Strategic Travel Entrepreneur: Business Tips for Travel Agents/Advisors, Travel Agency Owners, and Travel Business Owners

Send Rita a text with your thoughts!Save your spot at Prep for Wave Week this year:  https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/prep-for-wave-week/Join us for the marketing reset your travel agency needs: https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/summer-camp-at-sea/Sell the ships you haven't sailed on, like you have: https://programs.steeryourmarketing.com/products/courses/view/1166776Insurance might be one of the most boring topics in the travel industry, and it's also the one that can wipe out your business if you get it wrong. I brought Miguel Campos of Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection back on to walk through what your host's E&O policy actually covers, and why the answer is probably less than you've been told. We get into the real difference between E&O and travel insurance, the cyber scams draining small travel businesses right now, and the wire fraud costing advisors five and six figures. Learn how to protect your travel business with coverage that holds up before you ever have to file a claim. Questions this episode answers:Does a travel advisor need their own E&O insurance if they work under a host agency?What is the difference between errors and omissions insurance and professional liability?Can a host agency's E&O policy run out of coverage before it protects you?What is the difference between general liability and professional liability for a travel business?Do travel advisors need general liability insurance for bridal shows, Christmas markets, and vendor events?How much does cyber insurance cost for a home-based travel agent?What proactive steps reduce the risk of wire transfer fraud and social engineering?Can a travel advisor be sued if a client is injured or killed on a trip?Does a signed insurance decline waiver protect a travel advisor from a lawsuit?Why do legal defense costs matter more when they're covered outside your limit of liability?Email Miguel at [email protected] Enjoy and take action!---------------------------------------------------------------Rita M. Perez (Host) first began in the travel industry as a travel advisor in 2010. She only fully realized her role as a travel entrepreneur in 2018, and embarked on a mission to support her fellow travel advisors in 2021 when she began the Strategic Travel Entrepreneur Podcast. She now strategizes with travel entrepreneurs, so they too can build sustainable travel agencies and market effectively.She's a maven when it comes to content photography and videography, and as such founded the Cruise Content Library and leads retreats and partners on FAMs where advisors get top notch content and education for their marketing efforts.Website:  https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/everything/Socials:LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritaperez19/IG: http://www.instagram.com/steeryourmarketingFB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/strategictravelentrepreneurs/ Email:[email protected]

Send Rita a text with your thoughts!Save your spot at Prep for Wave Week this year:  https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/prep-for-wave-week/Join us for the marketing reset your travel agency needs: https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/summer-camp-at-sea/Sell the ships you haven't sailed on, like you have: https://programs.steeryourmarketing.com/products/courses/view/1166776One of my favorite places in Orlando has some of the best hospitality I've ever experienced.I turned that customer service, as well as how I audit my own client experience, into a full breakdown of how you can audit your own client experience.This includes your website and inquiry form all the way through to how you follow up after someone gets home. I get into the pre-trip, during-trip, and post-trip touchpoints that make clients feel seen, plus the four things people actually want when they work with a professional. I also walk through how to run a real audit on yourself, from feedback forms and focus groups to one-on-one interviews and quick social media polls, including the exact starter questions I've used. Learn how to create a magical client experience that will have your travelers raving.Questions this episode answers:What touchpoints make up a client experience in a travel business?How do you make travel clients feel seen, heard, and cared for?How can travel advisors compete against AI, OTAs, and big-box booking sites?What should a client experience self-audit include?How do you check if your website is hurting your client experience?What questions should you ask on a client feedback form?When is the right time of year to run a feedback form or focus group?How do you run a focus group or one-on-one interview for client feedback?How do you use client feedback to improve your marketing copy and SEO?How should you thank clients who give you feedback?Get the Marketing Scorecard: https://programs.steeryourmarketing.com/products/courses/view/1187247Watch Rita's Original Presentation: https://youtu.be/8QSxkBD7MCEEnjoy and take action!---------------------------------------------------------------Rita M. Perez (Host) first began in the travel industry as a travel advisor in 2010. She only fully realized her role as a travel entrepreneur in 2018, and embarked on a mission to support her fellow travel advisors in 2021 when she began the Strategic Travel Entrepreneur Podcast. She now strategizes with travel entrepreneurs, so they too can build sustainable travel agencies and market effectively.She's a maven when it comes to content photography and videography, and as such founded the Cruise Content Library and leads retreats and partners on FAMs where advisors get top notch content and education for their marketing efforts.Website:  https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/everything/Socials:LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritaperez19/IG: http://www.instagram.com/steeryourmarketingFB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/strategictravelentrepreneurs/ Email:[email protected]

