From the steady flow of interesting travel advisor requests greeting me every morning here in the UK, two clear patterns are emerging as more and more of your UK-bound independent travellers and small groups are looking for tour ideas that:

• Travel less, so that they can see and experience a whole lot more.
• Match their interests, time frame and budget.

From my swift responses, they can see that they’ve come to the right person for quick and imaginative replies and as you read on, you’ll see that this week’s selection will help you to achieve both objectives.

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The topic you would like to see covered can be as broad or as narrow as you’d like. Please write in the topic you would like to see included in the webinar in the form at the bottom of this page. Next week, we will select the most requested topics and create a poll to narrow down. Read the rest of this entry »

My wife went to Weight Watchers once upon a time. We’re joined at the hip. Whatever she does, I do. I went to Weight Watchers. When you go to Weight Watchers, they give food points. You adhere to the point system, you will lose weight. This system works. I felt it work.

Weight Watchers works. I went home and I said, “You know, if it works for weight, it’s going to work for marketing.” So I went home and I put the point system in place with marketing. I gave points to different marketing strategies. I figured if you accumulated a certain number of points every week, you would become successful. Read the rest of this entry »

I remember telling a friend of mine that I thought things would be different once we reached our age. I thought things would be easier. I thought the hard part would be yesterday’s news. I soon found out that I was wrong… again.

This simply is not the case. But if you stop to think about it, life would be pretty boring if we all had it together before the stage lights were dimmed and the theatre was closed for the night.

Marketing is fun and entertaining because some things work and other things don’t work. The reason for this is because our world is constantly spinning… constantly in flux… constantly testing our patience. Read the rest of this entry »

Sitting next to the great expanse that is the Pacific Ocean, New Zealand is home to the Maori people and a diverse natural landscape. It is laid-back, while remaining a place full of adventure. This neighbor to Australia is worth every hour spent there, and more. That’s why Goway Travel wants to help get the traveler to the islands that don’t disappoint.

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A recent news story reported on a working woman who apparently had too much on her plate. I was instantly reminded of the lyrics from 59^th Street Bridge Song by Simon & Garfunkel.

“Slow down you’re moving too fast.

You’ve got to make the morning last.

Just kicking down the cobblestones

Looking for fun, and feeling groovy.” Read the rest of this entry »

Since 1986, Elegant Adventures has offered up the best of Central America. That’s more than 30 years of an area that has only recently exploded in popularity. As an authority in this area, Elegant Adventures pays attention to the details with an expert ear and service. Costa Rica, Belize, Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Panama… they’ve got the traveler covered from all angles.

One of the first things you notice about Elegant Adventures is the CEO, Dan Conaway. Talking with him myself in an earlier interview, he obviously has a passion regarding Central America Read the rest of this entry »

As one of Costa Rica’s major ecotourism destinations, Monteverde is a perfect place to witness the natural phenomenon of a cloud forest. These lush forests have suspension bridges, walkways, and ziplines in the canopies of dense trees – and often have low-lying clouds that create an amazing atmosphere of mystery and beauty. And Costa Rica Dream Adventures can get the traveler to this lovely slice of Mother Nature in one of the most pleasant countries on Earth. Read the rest of this entry »

I was reminded once again how impetuous behavior can cost you. This lesson came during a welcome reception on a cruise ship.

Three individuals “dumped their wagons” on an unsuspecting host at an opening cocktail party right before my very eyes. I was both disappointed and taken aback. The host was shell-shocked.

As most of you know, cruise lines do what they can to educate their distribution channels. We were all onboard as guests of a particular cruise line with hopes to become more versed in the product line. I was the motivational element of the program. Read the rest of this entry »

If you are looking for ways to build your prospect list, it might be a good idea to begin looking at other people’s work. I am talking about blogs. Not yours. Theirs.

You don’t need to you write or author a blog. That may prove to be to much work for you. This could take too much time and require too much effort. Today I am suggesting that you “respond” to other people’s blogs.

Just last week, I came across a marketing blog and I posted a return comment. It was easy and it was fast. I just shared my current thoughts on the subject as I deemed appropriate. Read the rest of this entry »

As the economy is in a state of flux and many experts are predicting a recession in the near future, we are all poised to be placed into another rough patch for your businesses. The time to take action is now when we can be proactive and not play catch up. OK, since I said there were 20 things to do to survive, shall we continue?  Read the rest of this entry »

Reading your local news (digitally or in newsprint) can become a fascinating part of your day. That is, if you know what to look for and how to respond accordingly.

