The Travel Agent Guide

Byrd Bergeron and Haley DeCarlo
  • 5.0 (14)
  • MARKETING
  • UPDATED DAILY

The Travel Agent Guide is a podcast created for travel advisors at every stage of their journey. Each episode shares practical tips, real-world experiences, and honest conversations about building a successful travel advisor business—from client boundaries and workflows to marketing, growth, and sustainability. Whether you’re new to the industry or looking to refine how you work, this podcast is here to help you work smarter, feel more confident, and grow with intention.

  1. 2D AGO

    Stop Acting Like a Booking Agent (If You Want to Make Real Money)

    Is AI replacing travel agents? Or is this the moment travel advisors become more valuable than ever? In this episode of the Travel Agent Guide Podcast, we unpack how the travel industry is evolving in the age of AI, Google searches, and online booking platforms — and why human connection is still the ultimate competitive advantage. We dive into the powerful shift from being a transactional travel agent to becoming a trusted travel advisor who delivers personalized experiences, emotional support, expert guidance, and real advocacy when clients need it most. From consultations and relationship-building to handling travel emergencies and creating unforgettable milestone trips, this episode reveals what truly sets successful advisors apart. You’ll learn why clients still choose to work with real people, how emotional intelligence can elevate your service, and practical strategies to create loyal repeat customers in today’s digital-first world. Whether you’re a new travel advisor or an experienced industry professional, this conversation will help you future-proof your business, strengthen client relationships, and confidently position yourself as an indispensable travel expert. Time Stamps: 00:01:00 - Understanding Your Value as a Travel AdvisorExploring the importance of recognizing the true value of travel advisors beyond just booking trips. 00:02:00 - Transactional vs. Transformational Travel AdvisorsDiscussing the difference between transactional agents and those who build relationships and provide concierge-level service. 00:05:00 - The Evolution of Travel AgentsHow the role of travel agents has changed from transactional to relationship-focused due to the rise of the internet. 00:08:00 - The Importance of Human Touch in TravelWhy clients prefer the human touch over AI and online tools when planning their trips. 00:10:00 - AI's Limitations in Travel PlanningUnderstanding the areas where AI falls short compared to human travel advisors. 00:18:00 - The Importance of CommunicationHow effective communication can enhance client relationships and service. 00:20:00 - Mistakes and AccountabilityThe importance of admitting mistakes and how strong relationships can mitigate negative reactions. 00:22:00 - Human-to-Human Connection in TravelEmphasizing the need for personal connections in a business-to-consumer industry. 00:25:00 - Elevating Client ServiceStrategies for providing exceptional service that goes beyond basic expectations. 00:28:00 - Understanding Client BudgetsThe necessity of discussing budgets and expectations to ensure a successful trip planning. Follow us on social media to stay updated:  📲 YouTube:⁠⁠ ⁠https://bit.ly/4c6QyGn⁠⁠⁠ Spotify:⁠⁠ ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5K53T5NZLJquHPqp7n9cqc⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcast:⁠⁠ ⁠https://bit.ly/4dEqnYT⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram:⁠⁠ ⁠https://bit.ly/3OgmpeE⁠⁠⁠ Facebook:⁠⁠ ⁠https://bit.ly/4mbwMgm⁠⁠⁠ #TravelAdvisor #TravelAgent #TravelIndustry #TravelBusiness #TravelTips #TravelMarketing #LuxuryTravel #TravelEntrepreneur #TravelProfessionals #AIInTravel #TravelPodcast #WomenInTravel #TravelAgentLife #ClientExperience #TravelIndustryTrends #TravelAdvisorSuccess #TravelGoals #TravelCommunity #TravelExperts #TravelAgentGuide

