The Travel Agent Guide

Byrd Bergeron and Haley DeCarlo
  • 5.0 (16)
  • 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. 1d ago

    The Art of Saying No: Handling Difficult Travel Clients

    🎙️ When Clients Push Back: Handling Tough Objections Like a Pro! What do you do when your client can't decide on a destination, keeps asking for another proposal, or simply isn't the right fit for your business? 🤔✈️ Not every client objection is about price, and not every client is meant to be your client. In this episode of The Travel Agent Guide Podcast, Byrd dives into the challenging conversations experienced travel advisors face and shares practical strategies for handling objections, building client trust, setting clear expectations, and protecting your time. From turning a traditional proposal call into a collaborative "proposal workshop" to helping indecisive clients confidently choose their next destination, this conversation is packed with insights that can transform how you manage consultations and close bookings. We also explore one of the toughest lessons in the travel business: knowing when to say NO. Because sometimes, saying no to the wrong client creates room for the right opportunities. 💡 🎯 Key Topics Covered: ✈️ How to handle clients who can't decide between destinations. 💬 Why better consultations lead to fewer objections. 🤝 How a "proposal workshop" can improve client commitment and decision-making. 🌍 Using bucket lists, budgets, and travel priorities to guide destination choices. 💰 How to discuss travel budgets without damaging client trust. 🤖 Using AI to help clients compare travel experiences without creating multiple full itineraries. 🚫 When and how to turn down clients who aren't the right fit. 📈 Why setting boundaries helps experienced travel advisors build more profitable businesses. ✨ The biggest takeaway? "Every time you say no to something, you're saying yes to something else." Stop letting difficult objections and mismatched clients control your business. Start leading conversations with confidence, clarity, and purpose. 📱 JOIN OUR COMMUNITY: Become an Advisor now: https://savatravel.com/become-an-advisor/   Join our Facebook Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/427429538252544  Follow us on IG: https://www.instagram.com/thetravelagentguide_/  Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thetravelagent_guide  🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or watch on YouTube! #TheTravelAgentGuide #TravelAgentPodcast #TravelAdvisorTips #TravelAgentLife #TravelBusiness #TravelIndustry #TravelAgentTraining #ClientObjections #TravelAdvisorSuccess #TravelBusinessGrowth #TravelPlanning #TravelProfessional #TravelSales #ClientConsultation #travelentrepreneur

