Send Rita a text with your thoughts!

Take the podcast survey: https://forms.gle/CeqJQkuZbEZ6jNeZA

Get the Black Friday updates: https://programs.steeryourmarketing.com/products/offers/view/1189130

Summer Camp at Sea: https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/summer-camp-at-sea/

If you're spending all day in your inbox and still going to bed wondering if you missed something important, this one's for you. 

I'm sitting down with Mary Beth Lynn from Assistants that Work, who went from working 60-80 hour weeks (and nearly losing her marriage) to running her travel business in just 20 hours a week.

Email management was a HUGE part of that transformation. 

We're breaking down exactly how to stop letting suppliers and clients control your day, why that second email address isn't the solution you think it is, and the simple folder method that will actually get you to inbox zero. 

Plus, we're talking about why chasing those top agent trips might not be the definition of success you really want.

Connect with Mary Beth on LinkedIn: https://www.instagram.com/marybethlynn

Questions this episode answers:

• How can travel advisors achieve inbox zero and maintain it daily?
• What is the difference between delegating and abdicating tasks to a virtual assistant?
• Why do travel advisors feel like they're drowning in emails every day? 
• Should I create a separate email address for suppliers and clients? 
• What is the review instead of do method for managing a travel business?
• How many hours can I save per week by implementing better email management systems? 
• What email folders should travel advisors use to organize their inbox?
• Should I use the starring method to keep track of important emails? 
• How do I stop feeling pressured to respond to emails within 15 minutes?
• What is the plus sign email hack and should new travel agents use it? 
• Why doesn't unsubscribing from supplier emails actually work long term? 
• How can I use email filters to automatically organize incoming messages?
• Should travel advisors turn off email notifications on their phone and computer? 
• What is context shifting and how does it affect travel agent productivity? 
• Do I really need to check supplier emails to find current specials and promotions? 
• How can I stop working 60-80 hour weeks in my travel agency? 
• What workflow systems do I need before hiring a virtual assistant? 
• How do I set client expectations for email response times?

Enjoy (and take action)!

---------------------------------------------------------------

Check out EVERYTHING I offer to support your travel business journey: https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/everything/

Say HI on Social:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritaperez19/
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/takethehelmvbs
FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/529490048073622

Direct EMAIL:
[email protected]

Send Rita a text with your thoughts!

Take the podcast survey: https://forms.gle/CeqJQkuZbEZ6jNeZA

Get the Black Friday updates: https://programs.steeryourmarketing.com/products/offers/view/1189130

Summer Camp at Sea: https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/summer-camp-at-sea/

Feeling like you're failing at business? 

Real talk- you don't suck, you're just unfamiliar with it. 

*Boom* right?!

Most of us weren't raised to be entrepreneurs, so of course things like lead generation, systems, and marketing consistency feel hard. 

I'm breaking down the actual muscles you need to flex as a travel business owner, from decision-making to boundary-setting, and why comparing yourself to others is a total trap. 

Plus, I'm sharing my own struggle with a blogging challenge that's kicking my butt to prove we're all learning something new.

Lead Magnet Workshop: https://programs.steeryourmarketing.com/products/courses/view/1189129

Questions this episode answers:

• Why do I feel like I'm bad at running my travel business?
• How do I create workflows and systems for my travel agency? 
• What muscles do travel advisors need to develop as business owners? 
• Why is lead generation so hard for new travel agents? 
• How can I stop comparing myself to other travel business owners? 
• What marketing strategies should I focus on as a new travel advisor? 
• How do I set boundaries as a work-from-home travel entrepreneur? 
• How do I transition from employee mindset to entrepreneur mindset? 
• What content should I create to market my travel agency? 
• How long does it take to get good at blogging for my travel business? 
• What are the three I's of successful social media content for travel advisors?
• How do I make decisions confidently in my travel business? 

Enjoy (and take action)!

---------------------------------------------------------------

Check out EVERYTHING I offer to support your travel business journey: https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/everything/

Say HI on Social:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritaperez19/
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/takethehelmvbs
FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/529490048073622

Direct EMAIL:
[email protected]

Send Rita a text with your thoughts!

