This week, I'm joined by Ryan Doncsecz of VIP Vacations. Together we discuss the top storylines of 2024 and how they impacted the travel industry. 

Hear our thoughts on Boeing's wild year, the biggest wins for travel advisors, highs and lows from 2024, and so much more. 

Today's episode sponsor: Travel Agent Academy 

Travel Agent Academy provides you with the most advanced, interactive travel agent training available today on products sure to both impress and protect your clients – from popular destinations to top resorts around the world plus cruises and comprehensive travel insurance. The award winning content is designed to help you learn and retain information in fun and interactive ways, and help increase bookings by empowering you to sell as a specialist. You’ll learn how to acquire a strong grasp of each product’s key selling points. You can gain credits, earn rewards, and even learn on the go on your tablet device. Learn more about these free programs at TravelAgentAcademy.com

Have any feedback or questions? Want to sponsor the show? Contact us at [email protected] and follow us on social media @TravelPulse. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week I welcome Brian Major, Managing Editor of Digital Guides and the Caribbean here at TravelPulse, to discuss the latest trending news in travel, including the TSA's new record, Mexico's new cruise tax and more. 

Later, Major shares insights into what the biggest storylines and hottest destinations are in the Caribbean this year. 

The discussion on the Caribbean begins after the 13:30-minute mark. 

Today's episode sponsor: Travel Agent Academy 

Travel Agent Academy provides you with the most advanced, interactive travel agent training available today on products sure to both impress and protect your clients – from popular destinations to top resorts around the world plus cruises and comprehensive travel insurance. The award-winning content is designed to help you learn and retain information in fun and interactive ways, and help increase bookings by empowering you to sell as a specialist. You’ll learn how to acquire a strong grasp of each product’s key selling points. You can gain credits, earn rewards, and even learn on the go on your tablet device. Learn more about these free programs at TravelAgentAcademy.com

Have any feedback or questions? Want to sponsor the show? Contact us at [email protected] and follow us on social media @TravelPulse. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week I'm joined by Mary Helen Law, founder of Law Luxury Travel, to first discuss the latest trending news in the travel industry, including Spirit Airlines declaring bankruptcy and Airbnb's partnership with the famous Colosseum. 

Later, Law shares insights into what's trending this holiday travel season and how prices impact decision-making. We dive into how busy the travel industry is expected to be during the Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year holidays; and Law offers tips for fellow advisors to best navigate this time of year. 

The discussion on holiday travel begins after the 14-minute mark. 

Today's episode sponsor: Travel Agent Academy 

Travel Agent Academy provides you with the most advanced, interactive travel agent training available today on products sure to both impress and protect your clients – from popular destinations to top resorts around the world plus cruises and comprehensive travel insurance. The award-winning content is designed to help you learn and retain information in fun and interactive ways, and help increase bookings by empowering you to sell as a specialist. You’ll learn how to acquire a strong grasp of each product’s key selling points. You can gain credits, earn rewards, and even learn on the go on your tablet device. Learn more about these free programs at TravelAgentAcademy.com

Have any feedback or questions? Want to sponsor the show? Contact us at [email protected] and follow us on social media @TravelPulse. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week I first discuss the latest trending news in the travel industry, including top winners at the 2024 Travvy Awards, how Donald Trump's return to President could impact travel, and more. 

Later in the show, I welcome three lovely guests: Melissa Cooper, Director of Marketing for Northstar Retail Travel Group, Danielle Stephens, a travel advisor with Divine Travel Design, and Jerry Estrada Jr, Director of Trade Events & Programs for Carnival Cruise Line. 

Together we discuss the inaugural Travel Industry 40 Under 40. Stephens and Estrada Jr. share insights into their career accomplishments and the challenges they overcame to get where they are today. Plus, they offer advice to young professionals aspiring to achieve similar success. 