  2. Oct 8

    Selling Exotic Peru: Beyond Machu Picchu

    Planning Peru and Machu Picchu: What Every Travel Advisor Should Know Before Sending Clients In this episode of The Travel Agent Guide Podcast, Byrd Bergeron and Haley DeCarlo share their firsthand experiences exploring Peru, from the breathtaking landscapes of Machu Picchu to the unforgettable cultural experiences of the Sacred Valley. More importantly, they discuss the lessons they learned about preparing clients for destinations that require more than the usual travel planning. Key Topics Covered: • Why preparing clients for Peru and other exotic destinations requires a different approach than traditional vacation planning. • What travel advisors should understand about altitude sickness, acclimatization, and the differences between Cusco and the Sacred Valley. • Why starting a trip in the Sacred Valley can help travelers adjust to higher elevations before exploring Cusco. • How to choose the right accommodations near Machu Picchu based on your clients' preferences, expectations, and travel budgets. • What travel advisors need to know about Machu Picchu's three circuits, timed-entry tickets, and changing weather conditions. • How transportation options, including PeruRail, Vistadome, and luxury train experiences, can influence the overall journey. • Why understanding travel times, winding mountain roads, and transportation limitations is essential when planning Machu Picchu excursions. • How Peru's culinary experiences, from traditional ceviche to unique dining experiences in the Sacred Valley, can elevate an itinerary. • Why incorporating authentic cultural experiences, local music, and meaningful encounters can make a trip more memorable. • How destination management companies (DMCs), including Nature Horizons, provide local expertise, personalized experiences, and support when unexpected challenges arise. • What Byrd and Haley learned from their own unexpected health challenges and why proper preparation matters. • How firsthand destination knowledge helps travel advisors set realistic expectations and deliver better client experiences. Whether you are planning your first trip to Peru or looking to expand your expertise in more adventurous and culturally immersive destinations, this episode is a reminder that the best travel advisors prepare their clients for the entire experience, not just the destination. Because seeing Machu Picchu might be the dream, but getting there comfortably, safely, and with the right expectations is what makes the journey truly remarkable. The more you understand a destination, the better equipped you are to create meaningful experiences, anticipate challenges, and build the trust that keeps clients coming back. 🎧 Subscribe to The Travel Agent Guide Podcast for practical travel planning strategies, firsthand destination insights, and honest conversations to help you grow your travel business. 📱 JOIN OUR COMMUNITY: Become an Advisor now: https://savatravel.com/become-an-advisor/    Join our Facebook Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/427429538252544  Follow us on IG: https://www.instagram.com/thetravelagentguide_/  Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thetravelagent_guide  #TheTravelAgentGuide #TravelAgentGuidePodcast #TravelAdvisors #TravelAgentTips #TravelIndustry #TravelAgentLife #TravelPlanning #PeruTravel #MachuPicchu #SacredValley #DestinationKnowledge #TravelAdvisorEducation #TravelBusinessGrowth #TravelProfessionals #DestinationManagement #ClientExperience #LuxuryTravel #TravelExpertise #peru

  3. Sep 30

    Need More Repeat Clients? Add a Memory Maker to EVERY Trip!

    In this episode of The Travel Agent Guide Podcast, we talk about how travel advisors can turn a great trip into something clients remember, talk about, and come back for. Repeat bookings and referrals do not happen by accident. They are built through the way you listen to your clients, understand why they are traveling, and create thoughtful experiences they may never have considered on their own. Sometimes, all it takes is one unforgettable moment to turn a client into someone who cannot stop telling others about their trip and the advisor who made it happen. We call these moments “Memory Makers.” They can be meaningful surprises, unique experiences, creative twists on familiar destinations, or even small personal touches that show your clients you were truly paying attention. The goal is not necessarily to spend more it is to think differently and create something personal to them. Join us as we discuss how to intentionally build these moments into your itineraries and use exceptional service to create stronger client relationships, repeat bookings, and referrals. Key Topics Covered: • Why repeat bookings and referrals begin with the experience you create for your very first client. • What a “Memory Maker” is and why every itinerary should have at least one. • How listening closely during consultations can reveal opportunities for meaningful experiences. • Why understanding the real reason behind a client’s trip helps you personalize their itinerary. • How to add creative twists to familiar destinations and experiences. • Why memorable experiences do not always need to be expensive. • How handwritten notes, complimentary amenities, sunsets, and other simple touches can still make clients feel special. • How working with your team, suppliers, DMCs, guides, and local partners can help you uncover unique ideas. • Why documenting your best Memory Makers can make future trip planning easier and more efficient. • How intentional service can help turn one client into repeat business—and potentially several new referrals. Whether you are building your client base or looking for ways to strengthen relationships with the travelers you already serve, this episode is a reminder to look at every itinerary and ask: What will they come home talking about? You do not need to make every moment extraordinary. You just need to create something thoughtful enough that when someone asks, “How was your trip?” your client has a story they cannot wait to tell—and remembers exactly who helped make it happen. 🎧 Subscribe to The Travel Agent Guide Podcast for practical strategies and honest conversations to help you grow your travel business. 📱 JOIN OUR COMMUNITY: Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-travel-agent-guide/id1867119101  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5K53T5NZLJquHPqp7n9cqc?si=51f305d6333c48da&nd=1&dlsi=9bf7f0f4afcf47a9  Become an Advisor now: https://savatravel.com/become-an-advisor/  Join our Facebook Group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/427429538252544 Follow us on IG: https://www.instagram.com/thetravelagentguide_/ How do you help clients remember the value you brought to their trip? Share your experience with us in our Facebook group.   #TravelAgentGuide #TravelAdvisor #TravelAdvisorTips #TravelBusiness #TravelAgentLife #TravelIndustry #TravelProfessionals #TravelPlanning #ClientExperience #ClientRelationships #RepeatClients #ClientReferrals #ReferralMarketing #MemoryMakers #PersonalizedTravel #TravelExpert #TravelAdvisorCommunity #TravelBusinessTips #GrowYourTravelBusiness #TravelAgentPodcast

