Travel Research Online | The voice of the travel agency community

Let me ask a question for your consideration: What Are You Worth?

Let me provide the answer for you: “It depends.”

The reason you have to give a less than precise answer regarding this question is simple: the value of any product or service is not entirely inherent in the product or service by itself. You cannot answer the question without asking about the context.

For example, consider a six night Western Caribbean cruise on Disney Cruise Line in March, inside cabin, for $1,296. Is that a good deal?  What if you upgrade me to a balcony cabin for free?  That cabin on the same cruise is listed for $2,490. Is it a good “deal” now?

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Be they husbands and wives, mothers and daughters, or sisters and brothers, more and more travel advisors are finding there’s no better new hire than a member of your very own family. When you need a helping hand or a travel buddy—and when you consider a succession plan—many say home is the best place to start looking.

Avanti Destinations, founded in 1981 and one of the first wholesalers to offer travel retailers the capacity to custom-build their own packages online, has introduced a new series of pre-formed packages it calls “fixed price” packages. Avanti is offering 58 of the non-customizable packages for travel in 18 countries in Asia, Latin America and the South Pacific.

It’s the opposite of Avanti’s original model of offering easily-assembled packages built to order. But it is complementary to it, and it fills out the wholesaler’s service profile nicely.

The fixed price packages are available for Read the rest of this entry »

International travel becomes a bit more complicated when navigating with a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) conviction in your client’s rearview mirror. DUIs, seemingly straightforward in their nature, can actually vary significantly in their impact on travel opportunities, depending on the destination and the severity of the offense.

While some nations may treat a DUI as a minor offense, akin to a misdemeanor, others elevate its seriousness to that of a felony, especially if it involved harm to others or property. This distinction is crucial, as it directly impacts a traveler’s eligibility to enter certain countries. Read the rest of this entry »

Helene devastated Western North Carolina, taking lives and livelihoods. Many homes, restaurants, shops and even entire villages were swept away by torrential flooding and landslides. High winds took down trees that blocked roadways and destroyed houses. The death toll now stands at more than 230, with many more missing. Read the rest of this entry »

I was reminded again this week of the power of the sincere compliment. The scene this time was a small country restaurant in Richfield Springs, New York. This is a lazy little upstate town situated on Route 20 between Syracuse and Albany. I call it a restaurant but the term coffee dive might do it more poetic justice.  It is a small “joint” that serves breakfast. Got the picture? Read the rest of this entry »

In the age of big data, travel agents are sitting on a goldmine of information that can transform marketing strategies. Personalized travel marketing is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. The days of blasting generic travel deals to your entire email list are over. Travelers want experiences tailored to their unique interests and preferences, and using data to deliver personalized marketing can significantly boost customer loyalty and conversions. Read the rest of this entry »

The Travel Institute is again offering its dedicated TRIPKIT^SM Scholarship Fund, providing tuition assistance on the education leader’s award-winning new agent training program.

First launched in January 2024 in celebration of the non-profit educator’s 60th anniversary, the TRIPKIT scholarship is available during October while funds last Read the rest of this entry »

North American tourism to Switzerland has doubled since 2019 and the demand for increased transportation has been answered. Convenient and culturally immersive, Switzerland has given the North American tourist, and diligently planning travel agents, a giant transportation high five. There are now three new and noteworthy options for entering this picturesque, storybook country. For business or leisure tourists, getting to Switzerland has never been easier or more culturally immersive Read the rest of this entry »

Our last article showcasing Costa Rica Dream Adventures included the thrill of walking along suspended bridges over the jungle forest below. And for the more adventurous there was ziplining through those jungle canopies, as well as how their safety standards for this experience are top tier.

CRDA’s customized Costa Rica trips are a traveler’s dream. But what about the support the traveler gets while indulging in the best this country has to offer? What about the travel advisor?

My first interview with Lisa Watson went great. She was easy-going and her dedication of work to the creation of FyndTravel was obvious. However, a dead computer on my end took all text and recordings with it to the scrapyard. Chaos happens, I suppose.

We tried again and, as expected, I found the conversation just as enjoyable and informative.

Lisa started our conversation by pulling up a screen share Read the rest of this entry »

In a bold stride to strengthen its dedication to advisor education and training, American Marketing Group (AMG) has grown its professional development team, focusing on delivering the exclusive benefits of its innovative programs to a broader audience. With the recent appointment of Diana Hnatov and Clare Burke, advisors affiliated with AMG’s renowned travel agency networks—TRAVELSAVERS, NEST, and The Affluent Traveler Collection—can expect significant advancements in their professional development journeys. Read the rest of this entry »

Bill Coyle has become an essential travel industry resource with over 30 years of experience leading his own brick and mortar travel agency, serving on several agent advisory boards, and advocating for travel advisors on a national level with the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA). His experience empowers and educates KHM Travel Group’s agents as the Vice President of Agent Engagement. As KHM Travel Group’s first-ever Limelight Award recipient for going above and beyond, Bill brings a spirited passion for travel in all his professional endeavors and continues to book travel for his longtime clients. Read the rest of this entry »

When you think of US destinations that embody the “travel as a living classroom” theme, Washington DC is undoubtedly at the top of the list. With back-to-school season here, there’s no better way to enhance your child’s education than with a fun and enriching family getaway to our nation’s capital this fall. From the Lincoln Memorial to the Capitol Building and beyond, it’s an experience filled with countless teaching moments. Beyond the iconic monuments and memorials, Washington DC boasts incredible museums, stunning architecture, rich culture, natural beauty, and so much more.

For over two decades, Beyond Times Square has been the go-to destination management company for travelers seeking personalized, behind-the-scenes experiences in major US cities like New York, Washington D.C., Boston, and Philadelphia. Now the luxury travel experts are have announced the addition of two new destinations to their exclusive portfolio—the quintessential Southern charmers of Savannah, Georgia and Charleston, South Carolina Read the rest of this entry »

Central Holidays has been a leader in creating remarkable travel experiences since 1972. Together with their parent company, SGI, Central Holidays has been at the forefront of delivering travel programs, value, and service across Italy, the Mediterranean, Egypt, Africa, West Asia, and Latin America. Specializing in bespoke group and individual travel, their itineraries are comprised of luxury, ultra-customization, experiential journeys, and cultural adventures that bring destinations to life in unforgettable ways.

Tasmania, Australia’s southernmost state, is separated from mainland Australia across the Bass Strait by 150 miles. This small, heart-shaped island is too often overlooked by international travelers. Tasmania boasts both rugged coastlines and pristine beaches, as well as ancient rainforests and alpine regions. Fascinating wildlife and diverse topography make Australia’s island state a destination worthy of consideration for any visitor to Australia.

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There isn’t a single wisp of smoke curling out of the top of Mount Vesuvius as we walk up its stony brown slopes.

A few birds are twittering in the bushes, but we leave we them behind as the path rises above fertile ground. It’s silent, except for the scrunch of feet on clinker. It’s too quiet, too calm. Are we about to get taken out in an unexpected rumble of smoke, ash, flames and lava spewing into the skies and tumbling down upon us? Read the rest of this entry »

Romance Travel Forum, an exclusive B2B event focused on destination weddings, honeymoons, and other romantic occasions celebrated with travel, recently concluded with outstanding reviews, and strong optimism for increased business amongst participants.  Produced by Travel Show Marketing Group (TravelSMG), an independent event organizer catering to the Travel Advisor market, this exclusive event was held at the Secrets Moxché Playa Del Carmen resort in Mexico from June  25 – 29.  The sold-out 2023 edition was Read the rest of this entry »