When the State Department upgrades its travel advisory for a destination, or updates an advisory with new information, it can make clients a little jumpy. How should travel agents navigate the situation? Get the answer on this week’s episode of Trade Secrets, when co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada are joined by travel advisor Brittany Shuford of Darling Destinations in Birmingham, Ala.

Thanks to our friends at OutsideAgents.com for helping us solicit travel advisor questions this season. 

This episode is sponsored by Travel Insured International. 

Further resources

Find Brittany Shuford on Instagram and Facebook

Mentioned in this episode:
The State Department’s travel site, Travel.State.Gov
The State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
Emma’s Humans of Travel podcast
Travel attorney Mark Pestronk’s free resources, including disclaimer and release forms
A travel agent guide to selling high-risk travel

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com 



Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license



See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When the State Department upgrades its travel advisory for a destination, or updates an advisory with new information, it can make clients a little jumpy. How should travel agents navigate the situation? Get the answer on this week’s episode of Trade Secrets, when co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada are joined by travel advisor Brittany Shuford of Darling Destinations in Birmingham, Ala.
Thanks to our friends at <a href="https://outsideagents.com/">OutsideAgents.com</a> for helping us solicit travel advisor questions this season. 
This episode is sponsored by <a href="https://www.travelinsured.com/">Travel Insured International</a>. 
<hr>
Further resources
Find Brittany Shuford on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/shupowski">Instagram</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/brittany.shuford">Facebook</a>
Mentioned in this episode:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">The State Department’s travel site, <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel.html">Travel.State.Gov</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">The State Department’s <a href="https://step.state.gov/">Smart Traveler Enrollment Program</a> (STEP)</li>
<li aria-level="1">Emma’s Humans of Travel <a href="https://www.travelagewest.com/Podcasts/Humans-of-travel">podcast</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Travel attorney Mark Pestronk’s <a href="https://pestronk.com/resources/">free resources</a>, including disclaimer and release forms</li>
<li aria-level="1">A travel agent guide to <a href="https://www.travelagewest.com/Travel/Trending/A-Travel-Agent-Guide-to-Selling-High-Risk-Travel">selling high-risk travel</a></li>
</ul>
<hr>
Need advice?
Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098
Email us: <a href="mailto:tradesecrets@travelweekly.com">tradesecrets@travelweekly.com </a>
 
Theme song:
Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
 
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How should travel agents address travel advisories?

Welcome to season five of Trade Secrets. In this episode, hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada welcome Nexion Travel Group president Jackie Friedman on the show to talk about the value of travel advisors. They discuss the modern history of the profession and the evolution from “agent” to “advisor,” then answer listener questions about standing out from the crowd, how advisors can sell their own value and what makes a good elevator pitch.

Thanks to our friends at WorldVia for helping us solicit travel advisor questions this season.  

This episode is sponsored by Travel Insured International. 

Further resources

Nexion Travel Group on the web

Reach out to Jackie Friedman via email

Mentioned in this episode:
Erica Carr’s bookitbox Travel
Christine Potthoff’s travel beCAUSE
Courtnie Nichols’ client gifting strategy

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com 



Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license



See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to season five of Trade Secrets. In this episode, hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada welcome Nexion Travel Group president Jackie Friedman on the show to talk about the value of travel advisors. They discuss the modern history of the profession and the evolution from “agent” to “advisor,” then answer listener questions about standing out from the crowd, how advisors can sell their own value and what makes a good elevator pitch.
Thanks to our friends at <a href="http://www.worldvia.com">WorldVia</a> for helping us solicit travel advisor questions this season.  <a href="http://www.worldvia.com"></a>
This episode is sponsored by <a href="https://www.travelinsured.com/">Travel Insured International</a>. <a href="https://www.travelinsured.com/"></a>
<hr>
Further resources
Nexion Travel Group <a href="http://www.nexion.com">on the web</a>
Reach out to Jackie Friedman <a href="mailto:jackie.friedman@nexion.com">via email</a>
Mentioned in this episode:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Erica Carr’s <a href="https://bookitboxtravel.com/">bookitbox Travel</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Christine Potthoff’s <a href="https://www.facebook.com/travelbeCAUSE/">travel beCAUSE</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Courtnie Nichols’ <a href="https://www.travelweekly.com/Jamie-Biesiada/Advisor-gifts-that-keep-giving">client gifting strategy</a></li>
</ul>
<hr>
Need advice?
Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098
Email us: <a href="mailto:tradesecrets@travelweekly.com">tradesecrets@travelweekly.com </a>
 
