TravelPulse Podcast

This week, I first discuss the latest trending news in travel, including a new travel alert for France due to protests, the latest consumer price index, and much more.
Later on the show, I welcome Nathan Hickman, Oceania Cruises Chief Sales Officer, for insights into luxury at sea. Hickman shares what he's seeing when it comes to luxury travelers' booking behaviors, along with updates about Oceania Cruises. Hickman provides details on the decision to change to an adults-only brand, what Oceania Cruises offers with the Best Value Guarantee, plus some exciting new sales, offers and incentives for travel advisors.
The discussion on luxury at sea begins after the 11-minute mark.
Today's episode sponsor: Oceania Cruises
There is a certain joy in traveling well and exploring the world deeply, at your own pace. With Oceania Cruises, sail aboard intimate, luxurious ships to the world's most captivating destinations. Savor The Finest Cuisine at Sea®, thoughtfully crafted experiences, and gracious, personalized service in an adults-only atmosphere. Because true luxury is not about excess. It is about meaning. Experience The Joy of Traveling Well with Oceania Cruises. Learn more at OceaniaCruises.com
Have any feedback or questions? Want to sponsor the show? Contact us at Podcast@TravelPulse.com and follow us on social media @TravelPulse.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, I welcome Kelly Fontenelle, CEO of St. Kitts Tourism Authority and founder of Travel Advisors Selling the Caribbean, to first discuss the latest trending news in travel, including the TSA chair dilemma, Marriott's new test and more.
Later, Fontenelle provides insights and information on the state of Caribbean tourism in 2026, what's trending and changing, and more. She also shares tips for advisors to grow their sales in the destinations.
The discussion on Caribbean travel begins after the 12:30-minute mark.
Today's episode sponsor: Oceania Cruises
There is a certain joy in traveling well and exploring the world deeply, at your own pace. With Oceania Cruises, sail aboard intimate, luxurious ships to the world's most captivating destinations. Savor The Finest Cuisine at Sea®, thoughtfully crafted experiences, and gracious, personalized service in an adults-only atmosphere. Because true luxury is not about excess. It is about meaning. Experience The Joy of Traveling Well with Oceania Cruises. Learn more at OceaniaCruises.com
Have any feedback or questions? Want to sponsor the show? Contact us at Podcast@TravelPulse.com and follow us on social media @TravelPulse.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, I welcome Debbie Brown, founder and CEO of SmartBird World Travel, to first discuss the latest trending news in travel, including Royal Caribbean purchasing a stake in Sandals, air traffic control issues, and more.
Later, Brown provides insights into dealing with a crisis in travel and what steps advisors should take when something goes wrong. She shares real examples of crisis situations she's dealing with now, how connections and contacts with suppliers can help, and much more.
The discussion on crisis management in travel begins after the 19-minute mark.
Today's episode sponsor: Travel Insured International
At Travel Insured International, we believe that power lies in partnership. And that means giving you the tools to streamline your workflow and help protect your reputation. Gain more control over your business (and its bottom line) with a custom Advisor Dashboard featuring a quote manager, commission and conversion tracking, and payment alerts. Plus, our Certified Specialist Program gives you the confidence to offer premium protection as a standard offering. Your clients aren’t alone. Now, neither are you. Visit TravelInsured.com. Where our people, become your people.
Have any feedback or questions? Want to sponsor the show? Contact us at Podcast@TravelPulse.com and follow us on social media @TravelPulse.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, I welcome Jenn Lee, President and CMO of TravelPlanners International and Vacation Planners, to first discuss the latest trending news in travel, including an update to Europe's border entry exit issues, a new DOT rule that will impact travel, and more.
Later, Lee shares her thoughts on the top habits that travel advisors need to unlearn and various ways they can improve their business. Lee provides insights for advisors to streamline their processes in order to further grow, sharing tips on how to correctly speak to potential clients and the tools that successful advisors are using today to develop good habits.
The discussion with Lee on advisor habits begins after the 12:30-minute mark.
Today's episode sponsor: Travel Insured International
At Travel Insured International, we believe that power lies in partnership. And that means giving you the tools to streamline your workflow and help protect your reputation. Gain more control over your business (and its bottom line) with a custom Advisor Dashboard featuring a quote manager, commission and conversion tracking, and payment alerts. Plus, our Certified Specialist Program gives you the confidence to offer premium protection as a standard offering. Your clients aren’t alone. Now, neither are you. Visit TravelInsured.com. Where our people, become your people.
Have any feedback or questions? Want to sponsor the show? Contact us at Podcast@TravelPulse.com and follow us on social media @TravelPulse.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, I first discuss the latest trending news in travel, including Google's AI Mode for Travel, Europe's water-level updates, and more.
Later, I interview Phil Blackwell, VP, Business Development & Partnerships for Travel Insured International (TII). Blackwell shares why TII invests in travel advisors and how two Mastermind events this year are helping shape how they work with advisors. Additionally, Blackwell discusses the importance of the advisor-supplier relationships and business updates from TII.
The interview with Blackwell begins after the 9-minute mark.
Today's episode sponsor: Travel Insured International
At Travel Insured International, we believe that power lies in partnership. And that means giving you the tools to streamline your workflow and help protect your reputation. Gain more control over your business (and its bottom line) with a custom Advisor Dashboard featuring a quote manager, commission and conversion tracking, and payment alerts. Plus, our Certified Specialist Program gives you the confidence to offer premium protection as a standard offering. Your clients aren’t alone. Now, neither are you. Visit TravelInsured.com. Where our people become your people.
Have any feedback or questions? Want to sponsor the show? Contact us at Podcast@TravelPulse.com and follow us on social media @TravelPulse.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.