Host agencies are hiring, but can’t find qualified travel advisors. In this eye-opening episode, Kelli and Cyndi dive into the Travel Weekly article that sparked a deeper conversation about burnout, barriers to entry, and the disconnect between advisor expectations and host agency realities.

We’re sharing:

• Why over 60% of agencies report hiring struggles

• How undertrained ICs are slowing growth and causing burnout

• The difference between hobbyists and business owners

• Real stats from our vetted host partners about graduate success

• How boutique agencies can protect their growth (and their sanity)

• Why now is the time to invest in real training and certification

This episode is a must-listen for travel advisors, host agency leaders, and anyone passionate about the future of the travel industry.

🔗 Book your FREE goal mapping session
🎟️ Grab your seat for the Wander Beyond Retreat

Episode Description:

In this bonus episode of the Bliss to Abundance Podcast, Kelli Hayes Smith chats with Royal Caribbean’s Anthony Meloro about the Ovation of the Seas — one of Royal’s most versatile and elegant ships.

They explore:

• What makes Ovation stand out in the fleet

• Why it’s perfect for Alaska and short Mexico itineraries

• Ideal client profiles and how to qualify effectively

• Group travel opportunities, including Royal Celebrations

• How to increase commissions through strategic bookings

This is a must-listen for advisors looking to elevate their cruise game and deliver unforgettable experiences for their clients.

🎧 Listen in and start dreaming about whales, glass walls, and Tiki bars at sea.

🔗 Learn more at wanderlustcampus.com

In this episode, Kelli Hayes Smith and Cyndi Williams unpack one of the biggest questions in the travel business today: Where should you invest to grow sustainably?

Whether you're just getting started or scaling your agency, this conversation dives into how to make smart, strategic investments—from education to tech to marketing.

You'll hear real talk about financial awareness, red flags in the industry, and how to evaluate opportunities that actually move the needle. They also share how Wander Beyond Retreat was built to offer real ROI—not just hype.

💡 Key Takeaways

• You don’t need to invest in everything—but you do need a plan.

• Knowing your numbers helps you make better decisions.

• The right education can shortcut years of trial and error.

• Not all conferences or trainings are worth the hype—evaluate ROI carefully.

• Marketing is evolving—organic alone isn’t enough anymore.

• Watch out for flashy marketing with no substance.

• Prioritize mentorship and strategy before scaling with tech.

• Tech should support your systems—not overwhelm them.

• Paid marketing isn’t optional if you want to grow.

• Mistakes are part of the journey—but so is learning from them.

🎧 Sound Bites

• “You don’t have to buy everything to be successful.”

• “Organic reach isn’t dead—but it’s not enough.”

• “We don’t just want you to feel good—we want you to grow.”

• “Strategy comes before automation.”

• “Wander Beyond was designed to give you real ROI, not just inspiration.”

  ⏱️ Episode Chapters

  00:00 – Kicking off the conversation on smart investments03:03 – What new agents really need to spend on first05:53 – How knowing your financials builds confidence08:40 – What to look for in courses, programs, and events11:39 – Red flags in industry marketing14:26 – Building an intentional investment strategy21:55 – Why so many agents get stuck in the marketing phase24:48 – How to avoid wasted spend on paid advertising28:06 – Lessons learned from marketing mistakes30:45 – Tech tools vs. tech overwhelm: finding the balance32:53 – The power of mentorship and coaching at the right time35:34 – Vetting tools, tech, and marketing partners36:26 – What makes Wander Beyond Retreat a strategic investment

🎧 New Podcast Description

This week’s episode is inspired by a powerful leadership conversation inside Wanderlust Campus — and it’s one travel professionals can’t afford to miss.

Kelli is joined by Cyndi Williams and the brilliant Jamie Santillo of Adventures by Jamie (and Wanderlust Campus coaching team!), who shares how her travel agency is seeing over 60% year-over-year growth.

Think travel sales are down? Think again. We’re pulling back the curtain on real sales data, industry shifts, and the exact strategies that are helping top-performing travel advisors not just survive — but scale.

We cover:

• 📈 Why some advisors are growing while others are struggling

• 💡 The marketing mistakes costing you clients

• 🌍 The rise of international and rail travel

• 🔄 The secret to creating repeat business

• 🤝 Why training in silos is holding the industry back

• 💬 The difference between traffic and conversion — and why you are the product

Plus, we’re inviting you to a free Wanderlust Campus Open House where you can ask your biggest questions and see what it’s really like behind the curtain.

