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Travel Agent Chatter | Friday 15: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Host Agency Reviews
Travel Agent Chatter (TAC) is a spotlight interview series featuring a wide variety of travel advisors, published every quarter. It includes in-depth interviews with successful travel agents, exploring the strategies and practices that make their agencies flourish. The Friday 15 is a shorter, more frequent series released weekly, where travel industry questions are answered in 15-minute episodes. Travel Agent Chatter and The Friday 15 are hosted by HAR's managing director, Shayna Zand, and Steph Lee, the founder of Host Agency Reviews.
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- Yesterday18 min
Designer v. Advisor? Fee Transparency? Networking!
This week we’ve got Chelsea Martinez from Oasis Travel Network. Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us! 1. I'm a relatively new travel advisor specializing in European FITs. I enjoy the researching and itinerary building aspect of it, but I find booking, managing the client's payment and passport details, finding the best prices across various platforms, etc. to be very stressful and honestly some of my clients would prefer to do that part themselves. Are there any travel advisors who charge a fee to just design an itinerary, and then the client can book it themselves and manage their own reservations? I guess more of a travel designer role than a travel agent. I know I wouldn't make as much money doing this as I wouldn't earn commission, but I was wondering if this is a business model some people use. Thank you, I love the podcast! - Emily2. & 3. A bunch of questions have surfaced over our first year in operation. Hoping you might be able to address these over the next few months, if you think they'd be helpful to others. Thanks. - Bill-Professional fees — pricing and transparencyWhat's the best way to describe the fees we charge clients—planning fees, service fees, consulting fees, or simply professional fees? And are there any good rules of thumb for pricing? We currently quote fees upfront, using a sliding scale based on how much research and coordination we anticipate. I've also noticed that some booking platforms allow advisors to build their fees into the trip price. I can see how that reduces friction, but it feels a little sneaky to me. Doesn't that undermine the whole idea of charging clients for our professional expertise?-Making the most of relationships with people who aren't prospectsWe're coming up on our first anniversary and have learned something interesting: We know plenty of people who travel frequently, often with generous budgets, but many of them genuinely enjoy doing their own research and planning. Others already have longstanding relationships with travel advisors. I'm beginning to think we should stop viewing these folks as prospective clients and instead look for ways to tap into their networks. What's the best way to approach that? How do we encourage referrals and introductions without making friendships feel transactional or stepping on another advisor's toes?RESOURCES:Travel Agent FAM Trips: What They Are + How to Find Them + Etiquette https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agent-fam-trip 3 ways travel agents save you money that OTAs can’t https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/3-ways-travel-agents-save-you-money Our free travel itinerary template for travel advisors https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/free-travel-itinerary-template-for-advisors Travel market research report data on travel agent fee charging practices: what they charge for, how much, fee structures and more. https://hostagencyreviews.com/page/travel-advisor-research-reports/ Host Agency Reviews 2026 Annual Report Reveal | Host Agency Reviews https://hostagencyreviews.com/travel-conferences-events/2026/host-agency-reviews-2026-annual-report-reveal HAR’s travel agent guide to charging fees https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agents-guide-to-charging-feesLeave rating for Travel Agent Chatter on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/1447NIKUGzbRe1apiVJjcl) or Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/travel-agent-chatter-friday-15/id1187029258). Here’s instructions on how to leave a review on Apple podcasts (https://support.apple.com/guide/podcasts/rate-or-review-a-show-pod5facd9d70/mac).
- 1 weeks ago21 min
Niches? E&O Insurance? Social Media Marketing?
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! I am fairly happy with the Host Agency I am with right now, but I keep hearing recommendations to make sure that the niche you are selling is something that your host specializes in. How do we find out more about this with the individual hosts? For example, I specialize in European Rail and British Isles travel. I don't necessarily need a host that specializes in Caribbean cruising, but it feels like they all do that. Is there someone else I should be looking at? - MelissaIf I'm creating FITS in Europe and not really using DMCs - do I need E&O insurance as a tour operator? - JulieHow do you face your fear about marketing your travel business on social media if you are an introvert?RESOURCES:All about preferred suppliers in the travel industry. (https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-preferred-supplier)Guide to choosing a travel niche. https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/find-a-travel-nicheDo travel agents need errors and omissions (E&O) insurance? https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agents-need-eo-insuranceWhat is a DMC in travel? https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/what-is-dmc-destination-management-companyhttps://hostagencyreviews.com/travelagentchatter/amy-freyder-epic-away-travel
- 1 weeks ago1h 1m
A Travel Agency That Gives Back? Yes, Please. Meet Ashley.
