HAR's Travel Agent Chatter | Friday 15

We’ve got two listening delights for you on this channel, folks! 😲 Season 1 is Travel Agent Chatter (TAC), a spotlight interview of a wide variety of travel advisors that we publish every quarter. Season 2 is our shorter, but more frequent Friday 15 series, where every Friday we answer your travel industry questions for — you guessed it — 15 minutes!Travel Agent Chatter -- a Host Agency Reviews audio series -- inspires you with in-depth interviews featuring successful travel agents. We dig into what they do that makes their agencies flourish and how they did it.Transcripts, videos and TAC show notes can be found at https://hostagencyreviews.com/TACThe Friday 15 comes out every Friday at 12pm CT. For 15 minutes over the lunch hour we answer your travel industry questions. Submit your questions at https://hostagencyreviews.com/friday15Travel Agent Chatter and the Friday 15 are hosted by HAR's managing director, Shayna Zand and Steph Lee , the founder of the website Host Agency Reviews.

Protection for Wedding Coordinator? Selling Merch as Agent? Franchise vs. Own Brand?
Jun 13, 2025 – 25:48
Backend business organization? Contracts? Fraud Risks?
Jun 6, 2025 – 26:51
Commission Splits? Selling Myself? Group Booking Contracts?
May 30, 2025 – 20:55
Investing in my website? Do I really need an SEO strategy?
May 23, 2025 – 18:01
Group Travel Niches? Preferred Supplier Networks? Boutique Suppliers?
May 16, 2025 – 22:44
How To Trademark Your Agency? Interested in Multi-Gen Niche!
May 9, 2025 – 16:45
Preparing for a Travel Agency NOW? Bookings for International Clients?
May 2, 2025 – 27:19
Meaningful Travel? Supporting Local Communities? Impact on Destinations?
Apr 25, 2025 – 26:13
Narrowing Niche? TA Discounts? Customer Support? Air/Car Rentals Worth Low Commissions?
Apr 18, 2025 – 23:57
ID Number to Sell Travel? Newbie as a Sub-Agent? Transferring Clients?
Apr 11, 2025 – 23:49
Host Agencies in Japan? Seller of Travel Liability? Foreign Transaction Fees?!
Apr 4, 2025 – 18:24
Billing for FIT Trips? How Do Leads Work?
Mar 28, 2025 – 28:45
Ex-pat living 6,000 miles from your clients. Maximum efficiency w/time tracking. Charging fees from day one. Meet Grace from Switzerland.
Mar 24, 2025 – 01:41:45
Agency Name? Will Global Changes Affect US Travel? Do I Need a Host Agency?
Mar 21, 2025 – 27:28
Travel with Small Children? How To Organize Digital Info?
Mar 14, 2025 – 24:23
How To Organize Contacts? Should I Go Out On My Own?
Mar 7, 2025 – 29:58
When to LLC? How To Be a Sub-Agent? Worried About Refunds!
Feb 28, 2025 – 16:48
System for Supplier Contacts? Go Independent? Thank You Gifts?
Feb 21, 2025 – 20:13
When to LLC? How to Deal with Failure? Which Course To Take?
Feb 14, 2025 – 20:58
Client thank you gifts? Changing host agencies? Racing client for best price?
Feb 7, 2025 – 26:44
What CRM for Credit Cards? Too Many Hosts!! How to Assess Fees?
Jan 24, 2025 – 26:53
Benefits of Leaving a Host Agency? Clients Who Complain? A Teacher + Also Sell Travel?
Jan 17, 2025 – 30:48
Do Suppliers Provide Booking Software? Seller of Travel and Working Outside the U.S.
Jan 10, 2025 – 28:51
Starting an Agency While Working Another Job! I Like To Cruise – Should I Become a Travel Advisor?
Jan 3, 2025 – 23:41
Typical Timeline for Starting Out as Agent? Does Expedia Hurt My Sales?
Dec 27, 2024 – 22:56
Choosing E&O Insurance? When Should I Get My Own IATA Number?
Dec 20, 2024 – 30:52
Sabre Refresher? How Do You Do FIT Trips?
Dec 13, 2024 – 22:50
Vol. 31| NHL Star to Luxury Travel: How This Power Couple Built a Wellness-Focused Travel Agency. Meet Lauren + Chris.
Dec 11, 2024 – 01:19:51
Site Inspections Out of Country? Why Are Bookings More Expensive with my HA?
Dec 6, 2024 – 24:50
Preventing My Agency from Fraud? Do Commissions Change? Budgeting for a Travel Agency?
Nov 29, 2024 – 26:32
Getting Set Up with LLC, Bank Accts, Etc. – Using Points for Clients? – Host Agencies Outside US?
Nov 22, 2024 – 17:53
Contracts with Suppliers – What to Know? Split Planning Fees? How To Name Your Niche.
Nov 15, 2024 – 21:07
Are Booking Platforms Always Confusing? Should I Add Booking Metrics To My Site? Is BOI Required For All Agencies?
Nov 8, 2024 – 21:04
What Computer Should I Buy? Discounts in Host Agency Choice. Dual-Ownership of Agency and HAs?
Nov 1, 2024 – 22:12
Wait for Host Week to Choose Host? When to Make a Website? Where Do I Find Suppliers?
Oct 25, 2024 – 24:19
Head spinning with CRMs - Help! Tools to Track Expenses? Fall Foliage Tour Bookings.
Oct 18, 2024 – 22:59
GDS vs. Other Air Booking Tech? Booking Air for Clients? How to Get Clients to Respond Back to Supplier Options?
Oct 11, 2024 – 20:20
How to Make the Most of a Personal Cruise as an Advisor? Just Starting Out – Part-Time or Full-Time?
Oct 4, 2024 – 27:36
Host Agency for My Niche? Listing Fees? HAs and Boutique Suppliers?
Sep 27, 2024 – 28:04
What is a FAM? Why is GDS avoided by HAs + Which Ones Offer Access? Training Courses After HAR’s?
Sep 20, 2024 – 23:48
Starting Out as An Advisor – in Canada! Tips for Starting a Host Agency? How to Join a Preferred-Agency Program?
Sep 13, 2024 – 20:20
HAs Welcoming Partner Travel Advisors? Best CRMs To Track Payments? Trademark Pitfalls With Agency Names?
Sep 6, 2024 – 31:30
Most organized host agency? Property Inspections! Advisor or Consultant?
Aug 30, 2024 – 25:59
Are “No Air Bookings” a Red Flag? Are Multiple Hosts an Option? How To Compare Two Agencies with Different Fees and Benefits?
Aug 23, 2024 – 26:05
No Reviews for a Host Agency on HAR – Should I Be Worried? Industry Standard For Commission Payouts to Advisors?
Aug 16, 2024 – 26:00
What’s with Clientbase? Tips for Travelers with Autism? Booking Air for Non-profits!
Aug 9, 2024 – 23:53
How Do I Sell Disney? Ins and Outs of Seller of Travel?
Aug 2, 2024 – 19:03
What’s a good CTA course? Tell Me About Press Releases!
Jul 26, 2024 – 22:18
Come with Me Groups. $1.5M niche w/a work-life balance. Lessons from FB hack. Meet Veranda.
Jul 22, 2024 – 01:17:42
Moving an IATA-Accredited Agency To US; Client Poaching On Facebook Groups!
Jul 19, 2024 – 20:56

