The Travel Agent Guide

Byrd Bergeron and Haley DeCarlo
  • 5.0 (10)
  • 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.

Episodes

  1. 3D AGO

    1.9 5 Things Your Assistant Should be Doing for You

    Most travel advisors think they need more time. In reality, they need more support. In this episode, we pull back the curtain on what a fully trained assistant (and a true pre-departure team) can handle for you—so you can stay focused on sales, client relationships, and growth. From forgotten insurance quotes to hotel reconfirmations, missing payments, and last-minute travel chaos, this conversation breaks down the behind-the-scenes tasks that keep trips smooth and clients obsessed. What You’ll Learn: Why travel insurance is one of the most overlooked (and most profitable) follow-upsHow assistants handle insurance quotes so you don’t miss commission opportunitiesWhat a pre-departure hotel reconfirmation email should include (and why it saves trips)How to request complimentary amenities + handwritten notes—without spending a dimeThe difference between a client-facing assistant vs. a backend detail-checkerHow pre-departure checks prevent booking drops, payment issues, and itinerary mistakesHow support teams can organize vouchers, trip documents, and itinerary detailsWhy delegating “non-sales” tasks helps you scale faster (and stay sane)Timestamps: 00:00 – The most forgotten task: travel insurance  00:14 – How a pre-departure team keeps insurance + follow-ups handled  00:43 – Why hotel reconfirmations matter (and what can go wrong if you skip them)  01:06 – Handwritten notes + complimentary amenities: the simple ask that creates wow moments  02:00 – What a trained assistant can take off your plate immediately  03:00 – Letting go of control: the mindset shift that changes everything  04:06 – The real ROI: how support helped scale from $300k to $600k in sales  06:40 – Pre-departure vs. guest experience: why these roles are different  07:01 – Reconfirming hotels and preventing the “reservation wasn’t paid” nightmare  11:43 – What a full pre-departure check includes (and how long it actually takes)  14:10 – Past-due commission follow-ups + client thank-you notes  15:11 – Insurance workflow: quotes, reminders, and peace of mind  17:42 – Automations + final booking checks to protect commissions  20:04 – Transfer reconfirmations: preventing travel-day disasters  21:00 – Guest experience support: passports, TSA numbers, dining, spas, and special requests  27:45 – Real-life problem solving: when your assistant saves the day Follow Us! https://savatravel.com/the-travel-agent-guide/ Follow us on Social Media's! IG - https://www.instagram.com/thetravelagentguide_/ FB - https://www.facebook.com/groups/tagrowthstrategies/insights/?section=growth Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@thetravelagentguide?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

    37 min

  2. FEB 25

    1.8 5 Boundaries That Will Save Your Life!

    Most travel advisors think burnout comes from “too many clients.” In reality, burnout comes from no boundaries. Because being a great advisor doesn’t just mean planning amazing trips… It means managing expectations, protecting your time, and running a business that doesn’t run you. In this episode, we break down 5 boundaries that will save your life — and help you become a better advisor and a better human. From booking over a million dollars in sales to navigating after-hours texts and demanding clients, this conversation gets honest about what really happens when boundaries get crossed — and how to confidently realign them. What You’ll Learn: Why boundaries don’t work unless you’re willing to enforce them  How one “after-hours” text can create false expectations  How to set office hours (and actually stick to them)  How to talk about working another job without losing credibility  Why you should stop booking destinations that drain you  How to separate business and personal life  How to build an emergency backup system so you’re not on-call 24/7  Why the point of boundaries is simple: to make you happy Timestamps: 00:04:00 – Why travel advisors are getting run over (and burning out)  00:05:10 – The truth: you can set boundaries… but people will still test them  00:06:00 – Office hours + after-hours texting: how expectations get created  00:09:00 – Separating work and personal communication  00:11:15 – Working another job: how to be transparent without losing trust  00:15:50 – Emergency support systems that protect your time  00:17:50 – Destination boundaries: when to say “I don’t book that”  00:23:20 – Defining your ideal client to avoid resentment  00:25:05 – “The whole point of boundaries is making yourself happy”  00:26:15 – Protecting your process: consult calls, fees, and clear next steps Follow Us! https://savatravel.com/the-travel-agent-guide/

    46 min

  3. FEB 18

    1.7 How to Add on Hundreds in Commission without Getting Questions

    How to Add on Hundreds in Commission without Getting Questions Are you putting together detailed FIT trips, booking flights, coordinating transfers and tours — and still earning just 10–12%? In this episode of Travel Agent Guide, we share how to strategically structure package pricing so you can earn 15–20% commission without constant client pushback. We cover how to present a single package price with confidence, navigate itemization requests, offset non-commissionable items like flights and direct tickets, and understand when operating as a tour operator makes sense. We also dive into the mindset shift advisors need to stop undercharging and start running a profitable, sustainable travel business. Because luxury service deserves to be paid accordingly. 🎙️ Travel Agent Guide — streaming now. https://savatravel.com/the-travel-agent-guide/