***View the video, transcript, and show notes at: https://har.news/vol37"She believes she could. So she did." This is what Kentucky-born advisor Ashley Young has tattooed on her arm.While she's new to travel, she's determined to be successful and make an impact in the world with her business. Part of that giving back is finding the right on the ground vendors that will a) give her clients a unique and fabulous experience, and b) keep the money in the local community. In addition to that mission, Ashley also donates 3% of her profits to local communities.Join Shayna as she dives in to how Ashley's business works and how she has woven responsible travel into the fabric of her agency.
- 2 weeks ago22 min
Host Responses? Identification Numbers? Leads?
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 have submitted 2 applications to host agencies I’d like to join, however they aren’t taking new agents right now. I have another meeting with another host and I’m not sure what to do. I’m new and need to get started. I’ve been waiting to hear back about 4 months now. Do you have any advice? - SandyDo you really need an Identification number to be seen as a travel agency.. or can I essentially just book someone's trip for them? If I'm being honest I don't necessarily want to find a host, I want to start my own business, but I don't know if that would be beneficial without having a number because I don't know if I would get the best discounts that way. I would love to just book people's trips but I don't want to feel like I'm ripping them off because I cannot get the best discounts...any advice?I’m a relatively new advisor (I started about a year and a half ago) and I am trying to understand the concept of “leads”. My host agency (which I love!) does not have a lead generation program, and I would really like to see how a lead works and practice using my training and skills with a mock lead. Do you know of any programs or practice websites/workbooks for this? Also, in the future how might I generate real leads on my own?RESOURCES:How to find the best host agency https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/tips-on-how-to-find-the-best-travel-host-agency7DS Course - https://hostagencyreviews.com/7-day-setup-acceleratorResources - https://hostagencyreviews.com/resourcesWhat is an IATA https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/iata-numberSOT license - https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agent-license-seller-of-travel-licenseTravel Leads - a complete guide https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-leadsOther leads program software - https://hostagencyreviews.com/travel-agency-software
- 3 weeks ago17 min
Host v Independent? Planning Fees? Booking Metrics?
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! I am an IC with about 2 years in the business. I'm considering going out on my own because I'm not happy with my situation for many reasons. How do you know it's the right time to make this change? What do you see as the pros and cons of staying an IC and being independent?Do advisors typically split their planning fees with their host agencies? If so, does it follow the commission split? Thank you!For my Friyay! 15 Question, I’m thinking about adding my booking metrics data like the number of booked cruises, flights, and destinations to my website. Do you think this is a good idea? If so, how would an agent go about adding that information to the site? All this to help build a trusting relationship with clients about the services that we provide. - QuincyRESOURCES:Directory - https://hostagencyreviews.com/hostsTop 10 benefits of using a host agency. https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/top-10-benefits-of-using-a-host-agencyHow Seller of Travel Laws Affect Service Fees. (https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/seller-travel-laws-service-fees)https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agents-guide-to-charging-fees (Travel agent guide to charging fees.)Travel market research report data on travel agent fee charging practices: what they charge for, how much, fee structures and more. https://hostagencyreviews.com/page/travel-advisor-research-reports/Webinar - https://hostagencyreviews.com/travel-conferences-events/2026/host-agency-reviews-2026-annual-report-revealFees - https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agents-guide-to-charging-fees (Travel agent guide to charging fees.)How to make your website -https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/how-to-make-a-website-from-scratch
- 4 weeks ago24 min
Host Resources? Expansion? Finding a Niche?
This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming Geoff from KHM Travell Group. Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us! I joined a host agency because I wanted access to support, tools, training and supplier relationships, but sometimes I wonder if I’m actually taking advantage of everything that’s available to me. What are some of the resources you see successful advisors using that other advisors tend to overlook?I’m getting busier and reaching the point where I can’t keep doing everything myself, but I’m nervous about the expense of hiring someone. How do I know when I’m actually ready to bring on help, and what would you recommend outsourcing or hiring for first?I hear a lot about specializing and finding a niche, but I’m nervous about turning away business. Do you really see advisors with a defined niche performing better, and how narrow does that niche actually need to be?RESOURCES:To see what resources are offered - https://hostagencyreviews.com/hostshttps://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-sub-agentGuide to choosing a travel niche. https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/find-a-travel-niche
- Oct 2, 202618 min
Partner vs Solo? Commissions? Group Payments?
