On this episode of Humans of Travel, Matias Lira, senior vice president of trade sales, the Americas, at Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group and Crystal Cruises, discusses his path from cruise ship bellboy to top sales executive.

A “horrible student” but long determined to climb the proverbial professional ladder, the Miami native credits his mother for helping him understand the value of a dollar and the hard work required to earn one. As a young adult, Lira even delivered bread in the Florida Keys to establish his financial independence. 

In the second half of the show, Lira highlights the new Abercrombie & Kent x Crystal Cruises product — an exclusive cruise offering that blends the deep land tour expertise of Abercrombie & Kent with the luxury cruise experience of Crystal. The first Abercrombie & Kent x Crystal Cruises trip departed this past summer and received much praise from guests, about 60% of whom were new to both brands, Lira notes. Listen in to learn more.

This episode is sponsored by Oceania Cruises.

Enjoying Humans of Travel? Follow the podcast!

Listen and follow on Apple Podcasts

Listen and follow on Spotify

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Abercrombie & Kent

Crystal Cruises

Abercrombie & Kent x Crystal Cruises

A&K x Crystal Cruises: Europe’s Atlantic Shores

A&K x Crystal Cruises: An Epic Voyage Around South East Asia

A&K x Crystal Cruises: Autumn in New York and Canada

From TravelAge West: These Are the Trends Driving Luxury Travel, According to Abercrombie and Kent Travel Group

From TravelAge West: Preview: Crystal’s Crystal Grace

ABOUT YOUR HOST 

Chelsee Lowe is Senior Editor of TravelAge West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She’s an avid reader, writer, interviewer and traveler. Los Angeles is her home base.

The TravelAge West team also produces travel industry events, including Future Leaders in Travel, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala and the Napa Valley Leadership Forum.

ABOUT THE SHOW 

TravelAge West’s award-winning podcast, “Humans of Travel,” features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry’s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the highs and lows that make them human.

On this episode of Humans of Travel, Matias Lira, senior vice president of trade sales, the Americas, at <a href="https://www.abercrombiekent.com/">Abercrombie &amp; Kent Travel Group</a> and <a href="https://www.crystalcruises.com/">Crystal Cruises</a>, discusses his path from cruise ship bellboy to top sales executive.
A &ldquo;horrible student&rdquo; but long determined to climb the proverbial professional ladder, the Miami native credits his mother for helping him understand the value of a dollar and the hard work required to earn one. As a young adult, Lira even delivered bread in the Florida Keys to establish his financial independence.&nbsp;
In the second half of the show, Lira highlights the new&nbsp;<a href="https://www.abercrombiekent.com/cruises/ak-crystal-cruises">Abercrombie &amp; Kent x Crystal Cruises</a> product &mdash; an exclusive cruise offering that blends the deep land tour expertise of Abercrombie &amp; Kent with the luxury cruise experience of Crystal. The first Abercrombie &amp; Kent x Crystal Cruises trip departed this past summer and received much praise from guests, about 60% of whom were new to both brands, Lira notes. Listen in to learn more.
This episode is sponsored by <a href="https://www.oceaniacruises.com/">Oceania Cruises</a>.
Enjoying Humans of Travel? Follow the podcast!
<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/humans-of-travel/id1496726460">Listen and follow on Apple Podcasts</a>
<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/7w8Ki7aVjhzPHA9CNx4fcJ">Listen and follow on Spotify</a>
<hr>
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
<a href="https://www.abercrombiekent.com/">Abercrombie &amp; Kent</a>
<a href="https://www.crystalcruises.com/">Crystal Cruises</a>
<a href="https://www.abercrombiekent.com/cruises/ak-crystal-cruises">Abercrombie &amp; Kent x Crystal Cruises</a>
<a href="https://www.abercrombiekent.com/journeys/expedition-cruises/ak-x-crystal-cruises-europes-atlantic-shores">A&amp;K x Crystal Cruises: Europe&rsquo;s Atlantic Shores</a>
<a href="https://www.abercrombiekent.com/journeys/expedition-cruises/ak-x-crystal-cruises-an-epic-voyage-around-southeast-asia">A&amp;K x Crystal Cruises: An Epic Voyage Around South East Asia</a>
<a href="https://www.abercrombiekent.com/journeys/expedition-cruises/ak-x-crystal-cruises-autumn-in-new-york-and-canada">A&amp;K x Crystal Cruises: Autumn in New York and Canada</a>
From TravelAge West: <a href="https://www.travelagewest.com/Events/2026-aktg-100-club">These Are the Trends Driving Luxury Travel, According to Abercrombie and Kent Travel Group</a>
From TravelAge West: <a href="https://www.travelagewest.com/Travel/Cruise/crystal-grace-cruise-ship">Preview: Crystal&rsquo;s Crystal Grace</a>
<hr>
ABOUT YOUR HOST&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.travelagewest.com/Chelsee-Lowe">Chelsee Lowe</a> is Senior Editor of&nbsp;TravelAge&nbsp;West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She&rsquo;s an avid reader, writer, interviewer and traveler. Los Angeles is her home base.
The TravelAge&nbsp;West team also produces travel industry events, including Future Leaders in Travel, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala and the Napa Valley Leadership Forum.
<hr>
ABOUT THE SHOW&nbsp;
TravelAge West&rsquo;s award-winning podcast, &ldquo;Humans of Travel,&rdquo; features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry&rsquo;s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the highs and lows that make them human.

