The Lounge by Travefy

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Jun 2026

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About the show

The podcast by Travefy designed for travel advisors who want to grow their business with real stories, strategies, and actionable tips. Whether you’re a Travel Advisor, Tour Operator, or other travel professional, growing your travel business can be difficult! At Travefy, we recognize this, but also see the incredible experiences and transferable knowledge that exists among members of our industry. As a part of Travefy’s commitment to power the success of travel professionals, we launched The Lounge to provide educational resources to expand your understanding of the travel industry, share best practices, and ultimately grow your business.

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60 recent

June 4, 2026Episode 9634 min

The Price Shopper, the Ghoster, and the "I'll Get Back to You": Real Sales Conversations with Harish Shroff

Every travel advisor knows the feeling: you've pitched a trip, poured time into the details, and the client either disappears, says they found it cheaper somewhere else, or hits you with the dreaded "I'll get back to you." So what do you actually say? In this episode, we sit down with Harish Shroff, VP of Sales at Indus Travels and author of Mastering the Art of Sales, for a conversation built around the real moments that trip up even experienced advisors. We dig into why jumping to price is a signal you haven't built enough value yet, how to use a recap strategy when a client stalls, the follow-up mistake most advisors don't realize they're making, and why the best thing you can do after a client returns from a trip isn't wait for them to call you. This one's practical, honest, and worth sharing with anyone on your team who talks to clients.Show Notes: Get the Book: Mastering the Art of SalesConnect with Harish Shroff on LinkedinLearn more about Indus Travels

March 5, 2026Episode 9540 min

Wave Season Without Burnout: Habits That Sustain Your Business Year-Round with Stacey Cabell

Wave Season can bring a surge of inquiries and bookings. It can also bring long hours, constant notifications, and a pace that is hard to sustain.In this episode of The Lounge by Travefy, we sit down with Stacey Cabell, a 14-year travel industry veteran, to explore how advisors can maintain peak performance without burning out.We cover how to recognize the early signs of burnout, why protecting your energy improves both your business and your client experience, and simple habits you can implement right away to stay consistent during Wave Season and beyond.You’ll also hear practical ideas for setting healthy client boundaries, building confidence through small wins, and using systems that reduce daily mental load. Because a sustainable travel business is not built in chaos.Show Notes:Visit Stacey's Website at http://staceycabell.com✨ Listen to more episodes of The Lounge Podcast at https://lp.travefy.com/the-lounge

February 20, 2026Episode 9434 min

Are Conferences Worth It? How to Choose the Ones That Grow Your Business with Travel Show Marketing Group

Are conferences actually worth the time and money, especially with so much virtual education available now? In this episode, we sit down with Kelley Wright (Travel Agent Recruitment) and Stephanie McCracken (Director of Marketing) from Travel Show Marketing Group, the team behind Travel Agent Forum, to break down how advisors can approach events strategically. You’ll learn how attendees can get the most ROI from conferences, when it may not make sense to attend, how to choose the right event for your business stage, and how to avoid burnout while maximizing networking and follow-up. Plus, we share details on Travefy Live, Travefy’s user conference happening May 12, 2026 in Las Vegas — and why it’s the perfect add-on to Travel Agent Forum.Show Notes:Learn More + Register for Travefy LiveLearn More + Register for Travel Agent Forum in Las VegasCheck out Travel Show Marketing Groups' other eventsJoin Kelley's "Travel Show Marketing Group 2026 Events and Application Process" webinars: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/regis... (Happening on Feb. 23, 2026) and https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/regis... (Happening on Feb. 24, 2026)

January 16, 2026Episode 9328 min

What Host Agencies Wish Advisors Knew Before Joining with Shayna Zand

Choosing a host agency can shape your entire travel business—but it’s often misunderstood.In this episode, we're joined by Shayna Zand from Host Agency Reviews to break down what host agencies are actually designed to do for advisors, and what they’re not.We unpack common misconceptions around fees and commission splits, why long-term success has more to do with fit and expectations than numbers on paper, and what truly separates advisors who thrive at a host agency from those who struggle, even within the same host.This episode is a must-listen for agents and advisors considering a host, thinking about switching, or wanting to get more value from the one they’re with.🔗 Show Notes & Resources:Host Week 2026 -Join Travefy's Coffee Spot during Host Week on January 27! [Register Here]Learn about Host Week and Register (for free!)Free Resources from Host Agency Reviews - Top 10 Benefits of Using a Host AgencyA Travel Agent's Guide to Charging FeesHost Agency Commission Plan Comparison CalculatorChoosing the Right Host: 5 Things to Consider