  4. Sep 23

    Why Your Clients Should Remember You, Not Just the Trip

    In this episode of The Travel Agent Guide Podcast, we talk about what makes a client remember their travel advisor long after they return home. A wonderful trip matters, but so does the person who listened, understood what they wanted, and guided them through every decision.  Your value goes beyond finding flights and hotels. It shows up in the research you do, the experiences you recommend, the time you save your clients, and the care you bring to each conversation. When clients understand that value, they can tell others why they loved working with you.  Join us as we discuss how to communicate your process, build genuine client relationships, and create an experience that leads to repeat bookings and referrals.  Key Topics Covered:  • How to explain the value of a travel advisor during the initial consultation.  • Why learning about your clients’ lives and reasons for traveling leads to more personal recommendations.  • How to show clients the thought and research behind your proposals.  • Why walking clients through your process helps them know what to expect.  • How video calls and personal conversations can strengthen your connection.  • Why pre-departure and welcome-home calls are valuable parts of the client experience.  • How to ask for referrals in a natural, genuine way.  • Why remembering a client’s future travel plans can lead to lasting relationships.  • How focusing on service and value helps you move beyond conversations about the lowest price.  Whether you are refining your consultation or looking for ways to stay connected after a trip, this episode offers practical ideas you can use throughout the client journey. The goal is for clients to come home with great memories—and to remember the advisor who helped make them possible.  🎧 Subscribe for practical strategies and honest conversations to help you grow your travel business. 📱 JOIN OUR COMMUNITY: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thetravelagent_guide Become an Advisor now: https://savatravel.com/become-an-advisor/ Join our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/427429538252544 How do you help clients remember the value you brought to their trip? Share your experience with us in our Facebook group.  #TheTravelAgentGuide #TravelAdvisor #TravelAgent #TravelAdvisorLife #TravelBusiness #TravelAgentTips #ClientExperience #ClientRelationships #TravelAdvisorMarketing #TravelAgentBusiness #TravelPlanning #TravelEntrepreneur #PodcastForTravelAdvisors