Recent Reviews

bladesblah

Valuable information and advice

Thank you for these Friday Q&As! I’ve been an agent for two years and my old travel agent actually has allowed me to be under their wing and learn at my part time pace. The downfall is I don’t get a ton of training in the industry unless I’m booking something new so terms and business know how’s came slowly. I found your website and podcast so valuable for my growth and I’m just wanting to say thank you so much!
Piolin@88

Wow!!

I love your podcast. I started listening to it a few weeks ago. I love the different topics and success stories that are covered. I love the ideas that I’m hearing. It gives me new things to consider and try out. Maybe I’m not there yet ( currently on episode 11) , but ……I would love to hear how travel agents deal with visas? Is that something they handle ? Or something they allow the clients to do on their own ?Do they charge a fee for this? 🤔
gusisamazing

Awesome resource!

I have been listening to TAC for about 6 months, and I have loved every episode! I’m starting my own travel company, and the advice Steph gives, along with the awesome guests she has on the show, have already given me tons of ideas. Looking forward to taking in each new episode as it comes out!
DeanDoug1967

Wish there were more!

This is such a fantastic podcast for Travel Advisors! I find so much inspiration and motivation every time I listen to one (and often listen to them more than once!). Steph and her crew are a wealth of knowledge and Steph does a fantastic interview each time! I love the diversity of her guests and the transcript afterwards is invaluable!
lucysupra

Inspiring indeed!