Today's episode sponsor: Travel Agent Academy 

Travel Agent Academy provides you with the most advanced, interactive travel agent training available today on products sure to both impress and protect your clients – from popular destinations to top resorts around the world plus cruises and comprehensive travel insurance. The award-winning content is designed to help you learn and retain information in fun and interactive ways, and help increase bookings by empowering you to sell as a specialist. You’ll learn how to acquire a strong grasp of each product’s key selling points. You can gain credits, earn rewards, and even learn on the go on your tablet device. Learn more about these free programs at TravelAgentAcademy.com

Have any feedback or questions? Want to sponsor the show? Contact us at [email protected] and follow us on social media @TravelPulse. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week I welcome two guests: Christian Svoboda, owner of Beforeyoubookit.com, and Natalia Yepes, owner of Adventuresque Travel Boutique. Together we first discuss the latest trending news in the travel industry, including the Biden Administration's new inquiry into US airlines, Venice's tourist tax extension, and more. 

Later, the three of us discuss our time at the 2024 Visit Portugal Travel Trade Marketplace event. Hear what Svoboda and Yepes thought of the event, their post event FAM trip experiences, and their top recommendations for what to do and see throughout Portugal. 

The interview on Portugal begins just before the 16-minute mark. 

Today's episode sponsor: AmaWaterways 

Invite your clients to explore the legendary Danube River on AmaWaterways’ Best of the Danube itinerary. Guests will enjoy three of Europe’s Old-World capitals – Vienna, Austria; Bratislava, Slovakia; and Budapest, Hungary – along with the gorgeous UNESCO-designated Wachau Valley. A favorite of AmaWaterways’ Co-Founder Rudi Schreiner, this 7-night Budapest round-trip cruise offers an itinerary-exclusive carriage ride through Vienna! Plus, you will earn up to a 15% commission rate on your client’s river cruise fare when you reserve their stateroom. Visit AmaWaterways.com/bestdanube to learn more about this incredible itinerary!

Have any feedback or questions? Want to sponsor the show? Contact us at [email protected] and follow us on social media @TravelPulse. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week I welcome Vanessa McGovern, Co-Founder and Chief Sales & Marketing Officer of Gifted Travel Network, to the podcast to first discuss trending news in the travel industry, including Cancun's airport change, Royal Caribbean's big announcement, and more. 

Later, McGovern shares top tips for travel advisors. Hear her thoughts on how to grow your business, advice for dealing with tough clients, and so much more. McGovern also shares insights from some elite-level advisors in the Gifted Travel Network. 

The interview on travel advisor tips begins at the 16-minute mark. 

Today's episode sponsors: AmaWaterways 

Invite your clients to explore the legendary Danube River on AmaWaterways’ Best of the Danube itinerary. Guests will enjoy three of Europe’s Old-World capitals – Vienna, Austria; Bratislava, Slovakia; and Budapest, Hungary – along with the gorgeous UNESCO-designated Wachau Valley. A favorite of AmaWaterways’ Co-Founder Rudi Schreiner, this 7-night Budapest round-trip cruise offers an itinerary-exclusive carriage ride through Vienna! Plus, you will earn up to a 15% commission rate on your client’s river cruise fare when you reserve their stateroom. Visit AmaWaterways.com/bestdanube to learn more about this incredible itinerary!

Have any feedback or questions? Want to sponsor the show? Contact us at [email protected] and follow us on social media @TravelPulse. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week I first discuss the latest trending news in travel, including another Hurricane set to impact travel, new fees for frequent travelers and more. 

Later, I welcome Master Foodie Mara Papatheodorou, a Tastes & Traditions Expert and Culinary Historian, to talk about the latest in culinary travel trends. Papatheodorou shares her insights into what the flavors of the moment are, trending destinations in the foodie scene, and more. 

The interview on culinary travel trends begins shortly before the 8-minute mark. 

Today's episode sponsors: AmaWaterways 

Invite your clients to explore the legendary Danube River on AmaWaterways’ Best of the Danube itinerary. Guests will enjoy three of Europe’s Old-World capitals – Vienna, Austria; Bratislava, Slovakia; and Budapest, Hungary – along with the gorgeous UNESCO-designated Wachau Valley. A favorite of AmaWaterways’ Co-Founder Rudi Schreiner, this 7-night Budapest round-trip cruise offers an itinerary-exclusive carriage ride through Vienna! Plus, you will earn up to a 15% commission rate on your client’s river cruise fare when you reserve their stateroom. Visit AmaWaterways.com/bestdanube to learn more about this incredible itinerary!

