Episodes
This week I first discuss the latest trending news in travel, including travel in the Middle East right now following Iran's attack on Israel, how airfare prices are trending ahead of summer, and so much more.  Later, Ali Krupnik, Chief Wellness Officer & Founder of My Well Co, joins me to chat about wellness travel today. Krupnik shares insights into how this sector of travel has transformed over recent years, the top trending destinations right now, and more.  The discussion on...
Published 04/16/24
This week I'm joined by Andrea Wright, Vice President, Luxury Sales at Opulence by OutsideAgents. Together we first discuss the latest trending news in the travel industry, including record breaking tourism numbers, the projections for the most active Hurricane Season ever, and much more.  Later, Wright shares her insights into the meaning of luxury travel and what's hot in the luxury space, from yachts to villas to private jets and more. She also offers up advice to fellow travel advisors...
Published 04/09/24
This week I'm joined by Mario Lopez, President of Destination Weddings Expert and Destination Wedding University. Together we first discuss the latest trending news in the travel industry, including privacy and fraud in travel, updates from the major US airlines, new developments for cruise line private islands and more.  Later, Lopez shares insights into the top trends in destination weddings and honeymoon travel, from fewer toes in the sand to more and more honeymoons in Europe. Lopez also...
Published 03/26/24
This week I'm joined by Sydne Stubbs of Those Who Wander Travel and Ryan Doncsecz of VIP Vacations.  Together we discuss the latest trending news in the travel industry. Four years ago today the travel world was a week into the pandemic shutdown - how has the industry changed now that the world has reached pre-pandemic openness levels?  Other news talking points include Boeing's continued woes, Airbnb's latest move, river cruising on the rise, and more.  Today’s episode sponsor: Travel...
Published 03/19/24
Welcome back to another episode of the TravelPulse Podcast!  This week I'm joined by Michael Consoli, a record-setting agency owner with Cruise Planners. Together we first discuss the latest trending news in travel, including TSA's new self-service screening system, supplier shutdowns, and more.  Later, Consoli shares his thoughts on where the cruise industry excels and where it needs improvement. Consoli had a record $40 million in sales in 2023, and he closes the show with his top advice...
Published 03/12/24
This week I'm joined by Abbey Meyer, CEO and co-owner of Sky High Travel to first discuss the latest trending news in the travel industry, including JetBlue and Spirit agreeing to end their merger plans, another new tourism fee, and so much more.  Later, Meyer shares her insights on the latest trends for the Spring Break travel season, including what's impacting family decision-making and which destinations are standing out. Meyer also provides tips for travel advisors to make it through...
Published 03/05/24
This week I first discuss the latest trending news in travel, including American Queen Voyages shutting down, airlines raising fees, and much more.  Later, Chris Prelog, President of Windstar Cruises joins the show. He discusses what makes Windstar stand out when it comes to cruising in Tahiti and what travelers need to know before visiting. Prelog also shares more information on Windstar's new mystery cruise offer and the story about his recent sailing on how the ship had to pivot to avoid...
Published 02/27/24
This week, I'm joined by Mandee Migliaccio, CEO of Stepping Out Travel, and Stephen Scott, CEO of Travel Hub 365 and the Odyssey Travel App. Together we first talk about the top trending news of the week, including new improvements coming to US airports, a new call to action for EU travel, and more.  Later, the discussion turns to the FAM trip experience. Migliaccio and Scott share their thoughts on how the FAM trip has changed post pandemic and provide quality advice for fellow travel...
Published 02/20/24
This week, I'm joined by Alyssa Dial of LovinAway Travel to discuss the latest trending news in travel, including Jamaica's pushback against US travel advisory, cruise line private islands, and more.  Later, Dial shares her thoughts on the latest romance travel trends. What's standing out for couples and impacting their travel decisions? Which destinations are standing out? Dial shares insights on this and provides advice for fellow travel advisors on selling romance travel.  The romance...
Published 02/13/24
This week, I first discuss the latest trending news in the travel industry, including airline merger updates, President Biden's social media post on air travel, and much more.  Later, I'm joined by Peter Bopp, Director of Research at the Family Travel Association and Tyson Wharton, owner of Sioux Empire Travel to discuss the 2024 outlook for family travel. Bopp and Wharton share insights on 2024 family travel trends, top destinations, and advice for travel advisors.  The discussion on...
Published 02/06/24
This week, I first discuss the latest trending news in the travel industry, including updates on the JetBlue-Spirit merger, new details about Universal Orlando's new Epic Universe theme park, and much more.  Later, hear my thoughts on Icon of the Seas as well as details from Royal Caribbean executives Vicki Freed, SVP of Sales, Trade Support for Royal Caribbean. Additionally, hear comments from Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International and Jason Liberty, President...
Published 01/30/24
This week, I first discuss the latest trending news in the travel industry, including updates on Boeing 737-Max 9's return, JetBlue-Spirit merger dying out, and much more.  Later, I interview Dale Buckner, CEO of Global Guardian, to talk about the world's riskiest and safest travel destinations. Buckner shares his thoughts on the current state of global tourism as well as tips for traveling safely.  The interview on risky and safe travel destinations begins after the 9-minute mark.  Have...
Published 01/22/24
This week, I'm joined by Jesse Morris, owner of We Book Travel, to first discuss the latest trending news in the travel industry, including Boeing's rough start to 2024, a new ban in Las Vegas, and much more.  Later, Morris and I dive into the 2024 Wave Season outlook. Morris shares insights into what the expectations are this year and how wave season is continually changing post-pandemic. He also provides terrific tips for travel advisors when it comes to excelling this Wave Season.  The...