December 9, 2025Episode 9227 min

AI in Travel: Real Data and Real Advisor Impact with Travefy CEO David Chait

Artificial intelligence is no longer “coming soon” for travel advisors—it’s already reshaping how business gets done. In this episode, we’re joined by Travefy CEO David Chait to unpack what AI truly means for advisors right now and where it’s headed next.This conversation is grounded in real advisor insights from Travefy’s recent collaboration with Travel Market Report’s first-ever Outlook on AI Trends in the Travel Industry. Using key findings from the report, we explore where advisors are seeing the biggest efficiency gains, how AI impacts personalization and privacy, why adoption is accelerating, and what advisors should focus on as this shift continues.If you want a clear, realistic look at how AI is shaping the future of the advisor business, this episode delivers.✨ Resources & Links:🔗 Travel Market Reports's Outlook on A.I.Trends in the Industry, 2025 🔗 Learn more about The Lounge podcast & listen to other episodes 🔗 Subscribe to Travefy's Newsletter 🔗 Start a Free Trial of Travefy

November 26, 2025Episode 9144 min

Sales Workshop Series Ep. 4: Beyond the Booking—Creating Loyalty & Repeat Clients with Courtnie Nichols

After the booking is made, your sales process isn’t over, it’s entering the stage that matters most. In Episode 4 of The Lounge by Travefy’s Sales Workshop Series, we chat with Courtnie Nichols, CEO of Travel Bash and founder of The Biz Huddle, to explore how thoughtful post-booking care turns happy travelers into loyal, repeat clients.Courtnie shares simple ways to wow clients, how to personalize touch points, smart systems for gathering testimonials, and why referrals become effortless when you deliver an experience that feels unforgettable. As the finale of our four-part series, this episode brings the full sales journey together—from mindset to marketing to workflow to long-term loyalty.✨ What you’ll learn:Why most advisors stop selling too early and how to fix itEasy “surprise and delight” moments that cost little but mean a lotHow to personalize the client journey at every stageA simple system for collecting testimonials and reviewsNatural, non-awkward ways to encourage referralsThe one improvement you can make this week to boost retention🔗 Resources & Links:Learn more about The Lounge Podcast's Sales Workshop SeriesSubscribe to Travefy's NewsletterStart a Free Trial of TravefyVisit Courtnie's WebsiteLearn More About The Biz Huddle🎧 This is Episode 4—the finale of The Lounge by Travefy’s Sales Workshop Series. Catch up on Episodes 1–3 to complete the full sales journey!

November 11, 2025Episode 9049 min

Sales Workshop Series Ep. 3: Build a Sales Workflow That Converts with Angela Hughes

Once the leads start rolling in—what happens next?In Episode 3 of The Lounge by Travefy’s Sales Workshop Series, we chat with Angela Hughes, CEO of Trips & Ships Luxury Travel and founder of Luxury Travel University, to unpack how to design a sales workflow that actually works.Angela shares how to qualify clients effectively, when to charge fees, how to balance automation with personal connection, and why consistency—not hustle—is the real key to conversions. From the first discovery call to post-trip follow-up, this episode walks you through a repeatable system that keeps your pipeline flowing and clients returning.✨ What you’ll learn:How to turn leads into real opportunities (not dead ends)The discovery-call questions that reveal your best clientsWhen, and how, to confidently introduce your service feeWhere to automate vs. when to stay humanThe “follow-up framework” that turns happy travelers into repeat clientsWhy consistency and accountability are your most powerful sales tools🔗 Resources & Links:Learn more about The Lounge Podcast's Sales Workshop SeriesSubscribe to Travefy's NewsletterStart a Free Trial of TravefyTrips & Ships Luxury Travel WebsiteFollow Angela on InstagramFind Angela on Linkedin🎧 This episode is part 3 of the 4-part Sales Workshop Series on The Lounge by Travefy. Catch up on Episodes 1 and 2 to complete your sales journey, from mindset to marketing to workflow. Learn more here!

