Home Based Travel Agent Podcast

314 – Learn About Anchorage And Win A Fam Trip

barry@hometravelagent.net (Barry R. Kantz) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 16:15:10 PST

Podcast Number 314

Find more travel business related content at the TRAVEL CONSULTANT ACADEMY.

COHOSTED SEGMENTJoin the fun and become an Anchorage Wild Expert (AWE) and possibly win a familiarization trip to Anchorage. Jody Overstreet and David Kasser join us in the co hosted segment where we talk about the great destination of Anchorage, Alaska. Jody and David are from the Anchorage Convention and Visitors' Bureau. Jody and David explain the AWE certification program that, when completed, will allow you access to the AWE Alumni Facebook page. You can win Fam trips by participating in contests on the AWE Facebook page and continue your learning about Anchorage. A new Anchorage.net website will go online next week where travel trade professionals will find easy access to information about the AWE training and other great content for the travel professional. Join us by listening to the show and learn more about the exciting opportunities offered by the Anchorage Convention and Visitors' Bureau.The best way to contact David or Jody is by email at; joverstreet@anchorage.net or dkasser@anchorage.net.

Travel News

The Los Angeles Times Travel Show coming in late January

Near term travel trends

Disney cancels Mexico cruises

Visit us on Facebook –Barry at http://www.facebook.com/barry.kantzLorene at http://www.facebook.com/lorenerGary at http://www.facebook.com/gary.ebels.Join the Home Based Travel Agent Show Facebook Group.On TwitterLorene’s Twitter name is lorenerBarry’s Twitter name is kantzbGary's Twitter name is gary222Check out Lorenes travel agent website at www.sharptonguedconsulting.com.Thank you for listening to the Home Based Travel Agent Podcast. You can email me at barry@hometravelagent.net or email Lorene at sharptongued@mac.com and Gary at wdwgary@gmail.com.

AURAH "I Decree Peace" (mp3)from "Etherea Borealis"(Very Music, Inc.)
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313 - Are You Using Social Media as Part of Your Marketing Strategy?

barry@hometravelagent.net (Barry R. Kantz) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 17:37:53 PST

Podcast Number 313

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COHOSTED SEGMENTAre you using social media sites such as LinkedIn, Facebook or Twitter to develop presence and credibility for your travel business? If not, you should be. Catherine Heeg of Customized Management Solutions joins Barry and Lorene to discuss the potential of social media in getting your message out to potential clients. Don't miss this show, the last of 2011, to learn about the potential of connecting with people who may become clients. Contact Catherine at (403) 726-0171 or through her website at www.cmsspeaking.com.

Travel NewsAre travel agents making a comeback - Yes!Here's an opportunity to learn more about the niche market of medical and wellness travel A prediction that travel spending is increasing in 2012

AURAH "Part 2" (mp3)from "Judith Martin"(Very Music, Inc.)
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312 - How You Can Become Your Own Custom Tour Company

barry@hometravelagent.net (Barry R. Kantz) — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 14:15:41 PST

Podcast Number 312 Try GoToMeeting free for 30 Days!

COHOSTED SEGMENTHave you ever considered tapping into the affinity groups with customized tours for such groups as the Red Hat Ladies, your local church groups or the local garden club? Or, how about creating a special tour for your honeymoon clients? Chris Babb joins the show today to talk about his company, The Group Tour Company. Chris' company can help you create those special tours with your own branding using a wish book of sites, attractions and hotels for locations along the East Coast. Your clients can experience the attractions of such places as New York City, Washington D.C., New England, Charleston, South Carolina and Savannah, Georgia. Listen to the show and learn how you can expand your market or enhance your niche.You can contact Chris at 800-424-8895. Or, drop him an email at chris@grouuptourcompany.com. And, you can visit the website at www.grouptourcompany.com to learn more.

Travel NewsHow can travel suppliers leverage virtual assistants to help travel agents?Two travel agents receive the "top travel agent" award for agents under 30 years of age. The distinction is awarded by Travel Agent Magazine.What is airline ancillary revenue and what does that mean to the travel agent?

Duke Ellington "Jingle Bells (Rise Ashen's Reindeer Dub)" (mp3)from "Holiday Lounge - The Christmas Remixes"(Christmas Chill)
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311 - What Are 10 Things You Need To Become A Successful Travel Agent?

barry@hometravelagent.net (Barry R. Kantz) — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 15:38:11 PST

Podcast Number 311 Try GoToMeeting free for 30 Days!

COHOSTED SEGMENTHere are ten things an independent travel consultant should know to build a successful business. Kelly Bergin, the Vice President for Business Development at Oasis Agents, details the ten things on today's show. Kelly is a long time travel professional and Oasis Agents has been in business twenty-five years.Also on today's show, Kelly announced an new program at Oasis Agents for people who want to start a career as a travel consultant. The new program begins in January of 2012. You can learn more by listening to the show or clicking on the links above, or contact Kelly by email at Kelly@oasisagents.com or by telephone at (800) 613-8380 extension 120. Oasis Agents can be found on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/oasisagentcom.

