Send Rita a text with your thoughts!

Finally work on your travel business at Summer Camp at Sea: https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/summer-camp-at-sea/

Want to know exactly what I'd be looking at if you hired me as your Chief Marketing Officer? 

I'm walking you through my complete audit process, from reviewing your messaging and voice of customer research to evaluating your ROI and figuring out what's actually driving results in your travel business. 

This isn't about throwing spaghetti at the wall or doing all the marketing things because someone in a Facebook group said so. 

We're getting strategic, intentional, and making sure every marketing dollar and every hour you spend is actually moving the needle toward your 2026 goals. 

Questions this episode answers:

• What does a Chief Marketing Officer do for a travel business?
• How do I conduct a marketing audit for my travel agency?
• What should I review first when evaluating my travel business marketing?
• What is a Voice of Customer audit and why does it matter for travel advisors?
• How do I evaluate which marketing channels are working for my travel business?
• What marketing metrics should travel advisors be tracking?
• How do I know if I'm spending money in the right places for marketing?
• How do I audit my website copy and messaging as a travel advisor?
• How often should I update my brand photos and marketing assets?
• What should I include in my marketing matrix as a travel advisor?
• How do I evaluate my marketing ROI in my travel business?
• Which marketing investments are worth it for travel agency owners?
• How do I know when to stop using a marketing strategy that isn't working?
• How do I identify my ideal client for better marketing results?
• Should travel advisors attend marketing conferences or industry 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!

Finally work on your travel business at Summer Camp at Sea: https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/summer-camp-at-sea/

Marcie Muensterman went from total burnout (missing Christmas, sleeping with her phone under her head, snapping at everyone) to building a six-figure travel business in just 20 hours a week. 

She's breaking down why limiting yourself to 5-6 clients per month isn't crazy, how to stop believing the lies about needing to be available 24/7 for luxury clients, and why Facebook groups might be the smartest move you're not making. 

If you're tired of working all the time and barely clearing six figures despite massive sales, or you're wondering if there's actually a better way to do this whole travel advisor thing, you need to hear this conversation.

Marcie's FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/703198800848069

Marcie's Podcast: https://thetraveladvisormarcie.com/no-bs-travel-advisor-podcast

Questions this episode answers:

• What are the red flags of being misclassified as a 1099 contractor instead of an employee?
• What boundaries should travel advisors set with clients to avoid burnout?
• How many clients should a travel advisor take per month?
• Do luxury travel clients really need 24/7 availability from their travel advisor?
• Should travel advisors ask clients for their budget upfront?
• How do you increase your minimum spend per client as a travel advisor?
• Can you build a successful travel business using only a Facebook group without a website?
• Should travel advisors make their Facebook groups public or private?
• What host agencies pay the highest commission rates to travel advisors?
• How do you recover from travel advisor burnout and rebuild your business?
• What are the warning signs of a problematic host agency relationship?
• How do you sell higher-priced travel without focusing on budget?
• Should travel advisors specialize in one destination or be generalists?
• How do you maximize commission on each travel booking?
• What advice should travel advisors ignore in the industry?
• How do you build a referral-based 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!

Shop Travel Industry Black Friday: https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/blackfriday

Get the Black Friday Bingo Board for giveaways: https://programs.steeryourmarketing.com/products/offers/view/1189130

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

What if the only thing standing between you and a thriving travel business is your own mindset? 

I'm chatting with the amazing Iris from wmnsWORK and By Iris about what it really takes to build a successful travel business. 

Spoiler alert: it's not about having the perfect strategy or working yourself into the ground. 

We're talking mindset shifts, finding your people through peer support, and why leaning into your weird, unique story is actually your biggest competitive advantage. 

Iris also shares how her tourism accelerator has helped travel entrepreneurs quit their 9-to-5s and triple their bookings without the burnout. 

If you're ready to stop playing small and start betting on yourself, you're going to love this conversation. 

Learn more about the wmnsWORK Tourism Accelerator: https://wmnswork.com/

Questions this episode answers:

• How do I build a successful travel business without burning out?
• Why is mindset more important than strategy for travel entrepreneurs?
• What is the wmnsWORK Tourism Accelerator and how can it help my travel business
• How do I stand out from other travel advisors in a crowded market?
• What skills do I need to start a travel business?
• How do I build confidence as a new travel advisor?
• How can I use AI in my travel business?
• What is a DMC and how do travel advisors work with them?
• How do I manage my energy as a small business owner?
• How do I tell my story to attract the right clients?
• What is a rep company in the travel industry?
• How do I price my services as a travel advisor?
• Why should I lean into my personal story as a travel business owner?

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!

Shop Travel Industry Black Friday: https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/blackfriday

Get the Black Friday Bingo Board for giveaways: 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]