Send Rita a text with your thoughts!Save your spot at Prep for Wave Week this year:  https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/prep-for-wave-week/Join us for the ultimate content and marketing camp in 2027: https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/summer-camp-at-sea/Stop wasting hours hunting for cruise content: https://programs.steeryourmarketing.com/products/courses/view/1166776AI is everywhere in the travel industry right now, and a lot of advisors are grabbing the shiny new tool before stopping to ask whether we're actually allowed to use it in certain ways. I sat down with travel attorney and agency owner Tom Carpenter to sort out what's safe, what's risky, and what could even get you sued. We talk about why uploading legal documents or client info into open source AI can eliminate your attorney-client privilege and expose sensitive data, the difference between open and closed source tools, and the one court case that proves you're on the hook for whatever your chatbot tells a client. If you're using AI in your business and you want to keep your booty protected, give this one a listen. Questions this episode answers:Can travel advisors legally use AI to draft their own terms and conditions or contracts?Is it legal to upload a document you didn't write into an AI tool?Why can free AI end up costing you more than a paid closed source toolShould travel agents add the AI tools they use to their data privacy policy?Can recording an AI chat on your website violate Florida wiretapping laws?Should you trust a host agency whose support answers come from ChatGPT?What is the difference between privileged and confidential client information?Does putting a copyright on your itinerary stop clients from booking without you?Connect with Tom on FB: https://www.instagram.com/travelprotheory/Tom's Email Address: [email protected] Enjoy and take action!---------------------------------------------------------------Rita M. Perez (Host) first began in the travel industry as a travel advisor in 2010. She only fully realized her role as a travel entrepreneur in 2018, and embarked on a mission to support her fellow travel advisors in 2021 when she began the Strategic Travel Entrepreneur Podcast. She now strategizes with travel entrepreneurs, so they too can build sustainable travel agencies and market effectively.She's a maven when it comes to content photography and videography, and as such founded the Cruise Content Library and leads retreats and partners on FAMs where advisors get top notch content and education for their marketing efforts.Website:  https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/everything/Socials:LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritaperez19/IG: http://www.instagram.com/steeryourmarketingFB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/strategictravelentrepreneurs/ Email:[email protected]

Send Rita a text with your thoughts!Join us at Prep for Wave Week this year:  https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/prep-for-wave-week/Join us for the ultimate content and marketing camp in 2027: https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/summer-camp-at-sea/Stop wasting hours hunting for cruise content: https://programs.steeryourmarketing.com/products/courses/view/1166776Kate from Travel Pro Theory is here to nerd out with me about all the creative ways travel advisors can use AI. We walked through the whole lay of the land, from chatting with AI to setting up projects, building skills, and letting Cowork run scheduled tasks that do the tedious work for you. Kate shares how she uses connectors to analyze her email data, target her most engaged people, and pull destination research automatically every single week. We got into building branded lead magnets, sales pages, and quizzes without heavy tech skills, and why judgment is the one skill you need to use AI well. This conversation will show you just how much time you can get back while keeping the human parts of your business fully human.Questions this episode answers:What are the different ways travel advisors can use AI in their business?What is the difference between AI chat, projects, skills, and Cowork?What are AI connectors and MCPs, and how do travel advisors use them?How do you build a skill in AI, and what should the instructions include?How do you use AI without making your content sound AI-generated?Which Claude AI models are best for different business tasks?Connect with Kate on IG: https://www.instagram.com/travelprotheory/35 things you didn't know AI could do in your travel biz: https://travelprotheory.kit.com/35-things-aiEnjoy and take action!---------------------------------------------------------------Rita M. Perez (Host) first began in the travel industry as a travel advisor in 2010. She only fully realized her role as a travel entrepreneur in 2018, and embarked on a mission to support her fellow travel advisors in 2021 when she began the Strategic Travel Entrepreneur Podcast. She now strategizes with travel entrepreneurs, so they too can build sustainable travel agencies and market effectively.She's a maven when it comes to content photography and videography, and as such founded the Cruise Content Library and leads retreats and partners on FAMs where advisors get top notch content and education for their marketing efforts.Website:  https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/everything/Socials:LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritaperez19/IG: http://www.instagram.com/steeryourmarketingFB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/strategictravelentrepreneurs/ Email:[email protected]

Send Rita a text with your thoughts!Join us at Prep for Wave Week this year:  https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/prep-for-wave-week/Fill out Rita's 2026 Feedback Form: https://forms.gle/3zuchVKZ817RvGyk9Join us for the ultimate content and marketing camp in 2027: https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/summer-camp-at-sea/Stop wasting hours hunting for cruise content: https://programs.steeryourmarketing.com/products/courses/view/1166776Storytelling is where so many travel advisors get stuck, especially when marketing doesn't come naturally. So I brought on my friend Bianca, founder of This Latina Travels, to break down the exact framework she uses to create Reels that actually connect with her audience and grew her following to 10,000+. We get into how to write hooks that stop the scroll, why an imperfect story beats perfect content every time, and how to figure out the "what's in it for me" that keeps people watching. She also shares her repurposing process for stretching one Reel across platforms, and unrelated, a beautiful way you and your clients can pay it forward while visiting Puerto Rico. If your content has been feeling a little flat, you're going to walk away with real ideas you can use today. Questions this episode answers:How can travel agents tell better stories on social media?What should you do when you have great footage but no story to tell?How do you edit a voiceover Reel from start to finish?Why shouldn't travel agents rely on social media as their only marketing toolHow can travel advisors and their clients volunteer with the Flight Angels program in Puerto Rico?Connect with Bianca on IG: https://www.instagram.com/thislatinatravels/Get 20% off Bianca's merch with code podcast: https://www.thislatinatravels.com/shop/Learn more about helping get pets to their forever homes from Puerto Rico: https://flightangels.org/Enjoy and take action!---------------------------------------------------------------Rita M. Perez (Host) first began in the travel industry as a travel advisor in 2010. She only fully realized her role as a travel entrepreneur in 2018, and embarked on a mission to support her fellow travel advisors in 2021 when she began the Strategic Travel Entrepreneur Podcast. She now strategizes with travel entrepreneurs, so they too can build sustainable travel agencies and market effectively.She's a maven when it comes to content photography and videography, and as such founded the Cruise Content Library and leads retreats and partners on FAMs where advisors get top notch content and education for their marketing efforts.Website:  https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/everything/Socials:LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritaperez19/IG: http://www.instagram.com/steeryourmarketingFB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/strategictravelentrepreneurs/ Email:[email protected]

