Masters in Travel
Episodes
Master Hour: Keeping legacy clients engaged and managing boundaries expectations on social media
17 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It’s time for another Master Hour, the special forum discussion when members of the Masters in Travel community ask experts important questions abou...
To DMC or Not to DMC: Knowing Which is Right for You and Your Clients
10 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
When planning a customized FIT itinerary, there are so many individual components that come into play. How well do we know the destination and how exp...
Are you a travel advisor or an entrepreneur? How to know what’s right for you
03 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
You may be interested in being a travel advisor, but are you also interested in being an entrepreneur? Sometimes running a travel advisor business req...
Master Hour: The in’s and out’s of expanding your team
26 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On this brand new episode of Masters in Travel, Master Hour, Whitney is joined by Kate Sullivan and Kelli Bakopanos. During this panel discussion, Kel...
How to plan, market, and get invited on a FAM
19 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
FAMs, or familiarization trips, are a part of our industry that provides an invaluable opportunity to learn about a new destination and supplier partn...
Master Hour: How to expand your network and develop relationships with key supplier partners
12 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On this month's Master Hour, the expert in the room is Kate Thomas, owner of North + Leasure and co-Founder of TravelPro Theory. Whitney and Kate answ...
What’s going on behind the scenes? How to ensure supplier partners are financially sound
05 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Working with supplier partners can sometimes be risky. Even with consortia or host agency relationships, most of the time, we take a leap of faith. Th...
How to welcome new clients, set expectations, and strive to learn and grow at every opportunity
29 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
After receiving an exciting inquiry, we may celebrate, but then what happens? Do we spend time on research or forms? Maybe this is a chance to welcome...
Bulls, Owls, Lambs, & Tigers: Know who you’re working with to close more sales
22 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In the world of business, and especially in the role of a travel advisor, selling is a vital factor. Some people hate it while others excel at it, but...
The Africa Hub: Education, sales support, and marketing resources to support your travel business
15 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On this month’s Masters in Travel Panel Discussion in collaboration with The Bridge, Whitney is joined by Anita Powell, Founder of The Africa ...
It’s not just about plastic straws - How to implement real sustainable practices
08 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Sustainability is a growing interest and a priority for some. But what does sustainability actually mean? How would implementing sustainable practices...
The Power of Community and How Collaboration Can Elevate Your Business
01 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of Masters in Travel, Whitney is joined by three amazing advisors who are a major part of the Masters in Travel community and Think Ta...
Master Hour: A collaborative coaching session
22 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On this new and exciting episode of Master Hour, Whitney is joined by Jenn Lee and Theresa Chu-Bermudez to answer all of the questions from the commun...
How to build a cocoon of protection around your travel business
15 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
When starting a new business, advisors can get busy with all the steps necessary to establish ourselves as business owners. But what about protecting ...
Representation Companies: Who they are, what they do, and the tremendous support they provide to advisors and suppliers alike
08 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In the travel industry, representation companies can be a bit of an enigma. Many advisors don't know representation companies exist while other adviso...
Master Hour: A Collaborative Coaching Session
01 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Introducing the Master Hour, a monthly coaching call for the Masters in Travel community and Think Tank where advisors can bring questions to a panel ...
Is Your Business Profitable? How to Analyze, Utilize, and Maximize Your Profitability
25 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Profitability is a topic you've surely heard about, but what does it really mean? What does it look like in the numbers and in the financials of your ...
Uncovering the hidden iceberg: Why planning fully customized FIT itineraries is far more complicated than it seems
18 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
As a travel advisor, planning fully customized FIT itineraries is a trip design style that fuels the passion of so many of us. It seems simple enough ...
Tough Conversations II: How to Stay True to Your Values as a business owner
11 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On today’s episode of Masters in Travel, Whitney, Lila Fox, and Kate Sullivan are back to dig deeper into tough conversations. Expanding on their fi...
How to prepare for and maximize the support provided by a virtual assistant
04 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In the journey of hiring an assistant and seeking out support for a growing business, there are many places you can look to get the help you need. One...
The Art of Collaboration: How to Foster a Creative and Productive Relationship with DMCs
28 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
On this special episode of Masters in Travel, Whitney is joined by Gwen Rawlinson and Maria Kuznetsov of ERM tours. For this panel discussion, Whitney...
Demystifying the challenges and struggles around booking air
21 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Air is sometimes described as simply a necessary evil. It can be nice to earn a commission that you aren’t expecting, and at other times it’s a ha...
A love letter to the travel industry: How to change your perception of who you are as a travel advisor
14 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The perception that a travel advisor has of themselves is at the core of everything. Every travel advisor has a “Why?” behind the reason that they...
How to work together with our partners to design unique, culturally immersive itineraries
07 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
On this very special episode, in collaboration with The Bridge, Whitney is joined by Habib El Fassi of Visit Morocco Travel & Events, and Bram Eve...
