The US is getting ready to institute new entry requirements for tourists, while the EU and the UK put similar ones in this year and before. Some are upset with proposed rules that can have CBP accessing years of social media posts, and more, but that's not something that will impact the vast majority of travelers.
Mark Murphy breaks it all down in this week's episode
Wow, a short clip of last week's interview with an advisor went viral on TikTok, which showed just how many people think travel agents are dead. wiht over 130 comments and growing, I thought I'd address the reality and point out just how clueless so many are.
I'd say it surprised me, but that would be a lie. You see, despite decades of travel associations tied to building up the travel agency channel and awareness for it, they've failed miserably.
But to cut them some slack, I'd bet that 90% of those sharing the most clueless posts are the same people that still think the Covid vaccine works.
Is the luxury travel market slowing down? Nope. Where are the affluent going, and what's driving it? Listen to Becky, of My Bella Travels share her insights on this market segment and why it's still roaring.
Disney just launched their newest ship, the Disney Destiny, and it's even better than you may have thought. Kim Anwar, owner of Magic Family Getaways, sailed just a couple of days ago and shares her thoughts with Mark Murphy.
The shutdown continues, but it's not affecting everyone...yet. Travel mistakes that I've made, as well as one that cost a family thousands of dollars. Think twice before you pack some edibles or a vape on an overseas trip, as it might land you in jail. And finally, why are Canadians so obsessed with Trump when it comes to visiting the USA?
Imagine getting off your cruise ship on a deserted island, only to be left behind when the ship departs. An 80 year old woman died because of it. Plus, the airline seat recline debate and key travel tips from travel agents/advisors.
With the aging of the baby boomers, the largest segment of the population, comes the desire to travel. The problem? As people age, they have more issues when it comes to mobility and exploring the world.
Mike Clapper is pushing the industry to be more inclusive and aware of the opportunity in understanding and preparing for the needs of these travelers.
A lot of 'experts' have declared the death of #travelagents, from the introduction of online travel agencies like Expedia to the advent of the internet. Will they finally be right?
Will the government shutdown affect your travel? Maybe, but issues aren't widespread. Why are Canadians so triggered by memes and jokes while Americans laugh about them when they are the target? MSM is starting to pick up on the price of travel in the USA and Reddit is doing the same. Is it really cheaper to go overseas versus staying in the USA when traveling? YES, it is...almost every single time. Secure your data and
People always ask me about the best way to book travel, and when I mention a travel agent / travel advisor, they don't seem to 'get it'. Those who do, know, and John Walters is one of them.
I interviewed him about the trip and what made it so memorable.
In this episode Murphy covers the growing discontent with those resort fees, how AI is an enabler best used by travel advisors and travel tips to keep you safe and secure on the road.
Another week and another article, seemingly pointing to Trump as the reason why international inbound travel to the USA is down. This time it's a couple of CEO's in travel being quoted by the same author, and one that needs some TDS therapy.
I delve into that, the $15,000 visa bond program, taxation on travelers reaching ridiculous levels, and that fee we all love to hate...and for good reason...the resort fee.
If you ever wanted to build a successful travel agency/advisor business, this is a can't miss episode! Adrienne Brown of Breathless Getaways provides real world examples of how she used her downtime during Covid to set the table for her current success.
Even seasoned sellers of travel will benefit by tuning in, as you can always grab a nugget of wisdom and apply it to your situation.
A small company that shows travelers how they can do more than just experience a destination. Hands Up Holidays (https://handsupholidays.com/ ) demonstrates how a focus on philanthropy, coupled with travel, can pay dividends for those who give and those who receive.
It's an interesting approach and one that is making a difference in the lives of people in some of the most impoverished situations imaginable.
In this episode the host takes on the feedback from last week's POD, the one that stated, with actual facts, that travel from Canada to the USA isn't down because of tariffs or even Trump.
Did they even listen to it? The answer, based on many of their responses, is NO. It's akin to saying that the Bible isn't real, without ever reading it for themselves.
No wonder these people get led around like sheep during covid.
Journalism is more like activism these days, and the travel industry isn't immune. Instead of focusing on the data and actual facts, some resort to hyperbolic statements and accusations that don't hold up to even the most basic inquiries.
In this episode, Mark Murphy breaks down the numerous examples of just how far off the industry is, or at least this author, on what's actually at the root of their problems when it comes to travel from Canada.
And it isn't Trump, despite the hyperbolic and breathless attempts to paint it that way.
Yes, value in luxury travel can still be found, you just have to look for it in new places that you may not have considered in the past.
I keep hearing travel agents talking about Ntaba African Safaris so I reached out to Robin John Mountain, one of the founders, to find out why his 20 year old company is up to...and why these travel experts are so keen on using his services.
Are Syria, Iraq, Libya or Haiti on your travel plans? For almost 100% of us, that's a NO.
Why are travelers not considering travel to the USA? It's not what you might think.
Panicans on a Delta flight lose their minds when a co-pilot gets arrested after landing in San Francisco. They're more worried about the individual getting arrested than the fact that he's a potential criminal.
This week, you get just me talking about the latest travel news and my take on it, including some persistent fake news that keeps resurfacing. TravelTube.com is the platform that features travel advisors, their insights, and product reviews.