Travel NewsJon Jones, one of our listeners responded to our questions posed on Show 310, "how does Siri on the new iPhone respond when asked to find a travel agent?" Jon produced a nice video showing Siri's response. This is a good video to watch if you've never seen Siri in action, or maybe you don't know who Siri is and want to find out. Check out Jon's production at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKsixjcCXdI&feature=youtu.be

Spinman "Sambalanana" (mp3)from "Quickstar Productions Presents: Electric Underground, Vol. 10"(Distrophonix)
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310 - Australia is Just a Click Away With AATKings

barry@hometravelagent.net (Barry R. Kantz) — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 18:15:14 PST

Podcast Number 310 Try GoToMeeting free for 30 Days!

COHOSTED SEGMENTAustralia and New Zeeland are great destinations to add to your line up of products you offer to clients. Jeff Adam from AAT Kings tours join Barry and Lorene on today's show. Jeff talks about the many products for touring Australia and New Zeeland offered by AAT Kings. Many of the tours come in modules so you can build your client a uniquely tailored tour experience that fits their desires and budget.AAT Kings is offering a live webinar this Friday, November 18, 2011, where you can learn about the many product offerings and an opportunity to win cash cards and a trip for two to Australia. Sign up by going to http://www.aatkings.com/us/webinars.php. The webinar will be recorded if you can't attend the live version on November 18th.Don't miss AAT Kings booth if you are attending the Luxury Travel Expo in Las Vegas happening from December 6 through 10, 2011. Jeff will be there to entertain you with a variety of animals from the Land Down Under.

Travel News
Marketing to the millennial generation
Air sales by travel agents up six percent
Booking travel using voice commands
Airliners flying in formation

David Hudson "Talkative Didge" (mp3)from "Australian Savannah"(Indigenous Australia PTY Ltd.)
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309 - NACTA Annual Conference

barry@hometravelagent.net (Barry R. Kantz) — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 13:56:53 PST

Podcast Number 309
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COHOSTED SEGMENTFamiliarization (fam) trips expand your knowledge of destinations. Many fam trips offer classes to go along with the destination experience. Lorene recently attended NACTA's Annual Conference at Sea. MSC Cruise Lines hosted the event taking travel agents on a fall color tour of the Northeastern seaboard. Along the way Lorene attended courses and presentations offered by travel suppliers and vendors. One exciting session Lorene talks about on this show was a two hour presentation by Catherine Hegg. Catherine discussed the importance of blogging strategies to incorporate into your social media marketing plan. Listen in and learn about the great opportunities you can experience on fam trips.

Travel NewsLos Angeles Times Travel Show Travel spending up 26%The purchase of travel and tourism products by foreign visitors is up by 11% compared to last year

Pink Martini "Hang on Little Tomato" (mp3)from "A Retrospective"(Heinz Records)
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308 - Travel Agents Learn How to Become Full Service by Selling Airline Tickets

barry@hometravelagent.net (Barry R. Kantz) — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 11:32:25 PDT

Podcast Number 308

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COHOSTED SEGMENT

Bobbi Hamida joins us for part two of his interview. Bobbi is the Strategic Air Director for the host agency Nexion. In this segment we discuss how travel agents can become full service agents without purchasing and learning a Global Distribution System (GDS). Why book a cruise for your clients and then send them to the internet to find flights to their embarkation point. That's a recipe for giving away business. Nexion has developed a point and click interface that allows you to book air for your clients and collect a commission. You can learn more about this exciting service by listening to the show.

Travel News

National Cruise Vacation Week offers travel agents the opportunity to give their clients exceptional value for a cruise vacation.

Disney World turns 40

The best all inclusive vacation values

Visit us on Facebook –

Barry at http://www.facebook.com/barry.kantz

Lorene at http://www.facebook.com/lorener

Gary at http://www.facebook.com/gary.ebels.

Join the Home Based Travel Agent Show Facebook Group.

On Twitter

Lorene’s Twitter name is lorener

Barry’s Twitter name is kantzb

Gary's Twitter name is gary222

Check out Lorenes travel agent website at www.sharptonguedconsulting.com.

Thank you for listening to the Home Based Travel Agent Podcast. You can email me at barry@hometravelagent.net or email Lorene at sharptongued@mac.com and Gary at wdwgary@gmail.com.

Christian McBride Big Band
"Brother Mister" (mp3)
from "The Good Feeling"
(Mack Avenue Records)
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307 - The Travel Business Where Change is Constant and Education is Imperative

barry@hometravelagent.net (Barry R. Kantz) — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 17:42:03 PDT

Podcast Number 307 Try GoToMeeting free for 30 Days!