Theme song:
Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
 
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Travel advisors, what’s your elevator pitch? (feat. Jackie Friedman)

How is the Trade Secrets podcast made? Find out all the behind-the-scenes details in this special episode with co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada. From the show’s origin, to scripting, to editing and posting, take a peek behind the Trade Secrets curtain.

This is a special episode of Trade Secrets between seasons four and five. Season five will return in two weeks, on April 8.

This episode is sponsored by Travel Insured International. 

Further resources

Email Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada

Follow us on Instagram
Travel Weekly
TravelAge West
Emma Weissmann
Jamie Biesiada

Mentioned in this episode:
Slate’s Dear Prudence
“Tiny Beautiful Things,” by Cheryl Strayed
Auphonic
Omny Studio
PodBean

Some previous episodes we mention:
When is it time to leave your host agency and join a consortium?
Top travel pros and their best advice for advisors
On the ground in Maui: Should travel agents send clients to the island right now?
Icon of the Seas: How big can a cruise ship get?
Why can’t we be friends? Forming productive travel advisor-supplier relationships
How do I use generative AI to improve my travel agency’s workflow?
Travel advisors, are you using the right tech stack?

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com 



Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license



See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How is the Trade Secrets podcast made? Find out all the behind-the-scenes details in this special episode with co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada. From the show’s origin, to scripting, to editing and posting, take a peek behind the Trade Secrets curtain.
This is a special episode of Trade Secrets between seasons four and five. Season five will return in two weeks, on April 8.
This episode is sponsored by <a href="https://www.travelinsured.com/">Travel Insured International</a>. 
<hr>
Further resources
Email <a href="mailto:eweissmann@travelagewest.com">Emma</a> Weissmann and <a href="mailto:jbiesiada@travelweekly.com">Jamie</a> Biesiada
Follow us on Instagram
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/travelweeklyus">Travel Weekly</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/travelagewest">TravelAge West</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/emma_enroute">Emma Weissmann</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/thusjamiesaw">Jamie Biesiada</a></li>
</ul>
Mentioned in this episode:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Slate’s <a href="https://slate.com/human-interest/dear-prudence">Dear Prudence</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">“<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Tiny-Beautiful-Things-Advice-Sugar/dp/0307949338">Tiny Beautiful Things</a>,” by Cheryl Strayed</li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://auphonic.com/">Auphonic</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://omnystudio.com/">Omny Studio</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.podbean.com/">PodBean</a><a href="https://www.podbean.com/"></a></li>
</ul>
Some previous episodes we mention:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">When is it time to leave your host agency and <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-is-it-time-to-leave-your-host-agency-and-join/id1555272051?i=1000596018636">join a consortium</a>?</li>
<li aria-level="1">Top travel pros and their <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/top-travel-pros-and-their-best-advice-for-advisors/id1555272051?i=1000613030222">best advice for advisors</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/on-the-ground-in-maui-should-travel-agents-send/id1555272051?i=1000629042626">On the ground in Maui</a>: Should travel agents send clients to the island right now?</li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/icon-of-the-seas-how-big-can-a-cruise-ship-get/id1555272051?i=1000646845121">Icon of the Seas</a>: How big can a cruise ship get?</li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/why-cant-we-be-friends-forming-productive-travel-advisor/id1555272051?i=1000648727945">Why can’t we be friends</a>? Forming productive travel advisor-supplier relationships</li>
<li aria-level="1">How do I use generative AI to <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-do-i-use-generative-ai-to-improve-my-travel-agencys/id1555272051?i=1000623650286">improve my travel agency’s workflow</a>?</li>
<li aria-level="1">Travel advisors, are you using <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/travel-advisors-are-you-using-the-right-tech-stack/id1555272051?i=1000645009223">the right tech stack</a>?</li>
</ul>
<hr>
Need advice?
Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098
Email us: <a href="mailto:tradesecrets@travelweekly.com">tradesecrets@travelweekly.com </a>
 
Theme song:
Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
 
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mic check, one, two: How do we create Trade Secrets?