    43 min

  2. MAY 14

    Wait… Am I Qualified for This Trip? Travel Advisors Get Real

    In this episode, we dive into the very real experience of imposter syndrome in the travel industry and how self-doubt can show up at every stage of business. From feeling nervous on consultation calls to questioning your expertise when selling destinations you haven’t personally visited, we share honest experiences and practical ways to build confidence. We talk about the importance of leading client conversations with confidence, being honest about what you do and don’t know, and leaning on trusted industry partners and DMCs to create incredible client experiences. The conversation also explores social media visibility, taking action instead of hiding behind endless training, and learning to recognize the value of your services. Most importantly, this episode is a reminder that confidence comes through experience, consistency, and showing up — even before you feel fully ready. 00:00:00 - Introduction to Imposter Syndrome Travel 00:00:14 - Understanding Imposter Syndrome 00:00:57 - Personal Experiences with Imposter Syndrome 00:01:41 - Overcoming Zoom Call Anxiety 00:02:26 - Assuming the Zoom 00:03:47 - Handling Client Questions About Experience 00:06:45 - Using Destination Management Companies (DMCs) 00:08:06 - Building Trust with Clients 00:18:10 - Training vs. Networking 00:19:48 - The Value of Action Over Training 00:21:49 - Consultation Preparation Tips 00:22:49 - Confidence in Charging Fees 00:24:04 - Understanding Your Value 00:37:13 - Embracing Mistakes as Learning Opportunities 00:39:51 - Final Thoughts on Action and Confidence Follow us on social media to stay updated:  📲 YouTube:⁠ ⁠https://bit.ly/4c6QyGn⁠⁠ Spotify:⁠ ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5K53T5NZLJquHPqp7n9cqc⁠⁠Apple Podcast:⁠ ⁠https://bit.ly/4dEqnYT⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Instagram:⁠ ⁠https://bit.ly/3OgmpeE⁠⁠ Facebook:⁠ ⁠https://bit.ly/4mbwMgm⁠⁠ #TravelAdvisorLife #ImposterSyndrome #TravelBusiness #TravelAdvisor #WomenInBusiness #EntrepreneurLife #TravelIndustry #TravelAgentTips #SmallBusinessOwner #ConfidenceInBusiness #TravelPodcast #BusinessGrowth #TravelEntrepreneur #LuxuryTravelAdvisor #MindsetShift #TravelProfessionals #BossMoves #TravelCommunity #ClientExperience #BuildYourBusiness

    45 min

  3. MAY 6

    Niche Hard. Sell Harder : How Specializing Changes Everything in Travel Sales featuring Cameron DeJong

    What happens when a travel advisor stops trying to sell everythin and starts becoming known for one thing?  In this episode of The Travel Agent Guide Podcast, we sit down with Cam to talk about the power of niching down, building authority, and how specializing completely transformed his business. From leaving a 20+ year career in sales and marketing to becoming one of the top sellers in his niche, Cam shares the mindset, systems, and strategies that helped him stand out in a crowded industry. We dive into:  ✨ Why most advisors are afraid to choose a niche  ✨ How specialization changes your messaging and sales conversations  ✨ The difference between being “another advisor” vs becoming the expert  ✨ Why relationships and client experience matter more than just price  ✨ The systems, playbooks, and processes that helped scale his business  ✨ How confidence and competence can completely change your close rate If you’ve ever wondered whether niching down could actually grow your travel business faster — this episode is for you. 🎧 #TheTravelAgentGuide #TravelAdvisor #TravelBusiness #TravelAgentTips  #EntrepreneurMindset #TravelPodcast #NicheMarketing

    44 min

  4. APR 29

    What If You Could Double Your Sales… Without Doubling Your Hours?

    🎙️ New Episode: What If You Could Double Your Sales Without Doubling Your Hours Most travel agents think growth means working more—but this episode challenges that. They break down how every task you do falls into a different “bucket.” Some are $20/hour tasks, others are $200/hour tasks—and if you’re doing everything yourself, you’re slowing down your own growth. The real shift happens when you start letting go of repeatable work and focus on what actually drives revenue. It starts simple: track your day. If you’re doing the same task over and over, it can be taught, documented, and handed off. That’s how you free up time—not by working harder, but by working smarter and building systems around what you do. And the result? More time for sales, faster responses, and the ability to grow without burning out. Sometimes the biggest shift isn’t doing more—it’s deciding what to stop doing. Follow us on social media to stay updated: 📲  YouTube: https://bit.ly/4c6QyGn Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5K53T5NZLJquHPqp7n9cqc Apple Podcast: https://bit.ly/4dEqnYT Instagram: https://bit.ly/3OgmpeE Facebook: https://bit.ly/4mbwMgm #TheTravelAgentGuide #TravelAgentTips #TravelAdvisorLife #SalesStrategy #TravelBusiness