How to navigate building a team while empowering each advisor to shine through their personal zones of genius
30 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Building a team of advisors is something that many of us talk about and aspire to do. On the other hand, joining a team of people in an already establ...
46. How to have tough conversations with clients and improve your communication skills
23 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Having tough conversations is part of the job of both a travel advisor and a business owner. Whether it’s a mistake that we made, not having exactly...
45. How to talk with clients about an ideal total budget for their dream trip
16 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Talking about numbers with clients can often feel uncomfortable and awkward. These numbers might be related to many things, but even when we're not in...
44. How to find the “ungoogleable” and create memorable experiences for clients
09 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Amenities, VIP status, upgrades. These are important to some clients, but other clients prefer something more adventurous. Some prefer the “ungoogle...
43. How to propel your business forward by intentionally stepping back from the grind
02 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Any CEO of a travel business can get easily overwhelmed with the list of tasks and to-do’s and questions that need answers. What do you do each and ...
42. Why travel advisors should be pitching the local media (and how to do it)
26 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
How to pitch the media is a topic that our guest on today’s episode, Jenn Lee, is a master of. Listen in to hear how she lays out an easy to follow ...
41. How to navigate an evolving business: To maintain a host relationship or to go solo
19 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
There are many options for an independent travel advisor to get started in the travel industry. From joining a host agency to registering for your own...
40. How to grow your business and find your ideal client within your local community
12 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
With 80% of her business coming from her local community, Heather Keller is a pro at reaching out to people and thinking outside of the box to find cl...
39. How to make a real difference and take your travel advisory business to the next level
05 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The American Society of Travel Advisors is advocating for and working on behalf of travel advisors and the travel industry at large every day. Their m...
38. How to Find Success in Every Marketing Event
28 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Marketing events, whether hosting or attending, can be a useful strategy to get in front of new potential clients. But there is a lot that goes into t...
37. On the necessity of hiring an assistant: How to prepare, hire, and maximize productivity
21 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
If you’re a successful travel advisor with a growing business, it can become abundantly clear that you may need support to help you deliver high qua...
36. Balancing your business, clients, and life while working on the road
14 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Traveling the world is the center of our business. Not just for our clients, as travelers ourselves it’s what we all look forward to investing our t...
35. How solid is the foundation of your travel business?
07 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
How solid is the foundation that you and your business are currently being built upon? What if there was a list of all the things that a travel adviso...
BONUS: How to be an advocate - a conversation with ASTA's Director of Advocacy
03 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Are you a member of ASTA? Do you know how ASTA supports and advocates for travel advisors each day? Tune in to learn about the daily role of one of th...
34. How to establish open and honest communication with suppliers, clients, and colleagues
31 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Transparency. Sometimes it’s taken as a negative, but it can be a make-or-break facet of how you deal with both clients and suppliers. On this episo...
33. How to take the guesswork out of the hiring process and find great people to work with
24 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
When starting a business as a travel advisor, attracting your first clients, earning a commission, and managing everything else takes time and energy....
32. How to embrace the journey and transition your business from part-time to full-time
17 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Getting started in the travel industry can feel daunting. In this business, it can take years to earn a modest income. So how do you take a small side...
31. Protect your peace: The importance of creating boundaries, preserving your energy, and allowing yourself to ‘turn off’
10 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
As a travel advisor, we can all understand the importance of making time for oneself. Unfortunately, travel is a 24/7 job. Clients’ run into problem...
30. How to navigate the ins and outs of sub-agents & mentorship
05 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Growing a working team is what many advisors consider at some point in their business. Whether you are a new advisor considering if you'd like to join...
Season 2 Trailer
04 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Hey friends, Season 2 is here! We have so many fun updates for you. Find the links below! Subscribe to Masters in Travel Weekly Episodes Masters...
29. How to start where you are, grow incrementally, and only work with clients who you can best serve
25 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This week’s conversation with Emily Lockard-Furry was inspired by a previous episode in which we spoke about our business structures and how we appr...
28. Cruise partners: How to foster positive, mutually beneficial relationships
18 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
As travel advisors, we are in this beautiful world of human connection and relationships. We foster and build relationships with our clients and our ...
27. Learning to "fail forward" and how to expand your business with intention
11 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
As an entrepreneur and a travel advisor, there are different stages in building and in expanding your book of business. In this episode we talk about ...
26. How to best articulate the value we provide as travel advisors to current and potential clients
04 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
During my first year as a travel advisor, there was one thing that surprised me most about my new day-to-day. I had no idea how much time, energy, and...
25. Questions to ask and what to look for to find the best host agency for you and your business
26 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
When I decided that I wanted to pursue a business as a travel advisor, I began researching….and I wish I could remember what on earth I first starte...
