TravelPulse Podcast

This week, I first discuss the latest trending news in the travel industry, including airline merger updates, President Biden's social media post on air travel, and much more. 

Later, I'm joined by Peter Bopp, Director of Research at the Family Travel Association and Tyson Wharton, owner of Sioux Empire Travel to discuss the 2024 outlook for family travel. Bopp and Wharton share insights on 2024 family travel trends, top destinations, and advice for travel advisors. 

The discussion on family travel begins at the 11-minute mark. 

Today’s episode sponsor: Windstar Cruises

Your clients can discover Tahiti like never before with Windstar Cruises.  With over 35 years of expertise exploring Tahiti, Windstar now welcomes the award-winning, all-suite Star Breeze to Papeete for even more unparalleled experiences year-round. Windstar in Tahiti visits to up to nine islands, has onboard enrichment programs with a Polynesian culture ambassador, and the most frequent departures of any cruise line. New in 2024 are voyages to the remote Marquesas islands; swimming with manta rays; and your clients can even plant their own coral and help to restore the ocean. This is Tahiti redefined. Contact Windstar today at 844.625.0198 or visit www.windstarcruises.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 updates on the JetBlue-Spirit merger, new details about Universal Orlando's new Epic Universe theme park, and much more. 

Later, hear my thoughts on Icon of the Seas as well as details from Royal Caribbean executives Vicki Freed, SVP of Sales, Trade Support for Royal Caribbean. Additionally, hear comments from Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International and Jason Liberty, President and CEO for Royal Caribbean Group during the onboard Q&A with the media. 

The discussion around Icon of the Seas begins after the 9-minute mark. 

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 updates on Boeing 737-Max 9's return, JetBlue-Spirit merger dying out, and much more. 

Later, I interview Dale Buckner, CEO of Global Guardian, to talk about the world's riskiest and safest travel destinations. Buckner shares his thoughts on the current state of global tourism as well as tips for traveling safely. 

The interview on risky and safe travel destinations begins after the 9-minute mark. 

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 Jesse Morris, owner of We Book Travel, to first discuss the latest trending news in the travel industry, including Boeing's rough start to 2024, a new ban in Las Vegas, and much more. 

Later, Morris and I dive into the 2024 Wave Season outlook. Morris shares insights into what the expectations are this year and how wave season is continually changing post-pandemic. He also provides terrific tips for travel advisors when it comes to excelling this Wave Season. 

The discussion on Wave Season begins after the 22-minute mark. 

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 Veranda Adkins – founder of Travel Legacy, a high-end travel agency, and the Association of Black Travel Professionals, an organization dedicated to the development of Black travel agents. 

Together we first discuss the latest trending news in travel, including FAA grounding Boeing planes, winter storm impacting flights and more. 

Later, Adkins and I dive into what we can expect from travel in 2024. She also shares her top advice for travel advisors to grow their business in 2024. 

The discussion on 2024 travel trends begins after the 16-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 travel advisor Ryan Doncsecz of VIP Vacations.

We recap the top storylines in travel from 2023, discussing war's impact on travel, airline mergers, new tourism fees, the rise in demand for travel advisors, and so much more. 

Today’s episode sponsor: Windstar Cruises

As you pen down your New Year's resolutions, make 2024 the year of extraordinary experiences with Windstar Cruises. Sail onboard their boutique, all-suite yachts or iconic sailboats to the picturesque corners of Europe, the Caribbean, Tahiti and beyond. Immerse yourself in port-intensive itineraries, exceptional service, and an innovative culinary program curated by the official cruise line of the James Beard Foundation. For a voyage that's not just a journey but a masterpiece like no other, choose Windstar Cruises. Contact Your Travel Advisor Today or Visit WindstarCruises.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.

Welcome back to another episode of the TravelPulse Podcast! 

This week, I'm joined by Heather Di Pietro, owner of Travel Sales Group and She the World Luxury Guided Experiences, to first discuss the latest trending news in travel, including Southwest's record penalty, big happenings in Mexico, and more. 

Later, Di Pietro shares insights into what's trending in group travel. She highlights the challenges of booking groups, and how to overcome them and provides advice to fellow advisors. 

The discussion on group travel begins at the 18-minute mark. 

Today’s episode sponsor: Windstar Cruises

As you pen down your New Year's resolutions, make 2024 the year of extraordinary experiences with Windstar Cruises. Sail onboard their boutique, all-suite yachts or iconic sailboats to the picturesque corners of Europe, the Caribbean, Tahiti and beyond. Immerse yourself in port-intensive itineraries, exceptional service, and an innovative culinary program curated by the official cruise line of the James Beard Foundation. For a voyage that's not just a journey but a masterpiece like no other, choose Windstar Cruises. Contact Your Travel Advisor Today or Visit WindstarCruises.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 Brian Major, Caribbean travel expert and Managing Editor of Digital Guides here at TravelPulse. Together we first discuss the latest trending news in the travel industry, including TSA's prototype for self-screening passengers, new high-speed rail projects in the United States, and much more. 

Later, Major provides the top storylines in Caribbean travel from 2023. He shares which destinations stood out the most this year in the Caribbean, the underrated places on the rise, and his top advice for traveling to the islands. 

The discussion on Caribbean travel updates begin after the 15-minute mark. 

Today’s episode sponsor: Windstar Cruises

As you pen down your New Year's resolutions, make 2024 the year of extraordinary experiences with Windstar Cruises. Sail onboard their boutique, all-suite yachts or iconic sailboats to the picturesque corners of Europe, the Caribbean, Tahiti and beyond. Immerse yourself in port-intensive itineraries, exceptional service, and an innovative culinary program curated by the official cruise line of the James Beard Foundation. For a voyage that's not just a journey but a masterpiece like no other, choose Windstar Cruises. Contact Your Travel Advisor Today or Visit WindstarCruises.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 travel, including Alaska Airlines buying Hawaiian Airlines, new updates to popular theme parks, and more. 

Later in the show, I interview Chris Prelog, President of Windstar Cruises. Prelog shares the latest news and offerings from Windstar Cruises. Plus, we learn how he became known as Mr. Tahiti. 

The interview with Prelog begins after the 11-minute mark. 

Today’s episode sponsor: Windstar Cruises

As you pen down your New Year's resolutions, make 2024 the year of extraordinary experiences with Windstar Cruises. Sail onboard their boutique, all-suite yachts or iconic sailboats to the picturesque corners of Europe, the Caribbean, Tahiti and beyond. Immerse yourself in port-intensive itineraries, exceptional service, and an innovative culinary program curated by the official cruise line of the James Beard Foundation. For a voyage that's not just a journey but a masterpiece like no other, choose Windstar Cruises. Contact Your Travel Advisor Today or Visit WindstarCruises.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.

Welcome back to another episode of the TravelPulse Podcast! 

This week I first discuss the latest trending news in travel, including how air travel performed during the Thanksgiving holiday, a warning from a Southwest Airlines pilot, Venice's tourism fee, and much more.

Later in the show, Chip Rogers, President & CEO of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), joins me to chat about the hotel industry. Rogers provides insights into how the hotel industry has performed in 2023 and what’s ahead for 2024. Additionally, Rogers shares why the AHLA is suing the Biden Administration. 

The check in on the hotel industry begins at the 11-minute mark. 

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.