Matias Lira on the Power of Professional Drive and the Launch of Abercrombie & Kent by Crystal Cruises

On this episode of Humans of Travel, Janet Wygert joins host Chelsee Lowe to discuss her nearly 40-year career with Carnival Cruise Line, her life as a wife and mother and her love of the Milwaukee Brewers.

Serendipitously, the foundation of Wygert’s career was laid in college, when a cruise line recruited students from her Midwestern university to lead onboard children’s programming during school breaks. After graduating college, Wygert moved to Miami, applied for a job at Carnival and joined the inside sales team. Today, she is senior vice president of sales and trade marketing, where she spends her days forging strong relationships with travel advisors and developing innovative ways to help them build their businesses. Listen in to hear more.

This episode is sponsored by Oceania Cruises.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Carnival Cruise Line

Funnel Faves

Celebration Key

From TravelAge West: Getting to Know Janet Wygert, Carnival’s New SVP of Sales and Trade Marketing

From TravelAge West: Preview: Carnival Festivale and Carnival Tropicale

ABOUT YOUR HOST 

Chelsee Lowe is Senior Editor of TravelAge West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She’s an avid reader, writer, interviewer and traveler. Los Angeles is her home base.

The TravelAge West team also produces travel industry events, including Future Leaders in Travel, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala and the Napa Valley Leadership Forum.

ABOUT THE SHOW 

TravelAge West’s award-winning podcast, “Humans of Travel,” features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry’s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the highs and lows that make them human.

On this episode of Humans of Travel, Janet Wygert joins host Chelsee Lowe to discuss her nearly 40-year career with <a href="https://www.carnival.com/">Carnival Cruise Line</a>, her life as a wife and mother and her love of the Milwaukee Brewers.
Serendipitously, the foundation of Wygert&rsquo;s career was laid in college, when a cruise line recruited students from her Midwestern university to lead onboard children&rsquo;s programming during school breaks. After graduating college, Wygert moved to Miami, applied for a job at Carnival and joined the inside sales team. Today, she is senior vice president of sales and trade marketing, where she spends her days forging strong relationships with travel advisors and developing innovative ways to help them build their businesses. Listen in to hear more.
This episode is sponsored by <a href="https://www.oceaniacruises.com/">Oceania Cruises</a>.
<hr>
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
<a href="https://www.carnival.com/">Carnival Cruise Line</a>
<a href="https://www.goccl.com/accounts/login">Funnel Faves</a>
<a href="https://www.carnival.com/celebration-key">Celebration Key</a>
From TravelAge West: <a href="https://www.travelagewest.com/Travel/Cruise/janet-wygert-carnival-cruise-line">Getting to Know Janet Wygert, Carnival&rsquo;s New SVP of Sales and Trade Marketing</a>
From TravelAge West: <a href="https://www.travelagewest.com/Travel/Cruise/carnival-festivale-tropicale">Preview: Carnival Festivale and Carnival Tropicale</a>
<hr>
ABOUT YOUR HOST&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.travelagewest.com/Chelsee-Lowe">Chelsee Lowe</a> is Senior Editor of&nbsp;TravelAge&nbsp;West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She&rsquo;s an avid reader, writer, interviewer and traveler. Los Angeles is her home base.
The TravelAge&nbsp;West team also produces travel industry events, including Future Leaders in Travel, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala and the Napa Valley Leadership Forum.
<hr>
ABOUT THE SHOW&nbsp;
TravelAge West&rsquo;s award-winning podcast, &ldquo;Humans of Travel,&rdquo; features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry&rsquo;s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the highs and lows that make them human.

Janet Wygert on 40 Years at Carnival, Baseball and Supporting Travel Advisors

Humans in the Hot Seat, a spinoff of Humans of Travel, is running a 10-part mini-series on the 2026 TravelAge West Trendsetter Awards, which recognize some of the most forward-thinking and impactful travel advisors in the U.S.

