TravelPulse Podcast

This week, I welcome Debbie Brown, founder and CEO of SmartBird World Travel, to first discuss the latest trending news in travel, including Royal Caribbean purchasing a stake in Sandals, air traffic control issues, and more. 

Later, Brown provides insights into dealing with a crisis in travel and what steps advisors should take when something goes wrong. She shares real examples of crisis situations she's dealing with now, how connections and contacts with suppliers can help, and much more. 

The discussion on crisis management in travel begins after the 19-minute mark.

Today's episode sponsor: Travel Insured International

At Travel Insured International, we believe that power lies in partnership. And that means giving you the tools to streamline your workflow and help protect your reputation. Gain more control over your business (and its bottom line) with a custom Advisor Dashboard featuring a quote manager, commission and conversion tracking, and payment alerts. Plus, our Certified Specialist Program gives you the confidence to offer premium protection as a standard offering. Your clients aren’t alone. Now, neither are you. Visit TravelInsured.com. Where our people, become your people.  

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 Jenn Lee, President and CMO of TravelPlanners International and Vacation Planners, to first discuss the latest trending news in travel, including an update to Europe's border entry exit issues, a new DOT rule that will impact travel, and more. 

Later, Lee shares her thoughts on the top habits that travel advisors need to unlearn and various ways they can improve their business. Lee provides insights for advisors to streamline their processes in order to further grow, sharing tips on how to correctly speak to potential clients and the tools that successful advisors are using today to develop good habits. 

The discussion with Lee on advisor habits begins after the 12:30-minute mark. 

Today's episode sponsor: Travel Insured International

At Travel Insured International, we believe that power lies in partnership. And that means giving you the tools to streamline your workflow and help protect your reputation. Gain more control over your business (and its bottom line) with a custom Advisor Dashboard featuring a quote manager, commission and conversion tracking, and payment alerts. Plus, our Certified Specialist Program gives you the confidence to offer premium protection as a standard offering. Your clients aren’t alone. Now, neither are you. Visit TravelInsured.com. Where our people, become your people.  

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 Google's AI Mode for Travel, Europe's water-level updates, and more. 

Later, I interview Phil Blackwell, VP, Business Development & Partnerships for Travel Insured International (TII). Blackwell shares why TII invests in travel advisors and how two Mastermind events this year are helping shape how they work with advisors. Additionally, Blackwell discusses the importance of the advisor-supplier relationships and business updates from TII. 

The interview with Blackwell begins after the 9-minute mark. 

Today's episode sponsor: Travel Insured International

At Travel Insured International, we believe that power lies in partnership. And that means giving you the tools to streamline your workflow and help protect your reputation. Gain more control over your business (and its bottom line) with a custom Advisor Dashboard featuring a quote manager, commission and conversion tracking, and payment alerts. Plus, our Certified Specialist Program gives you the confidence to offer premium protection as a standard offering. Your clients aren’t alone. Now, neither are you. Visit TravelInsured.com. Where our people become your people.  

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 Jared Benoff, owner of Vacationeeze, to first discuss the latest trending news in travel, including big updates from Disney, a new fee in Mexico, and more. 

Later, Benoff shares his story of going from the corporate world to becoming a travel advisor. He provides tips on making the career change, the challenges of being a travel advisor, and tips for how advisors should best manage their time and workflow. 

The discussion on going from corporate to travel advisor begins after the 14-minute mark. 

Today's episode sponsor: Travel Insured International

At Travel Insured International, we believe that power lies in partnership. And that means giving you the tools to streamline your workflow and help protect your reputation. Gain more control over your business (and its bottom line) with a custom Advisor Dashboard featuring a quote manager, commission and conversion tracking, and payment alerts. Plus, our Certified Specialist Program gives you the confidence to offer premium protection as a standard offering. Your clients aren’t alone. Now, neither are you. Visit TravelInsured.com. Where our people, become your people.  

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 McLean Robbins, owner of Lily Pond Luxury, to first discuss the latest trending news in travel, including big issues with European travel, a toddler canceling a whole flight, and more. 

Later, Robbins shares her thoughts on why travel advisors should embrace AI. She offers her top do's and don'ts when it comes to working with AI tools as well as key advice for getting the most out of it. 

The discussion on AI begins after the 13-minute mark. 

Today's episode sponsor: Travel Insured International

At Travel Insured International, we believe that power lies in partnership. And that means giving you the tools to streamline your workflow and help protect your reputation. Gain more control over your business (and its bottom line) with a custom Advisor Dashboard featuring a quote manager, commission and conversion tracking, and payment alerts. Plus, our Certified Specialist Program gives you the confidence to offer premium protection as a standard offering. Your clients aren’t alone. Now, neither are you. Visit TravelInsured.com. Where our people become your people.  