24. How to attract your people by sharing your opinion and being divisive with your copy
20 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
One of my favorite newsletters and one that I always open when it lands in my inbox is the newsletter from Emily Matras, Founder of Bon Vivant Copy. ...
23. How to Identify Your Ideal Client and Your Ideal Trip Type - and When to Say No
13 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
When starting a business, it’s almost certain that we all had a lot of ideas as to the type of business we wanted to build and just how we wanted to...
22. How travel advisors can play a role in shifting the industry toward diversity, equity, & inclusion
06 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
With me for today's conversation is Alyssa Hall, an anti-racism leadership coach who helps women implement anti-racism in their lives and businesses w...
21. How optimism and collaboration are lifting up our industry one newsletter and one event at a time
30 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Two things get me very excited. A positive, uplifting newsletter landing in my inbox each week and an innovative approach to virtual conferences. An...
20. Choosing The Right Fee Structure For Your Business
23 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
One of the most common topics you’ll hear about at industry events, over cocktails with a group of advisors, in Facebook forums, and basically anywh...
19. How to create defining moments for your clients to earn their trust and loyalty
09 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Travel advisors are known to be extremely discerning travelers. No matter your specialty, your preferred destination, or the types of trips you like t...
18. Why client love is the key to building your business and finding a community that gets you
02 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we have a super fun conversation with fellow travel advisor and founder of founder of Travel Agent Achievers, Roslyn Ranse! Ros and I talk ...
17. What is your travel persona? Uncover your own and personalize client itineraries more intentionally
23 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The Enneagram is a system of personality typing that describes patterns in how people interpret the world and how they manage their emotions. In ...
16. Why integrating your brand throughout the client experience is so important
16 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
When I started my travel business, I was most excited to dive into the branding of my new business - the logo, the fonts, my website...all the things ...
15. Learn how to get creative when establishing relationships and building loyalty with your clients
09 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Investing time, energy, and money back into our clients and supplier partners as a sign of appreciation, to foster relationships, and to build loyalty...
14. The exact steps to maximizing the marketing potential of your FAM trips
02 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Do you maximize the sales and marketing potential of each FAM that you attend? This week I’m joined by Theresa Chu-Bermudez, Owner & Travel Adv...
13. How top advisors choose which events to attend, budget for professional development, and plan their personal travels
26 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
We quite possibly have one of the coolest jobs in the world. We travel, we explore, we work with clients to plan their dream vacations and getaways. W...
12. How utilizing high quality destination content will impress and earn loyalty with your top clients
19 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
As a travel advisor, we are always striving to seek out new technologies, new destinations, new partners, new systems and software, new gift ideas for...
11. How to set goals and measure success in your travel business
12 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
How do we, as travel advisors, measure our success? What does success look like? And how should it be measured? How should travel advisors set ...
10. How organized is your travel business? This one free tool is our secret sauce
05 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
As entrepreneurs, we likely all started with a passion for travel. Some days we are literally jumping out of bed to do what we do best. Other days, it...
09. Onsite partners: How to foster positive, mutually beneficial relationships
15 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
As travel advisors, we are in this beautiful world of human connection and relationships. We foster and build relationships with our clients and our s...
08. How to prepare itineraries in a consistent, detailed, efficient manner and the tools you need to do it
08 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
As travel advisors, we have three major itinerary building platforms available to us: Axus, Travefy, and Umapped. Together with Grace McBride, Foun...
07. Hotel partners: How to foster positive, mutually beneficial relationships
01 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
As travel advisors, we are in this beautiful world of human connection and relationships. We foster and build relationships with our clients and our s...
06. How to attract your dream clients everywhere you show up
24 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
“It takes much more than a great product, service, or experience to stand out.” Authentic storytelling can be more impactful than a great product,...
05. What if we started over knowing what we know now? Here’s what we’d do differently.
17 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
When starting a business, it’s almost certain that we all had a lot of ideas as to the type of business we wanted to build and just how we wanted to...
04. How to answer the toughest questions from clients confidently & effectively
10 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
“Public speaking and storytelling aren’t just podiums and power points. Public speaking is anytime you speak to inform, persuade, lead, inspire, o...
03. How to impress every new client that reaches out
03 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
When we hear the word "experience" in a context related to travel, our thoughts might understandably go straight to the trip itself. The experiences w...
02. Five steps to increasing your repeat and referral business
03 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode, together with Emily Steele of Love Local, we discuss the importance of investing in your existing customer base or your existing netw...
01. Five questions to lead you to success with every new inquiry
03 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
When we’re working with a new client, how do you get to know them? How do you learn about their travel preferences and their previous travel experie...
00. Introduction
17 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome! Masters in Travel is a new podcast created especially for travel advisors who are ready to accelerate their success. On this podcast, we’...