Take the podcast survey: https://forms.gle/CeqJQkuZbEZ6jNeZA

Get the Black Friday updates: https://programs.steeryourmarketing.com/products/offers/view/1189130

Summer Camp at Sea: https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/summer-camp-at-sea/

Think running a travel business is just about booking trips? 

Let me give you a reality check. 

You're actually juggling four major C-suite roles - CEO, CFO, COO, and CMO - on top of your regular travel advisor responsibilities. 

Nobody probably told you this when you started your agency, but understanding these different hats you're wearing will help you see why your planning fee is totally justified and why building a profitable business requires so much more than most people realize. 

I'm breaking down what each of these executive roles actually means for you as a small business owner and how to stop feeling overwhelmed by all the things you're managing.

Lead Magnet Workshop: https://programs.steeryourmarketing.com/products/courses/view/1189129

Questions this episode answers:

• What does a CEO do in a travel business? 
• How do I create a strategic plan for my travel agency? 
• What financial responsibilities do travel advisors have as business owners?
• What does a COO do and why does it matter for travel advisors? 
• Why is marketing important for travel agency growth? 
• How do I justify my travel planning fees to clients? 
• What business skills do travel advisors need beyond booking trips? 
• How much cash should a travel business have on hand? 
• What are profit margins and how do they apply to travel agencies? 
• How do I track customer acquisition costs for my travel business? 
• What KPIs should travel agency owners monitor? 
• How do I create a client journey from awareness to loyalty? 
• Why do travel advisors need to understand financial planning?
• How do I hire help for tasks I'm not good at in my travel business?

Enjoy (and take action)!

---------------------------------------------------------------

Check out EVERYTHING I offer to support your travel business journey: https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/everything/

Say HI on Social:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritaperez19/
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/takethehelmvbs
FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/529490048073622

Direct EMAIL:
[email protected]

Send Rita a text with your thoughts!

Take the podcast survey: https://forms.gle/CeqJQkuZbEZ6jNeZA

Get the Black Friday updates: https://programs.steeryourmarketing.com/products/offers/view/1189130

Wave season is right around the corner, friends, and I'm walking you through my complete checklist to get your travel business ready for Q1 and Q2. 

We're covering five essential areas, from reviewing your 2025 finances and updating your legal docs to scheduling your marketing efforts and creating a strategic sales calendar. 

I'm sharing practical tips on everything from auditing your CRM to planning networking events, plus how to leverage your supplier relationships to crush your 2026 goals. 

If you're a newbie or just want to make sure you're not missing anything crucial, grab the free downloadable checklist I mention because we're covering a lot of ground. 

Let's get your business prepped so future you can thank past you when wave season hits!

Wave Season Checklist: https://programs.steeryourmarketing.com/products/offers/view/1160873

Prep for Wave Week: https://prepforwaveweek.com/register

Lead Magnet Workshop: https://programs.steeryourmarketing.com/products/courses/view/1189129

Questions this episode answers:

• What is wave season for travel advisors? 
• How do I prepare my travel business for wave season?
• How do I set financial goals for my travel business? 
• What should I include in a travel business sales calendar?
• How do I upsell travel insurance and excursions to clients? 
• When should I host webinars or cruise nights for my travel business? 
• How do I work with supplier BDMs to increase sales? 
• What are the best fam trips for travel agents to attend?
• How do I track expenses for my travel business?
• What SOPs should travel advisors document?
• How do I plan my travel business capacity for the new year?

Enjoy (and take action)!

---------------------------------------------------------------

Check out EVERYTHING I offer to support your travel business journey: https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/everything/

Say HI on Social:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritaperez19/
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/takethehelmvbs
FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/529490048073622

Direct EMAIL:
[email protected]

Send Rita a text with your thoughts!

