The Travel Agent Guide

Byrd Bergeron and Haley DeCarlo
  • 5.0 (15)
  • 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. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. Aug 12

    The Numbers Every Travel Advisor Should Know

    In this episode of The Travel Agent Guide Podcast, we break down one of the most important—and often overlooked—parts of building a sustainable travel business: knowing your numbers and understanding what it actually takes to become profitable. Booking more trips doesn't automatically mean making more money. If you're not paying attention to your commission percentage, fees, hours invested, and overall profitability, you could be doing a lot of work without building the income you deserve. Join us as we discuss practical strategies for increasing your earning potential, protecting your commission, and approaching your travel business with a more intentional, numbers-driven mindset. ⏱️ Timestamps  00:00:00 Introduction  00:00:43 The Numbers Travel Advisors Need to Know  00:01:23 Setting Your Commission Goal  00:03:03 Why You Should Aim for 15–20% Commission  00:03:45 Stop Waiting Until the End to Calculate Your Earnings  00:04:09 How to Build Commission Into a Trip  00:06:03 Building a Profitable FIT Itinerary  00:08:31 Making Lower-Commission Cruises More Profitable  00:09:19 Adding Pre- & Post-Cruise Travel  00:10:04 Why Full-Service Travel Planning Matters  00:12:06 Using Planning Fees to Increase Profitability  00:13:51 Adding Commission Without Getting Price Checked  00:15:25 Why Packaging Makes Price Comparisons Harder  00:16:42 Why You Shouldn't Feel Guilty About Charging More  00:18:49 Understanding Take-Home Pay as a Travel Advisor  00:19:28 Tracking Monthly & Projected Commissions  00:20:25 Working Backward From Your Income Goals  00:21:47 Calculating the Hours You Invest in Each Trip  00:23:19 Client Red Flags That Can Hurt Profitability  00:24:30 When to Charge a Higher Fee—or Walk Away  00:25:39 Learning From Low-Commission Bookings  00:26:33 Choosing Products That Support Your Income Goals  00:26:56 A $40,000 Booking With No Commission  00:27:52 Using a Spreadsheet to Protect Your Profit Margin  00:29:44 Making the Numbers Work for Every Trip  👍 Enjoyed this episode? Be sure to Like, Subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss a new episode. Watch it on YouTube: ⁠https://youtu.be/h3OPqlasokg⁠ Listen on Apple Podcast: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-travel-agent-guide/id1867119101⁠ Listen on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5K53T5NZLJquHPqp7n9cqc?si=04c348e9b4c44250⁠ Follow us on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thetravelagentguide_/⁠ Follow us on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61586375433609⁠ 💬 Question: What's been the biggest challenge you've faced when introducing consultation fees or building trust with new clients? Let us know in the comments! #TheTravelAgentGuide #TravelAgentGuidePodcast #TravelAdvisor #TravelAgent #TravelBusiness #TravelAgentTips #TravelAdvisorLife #TravelIndustry #TravelProfessional #TravelSales #Commission #BusinessProfitability #ConsultationFee #BusinessGrowth #TravelBusinessTips

  5. Aug 5

    How to get every client to pay your fee

    Why do some travel advisors confidently charge consultation fees while others struggle to get clients to say yes? The answer isn't simply how you present your fee—it's everything you do before you ever ask for it. In this episode of The Travel Agent Guide Podcast, Byrd and Haley share the strategies they use to build trust before the consultation, create meaningful client connections, communicate their process with confidence, and position themselves as trusted travel advisors clients are excited to invest in. From pre-consultation preparation to explaining your value, they reveal practical techniques that can dramatically increase client confidence and make paying your fee feel like a natural next step. Whether you're just starting to charge consultation fees or looking to improve your consultation process, this episode is packed with actionable strategies you can implement immediately. ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 01:08 Why Clients Pay Consultation Fees 03:26 Building Trust Before the Consultation 07:23 Why Video Calls Build Stronger Client Relationships 10:43 Creating Repeat Clients Through Personalization 12:21 Preparing for Every Consultation 14:19 Building Trust During the First Few Minutes 17:42 Explaining Your Planning Process 21:55 Leveraging Your Team to Build Credibility 24:12 How to Introduce Consultation Fees 26:16 Explaining How Travel Advisors Get Paid 29:01 Setting Clear Next Steps for Better Conversions 👍 Enjoyed this episode? Be sure to Like, Subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss a new episode. Watch it on YouTube: ⁠https://youtu.be/h3OPqlasokg⁠ Listen on Apple Podcast: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-travel-agent-guide/id1867119101⁠ Listen on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5K53T5NZLJquHPqp7n9cqc?si=04c348e9b4c44250⁠ Follow us on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thetravelagentguide_/⁠ Follow us on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61586375433609⁠ 💬 Question: What's been the biggest challenge you've faced when introducing consultation fees or building trust with new clients? Let us know in the comments! #TravelAgentGuide #TravelAdvisor #TravelBusiness #ConsultationFees #TravelSales #ClientConsultation #TravelAgent #BusinessGrowth #SalesStrategy #TravelAdvisorLife #TravelIndustry #TravelPodcast

