This week is a special episode with Masters in Travel host, Whitney Shindelar, interviewed by Emma Weissman, host of the Humans of Travel podcast and managing editor of TravelAge West magazine. The Humans of Travel podcast features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry’s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the experiences — the highs and the lows — that make ...
Jun 06, 2023•46 min•Season 3Ep. 126
On this episode of Masters in Travel we delve into the world of hotel obsession among travel advisors and explored the importance of hotel research in their workflow. With guests Kate Sullivan and Jaclyn D'Esposito sharing their unique perspectives and experiences, listeners learned about the different approaches to hotel research, building relationships with hoteliers, and evaluating hotels based on aesthetic, facilities, location, and guest experience. The conversation highlights the crucial r...
May 31, 2023•1 hr 15 min•Season 3Ep. 125
On today’s episode of Masters in Travel, we are flipping the script. Our guest for this special episode is usually on the other side of the mic shining as the podcast host. Whitney Shindelar has been spending months dreaming about and developing The Hive. The Hive is an exciting new piece of technology for travel advisors. Join Brianna Glenn and Kate Sullivan as they interview Whitney and learn more about The Hive.
May 23, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Season 3Ep. 124
In this episode of Masters in Travel, Whitney is joined by Brianna Glenn, owner of Milk and Honey Travels, and Whitney Warne of Evoke EQ. Together they explore the power of self-reflection and emotional intelligence. Listen as they discuss how the Enneagram system can help you gain insight into yourself and others, build trust in relationships, and create a better understanding of your business. Tune in and unlock the secrets to success.
May 16, 2023•53 min•Season 3Ep. 123
wmnsWRK Tourism Accelerator is the tourism industry's first business accelerator for women and non-binary early stage entrepreneurs. While we're always looking for more support and resources for travel advisors entering the industry, wmnsWRK is specifically for those looking to start businesses in the supplier side of the industry. On this episode of Masters in Travel Whitney is joined by Iris Serbanescu, Founder of wmnsWRK, as Iris shares her journey and inspiration to support the tourism indus...
May 10, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Season 3Ep. 122
On this Month’s Master Hour edition of the Masters in Travel Podcast, travel advisors from different backgrounds come together to share their experiences and insights on improving business practices for travel advisors. From building personal connections with clients to setting firm boundaries, the group discusses a range of challenges and shares practical tips on increasing repeat and referral business. Each advisor brings unique perspectives and strategies, making this podcast a must-listen fo...
May 02, 2023•1 hr 8 min•Season 3Ep. 121
One of the biggest topics over the last few months in the Masters in Travel Community and Think Tank is hiring. When do we know we are ready to hire? How do we hire? Where do we find qualified candidates? There is so much to consider in the hiring process and the list goes on and on. On this episode of Masters in Travel, Whitney is joined by Kate Sullivan, Owner of Anthology Travel. Both Whitney and Kate have recent experience of the laborious cycle of hiring and finding answers to all of these ...
Apr 25, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Season 3Ep. 120
A few weeks ago, Kate Thomas and Whitney enjoyed a friendly dialogue over the time spent on beautifying supplier proposals and how important we feel this is for our businesses. While discussing this topic, we realized there's something more to this, which is likely what's causing the roadblock on anyone switching sides or switching teams on this topic. On today’s episode of Masters in Travel, Whitney, Kate Thomas, and Heather Christopher take a step back and dig deeper into what happens before w...
Apr 18, 2023•1 hr 15 min•Season 3Ep. 119
We’re almost at the end of quarter one and it’s time to dive back into goal setting. On today’s special Master Hour episode of Masters in Travel, Whitney is joined by members of the Masters in Travel Community and Think Tank to check in on everyone’s progress since January. Whether you feel like your progress is on track, or you feel behind, checking in on goals is so important to do.
Apr 11, 2023•1 hr 9 min•Season 3Ep. 118
For professional travel advisors, the technology that we use is vital for running our day-to-day businesses well. We often don't know what's going on behind the scenes of these technologies. How did this company, tool, or idea get started? How do they decide what features to build next? On today’s episode of Masters in Travel, we learn about Lucia, a freelancer marketplace for travel. Whitney is joined by Grace McBride, the founder of Lucia, as Grace gives us the inside scoop into Lucia, where i...