COHOSTED SEGMENTThe travel business is in a constant state of change and that is why travel agent training is so important. Bobbi Hamadi from the host agency Nexion joins our show to talk about travel agent training. Nexion University is launching next week and is a remarkable product that will bring your training to one central location. We also delve into the process of becoming a travel agent and how Nexion's "Power Up" program has you selling travel in short order.

Travel NewsA story about how Steve Jobs inspired this couple to achieve business and travel independence Princess Cruise Lines awarded for its blog, "50 Essential Experiences: The Travel Bucket List."Hawaii hotels are experiencing a boost in occupancy rates and price.

Tess Henley "Easy To Love" (mp3)from "Easy To Love - Deluxe Edition"(Global Journey)
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306 - the Royal Kona Resort, A Great Value for Your Clients

barry@hometravelagent.net (Barry R. Kantz) — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 16:20:04 PDT

Podcast Number 306

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COHOSTED SEGMENTJay Rubenstein of the Royal Kona Resort joins the show and tells us about the great amenities of the resort and the fantastic value offered to your clients. The Royal Kona is a privately owned resort on the Big Island of Hawaii and offers a taste of old Hawaii with modern facilities and unparalleled customer service. Jay describes the resort, amenities, food and the specials offered to your clients at the resort. We started this segment with Lorene but here Mifi connection failed. Lorene visited the Royal Kona Resort on her recent NACTA fam trip and was very impressed by the facility. Unfortunately she was not able to share her enthusiasm about the resort when Jay was on the show. So, we brought Lorene back for another segment where she relates her impressions and experiences with the resort.You can contact Jay at jayr@hawaiianhotels.com or give him a call at (808) 930-3249. Or you can visit their travel agent website at www.hhrtravelagents.net. Jay will take care of your clients and you when you book at the Royal Kona Resort. I know you will get a sense of the great customer service he provides when you listen to the interview.

Travel NewsWe did not have a travel news segment in today's show. We did this in the interest of time because our goal is to keep the show within a forty minute time frame. We substituted Lorene's impressions of the Royal Kona Resort for the news segment.

Gordon James "One Nation Under a Groove" (mp3)from "In Joy"(DIGITAL MARKETING GROUP, LLC)
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305 - Learn About Exciting Disney Products for Your Travel Business

barry@hometravelagent.net (Barry R. Kantz) — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 18:14:19 PDT

Podcast Number 305 Try GoToMeeting free for 30 Days!

COHOSTED SEGMENTGary Ebels produces a Disney segment for today's show. Gary describes Disney's new and improved travel agent website. Gary talks about the workflow of the Disney Travel Agent site and talks about the many products you can access there. A little known product is Disney Adventures which is a tour product with tours in Asia, Europe, South America, the Pacific and the United States. Another product is the new Disney resort in Hawaii, the Alani. Gary encourages travel agents to become familiar with these many offerings because they broaden the offering for your clients and help you increase your income. Listen to the show and learn more.

Travel NewsAzamara Cruise Lines is offering travel agents special incentives Skip Fortier honored as a top travel agent Special deep discounted rates offered to travel agents at Costa Rica Marriott Hotels

Orrin Evans "Dita" (mp3)from "Freedom"(Posi-Tone Records)
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304 - Travel Agent Support From OSSN

barry@hometravelagent.net (Barry R. Kantz) — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 17:43:44 PDT

Podcast Number 304

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COHOSTED SEGMENT

In today's show we talk about the Outside Sales Support Network (OSSN). Gary Fee the president of OSSN joins Lorene and Barry to discuss the many benefits OSSN offers travel agent. The goal of OSSN is to ensure the success of your travel business. OSSN offers education related programs, familiarization trips, online networking and 80 chapters throughout the country where you will have face-to-face contact with your peers. Lorene and I hope you take the opportunity to listen to the show and learn what OSSN offers you.

Travel News

Inspiration from the world's oldest travel agent

Royal Caribbean offers a cruise and a Universal theme park package

Disney opens a Hawaii luxury resort

Visit us on Facebook –

Barry at http://www.facebook.com/barry.kantz

Lorene at http://www.facebook.com/lorener

Gary at http://www.facebook.com/gary.ebels.

Join the Home Based Travel Agent Show Facebook Group.

On Twitter

Lorene’s Twitter name is lorener

Barry’s Twitter name is kantzb

Gary's Twitter name is gary222

Check out Lorenes travel agent website at www.sharptonguedconsulting.com.

Thank you for listening to the Home Based Travel Agent Podcast. You can email me at barry@hometravelagent.net or email Lorene at sharptongued@mac.com and Gary at wdwgary@gmail.com.