Send Rita a text with your thoughts!Join us at Prep for Wave Week this year:  https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/prep-for-wave-week/Fill out Rita's 2026 Feedback Form: https://forms.gle/3zuchVKZ817RvGyk9Join us for the ultimate content and marketing camp in 2027: https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/summer-camp-at-sea/Stop wasting hours hunting for cruise content: https://programs.steeryourmarketing.com/products/courses/view/1166776I don't know about you, but AI has been big on my brain this summer.Coincidentally, The Legal Paige just came out with a reel talking about using AI legally.I'm sharing the four big things Paige mentioned, and translating them to how they would affect travel advisors like you.Things like why you can't just upload other people's work into AI to who actually owns the content AI creates for you. I'll share what I've been rethinking about my own courses and content, plus some GPT ideas I'm excited about for helping you get the most out of what you've already got. I'm not a lawyer, but Paige is, and I've been following her long enough to know that she knows her stuff and then some.Come think through these topics with me, as we're all figuring this out this new world together.Questions this episode answers:Is it legal to upload client itineraries into AI tools or a CRM's AI?Can you copyright a blog post or website that AI wrote?Is it a copyright violation to upload someone else's course or digital product into AI?Should travel advisors use AI to write their contracts?What should you never paste into AI?Do you need an AI clause in your travel agency terms and conditions?Can a client legally run your itinerary through AI and use it themselves?How can travel advisors use AI and GPTs to get more out of the content they already own?The Legal Paige Reel: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DbqlAc_yw8o/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==The Legal Paige Templates *affiliate link*: https://thelegalpaige.com?aff=847Enjoy and take action!---------------------------------------------------------------Rita M. Perez (Host) first began in the travel industry as a travel advisor in 2010. She only fully realized her role as a travel entrepreneur in 2018, and embarked on a mission to support her fellow travel advisors in 2021 when she began the Strategic Travel Entrepreneur Podcast. She now strategizes with travel entrepreneurs, so they too can build sustainable travel agencies and market effectively.She's a maven when it comes to content photography and videography, and as such founded the Cruise Content Library and leads retreats and partners on FAMs where advisors get top notch content and education for their marketing efforts.Website:  https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/everything/Socials:LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritaperez19/IG: http://www.instagram.com/steeryourmarketingFB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/strategictravelentrepreneurs/ Email:[email protected]

Send Rita a text with your thoughts!Join us at Prep for Wave Week this year:  https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/prep-for-wave-week/Join us for the ultimate content and marketing camp in 2027: https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/summer-camp-at-sea/Stop wasting hours hunting for cruise content: https://programs.steeryourmarketing.com/products/courses/view/1166776If your social media posts aren't working, it's probably because every single one is trying to sell. I learned this the hard way back in my baby travel advisor days, and I saw it happen all over again at a recent workshop where advisors kept turning warm-up posts into sales posts. So let's talk about why that pushes the right people away, because nobody hands a complete stranger $10,000 to plan their trip, amiright??I'm walking you through the three jobs your posts should actually be doing, Meet, Connect, and Convert, so you can stop yelling "book with me" into the void and start building the kind of trust that leads to real bookings. Your feed is a place to build relationships, not a billboard, and once that clicks, everything about your marketing gets easier. Questions this episode answers:Why isn't my social media selling as a travel advisor?Should every social media post be a sales post?How often should travel advisors post on social media?What types of social media posts should travel advisors make?How do I build trust with clients on social media?What's the best call to action for a social media post?Why do my salesy social media posts push clients away?How do I sell travel on social media without being sleazy?Enjoy and take action!---------------------------------------------------------------Rita M. Perez (Host) first began in the travel industry as a travel advisor in 2010. She only fully realized her role as a travel entrepreneur in 2018, and embarked on a mission to support her fellow travel advisors in 2021 when she began the Strategic Travel Entrepreneur Podcast. She now strategizes with travel entrepreneurs, so they too can build sustainable travel agencies and market effectively.She's a maven when it comes to content photography and videography, and as such founded the Cruise Content Library and leads retreats and partners on FAMs where advisors get top notch content and education for their marketing efforts.Website:  https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/everything/Socials:LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritaperez19/IG: http://www.instagram.com/steeryourmarketingFB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/strategictravelentrepreneurs/ Email:[email protected]

