Travel Agent Takeaways

By Destination Webinars

Are you a travel advisor in Australia or New Zealand looking for short, reliable updates from destinations and suppliers? Your host Charlie Trevena, from Destination Webinars, brings you a podcast series of bite-sized chats with reps, sales managers, and other travel industry legends, delivering news, tips, and insights to keep you informed and ahead of the game. We know you’re busy doing an amazing job selling travel and want to help make it easy for you to learn and keep in touch in your own time. Whether you're in the office, on a walk, commuting, or traveling, tune in for quick takeaways that help you serve your clients better and grow your travel business. Perfect for both new and experienced advisors, Travel Agent Takeaways ensures you stay connected and knowledgeable in a fast-paced industry. 

  1. EPISODE 1

    California Unlocked: Diversity, Value & Big Adventures with Eva Huezo from Visit California

    Dreaming of selling California with confidence?  In this episode of Travel Agent Takeaways, Charlie catches up with Eva Huezo from Visit California to uncover the Golden State’s diverse landscapes, vibrant culture, and insider tips for showcasing its true value.  From world-famous icons to authentic local moments, discover how to help your clients experience more of California in every trip. Plus, get a sneak peek into Visit California’s upcoming 6-part Mini Webinar Series launching this November, designed to give agents quick, powerful tools to sell California with ease. This episode is packed with ideas to help you turn destination knowledge into sales. Visit California Resources: California STAR Program Ultimate Playground itineraries Visit California Official Visitor's Guide 2025 Visit California, California Road Trips 2025 Visit California Luxury Travel Planning Guide 100 Years of the Mother Road; ROUTE 66 Eva Huezo LinkedIn Eva's Email: Eva@gate7.com.au Visit California Mini-Series Coming Soon! Mini-Series Grand Prize:  $1,000 flight credit, courtesy of Visit California2 nights at an oceanfront Huntington Beach resort, courtesy of Huntington Beach – Surf City USATickets to Universal Studios, courtesy of Universal Studios Hollywood2 nights in Yosemite Madera County, courtesy of Visit Yosemite Madera CountyTouring & wine-tasting experience in Yosemite, courtesy of Visit Yosemite Madera CountyConnect with Destination Webinars: Charlie Trevena LinkedIn Charlie's Email: charlie@destinationwebinars.com.au Destination Webinars Library Destination Webinars Facebook Destination Webinars LinkedIn Thanks so much for listening, I love hearing feedback from travel agents about these short and sweet training updates, and if you have any requests let me know and I'll try and get them on! Email or DM me on LinkedIn anytime: charlie@destinationwebinars.com.au https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlietrevena/ Cheers, Charlie

    17 min
  2. EPISODE 2

    Dive into Vanuatu with Jess Cory from the Vanuatu Tourism Office

    Will you Answer the Call of Vanuatu? And did you know, Vanuatu is home to some of the world’s best diving?  From the famous SS President Coolidge wreck, to pristine reefs teeming with marine life.  In this episode of Travel Agent Takeaways, Charlie chats with Jess Cory from the Vanuatu Tourism Office about why Vanuatu should be on every diver’s bucket list, how agents can package diving with other adventures, and the trade resources available to help you sell it with ease. Vanuatu Resources: Vanuatu Tourism Website: vanuatu.travel/au Vanuatu Specialist Program: vanuatuspecialists.com Jess' Email: jcory@vanuatu.travel NZ Contact: Jacquie Carson, jcarson@vanuatu.travel Vanuatu Webinar Recording: destinationwebinars.com.au/library/vanuatu-2025/ Recommended dive wholesalers: Diveplanit Travel: https://www.diveplanit.com/vanuatu Dive Adventures: https://diveadventures.com.au/country/vanuatu/ Allways Dive: https://allwaysdive.com.au/diving-destinations/vanuatu/ Connect with Destination Webinars: Charlie Trevena LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlietrevena/ Charlie's Email: charlie@destinationwebinars.com.au Destination Webinars Library: https://www.destinationwebinars.com.au/webinar-library/ Destination Webinars Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/destinationwebinars Destination Webinars LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com Thanks so much for listening, I love hearing feedback from travel agents about these short and sweet training updates, and if you have any requests let me know and I'll try and get them on! Email or DM me on LinkedIn anytime: charlie@destinationwebinars.com.au https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlietrevena/ Cheers, Charlie