Welcome to the season four finale of Trade Secrets. This week, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada welcome Royal Caribbean’s Vicki Freed, senior vice president of sales and trade support and service, and Jamie Margolis, owner of the Dream Vacations franchise Moms at Sea, during the second installment of a two-part series with Freed (listen to part one here). 

During the episode, Freed and Margolis talk about the importance of forming — and maintaining — a good agent-supplier relationship, the “unicorn” cabins onboard Royal Caribbean ships that offer more space for less money, the value proposition of cruising and more.

In two weeks, Trade Secrets will release a special episode about the making of the podcast. It will return for season five two weeks after that, on April 8.

This episode is sponsored by Travel Insured International. 

Further resources

Contact Vicki Freed by email or her personal cell phone, 305-458-0463

Find Jamie Margolis and Moms at Sea online, on Facebook and on Instagram

The last Trade Secrets episode, also featuring Vicki Freed

From Travel Weekly, Agent Life: From Facebook group to franchisee: Moms at Sea’s fantastic voyage 

Mentioned in this episode:
The Taylor Swift cruise: From TravelAge West, Who is Marvelous Mouse Travels, and why is it hosting a Taylor Swift-themed cruise? 
Sign up for Vicki’s Tips online 
On Millie Schwartz, from Travel Weekly: At 90, Schwartz still drawn to selling travel 
An example of Carnival’s Fun Ship cruise commercials from the 1980s

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com 



Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license



See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to the season four finale of Trade Secrets. This week, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada welcome Royal Caribbean’s Vicki Freed, senior vice president of sales and trade support and service, and Jamie Margolis, owner of the Dream Vacations franchise Moms at Sea, during the second installment of a two-part series with Freed (listen to part one <a href="https://www.travelagewest.com/Podcasts/Trade-Secrets/trade-secrets-podcast-vicki-freed-royal-caribbean-icon">here</a>). 
During the episode, Freed and Margolis talk about the importance of forming — and maintaining — a good agent-supplier relationship, the “unicorn” cabins onboard Royal Caribbean ships that offer more space for less money, the value proposition of cruising and more.
In two weeks, Trade Secrets will release a special episode about the making of the podcast. It will return for season five two weeks after that, on April 8.
This episode is sponsored by <a href="https://www.travelinsured.com/">Travel Insured International</a>. 
<hr>
Further resources
Contact Vicki Freed <a href="mailto:vickilovestravelagents@rccl.com">by email</a> or her personal cell phone, 305-458-0463
Find Jamie Margolis and Moms at Sea <a href="https://www.momsatsea.com/">online</a>, on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/288815238297862">Facebook</a> and on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/momsatsea/">Instagram</a>
The last Trade Secrets episode, also <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/icon-of-the-seas-how-big-can-a-cruise-ship-get/id1555272051?i=1000646845121">featuring Vicki Freed</a>
From Travel Weekly, <a href="https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Travel-Agent-Issues/Moms-at-Sea-travel-agent-feature">Agent Life</a>: From Facebook group to franchisee: Moms at Sea’s fantastic voyage 
Mentioned in this episode:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.travelagewest.com/Travel/Cruise/marvelous-mouse-travels-taylor-swift">The Taylor Swift cruise</a>: From TravelAge West, Who is Marvelous Mouse Travels, and why is it hosting a Taylor Swift-themed cruise? </li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://loyaltoyoualways.com/">Sign up</a> for Vicki’s Tips online </li>
<li aria-level="1">On <a href="https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Travel-Agent-Issues/At-90-Schwartz-still-drawn-to-selling-travel">Millie Schwartz</a>, from Travel Weekly: At 90, Schwartz still drawn to selling travel </li>
<li aria-level="1">An example of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xS5rUgRAzDc">Carnival’s Fun Ship cruise commercials </a>from the 1980s</li>
</ul>
<hr>
Need advice?
Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098
Email us: <a href="mailto:tradesecrets@travelweekly.com">tradesecrets@travelweekly.com </a>
 
