The voice of the travel agency community
Have you had the experience when driving of unexpectedly seeing a car or pedestrian emerge from your “blind-spot”? The sudden awareness of a nearly missed accident is more than a little disconcerting. One moment everything is fine, and then without warning, you are blind-sided by something as obvious as a Ford Explorer.
The same thing can happen to you in your travel practice unless you take terrific precautions to be self-aware. Read the rest of this entry »
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises was founded in 1976 by Yugoslavian entrepreneur Serba Illich. Based in California, the company began operating river cruises along the waterways of Europe in 1993. Uniworld sails through some of Europe’s most spectacular cities and towns, in addition to offering river cruises that explore the wonders of Russia, the magic of Egypt, and the ancient civilizations of China, Vietnam and Cambodia. But today, we will look at the Danube. Read the rest of this entry »
We shop where we are appreciated. Every year, when my watch stops, I go to the neighborhood jewelry store for battery replacement. Surrounded by gold and diamonds, my relatively tiny purchase consistently earns me a smile worthy of a top customer. When the timepiece itself needed replacement, I knew exactly who could help. ‘My’ jeweler values every dollar. The level of service she gives is not biased by the number of dollars I spend. Read the rest of this entry »
Do you ever want to just give up on social advertising? Quit! Finito!
It just seems pointless and it doesn’t work anyway, right? Besides everyone is far too busy!
If that’s what you’re thinking, you’re not alone! Here’s some common reasons to stop advertising socially. Read the rest of this entry »
Last week, we had a large boat show in our town and one of my favorite restaurants posted a photo with some sailing social media influencers who were in town grabbing a burger on their Facebook page. I was interested so I clicked on the image to enlarge it and got a surprise! Read the rest of this entry »
October is the biggest booking month of the year, is your view of money getting in the way of your sales success?
Pamela Danziger of Unity Marketing cites survey results by her company that indicate the majority of consumers expect to pay full price for luxury goods.
Everything, that is, except travel. So, while the luxury buyer proudly pays full price for a Louis Vuitton bag, 64% of those surveyed said they got a “discount or a deal” on travel. Not only were they given a discount, they expected it! Read the rest of this entry »
The team at ShoreTrips has traveled to over 400 destinations around the world and came up with a list of our best recommendations for your next world travel experience. From the far corners of Asia to the United States, here is a list of must-see travel experiences to fuel your wanderlust in 2019. Read the rest of this entry »
This is the seventh of seven articles in a series titled Discover Your Group Niche. You will be able find the others in our Point-to-Point section.
Michael: I DECLARE BANKRUPTCY!
Oscar: I just wanted you to know that you can’t just say the word bankruptcy and expect anything to happen.
Michael: I didn’t say it. I declared it.
Fans of The Office will instantly recall this hilarious segment from Season 4, Episode 4. Michael believes he will solve his financial woes in three words. His staff accountant is quick to correct him. The solution requires more than words, it requires him to take action! Read the rest of this entry »
Australia, and its companion country New Zealand, have always been known for their natural beauty and unique cultures. And, sometimes, we need a little help from a guide to show us the good sites – which is AAT Kings’ goal. Starting with a simple trip from Sydney to the Blue Mountains in 1912, AAT Kings has had a long history of showing travelers Australia and New Zealand. Read the rest of this entry »
With the Wave Season just around the corner and a steady increase in the number of travel advisors requesting customised pre and post cruse extensions, this week I’m introducing 9 imaginatively themed 2-3-night ideas that will start conversations with clients planning cruises starting or finishing in Southampton, Dover, Tilbury or Harwich. With a little help from me, they will strengthen your relationship with each of them and generate some very valuable extra commission. Read the rest of this entry »
I’m doing something a little unusual for this TRO installment! In order to maintain privacy, I’m answering a question without providing the specific exchange. Over the past two weeks, several travel advisors reached out to me to let me know that their host are not paying their commissions (sometimes to the tune of tens of thousands of dollars). Read the rest of this entry »
This is part 2 of Common Sense Reminders:
7. It is not enough to take care of customers. You have to care about them. Great service isn’t just a transaction, it’s a bond. I am reminded of my recommendation to “Treat Your Customers Like Dogs.” This is not a slur. It is common sense. We just don’t care about our beloved pets. We care about them night and day.
If you need another “cute” doggie reminder try this one for size: “It is not wise to bite the hand that feeds you.” My suggestion is to care about the person who holds the wallet. Read the rest of this entry »
On the west coast of Canada is the cosmopolitan city of Vancouver. The city is only about 125 years old, but it has grown to be one of the most diverse in the world. It started from a tiny shanty town located at the modern site of Gastown, located directly next to the downtown area. A city kind to the arts and proud of its native heritage, with an astounding amount of nature right at its doorstep, Vancouver welcomes the traveler to experience the Canadian way of life. Read the rest of this entry »
Born and educated in the Netherlands, Gordon Dirker has enjoyed an extensive career in the travel industry. Prior to being appointed VP of Business Development, Americas for Celestyal Cruises in January 2018, Gordon spent nearly 18 years working for the Travel Corporation. This was followed by nearly 4 years with the Norway based expedition cruise and ferry line, Hurtigruten. He started as a BDM for Contiki Holidays based in Baltimore, MD. After 1 year, Gordon was promoted and moved to London to lead their sales and marketing efforts in the UK and Europe. This was followed by a move back to LA where he spent 6 years at Brendan Vacations in a similar senior role. He left the Travel Corporation to become the regional VP for the USA and Canada with Hurtigruten. Gordon is married and resides in Seattle. In his free time, he likes to ski, hike and explore the Eastern Mediterranean. Read the rest of this entry »
Just to the south of mainland Australia is an island that is the smallest of its states, Tasmania. Known as ‘Tassie’ to the locals, protected natural areas make up almost 42% of the land area. White sands line the east coast, hiking includes waterfalls and wild forests. Tasmania is wilderness meets the modern world – with a dash of excellent wines.
Budapest is a treasure of Eastern Europe, an architectural wonder of baroque and neoclassical. Located on the famous Danube River, its beauty is from a time that memorializes eras of classical music and Roman roots. The sights, the food, and nightlife combine into a fantastic foray into the “Paris of the East.” Read the rest of this entry »
One of the oldest cities in Poland, Poznań has been around for 1,200 years. Today Poznań combines old-style charm with a modern city, business center and western atmosphere. It features interesting museums to visit and an old-world square during the day, and an energetic nightlife. Shortlisted for European Best Destination 2019, Poznań is one of Poland’s gems shining bright. Read the rest of this entry »
A conversation with one of our Society of International Railway Travelers (IRT) clients one recent Sunday morning went like this:
Text to my phone early morning: “My passport is lost! We are in London. Help!!” Read the rest of this entry »
When it comes to a world tour, it means to go and explore. There are a number of tours which exist and you will need to understand what each one of them really means. There is the hosted, independent, and escorted tour. The independent tour means that you are traveling on your own. This is where the travel company only takes the initiative to book your hotel and then seating on your own for any train or boat rides. When you land in the country you are going to, you will have to find your way to the hotel and make arrangements of what and where you want to go and see on your own. Read the rest of this entry »
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