Yellowjackets
"Magnolia" (mp3)
from "Timeline"
(Mack Avenue Records)

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303 - Are You Starting or Growing Your Travel Business? This Show is for You!

barry@hometravelagent.net (Barry R. Kantz) — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 15:54:56 PDT

Podcast Number 303

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COHOSTED SEGMENT

On today's show our guest is Anita Pagliasso. Anita is the author of two books, "From Home Based to Power House," and her recent book, "How I Made a Small Fortune as a Home Based Travel Agent." Anita has a companion CD full of documents to help you grow your business, prevent mistakes and help clients. During our show Anita describes her books and shares her knowledge of the travel business. You will learn a couple of great tips during the course of the show that you will want to immediately incorporate in your travel business.

You can find Anita's books and CD at her website, www.redticketproductions.com. You don't want to miss out on these excellent resources for your business and they are reasonably priced. Listen to the show and find out more!

Travel News

President Obama's comments about obsolet travel agents provide a teaching moment for the profession

Answers to questions about hurricanes and travel insurance

Visit us on Facebook –

Barry at http://www.facebook.com/barry.kantz

Lorene at http://www.facebook.com/lorener

Gary at http://www.facebook.com/gary.ebels.

Join the Home Based Travel Agent Show Facebook Group.

On Twitter

Lorene’s Twitter name is lorener

Barry’s Twitter name is kantzb

Gary's Twitter name is gary222

Check out Lorenes travel agent website at www.sharptonguedconsulting.com.

Thank you for listening to the Home Based Travel Agent Podcast. You can email me at barry@hometravelagent.net or email Lorene at sharptongued@mac.com and Gary at wdwgary@gmail.com.

Tami Tappan Damiano

"Hit Me With A Hot Note" (mp3)

from "Hot Notes"

(LML Music)

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302 - A Down to Earth Tour of Hawaii

barry@hometravelagent.net (Barry R. Kantz) — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 16:03:08 PDT

Podcast Number 302

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COHOSTED SEGMENT

In today's show we talk about very untypical tours of Hawaii. Earth Bound Tourswill give your clients a glimpse of the Hawaiian agricultural and culinary community. The tours are a learning experience that take

clients to interesting places like a sustainable mushroom farm, lavender farms, abalone farms and much more. Your clients engage in true learning experiences from the people who run the farms. The tours end with a meal that is a culinary experience linked to the farms. Jim Reddekopp, the founder of Earth Bound Tours, encourages travel agents and tour operators to contact him to arrange an unforgettable experience for your clients.

Jim and his family own the Hawaiian Vanilla Company that is the family's vanilla farm. The Hawaiian Vanilla Company has a great gift shop for your clients to browse through when they tour the vanilla farm. If you would like to get a flavor for the gift shop without going to Hawaii, the shop is on line and accessed at www.hawaiianvanilla.com. You will find culinary delights and recipes at the on line gift shop.

Join us on the show and learn more about Earth Bound Tours and the Hawaiian Vanilla Company.

Travel News

Today in the travel news segment I depart from hard news and talk about a Google service that measures the public's interest in travel. The service is Google's Domestic Trends. There are several trends that are tracked including travel, luxury goods, air travel, mortgages, jobs and many others. Within the travel trends graph, Google tracks queries related to such terms as Las Vegas, hotels, airlines, car rental, flights and other travel related terms. The tracking is graphed over time so you can see patterns of when people are interested in travel. With this service you can overlay other trends on the travel trend graph and compare interest in travel to the rise and fall of the S&P 500, other major indexes or individual stocks.

One interesting trend I noted was that interest in travel drops significantly from October through December. This drop has occurred every year for the past five years. On the other hand, the searches for travel significantly increase beginning in May and continues through July. My guess is that people are traveling in the last half of the year and looking to book their vacations in May, June, July and August. This Google service is an interesting device that may help you time your advertising campaign to peak times of the year or to increase your advertising efforts based on other factors affecting travel.

Visit us on Facebook –

Barry at http://www.facebook.com/barry.kantz

Lorene at http://www.facebook.com/lorener

Gary at http://www.facebook.com/gary.ebels.

Join the Home Based Travel Agent Show Facebook Group.

On Twitter

Lorene’s Twitter name is lorener

Barry’s Twitter name is kantzb

Gary's Twitter name is gary222

Check out Lorenes travel agent website at www.sharptonguedconsulting.com.

Thank you for listening to the Home Based Travel Agent Podcast. You can email me at barry@hometravelagent.net or email Lorene at sharptongued@mac.com and Gary at wdwgary@gmail.com.

Kites With Lights
"The Weight Of Your Heart" (mp3)
from "The Weight Of Your Heart"
(24 Hour Service Station)

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301 - Travel Agent Training, Certification, Continuing Ed, Speakers All in One Spot!

barry@hometravelagent.net (Barry R. Kantz) — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 08:43:05 PDT

Podcast Number 301

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COHOSTED SEGMENT

In today's show we are pleased to have Jim Cloonan and Anita Pagliasso from the Travel Show Marketing Group. Anita and Jim talk about two must attend travel shows. The first show is coming up October 17 - 19 in Boston. The second show is coming up in Las Vegas during May 14 -16 at the Venetian Resort and Casino.