Send Rita a text with your thoughts!Get your ticket to Client Callout:   https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/client-callout/Join us for the ultimate content and marketing camp in 2027: https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/summer-camp-at-sea/Stop wasting hours hunting for cruise content: https://programs.steeryourmarketing.com/products/courses/view/1166776You know that feeling when the phone rings and your whole body kind of shudders? Yeahhhh, that's exactly what Dr. Amanda White and I are unpacking, because burnout in your travel business usually isn't as much a systems problem, as it's a stress response you may not have dealt with yet. We talk about why your body keeps score long after the busy season ends, what actual boundaries look like when your clients are in three different time zones, and the mindfulness tools that go way beyond bubble baths. Amanda brings her doctorate in workplace trauma plus her own experience as a travel advisor, so this is research-backed and industry-specific advice. If you have been wondering how long you can keep going like this, start here.Get Amanda's Catalyst Reset and use code STEER for 15% off (affiliate link): https://ritaventures--adwcatalyststrategies.thrivecart.com/catalyst-reset-travel-advisors/Visit Amanda's website: https://adwcatalyststrategies.com/Questions this episode answers:Why do travel advisors burn out?Is burnout a trauma response?Can workplace stress cause physical health problems?How do I set boundaries as a travel advisor?What boundaries should I set with travel clients?How do I stop working 24/7 in my travel business?When is it okay to bend your business boundaries?What are mindfulness techniques for stressed business owners?Should travel advisors refer business to other advisors?How do I know if I'm charging enough as a travel advisor?Enjoy and take action!---------------------------------------------------------------Rita M. Perez (Host) first began in the travel industry as a travel advisor in 2010. She only fully realized her role as a travel entrepreneur in 2018, and embarked on a mission to support her fellow travel advisors in 2021 when she began the Strategic Travel Entrepreneur Podcast. She now strategizes with travel entrepreneurs, so they too can build sustainable travel agencies and market effectively.She's a maven when it comes to content photography and videography, and as such founded the Cruise Content Library and leads retreats and partners on FAMs where advisors get top notch content and education for their marketing efforts.Website:  https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/everything/Socials:LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritaperez19/IG: http://www.instagram.com/steeryourmarketingFB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/strategictravelentrepreneurs/ Email:[email protected]

Send Rita a text with your thoughts!Get your ticket to Client Callout:   https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/client-callout/Join us for the ultimate content and marketing camp in 2027: https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/summer-camp-at-sea/Stop wasting hours hunting for cruise content: https://programs.steeryourmarketing.com/products/courses/view/1166776You don't need to market to everybody, and trying to is why your marketing feels so hard right now. I'm walking you through exactly how to figure out your right fit client as a travel advisor, from my own journey landing on cruise retreats to the onion layer exercise I use to peel back what your ideal client actually values. We're talking about why niching down makes your discovery calls easier, your lead magnets write themselves, and your referrals stronger. Plus I'm sharing details on my upcoming Client Callout workshop, where you'll walk away with social media posts built around the client you actually want to work with. If your marketing has been trying to please everyone, this one's going to change how you show up online.Questions this episode answers:Why isn't my travel marketing working even though I'm active on social media?How do I niche down without losing potential clients?What is the onion layer exercise for finding your ideal client?How do I figure out what type of trips I should specialize in selling?Why does niching down make discovery calls and proposals easier?What questions should I ask to define my ideal travel client?How do I use my own personality and interests to find my travel niche?Can I still book other types of trips if I niche down my marketing?Enjoy and take action!---------------------------------------------------------------Rita M. Perez (Host) first began in the travel industry as a travel advisor in 2010. She only fully realized her role as a travel entrepreneur in 2018, and embarked on a mission to support her fellow travel advisors in 2021 when she began the Strategic Travel Entrepreneur Podcast. She now strategizes with travel entrepreneurs, so they too can build sustainable travel agencies and market effectively.She's a maven when it comes to content photography and videography, and as such founded the Cruise Content Library and leads retreats and partners on FAMs where advisors get top notch content and education for their marketing efforts.Website:  https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/everything/Socials:LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritaperez19/IG: http://www.instagram.com/steeryourmarketingFB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/strategictravelentrepreneurs/ Email:[email protected]

Send Rita a text with your thoughts!Join us for the ultimate content and marketing camp in 2027: https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/summer-camp-at-sea/Stop wasting hours hunting for cruise content: https://programs.steeryourmarketing.com/products/courses/view/1166776Getting ready for your first or next ship inspection and not totally sure what to bring, film, or expect? I'm breaking down exactly how to prep for a ship inspection, from comfortable shoes and battery packs to the content strategy that'll help you actually use that footage after you're home. I'm covering the must-get shots like public spaces, cabins, and pool decks, plus tips for smooth panning, protecting kids' privacy on camera, and squeezing every bit of value out of your stories and posts. You'll also get insider honest logistics like security check-in, tipping servers, and what happens if you run out of time before you've gotten everything on your list. Whether this is your first ship inspection or your fiftieth, you'll walk away with a game plan for gathering content that actually helps you sell more travel.Questions this episode answers:What should I pack for a cruise ship inspection?What content should I film during a ship inspection?How do I prepare for my first ship inspection as a travel advisor?What footage should I prioritize on a cruise FAM?How do I get smooth, non-shaky video footage on a ship?How do I use Instagram stories during a ship inspection?How do I repurpose content after a ship inspection?Enjoy and take action!---------------------------------------------------------------Rita M. Perez (Host) first began in the travel industry as a travel advisor in 2010. She only fully realized her role as a travel entrepreneur in 2018, and embarked on a mission to support her fellow travel advisors in 2021 when she began the Strategic Travel Entrepreneur Podcast. She now strategizes with travel entrepreneurs, so they too can build sustainable travel agencies and market effectively.She's a maven when it comes to content photography and videography, and as such founded the Cruise Content Library and leads retreats and partners on FAMs where advisors get top notch content and education for their marketing efforts.Website:  https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/everything/Socials:LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritaperez19/IG: http://www.instagram.com/steeryourmarketingFB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/strategictravelentrepreneurs/ Email:[email protected]