Theme song:
Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
 
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why can't we be friends? Forming productive travel advisor-supplier relationships (feat. Vicki Freed and Jamie Margolis)

Get ready for a cruise-filled episode of Trade Secrets. This week, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada welcome Royal Caribbean's Vicki Freed, senior vice president of sales and trade support and service, and Nick Weir, senior vice president of entertainment, onto the show. Hop aboard as we dive into everything from the brand-new Icon of the Seas — billed as the largest cruise ship at sea — to what it takes to entertain Royal’s millions of cruisers. This is the first of a two-part series featuring Freed; join us next time for a discussion on creating a strong advisor-supplier relationship.

This episode is sponsored by Windstar Cruises. 

Further resources

Contact Vicki Freed by email or her personal cell phone, 305-458-0463

Follow Nick Weir on X (formerly Twitter)

Royal’s trade marketing hub (also home to the link to register for Vicki’s Coffee Talk)

Vicki Freed on Humans of Travel: Royal Caribbean’s Vicki Freed on breaking into the cruise industry _ and meeting the boss who helped shape her

Icon of the Seas coverage
Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas takes thrills to the max
Royal Caribbean sets a new cruise benchmark with Icon of the Seas

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com 



Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license



See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Get ready for a cruise-filled episode of Trade Secrets. This week, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada welcome Royal Caribbean's Vicki Freed, senior vice president of sales and trade support and service, and Nick Weir, senior vice president of entertainment, onto the show. Hop aboard as we dive into everything from the brand-new Icon of the Seas — billed as the largest cruise ship at sea — to what it takes to entertain Royal’s millions of cruisers. This is the first of a two-part series featuring Freed; join us next time for a discussion on creating a strong advisor-supplier relationship.
This episode is sponsored by <a href="https://www.windstarcruises.com/">Windstar Cruises</a>. 
<hr>
Further resources
Contact Vicki Freed <a href="mailto:vickilovestravelagents@rccl.com">by email </a>or her personal cell phone, 305-458-0463
Follow <a href="https://twitter.com/nickweirshowbiz">Nick Weir</a> on X (formerly Twitter)
Royal’s<a href="https://loyaltoyoualways.com/"> trade marketing hub</a> (also home to the link to register for Vicki’s Coffee Talk)
Vicki Freed on <a href="https://www.travelagewest.com/Podcasts/Humans-of-Travel/humans-of-travel-podcast-vicki-freed">Humans of Travel</a>: Royal Caribbean’s Vicki Freed on breaking into the cruise industry _ and meeting the boss who helped shape her
Icon of the Seas coverage
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas <a href="https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Roya-Icon-of-the-Seas-takes-thrills-to-the-max?ct=cruise">takes thrills to the max</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Royal Caribbean <a href="https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Royal-Caribbean-sets-new-benchmark-with-Icon?ct=cruise">sets a new cruise benchmark</a> with Icon of the Seas</li>
</ul>
<hr>
Need advice?
Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098
Email us: <a href="mailto:tradesecrets@travelweekly.com">tradesecrets@travelweekly.com </a>
 
Theme song:
Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
 
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Icon of the Seas: How big can a cruise ship get?

Travel advisors, are you stuck in the technological past? In this episode of Trade Secrets,  Brian Shultz, chief information officer for Cruise Planners, joins hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada to talk about the latest in tech offerings for advisors, game-changing generative AI use cases and tools that can save you both time and money. 

This episode is sponsored by Windstar Cruises. 

Further resources and related reading:

Meet Cruise Planners’ Brian Shultz

Cruise Planners’ website and franchise site

Trade Secrets episode on generative AI: How do I use generative AI to improve my travel agency’s workflow?