The Trendsetter Awards celebrate outstanding advisors across five unique categories:
Best Targeted Marketing Idea
Best Group Booking Effort
Upward Bound: Rockstar Advisor Under 40
Saving the Day
Best Use of Social Media

This episode features Kieran and Sherri Murry of Ignite-U Travel by Dream Vacations. The duo was nominated in the Best Targeted Marketing Idea category.

Episode sponsor: Travel Insured International

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Ignite-U Travel by Dream Vacations

Ignite-U Travel on Facebook

TravelAge West Wave Awards

TravelAge West Trendsetter Awards

ABOUT YOUR HOST 

Chelsee Lowe is Senior Editor of TravelAge West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She’s an avid reader, writer, interviewer and traveler. Los Angeles is her home base.

The TravelAge West team also produces travel industry events, including Future Leaders in Travel, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala and the Napa Valley Leadership Forum.

ABOUT THE SHOW 

TravelAge West’s award-winning podcast, “Humans of Travel,” features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry’s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the highs and lows that make them human.

Humans in the Hot Seat, a spinoff of Humans of Travel, is running a 10-part mini-series on the 2026 TravelAge West Trendsetter Awards, which recognize some of the most forward-thinking and impactful travel advisors in the U.S.
The Trendsetter Awards celebrate outstanding advisors across five unique categories:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Best Targeted Marketing Idea</li>
<li aria-level="1">Best Group Booking Effort</li>
<li aria-level="1">Upward Bound: Rockstar Advisor Under 40</li>
<li aria-level="1">Saving the Day</li>
<li aria-level="1">Best Use of Social Media</li>
</ul>
This episode features Kieran and Sherri Murry of&nbsp;<a href="https://kmurry.dreamvacations.com/home-page?fbclid=IwY2xjawUXW8RwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMWtUYUdTb1dVcUc2dEVtQllzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeCDMtOptGemAocaNtvwsfzwdv9XG4npOpSOXkwKmY4929KkEcV9jtYR15qWs_aem_kpNGi9fF0jaELTErJg-3og">Ignite-U Travel by Dream Vacations</a>. The duo was nominated in the Best Targeted Marketing Idea category.
Episode sponsor: <a href="https://www.travelinsured.com/">Travel Insured International</a><a href="https://www.travelagewest.com/wave"></a>
<hr>
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
<a href="https://kmurry.dreamvacations.com/home-page?fbclid=IwY2xjawUXW8RwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMWtUYUdTb1dVcUc2dEVtQllzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeCDMtOptGemAocaNtvwsfzwdv9XG4npOpSOXkwKmY4929KkEcV9jtYR15qWs_aem_kpNGi9fF0jaELTErJg-3og">Ignite-U Travel by Dream Vacations</a>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/igniteutravel/">Ignite-U Travel on Facebook</a>
<a href="https://www.travelagewest.com/wave">TravelAge West Wave Awards</a>
<a href="https://www.travelagewest.com/wave-awards/trendsetters">TravelAge West Trendsetter Awards</a>
<hr>
ABOUT YOUR HOST&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.travelagewest.com/Chelsee-Lowe">Chelsee Lowe</a> is Senior Editor of&nbsp;TravelAge&nbsp;West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She&rsquo;s an avid reader, writer, interviewer and traveler. Los Angeles is her home base.
The TravelAge&nbsp;West team also produces travel industry events, including Future Leaders in Travel, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala and the Napa Valley Leadership Forum.
<hr>
ABOUT THE SHOW&nbsp;
TravelAge West&rsquo;s award-winning podcast, &ldquo;Humans of Travel,&rdquo; features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry&rsquo;s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the highs and lows that make them human.

Humans in the Hot Seat: TravelAge West Trendsetters Kieran and Sherri Murry (Best Targeted Marketing Idea)

Humans in the Hot Seat, a spinoff of Humans of Travel, is running a 10-part mini-series on the 2026 TravelAge West Trendsetter Awards, which recognize some of the most forward-thinking and impactful travel advisors in the U.S.

The Trendsetter Awards celebrate outstanding advisors across five unique categories:
Best Targeted Marketing Idea
Best Group Booking Effort
Upward Bound: Rockstar Advisor Under 40
Saving the Day
Best Use of Social Media

This episode features Jackie Matthews of Adventure Awaits World Travel, who was nominated in the Best Group Booking Effort category.

Episode sponsor: Travel Insured International

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Adventure Awaits World Travel

Viking

TravelAge West Wave Awards

TravelAge West Trendsetter Awards

ABOUT YOUR HOST 

Chelsee Lowe is Senior Editor of TravelAge West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She’s an avid reader, writer, interviewer and traveler. Los Angeles is her home base.