Submit your podcast feedback: https://forms.gle/Gxf7A6AQFVAmzbEn8

The fastest way to see what’s missing in your marketing, and what to do next: https://programs.steeryourmarketing.com/products/courses/view/1187247

Stop wasting hours hunting for cruise content: https://programs.steeryourmarketing.com/products/courses/view/1166776

Group tours aren't necessarily out, but people ARE consistently choosing to go on cruises over them, and the numbers prove it. 

We're looking at some juicy stats from the AAA Cruise Forecast and Travel Market Report Outlook that show cruising is absolutely booming for 2025 and 2026. 

I'm breaking down the demographics of who's cruising, which destinations are selling like hotcakes, and the top lead generation strategies that are actually working for river cruise sales. 

Plus, we'll chat about how you can pivot your marketing to capture more of this growing market share before everyone else catches on.

AAA Cruise Forecast 2026: https://newsroom.aaa.com/2025/10/aaa-cruise-forecast-2026/

Travel Market Report's River Cruise Outlook: https://www.travelmarketreport.com/library/Outlooks/river-cruise-outlook-2025/index.html?page=1

Questions this episode answers:

• How much is cruise demand growing year over year? 
• What age groups are booking ocean cruises? 
• Are people cruising with kids or as couples?
• Where are mega cruise ships sailing?
• What are the top cruise embarkation ports in the US? 
• When is peak season for Caribbean cruising?
• What are the top selling river cruise lines?
• How can travel advisors increase river cruise sales? 
• What lead generation strategies work best for selling cruises?
• What supplier support do travel advisors need most?
• How is AI impacting cruise bookings and travel advisor workflow?
• Why are expedition cruises gaining popularity? 
• What marketing strategies should travel agents use for cruise sales in 2026?

Enjoy (and take action)!

---------------------------------------------------------------

Check out EVERYTHING I offer to support your travel business journey: https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/everything/

Say HI on Social:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritaperez19/
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/takethehelmvbs
FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/529490048073622

Direct EMAIL:
[email protected]

Send Rita a text with your thoughts!

The fastest way to see what’s missing in your marketing, and what to do next: https://programs.steeryourmarketing.com/products/courses/view/1187247

Stop wasting hours hunting for cruise content: https://programs.steeryourmarketing.com/products/courses/view/1166776

If you want an inquiry filled Q1 and Wave Season, you need to start generating leads RIGHT NOW because the business you have three to six months from now is a direct result of what you're doing today. 

I'm breaking down creative ideas on where to find premium clients who actually value your time and services, from networking at fall festivals and charity events to creating your own speaking opportunities and client appreciation events. 

We're also talking about why you need to drop the budget travelers and DIY-ers, how to leverage LinkedIn when your time is limited, and the importance of re-engaging your existing client list before the holidays hit. 

Plus, I'm sharing some vending opportunities, partnership ideas with local businesses, and how to get visible in your community so people actually know your travel business exists. 

The time to plant these seeds is NOW, not when Wave Season is already here and you're wondering why your calendar is empty.

Join Host Agency Reviews for HAR*Wired: https://hostagencyreviews.com/page/tech-week

Use code podfriend to get $25 off the Wave Season Starter Kit: https://programs.steeryourmarketing.com/products/courses/view/1157765

Questions this episode answers:

• When should travel advisors start lead generation for Wave Season?
• Where can travel advisors network to find potential clients in Q4?
• What fall and holiday events are best for travel advisor lead generation?
• How can travel advisors use podcasting to generate travel leads?
• What speaking opportunities help travel advisors attract new clients?
• How do travel advisors partner with local businesses for referrals? 
• How do travel advisors re-engage inactive clients before Wave Season? •
• Should travel advisors send holiday cards to past clients?
• How can travel advisors sponsor local charity events to find clients?
• What auction strategies help travel advisors gain visibility?
• How do travel advisors identify people of influence for partnerships? 
• What convention center events are good for travel advisor vendors? 
• How can travel advisors leverage business development managers for events?

Enjoy (and take action)!