Send Rita a text with your thoughts!Join us for the ultimate content and marketing camp in 2027: https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/summer-camp-at-sea/Stop wasting hours hunting for cruise content: https://programs.steeryourmarketing.com/products/courses/view/1166776I cannot believe we are already at the halfway point of 2026! In this mid year business review, I'm pulling back the curtain on what January through June actually looked like for me as a travel industry educator and podcaster, including the wins, the not so great moments, and the pattern I finally noticed. We're talking branding transformations, a business name change, health hiccups, revenue gaps in the first half of the year, and why Q2 ended up being my favorite quarter so far. If you've ever wondered what running a solo travel business actually looks like behind the scenes, this one is for you. The second half of 2026 is about to be incredible and I cannot wait to share what's coming. Questions this episode answers:How do you do a mid year business review as a solo business owner?What does running a travel business really look like behind the scenes?How do you create stability in a travel business when revenue is inconsistent?How do you know when it is time to rebrand your travel business?What is the value of attending in person events as a travel industry entrepreneur?How do you use a word of the year to make better business decisions?How do you niche down in the travel industry and why does it make your marketing easier?Enjoy and take action!---------------------------------------------------------------Rita M. Perez (Host) first began in the travel industry as a travel advisor in 2010. She only fully realized her role as a travel entrepreneur in 2018, and embarked on a mission to support her fellow travel advisors in 2021 when she began the Strategic Travel Entrepreneur Podcast. She now strategizes with travel entrepreneurs, so they too can build sustainable travel agencies and market effectively.She's a maven when it comes to content photography and videography, and as such founded the Cruise Content Library and leads retreats and partners on FAMs where advisors get top notch content and education for their marketing efforts.Website:  https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/everything/Socials:LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritaperez19/IG: http://www.instagram.com/steeryourmarketingFB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/strategictravelentrepreneurs/ Email:[email protected]

Send Rita a text with your thoughts!Stop wasting hours hunting for cruise content: https://programs.steeryourmarketing.com/products/courses/view/1166776Join us for the ultimate content and marketing camp in 2027: https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/summer-camp-at-sea/Y'all, I brought the WHOLE team for this one!!A panel of some of the most brilliant marketing minds in the travel industry, and we went ALL the way in on what's actually working on social media for travel advisors in 2026. We're talking yapping, episodic content, why supplier graphics are hurting you, and why the most powerful marketing tool you have is literally just your face and your personality. Spoiler alert: the over-polished, perfectly curated content era is out, and good riddance! If you've been hiding behind brand graphics and generic captions, this is your sign to step out from behind the curtain and start showing up as YOU. Pull up a chair, because this conversation is giving you permission to stop stressing and start connecting :) Questions this episode answers:What social media trends should travel advisors focus on in 2026?What is yapping and how can travel advisors use it to grow on social media?Should travel advisors use supplier graphics on social media?How do travel advisors create authentic content that actually converts?What is episodic content and how can travel advisors use it to build an audience?How do travel advisors stand out on social media without going viral?What type of content performs best for travel advisors on Instagram in 2026?How do travel advisors stop chasing vanity metrics and build real community on social media?What storytelling frameworks can travel advisors use to create engaging social media content?How do travel advisors show up consistently on social media without burning out?Connect with Wendy: https://www.instagram.com/redgrapesocial/Connect with Kyla: https://www.instagram.com/thesocial.passport/ Connect with Kelli: https://www.instagram.com/kellihayessmith/Connect with Krystle: https://www.instagram.com/krystle_straub/Enjoy and take action!---------------------------------------------------------------Rita M. Perez (Host) first began in the travel industry as a travel advisor in 2010. She only fully realized her role as a travel entrepreneur in 2018, and embarked on a mission to support her fellow travel advisors in 2021 when she began the Strategic Travel Entrepreneur Podcast. She now strategizes with travel entrepreneurs, so they too can build sustainable travel agencies and market effectively.She's a maven when it comes to content photography and videography, and as such founded the Cruise Content Library and leads retreats and partners on FAMs where advisors get top notch content and education for their marketing efforts.Website:  https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/everything/Socials:LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritaperez19/IG: http://www.instagram.com/steeryourmarketingFB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/strategictravelentrepreneurs/ Email:[email protected]

Send Rita a text with your thoughts!Stop wasting hours hunting for cruise content: https://programs.steeryourmarketing.com/products/courses/view/1166776Join us for the ultimate content and marketing camp in 2027: https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/summer-camp-at-sea/Closed mouths don't get fed, and neither do travel advisors who keep marketing their features instead of their outcomes. Courtnie Nichols and Lary Néron joined me to break down the difference between what you do and what your clients are actually buying when they hand you their trust and their credit card. From air-only retainers to the difference between wealthy and high net-worth, we talked pricing confidence, client profiling, and why the biggest block between you and better clients might not be your strategy at all.Questions this episode answers:What do travel clients actually pay for when they hire a travel advisor?How do travel advisors stop undercharging and start pricing with confidence?What is the difference between feature selling and outcome selling in a travel business?How do retainer models work for travel advisors?Why are supplier awards and top producer rankings misleading metrics for travel advisors?What does friction removal mean in a travel business and why do clients pay for it?How do travel advisors attract high net worth clients without paid advertising?What is the right niche for a travel advisor and how does niching down increase referrals?Why do travel advisors struggle to articulate their value and how can they fix it?How do you build a profitable travel business around fewer clients and higher fees?Connect with Lary: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lary-n%C3%A9ron/Connect with Courtnie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtnienichols/Enjoy and take action!---------------------------------------------------------------Rita M. Perez (Host) first began in the travel industry as a travel advisor in 2010. She only fully realized her role as a travel entrepreneur in 2018, and embarked on a mission to support her fellow travel advisors in 2021 when she began the Strategic Travel Entrepreneur Podcast. She now strategizes with travel entrepreneurs, so they too can build sustainable travel agencies and market effectively.She's a maven when it comes to content photography and videography, and as such founded the Cruise Content Library and leads retreats and partners on FAMs where advisors get top notch content and education for their marketing efforts.Website:  https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/everything/Socials:LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritaperez19/IG: http://www.instagram.com/steeryourmarketingFB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/strategictravelentrepreneurs/ Email:[email protected]

