The holiday season is already upon us. Is it just us, or did this year go by really fast? The winter holidays are an incredibly popular time for travel. A lot of people are of course headed to see family, but others are looking forward to hitting the slopes or escaping the cold to hit…
Working from home is truly wonderful in so many ways. You get to set your own hours, take breaks for important events, and work during your most productive times of day in whatever clothing is most comfortable for you. Being an independent travel agent is even better. You get to spend your time and make…
A host agency isn’t a travel agency, nor is it a supplier. A host agency is an organization of travel agents. They provide the proper resources for the price of a monthly fee or commission split. Host agencies offer travel agents guidance, tools, and training to keep up with the ever-changing multi-billion dollar travel industry. …
As an independent travel agent, finding ways to increase your income probably crosses your mind pretty frequently. You put a lot of energy into marketing and networking. You work hard to ensure your clients have a fabulous vacation and tell all their friends about what a wonderful magician you are. You have your pitch down…
When ‘Travel Agent’ first became a profession, planning a complete round-trip vacation was incredibly difficult. Airlines, hotels, and entertainment venues had to be called personally and reservations made one at a time. The value of having a professional who could put together a coherent and enjoyable trip was undeniable. Needless to say, times have changed.…
It’s a sad and stress-riddled fact that Americans are not using enough of their vacation days. Many leave more than ten vacation days ‘on the table’ even when there is no year-end payout or roll over into the next year. The problem isn’t that people don’t want to vacation, they do. Instead, there are a…
How can thinking like a travel agent transform your getaways into unforgettable adventures? We have some tips that may change your outlook on travel forever, all thanks to adopting an agent state-of-mind. Whether you are currently living the dream as a travel agent or it has long been your dream gig in retirement, it’s just…
‘Tis the season for holiday love and cheer, but nothing can put a damper on that seasonal joy like holiday travel. If your clients are flying or driving to your holiday destination, stress and delays are always a concern. Share these holiday travel tips with your clients to help them maintain the holiday cheer while…
The travel industry is an ever-changing industry. The popular destinations clients asked for last year are old news. From the screens of their smartphones, everyone has access to a plethora of information online about new, exciting destinations and a multitude of travel options. It’s more important now than ever for travel agents to stay abreast…
We’ve written before about the importance of blogging as a marketing tool for independent travel agents. However, between communicating with clients, calling airlines and hotels and your many other responsibilities, it’s easy for your blog to fall to the wayside. While the weather begins to cool down and the pumpkin spice flavors begin to appear,…
-- Janice Gilliard