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 Jennifer Kellum, owner of Neverland & Main Travel, to first discuss the latest trending news in the world of travel, including United's pitch to Delta, new tourist taxes in Europe, and more. 

Later, Kellum shares what travel advisors need to know when working with a Destination Management Company(DMC). She provides tips and insights for advisors and shares stories of how various DMC brands have helped her look like a rock star to her clients. Kellum also lists her go-to DMCs for Mexico, the Caribbean, Europe and beyond. 

The discussion on working with a DMC begins after the 16-minute mark. 

Today's episode sponsor: National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions

In 1966, Lars-Eric Lindblad brought the first tourists to Antarctica, pioneering modern expedition travel. Today, National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions builds on that legacy with immersive Antarctica expeditions shaped by decades of experience. Discover sculpted ice, vast penguin colonies and breaching whales as you explore by Zodiac, kayak and on foot alongside veteran guides. Book by August 18 to enjoy a 50% reduced deposit on select 2026 and 2027 Antarctica voyages. Learn more at expeditions.com/antarctica.

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 Dr. Shenika Baisley-Woodley, owner of Divine Dream Destinations Travel and winner of the 2026 ASTA Travel Advisor of the Year award. Together we discuss the top trending news of the last week, including the new worldwide alert from the US State Department, billions of dollars impacting the aviation industry, and more. 

Later, Dr. Shenika and I dive into the evolving role of the travel advisor and the opportunities that lie ahead. Hear her thoughts on how the job has changed, how advisors should start charging fees if they're not already, and several more tips for travel advisors. 

The discussion on the evolving role of travel advisors begins after the 14-minute mark. 

Today's episode sponsor: National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions

In 1966, Lars-Eric Lindblad brought the first tourists to Antarctica, pioneering modern expedition travel. Today, National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions builds on that legacy with immersive Antarctica expeditions shaped by decades of experience. Discover sculpted ice, vast penguin colonies and breaching whales as you explore by Zodiac, kayak and on foot alongside veteran guides. Book by August 18 to enjoy a 50% reduced deposit on select 2026 and 2027 Antarctica voyages. Learn more at expeditions.com/antarctica.

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 Madeline List, Manager, Research & Special Projects at Phocuswright, to first discuss the latest trending news in travel, including Europe delaying ETIAS, WTTC's call for the seven contemporary wonders of the world, and more. 

Later, List shares insights into the new travel trend rising up: The Indulgent Explorer. Who is this traveler? How are they spending their money? How does it vary across generations? And what is the travel advisor's role with indulgent explorers? 

The discussion on the indulgent explorer begins at the 17-minute mark. 

Today's episode sponsor: National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions

In 1966, Lars-Eric Lindblad brought the first tourists to Antarctica, pioneering modern expedition travel. Today, National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions builds on that legacy with immersive Antarctica expeditions shaped by decades of experience. Discover sculpted ice, vast penguin colonies and breaching whales as you explore by Zodiac, kayak and on foot alongside veteran guides. Book by August 18 to enjoy a 50% reduced deposit on select 2026 and 2027 Antarctica voyages. Learn more at expeditions.com/antarctica.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, I first discuss the top trending news in travel of the last week, including EU border entry/exit issues, new cruise ships on the horizon, and more. 

Later, I interview Geoff Freeman, President and CEO of US Travel Association, to hear his take on the state of United States travel and tourism right now and what needs to change to for America to get back on pace. Freeman also shares his pick for an under-the-radar US travel destination along with tips for travel advisors. 

The interview with Freeman begins after the 10-minute mark. 

Today's episode sponsor: National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions

In 1966, Lars-Eric Lindblad brought the first tourists to Antarctica, pioneering modern expedition travel. Today, National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions builds on that legacy with immersive Antarctica expeditions shaped by decades of experience. Discover sculpted ice, vast penguin colonies and breaching whales as you explore by Zodiac, kayak and on foot alongside veteran guides. Book by August 18 to enjoy a 50% reduced deposit on select 2026 and 2027 Antarctica voyages. Learn more at expeditions.com/antarctica.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, I welcome Chris Dane, President and Managing Partner at Hickory Global Partners, to first discuss the latest trending news in travel, including the deadly resort fire in the Dominican Republic, the FAA using AI for air traffic control, and more. 

Later, Dane shares his perspective on how the relationship between travel advisors and airlines has evolved, along with offering advice for how advisors can best work with airlines. He also provides insights into building relationships, the importance of advocacy and more. 

The discussion on advisors and air travel begins after the 16-minute mark. 

Today's episode sponsor: Brendan Vacations

Your clients are dreaming of Ireland and Scotland. Brendan Vacations has been turning those dreams into unforgettable journeys for over 55 years, from private driver experiences and castle stays to self-drive adventures and intimate small group tours. And right now, advisors can earn an exclusive incentive on every booking. Don't miss it. Visit brendanvacations.com/traveladvisors to learn more.

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.