Congratulations to Steph and her sweet podcast! I’ve found so much inspiration by listening to every single one of her episodes. I’ve learned about the industry through her interviews and insights. Big fan!!
TravelbyLisa

Great Information, Variety of Topics and Easy Listening

Ive really enjoyed listening to the different guests and what they bring to the travel industry. Youve done a great job putting this all together Steph!
IvyDoc16

Awesome

So informative. Glad I found it.
Rita Fuja

Upbeat, positive and informative

Your podcasts are always upbeat and positive and I always learn something new from your guests. I wish it was published more frequently. Thanks!
Hashwee

Great for seasoned and newbies

As a newbie agent I’ve been devouring everything to learn more. This podcast is one of the top things! Inspiring to learn from other agents.
Vyxzynn

2020 Goals!!!

This was the first podcast I found for travel agents when I first became I travel agent in January of 2019. Steph Lee has been so amazing to listen to and always brings the best content. Her show is hands down the best travel agent show and I always look forward to hearing her podcasts. Travel Agent Chatter has been one of my go to resources for so many topics and I share the link for this podcast and the website on a weekly basis!
Nova_FS

A Must for Travel Industry Professionals

This podcast provides in depth interviews of travel professionals from all different backgrounds. What I appreciate is that it includes concrete take-aways and resources for travel professionals of all backgrounds and experience levels. Not only is it informative, but the podcast is also highly engaging. I highly recommend this podcast.
ElaineMpls

Fabulous podcast!

Steph is the best!
Listyku

Great resource

I wish you would have episodes more often! Currently listening to some a second time.
EdeQuillacq

MUST for all travel professionals

MUST for travel professionals. I’m better at my job and my company has grown in strides because of this podcast, blog, and online tools. Thank you!
Epcot segment runner

Don’t build your business without listening firstly

Stephanie’s website and content has been an incredible asset to me over the last few years as I’ve waded deeper and deeper into a burgeoning travel consultancy. I’d assume that this information is valuable to seasoned agents but for newbies this content here on the podcast and website include crucial blocks of knowledge necessary to building the new business. Listen and then listen again!!
MisheleA

Great Podcast

I have enjoyed all of the episodes of Travel Agent Chatter. Always interesting and informative! Thanks Steph Lee
Dkshsuahdhdl

Excellent and Informative

Quality show and always full of useful information.
Sailing_Hedgehog

The Best Advice for New Travel Advisors!

I love these podcasts! Wonderful advise and tips. I look forward to more!
Nkkilala

Perfect for Travel Advisors and Travel Lrofessionals

I’ve been living listening to Travel Agent Chatter! Steph had done a great job at finding wonderful Travel Advisors to interview. I’ve been in the industry for 9 years and have learned something new from each Podcast guest. As an advisor who works solo, it is great to have TAC as way to learn what others are doing in the industry. There are Soooo Many sides to being a travel professional, and I feel like TAC is my 20-Side dice.
EJones0320

Keep it up!

Love hearing these podcasts.
ElizabethWZ

Wish there were more!

I just discovered this podcast and listened to all 5 episodes this weekend. Am considering a career change to become a travel agent. Have already learned so much from listening to the podcast and exploring their website. Please make more podcasts!!
Night Owl 76

Can’t wait for the next episodes!

As a new agent, this podcast has been amazing! I am always left so excited at the end of each episode. I’m full of new ideas and I feel I can go out and make improvements to my business. It is extremely informative and never boring. Thank you!
Your Travel

New Agent starting out!

Thank you for offering these podcast! I started my part time travel business conducting outside sales as a Home based agent in October. The tips given from VIP on episode 4 were amazing and I hope to use many of them to build my new business! I look forward to listening to the ones I missed and the ones to come! - Molly Butler, Your Travel Butler
CamiC71

Amazing resource; amazing host!

Love this podcast! I'm just dipping my toes into the travel industry and this podcast as well as Stephanie's other resources--such as her Host Agency Review (HAR) website and 7-Day Setup Support Group--have been invaluable to me. I'm very inspired by Stephanie and feel confident in the steps I'm taking thanks to her. Can't wait for the next podcast!
footeam

Great info. for new agents

This is a good podcast that was the perfect length to listen to over my lunch. There was a lot of good information and I can't wait for the next episode.
Naaaate

Great info about the travel industry

Steph has great insights into the world of travel agents with tips and tricks for new agents as well as for those who've been around the block. The podcast is a great way for her to share the information from her experiences in a new format!
magsgei

Excellent podcast about travel & more!

This is a fantastic resource for agents with any level of experience. Fun and easy to listen to, Lee shares her expertise and secrets of success in the travel industry. Can’t wait to listen to the next episode & learn even more!!!
Leex2533

Very informative and well done!

It is great to see the travel industry embracing technology to get information out to new agents! The episodes are very informative and easy to listen to. Stephanie asks great questions and keeps the episodes fun and light with her demeanor. I like the variety in topics thus far. They cover such different areas that I wouldn't have learned about elsewhere. Having been in the travel industry for over 10 years, I'm very happy to see an expert in the field put something like this together! This is truly a stellar resource for all agents (new and experienced) who want to stay abreast of relevant topics and broaden their horizons!