  5. Sep 9

    What Travel Advisors Don't Say Out Loud

    In this episode of The Travel Agent Guide Podcast, we talk about something many travel advisors experience but do not always say out loud: the doubts, insecurities, and behind-the-scenes challenges that can affect how confidently they run their businesses.  Building confidence does not mean knowing everything. It means trusting your ability to research, lean on your network, find the right answers, and confidently guide your clients—even when you are still growing. The confidence you need today can come from the capable and experienced advisor you are becoming.   Join us as we discuss how showing up authentically, communicating with confidence, protecting your time, and allowing clients to see your enthusiasm can strengthen your professional presence and help you become a more effective travel advisor.  Key Topics Covered:  • Why uncertainty and self-doubt are normal, especially during your first few years in the travel industry.  • Why travel advisors do not need to know everything to serve their clients well.  • How a strong professional network and effective research skills can help you approach unfamiliar destinations and requests.   • Why advisors should draw confidence from the professional they are becoming—not only from their current level of experience.   • How showing your face during virtual meetings can create a stronger connection with clients.  • Why authenticity is more valuable than appearing perfectly polished.  • How your energy, enthusiasm, tone, and nonverbal communication can influence a client’s trust and buying decisions.  • Why presenting recommendations with confidence can help clients feel more excited and secure about their choices.  • How fear of judgment can prevent advisors from being visible and fully present.  • Why thoughtful and caring feedback can help other advisors grow professionally.  • The importance of understanding what happens behind the scenes of the business.   • Why protecting your time is essential for building a sustainable travel business.   • How acknowledging the feelings advisors often keep hidden can make professional growth feel less isolating.   Whether you are still developing your confidence or looking for ways to elevate and polish your client experience, this episode offers an honest reminder that you do not need to have every answer today. What matters is your willingness to learn, use your resources, remain present, and confidently lead your clients toward the right travel decisions.  The goal is not to appear perfect. It is to show up as a knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and trustworthy advisor who is committed to finding the answers and supporting clients throughout their journey. When clients can see and feel your confidence, they are more likely to trust your recommendations and recognize the value you bring.  🎧 Subscribe for more practical strategies, honest conversations, and actionable advice to help you build a stronger and more profitable travel business.  📱 JOIN OUR COMMUNITY:  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5K53T5N...   Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...   Become an Advisor now: https://savatravel.com/become-an-advi...   Instagram:   / thetravelagentguide_    Facebook Group Page:   / 1bgxszu6qj     Have questions or want to share your own experiences with pre-departure calls, client emergencies, or setting boundaries while your clients travel? Connect with us in our Facebook group, The Travel Agent Guide, where we provide resources, support, and a community for travel advisors.  #TheTravelAgentGuide #TravelAdvisor #TravelAgent #TravelAdvisorLife #TravelBusiness #TravelIndustry #TravelProfessional #TravelAgentTips #TravelBusinessTips #EntrepreneurMindset #BusinessConfidence #ClientCommunication #ProfessionalGrowth #TravelEntrepreneur #PodcastForTravelAdvisors

  6. Sep 3

    Stop Waiting, Start Leading: How to Sell More Group Travel

    In this episode of The Travel Agent Guide Podcast, we break down one of the most exciting and often intimidating opportunities in the travel industry: selling and managing group travel. Group trips can lead to larger bookings, stronger client relationships, repeat business, and valuable referrals. But without the right systems, contracts, fees, communication, and expectations, they can also become overwhelming and time-consuming. Join us as we discuss how to identify profitable group opportunities, confidently lead travelers through the planning process, protect your time, work effectively with suppliers and destination management companies, and create group experiences your clients will remember long after they return home. Episode Timestamps:  00:00 – Introduction  04:38 – What Travel Advisors Can Learn About Group Travel  05:01 – Why Group Travel Can Be Profitable  05:25 – Different Types of Group Trips  44:12 – Protecting Your Time When Travelers Cancel  44:50 – Working With a Destination Management Company (DMC)  45:09 – Emergency Contacts and On-Site Support  45:29 – Why an Advisor Should Accompany the Group  45:50 – Creating “Surprise and Delight” Moments  46:09 – Choosing the Right Tour Director  46:51 – Interviewing Your Tour Director Before the Trip  47:45 – Final Group-Travel Advice  48:13 – Turning Group Travelers Into Repeat Clients and Referrals  48:58 – Closing and About SAVA Travel Whether you’re a new travel advisor considering your first group or an experienced advisor looking to improve your process, this episode offers practical strategies to help you approach group travel with greater confidence, organization, and profitability. The goal isn’t simply to book more people on one trip. It’s to create an experience that feels organized, personal, and fully supported from beginning to end. When travelers feel connected to you not only to the group leader they are more likely to return for future trips, recommend your services, and become long-term clients. 🎧 Subscribe for more practical strategies, honest conversations, and actionable advice to help you build a stronger and more profitable travel business. 📱 JOIN OUR COMMUNITY: Become an Advisor now: https://savatravel.com/become-an-advisor/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetravelagentguide_/ Facebook Group Page: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BgXszU6Qj/  YouTube: www.youtube.com/@Thetravelagent_guide  Have questions or want to share your own experiences with pre-departure calls, client emergencies, or setting boundaries while your clients travel? Connect with us in our Facebook group, The Travel Agent Guide, where we provide resources, support, and a community for travel advisors. #TheTravelAgentGuide #TravelAgentPodcast #TravelAdvisor #TravelAgent #TravelAdvisorTips #GroupTravel #GroupTravelPlanning #GroupTravelExpert #TravelBusiness #TravelBusinessTips #TravelAgentTraining #TravelIndustry #TravelProfessionals #TravelEntrepreneur #DestinationWeddingTravel #TravelPlanning #TravelAgentLife #GrowYourTravelBusiness #SellMoreTravel #PodcastForTravelAgents