    30 min

  4. FEB 11

    1.6 Big Bold Decisions: Interview with Byrd Bergeron

    Big Bold Decisions: Interview with Byrd Bergeron is a real look at what it takes to build a travel advisor business that lasts—without burnout. In this episode of The Travel Agent Guide, Byrd shares how she scaled from a “side hustle” mindset to a multi–million dollar agency in just a few years, plus the mindset shifts, sales foundations, and support systems that made it possible. You’ll hear why sales doesn’t have to feel “salesy,” how to break past the $200K–$300K sales plateau, and what’s missing in the host agency space when it comes to trained admin support and true one-on-one coaching.  If you’re ready to grow with intention, streamline the work that drains you, and build a stronger foundation—hit play now, then follow/subscribe so you don’t miss the next episode. If this conversation helped you, leave a quick rating and review and share it with a fellow travel advisor. Listen Here:  https://savatravel.com/the-travel-agent-guide/ Connect With Us: Instagram: thetravelagentguide_TikTok: ⁠⁠@thetravelagentguide⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠The Travel Agent Guide⁠⁠Facebook Group: ⁠⁠Travel Agent Growth Strategies⁠⁠

    40 min

  5. FEB 4

    1.5 Bring a DMC into your Consult Call for the Win

    What’s a DMC—and how can it help you look like an expert in a destination you’ve never even visited? In this episode, we pull back the curtain on the "secret weapon" of elite travel advisors: the Destination Management Company (DMC). We break down exactly what a DMC is, why they are a total game-changer for complex itineraries, and how you can confidently bring a local partner into a client consultation while increasing your authority, not losing it. Whether you are planning a high-end luxury escape or a logistically heavy multi-city tour, having "boots on the ground" support is the difference between a good trip and an unforgettable client experience. Connect With Us: Instagram: ⁠the.travelagent.guide⁠TikTok: ⁠@thetravelagentguide⁠Facebook: ⁠The Travel Agent Guide⁠Facebook Group: ⁠Travel Agent Growth Strategies⁠

    31 min

  6. JAN 28

    1.4 How to Pitch a Fee so you Never Get Turned Down!

    How to Pitch a Fee—Without Getting Turned Down Charging a fee doesn’t have to feel awkward. In this episode, we break down how to confidently pitch your fee, position your value, and attract committed clients—without fear of rejection. Learn when to introduce the fee, why it matters, and how charging upfront can protect your time, expertise, and income. If you’re ready to stop working for free and start being taken seriously, this episode is for you. Connect With Us Follow us for more resources on growing your travel business: Instagram: @the.travelagent.guideTikTok: @thetravelagentguideFacebook: The Travel Agent Guide

    34 min

  7. JAN 21

    1.3 From Bartender to Senior Travel Advisor- Haley's Story

    In this episode, we dive into what it really takes to transition from a traditional job into a thriving, full-time travel business. From working long nights in the service industry to building a six-figure commission career, this conversation breaks down the realities behind the success—mindset shifts, sales skills, systems, mentorship, and knowing when to take the leap. You’ll hear honest insights about balancing multiple jobs, overcoming self-doubt, setting boundaries, hiring support, and why investing in yourself can completely change the trajectory of your career. If you’ve ever wondered whether becoming a travel advisor is truly profitable—or if you’re standing at the edge of a big career decision—this episode is for you. Connect With Us Follow our journey and get more tips for building your travel empire: Instagram: @the.travelagent.guideTikTok: @thetravelagentguideFacebook: The Travel Agent Guide

    34 min
  8. 1.2 Turning Satisfied Travelers into Brand Ambassadors

    JAN 14

    1.2 Turning Satisfied Travelers into Brand Ambassadors

    In this episode of The Travel Agent Guide, we talk about how to turn clients into raving fans who come back year after year and refer new business. You’ll learn how to build trust early, when and how to ask for referrals, and why strong communication makes all the difference. The episode also covers simple habits—like follow-ups, setting expectations, and thoughtful client touches—that help you stand out and stay top of mind. If you want more repeat clients, more referrals, and stronger client relationships, this episode is for you. Connect With Us: Instagram: @the.travelagent.guideTikTok: @thetravelagentguideFacebook: The Travel Agent Guide

    23 min

  9. JAN 7

    1.1 How to Bless and Release without Being a Jerk

    In this episode of The Travel Agent Guide, Byrd Bergeron and Haley DeCarlo break down one of the hardest skills every travel advisor must learn: when—and how—to say no to a client. From low budgets and “flights-only” requests to boundary issues, Airbnbs, and price-checking clients, this conversation walks through real-world scenarios advisors face every day. Byrd and Haley share exactly how to bless and release clients with professionalism, confidence, and clarity—without burning bridges. This episode is about protecting your time, honoring your niche, charging appropriately, and building a sustainable, respectful travel business. Connect With Us Stay updated with more tips, behind-the-scenes content, and travel advisor resources by following us on social media: Instagram: @the.travelagent.guide TikTok: @thetravelagentguide Facebook: The Travel Agent Guide

    30 min
  • 9 Episodes

5
out of 5
10 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
    9
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Travel Agent Guide

You Might Also Like