The TravelAge West team also produces travel industry events, including Future Leaders in Travel, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala and the Napa Valley Leadership Forum.

ABOUT THE SHOW 

TravelAge West’s award-winning podcast, “Humans of Travel,” features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry’s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the highs and lows that make them human.

Humans in the Hot Seat, a spinoff of Humans of Travel, is running a 10-part mini-series on the 2026 TravelAge West Trendsetter Awards, which recognize some of the most forward-thinking and impactful travel advisors in the U.S.
The Trendsetter Awards celebrate outstanding advisors across five unique categories:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Best Targeted Marketing Idea</li>
<li aria-level="1">Best Group Booking Effort</li>
<li aria-level="1">Upward Bound: Rockstar Advisor Under 40</li>
<li aria-level="1">Saving the Day</li>
<li aria-level="1">Best Use of Social Media</li>
</ul>
This episode features Jackie Matthews of Adventure Awaits World Travel, who was nominated in the Best Group Booking Effort category.
Episode sponsor: <a href="https://www.travelinsured.com/">Travel Insured International</a><a href="https://www.travelagewest.com/wave"></a>
<hr>
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
<a href="https://www.adventureawaitsworldtravel.com/">Adventure Awaits World Travel</a>
<a href="https://www.vikingrivercruises.com/#noscroll">Viking</a>
<a href="https://www.travelagewest.com/wave">TravelAge West Wave Awards</a>
<a href="https://www.travelagewest.com/wave-awards/trendsetters">TravelAge West Trendsetter Awards</a>
<hr>
ABOUT YOUR HOST&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.travelagewest.com/Chelsee-Lowe">Chelsee Lowe</a> is Senior Editor of&nbsp;TravelAge&nbsp;West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She&rsquo;s an avid reader, writer, interviewer and traveler. Los Angeles is her home base.
The TravelAge&nbsp;West team also produces travel industry events, including Future Leaders in Travel, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala and the Napa Valley Leadership Forum.
<hr>
ABOUT THE SHOW&nbsp;
TravelAge West&rsquo;s award-winning podcast, &ldquo;Humans of Travel,&rdquo; features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry&rsquo;s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the highs and lows that make them human.

Humans in the Hot Seat: TravelAge West Trendsetter Jackie Matthews (Best Group Booking Effort)

In this live episode of Humans of Travel, host Chelsee Lowe talks smart business growth with Joe Leon, vice president of sales, the Americas for Silversea; Marc-Antoine Kamel, national director, Canada, for Norwegian Cruise Line; and Mickey McBride, vice president of sales for Avoya Travel. The trio attended Future Leaders in Travel in Mexico’s Riviera Maya last month to share their career paths and impart business wisdom to both travel advisors and fellow suppliers in the audience. 

The panel discussion covers tackling professional and personal curveballs, taking risks, finding mentors, building confidence, dedicating time each day to business development, leveraging personal networks and much more. Listen in for practical and applicable ideas from three great business minds. 

This episode is sponsored by Travel Insured International.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Future Leaders in Travel

Silversea

Norwegian Cruise Line

Avoya Travel

Lomas Hospitality

El Dorado Royale

Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas

ABOUT YOUR HOST 

Chelsee Lowe is Senior Editor of TravelAge West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She’s an avid reader, writer, interviewer and traveler. Los Angeles is her home base.

The TravelAge West team also produces travel industry events, including Future Leaders in Travel, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala and the Napa Valley Leadership Forum.

ABOUT THE SHOW 

TravelAge West’s award-winning podcast, “Humans of Travel,” features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry’s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the highs and lows that make them human.

In this live episode of Humans of Travel, host Chelsee Lowe talks smart business growth with Joe Leon, vice president of sales, the Americas for Silversea; Marc-Antoine Kamel, national director, Canada, for Norwegian Cruise Line; and Mickey McBride, vice president of sales for Avoya Travel. The trio attended Future Leaders in Travel in Mexico&rsquo;s Riviera Maya last month to share their career paths and impart business wisdom to both travel advisors and fellow suppliers in the audience.&nbsp;
The panel discussion covers tackling professional and personal curveballs, taking risks, finding mentors, building confidence, dedicating time each day to business development, leveraging personal networks and much more. Listen in for practical and applicable ideas from three great business minds.&nbsp;
This episode is sponsored by <a href="https://www.travelinsured.com/">Travel Insured International</a>.
<hr>
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
<a href="https://www.futureleadersintravel.com/">Future Leaders in Travel</a>
<a href="https://www.silversea.com/">Silversea</a>
<a href="https://www.ncl.com/">Norwegian Cruise Line</a>
<a href="https://www.avoyatravel.com/">Avoya Travel</a>
<a href="https://www.lomashospitality.com/en/">Lomas Hospitality</a>
<a href="https://www.lomashospitality.com/en/hotel-dorado-royale-in-riviera-maya/">El Dorado Royale</a>
<a href="https://www.atlantisbahamas.com/">Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas</a>
<hr>
ABOUT YOUR HOST&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.travelagewest.com/Chelsee-Lowe">Chelsee Lowe</a> is Senior Editor of&nbsp;TravelAge&nbsp;West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She&rsquo;s an avid reader, writer, interviewer and traveler. Los Angeles is her home base.
The TravelAge&nbsp;West team also produces travel industry events, including Future Leaders in Travel, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala and the Napa Valley Leadership Forum.
<hr>
ABOUT THE SHOW&nbsp;
TravelAge West&rsquo;s award-winning podcast, &ldquo;Humans of Travel,&rdquo; features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry&rsquo;s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the highs and lows that make them human.