Both shows feature industry leaders speaking or in panel discussions where you can learn the travel business from the best. In addition you can earn certifications and continuing education right at the show. Plus there is nothing more valuable than networking with your peers and interacting with vendors on the show floor. Both shows are must attend events for the serious travel professional.

Take a few minutes and listen in as the show's organizers talk about these important events.

Travel News

A guide to the travel agent's changing job description

If you are current, laid off or retired teach you can win a free travel agency franchise from CruiseOne.

Visit us on Facebook –

Barry at http://www.facebook.com/barry.kantz

Lorene at http://www.facebook.com/lorener

Gary at http://www.facebook.com/gary.ebels.

Join the Home Based Travel Agent Show Facebook Group.

On Twitter

Lorene’s Twitter name is lorener

Barry’s Twitter name is kantzb

Gary's Twitter name is gary222

Check out Lorenes travel agent website at www.sharptonguedconsulting.com.

Thank you for listening to the Home Based Travel Agent Podcast. You can email me at barry@hometravelagent.net or email Lorene at sharptongued@mac.com and Gary at wdwgary@gmail.com.

The Headhunters
"Paging Mr. Wesley" (mp3)
from "Platinum"
(Owl Studios)

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300 - Show Three Hundred Has a Real Surprise Inside

barry@hometravelagent.net (Barry R. Kantz) — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 08:48:12 PDT

Podcast Number 300

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COHOSTED SEGMENT

This show is a celebration of 300 shows of the Home Based Travel Agent Show. This is a milestone and anyone who has ever produced a podcast understands the amount of work involved in producing a show. Lorene, Gary and I thank all of our listeners. We consider you family. We share a common passion that is travel. We particularly thank those early listeners who have been with us from the beginning. You are very special! Now, tune in to Show 300 and hear the surprise inside.

Visit us on Facebook –

Barry at http://www.facebook.com/barry.kantz

Lorene at http://www.facebook.com/lorener

Gary at http://www.facebook.com/gary.ebels.

Join the Home Based Travel Agent Show Facebook Group.

On Twitter

Lorene’s Twitter name is lorener

Barry’s Twitter name is kantzb

Gary's Twitter name is gary222

Check out Lorenes travel agent website at www.sharptonguedconsulting.com.

Thank you for listening to the Home Based Travel Agent Podcast. You can email me at barry@hometravelagent.net or email Lorene at sharptongued@mac.com and Gary at wdwgary@gmail.com.

Neal Berntsen
"Capriccio II" (mp3)
from "Trumpet Voices"
(Four Winds Entertainment, Inc.)

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299 - NACTA Travel Agent Benefits and Fam Trips

barry@hometravelagent.net (Barry R. Kantz) — Sun, 24 Jul 2011 16:59:21 PDT

Podcast Number 299

COHOSTED SEGMENT

The National Association of Career Travel Agents (NACTA) has a lot to offer travel agents. Mary Clegg, Vice President of NACTA talks about the many benefits available to travel agents. NACTA's goal is to help travel agents grow their careers in the travel business. This goal is accomplished in several ways including popular familiarization trips (Fam trips) that have strong educational components. Mary describes the Master Mind program, the Digest and the texting programs all designed to educate the travel agent or connect agents with other agents. You don't want to miss this show if you are serious about your career as a travel agent.

TRAVEL NEWS

New York to Tokyo in 45 minutes - someday but for now take an excursion into outer space

Online travel agencies want to keep consumers in the dark about their fees

Are you prepared to avise your clients about traveling in hurricane season?

Visit us on Facebook –

Barry at http://www.facebook.com/barry.kantz

Lorene at http://www.facebook.com/lorener

Gary at http://www.facebook.com/gary.ebels.

Join the Home Based Travel Agent Show Facebook Group.

On Twitter

Lorene’s Twitter name is lorener

Barry’s Twitter name is kantzb

Gary's Twitter name is gary222

Check out Lorenes travel agent website at www.sharptonguedconsulting.com.

Thank you for listening to the Home Based Travel Agent Podcast. You can email me at barry@hometravelagent.net or email Lorene at sharptongued@mac.com and Gary at wdwgary@gmail.com.

Gerald Wilson
"Cubs, Bears, Bulls, And White Sox" (mp3)
from "Legacy"
(Mack Avenue Records)

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298 - On to Kauai

barry@hometravelagent.net (Barry R. Kantz) — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 12:47:03 PDT

Podcast Number 298

COHOSTED SEGMENT

This week we move to Kauai with Maile Horner. Maile is the sales and marketing director of the Kauai Visitor's Bureau. Maile explains that Kauai is the garden isle because only 10% of the island is developed. If you're looking for beach, Kauai has more beach per coastline than any other Hawaiian Island. Travel agents have the opportunity to become Kauai Master Specialist. Master Specialist candidates spend five days on the island with Maile learning about the island and the culture.