Apr 04, 2023•51 min•Season 3Ep. 117
The question of whether or not to book flights for our clients is an ongoing conversation. There can be stress, anxiety, confusion, and uncertainty that most advisors don’t want to deal with, no matter what the extra commissions are. But is there a way to make it more efficient and less of a headache, while adding a high touch, customized service? On today’s episode of Masters in Travel, Whitney is joined by Lary Neron, founder of Airfare Consultants. Lary is an expert in all things air and flig...
Mar 28, 2023•1 hr 12 min•Season 3Ep. 116
On this episode of Masters in Travel, Whitney and Kate Thomas of Travel Pro Theory put on their boxing gloves to debate a very divisive and hot topic. Should you be forwarding on proposals and itineraries directly from suppliers to clients? Following an Instagram post from TPT, many advisors are talking about if this is a very good idea, or a very bad idea. Listen in as Whitney and Kate discuss whether this time saver is worth it and how to maximize your efficiency when sending out proposals and...
Mar 21, 2023•43 min•Season 3Ep. 115
As a beginning travel advisor, there’s so many thoughts, worries, fears, and insecurities surrounding how to actually make money in your business. Though some advisors dive in headfirst with no doubts at all, some still wonder to themselves, is this really going to work? If you're listening today and you're currently in this position of worry and doubt, just know we see you and we're here to support you. We've all been through it. On today’s episode of Masters in Travel, Whitney is joined by a l...
Mar 14, 2023•44 min•Season 3Ep. 114
With the new year, the topic on everyone’s mind are setting goals for the new year. On this month’s Master Hour edition of the Masters in Travel Podcast, Whitney challenges the community to take concrete steps in creating a plan and goals for 2023. Whether you live and die by goal setting, whether you love it or it stresses you out, creating goals for your business can help to keep you and your business on track throughout the entire year.
Mar 07, 2023•1 hr 19 min•Season 3Ep. 113
On this episode of Masters in Travel, Whitney is joined by Kate Thomas, owner of North and Leisure and Co-Founder of Travel Pro Theory, as she shares some insight and behind the scenes on her newest project. She’s been reaching out to fellow travel advisors and turning these ideas into an amazing resource for everyone to use. Together Whitney and Kate discuss the ins and outs of the digest, starting new businesses, pivoting, and expanding your ideas.
Feb 28, 2023•54 min•Season 3Ep. 112
There are so many different ways that advisors can get started in this business. But it's always just a matter of time before a change needs to happen. Sometimes we wonder what our business could be if we shifted or if we pivoted a little bit. But how do we pivot and shift our business? On today’s episode of Masters in Travel, Whitney is joined by Heather Olivarez from Hummingbird Global Getaways. After changing her business in a major way, Heather has learned so much about the process of pivoti...
Feb 21, 2023•38 min•Season 3Ep. 111
$1 million in sales is no small feat. No matter if you’ve been working in your business for 1 year, 5 years, or 10 years, this goal is not something that can be achieved without hard work and dedication. But should we put so much importance and our own self value on a single metric? On this episode of Masters in Travel, Whitney is joined by two incredible advisors to continue this discussion on the $1 million mark. Our guests today are Lauren Bailey, owner of Lauren Bailey Travel Co. and Sarah S...
Feb 14, 2023•53 min•Season 3Ep. 110
One of the most common metrics of success talked about in this industry is the goal for one advisor to generate 1 million dollars in sales. Everyone has different ideas of what it means to hit this goal, but no matter which way you think about this metric, it's no small feat. But should it be the milestone that we are all reaching for? And should it take on so much importance? On today’s episode of Masters in Travel, Whitney is joined by three incredible advisors that hit that 1 million goal in ...
Feb 07, 2023•1 hr 16 min•Season 3Ep. 109
When we think of energy, we typically think of our body’s physical energy. But is that all that there is? On today’s special Master Hour episode of Masters in Travel, Whitney is joined by Alex Nickl, founder of The Fuel Method. Alex shares some deep insight into the deeper layers of energy, and how to tap into the masculine and feminine energies within each of us.
Jan 31, 2023•1 hr 20 min•Season 3Ep. 108
Although we work with supplier partners every day to facilitate the incredible trips that we plan, we don't actually know a lot about the day-to-day of our supplier partners. What's happening behind the scenes at hotels around the world or in a DMC's office? And vice versa, do supplier partner have insight into travel advisors and what's going on in our day-to-day? On this episode of Masters in Travel, Whitney is joined by Kirsten Gardner, CoFounder of Outlier Journeys and Natalia Aldacour-La Bo...
