TravelPulse Podcast

This week, I report on location in the Netherlands for the 2026 ASTA River Cruise Expo. I first discuss the latest news in travel, including the Middle East War's impact on travel, TSA callouts, and more.

Later on the show, I interview Catherine Powell, CEO of AmaWaterways. She shares insights into the latest trends she's seeing in river cruising, along with all the new happenings for AmaWaterways. 

The interview with Powell begins after the 16-minute mark. 

Today's episode sponsor: AmaWaterways 

When you recommend AmaWaterways to your clients, you are offering more than just a river cruise. You are giving them a chance to discover the world in a way that feels personal and meaningful. Your clients can explore villages, vineyards and historic cities with the freedom to follow the pace that feels right to them. Onboard their spacious ship, they are welcomed with heartfelt service, farm-to-ship cuisine and an array of amenities. Invite your clients to learn more at amawaterways.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 Christy Brown, owner of Little Luxuries Travel, to first discuss the latest trending news in travel, including another chaotic weekend of travel disruptions, Royal Caribbean's new ban, and more. 

Later, Brown shares what's trending this spring break travel season. From the top destinations to the rise of last-minute requests, Brown provides insights and tips for fellow travel advisors. 

The social media discussion begins after the 13-minute mark. 

Today's episode sponsor: AmaWaterways 

When you recommend AmaWaterways to your clients, you are offering more than just a river cruise. You are giving them a chance to discover the world in a way that feels personal and meaningful. Your clients can explore villages, vineyards and historic cities with the freedom to follow the pace that feels right to them. Onboard their spacious ship, they are welcomed with heartfelt service, farm-to-ship cuisine and an array of amenities. Invite your clients to learn more at amawaterways.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 Shannon Kittner, founder of The Wander Network, to first discuss the latest trending news in travel, including the chaotic weekend of storms, civil unrest in Mexico, Global Entry shutdown, and more news. 

Later, Kittner shares her top tips for travel advisors using social media. Should advisors be on every single platform? What types of content should they be posting? How can advisors best generate leads through social media? Kittner provides insights on these questions and more. 

The social media discussion begins after the 16-minute mark. 

Today's episode sponsor: Globus family of brands

If your clients are asking about escorted touring, Globus and Cosmos should be at the top of your list. Together, they offer the widest touring portfolio in the industry — from affordable adventures with Cosmos to immersive, experience-rich journeys with Globus. Touring with Globus means everything is handled — hotels, transportation, sightseeing — all led by expert Tour Directors who manage logistics, unlock local insight, and bring destinations to life. That’s the difference between touring and FIT travel, where clients are left juggling the details. Add in strong commissions and dedicated advisor support, and Globus makes escorted touring easy to sell — and easy to trust.

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 Aanchal Gandhi, co-founder of Cozy Travel, and Ruthanne Terrero, director of luxury content for Northstar Travel Group, to first discuss the latest trending news in travel, including the El Paso, Texas airport closure fiasco, the US government's impact on travel, and more. 

Later, Gandhi and Terro provide insights into the latest luxury travel trends, from how the definition of luxury travel has changed to the brands rising up and standing out today. They also share tips for fellow travel advisors to further grow their luxury travel sales. 

Additionally, Terro shares more info about Northstar's new luxury travel newsletter, which you can sign up for here. 

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

Today's episode sponsor: Globus family of brands

If your clients are asking about escorted touring, Globus and Cosmos should be at the top of your list. Together, they offer the widest touring portfolio in the industry — from affordable adventures with Cosmos to immersive, experience-rich journeys with Globus. Touring with Globus means everything is handled — hotels, transportation, sightseeing — all led by expert Tour Directors who manage logistics, unlock local insight, and bring destinations to life. That’s the difference between touring and FIT travel, where clients are left juggling the details. Add in strong commissions and dedicated advisor support, and Globus makes escorted touring easy to sell — and easy to trust.

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 Beth Rasor of Luxury Travel Boutique to first discuss the latest trending topics in the travel industry, including new data on Europe-US travel and new travel fees. 

Later, Rasor provides insights into what's abuzz in the world of romance travel. She shares what she's seeing in destination weddings and honeymoons, as well as her top tips for fellow travel advisors to boost their romance sales. 

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

Today's episode sponsor: Globus family of brands

If your clients are asking about escorted touring, Globus and Cosmos should be at the top of your list. Together, they offer the widest touring portfolio in the industry — from affordable adventures with Cosmos to immersive, experience-rich journeys with Globus. Touring with Globus means everything is handled — hotels, transportation, sightseeing — all led by expert Tour Directors who manage logistics, unlock local insight, and bring destinations to life. That’s the difference between touring and FIT travel, where clients are left juggling the details. Add in strong commissions and dedicated advisor support, and Globus makes escorted touring easy to sell — and easy to trust.

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 Antoine Wilson, owner of AD Elite Travels and CEO and Co-Founder of Melanated Safaris, to first discuss the latest trending news in travel, including winter storm Fern's impact, a big change for NYC's hotel scene, and more. 

Later, Wilson and I dive into what changes the travel industry needs to make. He shares his thoughts on inclusiveness, representation, customer service being key, the advisor-supplier relationship, and more. Additionally, Wilson closes it out with his advice for travel industry peers on how to make 2026 their best year yet. 

