Whitney Shindelar, owner of Undiscovered Sunsets, wears many professional hats: In addition to being a travel advisor, she’s the founder of the Masters in Travel online community of advisors; the host of the Masters in Travel podcast; and the creator of The Hive, a new technology platform that revolutionizes the way knowledge and insights are shared between travel agents.

Prior to becoming an advisor, Shindelar spent much of her 20s living in Shanghai, China, where she taught English before transitioning to work at Le Meridien Shanghai (first in a role within the food and beverage department, and then in Operations Excellence).

In this episode of Humans of Travel, Shindelar describes the lessons she learned while living and working abroad, and what it was like to handle operational challenges in a large luxury hotel. She reflects on making a career switch to travel advising after an especially impactful trip to Germany, and what her early pain points were when she was just starting off as a travel advisor.

Listeners will also hear about Shindelar’s latest venture, The Hive, and learn why she decided to create the Masters in Travel podcast and online community during the pandemic.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Whitney Shindelar on Trade Secrets: How Do I Find My Travel Industry Mentor?

Undiscovered Sunsets

Masters in Travel Podcast

Masters in Travel Online Community

@MastersinTravel on Instagram

@thehive.travel on Instagram

ABOUT YOUR HOST

Emma Weissmann is the Managing Editor of TravelAge West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She is also the co-host of Trade Secrets, a podcast created with sister publication Travel Weekly. 

TravelAge West also produces national trade publications Explorer and Family Getaways, as well as events including the Future Leaders in Travel Retreat, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala and the Napa Valley Leadership Forum. 

ABOUT THE SHOW

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 highs and lows that make them human.

Whitney Shindelar, owner of Undiscovered Sunsets, wears many professional hats: In addition to being a travel advisor, she’s the founder of the Masters in Travel online community of advisors; the host of the Masters in Travel podcast; and the creator of The Hive, a new technology platform that revolutionizes the way knowledge and insights are shared between travel agents.
Prior to becoming an advisor, Shindelar spent much of her 20s living in Shanghai, China, where she taught English before transitioning to work at Le Meridien Shanghai (first in a role within the food and beverage department, and then in Operations Excellence).
In this episode of Humans of Travel, Shindelar describes the lessons she learned while living and working abroad, and what it was like to handle operational challenges in a large luxury hotel. She reflects on making a career switch to travel advising after an especially impactful trip to Germany, and what her early pain points were when she was just starting off as a travel advisor.
Listeners will also hear about Shindelar’s latest venture, The Hive, and learn why she decided to create the Masters in Travel podcast and online community during the pandemic.
<hr>
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
Whitney Shindelar on Trade Secrets: <a href="https://www.travelagewest.com/Podcasts/Trade-Secrets/trade-secrets-podcast-travel-industry-mentor">How Do I Find My Travel Industry Mentor?</a>
<a href="https://undiscoveredsunsets.com/">Undiscovered Sunsets</a>
<a href="https://www.mastersintravelpod.com/podcast">Masters in Travel Podcast</a>
<a href="https://community.mastersintravel.co/">Masters in Travel Online Community</a>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/mastersintravel/">@MastersinTravel</a> on Instagram
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/thehive.travel/">@thehive.travel</a> on Instagram
<hr>
ABOUT YOUR HOST 
Emma Weissmann is the Managing Editor of TravelAge West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She is also the co-host of Trade Secrets, a podcast created with sister publication Travel Weekly.  TravelAge West also produces national trade publications Explorer and Family Getaways, as well as events including the Future Leaders in Travel Retreat, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala and the Napa Valley Leadership Forum. 
<hr>
ABOUT THE SHOW 
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 highs and 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.

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.

Encore: How Masters in Travel’s Whitney Shindelar Is Solving Her Biggest Career Pain Point

Hello everyone. And welcome to humans in the hot seat, a spinoff series of Humans of Travel. This is the first episode in our TravelAge West Trendsetter series; over the coming weeks, we will be interviewing the finalists of the TravelAge West Trendsetter Awards, which were created to acknowledge the work of exceptional travel advisors. This year, TravelAge West honored travel advisors in five Trendsetter categories, and named a winner and runner-up in each category.

