As 2024 comes to a close, it’s time to reflect, recharge, and prepare for an exciting new year in travel. It’s been a year of challenges and growth for the industry, and I want to thank all of you who have followed along, shared insights, and offered valuable feedback. Your engagement inspires us to provide the best resources and support at Travel Research Online. Read the rest of this entry »

As travel advisors, protecting client information isn’t just a best practice—it’s a responsibility.  And fraud is rampant with the holidays approaching and a busy new year on the horizon. Cybersecurity is essential to maintaining client trust and compliance, from preventing credit card fraud to safeguarding personal data. Here are practical ways to boost your agency’s digital defenses and safeguard sensitive client information. Read the rest of this entry »

No one wants to imagine worst-case scenarios on vacation, but helping clients prepare for unexpected events abroad is essential to their safety and your credibility as a travel advisor. By equipping clients with practical knowledge and resources, you can help them stay safe and navigate any situation confidently. Read the rest of this entry »

As travel advisors, staying informed about airline security trends and communicating safety measures to clients is a crucial part of our role. The recent incident involving a security breach on a Spirit Airlines flight, which was fired upon in Haiti, has highlighted the importance of effective and evolving security protocols. Understanding these can protect clients and build trust in your agency’s commitment to their safety. Read the rest of this entry »

In travel, customer service is king, and AI is here to stay, and it can help travel agents wear the crown a little more comfortably. Artificial intelligence (AI) and automation are transforming how travel agencies handle day-to-day tasks and customer service—look at Travel Research Online’s Toby and Voyager Social. While some might worry that robots are about to take over the travel industry, rest assured, the human touch is still irreplaceable—AI is here to make your job easier. But, as I have cautioned in the past, it is a tool in the box, an arrow in the quiver, and NOT a replacement! Read the rest of this entry »

Group travel is making a comeback—finally! But the landscape has changed. While travelers are excited to explore the world with friends and family again, safety, flexibility, and health protocols are more important than ever. As a travel agent, your job is to reassure clients that group travel can be both fun and safe in a post-pandemic world. Read the rest of this entry »

Luxury travel is evolving and is no longer just about five-star hotels and private jets. Today’s high-end travelers demand personalized, unique experiences that offer exclusivity, authenticity, and convenience. In 2024, luxury clients expect more than just luxury—they expect to be wowed. And generally, they have the budget to make it happen! Read the rest of this entry »

Remote work is no longer a trend—it’s a lifestyle, and digital nomads are leading the charge.  Just look for “van life” on YouTube! As more companies embrace flexible work arrangements, the number of professionals working remotely while traveling the globe continues to grow. This creates a unique opportunity for travel agents to offer specialized packages tailored to the needs of these modern-day wanderers. Read the rest of this entry »

Generation Z is stepping into the spotlight, and they’re changing the way we think about travel. Born between the mid-1990s and early 2010s, this cohort is highly connected, socially conscious, and values experiences over material goods. For travel agents, cracking the Gen Z code means understanding what drives their travel decisions and how to speak their language—literally and figuratively. Read the rest of this entry »

In the age of big data, travel agents are sitting on a goldmine of information that can transform marketing strategies. Personalized travel marketing is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. The days of blasting generic travel deals to your entire email list are over. Travelers want experiences tailored to their unique interests and preferences, and using data to deliver personalized marketing can significantly boost customer loyalty and conversions. Read the rest of this entry »

Niche travel is the new frontier for travel advisors, offering a unique opportunity to tap into highly specific markets that are growing in popularity. Whether it’s culinary tours in Tuscany, photography safaris in Africa, or wellness retreats in Bali, niche travel allows you to cater to your clients’ passions in ways that mainstream travel simply can’t. Read the rest of this entry »

As we roll into fall and the hectic back-to-school season settles, it’s the perfect opportunity to inject a bit of adventure into your clients’ lives with a surprise road trip. We all have some fascinating places within driving distance. Why not channel your inner travel mastermind and create a unique driving getaway that will leave your clients pleasantly stunned? Here are some thoughts. Read the rest of this entry »

In a world where the noise of digital clutter often drowns out traditional advertising, guerrilla marketing is a powerful tool for travel agents looking to make a splash without breaking the bank. Guerrilla marketing is about leveraging unconventional methods to create memorable, impactful experiences that captivate your audience. Here are some thoughts! Read the rest of this entry »

NOW! It’s the perfect time for travel agents to shift gears and focus on crafting a robust marketing plan for the upcoming year. Fall offers a unique opportunity to step back, assess your current strategies, and create a detailed marketing plan to guide your efforts and drive profitability in 2025.  But how?  Here’s how! Read the rest of this entry »

As the vibrant colors of summer fade and the hustle of back-to-school season takes over, travel agents often face a familiar challenge: the fall slump. For those working in retail locations or from home, this quieter period presents an opportunity to prepare for the busy months in 2025. But you can’t forget about the here and now. To ensure that your travel agency survives and thrives during this slower season, consider implementing these essential sales techniques. Read the rest of this entry »

As we celebrate Labor Day, it’s worth reflecting on the tools reshaping our industry—and how we can use them without losing sight of what makes our work truly valuable. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is undoubtedly a game-changer in the travel industry, offering everything from personalized recommendations to streamlined administrative tasks. But amidst all the excitement about AI, let’s not forget the most crucial element of our business: relationships with people. Read the rest of this entry »

Just as social media did in the 2000s and 2010s, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is shaking up the travel industry in the 2020s, giving travel agents powerful tools to boost efficiency and keep clients happy. Here’s how you can ride the AI wave with caution: Read the rest of this entry »

Twenty years ago, “sustainability” was not a word in my vocabulary. The limit of my sustainability actions was recycling—occasionally. But here we are!  As travelers become more eco-conscious, sustainable tourism gets its moment in the sun. This is a golden opportunity for travel agents to shine by offering green travel options and championing eco-friendly practices. Read the rest of this entry »

Social media is the go-to tool for travel marketing these days; ignore it at your peril. It gives travel agents a fantastic platform to connect with potential clients, flaunt travel experiences, and build a loyal following. Here’s a few tips on how you can master social media for travel marketing: Read the rest of this entry »

Airline passenger satisfaction has taken a nosedive lately thanks to more delays, cancellations, and sardine-can seating. I know, it’s not our fault. However, as a travel agent, you can still ensure your clients have a top-notch trip despite these hiccups. Here’s how: Read the rest of this entry »

Recent rankings reveal that air travel satisfaction in the US is at a low point. According to J.D. Power’s 2023 North America Airline Satisfaction Study, passenger satisfaction has declined significantly. Travelers often face delays, cancellations, and cramped seating, making the start and end of their trips less than ideal. However, as travel agents, we can enhance our clients’ overall experience by focusing on the aspects of their trip in the middle. Read the rest of this entry »