Live From Future Leaders in Travel: Business Wisdom From Sales Experts Joe Leon, Marc-Antoine Kamel and Mickey McBride

Marcus Williams is the owner of Houston-based travel agency Impressive Travels. After spending years in the medical world, Williams was inspired to pivot to the travel industry after his own destination wedding in Jamaica — seeing the joy his family and friends experienced abroad made him want to build similar vacations for others, and to educate people on the feasibility of travel.

In this episode of Humans of Travel, Williams talks about group trips — including a recent Crop Over experience he hosted in Barbados — as well as how consistency, professional boundaries and ongoing education have helped him scale his business. Williams explains how firsthand destination knowledge and daily social media posts drive his success, with about 60% of business coming from social media. He also talks about balancing growing professional demands with family life, his love of fashion, how he prides himself on knowing where to send clients for a good time (clubs, hookah bars) in destination and a new HipHop Party Boat product he’s building in partnership with Renny Travel in the Dominican Republic.

This episode is sponsored by Travel Insured International.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Impressive Travels

Impressive Travels on Instagram

Impressive Travels on Facebook

Impressive Travels on TikTok

Global Travel Marketplace Events

Renny Travel and HipHop Party Boat

ABOUT YOUR HOST 

Chelsee Lowe is Senior Editor of TravelAge West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She’s an avid reader, writer, interviewer and traveler. Los Angeles is her home base.

The TravelAge West team also produces travel industry events, including Future Leaders in Travel, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala and the Napa Valley Leadership Forum.

ABOUT THE SHOW 

TravelAge West’s award-winning podcast, “Humans of Travel,” features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry’s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the highs and lows that make them human.

Marcus Williams is the owner of Houston-based travel agency <a href="https://www.impressivetravels.com/">Impressive Travels</a>. After spending years in the medical world, Williams was inspired to pivot to the travel industry after his own destination wedding in Jamaica &mdash; seeing the joy his family and friends experienced abroad made him want to build similar vacations for others, and to educate people on the feasibility of travel.
In this episode of Humans of Travel, Williams talks about group trips &mdash; including a recent <a href="https://www.visitbarbados.org/mission-crop-over">Crop Over</a> experience he hosted in Barbados &mdash; as well as how consistency, professional boundaries and ongoing education have helped him scale his business. Williams explains how firsthand destination knowledge and daily social media posts drive his success, with about 60% of business coming from social media. He also talks about balancing growing professional demands with family life, his love of fashion, how he prides himself on knowing where to send clients for a good time (clubs, hookah bars) in destination and a new <a href="https://rennytravel.com/tours/hiphop-party-boat">HipHop Party Boat</a> product he&rsquo;s building in partnership with <a href="https://rennytravel.com/">Renny Travel</a> in the Dominican Republic.
This episode is sponsored by <a href="https://www.travelinsured.com/">Travel Insured International</a>.
<hr>
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
<a href="https://www.impressivetravels.com/">Impressive Travels</a>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/impressivetravels/?hl=en">Impressive Travels on Instagram</a>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/people/Impressive-Travels-Travel-Agency/61574041161620/">Impressive Travels on Facebook</a>
<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@impressivetravels">Impressive Travels on TikTok</a>
<a href="https://www.gtmbynorthstar.com/">Global Travel Marketplace Events</a>
<a href="https://rennytravel.com/">Renny Travel</a> and <a href="https://rennytravel.com/tours/hiphop-party-boat">HipHop Party Boat</a>
<hr>
ABOUT YOUR HOST&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.travelagewest.com/Chelsee-Lowe">Chelsee Lowe</a> is Senior Editor of&nbsp;TravelAge&nbsp;West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She&rsquo;s an avid reader, writer, interviewer and traveler. Los Angeles is her home base.
The TravelAge&nbsp;West team also produces travel industry events, including Future Leaders in Travel, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala and the Napa Valley Leadership Forum.
<hr>
ABOUT THE SHOW&nbsp;
TravelAge West&rsquo;s award-winning podcast, &ldquo;Humans of Travel,&rdquo; features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry&rsquo;s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the highs and lows that make them human.