November 3, 2025Episode 8942 min

Sales Workshop Series Ep. 2: The Simple Marketing Playbook for Travel Agents with Roslyn Ranse

Marketing doesn’t have to be loud, complicated, or icky. In this Sales Workshop Series episode, we chat with travel advisor and business strategist Roslyn Ranse from Travel Agent Achievers to unpack a simple, human-first system for getting more of the right clients. We cover why value beats “specials,” how to ask for referrals without feeling salesy, a one-hour-a-week marketing routine, and what to track over a 90-day test so momentum compounds. You’ll hear practical examples and a tiny homework assignment that moves the needle today.✨ What you’ll learn:How to sell value, not just dealsWhy you should segment your client lists & add personalizationA one-hour weekly plan to create, engage, and prep for the next weekHow to measure your marketing success in a 90-day period🎧 This episode is part 2 of our 4-part Sales Workshop series on The Lounge by Travefy. Learn more about Sales Workshop and listen to other episodes!🔗 Resources & Links:Learn more about The Lounge Podcast's Sales Workshop SeriesSubscribe to Travefy's NewsletterStart a Free Trial of TravefyRoslyn's Resources for Travefy Listeners!Listen to Roslyn's Podcast: Travel Agent Achievers Podcast👉 Subscribe to The Lounge by Travefy so you don’t miss the next two episodes in the Sales Workshop series, and share this kickoff with an advisor who needs a confidence boost today!

October 27, 2025Episode 8852 min

Sales Workshop Series Ep. 1: From Ghosted to Booked—Sales Tips That Work with Glenda Beagle

Welcome back to The Lounge Podcast by Travefy and the kickoff of Sales Workshop series, designed to strengthen every step of your travel sales process. In Episode 1, we sit down with Glenda Beagle from The Art of Selling Travel to start where great selling truly begins: mindset.Glenda unpacks why advisors fear “being salesy,” how to stay authentic, and practical ways to stop getting ghosted after proposals. You’ll learn when not to send a proposal, how to walk clients through it (live or via a quick video), and a simple one-liner for confidently charging fees. We also dig into the difference between objections vs. rejections, why silence helps you close, and a weekly habit to build momentum and celebrate wins.✨ What you’ll learn:A mindset reframe that makes selling feel ethical and funThe real reason for ghosting—and how to prevent itExactly how to present proposals so clients say yesA clear script to introduce your planning fee with confidenceHow to spot (and solve) hidden objectionsA quick ritual to track wins and keep motivation high🎧 This episode is part 1 of our 4-part Sales Workshop series on The Lounge by Travefy. Learn more about Sales Workshop and listen to other episodes!🔗 Resources & Links:Learn more about The Lounge Podcast's Sales Workshop SeriesSubscribe to Travefy's NewsletterStart a Free Trial of TravefyLearn More about Glenda Beagle:Visit Glenda's Website artofsellingtravel.comListen to Art of Selling Travel's PodcastListen on Apply PodcastsListen on SpotifyFollow Glenda on Social Media:YouTubeFacebook GroupFacebookInstagram👉 Subscribe to The Lounge by Travefy so you don’t miss Episode 2 in the Sales Workshop series, and share this kickoff with an advisor who needs a confidence boost today!

December 6, 2024Episode 8734 min

#87 - Data-Driven Success & Tracking Your Business for Growth with Kate Thomas

In this episode, we chat with Kate Thomas, Founder of Travel Pro Theory and Owner of North + Leisure. Kate shares her love for data and why knowing your business numbers is so important and how you can use to make important decisions about your business. Kate walks through how you can get started right away by setting up a simple spreadsheet and system to start tracking your business numbers, from what your clients are booking, how long they're traveling for, the commission you're receiving and more. Being able to view these numbers can help you make strategic marketing and sales decisions to help your business thrive and succeed.Show Notes:TravelProTheory.comVisit Travel Pro Theory on InstagramFreebie: Revenue ForecastStart a free trial of Travefy at https://info.travefy.com/get_startedRecorded on August 22, 2024