Jan 24, 2023•49 min•Season 3Ep. 107
There are many learning curves that travel advisors face throughout their journey. From starting your own business, managing, hiring, and eventually growing into a leadership role to guide the team you've built. It’s very difficult, if not impossible, to navigate this journey on your own. On today’s episode of Masters in Travel, Whitney is joined by Julie Lanham, president of Vacations to Remember. Julie shares her experience and her journey into leadership.
Jan 17, 2023•59 min•Season 3Ep. 106
One of the most common concerns of travel advisors is systems, processes, and organization. The programs and softwares are great, but they don't always manage us. They don't manage our time, they don't manage our focus. They don't manage us as humans. On today’s episode of Masters in Travel, Whitney is joined by the Community Manager of Masters in Travel and systems and efficiency expert, Lindsay Palmer. Together they talk about organizing time, working in the most productive way, and optimizing...
Jan 10, 2023•42 min•Season 3Ep. 105
As a new advisor, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Familiarization trips, or FAMs, can be a big source of questions for beginning advisors. How do you receive an invitation to a FAM? How do you decide which to accept and which to politely decline? How do you prepare in advance? And when you get home, what comes next? On today’s episode of Masters in Travel, Whitney checks in with Julie Patterson, founder of Wanderfully Planned. This year, Julie has gone on three first-time FAMs and is here to repor...
Jan 03, 2023•1 hr 5 min•Season 3Ep. 104
No matter what stage of life you're in or what else you have going on in your day-to-day, running a travel business can feel pretty intense. With long hours and work weekends, this business can make any other aspect of life doubly challenging. Whether you’re working a second job to pay the bills or you’re raising children, the balancing act of work and life can be difficult. On this episode of Masters in Travel, Whitney is joined by three ladies who are not only fabulous travel advisors, but who...
Dec 27, 2022•1 hr 7 min•Season 3Ep. 103
As small business owners, we can all find ourselves pushing and working long hours to get the job done. But is it healthy to always be pushing? Is there a better way that helps us all feel a little more content? On today’s episode of Masters in Travel, Whitney is joined by business mentor, Alex Nichol. Alex has a master’s degree in counseling with a specialization in mental performance. She helps high achieving women unlock their next level potential so that they can create more confidence, pers...
Dec 20, 2022•1 hr 2 min•Season 3Ep. 102
Attending industry events, conferences, and trade shows is a big part of our annual calendar. With so much happening each year, it's often hard to keep track and know which events will serve us best. How do we know which will be best for us? How many events should we attend? And how do we get the most out of each opportunity? On today’s episode of Masters in Travel, Whitney is joined by Kate Sullivan, owner of Anthology Travel, and Kirsten Gardner, Co-founder of Outlier Journeys. Together they t...
Dec 13, 2022•45 min•Season 3Ep. 101
The technologies that we use regularly to help our business be efficient are incredible and most advisors couldn't live without them. Despite their uses, these technologies and systems don't actually help us to make important business decisions. We can form emotional attachments to those decisions, creating decision fatigue and exhaustion. On the 100th episode of Masters in Travel, Whitney is joined by Korrine Johnson to finally find some solutions to this universal problem.
Dec 06, 2022•50 min•Season 3Ep. 100
Everyone is looking for ways to optimize, be more efficient, and do more with less time. On this very special episode of the Masters in Travel Master Hour, instead of having a special outside guest, the community are the guests and the experts. Together they discuss everything about systems and processes, comparing methods and ways to make planning travel easier and faster. Listen in as they work together to find ways to make planning travel easier and faster.
Nov 29, 2022•40 min•Season 3Ep. 99
Everyone is looking for ways to optimize, be more efficient, and do more with less time. On this very special episode of the Masters in Travel Master Hour, instead of having a special outside guest, the community are the guests and the experts. Together they discuss everything about systems and processes, comparing methods and ways to make planning travel easier and faster. Listen in as they work together to find ways to make planning travel easier and faster.
Nov 22, 2022•40 min•Season 3Ep. 98
As Travel Advisors, we all lean on technology to help us run our day-to-day businesses, connect with clients, make us look more professional, and save us time and energy. On this episode of Masters in Travel, Whitney is joined by Alexandra Tucker, Co-Founder and COO of Sequense Software. Sequence is a brand new technology that uses automated task management and other amazing features to help the modern travel advisor run their business. Join Whitney and Alexandra as they discuss the concept, dev...
Nov 15, 2022•48 min•Season 3Ep. 97
