Cruise Content Library and leads retreats and partners on FAMs where advisors get top notch content and education for their marketing efforts. Website: https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/everything/ Socials: LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritaperez19/ IG: http://www.instagram.com/takethehelmvbs FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/529490048073622 Email: rita@steeryourmarketing.com

    39 min
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Each week I share, along with featured guests, tangible and practical business strategies for travel entrepreneurs.We discuss foundations, marketing, sales, client experience, systems, supplier relations, and everything in between to empower you to run an effective and profitable travel business, and not just another travel hobby.For travel agents, travel advisors, travel suppliers, tour operators, tourism professionals, travel coaches, travel creators, travel business owners, travel agency owners, host agency owners, and travel industry support partners.

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