From TravelAge West:
WTTC report: Artificial intelligence has the potential to ‘revolutionize’ travel and tourism
How travel advisors can get ahead using artificial intelligence

From Travel Weekly:
Travel takes on generative AI
At Ensemble event, confronting the emergence of AI in travel

Travel advisor Lorryn Langton’s poem created with generative AI, made for a group headed to Puerto Vallarta and posted in their private Facebook page:

T'was the night before Mexico, in the Midwest so cold, the women were bustling, their spirits so bold. With tequila in mind and pools to explore, they readied themselves for adventures galore.

Sunshine awaited, a tropical delight, a respite from winter, a warm welcome sight. Catamaran sailings and whale spotting too, an escape from the cold, a dream coming true.

The bags were all packed, passports in hand, visions of palm trees and white sandy land. To Mexico they'd go, leaving winter behind, A getaway to unwind, a paradise they'd find.

Spa time awaited, relaxation in store, A pampering session, leaving stress at the door. In the warmth of the sun, with a breeze so divine, They'd sip on cocktails, letting worries decline.

So, on the eve of departure, excitement so high, the women embraced, beneath the moonlit sky. To Mexico they'd journey, from the cold they'd break free, a holiday adventure, just as it should be.

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com 



Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license



See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Travel advisors, are you stuck in the technological past? In this episode of Trade Secrets,  Brian Shultz, chief information officer for Cruise Planners, joins hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada to talk about the latest in tech offerings for advisors, game-changing generative AI use cases and tools that can save you both time and money. 
This episode is sponsored by <a href="https://www.windstarcruises.com/">Windstar Cruises</a>. 
<hr>
Further resources and related reading:
Meet Cruise Planners’ <a href="https://www.cruiseplanners.com/about-us/executive-team/brian-shultz-cio">Brian Shultz</a> 
Cruise Planners’ <a href="https://www.cruiseplanners.com/">website</a> and <a href="https://www.cruiseplannersfranchise.com/">franchise site</a>
<a href="https://www.travelagewest.com/Podcasts/Trade-Secrets/trade-secrets-podcast-artificial-intelligence-for-travel-advisors">Trade Secrets episode</a> on generative AI: How do I use generative AI to improve my travel agency’s workflow?
From TravelAge West:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.travelagewest.com/Industry-Insight/Opinion/travel-planning-with-ai">WTTC report: Artificial intelligence has the potential to ‘revolutionize’ travel and tourism</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.travelagewest.com/Industry-Insight/Business-Features/ai-travel-agent">How travel advisors can get ahead using artificial intelligence</a></li>
</ul>
From Travel Weekly:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Travel-Agent-Issues/Travel-takes-on-generative-AI">Travel takes on generative AI</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Travel-Agent-Issues/Ensemble-travel-agents-event-addresses-AI">At Ensemble event, confronting the emergence of AI in travel</a></li>
</ul>
Travel advisor Lorryn Langton’s poem created with generative AI, made for a group headed to Puerto Vallarta and posted in their private Facebook page:
T'was the night before Mexico, in the Midwest so cold, the women were bustling, their spirits so bold. With tequila in mind and pools to explore, they readied themselves for adventures galore.
Sunshine awaited, a tropical delight, a respite from winter, a warm welcome sight. Catamaran sailings and whale spotting too, an escape from the cold, a dream coming true.
The bags were all packed, passports in hand, visions of palm trees and white sandy land. To Mexico they'd go, leaving winter behind, A getaway to unwind, a paradise they'd find.
Spa time awaited, relaxation in store, A pampering session, leaving stress at the door. In the warmth of the sun, with a breeze so divine, They'd sip on cocktails, letting worries decline.
So, on the eve of departure, excitement so high, the women embraced, beneath the moonlit sky. To Mexico they'd journey, from the cold they'd break free, a holiday adventure, just as it should be.
<hr>
Need advice?
Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098
Email us: <a href="mailto:tradesecrets@travelweekly.com">tradesecrets@travelweekly.com </a>
 
Theme song:
Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
 
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Travel advisors, are you using the right tech stack?

