The Travel Agent Guide
The Travel Agent Guide is a podcast made for travel advisors at every stage of their careers. Each episode offers practical tips, real-world experiences, and honest conversations about building a successful travel advisor business. Topics include client boundaries, workflows, marketing, growth, and sustainability. Whether you are new to the industry or looking to refine your approach, the show aims to help you work smarter, feel more confident, and grow with intention.
Episodes
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 co
Selling Exotic Peru: Beyond Machu Picchu
Planning Peru and Machu Picchu: What Every Travel Advisor Should Know Before Sending ClientsIn 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
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.
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 ti
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,
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
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
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 la
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 investe
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, comm
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,
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 clien
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 dis
Why Actually Traveling Is a Game Changer for Your Business
In this episode of The Travel Agent Guide Podcast, we tackle a fundamental truth about running a successful travel business, the undeniable power of firsthand experience. You can read every brochure and attend every webinar, but nothing transforms your authority like getting out from behind your laptop and seeing the world.00:00:00 - Why travel matters as a travel advisor00:01:24 - Travel where yo
Responding to Negative Feedback: Doing the Right Thing
In this episode of The Travel Agent Guide Podcast, we tackle one of the most challenging parts of running a travel business—responding to negative feedback. Every travel advisor will eventually receive a complaint or less-than-perfect review, but how you respond can either strengthen your reputation or damage it.Join us as we discuss practical strategies for handling difficult client situations wi
Stop Winging It: The Proven Sales Process That Turns Travel Hustle into Predictable Revenue
In this episode, Byrd and Haley dive into one of Byrd's favorite topics: the sales process, specifically tailored for travel advisors. With six years of experience running my travel agency and generating over $20 million in travel sales this year, Byrd developed a proven sales process that I believe can significantly enhance success in the industry.They kick off the discussion by addressing a
The Clients We Outgrow — And Why That’s a Good Thing
As travel advisors grow and specialize, not every client will continue to be the right fit—and that's okay.Join Byrd and Haley for a candid conversation about recognizing when a client no longer aligns with your business goals, expertise, or ideal customer profile. They discuss how specialization can transform your business, why setting boundaries matters, and how confidently saying "no&
The Hidden Profit Travel Agents Keep Missing (It’s Not What You Think)
In this episode of the Travel Agent Guide, Byrd and Haley dive deep into a topic that often sparks debate among travel agents: the importance of booking flights. I kick off the conversation by sharing a personal success story, highlighting how I made $800 in just 15 seconds by booking a flight. This sets the stage for their discussion on why many travel advisors shy away from flight bookings and h
The Step Most Travel Advisors Skip (And It’s Costing Them Thousands)
Are you tired of losing potential clients to objections? Feeling frustrated when prospects question your pricing or drag their feet on bookings? This power-packed episode of the Travel Agent Guide podcast is your roadmap to confidently handling every objection that comes your way.Join us as we dive deep into the psychology of client hesitation and reveal time-tested strategies that successful trav
How Top Travel Agents Build Big Connections
Success in the travel industry doesn’t happen overnight — and it definitely doesn’t happen in isolation. In this episode of The Travel Agent Guide Podcast, we’re joined by Byrd Bergeron and co-host Haley DeCarlo to unpack the real power of networking and relationship-building for travel advisors.From local community groups to hobby-based meetups, we discuss how getting involved in activities you g
Stop Acting Like a Booking Agent (If You Want to Make Real Money)
Is AI replacing travel agents? Or is this the moment travel advisors become more valuable than ever?In this episode of the Travel Agent Guide Podcast, we unpack how the travel industry is evolving in the age of AI, Google searches, and online booking platforms — and why human connection is still the ultimate competitive advantage.We dive into the powerful shift from being a transactional travel ag
Wait… Am I Qualified for This Trip? Travel Advisors Get Real
In this episode, we dive into the very real experience of imposter syndrome in the travel industry and how self-doubt can show up at every stage of business. From feeling nervous on consultation calls to questioning your expertise when selling destinations you haven’t personally visited, we share honest experiences and practical ways to build confidence.We talk about the importance of leading clie
Niche Hard. Sell Harder : How Specializing Changes Everything in Travel Sales featuring Cameron DeJong
What happens when a travel advisor stops trying to sell everythin and starts becoming known for one thing? In this episode of The Travel Agent Guide Podcast, we sit down with Cam to talk about the power of niching down, building authority, and how specializing completely transformed his business. From leaving a 20+ year career in sales and marketing to becoming one of the top sellers in his niche,
What If You Could Double Your Sales… Without Doubling Your Hours?
