This week I welcome Rebecca Gade Sawicki, travel advisor and founder of Veggies Abroad. Together we first discuss the latest trending news in travel, including last week's tragic plane crash, a potential major hotel acquisition, and more. 

Later, Rebecca and I dive into the world of vegetarian and vegan travel. She shares her insights into how this sector of travel has grown in recent years, as well as tips for fellow travel advisors when it comes to planning trips for vegan or vegetarian clients. 

The discussion on vegetarian and vegan travel begins after the 18-minute mark. 

Today's episode sponsor: Riverside Luxury Cruises

Picture this: you’re gliding through Europe's most breathtaking rivers, surrounded by

elegance, personalized service, and unforgettable views. That’s Riverside Luxury Cruises. Indulge in gourmet cuisine, explore iconic cities, and relax in spacious suites designed for the perfect getaway. Whether you choose the Danube, Rhine, or Rhone River, Riverside delivers luxury redefined. Book your journey today and experience the Riverside difference. Visit Riverside-Cruises.com for 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.

This week I welcome Scott Largay, Director of Business Strategy for Largay Travel, to first discuss the latest trending news in the travel industry, including major cruise news, new hotel rooms coming to the Mexican Caribbean, and much more. 

Later, Largay shares his insights on marketing in travel today. Hear his thoughts on how marketing has changed in travel over the years, as well as his tips for what travel advisors can do to improve. 

The discussion on modern travel marketing begins at the 21-minute spot. 

Today's episode sponsor: Collette

If you sell guided travel (or would like to), Collette has you covered. With a focus on 360-degree support, Collette sets you up for success with learning tools like Collette University and the Travel Advisor Resource Guide, self-service tools like MyCollette, and marketing tools like Collette Connection, which assists you with sending brochures with your call to action. You can download marketing assets and more — all at no cost to you. Get started at gocollette.com/travel-advisors.

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 dive into the top trending news stories of the last week in the travel industry, including the DOT issuing lawsuits and fines against US airlines, the latest on UK and Europe entry fees, and more. 

Later, I welcome Jessica Klement, Vice President of Advocacy for the American Society of Travel Advisors. Klement shares insights into how President Trump's second term could impact the travel industry. What do travel advisors need to watch for the most under this new administration? How might Trump's decisions impact pricing? Klement offers her thoughts and advice to travel advisors. 

The discussion on President Trump's travel industry impact begins just after the 14-minute mark.  

Today's episode sponsor: Collette

If you sell guided travel (or would like to), Collette has you covered. With a focus on 360-degree support, Collette sets you up for success with learning tools like Collette University and the Travel Advisor Resource Guide, self-service tools like MyCollette, and marketing tools like Collette Connection, which assists you with sending brochures with your call to action. You can download marketing assets and more — all at no cost to you. Get started at gocollette.com/travel-advisors.

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.

Welcome back to the TravelPulse Podcast!

This week I'm joined by Tawnee Sons, co-owner of World2Sea, a Cruise Planners franchise. Together we first discuss the latest trending news in travel, including the tourism industry support for Los Angeles amid the fires, Cancun's newest move on the beach, and more. 

Later, Sons shares her insights into the top cruise trends this Wave Season. Hear which destinations are rising in popularity, as well as which cruise ships are buzzing. Sons also provides some quality tips for fellow travel advisors to maximize their wave season. 

The discussion on Wave Season begins after the 12:30-minute mark.  

Today's episode sponsor: Collette

If you sell guided travel (or would like to), Collette has you covered. With a focus on 360-degree support, Collette sets you up for success with learning tools like Collette University and the Travel Advisor Resource Guide, self-service tools like MyCollette, and marketing tools like Collette Connection, which assists you with sending brochures with your call to action. You can download marketing assets and more — all at no cost to you. Get started at gocollette.com/travel-advisors.

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.

Happy New Year and welcome back to the TravelPulse Podcast! 

This week I'm joined by Tyson and Stacey Wharton, the husband and wife duo of Sioux Empire Travel. Together we discuss the latest trending news in travel, including Winter Storm Blair impacting flights, CDC's new data on cruise ships and more. 

Later, the Whartons provide their insights into the top travel trends of 2025. What types of travel will dominate the year? Which destinations will be the most popular and trendiest? We talk about these and more during the show. Plus, Tyson and Stacey offer up their best advice to fellow travel advisors looking to make 2025 their best year yet. 

The discussion on 2025 travel trends begins just after the 15-minute mark. 

Today's episode sponsor: Collette

If you sell guided travel (or would like to), Collette has you covered. With a focus on 360-degree support, Collette sets you up for success with learning tools like Collette University and the Travel Advisor Resource Guide, self-service tools like MyCollette, and marketing tools like Collette Connection, which assists you with sending brochures with your call to action. You can download marketing assets and more — all at no cost to you. Get started at gocollette.com/travel-advisors.

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 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.