TRAVEL NEWS

Biggest Loser Resorts expanding across the U.S.

The Disney Dream Cruise Ship is Sailing at 150% occupancy

Chris Russo from ASTA was on Lifetime Televisions, "The Balancing Act" explaining how a professional travel agent can save consumers time and money. Chris answers some of the common objections travel agents hear from potential clients.

ASTA Press Release Link:

http://www.asta.org/News/PRDetail.cfm?itemnumber=7908

Lifetime Television Video Segment Link:

http://www.thebalancingact.com/story/?id=3033

Visit us on Facebook –

Barry at http://www.facebook.com/barry.kantz

Lorene at http://www.facebook.com/lorener

Gary at http://www.facebook.com/gary.ebels.

Join the Home Based Travel Agent Show Facebook Group.

On Twitter

Lorene’s Twitter name is lorener

Barry’s Twitter name is kantzb

Gary's Twitter name is gary222

Check out Lorenes travel agent website at www.sharptonguedconsulting.com.

Thank you for listening to the Home Based Travel Agent Podcast. You can email me at barry@hometravelagent.net or email Lorene at sharptongued@mac.com and Gary at wdwgary@gmail.com.

Chicago Jazz Project
"Cappucino" (mp3)
from "Sunday Morning Coffee - A Tribute to Starbucks"
(BuddhaWax)

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297 - Learning About Maui

barry@hometravelagent.net (Barry R. Kantz) — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 16:32:20 PDT

Podcast Number 297

COHOSTED SEGMENT

Chris Kai' aokamalie from the Maui Visitors' Bureau talks with Lorene and Barry about the benefits of selling Maui. Chris views travel agents as Maui's extended sales force team. Chris talks about how the Maui Visitors' Bureau is available to you to help you design special itineraries for your clients traveling to Maui. We discuss the Maui Master Specialist Program where travel agents are invited to Maui to learn the culture, events, accommodations and special features of this unique land. You can contact Chris at chris@mauivb.com.

TRAVEL NEWS

ASTA promoting agents with a honeymoon expertise

Apple Vacations now offering travel agents a 5% commission on the air portion of their vacations

Expedia launching the Travel Agent Access Program allowing travel agents to book and receive commissions through Expedia.

Visit us on Facebook –

Barry at http://www.facebook.com/barry.kantz

Lorene at http://www.facebook.com/lorener

Gary at http://www.facebook.com/gary.ebels.

Join the Home Based Travel Agent Show Facebook Group.

On Twitter

Lorene’s Twitter name is lorener

Barry’s Twitter name is kantzb

Gary's Twitter name is gary222

Check out Lorenes travel agent website at www.sharptonguedconsulting.com.

Thank you for listening to the Home Based Travel Agent Podcast. You can email me at barry@hometravelagent.net or email Lorene at sharptongued@mac.com and Gary at wdwgary@gmail.com.

John Ellis & Double-Wide
"Okra & Tomatoes" (mp3)
from "Puppet Mischief"
(ObliqSound)

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296 - All About Fam Trips for the Travel Agent

barry@hometravelagent.net (Barry R. Kantz) — Sat, 18 Jun 2011 10:42:26 PDT

Podcast Number 296

COHOSTED SEGMENT

This week's co hosted segment focuses on familiarization trips (fam trips). Travel agents have opportunities to visit hotels, resorts and cruise ships. Most fam trips are paid for, or subsidized by the resort, hotel or cruise line. The goal of the familiarization trip is to have the travel agent learn about the property and become more effective at selling the property. Gary Ebels, Lorene Romero and Barry talk about their experiences with familiarization trips.

TRAVEL NEWS

Spirit Airlines attracting business with pole dancers

Strange jobs exist out there in the travel business

The airliner of the future may let you play a round of golf at 35,000 feet

Visit us on Facebook –

Barry at http://www.facebook.com/barry.kantz

Lorene at http://www.facebook.com/lorener

Gary at http://www.facebook.com/gary.ebels.

Join the Home Based Travel Agent Show Facebook Group.

On Twitter

Lorene’s Twitter name is lorener

Barry’s Twitter name is kantzb

Gary's Twitter name is gary222

Check out Lorenes travel agent website at www.sharptonguedconsulting.com.

Thank you for listening to the Home Based Travel Agent Podcast. You can email me at barry@hometravelagent.net or email Lorene at sharptongued@mac.com and Gary at wdwgary@gmail.com.

Gretchen Parlato
"Circling" (mp3)
from "The Lost and Found"
(ObliqSound)

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295 - Adventures in Alaska

barry@hometravelagent.net (Barry R. Kantz) — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 17:32:50 PDT

Podcast Number 295

COHOSTED SEGMENT

Mico Godinez returns to the show to talk about his adventures in Alaska. Mico has spent five years in Alaska exploring the waterways, mountains and wilderness. Mico joins us to talk about his adventures and fascination with the beauty of Alaska. Join us to learn more about this great state.

