TIQUE Talks: The Business Podcast for Travel Advisors

One of the most overlooked parts of the client experience actually happens after they say yes to the proposal. In this episode, Robin and Jennifer break down what to do the moment a client gives the green light. From confirming bookings and managing approvals to protecting your business and setting up a strong nurture sequence, they share how to create a smooth, streamlined journey all the way to departure day. You’ll hear how they built a system that blends automation with personalization, so clients feel genuinely cared for without you being glued to your inbox. They also discuss must-dos like travel insurance education, real-time communication with DMCs, and the importance of structured workflows and documentation. Whether you're refining your backend systems or elevating your client touchpoints, this episode is packed with strategies to keep clients informed, excited, and ready to book with you again!

Download the 5 Plug-And-Play Email Templates: https://www.tiquehq.com/emails?utm_source=Podcast+Episode+137&utm_medium=Podcast+Shownotes&utm_campaign=5+Free+Emails

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Creating a travel proposal is more than plugging numbers into a spreadsheet. It’s about telling a story your client wants to step into. In this episode, Jennifer and Robin share how to create proposals that feel like an experience from start to finish. Learn how to ask the right intake questions, tailor your recommendations with confidence, and choose suppliers that align with your client’s vibe while streamlining your backend workflow. You’ll also hear how to use itinerary builders and Loom walkthroughs to add a personal touch, plus tips for setting clear expectations, managing revisions, and keeping timelines on track without burning out. If you're ready to turn your proposals into seamless, sellable experiences, this episode is your behind-the-scenes blueprint!

Download the free Client Onboarding Guide: http://tiquehq.com/client-onboarding?utm_source=Podcast+Episode+136&utm_medium=Onboarding+PDF&utm_campaign=Client+Onboarding+Guide+Freebie

Today we will cover:

Also mentioned in the episode:

JOIN THE NICHE COMMUNITY

An interactive membership for travel advisors wanting the community, education, & support to grow their business.

VISIT THE TEMPLATE SHOP

Create an enjoyable booking experience for every one of your travel clients.

EXPLORE THE PROGRAMS

Self-paced style courses for the modern travel advisor.

FOLLOW ALONG ON INSTAGRAM @TiqueHQ

Your intake call isn’t just a casual chat. It’s your power move. In this episode, Jennifer and Robin share why this second step in your client experience journey can make or break your ability to close the sale. They explain how to lead with confidence, ask thoughtful questions that uncover what your clients really want, and position yourself as the expert from the very first conversation. You’ll also learn how to use tech tools like AI to stay fully present while capturing key details without missing a beat. Plus, hear how creating a clear structure for your call helps set expectations, build trust, and make it easier to introduce your planning fee with ease. If you’re ready to turn more inquiries into booked clients, this episode is a must-listen!

Download the free Intake Call Guide: https://www.tiquehq.com/sales-call?utm_source=Podcast+Episode+135&utm_medium=Podcast+Shownotes&utm_campaign=Sales+Call

Today we will cover:

Also mentioned in the episode:

JOIN THE NICHE COMMUNITY

An interactive membership for travel advisors wanting the community, education, & support to grow their business.

VISIT THE TEMPLATE SHOP

Create an enjoyable booking experience for every one of your travel clients.

EXPLORE THE PROGRAMS

Self-paced style courses for the modern travel advisor.

FOLLOW ALONG ON INSTAGRAM @TiqueHQ

In the kickoff episode of this year’s summer series, Robin and Jennifer take a closer look at the inquiry phase, the first step in the client journey and a powerful opportunity to set the tone for a high touch, personalized experience. Rather than viewing the inquiry form as just a lead filter, they reframe it as the beginning of the onboarding process. This attracts dream clients, sets expectations, and lays the foundation for lasting relationships! Learn how to design strategic inquiry forms that are both efficient and engaging, tailored to the unique preferences of different client types. From incorporating creative, emotion driven questions to using interactive tools like quizzes, this episode offers fresh ideas for turning a routine form into a meaningful brand touchpoint. Hit play and get inspired to elevate your client experience starting from the very first interaction!