Send Rita a text with your thoughts!Stop wasting hours hunting for cruise content: https://programs.steeryourmarketing.com/products/courses/view/1166776Join us for the ultimate content and marketing camp in 2027: https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/summer-camp-at-sea/Join us for the Summer Camp at Sea Open House: https://programs.steeryourmarketing.com/products/offers/view/1195596Use the Lead Generation Calculator: https://programs.steeryourmarketing.com/products/courses/view/1138259Overwhelm isn't your actual problem.Whether you're struggling to get enough clients or drowning under too many of the wrong ones, the root cause almost always comes back to not knowing your numbers, skipping the plan, and saying yes to everything. We're getting into the fear, the analysis paralysis, the over-educating without doing, and the boundaries you desperately need to set. If you're ready to snap out of it and into action, this is the pep talk you're needing.Questions this episode answers:Why do travel agency owners feel overwhelmed in their business? What is the real root cause of overwhelm for travel advisors? How do I know how many clients I need to grow my travel business? What should I do when I have too many clients but not enough income?How do I stop saying yes to everything in my travel business? What is a lead generation calculator and how does it help travel advisors?How do I set boundaries as a travel agency owner? Why is knowing your income goal important for travel business success? How do I stop overcomplicating my travel business and take action? What systems and workflows do travel agency owners need to reduce overwhelm?Enjoy and take action!---------------------------------------------------------------Rita M. Perez (Host) first began in the travel industry as a travel advisor in 2010. She only fully realized her role as a travel entrepreneur in 2018, and embarked on a mission to support her fellow travel advisors in 2021 when she began the Strategic Travel Entrepreneur Podcast. She now strategizes with travel entrepreneurs, so they too can build sustainable travel agencies and market effectively.She's a maven when it comes to content photography and videography, and as such founded the Cruise Content Library and leads retreats and partners on FAMs where advisors get top notch content and education for their marketing efforts.Website:  https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/everything/Socials:LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritaperez19/IG: http://www.instagram.com/takethehelmvbsFB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/529490048073622Email:rita@steeryourmarketing.com---------------------------------------------------------------Rita M. Perez (Host) first began in the travel industry as a travel advisor in 2010. She only fully realized her role as a travel entrepreneur in 2018, and embarked on a mission to support her fellow travel advisors in 2021 when she began the Strategic Travel Entrepreneur Podcast. She now strategizes with travel entrepreneurs, so they too can build sustainable travel agencies and market effectively.She's a maven when it comes to content photography and videography, and as such founded the Cruise Content Library and leads retreats and partners on FAMs where advisors get top notch content and education for their marketing efforts.Website:  https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/everything/Socials:LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritaperez19/IG: http://www.instagram.com/steeryourmarketingFB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/strategictravelentrepreneurs/ Email:[email protected]

Send Rita a text with your thoughts!Stop wasting hours hunting for cruise content: https://programs.steeryourmarketing.com/products/courses/view/1166776Join us for the ultimate content and marketing camp in 2027: https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/summer-camp-at-sea/Join us for the Summer Camp at Sea Open House: https://programs.steeryourmarketing.com/products/offers/view/1195596Register for WITS 2027: https://witsummit.com/annarbor I just got back from the Women in Travel Summit (WITS) in Chattanooga and I have SO much to share with you. From building an irreplaceable brand to owning your lane and stop trying to be better than everyone else, the takeaways from this event are ones you're gonna wanna scribble down. I am spilling all the notes I took straight from a Pinterest insider on trends, boards, Gen Z travel behavior, and why your pins need a good strategy behind them. If you have been sleeping on Pinterest as a marketing tool for your travel business, this one is going to wake you up, like it did for me.  Questions this episode answers:What is the Women in Travel Summit and is it worth attending? How can travel advisors use Pinterest to get more clients? What are the biggest Pinterest trends for travel in 2026? How do travel advisors find their niche and stand out from the competition? What content should travel advisors be creating to attract their ideal clients? How far in advance should travel advisors be planning their Pinterest content? Why is Gen Z an important audience for travel advisors on Pinterest? What do retreat planners need to know before selling group travel experiences? How can travel advisors use storytelling to market their business on social media? What are the best Pinterest board strategies for travel advisors?Enjoy and take action!---------------------------------------------------------------Rita M. Perez (Host) first began in the travel industry as a travel advisor in 2010. She only fully realized her role as a travel entrepreneur in 2018, and embarked on a mission to support her fellow travel advisors in 2021 when she began the Strategic Travel Entrepreneur Podcast. She now strategizes with travel entrepreneurs, so they too can build sustainable travel agencies and market effectively.She's a maven when it comes to content photography and videography, and as such founded the Cruise Content Library and leads retreats and partners on FAMs where advisors get top notch content and education for their marketing efforts.Website:  https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/everything/Socials:LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritaperez19/IG: http://www.instagram.com/steeryourmarketingFB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/strategictravelentrepreneurs/ Email:[email protected]

