Shows
TravelTube.comGrand Palladium Punta Cana,Travel expert Mark Murphy (TravelTube.com) and Scott Lara (MilitaryFares.com, The Cruise Genius) discuss the evolving travel landscape and share expert insights for travel agents and consumers.Key Topics Covered:Grand Palladium Bavaro Resort Review: Scott shares his recent experience at the newly opened Family Selection property in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, highlighting the kids clubs, TRS adults-only amenities, and spectacular dining options like La Bohème and Chic CabaretSafety in the Caribbean: Both hosts address common misconceptions about travel safety in destinations like the Dominican Republic, emphasizing the importance of common sense over media s...
2026-02-0432 minTravelTube.comAirline Changes, Flying Pets and Pet PeevesGrab Your Ass With Both Hands…Oh wait, we’re going to talkabout airline seating…where will you weigh in on some of the changes? A new airline is offering pet friendly traveloptions. Your biggest pet peeve when it comes to flying? And Some can’t see the forest for thetrees…travel agent message example…
2026-01-2946 minTravelTube.comWeather Armageddon, MN Chaos, Media Bias and What's Travel NewsWith a winter storm set to wreak travel havoc, what should a traveler do? How MN chaos is fueling a media circus that is damaging inbound travel to the USA, while the travel industry leaders stay mum. What is travel news?
2026-01-2246 minTravelTube.comHilton & Now Chipotle, Travel Rewards That Pay, and Saving on Your Next Trip via Google FlightsHilton in the line of fire, Chipotle, Venezuela/Central America, 2026 Travel Predictions, top Destinations, Travel reward programs, and a way to find your next impulse trip…on a budget.
2026-01-1550 minTravelTube.comHilton Boycott Misplaced? Entitled Airline Passengers, Censorship and Traveling the USAToo many people jump on X and other platforms to immediately jump to a conclusion, before having a single fact. That just happened in MN with the ire being directed at the Hilton Hotels corporate office due to a franchisee's ridiculous approach to gov employees. How bad is flying these days? If you get stuck with another entitled passenger, demanding you give up your set, tell them to take a hike...off a wing, ideally. That and more news of the week on TravelTube.com!
2026-01-0848 minTravelTube.comNew Travel Entry Requirements!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
2025-12-1834 minTravelTube.comAre Travel Agents Dead?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...
2025-12-1147 minTravelTube.comThe State of Luxury Travel with Becky LukovicIs 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.
2025-12-0355 minTravelTube.comDisney's Destiny: A First TakeqDisney 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.
2025-11-2042 minTravelTube.comShutdown and Air Travel, Travel Mistakes and Canada's Trump ObsessionThe 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?
2025-11-0642 minTravelTube.comLeft for Dead by Cruise Ship, Airline Issue and Travel TipsImagine 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.
2025-10-3030 minTravelTube.comA Growing Niche in Travel: Accessible TravelWith 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.
2025-10-2835 minTravelTube.comWill AI Kill Travel Agents?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?
2025-10-1636 minTravelTube.comGovernment Shutdown and more Travel News and TipsWill 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
2025-10-0830 minTravelTube.comA Traveler on Ireland and the Advisor who Made it GreatPeople 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.
2025-10-0119 minTravelTube.comTravel Fees, AI Fails, Travel Tips and GadgetsIn 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.
2025-09-2931 minTravelTube.comThe Trump Excuse in TravelAnother 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.
2025-09-1745 minTravelTube.comBuilding A Travel Business With Social Media: Breathless GetawaysIf 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.
2025-09-1054 minTravelTube.comCan You Give Back When Traveling?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.
2025-09-0333 minTravelTube.comYou Might Get Triggered With FactsIn 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.
2025-08-2841 minTravelTube.comTravel From Canada Way Down: It's Not What You Might ThinkJournalism 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...
2025-08-2044 minTravelTube.comA Travel Expert on Israel, Italy and Latin AmericaYes, 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.
2025-08-1342 minTravelTube.comIs an African Safari on Your Bucketlist?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.
2025-08-0639 minTravelTube.comAre Syria and Iraq on your Bucket list? Didn't think so!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.
2025-07-3031 minTravelTube.comWhy Most Travel 'News' isn't NewsThis 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.
2025-07-2445 minTravelTube.comTeaching and Selling Travel: A Team ApproachAbbey Johnson is a teacher who loves Disney, and sells a lot of it, with the help of her colleagues who have discovered the same. By working collectively, they effectively manage to juggle both careers, while delivering some magic for the families the work with.This is her story and how she is making it happen.
2025-07-1640 minTravelTube.comLose the Shoes; Travelers Lose Their MindsAfter 19 years you can finally keep your shoes on when you go through airport security. Is it a miracle? Sort of, considering the stupidity behind the process you've been traveling with for almost two decades. Can we do a welfare check on some of the people who think they might get deported to El Salvador's infamous prison, just for traveling to the USA for vacation? Mental illness abounds!