Today we will cover:

1. (02:50) Understanding client experience vs. service
2. (04:50) Rethinking the inquiry phase; creating inquiry forms
3. (09:10) Tailoring forms to fit your audience
4. (12:55) Adding personality and creativity to your questions
5. (21:45) Setting expectations and creating boundaries early
6. (35:00) Using quizzes and interactive tools to vet for fit

Mentioned in the episode:

1. Episode 91: What You Wish You'd Always Known About Booking Airfare with Lary Neron
2. Episode 112: How to Create Interactive Content for Lead Generation with Josh Haynam

JOIN THE NICHE COMMUNITY

An interactive membership for travel advisors wanting the community, education, & support to grow their business.

VISIT THE TEMPLATE SHOP

Create an enjoyable booking experience for every one of your travel clients.

EXPLORE THE PROGRAMS

Self-paced style courses for the modern travel advisor.

FOLLOW ALONG ON INSTAGRAM @TiqueHQ

If your business is leaving you drained, this episode might be the reset you need! Lizzie Alex, Senior Travel Advisor and Director of the D.A. Luxury Travel team, shares how she’s helped build a business that works for her, not the other way around. She breaks down the systems, tools, and mindset shifts that have helped her create structure, avoid burnout, and deliver high-level service without being constantly “on.” From using platforms like Asana and TripSuite to outsourcing energy-draining tasks, Lizzie shows how efficiency and balance can work hand in hand. She also shares how setting clear boundaries (from office hours to package scope) not only protects your time but enhances the client experience. Plus, you’ll hear her best tips for rolling out new processes and fees with confidence and ease. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or like your business is running you, this episode is the permission slip you need to build a business that honors your life, not just your to-do list!

Connect with Lizzie Alex:

With a passion for crafting unforgettable experiences, Lizzie Alex has made her mark in the world of luxury travel and event planning. As the Senior Travel Advisor and Director of the esteemed D.A. Luxury Travel team, Lizzie curates personalized and immersive journeys that push the boundaries of traditional travel. By understanding each client's unique preferences, Lizzie weaves together seamless itineraries that unlock access to hidden gems and "non-googleable" experiences. As a distinguished member of the 1000 Club, an elite collective of the world's most influential travel advisors, and most recently named as one of Conde Nast Traveler 2025 Top Travel Specialists, Lizzie continues to redefine the art of travel. 

daluxurytravel.com

instagram.com/lizzieealexx

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→ CLIENT ONBOARDING CHECKLIST: https://www.tiquehq.com/client-onboarding?utm_source=Podcast+Episode+133&utm_medium=Podcast+Shownotes&utm_campaign=Client+Onboarding

A streamlined, step-by-step process to wow your clients from the moment they inquire until they return home raving about your expertise!

Also mentioned in the episode:

JOIN THE NICHE COMMUNITY

An interactive membership for travel advisors wanting the community, education, & support to grow their business.

VISIT THE TEMPLATE SHOP

Create an enjoyable booking experience for every one of your travel clients.

EXPLORE THE PROGRAMS

Self-paced style courses for the modern travel advisor.

FOLLOW ALONG ON INSTAGRAM @TiqueHQ

What does it really take to build a high-performing team in the travel industry? Sarah Fazendin, founder of Videre Travel, spills it all. From solo advisor to visionary team leader, she shares the exact strategies that helped her scale with intention without sacrificing quality or cohesion. In this episode, you’ll learn how Sarah sets clear expectations, builds a strong company culture, and hires for more than just experience. She breaks down her onboarding process, her approach to outsourcing backend tasks, and how she keeps her team focused on what they do best: creating unforgettable travel experiences. You’ll also hear how she transitioned her advisors under one brand, fosters camaraderie, and screens for the right fit as she continues to grow. It’s an honest, behind-the-scenes look at building a team that’s aligned, empowered, and built to last!