Marcus Williams of Impressive Travels On Group Travel, Being Consistent and Overpacking in the Name of Fashion

Humans in the Hot Seat, a spinoff of Humans of Travel, is running a 10-part mini-series on the 2026 TravelAge West Trendsetter Awards, which recognize some of the most forward-thinking and impactful travel advisors in the U.S.

The Trendsetter Awards celebrate outstanding advisors across five unique categories:
Best Targeted Marketing Idea
Best Group Booking Effort
Upward Bound: Rockstar Advisor Under 40
Saving the Day
Best Use of Social Media

This episode features Hope Reynolds of Timeless Travel Collective, who was nominated in the Best Targeted Marketing Idea category.

Episode sponsor: Travel Insured International

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Timeless Travel Collective

Timeless Travel Collective on Instagram

TravelAge West Wave Awards

TravelAge West Trendsetter Awards

ABOUT YOUR HOST 

Chelsee Lowe is Senior Editor of TravelAge West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She’s an avid reader, writer, interviewer and traveler. Los Angeles is her home base.

The TravelAge West team also produces travel industry events, including Future Leaders in Travel, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala and the Napa Valley Leadership Forum.

ABOUT THE SHOW 

TravelAge West’s award-winning podcast, “Humans of Travel,” features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry’s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the highs and lows that make them human.

Humans in the Hot Seat, a spinoff of Humans of Travel, is running a 10-part mini-series on the 2026 TravelAge West Trendsetter Awards, which recognize some of the most forward-thinking and impactful travel advisors in the U.S.
The Trendsetter Awards celebrate outstanding advisors across five unique categories:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Best Targeted Marketing Idea</li>
<li aria-level="1">Best Group Booking Effort</li>
<li aria-level="1">Upward Bound: Rockstar Advisor Under 40</li>
<li aria-level="1">Saving the Day</li>
<li aria-level="1">Best Use of Social Media</li>
</ul>
This episode features Hope Reynolds of <a href="https://timelesstravelcollective.com/">Timeless Travel Collective</a>, who was nominated in the Best Targeted Marketing Idea category.
Episode sponsor: <a href="https://www.travelinsured.com/">Travel Insured International</a><a href="https://www.travelagewest.com/wave"></a>
<hr>
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
<a href="https://timelesstravelcollective.com/">Timeless Travel Collective</a>
<a href="instagram.com/timelesstravelcollective">Timeless Travel Collective on Instagram</a>
<a href="https://www.travelagewest.com/wave">TravelAge West Wave Awards</a>
<a href="https://www.travelagewest.com/wave-awards/trendsetters">TravelAge West Trendsetter Awards</a>
<hr>
ABOUT YOUR HOST&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.travelagewest.com/Chelsee-Lowe">Chelsee Lowe</a> is Senior Editor of&nbsp;TravelAge&nbsp;West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She&rsquo;s an avid reader, writer, interviewer and traveler. Los Angeles is her home base.
The TravelAge&nbsp;West team also produces travel industry events, including Future Leaders in Travel, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala and the Napa Valley Leadership Forum.
<hr>
ABOUT THE SHOW&nbsp;
TravelAge West&rsquo;s award-winning podcast, &ldquo;Humans of Travel,&rdquo; features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry&rsquo;s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the highs and lows that make them human.

Humans in the Hot Seat: TravelAge West Trendsetter Hope Reynolds (Best Targeted Marketing Idea)

Abbey Meyer, travel advisor and CEO of Altitude Travel, spent seven years teaching high school world geography before pivoting to the travel industry. She now runs an agency with a storefront in St. Louis and a team of 22 advisors, and helping them reach their individual business goals has become one of her primary professional objectives.

In this episode, Meyer shares how her travels as a younger person — including a stint as a 6th grade student in Jamaica — influenced her career choices. Listeners will also hear about why she loves solo travel, how she tackles work-life balance as a parent and more.

This episode is sponsored by National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Altitude Travel 

Altitude Travel on Facebook

Altitude Travel on Instagram

Abbey Meyer on Instagram

Global Travel Marketplace

ABOUT YOUR HOST 

Chelsee Lowe is Senior Editor of TravelAge West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She’s an avid reader, writer, interviewer and traveler. Los Angeles is her home base.

The TravelAge West team also produces travel industry events, including Future Leaders in Travel, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala and the Napa Valley Leadership Forum.