The discussion on travel industry changes begins after the 13-minute mark. 

Today's episode sponsor: Globus family of brands

If your clients are asking about escorted touring, Globus and Cosmos should be at the top of your list. Together, they offer the widest touring portfolio in the industry — from affordable adventures with Cosmos to immersive, experience-rich journeys with Globus. Touring with Globus means everything is handled — hotels, transportation, sightseeing — all led by expert Tour Directors who manage logistics, unlock local insight, and bring destinations to life. That’s the difference between touring and FIT travel, where clients are left juggling the details. Add in strong commissions and dedicated advisor support, and Globus makes escorted touring easy to sell — and easy to trust.

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 back Stephen Scott, founder of Travel Hub 365 and the Odyssey Travel App, to first discuss the latest trending news in travel, including new developments from ASTA, big cruise industry happenings, and more. 

Later, Scott and I dive into the recent billion-dollar deals that have been shaking up the travel industry during both pre-and-post-pandemic times. Scott provides insights into how these mergers and acquisitions impact the industry and what they mean for the travel advisor. 

The discussion on billion-dollar deals begins after the 15-minute mark. 

Today's episode sponsor: Globus family of brands

If your clients are asking about escorted touring, Globus and Cosmos should be at the top of your list. Together, they offer the widest touring portfolio in the industry — from affordable adventures with Cosmos to immersive, experience-rich journeys with Globus. Touring with Globus means everything is handled — hotels, transportation, sightseeing — all led by expert Tour Directors who manage logistics, unlock local insight, and bring destinations to life. That’s the difference between touring and FIT travel, where clients are left juggling the details. Add in strong commissions and dedicated advisor support, and Globus makes escorted touring easy to sell — and easy to trust.

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: Scott Koepf, Chief Strategy Officer for Cruise Planners and Michael Consoli, a record-setting agency owner with Cruise Planners. Together, we discuss the latest trending news in the travel industry, including new proposals from the government, the growth of the travel advisor career path, and more. 

Later, Koepf and Consoli share insights to what's trending in the cruise industry as Wave Season kicks off. From the different sectors of the industry on the rise to the unique deals offering great value this wave Season, Koepf and Consoli give their thoughts on all things cruise. Additionally, they offer their top advice to fellow travel advisors on growing their business in 2026. 

The discussion on Wave Season begins after the 14-minute mark. 

Today's episode sponsor: Globus family of brands

If your clients are asking about escorted touring, Globus and Cosmos should be at the top of your list. Together, they offer the widest touring portfolio in the industry — from affordable adventures with Cosmos to immersive, experience-rich journeys with Globus. Touring with Globus means everything is handled — hotels, transportation, sightseeing — all led by expert Tour Directors who manage logistics, unlock local insight, and bring destinations to life. That’s the difference between touring and FIT travel, where clients are left juggling the details. Add in strong commissions and dedicated advisor support, and Globus makes escorted touring easy to sell — and easy to trust.

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 Velia Kennedy, owner and CEO of Modern Family Travel. Together, we first discuss the latest trending news in the travel industry, including the recent Caribbean airspace closure, Hawaii's cruise tax updates, and much more. 

Later, Kennedy and I dive into the top travel trends for the new year. Hear Kennedy's thoughts on what she sees rising up in the world of travel and how it impacts advisors. She also provides tips for advisors to grow this year. 

The discussion on 2026 travel trends begins after the 18-minute mark.

Today's episode sponsor: Globus family of brands

If your clients are asking about escorted touring, Globus and Cosmos should be at the top of your list. Together, they offer the widest touring portfolio in the industry — from affordable adventures with Cosmos to immersive, experience-rich journeys with Globus. Touring with Globus means everything is handled — hotels, transportation, sightseeing — all led by expert Tour Directors who manage logistics, unlock local insight, and bring destinations to life. That’s the difference between touring and FIT travel, where clients are left juggling the details. Add in strong commissions and dedicated advisor support, and Globus makes escorted touring easy to sell — and easy to trust.

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! 

In the final episode of 2025, I welcome two special guests from the 40 Under 40 Class of 2025. Ryan Corrigan of Corrigan Luxury Travel Outfitters and Steven Gould, owner of Goulds Travel, co-founder of Luxera Travel, and creator of Travel Advisor Resource Center, join me to discuss the top travel stories from the year and some early thoughts for 2026. 

Tune in to hear Corrigan and Gould share insights into how things like the government shutdown, plane crashes, mergers and more impacted their business in 2025. Additionally, the two provide advice to fellow travel advisors on growing their business in 2026. 

Today's episode sponsor: Air France KLM

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines serves more than 160 destinations worldwide, including over 50 in Europe, Africa and India, that are a convenient one stop via our convenient Amsterdam hub from Portland, Oregon or 14 other U.S. gateways. Your customers can choose from World Business Class flat-beds, a dedicated Premium Comfort Class or Economy with on-demand entertainment, in-seat power, and complimentary wine and Beer. Visit the Air France KLM Business Solutions trade portal at AFKL.biz to find everything you need and sign up to get our news right to your inbox.

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.