Greetings, and Happy Halloween! I trust that your doorstep is ready for friendly ghosts and goblins tomorrow, and, if you’re anything like me, you’ve generously stocked up on full-sized candy bars to keep the demons (aka old teens) at bay. Halloween is a unique and singularly enjoyable holiday, standing apart from the cluster of others. It’s also a gentle nudge for my business, a reminder that the holidays are approaching. Read the rest of this entry »

As the ongoing Israel-Hamas war continues and State Department warnings are issued for worldwide travel for US citizens, many travelers may feel hesitant about planning a trip abroad. However, as professional travel agents, we must remind our clients that there are still options for exploring international destinations while staying safe and informed. Read the rest of this entry »

We craft comprehensive marketing and business plans each year to foster growth and engagement. While various strategies such as travel nights, travel shows, advertising, direct mail, email campaigns, and Facebook ads have traditionally constituted the marketing arsenal, there’s an often underutilized weapon in the marketing plan – sponsorships. If you haven’t considered incorporating sponsorships into your marketing strategy, you should, and here’s why. Read the rest of this entry »

As we all know, travel is an incredible experience that allows people to explore new places and cultures. However, many clients may reconsider some of their travel plans after the weekend news. With conflicts ongoing between Russia and Ukraine and now Israel and Hamas, international travel from the US may take a bit of a hit. Time will tell, but you must be prepared to suggest alternative destinations and experiences to your clients. Amazing experiences are not relegated to Europe and the Middle East. Here are five to consider! Read the rest of this entry »

Happy New Year! I know we have Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year’s to get through, but here me out. Things are slowing down in the travel world. Kids are back in school, and holiday stress is starting to kick in. Travel is likely not on the top of many to-do lists. We have three months! Don’t waste this time—clean up your act! Read the rest of this entry »

Fall is here—or so the calendar says. And for me, that is a dreaded time of the year. I love the weather, but fall always signifies the time of year when I need to knuckle down and figure out my business and marketing plans for the following year. But before pen hits paper, a lot of thought transpires. Read the rest of this entry »

2008. That’s when it all started! In September, Richard Earls made his first entry to TRO. And shortly after that, my first column appeared! It’s hard to believe it has been fifteen years since I began writing for Travel Research Online! In the time that has passed, so much has changed in the travel industry – and with TRO. From agent-submitted pieces to creating the TRO Community Forum and the latest, AI with Toby! Read the rest of this entry »

It is hard to believe that the travel world, in fact, the entire world, was changed 22 years ago this morning. I had several brick-and-mortar agencies, and that morning went from “Oh probably a small plane, that’s unfortunate” to “OMG” in a matter of 77 minutes. And it only got worse from there. For years! Read the rest of this entry »

We may be headed into a recession. Or not! The so-called experts are all over the place so it is anyone’s guess. However, the resumption of payments on student loans is suspected to be a factor. While I certainly can’t say if we will or won’t slide into a recession, I can say that it is always better to be prepared. Read the rest of this entry »

It’s back to school time, and across the United States, there are millions of kids just praying for a good school year where they can learn, have fun, and not be bullied or ostracized. It’s stressful trying to fit in as a student. But as an adult (and a business owner), it’s a little different—we look for ways to stand out! Read the rest of this entry »

As travel pros, our clients count on us to have our fingers on the pulse of the ever-changing market. People’s preferences on where they want to go are always shifting, and it’s important to stay abreast of the latest trends. It’s a good idea to stay ahead. A recent survey indicated that some of the hotspots in 2024 might be a bit out of the norm and a bit exotic. I am not so sure that the typical hotspots of London and Mexico are out, but I will definitely bone up on these ones. Read the rest of this entry »

The wildfires on the beautiful island of Maui have devastated many homes and caused a great deal of destruction. As travel agents, we are responsible for letting our clients know about this tragedy and how they can help the victims in any way possible. Read the rest of this entry »

Understanding your target customer is key to success in the travel industry. Market research is a powerful tool that can be used to identify these customers, understand their needs, and tailor your offerings to meet these needs. Today, we’ll look at a few key steps to get you started! Read the rest of this entry »

In a word, no.

The world is in a state of flux. It always has been and always will be. So, it stands to reason that the travel business is also constantly changing. Destination trends come and go, new hotels and attractions open, and there are always new travel technologies to keep up with. As a travel professional, you will be left in the dust if you are not bringing your a-game. So that ACC, MCC, CTC, VTA, or DS after your name does not mean much unless you constantly extend that education. Read the rest of this entry »

Gone are the days of uncapped airline commissions (to the newbies, yes, there was a time when airlines paid commissions and they were limitless). But in today’s environment, we must constantly look for ways to maximize revenue while providing an exceptional customer experience. Many are hesitant to employ one of the most effective strategies–up-selling and cross-selling.

Whether you’re selling flights, hotels, or tours, these techniques can help you increase your earnings and satisfy your customers simultaneously. Read the rest of this entry »

In today’s ever-changing marketing landscape, it is important to keep up with the latest trends and tools to stay competitive. Content Marketing has proved to be an effective method of promoting brands, products, and services for most industries, including travel. Today, we will look at how you can make the most of content marketing to attract and retain customers, boost your online presence, and build a loyal community of travel maniacs.

But first…. Read the rest of this entry »

In the competitive world of the travel industry, delivering awesome customer service is key to success. By going above and beyond to create unforgettable experiences, travel agencies can make their customers happy and build long-term loyalty. Today, let’s discuss some cool tips for improving customer experience in the travel industry. Read the rest of this entry »

It has been said you need to spend a buck to make one. And that is true. However, you don’t need to break the bank to do it.

Travel agents are responsible for providing clients with the best possible travel experiences—but how can they cost-effectively do this? In today’s digital age, there are many ways to enhance marketing capabilities without spending much money. Here are five tips to get you started: Read the rest of this entry »

In the wake of the unfortunate implosion of the Titan submersible, some may argue that it’s time to hang up our explorer’s hats and retreat to the familiar comforts of home. WRONG! This setback should not dampen our spirit of adventure. While losing the Titan submersible is undeniably tragic, we must embrace the thrill of discovery in a post-Titan submersible world.

Now the Titan submersible was a pretty exotic form of tourism, one that is only available to a small segment of society; however, many lessons apply to “standard” travel as well. Read the rest of this entry »

I feel ripped off. And at the risk of showing my ignorance, I will say that I only learned about Juneteenth within the past few years. How did my education let me down so badly? However, as with any segment of people, there is an opportunity to engage and teach. Read the rest of this entry »

Recently I became overwhelmed. I was falling behind on returning telephone calls, emails, and things were slipping through the cracks. Something was going to get ignored, and I could not afford that. I needed help. But I am not in a position to hire staff. I have investigated virtual assistants and could not justify the move—I tend to be one of those guys who thinks that no one can do a task as well as I can. So, what to do? I just needed to get over this hump. Read the rest of this entry »