Here is an example of what I am talking about:

Rutgers, the state university of New Jersey has finally gotten itself on the collegiate football map. In reading a recent article in my morning paper, I found myself focusing on a quote written by a fellow who apparently has a Rutgers related football blog. It happened to be a quote I can use in future seminars. It really hit home with me.

It referred to finding ways to make your players successful. Read the rest of this entry »

This week on Avid Travel With Britton Frost we are joined by EVP Hotel Operations & New Construction at American Queen Steamboat Company, David Kelly. Kelly and I sat down to discuss what American Queen Steamboat Company has to offer on the Mississippi, as well as what its sister company, Victory Cruise lines, has to offer in the rest of North America. Read the rest of this entry »

A very interesting thing happened this week and I wanted to share it with you.

I stumbled across a recording from a marketing specialist promoting himself as “The Sales Hunter.” His name, appropriately enough, is Mark Hunter. I think I stumbled upon him in iTunes. I liked what I heard.

I linked to his blog and as I often do, I posted my favorable comments along with a reference to my web site (so he could check me out) and I closed by suggesting that we chat sooner rather than later. As a hook, I referenced my former membership in NSA – the National Speakers Association.

By the end of the day, I had a voice mail from Mark Hunter seeking a conversation. Read the rest of this entry »

Do you ever feel overwhelmed and overloaded with social marketing, selling, accounting and balancing life & work? Whew! It’s a lot of juggling, isn’t it?

How can we make better use of our social marketing time and effort?

A tourism pro recently threw this question out to me in a workshop I was leading. So, I decided to put together a short video with some quick tips to help you avoid the social marketing overwhelm so many of us feel.

It’s no secret that live streaming video is THE way to go! Don’t waste your time….max-out the time you spend going live with these tips. Read the rest of this entry »

Morocco attracts millions of travelers each year from all over the world. And we understand why! The country offers a wide range of landscapes and activities that leave tourists in awe: beaches and seaside resorts on the Mediterranean or Atlantic coasts, Atlas (mountains or dunes), wadis, oases of the desert, or the secret lanes from the medinas of beautiful cities like Fez, Tangier, Marrakech or Casablanca. All paired with the hospitality of the locals, will leave you loving Morocco and hungry for more. Today’s article is brought to you by Holidays with Downtown.

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Torstein Hagen, founder and chairman of Viking Cruises, said in a recent interview about the success of his company, “We are focused clearly on what we are and the number of things we are not.”

As a travel professional, the message is clear. In order to stand out among the plethora of booking options, get clear on who you are and who you are not. Ask yourself, “What makes me special?” and “What do I want to be known for?”

These are powerful questions I often ask of my students and audiences. Usually, the response is an awkward silence.

If a company as large and complex as Viking Cruises knows exactly who they are, why is it so hard for retail travel professionals to gain this clarity? 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 »

I can hear many of you now, “It has taken a number of daily messages, but Marchev has finally lost his mind.” Not so fast! I still have plenty of mind left. Today’s headline says exactly what I want it to say.

I recently received a letter from a person who asked me to give her written document the old once over. If I have learned anything since leaving The University of Massachusetts, it is that editing the written word is more important than you might think at first. Read the rest of this entry »

Düsseldorf (Germany) is poised between tradition and modernity, with the many sights showing the city’s history. On the way through the legendary Old Town, you will come across little alleyways, squares and of course the waterfront with its many cafés and restaurants. A visit to Düsseldorf should definitely include a visit to the Kö (Königsallee), where more than 200 trees line this landmark boulevard. Read the rest of this entry »

Anthony Bourdain once said of Vietnam, “The food, culture, landscape, and smell; they’re all inseparable. It just seemed like another planet; a delicious one that sort of sucked me in and never let go.” And this seems to be the prevailing memories people take home from this exotic land of fantastic food and staggering natural beauty. Today’s article on Vietnam is brought to you by ChinaTour.com, and they want the agent to know all about the possibilities that Vietnam holds.

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