TIQUE Talks: The Business Podcast for Travel Advisors

Consumer gift spending is dropping this holiday season…but travel spending is rising. That means your clients are ready to swap sweaters for plane tickets, and you need to know how to position yourself to capture it. In this Hot Take, Jennifer and Robin share why leading with discounts won’t cut it in today’s economy and how the smartest advisors will win by marketing the feeling of travel (think cozy holiday rituals, aspirational experiences, and stress-free memories clients can instantly picture themselves in). Learn how to position travel as the ultimate gift, reduce client overwhelm with done-for-them holiday planning, and secure more bookings before Cyber Monday hits. Press play and turn this holiday season into your biggest revenue driver yet!

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TIQUE’S BIRTHDAY SALE IS LIVE! 

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One hacked email could cost your business six figures (seriously!). Kacie Darden of Blue Pineapple Travel joins this episode to talk about cybersecurity in a way that actually makes sense for advisors. She explains why PCI compliance is a must, why investing in a paid VPN is worth every penny, and how cybersecurity insurance could be the thing that saves your business from a financial nightmare. She also shares tips on building stronger passwords, spotting phishing scams, and putting simple processes in place to protect your clients and your reputation. If the word “cybersecurity” usually makes your eyes glaze over, don’t worry, this conversation will change that. Tune in for relatable advice and easy steps you can put into action right away!

About Kacie Darden:

Kacie is an avid traveler and the passionate owner of her Marietta-based travel agency. With journeys to more than 60 countries across six continents (and Australia next on the list!), her love of exploration fuels everything she does. Whether she’s discovering a brand-new destination or finding fresh perspectives in a familiar place, Kacie brings that same curiosity and expertise to the experiences she curates for her clients.  She loves sharing the world with her husband, identical twin boys, and extended family and friends — proving that travel is as much about connection as it is about adventure. With her blend of industry experience, personal passion, and sharp business insight, Kacie transforms travel dreams into memories that last a lifetime.  

bluepineappletravel.com

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This week’s Hot Take comes from Niche member Megan, who’s debating a big agency growth move: bring on independent contractors or hire employees? Jennifer and Robin discuss the different aspects of both options starting from clarifying your long-term vision and navigating the legal/financial fine print to tackling the very real emotional side of building a team. You’ll hear strategies for protecting your brand, lightening your workload, and scaling smart (with some bonus insights from Agency Expansion Academy). Tune in to get the clarity you need for making the best decision for your business!

AGENCY EXPANSION ACADEMY - your complete, self-paced blueprint for building a dream team of pros, streamlining your operations, and unlocking the kind of growth that feels effortless and sustainable.

JOIN THE NICHE COMMUNITY - an interactive membership for travel advisors wanting the community, education, & support to grow their business!

Previous Episodes Mentioned: 

#41. What We'd Do Today If We Started Our Travel Business Over (Part 1)

#42. What We'd Do Today If We Started Our Travel Business Over (Part 2)

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Mark Your Calendars for TIQUE’S BIRTHDAY SALE! 

Sept. 22nd-26th | Get 15% Off!

Boutique hotels may look effortless on the outside, but behind the scenes they run on strategy, teamwork, and a relentless eye for detail. In this episode, Jennifer chats with Candice Berger, Director of Marketing at Voile D’or, who represents two of the industry’s remarkable hidden gems: Maison Hudson in New York and Maison Vi Laroi in Paris. Candice pulls back the curtain on what it truly takes to wow guests: from personalizing every stay and safeguarding client confidentiality to the nonstop hustle most people never see. You’ll learn why crystal-clear communication between advisors and hoteliers matters, how honesty sets the tone for unforgettable experiences, and why heartfelt service always beats cookie-cutter luxury. If you’ve ever wanted an insider’s look at how hotels craft stays that turn into stories, this episode has the secrets!

About Candice Berger:

Candice, a Taurus from the French Riviera, is based in Cannes and has spent the past 20 years in luxury hospitality crafting experiences where the smallest detail creates the biggest memory. Guided by her motto, “good is never enough,” she brings both passion and precision to everything she does. A proud mother to her two-and-a-half-year-old son, Andreas, and caretaker of a 14-year-old pug who still rules the house, Candice thrives on obsessing over details, thinking outside the box, and transforming stays into stories that guests take home. Today, she shares how teamwork and a creative mindset shape truly unforgettable moments.

Today we will cover:

Download the Sales Call Roadmap

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This week’s Hot Take answers a big question from Niche member Simone: how do you actually build a book of business as a travel advisor? Jennifer and Robin spill their best tips for finding your ideal audience, creating content that grabs attention, and showing up on social media where your potential clients already hang out. You’ll learn why leading with value builds leads, how clear messaging makes your brand unforgettable, and why consistency is your secret weapon. They also give their thoughts on creating smart partnerships, learning from others in the industry, and the referral power of happy clients. If you’ve been wondering how to turn conversations into clients and momentum into real growth, this Hot Take is packed with ideas you’ll want to steal!

JOIN THE NICHE COMMUNITY - an interactive membership for travel advisors wanting the community, education, & support to grow their business!

Previous Episodes Mentioned: 

#130. How To Convert Your Social Media Followers To Loyal Clients with Katie Brown

#87. How Your Brand Impacts Client Quality with Gray Ellender

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Get ready for a fun and inspiring conversation with Lauren Quirk, Founder of Travel With Character®! Lauren is proof that theme park travel can be just as chic, seamless, and story-driven as a luxury FIT trip. From hand-picking resorts and tickets to crafting VIP tours and personalized itineraries, she and her team sprinkle creativity, precision, and a little magic into every detail. With her bubbly personality and entertainment background, Lauren shares how she went from Broadway stages to building a thriving agency. She talks about why she recently transitioned from independent contractors to an employee model, why charging planning fees is a must, and how she blends personality-packed social media with polished systems to create unforgettable client experiences. Ready to see theme park travel in a whole new light? This episode is packed with ideas, laughs, and a dose of Lauren’s contagious enthusiasm.

