Free Daily Podcast Summary
Travel Agent Chatter | Friday 15: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Host Agency Reviews
Travel Agent Chatter -- a Host Agency Reviews audio series -- inspires you with in-depth interviews featuring successful travel agents. We dig into what they do that makes their agencies flourish and how they did it. The Friday 15 is a shorter, more frequent series where we answer your travel industry questions for 15 minutes. Travel Agent Chatter and the Friday 15 are hosted by HAR's managing director, Shayna Zand, and Steph Lee, the founder of the website Host Agency Reviews.
Latest Episodes
The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- 2 days ago24 min
Limited budgets? Multiple Bookings? Group Contracts?
This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming Samantha from Jus Adventures. Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us! How do you work with clients who have a limited budget but expect a five-star luxury experience? What strategies do you use to set realistic expectations without losing the client, and when do you know it’s time to politely decline the booking? - SandyHow do I keep clients coming back and turn one trip into multiple bookings throughout the year without feeling like I’m constantly trying to sell to them? - MarjorieI'm working on my first group and trying to wrap my brain around contracts. Is there a contract between you (the travel advisor) and the supplier, and another contract between you and the client, or is it all one contract? Is this in addition to the usual terms and conditions form used when booking FIT travel? Last, are there any red flags to watch out for or items to be sure to include when signing these contracts with suppliers? Thank you for all you do! - MollyRESOURCES:Our guide to qualifying clients: https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/how-to-qualify-clients-travel-agentBrand-new HAR to Heart from Jenn Myers on having boundaries with your clients: https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/boundaries-for-advisors-who-care-too-much-a-practical-playbook-for-protecting-your-time-without-sacrificing-serviceTravel Agent Booking Basics: https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agent-booking-basicsResearching and qualifying suppliers: https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agent-advisor-guide-researching-qualifying-suppliersE & O Insurance: https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agents-need-eo-insuranceTravel Agency Software Profile - search for “templates”: https://hostagencyreviews.com/travel-agency-software
- 1 weeks ago19 min
Busy vs Productive? Next Trip? Higher-end Trips?
This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming Jennifer from Dugan’s Travels. Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us! I feel like I’m busy all the time, but I’m not necessarily making more money. How do I figure out what I should actually be spending my time on?How far in advance should I be talking to clients about their next trip? I feel like I’m always waiting for them to come back to me.How do you sell higher-end trips when you don’t personally travel that way or haven’t stayed at those types of hotels yourself?RESOURCES:Travel Agents, Here’s How to Qualify Clients https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/how-to-qualify-clients-travel-agent
- 2 weeks ago18 min
Leads? Planning Fees? Training vs Selling?
This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming Carolyn from KHM Travel Group. Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us! I’m still pretty new and don’t have a huge client list yet. What would you focus on first to actually start getting consistent leads?How do you get comfortable charging planning fees when you’re a newer advisor and still feel like you’re learning?How much time should a newer advisor actually be spending on training versus trying to find and sell to clients? I feel like I could take supplier trainings forever!RESOURCES:Travel Leads: Here’s what you need to know. https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-leadshttps://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agents-guide-to-charging-fees (Travel agent guide to charging fees.)Training and education options for travel agents. (https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agent-training-travel-agent-education)
- 3 weeks ago18 min
Follow-ups? Groups? Clients?
This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming Josh from Global Travel Collection. Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us! How do you follow up with a potential client without feeling like you’re annoying them? How many follow-ups is too many?I’d love to start selling groups, but honestly, they intimidate me. What’s the best way to get started with groups without getting in over my head? And if I want to put together my own group trip, should I get people interested first or actually have the trip planned before I start promoting it?When you’re new, is it better to focus on getting ANY bookings you can, or should you be more selective about the types of clients and trips you take on?RESOURCES:Great article with email templates for typical follow-ups you should be doing - https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/5-emails-every-travel-advisor-sends-twice-a-week-and-how-to-stop-retyping-themTravel Leads: Here’s what you need to know. https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-leads
- Aug 21, 202616 min
Net Rates? Facebook Groups? Marketing on Social?