This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming Jackie from Nexion Travel Group. Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us! I’m a brand new advisor. I have a friend who I thought would be fantastic at this as I was researching being a travel advisor. When I told her about my business idea, she wanted to partner. We had previously wanted to start a business together but could not generate enough capital for the business we wanted. However, we do have the capital to do this. We would be making equal monetary and time contributions. And while any one of us would only be able to commit 15ish hours a week right now, together we would essentially have one near full time agent and we have pretty different skill sets and strengths (like I have web development experience and she is great at social media). Am I making this harder for myself to succeed by starting with a partner vs going at it solo? - JennaWhy do we have to wait so long to get our commission if the client pays in full. Shouldn’t we be able to get our commission then or a couple of days after that? How does the process work? - CarolynI am hitting a wall trying to figure out how to bill for group FIT trips. To have each person in the group pay individually for each hotel reservation and activity would cause many foreign transaction fees on their credit cards. It is so much easier to just collect one payment/client and then I could pay it to all of the vendors on my business credit card which has no foreign transaction fees. However, I have heard multiple times that this is not best practice. Any help with this would be greatly appreciated! Appreciate all you do!RESOURCES:7DS Course to understand different business models - https://hostagencyreviews.com/7-day-setup-acceleratorCommission payments - https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/host-agency-commission-plan-comparison-calculatorHow to grow group bookings webinar with Nexion - https://hostagencyreviews.com/travel-conferences-events/2026/the-group-booking-advantage-how-to-grow-your-group-sales-with-nexionPayment security - https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/tis-q4-2025FIT in travel - https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/fit-travel-meaning
- Sep 25, 202615 min
Marketing? Trust & New Leads? Switching Hosts?
(274) Marketing? Trust & New Leads? Switching Hosts?This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming Chelsea from OASIS Travel Network. Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us! I'm a newbie to the travel industry and I just started my business. I'm getting very close to choosing a host agency and I’m super excited to get started. I have a question about marketing on Facebook. Is it more beneficial to have a company page or group? Or both? I know the FB algorithms can be wonky, so I want to make sure I'm reaching a wide audience. Any advice you can give me is appreciated. HAR has been monumental in me learning this exciting new business. - ShelleyI'm just starting out in the business. I'm about three months in and I'm working on setting the foundation of my business. I'm completing trainings, learning about suppliers, listening to podcasts, creating a logo and social media, along with plenty of other items on my to-do! I was even able to complete my first booking for some of my family! With that said, I'm worried that because I don't have more of a legitimate business, it's going to be difficult to complete bookings with any of the leads I get. What do you suggest I do to help build up my business and get potential clients to trust in me as their travel advisor when I'm so new? - LauraHow much do you have to say when you want to break up with your host agency? Can it just be as simple as “this is my 30 day notice to end our contract thanks.” ? Recommendations for ways to follow up to make sure you get any owed commission post split?RESOURCES:Verifying your company’s facebook page - https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/verify-business-facebook-pagehttps://hostagencyreviews.com/travelagentchatter/travel-agent-chatter-volume-7-lu-maggiora-travel-by-lu (TAC episode where advisor uses a FB group for her clients) https://youtu.be/jhvwlonYW_s (Jenn’s webinar: How to Create a FB Community That Converts) Travel Leads: Here’s what you need to know. https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-leadsWhat to think about when switching host agencies. (https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/switching-host-agencies-5-things-to-consider)
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About Travel Agent Chatter | Friday 15
Travel Agent Chatter (TAC) is a spotlight interview series featuring a wide variety of travel advisors, published every quarter. It includes in-depth interviews with successful travel agents, exploring the strategies and practices that make their agencies flourish. The Friday 15 is a shorter, more frequent series released weekly, where travel industry questions are answered in 15-minute episodes. Travel Agent Chatter and The Friday 15 are hosted by HAR's managing director, Shayna Zand, and Steph Lee, the founder of Host Agency Reviews.
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