The Travel Agent Guide

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 advisor 00:01:24 - Travel where...

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 w...

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...

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...

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...

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 tra...

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...

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...

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 cli...

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...

🎙️ New Episode: What If You Could Double Your Sales Without Doubling Your Hours Most 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 st...

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 rep...

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 natural...

5 Data Points That Will Change Your Business If 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 v...

The Basics of AI Saving You Time on Itinerary Creation How 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 consultat...

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 exhaustion Loss of motivation Irritability Detachment Declining job performance Set boundaries with clients Only abo...

Podcast Episode: The Ultimate Pre-Departure Checklist for Travel Advisors Ready 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...

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...

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 conversati...

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 be...

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...

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...

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 cl...

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...

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 insight...