    45 min

  5. APR 29

    The Most Overlooked Call That Can Explode Your Business Growth

    Most travel agents think the job ends after the trip—but that’s the mistake, because the real growth doesn’t happen before the trip, it happens after. The simple “welcome home” call is where you understand what actually mattered to your client, what needs to be better next time, and what they want to do next, and when you skip it, you lose the relationship, but when you do it right, you create repeat clients, referrals, and your next booking. So are you ending the experience too early, or are you using the one moment most people ignore? This podcast is for you. Follow us to stay updated: 📲 YouTube: https://bit.ly/4c6QyGn Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5K53T5NZLJquHPqp7n9cqc Apple Podcast: https://bit.ly/4dEqnYT Instagram: https://bit.ly/3OgmpeE Facebook: https://bit.ly/4mbwMgm #TheTravelAgentGuide #TravelAgentTips #TravelAdvisorLife #SalesStrategy #TravelBusiness

    40 min

  6. APR 27

    Turn Everyday Relationships Into Real Bookings

    What if your next client is already in your everyday life? In this episode, we talk to Monica Bowen, a travel advisor generating nearly $1M a year—mostly through referrals and her personal network. From her kids’ school community to social circles, she shares how she turned real relationships into consistent bookings—without being “salesy.” In this episode:• How to find your ideal client naturally• Turning school and community connections into leads• Building trust that drives referrals• Simple, organic ways to grow your network• Common mistakes to avoid If you’re struggling with leads, this episode will show you how to grow using what you already have. Follow our social media to stay updated: 📲 YouTube: ⁠https://bit.ly/4c6QyGn⁠ Spotify: ⁠https://bit.ly/4tg7L6e⁠ Apple Podcast: ⁠https://bit.ly/4dEqnYT⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://bit.ly/3OgmpeE ⁠Facebook: ⁠https://bit.ly/4mbwMgm⁠ #TheTravelAgentGuide #TravelAgentBusiness #TravelAgentTips #TravelAdvisorLife #TravelBusiness

    32 min

  7. APR 8

    Scaling your Business: 5 Data Points Every Travel Advisor Needs To Know

    5 Data Points That Will Change Your Business If you’re not tracking your numbers, you’re not growing—you’re guessing. In this episode, we break down the key metrics every travel agent should know: Next Follow-Up (CRM): Success is in the follow-up—how bad do you want the lead? Lead Sources & Notes: Know exactly where your business is coming from. Closed Lost Reasons: If they didn’t see your value, fix how you communicate it. Lead Count (YOY): No growth in leads = no growth in business Close Rate & Cycle: Track how many you close—and how fastTrack your numbers. Grow your business.  If you’re serious about growing your business, you need to listen to this episode. 🎧 Follow our social media to stay updated: 📲  YouTube: https://bit.ly/4tqDT72 Instagram: https://bit.ly/3OgmpeE Facebook: https://bit.ly/4mbwMgm Spotify: https://bit.ly/4tns0yB Apple Podcast: https://bit.ly/41bxAZ6 #TheTravelAgentGuide #TravelAgentLife #TravelBusiness #TravelAgentTips #GrowYourBusiness

    44 min

  8. APR 1

    How to Actually Use AI in Your Travel Business

    The Basics of AI Saving You Time on Itinerary Creation How are travel agents really using AI today—and how can it help you work faster without losing your personal touch? In this episode, we talk about how AI can support your business—from research, ideation, and narrowing down options, to using tools like AI Assist in Tern.  We also dive into whether you should be using AI before client consultations to come across more confident and prepared.We break down how much you can trust AI when doing research (and where you need to be careful), plus share key prompts you can use to design more unique and memorable trips—from experiences and dining to what clients should know before they travel. We also explore how AI can help with special client requests (like finding a specific perfume in Greece), polishing your itineraries with details like routes, transport costs, and free activities, and even handling challenging clients. We answer the big question—Is AI going to take your job?—and introduce simple AI agents like a financial planner or “chaos organizer” to help structure your workflow. Plus, how you can elevate your client experience by designing cover photos and creating playbooks for trips, including cruise details, itineraries, and onboard experiences. If you’re a travel agent looking to save time, stay organized, and create better trips—this episode is for you. #TheTravelAgentGuide #TravelAgentLife #AIForTravel #TravelBusiness #ItineraryPlanning

    36 min
See All (20)

5
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

The Travel Agent Guide is a podcast created for travel advisors at every stage of their journey. Each episode shares practical tips, real-world experiences, and honest conversations about building a successful travel advisor business—from client boundaries and workflows to marketing, growth, and sustainability. Whether you’re new to the industry or looking to refine how you work, this podcast is here to help you work smarter, feel more confident, and grow with intention.

Information

  • Creator
    Byrd Bergeron and Haley DeCarlo
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    20
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Travel Agent Guide
  • Show Website
    The Travel Agent Guide

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