  7. Aug 27

    The Pre-Departure Call Every Travel Advisor Should Make

    In this episode of The Travel Agent Guide Podcast, we break down one of the most important—and often overlooked—parts of creating a smooth travel experience: the pre-departure call. If your clients are constantly calling you while they’re traveling, reaching out on weekends, or waking you up in the middle of the night when something goes wrong, the problem may start before they ever leave. A strong pre-departure process helps prepare travelers for what could happen, shows them exactly where to find the information they need, and gives them the confidence to handle common travel problems on their own. Join us as we discuss how to structure an effective pre-departure call, set clear expectations with your clients, prepare them for common travel hiccups, and give them the tools they need to self-rescue—without sacrificing the level of service that makes a great travel advisor. Timestamp: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:01:07 The Perfect Pre-Departure Call 00:02:09 Building a Pre-Departure Call Into Your Process 00:04:18 Do Pre-Departure Calls Really Reduce Client Calls? 00:06:04 Teaching Your Clients to Self-Rescue 00:06:50 Setting Boundaries With Your Clients 00:10:19 What If a Client Skips the Pre-Departure Call? 00:12:49 Walking Through the Itinerary 00:14:12 Preparing Clients for Flight Problems 00:15:45 Preparing for Delays, Cancellations & Transfers 00:18:01 Setting Destination Expectations 00:19:15 Currency, ATMs & Travel Essentials 00:20:12 Creating Destination-Specific Pre-Departure Emails 00:21:42 Discussing Payments Before the Trip 00:22:43 Dining Reservations, Tipping & Expectations 00:24:17 Setting Hotel & Room Expectations 00:25:56 Creating Your Pre-Departure Checklist 00:26:20 Cruises, Resorts & Future Bookings 00:26:51 Preparing Clients for Timeshares 00:28:32 Traveling Internationally With Kids 00:29:26 Setting Realistic Destination Expectations 00:30:44 Packing Tips for Travelers 00:32:02 What Clients Should Pack in Their Carry-On 00:34:03 Final Travel Preparation Reminders 00:34:54 Building a Strong Pre-Departure Process 00:36:07 Final Thoughts Whether you're a new travel advisor developing your client process or an experienced advisor tired of being your clients’ 24/7 emergency hotline, this episode provides practical strategies to help you prepare travelers more effectively while protecting your own time. The goal isn’t to disappear when your clients need you. It’s to make sure they leave home knowing where to find their information, who to contact, and what to do when travel doesn’t go exactly according to plan. When your clients feel prepared and confident, they’re better equipped to navigate the unexpected—and you can provide excellent service without being on call every hour of the day. 🎧 Subscribe for more practical strategies, honest conversations, and actionable advice to help you build a stronger travel business. Join the Conversation: 📱 JOIN OUR COMMUNITY: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5K53T5NZLJquHPqp7n9cqc?si=83825c685a1a4023 Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/the-travel-agent-guide/id1867119101 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetravelagentguide_/ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61586375433609 Have questions or want to share your own experiences with pre-departure calls, client emergencies, or setting boundaries while your clients travel? Connect with us in our Facebook group, The Travel Agent Guide, where we provide resources, support, and a community for travel advisors. #TheTravelAgentGuide #TravelAgentGuidePodcast #TravelAdvisor #TravelAgent #TravelBusiness #TravelAgentTips #TravelAdvisorLife #TravelIndustry #TravelProfessional #PreDeparture #ClientExperience #TravelPlanning #TravelAgentTraining #TravelBusinessTips #WorkLifeBalance