Send Rita a text with your thoughts!Stop wasting hours hunting for cruise content: https://programs.steeryourmarketing.com/products/courses/view/1166776Join us for the ultimate content and marketing camp in 2027: https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/summer-camp-at-sea/Take Host Agency Reviews' Travel Advisor Survey: https://har.news/survey2026Join Host Agency Review's Tech Week: https://hostagencyreviews.com/har-wiredYa'll loved the first version so much that you requested a cruise specific version, so here we are! I'm breaking down exactly how many cruises you need to sell at every price point to hit $50,000 as a travel agent, from a Royal Caribbean balcony in Alaska all the way up to a world cruise on Oceania. We're talking mass market, premium, luxury, and expedition cruises, as well as selling suites versus balconies, and how that changes how many bookings you actually need.I think these numbers are going to make you rethink where you're spending your time and who you're marketing to, so grab a pen and let's do some math together. Questions this episode answers:How many cruises does a travel agent need to sell to make $50,000 a year?How much commission do travel agents make selling cruises?Is it more profitable to sell cruise suites or balcony cabins as a travel agent?What is the difference in commission between mass market, premium, and luxury cruise lines?How much do travel agents make selling world cruises?Should travel agents charge fees on cruise bookings?How many cruise bookings does a travel agent need per week to reach their income goal?What cruise lines pay the most commission to travel agents?Enjoy and take action!---------------------------------------------------------------Rita M. Perez (Host) first began in the travel industry as a travel advisor in 2010. She only fully realized her role as a travel entrepreneur in 2018, and embarked on a mission to support her fellow travel advisors in 2021 when she began the Strategic Travel Entrepreneur Podcast. She now strategizes with travel entrepreneurs, so they too can build sustainable travel agencies and market effectively.She's a maven when it comes to content photography and videography, and as such founded the Cruise Content Library and leads retreats and partners on FAMs where advisors get top notch content and education for their marketing efforts.Website:  https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/everything/Socials:LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritaperez19/IG: http://www.instagram.com/steeryourmarketingFB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/strategictravelentrepreneurs/ Email:[email protected]

Send Rita a text with your thoughts!Stop wasting hours hunting for cruise content: https://programs.steeryourmarketing.com/products/courses/view/1166776Join us for the ultimate content and marketing camp in 2027: https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/summer-camp-at-sea/Take Host Agency Reviews' Travel Advisor Survey: https://har.news/survey2026Etsy store where I bought my stickers: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1581100221/custom-vinyl-stickers-die-cut-stickersIf you have ever thought about setting up a travel table at a vendor event but talked yourself out of it, time to think again. I am pulling back the curtain on everything I did to prep for my first travel agent trade show, including the budget-friendly booth materials I grabbed at CVS, Walgreens, and Etsy, the QR code and giveaway strategy I used to grow my email list right from the table, and how I started real conversations without feeling salesy or awkward. Then I came back after the event and recorded what actually happened, what worked, what I would change, and why I am already looking for the next one. Whether you are a total beginner or just need a little push to finally get in the room, I am sharing everything so you can show up confident, strategic, and ready to make it count. Questions this episode answers:How do travel advisors set up a vendor table at a trade show on a small budget?What should travel advisors bring to their first vendor event?How do travel advisors grow their email list at a trade show?What booth materials work best for service based travel businesses?How do travel advisors start conversations at a trade show without being salesy?Is being a vendor at a travel industry event worth it for a small travel business?How do travel advisors use QR codes and giveaways at vendor events?What is the ROI of a vendor table at a travel agent trade show?How do travel advisors get new clients through in-person marketing events?Enjoy and take action!---------------------------------------------------------------Rita M. Perez (Host) first began in the travel industry as a travel advisor in 2010. She only fully realized her role as a travel entrepreneur in 2018, and embarked on a mission to support her fellow travel advisors in 2021 when she began the Strategic Travel Entrepreneur Podcast. She now strategizes with travel entrepreneurs, so they too can build sustainable travel agencies and market effectively.She's a maven when it comes to content photography and videography, and as such founded the Cruise Content Library and leads retreats and partners on FAMs where advisors get top notch content and education for their marketing efforts.Website:  https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/everything/Socials:LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritaperez19/IG: http://www.instagram.com/steeryourmarketingFB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/strategictravelentrepreneurs/ Email:[email protected]