Have any feedback or questions? Want to sponsor the show? Contact us at [email protected] and follow us on social media @TravelPulse. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week I welcome Stephen Scott, founder of Travel Hub 365 and the Odyssey Travel App, back to the podcast to discuss top trending news, including Hurricane Helene's travel impact, big changes for Southwest Airlines, and more. 

Later in the show we dive into the top emerging travel destinations around the world as well as the unique vacation experiences taking shape. Scott shares his insights into what trends he's seeing rise up in the world of travel. 

The discussion on emerging travel destinations and experiences begins after the 14-minute mark. 

Today's episode sponsors: AmaWaterways 

Invite your clients to explore the legendary Danube River on AmaWaterways’ Best of the Danube itinerary. Guests will enjoy three of Europe’s Old-World capitals – Vienna, Austria; Bratislava, Slovakia; and Budapest, Hungary – along with the gorgeous UNESCO-designated Wachau Valley. A favorite of AmaWaterways’ Co-Founder Rudi Schreiner, this 7-night Budapest round-trip cruise offers an itinerary-exclusive carriage ride through Vienna! Plus, you will earn up to a 15% commission rate on your client’s river cruise fare when you reserve their stateroom. Visit AmaWaterways.com/bestdanube to learn more about this incredible itinerary!

Have any feedback or questions? Want to sponsor the show? Contact us at [email protected] and follow us on social media @TravelPulse. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, I first discuss the latest trending news in the travel industry, including booming travel industry numbers, updated passport renewal process, and much more. 

Later, I welcome Alex Pinelo, Senior Vice President of Sales at AmaWaterways. Pinelo shares insights into what trends he's seeing in the river cruise industry. From hot destinations to unique and personalized experiences, Pinelo also highlights what's new with AmaWaterways. 

The river cruise discussion begins after the 9-minute mark. 

Today's episode sponsors: AmaWaterways 

Invite your clients to explore the legendary Danube River on AmaWaterways’ Best of the Danube itinerary. Guests will enjoy three of Europe’s Old-World capitals – Vienna, Austria; Bratislava, Slovakia; and Budapest, Hungary – along with the gorgeous UNESCO-designated Wachau Valley. A favorite of AmaWaterways’ Co-Founder Rudi Schreiner, this 7-night Budapest round-trip cruise offers an itinerary-exclusive carriage ride through Vienna! Plus, you will earn up to a 15% commission rate on your client’s river cruise fare when you reserve their stateroom. Visit AmaWaterways.com/bestdanube to learn more about this incredible itinerary!

Have any feedback or questions? Want to sponsor the show? Contact us at [email protected] and follow us on social media @TravelPulse. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week I welcome Shayla Northcutt, owner of Northcutt Travel Agency, to first discuss the latest trending news in the travel industry, including Cancun Airport issues arising, Boeing's latest hit, and much more. 

Later, Northcutt shares insights into what she's seeing trending this fall travel season. Hear where people are planning for future trips now, why last minute travel is still hot, and more. She also gives her best advice on how fellow travel advisors can make this a great fall season. 

The discussion on fall travel trends begins after the 15-minute mark. 

Today's episode sponsors: AmaWaterways 

Invite your clients to explore the legendary Danube River on AmaWaterways’ Best of the Danube itinerary. Guests will enjoy three of Europe’s Old-World capitals – Vienna, Austria; Bratislava, Slovakia; and Budapest, Hungary – along with the gorgeous UNESCO-designated Wachau Valley. A favorite of AmaWaterways’ Co-Founder Rudi Schreiner, this 7-night Budapest round-trip cruise offers an itinerary-exclusive carriage ride through Vienna! Plus, you will earn up to a 15% commission rate on your client’s river cruise fare when you reserve their stateroom. Visit AmaWaterways.com/bestdanube to learn more about this incredible itinerary!

Have any feedback or questions? Want to sponsor the show? Contact us at [email protected] and follow us on social media @TravelPulse. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.