This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming Jenn from Travel Planners International and Vacation Planners. Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us! When advisors quote net rates, where does the markup actually get calculated? The picture I keep getting is a spreadsheet open next to whatever tool built the itinerary, and I'm curious whether that is most people or just the ones who talk about it.I am not sure if this is something you can answer, but I mainly focus on cruises and business has been pretty good lately. I started a Facebook group for a sailing that I am going on and I was wondering if you had any tips for engaging with people in the group without them knowing I am travel agent so it doesn't sound like I am trying to sell them anything. I was thinking after all of my engagement posts and the cruise is complete maybe there is a way to announce that I am an agent and would love to help them book their next trip if they enjoyed my posts. Is that something agents do? I am stuck on what type of posts to make though. I've made some with some tips on the ports we are visiting, but do I need to further? Any help would be appreciated. - Travel Dad MattHow do you face your fear about marketing your travel business on social media if you are an introvert?
- Aug 14, 202622 min
Which host? Start-up? FIT?
This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming Gina from Uniglobe Travel Center. Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us! While I have years of experience building my own travel plans for business, and leisure, I want to become a travel agent. The number of hosting agencies is overwhelming. Which one do you suggest, and why? - ChrisHi! I've done some domestic travel and love it. I am interested in working as a part-time travel agent. I see start up fees are around $500. Are there any other fees? What all does start up entail? - ChristinaI keep hearing everyone talk about FIT. So what is it and how does someone specialize in it? - HelenRESOURCES:Host agency directories - https://hostagencyreviews.com/hosts7DS Course - https://hostagencyreviews.com/7-day-setup-acceleratorLawyer List - https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-lawyersWhat does FIT mean in travel? https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/fit-travel-meaning
- Aug 7, 202619 min
Larger hosts? BDMs? Time?
This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming Laura from WorldVia Travel Network! Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us! I'm currently researching host agencies, and one thing I keep coming back to is whether I'll actually get the support I need at a larger host. I love that larger hosts often have more resources and training, but I also worry that I'll just be another number, especially as someone who's still fairly new. How do you make sure advisors feel supported and don't get lost in the crowd as they build their business?As a newer travel advisor, I know building relationships with suppliers and BDMs is important, but honestly, it feels a little intimidating. Sometimes I don't know who I should be reaching out to, what questions I should be asking, or even when it's appropriate to introduce myself. What's the best way for a new advisor to start building those relationships without feeling like they're bothering people?I know everyone says it takes time to build a successful travel business, and I completely understand that it's different for everyone. But it can be hard not to compare myself to other advisors who seem to be doing really well. From your experience, how long does it realistically take for most advisors to build a sustainable business, and what milestones should new advisors expect to hit along the way so they know they're on the right track?RESOURCES:How much do travel agents make? https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/how-much-do-travel-agents-make-travel-agent-salaryHow much does it cost to become a travel agent or start a travel agency?https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/how-much-does-it-cost-become-travel-agent
- Jul 31, 202617 min
Airfare? Beyond Commission? Expansion?
This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming Amy from KHM Travel! Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us! With airfare remaining one of the biggest travel expenses, what are some legitimate ways travel advisors can maximize value for their clients? Are there particular consolidators, supplier partnerships, or booking strategies you recommend?If you were building a travel business today focused on Europe, Middle East and Asia, which host agency features would you prioritize beyond commission splits?I am a travel agent (since 2012) and own my own agency (since 2016). I am thinking of bringing on another agent and need to fully understand the differences and implications to both me as well as to the agent between me having this agent as an (a) employee, (b) and independent contractor, or (c) me being a host agency and them being a host agent.RESOURCES:https://hostagencyreviews.com/travelagentchatter/lary-neron-airfare-consultant (Podcast episode with an advisor who books air only and charges $50-500 fees per ticket.)Great article about top 10 things you should be asking your host /considerations when picking your host - https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/ytc-q3-2023What is a sub agent - https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-sub-agent
Get Travel Agent Chatter | Friday 15 summaries in your inbox
Free AI-powered daily recaps. Key takeaways, quotes, and mentions — in a 5-minute read.