This week on Trade Secrets, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada gaze into their crystal balls to reveal what 2024 might hold for the travel agency community. They share what’s in and what’s out for this year, along with major trends that will shape the advisor landscape. They’ll even share some resolutions for themselves and for the podcast. 

Here’s a preview of what’s in and what’s out, according to our hosts.

Emma’s “in for 2024” list:
Using a travel advisor!
High prices for both accommodations and airfare.
Europe: Italy, Greece and Portugal are all hot spots.
Group and event travel.
River cruising for younger generations.
Authentic, immersive experiences.

Emma’s “out for 2024” list:
Peak-season travel (book shoulder season!)
Last-minute trips (book early!)
Leaving sustainability out of the conversation.
Working to the point of burnout.
Being afraid of technology that can actually help business.

Jamie’s “in and out for 2024” list:
In: Being a traveler. Out: Being a tourist (credit to Signature Travel Network’s Ignacio Mazza)
In: 201 destinations. Out: 101 destinations (credit to Jetset World Travel affiliate Sarah Sullivan)
In: Slow travel. Out: The quick, cram-it-all-in trip
In: On-time flights. Out: Flight disruptions (fingers crossed)
Out: Economy class. In: Business and first (this is an aspirational joke for Jamie, who almost always flies economy)

Further resources:

Trade Secrets episode on burnout, balance and more

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com 



Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license



See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Trade Secrets, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada gaze into their crystal balls to reveal what 2024 might hold for the travel agency community. They share what’s in and what’s out for this year, along with major trends that will shape the advisor landscape. They’ll even share some resolutions for themselves and for the podcast. 
Here’s a preview of what’s in and what’s out, according to our hosts.
Emma’s “in for 2024” list:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Using a travel advisor!</li>
<li aria-level="1">High prices for both accommodations and airfare.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Europe: Italy, Greece and Portugal are all hot spots.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Group and event travel.</li>
<li aria-level="1">River cruising for younger generations.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Authentic, immersive experiences.</li>
</ul>
Emma’s “out for 2024” list:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Peak-season travel (book shoulder season!)</li>
<li aria-level="1">Last-minute trips (book early!)</li>
<li aria-level="1">Leaving sustainability out of the conversation.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Working to the point of burnout.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Being afraid of technology that can actually help business.</li>
</ul>
Jamie’s “in and out for 2024” list:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">In: Being a traveler. Out: Being a tourist (credit to Signature Travel Network’s Ignacio Mazza)</li>
<li aria-level="1">In: 201 destinations. Out: 101 destinations (credit to Jetset World Travel affiliate Sarah Sullivan)</li>
<li aria-level="1">In: Slow travel. Out: The quick, cram-it-all-in trip</li>
<li aria-level="1">In: On-time flights. Out: Flight disruptions (fingers crossed)</li>
<li aria-level="1">Out: Economy class. In: Business and first (this is an aspirational joke for Jamie, who almost always flies economy)</li>
</ul>
<hr>
Further resources:
<a href="https://www.travelweekly.com/Podcasts/Trade-Secrets/travel-advisor-burnout">Trade Secrets episode</a> on burnout, balance and more
<hr>
Need advice?
Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098
Email us: <a href="mailto:tradesecrets@travelweekly.com">tradesecrets@travelweekly.com </a>
 
Theme song:
Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
 
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Decoding 2024: What trends will shape the travel advisor landscape?

Trade Secrets is on a break right now, but will be back starting Jan. 29 with brand-new episodes. In the meantime, we wanted to share one of our favorite episodes from season four. It’s also one of the most popular.

This episode was recorded at the ASTA Global Convention in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on May 2, 2023. Co-hosts Jamie Biesiada and Emma Weissmann rounded up some of the industry’s finest to offer their best advice to travel advisors. They touch on everything from sustainability, to entering the luxury market, and beyond.