Today, we are speaking with Jordana Izzo who was named the winner of the TravelAge West Upward Bound, Rock Star Advisor Under 40 Trendsetter award. 

 Despite her young age, Jordana was recently named Director of Accessible Travel at Travelmation, where she also created the first Accessible Travel Certification for the agency. Jordana also coaches her own team of agents, while still managing a million-dollar book of business. In this episode of Humans in the Hot Seat, Jordana explains her personal connection to accessible travel, and gives tips to advisors looking to broaden their book of business to include accessible travel.

This episode was sponsored by the Globus Family of Brands.

Jordana’s Trendsetter award was sponsored by Inclusive Collection, Part of World of Hyatt.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Jordana Izzo, travel advisor and director of accessible travel at Travelmation

Jordana Izzo’s article in TravelAge West: Community Voices: How I Plan Travel for My Autistic Son

Jordana’s Instagram: @jordanaizzotravel

Email Jordana: jordanaizzo@travelmation.net

ABOUT YOUR HOST

Emma Weissmann is the Managing Editor of TravelAge West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She is also the co-host of Trade Secrets, a podcast created with sister publication Travel Weekly. 

TravelAge West also produces national trade publications Explorer and Family Getaways, as well as events including the Future Leaders in Travel Retreat, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala and the Napa Valley Leadership Forum. 

ABOUT THE SHOW

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 highs and lows that make them human.

Hello everyone. And welcome to humans in the hot seat, a spinoff series of Humans of Travel. This is the first episode in our TravelAge West Trendsetter series; over the coming weeks, we will be interviewing the finalists of the TravelAge West Trendsetter Awards, which were created to acknowledge the work of exceptional travel advisors. This year, TravelAge West honored travel advisors in five Trendsetter categories, and named a winner and runner-up in each category.
Today, we are speaking with <a href="https://www.travelmation.net/jordanaizzo">Jordana Izzo</a> who was named the winner of the TravelAge West Upward Bound, Rock Star Advisor Under 40 Trendsetter award. 
 Despite her young age, Jordana was recently named Director of Accessible Travel at Travelmation, where she also created the first Accessible Travel Certification for the agency. Jordana also coaches her own team of agents, while still managing a million-dollar book of business. In this episode of Humans in the Hot Seat, Jordana explains her personal connection to accessible travel, and gives tips to advisors looking to broaden their book of business to include accessible travel.
This episode was sponsored by the <a href="https://www.globusjourneys.com/">Globus Family of Brands</a>.
Jordana’s Trendsetter award was sponsored by <a href="https://world.hyatt.com/content/gp/en/inclusive.html">Inclusive Collection, Part of World of Hyatt.</a>
<hr>
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
Jordana Izzo, travel advisor and director of accessible travel at <a href="https://www.travelmation.net/">Travelmation</a>
Jordana Izzo’s article in TravelAge West: <a href="https://www.travelagewest.com/Industry-Insight/Opinion/traveling-with-an-autistic-child">Community Voices: How I Plan Travel for My Autistic Son</a>
Jordana’s Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jordanaizzotravel/">@jordanaizzotravel</a>
Email Jordana: <a href="mailto:jordanaizzo@travelmation.net">jordanaizzo@travelmation.net</a>
<hr>
ABOUT YOUR HOST 
Emma Weissmann is the Managing Editor of TravelAge West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She is also the co-host of Trade Secrets, a podcast created with sister publication Travel Weekly.  TravelAge West also produces national trade publications Explorer and Family Getaways, as well as events including the Future Leaders in Travel Retreat, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala and the Napa Valley Leadership Forum. 
<hr>
ABOUT THE SHOW 
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 highs and lows that make them human.

Humans in the Hot Seat: Travel Advisor Jordana Izzo Developed an Accessible Travel Certification

Most members of the travel industry community know Samantha Brown as the host of PBS’ Samantha Brown's Places to Love, a long-running television show that allows viewers to tune in as Brown jets all over the world, showcasing some of the planet’s most fascinating destinations, communities and cultures.

During this episode of Humans of Travel, Brown reflects on her upbringing — her early relationship with travel, and how her interest in theater prepared her for a life in front of the screen. She’ll also share a memorable story about getting to her audition — and ultimately landing the role — for the Travel Channel’s Great Vacation Homes, and reflects on some of the most memorable moments from her career. Finally, listeners will hear about Brown’s focus on sustainability and human connection while traveling, and what she respects most about the travel advisor profession.