🎙️ New Episode: What If You Could Double Your Sales Without Doubling Your HoursMost travel agents think growth means working more—but this episode challenges that.They break down how every task you do falls into a different “bucket.” Some are $20/hour tasks, others are $200/hour tasks—and if you’re doing everything yourself, you’re slowing down your own growth. The real shift happens when you star
The Most Overlooked Call That Can Explode Your Business Growth
Most travel agents think the job ends after the trip—but that’s the mistake, because the real growth doesn’t happen before the trip, it happens after.The simple “welcome home” call is where you understand what actually mattered to your client, what needs to be better next time, and what they want to do next, and when you skip it, you lose the relationship, but when you do it right, you create repe
Turn Everyday Relationships Into Real Bookings
What if your next client is already in your everyday life?In this episode, we talk to Monica Bowen, a travel advisor generating nearly $1M a year—mostly through referrals and her personal network. From her kids’ school community to social circles, she shares how she turned real relationships into consistent bookings—without being “salesy.”In this episode:• How to find your ideal client naturally•
Scaling your Business: 5 Data Points Every Travel Advisor Needs To Know
5 Data Points That Will Change Your BusinessIf you’re not tracking your numbers, you’re not growing—you’re guessing.In this episode, we break down the key metrics every travel agent should know:Next Follow-Up (CRM): Success is in the follow-up—how bad do you want the lead? Lead Sources & Notes: Know exactly where your business is coming from. Closed Lost Reasons: If they didn’t see your value,
How to Actually Use AI in Your Travel Business
The Basics of AI Saving You Time on Itinerary CreationHow are travel agents really using AI today—and how can it help you work faster without losing your personal touch?In this episode, we talk about how AI can support your business—from research, ideation, and narrowing down options, to using tools like AI Assist in Tern. We also dive into whether you should be using AI before client consultation
How to Guarantee You Never Burn Out?
Nearly half (46%) of travel advisors feel more overwhelmed this year, and around one-third (32%) report active burnout. Over half say their workload isn’t sustainable, mainly due to client demands and industry pressures. (Travel Age West)How do you know if you’re burnt out?Chronic exhaustionLoss of motivationIrritabilityDetachmentDeclining job performanceSet boundaries with clientsOnly about half
5 Pre-Departure Checks You Should NEVER Skip!!
Podcast Episode: The Ultimate Pre-Departure Checklist for Travel AdvisorsReady to take your travel business to the next level? This week, we’re diving deep into pre-departure checks—the essential steps that every travel advisor needs to ensure their clients have a seamless, stress-free trip.From flights and transfers to hotels, tours, and special client requests, we break down every detail you sho
1.10 What Makes a High-Earning Travel Agent in 2026
In this episode of The Travel Agent Guide, we break down what it really takes to become a high-earning travel agent in 2026.This conversation explores the systems, strategies, and mindset that help travel agents scale their businesses to six and seven figures.If you want to grow a profitable travel business, this episode walks through the essential pieces successful advisors have in place—from bui
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
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
1.7 How to Add on Hundreds in Commission without Getting Questions
How to Add on Hundreds in Commission without Getting QuestionsAre 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
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 s
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 clie
1.4 How to Pitch a Fee so you Never Get Turned Down!
How to Pitch a Fee—Without Getting Turned DownCharging 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
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
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 sta
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 bles
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