About Lauren Quirk:

Lauren is the Founder of Travel With Character®, a backstage production team for designing luxury family vacations. Over the past six years she has assembled a small team of creative women who guide today's discerning travelers who value personalized and attentive service over DIY booking methods. Lauren's education and background are in the performing arts, with a history on the off-Broadway stages of New York, and LA productions like "Grease Live! On Fox", and Comedy Central sketches. She now translates this creativity and storytelling into her travel business, crafting unique experiences for every client, helping them to embrace their own "main character energy." Lauren's innovative approach to travel industry marketing has not gone unnoticed. She has been a Travel Weekly Gold Magellan award recipient and a finalist in TravelAge West's Trendsetter Awards, celebrating her social media content. Her unique marketing signature includes creating comedic musical pieces related to travel, engaging audiences and inviting them into a world of exploration and enjoyment.

@travelwithcharacter 

travelwithcharacter.com

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“Luxury” has officially become the most overused word in travel, and in this Hot Take, Robin and Jennifer are calling it out. They break down the Virtuoso 2025 Luxe Report, which reveals that travelers are taking fewer trips but spending more on immersive, meaningful experiences. They get candid about the pressure on advisors to chase ultra-high-ticket trips and why real success is not defined by a $100K price tag. They share strategies for carving out your own niche, whether that means high volume all-inclusives that keep clients coming back or bespoke itineraries that wow even the pickiest traveler. Plus, they give tips for networking with high-net-worth clients, positioning yourself as the go-to expert, and staying ready for the curveballs that come with serving luxury travelers. If you are tired of the “luxury” buzzword or struggling to stand out in a sea of sameness, this episode is your must listen!

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Listen to Episode 02: How We Graduated Our Clients & Increased Our Average Ticket Sales

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Behind every thriving travel advisor is a mentor who believed in them first. In this episode, Rebecca Alessia, owner of Wonderology Luxury Travel Experiences and a Condé Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialist for 2023 and 2024, joins Jennifer to talk all things mentorship. Rebecca shares how her own mentors helped shape her success, why she’s passionate about paying it forward, and what makes mentorship so valuable in today’s fast-growing travel industry.

You’ll hear her take on the difference between mentorship and paid coaching, how fresh perspectives from new advisors keep the industry evolving, and why building a collaborative, supportive community benefits everyone. This conversation is full of tips, inspiration, and encouragement to help you step into the role of mentor and guide the next wave of advisors.

About Rebecca Alesia:

Rebecca’s earliest memories of travel include gliding through Venice on a gondola and savoring gelato by the Trevi Fountain, sparking a passion that carried her to five continents before her 21st birthday. From trekking Jordan’s deserts by camel to encountering gorillas in Rwanda, she’s found wonder and connection in every corner of the globe. Together with her husband, Sal, she’s made travel a family priority, raising their son Charlie with a deep appreciation for diverse cultures and shared adventures. A former attorney and current member of the Oyster Bay Zoning Board, Rebecca brings that same advocacy and precision to her work as founder of Wanderology, a boutique agency recognized by Condé Nast Traveler and SmartFlyer for excellence in luxury travel design. Based on Long Island’s North Shore, she balances her career with yoga, crossword puzzles, and life with Sal, Charlie, and their three mischievous dogs. 

wanderology.com

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Welcome to the new “Hot Take” series! Each Friday, Jennifer and Robin will bring you timely, bite-sized conversations designed to give travel advisors a little more insight, clarity, and connection heading into the weekend. No fluff, no filler, just real-time reactions to what’s happening in the industry and what their community needs most.

In this kickoff episode, they answer a question from Leonora, a luxury travel advisor looking to grow her social media reach without overspending. They share smarter, more sustainable strategies, like using turnkey tools to create a polished digital presence and repurposing high-quality content to boost SEO. They also recommend leveraging PR opportunities through articles, podcasts, and media features to expand reach without overspending. The episode wraps up with a fun invitation for listeners to submit their own questions and join the conversation!

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What does it really mean to advocate for the destinations you send clients to? Dr. Paige Viren, an accomplished leader in sustainable tourism, shares why sustainability goes far beyond protecting the environment. From cultural preservation and economic equity to social responsibility and overtourism, she breaks down the many layers of sustainability and how they directly impact travelers and the communities they visit. Learn how sustainable choices don’t have to negatively impact or overcomplicate itineraries, and how clearly expressing your commitment to sustainability can actually help you attract like-minded clients. Plus, Dr. Viren shares her thoughts on responsible tipping, supporting locals, and engaging authentically with communities. This conversation will inspire you to think bigger about your role as a sustainability advocate and empower you to create more meaningful travel experiences for your clients!

About Dr. Paige Viren:

Dr. Paige P. Viren serves as the Executive Director of the Sustainable Hospitality & Tourism Management Program in the College of Business at California State University, Monterey Bay. With over 16 years of experience in tourism research, Dr. Viren’s expertise spans consumer behavior, adventure travel, and sustainable community-based tourism. Her contributions to the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) helped shape the definition of adventure travel, and she has collaborated with the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) to develop global climate action strategies in tourism. 

[email protected]

Resources: 

gstc.org

travelunity.org

lnt.org/

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