Send Rita a text with your thoughts!Stop wasting hours hunting for cruise content: https://programs.steeryourmarketing.com/products/courses/view/1166776Join us for the ultimate content and marketing camp in 2027: https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/summer-camp-at-sea/Save your spot at the Travel Tech Audio Summit: https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/travel-tech-audio-summit/Take Host Agency Reviews' Travel Advisor Survey: https://har.news/survey2026Whitney Shindelar's Prep for Wave Week Presentation: https://youtu.be/H4FwXgpls2kGet the Networking Logbook: https://amzn.to/4uOZXcaIf the thought of selling makes you feel a little icky... you are not alone (and you're also probably not the problem).The gross part of sales isn't the selling itself; it's pitching to somebody without knowing anything about them. So let's flip the script.You are no longer just the salesperson; you are THE travel matchmaker. I'm walking you through how to show up at networking events with genuine curiosity instead of desperation, what to actually say when you meet somebody new, and exactly when it IS time to make the hard pitch and how to close it with confidence. If you are a travel advisor who has been overthinking every sales conversation, definitely tune in. Questions this episode answers:How do I sell my travel services without coming across as pushy?What should I say when I meet someone new at a networking event as a travel advisor?What is the difference between a networking event and a sales event?How do I introduce myself as a travel advisor without using an elevator pitch?When is it okay to make a hard sales pitch as a travel advisor?How do I close a discovery call as a travel advisor?How do I follow up with a potential client without feeling like a pest?What tools can travel advisors use to track networking contacts and leads?Enjoy and take action!---------------------------------------------------------------Rita M. Perez (Host) first began in the travel industry as a travel advisor in 2010. She only fully realized her role as a travel entrepreneur in 2018, and embarked on a mission to support her fellow travel advisors in 2021 when she began the Strategic Travel Entrepreneur Podcast. She now strategizes with travel entrepreneurs, so they too can build sustainable travel agencies and market effectively.She's a maven when it comes to content photography and videography, and as such founded the Cruise Content Library and leads retreats and partners on FAMs where advisors get top notch content and education for their marketing efforts.Website:  https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/everything/Socials:LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritaperez19/IG: http://www.instagram.com/steeryourmarketingFB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/strategictravelentrepreneurs/ Email:[email protected]

Send Rita a text with your thoughts!Stop wasting hours hunting for cruise content: https://programs.steeryourmarketing.com/products/courses/view/1166776Join us for the ultimate content and marketing camp in 2027: https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/summer-camp-at-sea/Save your spot at the Travel Tech Audio Summit: https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/travel-tech-audio-summit/It's Travel Tech Audio Summit time and this year's lineup is one I'm super proud of. We're talking CRMs, AI agents, booking platforms, fee guidance, trip tracking, and more!The coolest part? Almost every single tool you're about to hear about was built by travel advisors just like you. These are the travel tech tools that are going to make you look like a total bad booty in your travel business in 2026 and beyond. If you want the full 30-40 minute interviews with exclusive promos you won't find anywhere else, head to the link above and grab your complimentary spot in the travel tech feed. Questions this episode answers:What are the best travel tech tools for travel advisors in 2026?What CRM should I use for my travel agency?How much should I charge for travel planning fees?What is the best booking platform for independent travel advisors?How can AI help travel advisors run their business?What travel agency software is built by travel advisors?How do I track client trips and follow ups as a travel advisor?What is the best all in one platform for independent travel entrepreneurs?How do I automate my travel agency without losing the personal touch?What travel tech tools help travel advisors save time and make more money?Enjoy and take action!---------------------------------------------------------------Rita M. Perez (Host) first began in the travel industry as a travel advisor in 2010. She only fully realized her role as a travel entrepreneur in 2018, and embarked on a mission to support her fellow travel advisors in 2021 when she began the Strategic Travel Entrepreneur Podcast. She now strategizes with travel entrepreneurs, so they too can build sustainable travel agencies and market effectively.She's a maven when it comes to content photography and videography, and as such founded the Cruise Content Library and leads retreats and partners on FAMs where advisors get top notch content and education for their marketing efforts.Website:  https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/everything/Socials:LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritaperez19/IG: http://www.instagram.com/steeryourmarketingFB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/strategictravelentrepreneurs/ Email:[email protected]

Send Rita a text with your thoughts!Stop wasting hours hunting for cruise content: https://programs.steeryourmarketing.com/products/courses/view/1166776Join us for the ultimate content and marketing camp in 2027: https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/summer-camp-at-sea/Save your spot at the Travel Tech Audio Summit: https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/travel-tech-audio-summit/What if the secret to growing your travel business was actually doing less? I'm getting into the tasks, platforms, and decisions that travel advisors need to stop saying yes to, plus the smarter investments that actually buy back your time and your sanity. I'm sharing what is coming up on the Travel Tech Audio Summit and why this year's lineup might be the most exciting one yet. Consider this your permission slip to subtract something this week.Questions this episode answers:What tasks should travel advisors stop doing to grow a more sustainable business?How can travel advisors buy back their time without sacrificing business growth?What technology tools are travel advisors using to automate and save time?What is the Travel Tech Audio Summit and how can travel advisors sign up?When should a travel advisor outsource tasks in their business?How can travel advisors reduce stress and burnout while still running a successful agency?What is ManyChat and how can travel advisors use it to save time?Enjoy and take action!---------------------------------------------------------------Rita M. Perez (Host) first began in the travel industry as a travel advisor in 2010. She only fully realized her role as a travel entrepreneur in 2018, and embarked on a mission to support her fellow travel advisors in 2021 when she began the Strategic Travel Entrepreneur Podcast. She now strategizes with travel entrepreneurs, so they too can build sustainable travel agencies and market effectively.She's a maven when it comes to content photography and videography, and as such founded the Cruise Content Library and leads retreats and partners on FAMs where advisors get top notch content and education for their marketing efforts.Website:  https://strategictravelentrepreneurpodcast.com/everything/Socials:LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritaperez19/IG: http://www.instagram.com/steeryourmarketingFB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/strategictravelentrepreneurs/ Email:[email protected]