Connect with Sarah Fazendin:

Sarah founded Videre Travel in 2015 with a bold vision: to transform travel into a collection of life's most extraordinary moments. Today, she leads a powerhouse team of luxury travel specialists and a global network of elite partners, all dedicated to crafting seamless, one-of-a-kind journeys for discerning travelers. Before launching Videre Travel, Sarah spent nearly two decades at the forefront of luxury travel—curating high-end African safaris, collaborating with the continent’s top camps and lodges, and pioneering groundbreaking wildlife experiences that redefined the meaning of luxury adventure. Her expertise has earned her regular features in leading international media, including NPR's Marketplace and Bloomberg. Since 2020, she has been recognized annually as a Top Travel Specialist by Condé Nast Traveler, a testament to her influence in the world of luxury travel.

videretravel.com

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→ PLUG-AND-PLAY JOB DESCRIPTIONS: http://tiquehq.com/job-descriptions?utm_source=Podcast+Episode+132&utm_medium=Job+Description+PDF&utm_campaign=4+Plug+%26+Play+Job+Descriptions+Download

Grab these job descriptions, tweak them to fit your business, and start building a team that lets you step into your actual CEO role!

JOIN THE NICHE COMMUNITY

An interactive membership for travel advisors wanting the community, education, & support to grow their business.

VISIT THE TEMPLATE SHOP

Create an enjoyable booking experience for every one of your travel clients.

EXPLORE THE PROGRAMS

Self-paced style courses for the modern travel advisor.

FOLLOW ALONG ON INSTAGRAM @TiqueHQ

Stephanie Malakie, founder of Empress Travel Club, discusses a business model that’s gaining serious traction in the luxury travel world: memberships! The same concept behind your favorite wine club or go-to subscription service is now helping travel advisors lock in dream clients and keep them for the long haul. Stephanie shares why today’s ultra-wealthy travelers are craving more than just beautiful vacations. They’re looking for trusted partners who get them, know their preferences before they say a word, and can pull off flawless, one-of-a-kind experiences all year long. You’ll hear the magic behind her high-touch approach, how she structures her membership model without overcommitting, and how to grow your client base through authentic relationships and high-value referrals. If you’re curious about adding more exclusivity, ease, and long-game strategy to your business, this episode is a must-listen!

Connect with Stephanie Malakie:

Growing up on the west coast of Canada with a family who loved to travel, Stephanie developed an appreciation for international destinations from a young age. Her early adventures to places like Egypt, Europe, Central America, and Asia ignited her passion for exploring the world. After completing her degree in Business Management from the University of British Columbia in Canada and the University of Melbourne in Australia, Stephanie moved to Hawaii. There, she joined a management program at Four Seasons Resorts, working across various operational hotel management roles. She eventually managed a VIP client program for years before transitioning to a luxury travel agency and concierge firm. After gaining further experience in the industry, Stephanie founded Empress - a company catering to discerning clients looking for seamless, unique and luxurious travel experiences across the globe. She is based in Kona, Hawaii leading a team that spans from Hawaii to Portugal, allowing Empress to provide 24 hour client coverage. 

empresstravelclub.com

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SOP TEMPLATE & CHECKLIST: http://tiquehq.com/sop?utm_source=Podcast+Episode+131&utm_medium=SOP+PDF&utm_campaign=SOP+Checklist+Freebie

Consider this your secret weapon for creating clear, step-by-step processes that eliminate guesswork, save time, and make delegation effortless.

JOIN THE NICHE COMMUNITY

An interactive membership for travel advisors wanting the community, education, & support to grow their business.

VISIT THE TEMPLATE SHOP

Create an enjoyable booking experience for every one of your travel clients.

EXPLORE THE PROGRAMS

Self-paced style courses for the modern travel advisor.

@TiqueHQ

Followers are great, but clients pay the bills! Katie Brown, founder of Hey Party People and a top-performing agent at Travelmation, tackles a question so many travel advisors and business owners wrestle with: How do you actually turn followers into clients? In this episode, Katie shares how she went from joining the travel industry to fund her son’s adoption to building a $7M business in just five years. She dives into the strategies behind her success like using personal storytelling, authentic branding, and strategic content to grow an engaged Instagram audience of over 50,000. You’ll hear how she blends lifestyle and travel, why showing up as yourself is a business superpower, and how short-form video helps her turn online visibility into real sales. Whether you’re a travel advisor or online business owner looking to grow your audience and your revenue, Katie’s insights will help you ditch the algorithm obsession and start building trust that actually converts!