    11 min
  3. EPISODE 3

    From Istanbul to ANZAC Cove with Vanessa Wallace from V Travel Network

    In this episode of Travel Agent Takeaways, Charlie chats with Vanessa Wallace, owner of V Travel Network, about travelling in Turkey and the Anzac Day 2026 commemorations.  Vanessa shares her deep personal connection with Turkey, and explains why the country appeals to so many travellers with its mix of history, culture, and stunning scenery.  She outlines how V Travel Network partners with Fez Travel to offer small-group tours across Turkey, including unique Anzac Day experiences at Gallipoli.  The discussion covers who these tours suit, what to expect during the ANZAC commemorations, and practical tips for agents helping clients plan this meaningful journey. V Travel Network: V Travel Network Website Fez Travel Website Enquiries: sales@vtravelnetwork.com AU: 07 34112090 or 1300 884 332 NZ: +64 9801 0014 Connect with Destination Webinars: Charlie Trevena LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlietrevena/ Charlie's Email: charlie@destinationwebinars.com.au Destination Webinars Library: https://www.destinationwebinars.com.au/webinar-library/ Destination Webinars Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/destinationwebinars Destination Webinars LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com Thanks so much for listening, I love hearing feedback from travel agents about these short and sweet training updates, and if you have any requests let me know and I'll try and get them on! Email or DM me on LinkedIn anytime: charlie@destinationwebinars.com.au https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlietrevena/ Cheers, Charlie

    24 min
  4. EPISODE 4

    Small Ships, Big Experiences with Shelley Martin from Windstar Cruises

    In this episode of Travel Agent Takeaways, we’re setting sail with Windstar Cruises, the leader in small-ship cruising that brings guests closer to the world’s most captivating destinations. From private yacht-style experiences to immersive itineraries and award-winning service, Windstar offers something truly special for travellers who want more than the typical cruise. Charlie is joined by Windstar Cruises Sales Manager Australia, Shelley Martin, for insider tips to help travel agents sell the Windstar experience. From what makes small-ship cruising different, to key selling points, target markets, and the exciting destinations on Windstar’s horizon. Connect with Windstar Cruises: Windstar Cruises Website: https://deals.windstar.com.au/windstar/ Windstar Advisor Hub: https://advisorhub.windstarcruises.com/ Shelley's Email: shelley.martin@windstarcruises.com  Shelley's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelleytmartin/ Group Bookings: As well as our regular group savings and Tour Leader credit for every 9 paying passengers, we also have a range of departures with a Tour Leader credit for every 7 paying passengers. You will find the list of Group Departures for these here. Call the Windstar Groups Department on 1300 749 097 or email groups@windstar.com.au  Agent Rates: We would love you to experience the Windstar difference, and we offer amazing Travel Advisor Appreciation Fares across selected itineraries and dates.  Important Updates & Training Looking for marketing tools, training, current offers or group support? The Windstar Advisor Hub has it all. How to Book Windstar Reservations: Call 1300 749 875 to speak to one of our dedicated Windstar consultants or by emailing reservations@windstar.com.au Sales Support: Please contact the sales support email address for any questions or queries - sales@windstar.com.au Connect with Destination Webinars: Charlie Trevena LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlietrevena/ Charlie's Email: charlie@destinationwebinars.com.au Destination Webinars Library: https://www.destinationwebinars.com.au/webinar-library/ Destination Webinars Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/destinationwebinars Destination Webinars LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com Thanks so much for listening, I love hearing feedback from travel agents about these short and sweet training updates, and if you have any requests let me know and I'll try and get them on! Email or DM me on LinkedIn anytime: charlie@destinationwebinars.com.au https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlietrevena/ Cheers, Charlie