TRAVEL NEWS

A new Starwood Hotel is opening in China every other week

Princess stories on Facebook

IATA describes the future in airline passenger security screening

Visit us on Facebook –

Barry at http://www.facebook.com/barry.kantz

Lorene at http://www.facebook.com/lorener

Gary at http://www.facebook.com/gary.ebels.

Join the Home Based Travel Agent Show Facebook Group.

On Twitter

Lorene’s Twitter name is lorener

Barry’s Twitter name is kantzb

Gary's Twitter name is gary222

Check out Lorenes travel agent website at www.sharptonguedconsulting.com.

Thank you for listening to the Home Based Travel Agent Podcast. You can email me at barry@hometravelagent.net or email Lorene at sharptongued@mac.com and Gary at wdwgary@gmail.com.

Kristin Berardi Meets The Jazzgroove Mothership Orchestra
"Mr Jackson" (mp3)
from "Kristin Berardi Meets The Jazzgroove Mothership Orchestra"
(Jazzhead)

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294 - The Big Island

barry@hometravelagent.net (Barry R. Kantz) — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 14:06:26 PDT

Podcast Number 293

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COHOSTED SEGMENT

There are many destinations that have beautiful beaches and gorgeous scenery but Waynette Kwon, of the Big Island Visitors' Bureau explains that Hawaii has a unique culture. The unique culture adds a remarkable component to the beautiful beaches and gorgeous scenery of Hawaii. Travel agents selling the Hawaiian destination should immerse themselves in the culture because it is a major selling point. In this show Waynette talks about the Hawaiian culture and beauty, plus she tell us about an upcoming fam trip offered by NACTA and the Big Island Visitors' Bureau. This fam trip will immerse you in the Hawaiian culture and prepare you with excitement to share with your clients. Space is limited for this fam so you will have to act quickly. You can contact Waynette at wkwon@hvcb.org.

TRAVEL NEWS

Will a smart phone become your wallet?

Grand Rapids LipDub video goes viral

Travel Insurance Review is offering a mini course on travel insurance

Visit us on Facebook –

Barry at http://www.facebook.com/barry.kantz

Lorene at http://www.facebook.com/lorener

Gary at http://www.facebook.com/gary.ebels.

Join the Home Based Travel Agent Show Facebook Group.

On Twitter

Lorene’s Twitter name is lorener

Barry’s Twitter name is kantzb

Gary's Twitter name is gary222

Check out Lorenes travel agent website at www.sharptonguedconsulting.com.

Thank you for listening to the Home Based Travel Agent Podcast. You can email me at barry@hometravelagent.net or email Lorene at sharptongued@mac.com and Gary at wdwgary@gmail.com.

Buddy Merrill
"Yacka Hula Nicky Dula" (mp3)
from "Buddy Merrill & His Hawaiian Guitars"
(Accent Records)

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293 - Celebrity Goes All Out for Travel Agents

barry@hometravelagent.net (Barry R. Kantz) — Mon, 30 May 2011 17:04:03 PDT

Podcast Number 293

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COHOSTED SEGMENT

The fact that Celebrity Cruise Lines goes all out for travel agent is supported by the fact that 90% of their business is booked through their travel agent channel. Cris DeSouza from Celebrity joins Barry and Lorene to talk about exciting developments at Celebrity including two new ships coming on line in 2011 and 2012. The Silhouette (2011) and the Reflection (2012) described as floating works of art will add many enticements for your clients. Listen and learn more about what's to come at Celebrity Cruise Lines. In addition the Five Star Academy travel agent training for the Celebrity line is offered at cruisingpower.com.

Contact Cris DeSouza at cdesouza@rccl.com for more information and a referral to an account representative in your area.

TRAVEL NEWS

Storing all those gadget cords made easy

An iPhone app for room service

Siesta Beach is the top beach for 2011

Orlando tops 50 million visitors in one year

Visit us on Facebook –

Barry at http://www.facebook.com/barry.kantz

Lorene at http://www.facebook.com/lorener

Gary at http://www.facebook.com/gary.ebels.

Join the Home Based Travel Agent Show Facebook Group.

On Twitter

Lorene’s Twitter name is lorener

Barry’s Twitter name is kantzb

Gary's Twitter name is gary222

Check out Lorenes travel agent website at www.sharptonguedconsulting.com.

Thank you for listening to the Home Based Travel Agent Podcast. You can email me at barry@hometravelagent.net or email Lorene at sharptongued@mac.com and Gary at wdwgary@gmail.com.

US Air Force Band of the Golden West
"National Emblem" (mp3)
from "War & Remembrance"
(Altissimo!)