  6. Jul 29

    How Better Consultations Lead to More Bookings

    How Better Consultations Lead to More Bookings  Why are potential clients ghosting you, booking direct, or choosing another travel advisor? The answer might not be your pricing, it could be your consultation process. In this episode of The Travel Agent Guide Podcast, Byrd and Haley break down the strategies that help travel advisors build trust, ask better questions, create urgency without pressure, handle objections, and confidently guide clients toward booking. They also share practical follow-up techniques that can significantly improve your close rate and help you turn more leads into loyal clients. Whether you're a new travel advisor or looking to refine your sales process, this episode is packed with actionable tips you can start using immediately. ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 00:58 Why Travel Advisors Lose Sales 03:06 Building Trust First 04:45 Asking Better Questions That Matter 10:45 Creating a Sales Process That Converts 13:41 Presenting Like a Professional 21:39 Creating Urgency Without Pressure 30:23 Handling Common Client Objections 38:43 Asking for the Booking with Confidence 41:39 Why Follow-Up Wins More Sales 54:38 Travel Agent Guide Live Event 56:03 Final Takeaways 👍 Enjoyed this episode? Be sure to Like, Subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss a new episode. Watch it on YouTube: https://youtu.be/h3OPqlasokg?si=7BaCK1HKQfQGH6gE  Listen on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-travel-agent-guide/id1867119101  Listen on Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/episode/4q7pdIn4YZvohSopBi2OG2?si=JWpRPlZeTsyQBjSbZkz_YA  Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetravelagentguide_/  Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61586375433609  💬 Question: What's the biggest challenge you face during client consultations? Let us know in the comments! #TravelAgentGuide #TravelAdvisor #TravelSales #TravelBusiness #SalesTraining #ClientConsultation #BusinessGrowth #TravelAdvisorLife #TravelIndustry #TravelPodcast

  7. Jul 22

    The Conversation That Could Save Your Clients Thousands

    In this episode of The Travel Agent Guide Podcast, Byrd and Haley dive into one of the most important conversations every travel advisor should have with their clients, travel insurance. Many travelers see travel insurance as an optional expense, but knowing how to confidently educate clients about coverage, respond to objections, and build insurance into your booking process can protect your clients from unexpected financial losses while protecting your business as well. Join us as we share practical strategies, real client stories, and proven techniques for presenting travel insurance with confidence, without feeling pushy or salesy. 00:00 Why travel insurance should never be optional 00:52 Why "I don't need travel insurance" should concern every advisor 01:43 Building travel insurance into your client workflow 03:04 Protecting yourself legally with insurance acceptance and declination forms 04:31 What travel insurance doesn't always cover 06:53 Why advisors should never answer policy-specific questions 08:51 Following up after clients initially decline insurance 10:24 Why documenting every insurance decision matters 12:39 Introducing travel insurance during the consultation process 13:45 Handling the "We're young and healthy" objection 15:17 Explaining trip interruption and travel delay coverage 15:47 Why medical emergencies abroad can become extremely expensive 17:16 Lost baggage claims and real-life travel insurance success stories 18:37 Using assistants and automation to quote travel insurance 19:19 Protecting your cancellation fees with insurance 20:45 Commission protection for travel advisors 21:29 Understanding the policies you sell 23:06 Staying up to date with changing insurance policies 23:32 Valuable policy add-ons clients appreciate 24:19 Third-party insurance vs. supplier insurance 26:33 Why comprehensive coverage matters more than the cheapest option 28:19 Final takeaways for confidently selling travel insurance 32:15 Travel Agent Guide Summit announcement Whether you're a new travel advisor or a seasoned professional, this episode will help you confidently educate clients, reduce liability, and make travel insurance a natural part of every booking. Travel insurance isn't just another product—it's one of the best ways to protect your clients, build trust, and demonstrate your expertise. 🎧 Subscribe for more practical strategies, honest conversations, and actionable advice to help you build a stronger travel business. 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 discussing travel insurance with clients? Join our Facebook community, The Travel Agent Guide, where travel advisors connect, learn, and grow together. #TheTravelAgentGuide #TravelAgentGuidePodcast #TravelInsurance #TravelAdvisor #TravelAgent #TravelBusiness #TravelIndustry #TravelProfessional #TravelTips #TravelSales #ClientEducation #TravelPlanning #BusinessGrowth #InsuranceEducation #TravelAdvisorLife