Connect with Katie Brown:

heypartypeople.travel

Instagram: @itskatiejobro

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TECH STACK CHECKLIST: http://tiquehq.com/tech-stack?utm_source=Podcast+Episode+130&utm_medium=Tech+stack+PDF&utm_campaign=Tech+Stack+Freebie

Download the foolproof guide to the only tools you need to streamline your workflow, cut your admin time in half, and run your business like a well-oiled machine.

JOIN THE NICHE COMMUNITY

An interactive membership for travel advisors wanting the community, education, & support to grow their business.

VISIT THE TEMPLATE SHOP

Create an enjoyable booking experience for every one of your travel clients.

EXPLORE THE PROGRAMS

Self-paced style courses for the modern travel advisor.

@TiqueHQ

Ever feel like your business can’t grow unless you’re in control of everything? Think again! Lindsey Epperly, Founder and Chairwoman of Jetset World Travel, shares how stepping back can actually unlock your next level of success and why letting go is a power move, not a setback. From starting in the travel industry at 19 to building a multimillion dollar company and eventually stepping down as CEO, Lindsey’s journey is full of lessons on growth, leadership, and evolution. She dives into the mindset shifts required to scale, including recognizing when fresh leadership is needed and how to navigate imposter syndrome as you transition from founder to visionary. If you’re growing, pivoting, or reevaluating your role, this conversation is your reminder that sometimes the smartest move is stepping back so your business can leap forward.

Connect with Lindsey Epperly:

jetsetworldtravel.com

Who Made You the Boss?

o-nr.org 

Today we will cover:

JOIN THE NICHE COMMUNITY

An interactive membership for travel advisors wanting the community, education, & support to grow their business.

VISIT THE TEMPLATE SHOP

Create an enjoyable booking experience for every one of your travel clients.

EXPLORE THE PROGRAMS

Self-paced style courses for the modern travel advisor.

FOLLOW ALONG ON INSTAGRAM @TiqueHQ

What do construction sites and luxury vacations have in common? A lot more than you’d think! This episode explores the parallels between project management and travel advising with Curated by Cara founder and Travel + Leisure Rising Star, Cara Donleavy. Cara shares how her background managing multi-million dollar construction sites laid the foundation for her booming luxury travel business. From timelines and budgeting to risk management and client communication, she brings a project-based mindset to every itinerary she creates, ensuring each trip runs as seamlessly behind the scenes as it feels to her clients. Hear how she transitioned from part-time to full-time advisor, the systems and tools that keep her business running smoothly, and how she approaches budgeting, boundaries, and scaling with intention. Press play to learn why every trip deserves a project plan, and how that mindset can take your business to the next level!

About Cara Donleavy:

Cara is the founder and proud owner of Curated By Cara, a luxury travel company specializing in bespoke itinerary design. Since launching her business in 2022, she has been dedicated to crafting unforgettable experiences tailored to each traveler’s unique style and preferences. Based in Boston, MA, Cara works with families, couples, and groups to curate dream vacations that are seamless, inspiring, and stress-free. At Curated By Cara, the mission is simple: take the stress out of travel planning and replace it with pure excitement. The team handles all the details—research, booking, and beyond—specializing in luxury accommodations and thoughtfully curated experiences you won’t find just anywhere.

curatedbycaratravel.com

@curatedbycaratravel

Today we will cover:

JOIN THE NICHE COMMUNITY

An interactive membership for travel advisors wanting the community, education, & support to grow their business.

VISIT THE TEMPLATE SHOP

Create an enjoyable booking experience for every one of your travel clients.

EXPLORE THE PROGRAMS

Self-paced style courses for the modern travel advisor.

FOLLOW ALONG ON INSTAGRAM @TiqueHQ