---------------------------------------------------------------

Check out EVERYTHING I offer to support your travel business journey: https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/everything/

Say HI on Social:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritaperez19/
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/takethehelmvbs
FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/529490048073622

Direct EMAIL:
[email protected]

Send Rita a text with your thoughts!

The fastest way to see what’s missing in your marketing, and what to do next: https://programs.steeryourmarketing.com/products/courses/view/1187247

Stop wasting hours hunting for cruise content: https://programs.steeryourmarketing.com/products/courses/view/1166776

Let's talk about some business fundamentals that keep coming up for travel advisors and agency owners. 

Whether you're brand new or you've been in the industry for years, these seven reminders cover everything from E&O insurance and legal agreements to charging fees with confidence and protecting yourself through clear client communication. 

I'm also getting real about what your services are actually worth, why you need to know your numbers, and some serious etiquette issues around copying content that shouldn't still be happening. 

These are the things that will help you run a stronger, more protected business while standing firm in your value as a professional.

Join Host Agency Reviews for HAR*Wired: https://hostagencyreviews.com/page/tech-week

Questions this episode answers:

• Do I need my own E&O insurance as a travel advisor or is my host agency's policy enough?
• How should travel advisors communicate their process and boundaries to clients?
• Should new travel advisors charge professional fees fees?
• What is the value of travel advisor services for clients booking trips?
• What numbers do travel advisors need to know to run their business?
• Should travel tech companies charge for Zapier integrations with their CRM?
• What is Zapier and how can travel advisors use it to save time?
• Is it okay to copy social media content from other travel advisors?
• What are the ethics rules for using photos and graphics in travel advisor marketing?
• When should travel advisors call clients instead of just sending emails?
• Why do clients need to understand my workflow as a travel advisor?
• How much should I charge for travel planning fees as a new advisor?

Enjoy (and take action)!

---------------------------------------------------------------

Check out EVERYTHING I offer to support your travel business journey: https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/everything/

Say HI on Social:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritaperez19/
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/takethehelmvbs
FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/529490048073622

Direct EMAIL:
[email protected]

Send Rita a text with your thoughts!

Join us for this year's Plan Your Year Workshop: https://prepforwaveweek.com/planyouryear

Get access to over 2000 cruise video clips: https://programs.steeryourmarketing.com/products/courses/view/1166776


Quarter four is officially here, and I'm pulling back the curtain on exactly how I'm planning October through December for my travel business. 

From setting holiday boundaries to prepping Black Friday offers and mapping out 2026 industry events, I'm sharing my strategy so you can use it as inspiration for your own Q4 planning. 

Plus, I'm dropping a major mindset shift about the difference between needing clarity versus needing commitment. 

Whether you're feeling overwhelmed by all the choices or just want to see how another travel entrepreneur plans their quarter, this one's packed with practical ideas you can use.

Join Host Agency Reviews for HAR*Wired: https://hostagencyreviews.com/page/tech-week

Questions this episode answers:

• How should travel advisors plan for Q4? 
• What boundaries should travel business owners set during the holidays?
• When should I start planning Black Friday promotions for my travel business
• How do I balance business goals with holiday time off as a travel entrepreneur?
• How can I find my ideal travel clients at professional conferences?
• How do travel business owners overcome decision fatigue?
• What marketing tasks should travel entrepreneurs focus on in Q4?
• What should travel advisors do to prepare for wave season?
• How do I choose which conferences to attend as a travel advisor?

Enjoy (and take action)!

---------------------------------------------------------------

Check out EVERYTHING I offer to support your travel business journey: https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/everything/

Say HI on Social:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritaperez19/
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/takethehelmvbs
FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/529490048073622

Direct EMAIL:
[email protected]

Send Rita a text with your thoughts!

Save your spot for Prep for Wave Week :) https://programs.steeryourmarketing.com/prep-for-wave-week

Get access to over 2000 cruise video clips: https://programs.steeryourmarketing.com/products/courses/view/1166776


Hotel representation companies might be one of the travel industry's best kept secrets, and if you've never heard of them before, you're definitely not alone because I hadn't either when I first started in this business. 