Further resources:

The ASTA Travel Advisor Conference 2024 

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com 



Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license



See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trade Secrets is on a break right now, but will be back starting Jan. 29 with brand-new episodes. In the meantime, we wanted to share one of our favorite episodes from season four. It’s also one of the most popular.
This episode was recorded at the ASTA Global Convention in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on May 2, 2023. Co-hosts Jamie Biesiada and Emma Weissmann rounded up some of the industry’s finest to offer their best advice to travel advisors. They touch on everything from sustainability, to entering the luxury market, and beyond.
<hr>
Further resources:
The <a href="https://www.asta.org/professional-development/events/event-detail/2024/05/29/industry-calendar/global-convention-2024">ASTA Travel Advisor Conference</a> 2024 
<hr>
Need advice?
Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098
Email us: <a href="mailto:tradesecrets@travelweekly.com">tradesecrets@travelweekly.com </a>
 
Theme song:
Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
 
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Encore: Top travel pros and their best advice for advisors

Trade Secrets is on a holiday break, but in the meantime, we wanted to share some of Travel Weekly and TravelAge West’s other podcasts with our listeners. This week’s episode is Humans of Travel, hosted by Trade Secrets co-host Emma Weissmann, featuring AmaWaterways’ Kristin Karst.

If you’ve worked in the travel industry for any length of time, you’re probably familiar with Karst. The co-owner and executive vice president of river cruise line AmaWaterways, Karst is a staple at most travel industry conferences, perhaps best known for her bubbly personality, welcoming demeanor and close, personal relationships with travel advisors.

However, many travel industry colleagues may not know Karst’s unique backstory. She was born and grew up in Dresden, a German town along the Elbe River, in what was formerly Eastern Germany, under a regime that mostly kept Karst and her family isolated from the Western World.

In this episode of Humans of Travel, Karst reflects on a childhood spent under the Socialist Unity Party of Germany, and how the limited travel her family was able to do allowed her to gain an appreciation for all that Eastern Europe had to offer and fostered an early love of tourism.

Karst will also dive into what it was like when the Berlin Wall came down in 1989, and how she got her start in the travel industry as a leisure manager at American Express Travel, a role that she kept until she moved to Southern California and met Rudi Schreiner, her husband-to-be and the former president of Viking Cruises.

Listeners will hear Karst reflect on the early days of AmaWaterways, how she keeps her work-life balance in check and what’s behind her unwavering positivity.

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com 



Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license



See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trade Secrets is on a holiday break, but in the meantime, we wanted to share some of Travel Weekly and TravelAge West’s other podcasts with our listeners. This week’s episode is Humans of Travel, hosted by Trade Secrets co-host Emma Weissmann, featuring AmaWaterways’ Kristin Karst.
If you’ve worked in the travel industry for any length of time, you’re probably familiar with Karst. The co-owner and executive vice president of river cruise line<a href="http://www.amawaterways.com"> AmaWaterways</a>, Karst is a staple at most travel industry conferences, perhaps best known for her bubbly personality, welcoming demeanor and close, personal relationships with travel advisors.
However, many travel industry colleagues may not know Karst’s unique backstory. She was born and grew up in Dresden, a German town along the Elbe River, in what was formerly Eastern Germany, under a regime that mostly kept Karst and her family isolated from the Western World.
In this episode of Humans of Travel, Karst reflects on a childhood spent under the Socialist Unity Party of Germany, and how the limited travel her family was able to do allowed her to gain an appreciation for all that Eastern Europe had to offer and fostered an early love of tourism.
Karst will also dive into what it was like when the Berlin Wall came down in 1989, and how she got her start in the travel industry as a leisure manager at American Express Travel, a role that she kept until she moved to Southern California and met Rudi Schreiner, her husband-to-be and the former president of Viking Cruises.
Listeners will hear Karst reflect on the early days of AmaWaterways, how she keeps her work-life balance in check and what’s behind her unwavering positivity.
<hr>
Need advice?
Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098
Email us: <a href="mailto:tradesecrets@travelweekly.com">tradesecrets@travelweekly.com </a>
 
Theme song:
Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
 
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trade Secrets presents Humans of Travel: Kristin Karst of AmaWaterways

Trade Secrets is on a holiday break, but in the meantime, we wanted to share some of Travel Weekly and TravelAge West’s other podcasts with our listeners. This week’s episode is The Folo, hosted by Travel Weekly’s Rebecca Tobin. Each week, The Folo digs deep into a topic of interest in the travel industry.