ABOUT THE SHOW 

TravelAge West’s award-winning podcast, “Humans of Travel,” features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry’s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the highs and lows that make them human.

Abbey Meyer, travel advisor and CEO of <a href="https://www.thealtitudeteam.com/">Altitude Travel</a>, spent seven years teaching high school world geography before pivoting to the travel industry. She now runs an agency with a storefront in St. Louis and a team of 22 advisors, and helping them reach their individual business goals has become one of her primary professional objectives.
In this episode, Meyer shares how her travels as a younger person &mdash; including a stint as a 6th grade student in Jamaica &mdash; influenced her career choices. Listeners will also hear about why she loves solo travel, how she tackles work-life balance as a parent and more.
This episode is sponsored by <a href="https://www.expeditions.com/">National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions</a>.
<hr>
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
<a href="https://www.thealtitudeteam.com/">Altitude Travel&nbsp;</a>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/thealtitudeteam">Altitude Travel on Facebook</a>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/altitude.travel.stl/">Altitude Travel on Instagram</a>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/abigailmackenzie/">Abbey Meyer on Instagram</a>
<a href="https://www.gtmbynorthstar.com/">Global Travel Marketplace</a>
<hr>
ABOUT YOUR HOST&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.travelagewest.com/Chelsee-Lowe">Chelsee Lowe</a> is Senior Editor of&nbsp;TravelAge&nbsp;West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She&rsquo;s an avid reader, writer, interviewer and traveler. Los Angeles is her home base.
The TravelAge&nbsp;West team also produces travel industry events, including Future Leaders in Travel, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala and the Napa Valley Leadership Forum.
<hr>
ABOUT THE SHOW&nbsp;
TravelAge West&rsquo;s award-winning podcast, &ldquo;Humans of Travel,&rdquo; features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry&rsquo;s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the highs and lows that make them human.

Abbey Meyer on Pivoting From Education and Building Altitude Travel  

On this episode of Humans of Travel, Captain Heidi Norling shares how a childhood spent sailing with her father in the Stockholm archipelago sparked a lifelong fascination with navigation and the sea.

A graduate of Sweden’s Kalmar Maritime Academy, Norling learned by doing, studying nautical English, celestial navigation, radar communications, safety procedures and more while on ships all around the world. She joined National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions in 2019 as a captain — the first-ever female captain of the fleet, and she’s currently helming National Geographic Resolution, a 138-guest expedition ship.

Women remain a small minority among the world’s sea captains, making Norling a role model for many. Listen in to hear about her daily life on an expedition ship and why she loves the work she does.

This episode is sponsored by National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions

National Geographic Resolution

National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions on Instagram

In Good Company: Captain Heidi Norling

On TravelAge West: Review: Sailing on National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions’ Islander II

On TravelAge West: What’s on the Horizon for National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions

ABOUT YOUR HOST 

Chelsee Lowe is Senior Editor of TravelAge West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She’s an avid reader, writer, interviewer and traveler. Los Angeles is her home base.

The TravelAge West team also produces travel industry events, including Future Leaders in Travel, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala and the Napa Valley Leadership Forum.

ABOUT THE SHOW 

TravelAge West’s award-winning podcast, “Humans of Travel,” features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry’s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the highs and lows that make them human.

On this episode of Humans of Travel, Captain Heidi Norling shares how a childhood spent sailing with her father in the Stockholm archipelago sparked a lifelong fascination with navigation and the sea.
A graduate of Sweden&rsquo;s Kalmar Maritime Academy, Norling learned by doing, studying nautical English, celestial navigation, radar communications, safety procedures and more while on ships all around the world. She joined <a href="https://www.expeditions.com/">National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions</a> in 2019 as a captain &mdash; the first-ever female captain of the fleet, and she&rsquo;s currently helming National Geographic Resolution, a 138-guest expedition ship.
Women remain a small minority among the world&rsquo;s sea captains, making Norling a role model for many. Listen in to hear about her daily life on an expedition ship and why she loves the work she does.
This episode is sponsored by <a href="https://www.expeditions.com/">National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions</a>.
<hr>
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
<a href="https://www.expeditions.com/">National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions</a>
<a href="https://www.expeditions.com/ships/national-geographic-resolution">National Geographic Resolution</a>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/lindbladexp/">National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions on Instagram</a>
<a href="https://www.expeditions.com/expedition-stories/stories/video-in-good-company-captain-heidi-norling">In Good Company: Captain Heidi Norling</a>
On TravelAge West: Review: <a href="https://www.travelagewest.com/Travel/Cruise/lindblad-expeditions-national-geographic-islander-ii-review">Sailing on National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions&rsquo; Islander II</a>
On TravelAge West: <a href="https://www.travelagewest.com/News/Industry-Interviews/natalya-leahy-lindblad-expansion">What&rsquo;s on the Horizon for National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions</a>
<hr>
ABOUT YOUR HOST&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.travelagewest.com/Chelsee-Lowe">Chelsee Lowe</a> is Senior Editor of&nbsp;TravelAge&nbsp;West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She&rsquo;s an avid reader, writer, interviewer and traveler. Los Angeles is her home base.
The TravelAge&nbsp;West team also produces travel industry events, including Future Leaders in Travel, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala and the Napa Valley Leadership Forum.
<hr>
ABOUT THE SHOW&nbsp;
TravelAge West&rsquo;s award-winning podcast, &ldquo;Humans of Travel,&rdquo; features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry&rsquo;s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the highs and lows that make them human.