We're breaking down exactly what hotel rep companies do, how they're different from booking engines, and why they could be the game-changer you need for finding those unique boutique properties that make your clients' trips unforgettable. 

Angelique Johns from Wanderlux Collection shares the insider scoop on how these B2B partners work as an extension of hotel sales teams, connecting travel advisors with stunning properties across Europe that you simply can't find through traditional channels. 

You'll learn how to leverage these relationships to differentiate yourself from other advisors, especially if you're doing a lot of FIT travel and want to offer those authentic experiences your clients are craving. 

Plus, we're talking about everything from marketing support to group bookings and why these partnerships might be exactly what your business needs to take things to the next level.

Check out Wanderlux Collection and their properties across Europe: https://www.wanderluxcollection.com/

Join us for this year's Plan Your Year Workshop: https://prepforwaveweek.com/planyouryear

Questions this episode answers:

• How do hotel rep companies differ from booking engines like Classic Vacations?
• Why do hotels hire representation companies instead of handling sales directly?
• What types of properties do hotel representation companies typically represent?
• How can travel advisors differentiate themselves using hotel rep company partnerships?
• What services do hotel representation companies provide beyond hotel bookings? 
• Are hotel representation companies only for luxury properties or do they cover other price points?
• How can travel advisors find and connect with hotel representation companies?
• What marketing materials and support do hotel rep companies offer travel advisors? 
• How do hotel rep companies help travel advisors save time on research?
• What makes boutique hotels through rep companies different from chain properties? 
• What unique experiences can hotel rep companies provide for travel clients?
• What should travel advisors expect when working with a hotel representation company?

Enjoy (and take action)!

---------------------------------------------------------------

Check out EVERYTHING I offer to support your travel business journey: https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/everything/

Say HI on Social:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritaperez19/
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/takethehelmvbs
FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/529490048073622

Direct EMAIL:
[email protected]

Send Rita a text with your thoughts!

Save your spot for Prep for Wave Week :) https://programs.steeryourmarketing.com/prep-for-wave-week

Get access to over 2000 cruise video clips: https://programs.steeryourmarketing.com/products/courses/view/1166776


You're running a business, not a hobby, and it's time your operations reflect that mindset. 

I'm bringing back my conversation with Courtnie Nichols, the SOP queen who's built a travel empire using systems that actually work.

We're talking everything from AI-enhanced standard operating procedures to tech stacks that talk to each other through Zapier integrations. 

She breaks down exactly how she uses tools like Asana, Honeybook, and VacationCRM to create repeatable processes that let her team run the business while she focuses on growth. 

Whether you're drowning in manual tasks or ready to scale beyond being a solopreneur, Courtnie spills all her operational secrets including how to audit your workflow, when to hire team members, and why quarterly SOP reviews are non-negotiable for sustainable growth. 

Check out The Biz Huddle: https://www.thebizhuddle.com/

Questions this episode answers:

• How do you create standard operating procedures (SOPs) for your travel business?
• What tech tools should travel advisors use to automate their business operations?
• Should you hire independent contractors or W-2 employees for your travel business?
• What's the difference between Honeybook and travel-specific CRMs like Vacation CRM?
• How do you use Zapier to connect different business tools and software?
• What project management tools work best for travel agency operations?
• What should you document first when creating business systems?
• How do you train team members using SOPs and video tutorials?
• Why don't travel industry tools integrate well with other business software?
• How do you conduct post-trip reviews to improve your processes?
• What's the best way to organize and store your business documentation?
• How can travel advisors scale their business without working more hours
• What operational mistakes do new travel entrepreneurs make?
• How do you create workflows that work for both individual and group travel bookings?
• When is it time to invest in paid versions of business management tools?
• How do you build systems that allow your business to run without you?

Enjoy (and take action)!

---------------------------------------------------------------

Check out EVERYTHING I offer to support your travel business journey: https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/everything/

Say HI on Social:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritaperez19/
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/takethehelmvbs
FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/529490048073622

Direct EMAIL:
[email protected]