On this episode, Tobin talks to Trade Secrets co-host Jamie Biesiada, also a senior editor at Travel Weekly covering retail travel sales and theme parks, about Disney’s planned $60 billion investment in its parks, experiences and products division over the next 10 years.

They talk about what Disney’s been up to, the competition and what could be coming down the road. Most especially, they hone in on what kind of changes travel advisors would most like to see.

This episode is sponsored by ALG Vacations. 

Need advice?

Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098

Email us: tradesecrets@travelweekly.com 



Theme song:

Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license



See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trade Secrets is on a holiday break, but in the meantime, we wanted to share some of Travel Weekly and TravelAge West’s other podcasts with our listeners. This week’s episode is The Folo, hosted by Travel Weekly’s Rebecca Tobin. Each week, The Folo digs deep into a topic of interest in the travel industry.
On this episode, Tobin talks to Trade Secrets co-host Jamie Biesiada, also a senior editor at Travel Weekly covering retail travel sales and theme parks, about Disney’s planned $60 billion investment in its parks, experiences and products division over the next 10 years.
They talk about what Disney’s been up to, the competition and what could be coming down the road. Most especially, they hone in on what kind of changes travel advisors would most like to see.
This episode is sponsored by <a href="algvacations.com/givesyoumore">ALG Vacations</a>. 
<hr>
Need advice?
Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098
Email us: <a href="mailto:tradesecrets@travelweekly.com">tradesecrets@travelweekly.com </a>
 
Theme song:
Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
 
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trade Secrets presents The Folo: A wish list for Disney’s $60 billion parks plan

Welcome to Trade Secrets, a podcast from the editors of Travel Weekly and TravelAge West, where travel advisors ask -- and answer -- questions. On each podcast, our editors will ask a veteran travel advisor to join them and field listeners’ questions. Topics will range from business advice to industry trends, history and more — as long as it’s travel-related, we want to address it! Find Trade Secrets wherever you get your podcasts, or at travelweekly.com/podcasts.

ABOUT YOUR HOSTS:

Jamie Biesiada is a senior editor with Travel Weekly. She is an award-winning journalist, including being named the American Society of Travel Advisors’ 2019 Travel Journalist of the Year. Her roots are in community journalism, where she was the editor of several local newspapers and a regional entertainment magazine.

Emma Weissmann is a Senior Editor of TravelAge West, a print and online magazine for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She is also the host of the Humans of Travel podcast, where she interviews notable individuals in the travel industry about their lives — the highs and lows that make them human.


Theme song:
Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information

Welcome to Trade Secrets, a podcast from the editors of Travel Weekly and TravelAge West, where travel advisors ask -- and answer -- questions. On each podcast, our editors will ask a veteran travel advisor to join them and field listeners&rsquo; questions. Topics will range from business advice to industry trends, history and more &mdash; as long as it&rsquo;s travel-related, we want to address it! Find Trade Secrets wherever you get your podcasts, or at <a href="http://travelweekly.com/podcasts">travelweekly.com/podcasts</a>.
<hr>
ABOUT YOUR HOSTS:
Jamie Biesiada is a senior editor with Travel Weekly. She is an award-winning journalist, including being named the American Society of Travel Advisors&rsquo; 2019 Travel Journalist of the Year. Her roots are in community journalism, where she was the editor of several local newspapers and a regional entertainment magazine.
Emma Weissmann is a Senior Editor of TravelAge West, a print and online magazine for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She is also the host of the Humans of Travel podcast, where she interviews notable individuals in the travel industry about their lives &mdash; the highs and lows that make them human.
<hr>
 Theme song: Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod Link: <a href="https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop">https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop</a> License: <a href="https://filmmusic.io/standard-license">https://filmmusic.io/standard-license</a>
<hr>
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information

Trade Secrets

Social links:

Follow the podcast:

76 clip(s)