2025-07-0922 minTravelTube.comA Luxury Travel Advisor's InsightsEver thought about the ultimate luxury travel experience? How about visiting all 7 continents, on a single trip? After shifting from selling corporate travel, to selling leisure, Cessy Meacham shares her favorite destinations and how she sells them.
2025-06-2550 minTravelTube.comCurrent Travel Trends in Europe: A Travel Advisors InsightsEurope is hot and Americans can't seem to get enough. What is driving this trend? Frankie Blankenship, a UK native and Europe travel expert provides her insight.
2025-06-2059 minTravelTube.comFrom Disney to River Cruises, Creating Magic VacationsRob and Kerri Stuart have built their agency business by focusing on Disney initially, but now have expanded into different segments including river cruises and more. They do this via their 150+ IC's with a focus on hands on training.
2025-06-1145 minTravelTube.comHow to Sell Africa and India, From a Local PerspectiveA native of India, who spent her early years living in Africa, now sells these destinations with an 'insider' perspective. Here's her take on selling travel to these exotic locales.
2025-06-0435 minTravelTube.comCan You Sell Travel Part Time, and Succeed?Raylene Coogan, a medical technician who sells travel part time, proves you CAN do both and succeed. She's passionate about family travel, Disney, Royal Caribbean and more.
2025-05-2830 minTravelTube.comFrom Travel Advisor to Supplier BDMJoseph Fehlen got his start selling travel in his small community, only to make the switch to helping others in the space sell more via his role as a BDM for ALG Vacations.
2025-05-2236 minTravelTube.comA Beach Bum on Hot New Dominican Republic Destination, and More.Another travel expert shares the latest insights on an emerging travel hotspot, plus a lot more.
2025-05-1449 minTravelTube.comSmall Ship Luxury, A Cruise Planner's Advisors TakeMark Murphy interviews Frankie Blankenship, a Cruise Planners franchise owner, about her travel business and recent cruise experience. Frankie explains that although Cruise Planners originally focused on cruises, it now offers a broad range of travel products, with her own sales split about 60% cruise and 40% land travel. She highlights Emerald Cruises’ luxury yacht product as a standout experience—featuring a 100-passenger, all-inclusive ship with water toys, elegant design, and a relaxed, flexible itinerary. Frankie shares that smaller cruise products like this appeal to clients who dislike the crowds of large ships and prefer boutique, immersive experiences.
2025-05-0732 minTravelTube.comSouthwest Poop Express and Inbound Tourism: Trump's Fault??The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly this week in Travel...If you thought #airline travel was bad, you haven't seen anything like this: woman strips naked and poops on the plane seat. Do people actdually 'fall off' cruise ships? Nah, they're either testing Darwin's theory or they are determined to end it, while on vacation. Inbound tourism is taking a a hit, but what's the reason why? It's not what the media is saying.
2025-04-2946 minTravelTube.comThe New Universal Epic Universe, and MORE!Mark Murphy, host of TravelTube.com, interviewed Shannon Bonadurer, a dedicated travel advisor and agency owner, who shares insights about Royal Caribbean cruise ships (particularly Icon of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas), Universal's Epic Universe theme park, and tips for travel agents. Shannon is known for her passion and dedication to the travel industry—Mark notes she even continued selling travel from her hospital bed during a recent stay.
2025-04-2241 minTravelTube.comCruise Insights by Scott LaraScott Lara, owner of the Cruise Genius, shares insights on #cruises, #marketing and building a personal brand.
2025-04-1539 minTravelTube.comDestination Wedding InsightsScott Faust, a travel agent for the past 34 years, shares tips and insights on destination weddings.
2025-04-0820 minTravelTube.comAn Outsider Builds His Dream Travel BusinessMark Hennigan starts a side gig, while working in the corporate world, that becomes his dream job: selling travel. Hear how he did it.
2025-03-2538 minTravelTube.comAn Expat Living in Mauritius Shares Her InsightsJen Maki, of Divine Destinations (https://mydivinevacation.com), shares her insights on why she relocated halfway around the world and what to think about if you're considering a vacation to Africa, Mauritius, or many other places she knows well...or if you're thinking about living abroad, she explains the best way to make that decision.
2025-03-1927 minTravelTube.comVacation Guru Irene Sauger on Starting and Building a Travel BusinessEver wonder what it's like to start and operate a small business? Why they began and how they managed to survive the inevitable ups and downs? My converstation with Irene Sauger, of https://www.govacationguru.com/, shares her journey and how she became a vacation guru.
2025-03-1141 minTravelTube.comWhy TravelTube? The MSM Lies...This is the first episode of the TravelTube.com podcast, giving you insights into the reasons why the platform was created, and how it will change the B2B media landscape in the travel space.
2025-03-0433 min