TravelResearchOnline.com Blog

Being the dinosaur that I am in this industry (19 years and counting); I’ve seen so much change.  Some changes are for the better, some changes are for the worse, some of them just plain old annoying.
In the beginning, life for the agent was a little more time-consuming, but, as a whole,  agents were far [...]

After thirty minutes of my time, I have three new clients. One client wants a two week customized honeymoon to South America, the other two clients want to go to Tahiti.
Let me first explain to you that 100% of my business is generated online. The Internet has been the vessel that drives my business. It’s [...]

In my last column,  I wrote an article about how the rules of dating can be applied to your business. Today, I would like to delve into that theory a little deeper.
Anyone who has been in sales for any period of time has been told time and time again that they need to “qualify” their [...]

My DSM Rocks!
Just how many agents can say that about their District Sales Managers? How many agents actually know who the DSM for their preferred suppliers are? Sure if you sell half a million dollars worth of their product they are banging down your door offering support, co-op funds and a brainstorming mind. However, what [...]

I recently wrote a column about personal networking, and how important it is to tell everyone you know, and meet, about your travel business. Once you are doing this consistently, the next logical step is to look for other local businesses that will help you spread the word to potential clients.
This kind of business-to-business networking [...]

Admit it. When I say “networking”, you cringe.
Because of all the aggressive “network marketers” out there, you immediately assume I’m talking about pushy MLM tactics designed to strong-arm your friends, relatives, and passing acquaintances into fattening your bottom line by joining your “downline”.
Well, that’s not what I’m talking about at all.

I entered the travel industry in 2006 with the intention of specializing in luxury travel. Having been an American Express Platinum card member for many years, I was very familiar with their Fine Hotels & Resorts (FHR) program which offered negotiated rates and complimentary amenities (such as free breakfasts and room upgrades) to their clients. [...]

I’ve heard it everywhere. Travel agents are a thing of the past!  Internet travel is the wave of the future.  Book directly with an online website, an airline, or even be your own travel agent with the new “travel like an insider” programs.  Is it really a consumer’s best choice?
I’ve been in travel for a [...]

As a relative newcomer to this industry, I keep running into the same issue—and it surprises me.  It isn’t just me, either; many of the newer agents I know see it every day.   Compared to most travel professionals, I’m a baby - I have less than three years in the industry.  Although I have earned [...]

As promised in my previous column, here are the “nuts & bolts” of connecting with your clients electronically. First, let me start by stating that because there are more options with all the new technology out there than there are types of clients, I can not begin to list them all. However, I will tell [...]