🎟️ Register for the Open House: https://wanderlust-ceo.com/open-houses/
🧭 Get Your Free Wanderlust Campus Account: www.wanderlust-ceo.com
📲 Follow Jamie: www.instagram.com/adventuresbyjamie

Episode Description:

This week’s travel headlines are big—and we’re unpacking them all. Kelli Hayes Smith and Cyndi Williams dive into the stories making waves in the travel advisor world, from a real overboard incident on Disney Dream to the busiest travel week in 15 years, AI trip planning tools, and shocking Facebook account deletions.

In this episode:

• [00:01] Disney Dream incident: how to handle tough conversations with clients

• [06:43] TSA & AAA numbers confirm the biggest travel surge in 15 years

• [08:47] Niching, flexibility, and riding the travel trend waves

• [10:43] Loyalty marketing strategies to increase repeat clients

• [14:52] Flight cancellations, crisis management & advisor visibility

• [18:40] Why training programs matter (and most are falling short)

• [26:58] Google’s AI Trip Planner: threat or opportunity?

• [33:56] Using AI as a tool—not a replacement—for real service

• [37:11] “We Called It”: Facebook accounts being deleted for mass content

• [46:00] The exact policies Meta is cracking down on

• [52:26] Final reminders for Wander Beyond and our July 3rd payment plan deadline

🎟️ Get your Wander Beyond ticket: Join us October 2–3 at the Contemporary Resort in Walt Disney World. Four-payment plans end July 3rd!

🎓 Access our free trainings + global calendar: Sign up for your free account at Wanderlust Campus.

💬 Have questions? DM us on Instagram or Facebook!

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In this episode of the Bliss to Abundance podcast, join Kelli Hayes Smith as she chats with Stephanie Gries from Travefy to explore the art of crafting impactful travel itineraries for clients. From avoiding common mistakes to using technology and visual storytelling, Stephanie provides actionable tips to elevate client engagement and make your itineraries shine.

Together, they dive into:

In this episode of Bliss to Abundance, Kelli Hayes Smith and Jen Haslacker dive deep into the world of travel insurance.

They discuss why clients are often hesitant to purchase travel insurance and how travel advisors can address these concerns with confidence.

From debunking common misconceptions to sharing real-life testimonials, they explore practical ways to integrate insurance into the client journey.

Whether it’s protecting your clients, your commission, or your reputation, this episode offers everything you need to position insurance as an essential part of travel planning.

What You’ll Learn:

Resources Mentioned:

Get Social with Us: Let’s keep the conversation going!  

Summary:
In this inspiring episode of Bliss to Abundance, Kelli Hayes Smith welcomes Justin Hinkel, CEO of Suitcase Designs, to dive into the world of website design for travel agents.

Together, they explore how a well-designed website can transform your business by building trust with your clients. From harnessing the power of testimonials and reviews to showcasing certifications and creating an on-brand user experience, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you stand out online and grow your travel business.

What You’ll Learn:

Sound Bites:

Resources Mentioned:

Get Social with Us:
Let’s keep the conversation going!

Follow us on social media:
Instagram: @careersonvacation
Facebook: @WanderlustCEO
Website: Wanderlust Campus

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review! 🌟

Summary

Welcome to an inspiring conversation between Kelli Hayes Smith and industry experts Molly Johnson and Brad Turner from TERN. We’re diving deep into the world of workflows and how they can transform the way travel agents work. If you're looking to save time, boost efficiency, and create unforgettable client experiences, this episode is for you.

Learn about the must-have workflows that every travel agent needs, from managing new leads to keeping client touchpoints on track.

We’ll also explore how technology, including AI, can take your business to the next level. Discover how TERN’s CRM and project management platform is designed to help you streamline your operations and achieve your goals with confidence.

VISIT TERN IN THE WLC PARTNER PORTAL

Show Notes :

Join us on the Bliss to Abundance podcast as Wanderlust’s George Flynn and Kelli Hayes Smith explore the spine-chilling world of haunted travel! Discover eerie destinations across the U.S. and beyond, from the mystical streets of New Orleans to the historic charm of Salem, the ghostly fields of Gettysburg, and Charleston's haunted tales. We’ll also venture into iconic sites like The Stanley Hotel and Dracula’s castle in Romania.

In this episode, George and Kelli delve into the fascinating world of spooky travel and its pop culture connections. From haunted bus tours and the Tower of London to the eerie Annabelle doll and gripping crime museums, they explore how these places blend entertainment with a deep connection to history. Tune in for insights on approaching these haunted sites with respect and understanding.