    20 min
  5. EPISODE 5

    From Golden Gates to Alpine Lakes: A Northern California Road Trip with David McMahon from Gate 7

    In this episode, Charlie chats with David McMahon, our local representative for San Francisco Travel, North Lake Tahoe & South Lake Tahoe, Mammoth Lakes Tourism and Yosemite Mariposa County Tourism. Join us on a road trip through Northern California’s most spectacular landscapes. From the cityscapes of San Francisco to the alpine beauty of Lake Tahoe, the mountain magic of Mammoth Lakes, and the gateway to Yosemite in Mariposa County. Each stop shines differently through the seasons, and this episode will help you understand how to tailor itineraries year-round. Connect with Northern California: David's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mcmahon-61035b2a/ David's Email: david@gate7.com.au San Francisco: https://www.sftravel.com/ North Lake Tahoe: https://www.gotahoenorth.com/ South Lake Tahoe: https://visitlaketahoe.com/ Mammoth Lakes: https://www.visitmammoth.com/ Yosemite: https://www.yosemite.com/ Connect with Destination Webinars: Charlie Trevena LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlietrevena/ Charlie's Email: charlie@destinationwebinars.com.au Destination Webinars Library: https://www.destinationwebinars.com.au/webinar-library/ Destination Webinars Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/destinationwebinars Destination Webinars LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com Thanks so much for listening, I love hearing feedback from travel agents about these short and sweet training updates, and if you have any requests let me know and I'll try and get them on! Email or DM me on LinkedIn anytime: charlie@destinationwebinars.com.au https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlietrevena/ Cheers, Charlie

    16 min
  6. EPISODE 7

    Wrapping up 2025 with Nathan McLoughlin from Destination Canada

    In the Season 4 finale of Travel Agent Takeaways, Charlie is joined once again by Nathan McLoughlin from Destination Canada. As the very first guest to ever appear on the podcast back in July 2024, Nath’s return brings things full circle for this 38th episode. Together, Charlie and Nathan look back on everything the Destination Canada team has achieved in 2025, including key trade initiatives, agent engagement, and the continued growth of Canada as a top-tier destination for Aussie travellers. They dive into their shared love of Canada’s magical winter season and offer listeners an exciting sneak peek at what’s coming in 2026. As Charlie wraps up the year, this episode is a warm thank you to everyone who has tuned in, sent feedback, or joined a live webinar. Travel Agent Takeaways will be back in 2026, but for now, settle in for one last chat filled with insights, inspiration, and some Canadian charm. Destination Canada Resources: Join the Canada Specialist Program: canadaspecialist.com.au Sign the Destination Canada 'Together for Impact' Tourism Pledge Website: travel.destinationcanada.com Nathan's email: nathan@dcaworldwide.com Thanks so much for listening, I love hearing feedback from travel agents about these short and sweet training updates, and if you have any requests let me know and I'll try and get them on! Email or DM me on LinkedIn anytime: charlie@destinationwebinars.com.au https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlietrevena/ Cheers, Charlie

    22 min

Trailer

About

Are you a travel advisor in Australia or New Zealand looking for short, reliable updates from destinations and suppliers? Your host Charlie Trevena, from Destination Webinars, brings you a podcast series of bite-sized chats with reps, sales managers, and other travel industry legends, delivering news, tips, and insights to keep you informed and ahead of the game. We know you’re busy doing an amazing job selling travel and want to help make it easy for you to learn and keep in touch in your own time. Whether you're in the office, on a walk, commuting, or traveling, tune in for quick takeaways that help you serve your clients better and grow your travel business. Perfect for both new and experienced advisors, Travel Agent Takeaways ensures you stay connected and knowledgeable in a fast-paced industry.