What if you had a crystal ball to tell what was in store for the future of travel? Our ‘Next Normal’ is sure to be a big departure from our ‘Past Normal’, but the reality is this: There is no crystal ball.

However, there are leading experts who are watching and analyzing industry trends and sentiment. These industry thinkers and futurists have shared their perspectives over the last couple of weeks. So, let’s piggy-back on their insights for travel trends and pull together some key initiatives you can put in place in your own sector of our industry. Read the rest of this entry »

As most of you know, I started in the travel business working on cruise ships. First as a diver, then as a purser. I have always been interested in navigation and many evenings after my shift ended, I would wander up to the bridge. Several of the deck officers took me under their wing (I think they were happy to have some company) and taught me how to use the charts (maps), electronics, and other equipment. Read the rest of this entry »

“We can’t escape fear. We can only transform it into a companion that accompanies us in all our exciting adventure; it is not an anchor holding us transfixed to one spot.”

– Dr. Susan Jeffers, Feel the Fear… and Do It Anyway

Training wheels cut the risk of falling off a bike. They provide little kids a sense of safety and confidence. Read the rest of this entry »

In reviewing one of my old PowerPoint presentations, I came across a series of slides that I think would be perfect to use as daily topics for the next 20 days.

The title of the presentation was 20 Sales Tips in 25 Minutes. For the next 20 days I plan on commenting on each specific tip. For lack of better term, you can consider this as an example of a marketing drip campaign. Read the rest of this entry »

The calendar tells me it is June 15th. The weather channel tells me its 44 degrees outside. It is not supposed to be 44 degrees on June 15th. The summer solstice arrives in a week and I am bundled up like Nanook of The North.

There are a lot of things happening today that aren’t supposed to be happening. But they are. Covid-19 cases are not supposed to go on increasing. Burning stores and destroying cars aren’t supposed to be happening. Wearing face masks and virtually saying good-bye to the handshake enter the picture. Read the rest of this entry »

If you visit any online internet marketing forum, you are going to find people promoting article marketing and other forms of marketing for generating opt-in signups, visitors to your website and, above all else, current interest in your services.

Drafting an article is an important first step when starting an article marketing campaign, but this doesn’t come easily to everyone. In an attempt to help the process along, here are four tips that will jump-start your article marketing campaign. Read the rest of this entry »

Slowly it is happening. We’ve been hiding in the basement, terrified of COVID-19 for more than 13 weeks. Revenue (and income) has dried up. Many of us are still fighting to get that first unemployment check and that $1200 stimulus (if you were lucky enough to get it) has long dried up. But now, we are slowly opening that basement door and peeking out to see if it is safe.  Now what? Read the rest of this entry »

I’m uncertain of the metaphysical reality of karma, but something about it rings true to me.  If there is indeed anything to the notion, however, I shudder at what an absolute mess I must have been in my previous life, because the particular one I’m living now seems completely devoted to teaching me by trial and error. The mistakes I have made in business, as a parent, partner, and human being are legion.

A distant mentor suggests we learn to celebrate our mistakes. I not only concur, I consider it necessary.  Read the rest of this entry »

Silversea Cruises has taken delivery of its first-ever destination-specific ship, Silver Origin, from Dutch shipyard De Hoop. A ceremony held on Wednesday June 3, 2020, marked the first in-person cruise ship delivery since COVID-19 prompted a global lockdown. Read the rest of this entry »

Did somebody just say Magic Pill? Everyone knows there are no Magic Pills. Or is there?

There seems to be a pill for just about everything these days… from headaches, to pain killers to weight loss to cholesterol control… to unexpected “intimate moments” for you old guys. Yet, most sales and marketing gurus, coaches, consultants and trainers are quick to remind you that the Magic Pill for business success has not been approved by the FDA.

You might be correct if you think there isn’t a single pill that does it all. Read the rest of this entry »

I don’t know if you saw the Development Counsellors International report issued in late March, about what travel advisors need from destinations during COVID-19, but my eye was caught by the fact that while you were dealing with cancellations and reassuring clients about future bookings, 38 percent reported using this time to engage in professional education.

If that includes you, take a look at my April and May articles. You’ll discover that I’m providing you with information on internationally renowned ANNUAL events and festivals that can provide the cornerstone for a UK tour Read the rest of this entry »

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This article was cut short earlier in the week without a clear message.

Today’s message comes via a true experience from a friend of mine. It is a “good news – bad news” story. I think the lesson is worth sharing.

My friend, who happens to be a professional speaker like myself, spotted an ad in his local newspaper promoting an upcoming conference being produced by an association that he had a particular interest in. Read the rest of this entry »

Funny thing about familiarity. In last week’s memo, I marveled at the fact that we just launched two men into space. They are having breakfast somewhere high above our heads going 25-bazillion mph with a view to die for. My question regarding this phenomenal feat, “In the past seven days, how much news time was devoted to this mind-blowing event? Read the rest of this entry »

Today’s message comes via a true experience from a friend of mine. It is a “good news, bad news” story. I think the lesson is worth sharing.

My friend, who happens to be a professional speaker like myself, spotted an ad in his local newspaper promoting an upcoming conference being produced by an association that he had a particular interest in.

Unlike many (most) small business owners, he sprung into action. Read the rest of this entry »

On Monday, I was walking through my basement when I spotted a paper-clipped article up against a pile of books next to my furnace. The title of the article was “Stop Talking… And Start Asking Questions.” I stopped walking… and picked the five pages up before noticing it was written in 1995. I read the entire piece and was reminded of what I (we) must already know. Read the rest of this entry »

We can all agree that the death of George Floyd was beyond horrific. An innocent life snubbed out on the will of a white cop. Floyd of course was black. In the ensuing days, the Black Live Matter movement (for lack of a better word) was thrust into the limelight relegating COVID-19 to the back burner of the news cycle. Protests erupted worldwide—some peaceful and some not so peaceful. Damage was done; but more importantly, voices were heard and I believe that right now we are on the precipice of long-overdue and much needed change. That’s great news; but there are some hidden obstacles you may need to consider. Read the rest of this entry »

How photogenic are you?  I am not.  It takes either the most amazingly lucky lighting or the most skilled of photographers to make me look good in a photograph.  I tell myself it has nothing to do with my personal appearance.  Instead, I am the victim of bad lighting. Worldwide.

So here is another example.  The percentage of people currently using a travel agent which hovers around 25% in all age categories.  Wow. So the immediate question is what does that low number mean to the profession? Read the rest of this entry »

Today’s reminder comes to you via Annapolis, Maryland — the home of the United States Naval Academy. Annapolis is one pretty town; especially on a bright, clear Saturday morning. Weather-wise, my wife and I hit a homerun as we sauntered in and out of the cute little shops. Our stroll through town occurred a few years back, but I think the message bears repeating. Read the rest of this entry »

This informative session will appeal to all walks of travelers, including solo travelers. Riviera offers 20 itineraries on 10 rivers and waterways, including exclusive departures for solo travelers with no single supplement. Moreover, Riviera hangs its hat on exceptional value, promising never to add hidden surcharges or fees. Riviera also doesn’t automatically include gratuities or drinks, so the choice is up to guests. Read the rest of this entry »

While the numbers of people suffering the worst of COVID-19 have dramatically decreased, much of the world is still cautious about travel in the near future. Poland is no different and, as mentioned in a previous article about their #CityWillWait and #PolandWilllWait campaign, it has created the first issue of Poland: Online Site Inspection – created to keep the Travel Industry updated on spaces for meeting and event planners. Read the rest of this entry »