Get Free Summaries →Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
You Might Also Like
Listeners also like.
Talking Points
Conversations with travel industry leaders and experts about loyalty programs, trends, and smart travel strategies.
Trading Secrets
A former athlete discusses personal finance, careers, and money taboos with experts to help listeners make smarter financial decisions.
Aviation News Talk – Pilot Stories, Safety Tips & General Aviation News
Pilot stories, safety advice, and technical guidance for general aviation pilots, from a flight instructor with decades of experience.
The Uncommon Career: Job Search & Career Coaching for Mid-career Women
Helps mid-career women improve their job search by refining personal branding, communication, and negotiation strategies.
The Chalene Show | Pop Culture, Women's Health, & Fitness
A no-nonsense guide to health, fitness, and life balance through practical advice and candid conversations with experts.
Smart Money Happy Hour with Rachel Cruze and George Kamel
Two financial experts discuss personal finance, current events, and pop culture with candid commentary and practical advice.
Let's Talk Offline
Two career experts discuss real talk on work-life balance, pay negotiation, and office relationships for early-career professionals.
Proof to Product
Weekly strategies for makers selling physical products, covering sales, marketing, wholesale, and scaling across industries like apparel, home decor, and beauty.
AvTalk - Aviation Podcast
Aviation news, analysis, and interviews for enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Strictly Anonymous Confessions
People anonymously share intimate, unfiltered stories about relationships, sex, and secrets in candid, judgment-free conversations.
Ask the A&Ps
Aviation maintenance experts answer pilot-submitted technical questions about aircraft upkeep and repairs.
Between Both Cheeks
Four women share candid, unfiltered conversations about beauty, business, and taboo topics with humor and honesty.
About Travel Agent Chatter | Friday 15
Travel Agent Chatter -- a Host Agency Reviews audio series -- inspires you with in-depth interviews featuring successful travel agents. We dig into what they do that makes their agencies flourish and how they did it. The Friday 15 is a shorter, more frequent series where we answer your travel industry questions for 15 minutes. Travel Agent Chatter and the Friday 15 are hosted by HAR's managing director, Shayna Zand, and Steph Lee, the founder of the website Host Agency Reviews.
Customized Recaps
AI-powered recaps with compact key takeaways, quotes, and insights.
Straight to Your Inbox
Get key takeaways from Travel Agent Chatter | Friday 15 in a 5-minute read.
Save Hours Every Week
Stay current on your favorite podcasts without falling behind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Podzilla's Travel Agent Chatter | Friday 15 daily summary?
It's a free AI-powered email that summarizes new episodes of Travel Agent Chatter | Friday 15 as soon as they're published. You get the key takeaways, notable quotes, and links & mentions — all in a quick read.
How does the Travel Agent Chatter | Friday 15 podcast summary work?
When a new episode drops, our AI transcribes and analyzes it, then generates a personalized summary tailored to your interests and profession. It's delivered to your inbox every morning.
Is this an official Travel Agent Chatter | Friday 15 product?
No. Podzilla is an independent service that summarizes publicly available podcast content. We're not affiliated with or endorsed by Host Agency Reviews.
Can I get summaries of other podcasts too?
Absolutely! The free plan covers up to 3 podcasts. Upgrade to Pro for 15, or Premium for 50. Browse our full catalog at /podcasts.
How often does Travel Agent Chatter | Friday 15 release new episodes?
Travel Agent Chatter | Friday 15 publishes weekly. Our AI generates a summary within hours of each new episode.
What topics does Travel Agent Chatter | Friday 15 cover?
Travel Agent Chatter | Friday 15 covers topics including Business, Careers, Entrepreneurship, Culture, Society & Culture, Travel, Places & Travel. Our AI identifies the specific themes in each episode and highlights what matters most to you.
Start getting Travel Agent Chatter | Friday 15 summaries tomorrow morning.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.