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292 - Azamara Club Cruises Offers Destination Immersion

barry@hometravelagent.net (Barry R. Kantz) — Wed, 25 May 2011 17:38:50 PDT

Podcast Number 292

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COHOSTED SEGMENT

Edie Bornstein, Azamara's Vice President of Sales and Marketing is on board to talk about the great opportunities Azamara Club Cruises offer travel agents. Learn about the value proposition this luxury cruise line offers your clients.

You can contact Edie at ebornstein@azamaraclubcruises.com.

TRAVEL NEWS

Sabre simplifies the booking process for travel agents.

A new South American Cruise is offered by Azamara

Delta is revamping services and add on fees

Japan is again promoting tourism

Visit us on Facebook –

Barry at http://www.facebook.com/barry.kantz

Lorene at http://www.facebook.com/lorener

Gary at http://www.facebook.com/gary.ebels.

Join the Home Based Travel Agent Show Facebook Group.

On Twitter

Lorene’s Twitter name is lorener

Barry’s Twitter name is kantzb

Gary's Twitter name is gary222

Check out Lorenes travel agent website at www.sharptonguedconsulting.com.

Thank you for listening to the Home Based Travel Agent Podcast. You can email me at barry@hometravelagent.net or email Lorene at sharptongued@mac.com and Gary at wdwgary@gmail.com.

The Funky Fritters
"Right Place, Wrong Time" (mp3)
from "Deep Fried Live"
(Distrophonix)

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291 - Starwood Hotels and Starwood Pro for the Travel Agents

barry@hometravelagent.net (Barry R. Kantz) — Sun, 15 May 2011 15:40:32 PDT

Podcast Number 291

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COHOSTED SEGMENT

Chris Austin from Starwood Hotels joins today's show. Chris is Starwoods Vice President for Global Retail Leisure and Luxury Sales. Starwood Hotels is one of the largest hotel companies in the world and they value their relationship with travel professionals. Chris explains the Starwood Pro program for travel agent training. Starwood's nine brands of hotels offer the travel professional many opportunities to provide a tailored experience for their clients. The Starwood Pro training will help you to increase your sales and client satisfaction. The training offers rewards and incentives to travel agents who complete the training modules. Plug in your ear buds and learn more!

TRAVEL NEWS

Starwood opening a Four Points by Sheraton hotel in Punta Cana

Traveling in Florida with your furry best friend

Consumer Reports best and worst airlines

Visit us on Facebook –

Barry at http://www.facebook.com/barry.kantz

Lorene at http://www.facebook.com/lorener

Gary at http://www.facebook.com/gary.ebels.

Join the Home Based Travel Agent Show Facebook Group.

On Twitter

Lorene’s Twitter name is lorener

Barry’s Twitter name is kantzb

Gary's Twitter name is gary222

Check out Lorenes travel agent website at www.sharptonguedconsulting.com.

Thank you for listening to the Home Based Travel Agent Podcast. You can email me at barry@hometravelagent.net or email Lorene at sharptongued@mac.com and Gary at wdwgary@gmail.com.

Yellowjackets
"Magnolia" (mp3)
from "Timeline"
(Mack Avenue Records)

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290 - NACTA's Technology Training and Tools for the Travel Agent

barry@hometravelagent.net (Barry R. Kantz) — Sun, 08 May 2011 16:24:47 PDT

Podcast Number 290

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COHOSTED SEGMENT

Penney Rudicil, the National Association of Career Travel Agents technology guru, joins Lorene and Barry in the co-hosted segment. Penney talks about the upcoming Tech Fest hosted by NACTA in Deerfield, Illinois. NACTA is planning other Tech Fests for travel agents on the west coast. There will be other opportunities if you miss the Tech Fest in Illinois.

Penney also talks about features of the NACTA website including the resume builder. The resume builder automates the process of creating your travel agent resume that you can give to clients or include in your literature. Plus there's more great information in this show you don't want to miss.

TRAVEL NEWS

Travel agents now have more opportunity in a fast growing niche - outdoor travel

Expect higher costs this summer for travel

Was an iPhone App designed for adventure travelers used by Navy Seals in their raid on Osama Bin Laden's compound?

Visit us on Facebook –

Barry at http://www.facebook.com/barry.kantz

Lorene at http://www.facebook.com/lorener

Gary at http://www.facebook.com/gary.ebels.

Join the Home Based Travel Agent Show Facebook Group.

On Twitter

Lorene’s Twitter name is lorener

Barry’s Twitter name is kantzb

Gary's Twitter name is gary222

Check out Lorenes travel agent website at www.sharptonguedconsulting.com.

Thank you for listening to the Home Based Travel Agent Podcast. You can email me at barry@hometravelagent.net or email Lorene at sharptongued@mac.com and Gary at wdwgary@gmail.com.

Robin Rogers, Robin Rogers
"I Know I Done Wrong" (mp3)
from "Back In The Fire"
(Blind Pig Records)

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