This episode is sponsored by the Globus Family of Brands.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Samantha Brown's website

Samantha Brown on Instagram

ABOUT YOUR HOST

Emma Weissmann is the Managing Editor of TravelAge West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She is also the co-host of Trade Secrets, a podcast created with sister publication Travel Weekly. 

TravelAge West also produces national trade publications Explorer and Family Getaways, as well as events including the Future Leaders in Travel Retreat, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala and the Napa Valley Leadership Forum. 

ABOUT THE SHOW

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 highs and lows that make them human.

Most members of the travel industry community know <a href="https://samantha-brown.com/">Samantha Brown</a> as the host of PBS’ Samantha Brown's Places to Love, a long-running television show that allows viewers to tune in as Brown jets all over the world, showcasing some of the planet’s most fascinating destinations, communities and cultures.
During this episode of Humans of Travel, Brown reflects on her upbringing — her early relationship with travel, and how her interest in theater prepared her for a life in front of the screen. She’ll also share a memorable story about getting to her audition — and ultimately landing the role — for the Travel Channel’s Great Vacation Homes, and reflects on some of the most memorable moments from her career. Finally, listeners will hear about Brown’s focus on sustainability and human connection while traveling, and what she respects most about the travel advisor profession.
This episode is sponsored by the <a href="https://www.globusjourneys.com/">Globus Family of Brands</a>.
<hr>
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
<a href="https://samantha-brown.com/">Samantha Brown's website</a>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/samanthabrowntravels/?hl=en">Samantha Brown on Instagram</a>
<hr>
ABOUT YOUR HOST 
Emma Weissmann is the Managing Editor of TravelAge West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She is also the co-host of Trade Secrets, a podcast created with sister publication Travel Weekly.  TravelAge West also produces national trade publications Explorer and Family Getaways, as well as events including the Future Leaders in Travel Retreat, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala and the Napa Valley Leadership Forum. 
<hr>
ABOUT THE SHOW 
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 highs and lows that make them human.

Travel TV Host Samantha Brown on Top Career Highlights and the Importance of Human Connection

Hello everyone. And welcome to humans in the hot seat, a spinoff series of Humans of Travel. Today, we're speaking with travel advisor Erica Carr, founder of BookitBox Travel and a member of Gifted Travel Network.

Carr has a unique business model and takes client gifting to the next level — we'll hear all about her creative approach to marketing, and her best piece of marketing advice for travel advisors who are hoping to set themselves apart from the crowd.

This episode was sponsored by the Globus Family of Brands.

ABOUT YOUR HOST

Emma Weissmann is the Managing Editor of TravelAge West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She is also the co-host of Trade Secrets, a podcast created with sister publication Travel Weekly. 

TravelAge West also produces national trade publications Explorer and Family Getaways, as well as events including the Future Leaders in Travel Retreat, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala and the Napa Valley Leadership Forum. 

ABOUT THE SHOW

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 highs and lows that make them human.

Hello everyone. And welcome to humans in the hot seat, a spinoff series of Humans of Travel. Today, we're speaking with travel advisor Erica Carr, founder of <a href="https://bookitboxtravel.com/">BookitBox Travel</a> and a member of <a href="https://www.giftedtravelnetwork.com/">Gifted Travel Network</a>.
Carr has a unique business model and takes client gifting to the next level — we'll hear all about her creative approach to marketing, and her best piece of marketing advice for travel advisors who are hoping to set themselves apart from the crowd.
This episode was sponsored by the <a href="https://www.globusjourneys.com/">Globus Family of Brands</a>.
<hr>
ABOUT YOUR HOST 
Emma Weissmann is the Managing Editor of TravelAge West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She is also the co-host of Trade Secrets, a podcast created with sister publication Travel Weekly.  TravelAge West also produces national trade publications Explorer and Family Getaways, as well as events including the Future Leaders in Travel Retreat, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala and the Napa Valley Leadership Forum. 
<hr>
ABOUT THE SHOW 
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 highs and lows that make them human.

Encore: How Masters in Travel’s Whitney Shindelar Is Solving Her Biggest Career Pain Point

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