  8. Aug 19

    5 Ungoogleable Upscale Gems in Greece with Kosta Sourvanos

    In this episode of The Travel Agent Guide Podcast, we’re heading to Greece with special guest Kostas Sourvanos from Travelive to explore a side of the destination that goes beyond the places your clients already know. Greece may immediately bring Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini to mind, but there is so much more to discover. From meaningful local connections and heritage experiences to incredible landscapes and lesser-known islands, this conversation is all about helping travel advisors confidently sell Greece through experiences that feel personal, authentic, and unforgettable. Join us as Kosta shares his destination expertise, five "ungoogleable" upscale gems, and practical insights advisors can use to create more customized Greece itineraries for their clients. Timestamp: 00:00:00 – Opening Preview 00:00:36 – Travel Agent Guide Intro 00:00:57 – Meet Costa & Travelive 00:02:13 – Costa’s Background & Love for Travel 00:04:08 – Planning a First Trip to Greece 00:06:15 – Athens & the Private Acropolis Experience 00:08:25 – Athens as a Base for Exploring Greece 00:08:58 – Mykonos: More Than Nightlife 00:09:50 – Santorini: Avoiding the Crowds & Authentic Experiences 00:11:06 – Crete: A Destination of Its Own 00:12:22 – Suggested 10- & 12-Night Greece Itineraries 00:13:01 – Why Travel Advisors Should Work With a DMC 00:14:36 – Hidden Gem #1: The Peloponnese 00:16:21 – Creating a Meaningful Heritage Trip 00:18:33 – The “Memory Maker” Every Trip Needs 00:20:19 – Hidden Gem #2: Milos 00:22:08 – Hidden Gem #3: Kefalonia & the Ionian Islands 00:25:06 – Hidden Gem #4: Naxos 00:26:53 – Hidden Gem #5: Epirus & Vikos Gorge 00:27:45 – Why Greece Is a Year-Round Destination 00:30:50 – Recap: 5 Hidden Upscale Gems in Greece 00:32:55 – Key Takeaways for Travel Advisors 00:33:34 – What Makes Travelive Different 00:36:24 – Travel Agent Guide Event Reminder 00:36:53 – Closing & Outro   Whether you’re planning your first Greece itinerary or looking for something new for repeat travelers, this episode will help you go into your next consultation with more confidence, better destination knowledge, and fresh ideas your clients probably haven’t discovered on their own. Greece is so much more than checking famous islands off a list. It’s about finding the places, people, and experiences that make your clients feel genuinely connected to the destination. 🎧 Subscribe for more destination deep dives, practical strategies, honest conversations, and actionable advice to help you build a stronger travel business. Join the Conversation: 📱 JOIN OUR COMMUNITY: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5K53T5NZLJquHPqp7n9cqc Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/the-travel-agent-guide/id1867119101 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetravelagentguide_/ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61586375433609 Have questions about planning Greece or working with a DMC? Connect with us in our Facebook group, The Travel Agent Guide, where we share resources, support, destination education, and conversations designed to help travel advisors grow. #TheTravelAgentGuide #TravelAgentGuidePodcast #GreeceTravel #TravelAdvisor #TravelAgent #TravelBusiness #TravelIndustry #TravelProfessional #TravelPlanning #TravelAdvisorTips #DestinationExpert #Travelive #Greece #TravelAgentLife #TravelAdvisorLife

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5
out of 5
16 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
    2026
  • Episodes
    40
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Travel Agent Guide
  • Show Website
    The Travel Agent Guide

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