Captain Heidi Norling on Her Path to National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions

Humans in the Hot Seat, a spinoff of Humans of Travel, is running a 10-part mini-series on the 2026 TravelAge West Trendsetter Awards, which recognize some of the most forward-thinking and impactful travel advisors in the U.S.

The Trendsetter Awards celebrate outstanding advisors across five unique categories:
Best Targeted Marketing Idea
Best Group Booking Effort
Upward Bound: Rockstar Advisor Under 40
Saving the Day
Best Use of Social Media

This episode features Derek and Amanda Phillips of Island Time Travel, who were nominated in the Best Use of Social Media category.

Episode sponsor: Brendan Vacations

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Island Time Travel on YouTube

Island Time Travel on Facebook

TravelAge West Wave Awards

TravelAge West Trendsetter Awards

 

ABOUT YOUR HOST 

Chelsee Lowe is Senior Editor of TravelAge West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She’s an avid reader, writer, interviewer and traveler. Los Angeles is her home base.

The TravelAge West team also produces travel industry events, including Future Leaders in Travel, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala and the Napa Valley Leadership Forum.

ABOUT THE SHOW 

TravelAge West’s award-winning podcast, “Humans of Travel,” features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry’s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the highs and lows that make them human.

Humans in the Hot Seat, a spinoff of Humans of Travel, is running a 10-part mini-series on the 2026 TravelAge West Trendsetter Awards, which recognize some of the most forward-thinking and impactful travel advisors in the U.S.
The Trendsetter Awards celebrate outstanding advisors across five unique categories:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Best Targeted Marketing Idea</li>
<li aria-level="1">Best Group Booking Effort</li>
<li aria-level="1">Upward Bound: Rockstar Advisor Under 40</li>
<li aria-level="1">Saving the Day</li>
<li aria-level="1">Best Use of Social Media</li>
</ul>
This episode features Derek and Amanda Phillips of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@IslandTimeTravel">Island Time Travel</a>, who were nominated in the Best Use of Social Media category.
Episode sponsor: <a href="https://www.brendanvacations.com/en-us">Brendan Vacations</a><a href="https://www.travelagewest.com/wave"></a>
<hr>
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@IslandTimeTravel">Island Time Travel on YouTube</a>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/IslandTimeCruising">Island Time Travel on Facebook</a><a href="https://www.travelagewest.com/wave"></a>
<a href="https://www.travelagewest.com/wave">TravelAge West Wave Awards</a>
<a href="https://www.travelagewest.com/wave-awards/trendsetters">TravelAge West Trendsetter Awards</a>
&nbsp;
<hr>
ABOUT YOUR HOST&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.travelagewest.com/Chelsee-Lowe">Chelsee Lowe</a> is Senior Editor of&nbsp;TravelAge&nbsp;West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She&rsquo;s an avid reader, writer, interviewer and traveler. Los Angeles is her home base.
The TravelAge&nbsp;West team also produces travel industry events, including Future Leaders in Travel, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala and the Napa Valley Leadership Forum.
<hr>
ABOUT THE SHOW&nbsp;
TravelAge West&rsquo;s award-winning podcast, &ldquo;Humans of Travel,&rdquo; features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry&rsquo;s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the highs and lows that make them human.

Humans in the Hot Seat: TravelAge West Trendsetters Derek and Amanda Phillips (Best Use of Social Media)

TravelAge West’s podcast, “Humans of Travel,” features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry’s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the experiences — the highs and the lows — that make them human.

TravelAge West’s podcast, “Humans of Travel,” features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry’s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the experiences — the highs and the lows — that make them human.

Humans of Travel

TravelAge West&rsquo;s podcast, &ldquo;Humans of Travel,&rdquo; features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry&rsquo;s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the experiences &mdash; the highs and the lows &mdash; that make them human.

Humans of Travel

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