Published 01/16/24
This week, I'm joined by Veranda Adkins – founder of Travel Legacy, a high-end travel agency, and the Association of Black Travel Professionals, an organization dedicated to the development of Black travel agents.  Together we first discuss the latest trending news in travel, including FAA grounding Boeing planes, winter storm impacting flights and more.  Later, Adkins and I dive into what we can expect from travel in 2024. She also shares her top advice for travel advisors to grow their...
Published 01/08/24
This week, I'm joined by travel advisor Ryan Doncsecz of VIP Vacations. We recap the top storylines in travel from 2023, discussing war's impact on travel, airline mergers, new tourism fees, the rise in demand for travel advisors, and so much more.  Today’s episode sponsor: Windstar Cruises As you pen down your New Year's resolutions, make 2024 the year of extraordinary experiences with Windstar Cruises. Sail onboard their boutique, all-suite yachts or iconic sailboats to the picturesque...
Published 12/26/23
Welcome back to another episode of the TravelPulse Podcast!  This week, I'm joined by Heather Di Pietro, owner of Travel Sales Group and She the World Luxury Guided Experiences, to first discuss the latest trending news in travel, including Southwest's record penalty, big happenings in Mexico, and more.  Later, Di Pietro shares insights into what's trending in group travel. She highlights the challenges of booking groups, and how to overcome them and provides advice to fellow...
Published 12/18/23
This week, I'm joined by Brian Major, Caribbean travel expert and Managing Editor of Digital Guides here at TravelPulse. Together we first discuss the latest trending news in the travel industry, including TSA's prototype for self-screening passengers, new high-speed rail projects in the United States, and much more.  Later, Major provides the top storylines in Caribbean travel from 2023. He shares which destinations stood out the most this year in the Caribbean, the underrated places on the...
Published 12/12/23
This week I first discuss the latest trending news in travel, including Alaska Airlines buying Hawaiian Airlines, new updates to popular theme parks, and more.  Later in the show, I interview Chris Prelog, President of Windstar Cruises. Prelog shares the latest news and offerings from Windstar Cruises. Plus, we learn how he became known as Mr. Tahiti.  The interview with Prelog begins after the 11-minute mark.  Today’s episode sponsor: Windstar Cruises As you pen down your New Year's...
Published 12/05/23
Welcome back to another episode of the TravelPulse Podcast!  This week I first discuss the latest trending news in travel, including how air travel performed during the Thanksgiving holiday, a warning from a Southwest Airlines pilot, Venice's tourism fee, and much more. Later in the show, Chip Rogers, President & CEO of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), joins me to chat about the hotel industry. Rogers provides insights into how the hotel industry has performed in...
Published 11/28/23
Welcome back to another episode of the TravelPulse Podcast!  This week I'm joined by Belvin Baldwin II, owner of Showtime Travel, to first talk about the latest trending news in travel, including an updated worldwide caution travel advisory, a fan-led Taylor Swift cruise, and more.  Later, Baldwin and I discuss the 2023 holiday travel outlook. How busy will it be? Will airports be super crowded and chaotic like last year? What Black Friday travel deals are jumping out? Baldwin shares his...
Published 11/20/23
Welcome back to another episode of the TravelPulse Podcast!  This week I'm joined by Mandee Migliaccio, CEO of Stepping Out Travel, to first discuss the latest trending news in travel, including a rise in air travel complaints, Jamaica's expansion, and more.  Later, Migliaccio shares insights into the affluent traveler lifestyle and how the wealthy traveler has changed. She also provides tips to fellow travel advisors for selling the luxury travel space.  The discussion on the affluent...
Published 11/14/23
Welcome back to another episode of the TravelPulse Podcast!  This week I first discuss the latest trending news in the travel industry, including top winners from the Travvy Awards, takeaways from CruiseWorld, and so much more.  Later in the show, Rodrigo Esponda, Director of Los Cabos Tourism Board, joins the show to share what's new and exciting in Los Cabos this coming holiday season and into 2024. Esponda provides insights into the destination's growth as well as info on the Los Cabos...
Published 11/07/23
This week I'm joined by Ashley D'Aristotile, owner of Flyway Travel, to first discuss the latest trending topics in the travel industry, including a worldwide caution on travel, Europe's border entry rule and more.  Later, D'Aristotile shares her insights into the dark tourism scene – from the various types to how popular it is. She also gives her picks for the spookiest places around the world and offers advice to fellow travel advisors.  The discussion on dark tourism begins after the...
Published 10/24/23
This week I'm joined by Terika Haynes, CEO and Founder of Dynamite Travel. We first discuss the latest trending news in the travel industry, including how travel advisors saved the day for clients in Israel last week, the cruise sector's growth, Caribbean tourism expansion and more.  Later, Haynes and I dive into the world of travel advisor commissions. Haynes shares her thoughts on the current state of travel advisor commission, which suppliers excel in this area and how the industry can...
Published 10/17/23
This week I first discuss the the latest trending news in travel, including the tragic situation in Israel and how it has impacted travel, the safest places to travel this fall, cruise pricing on the rise, and much more.  Later, I interview Ilihia Gionson, Public Affairs Officer for the Hawaii Tourism Authority.  Gionson provides updates on the phases of West Maui's reopening for tourism, as well as what travelers can expect and how they can help.  The interview around West Maui begins...
Published 10/10/23