What is the most beneficial travel agent training available today? What are travel’s must-attend events for advisors? Senior editors Jamie Biesiada and Emma Weissmann delve into these questions with veteran advisor Sally Black, founder of the travel agency Vacationkids in Kunkletown, Pa. They’ll also get a sneak peak into Sally’s new gig at New York University, and her take on why you should say yes to things — most especially, if they terrify you.

IN THIS EPISODE

1:25 - There are so many training courses and programs out there with great options from The Travel Institute and ASTA. Which have you found to be the most beneficial?
1:37 - A brief pause to offer compliments to the branding prowess (and pinkness) of the agency VIP Vacations in Bethlehem, Pa.
2:12 - Sally helps us through the many training programs available.
4:24 - The three pillars that make a successful travel agent.
8:22 - Sally’s take: Licensing for travel advisors?
11:00 - Is there one must-attend event in travel that agents should put on their calendars?
12:57 - Sally’s new gig at NYU — and why you should always say yes, especially when something scares the heck out of you.
16:39 - How can you be a good student, especially when you haven’t been a student in a long time?

FURTHER READING

Training:

ASTA - https://www.asta.org/Education
The Travel Institute - https://www.thetravelinstitute.com/

Must-attend events:
CruiseWorld, Nov. 10-12, 2021 - https://www.cruiseworldshow.com/
ASTA Global Convention, Aug. 23-25, 2021 - https://my.asta.org/AGC/Home.aspx
Future Leaders in Travel, Aug. 30-Sept. 1, 2021 - https://www.futureleadersintravel.com/apply 
Find host agency and consortia events on their websites

Is it ‘crazy’ to open an agency now? New advisors accept the challenge - https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Travel-Agent-Issues/New-advisors-open-agencies-during-pandemic

Most agencies adapting quickly to keep their businesses alive - https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Travel-Agent-Issues/Most-agencies-adapting-quickly-to-keep-their-businesses-alive

Community voices: A travel advisor on the power of partnership - https://www.travelagewest.com/Industry-Insight/Opinion/Community-Voices-A-Travel-Advisor-on-the-Power-of-Partnership

Top free online courses for travel advisors - https://www.travelagewest.com/Industry-Insight/Business-Features/Top-Free-Online-Courses-for-Travel-Advisors

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