  8. Jul 15

    Mastering the Budget Conversation That Changes Everything

    In this episode of The Travel Agent Guide Podcast, we tackle one of the most important conversations every travel advisor will have with their clients—budget. Discussing money can feel uncomfortable, but understanding your client's priorities, setting realistic expectations, and recommending the right experience is what separates a booking agent from a trusted travel advisor. Join us as we discuss practical strategies for navigating budget conversations with confidence, building trust, and helping clients get the most value from their investment without making assumptions. 00:00:00 - Welcome to The Travel Agent Guide 00:00:44 - Why Budget Conversations Matter 00:02:04 - How to Start the Budget Conversation 00:02:43 - Understanding Why Your Client Is Traveling 00:03:23 - Why Budget Doesn't Belong on Your Inquiry Form 00:04:03 - Understand the Trip Before Discussing Budget 00:05:25 - The Italy Budget Reality Check 00:06:34 - Build Trust Before Talking About Money 00:07:07 - What Removing the Budget Field Taught Us 00:08:30 - How to Answer "How Much Does It Cost?" 00:09:27 - Setting Realistic Budget Expectations 00:10:14 - Getting Clients to Share Their Budget First 00:12:01 - When Clients Say, "You're the Expert" 00:12:59 - Breaking Down Trip Costs 00:13:52 - Helping Clients Find a Realistic Budget 00:15:03 - What to Do When Clients Say, "I Don't Have a Budget" 00:16:47 - Using Humor to Make Budget Conversations Easier 00:18:30 - How to Decline Unrealistic Budgets Professionally 00:19:36 - Why Specializing Makes You a Better Advisor 00:22:01 - Stretching a Client's Budget 00:22:46 - Finding Your Client's "Scare Point" 00:23:32 - Upselling by Creating More Value 00:25:05 - Respecting Your Client's Budget 00:27:39 - Lessons Learned from Difficult Budget Conversations 00:29:57 - Setting Expectations Beyond the Trip Price 00:30:43 - Learning from Client Feedback 00:31:59 - Final Budget Tips Every Travel Advisor Should Know 00:33:18 - Travel Advisor Coaching with Haley 00:33:59 - Closing Remarks Whether you're a new travel advisor or an experienced professional, this episode provides practical guidance on confidently navigating budget conversations, educating your clients, and delivering recommendations that truly serve their needs. Budget conversations don't have to feel uncomfortable—they're an opportunity to build trust, demonstrate your expertise, and create unforgettable travel experiences that keep clients coming back year after year. 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 Page:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61586375433609⁠ If you’re looking for more support, community, and a place to ask questions, make sure to join our Facebook group, Travel Agent Guide. It’s a space filled with advisors at all levels sharing advice, wins, struggles, resources, and real conversations about growing in this industry. You do not have to figure this business out alone. ⁠https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1FRSvV6oru/⁠ TravelAgent #TravelAdvisor #FlightBookings #TravelBusiness #TravelAgentLife #TravelTips #BookingTips #TravelRevenue #TravelSales #ClientService #TravelMarketing #AgencyGrowth #TravelAgentsOfInstagram #TravelPros #TravelIndustry

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5
out of 5
15 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
    36
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Travel Agent Guide
  • Show Website
    The Travel Agent Guide

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