Bliss To Abundance

Host agencies are hiring, but can’t find qualified travel advisors. In this eye-opening episode, Kelli and Cyndi dive into the Travel Weekly article that sparked a deeper conversation about burnout, barriers to entry, and the disconnect between advisor expectations and host agency realities.

We’re sharing:

• Why over 60% of agencies report hiring struggles

• How undertrained ICs are slowing growth and causing burnout

• The difference bet...

Episode Description:

In this bonus episode of the Bliss to Abundance Podcast, Kelli Hayes Smith chats with Royal Caribbean’s Anthony Meloro about the Ovation of the Seas — one of Royal’s most versatile and elegant ships.

They explore:

• What makes Ovation stand out in the fleet

• Why it’s perfect for Alaska and short Mexico itineraries

• Ideal client profiles and how to qualify effectively

• Group travel opportunities, including Royal Celebr...

In this episode, Kelli Hayes Smith and Cyndi Williams unpack one of the biggest questions in the travel business today: Where should you invest to grow sustainably?

Whether you're just getting started or scaling your agency, this conversation dives into how to make smart, strategic investments—from education to tech to marketing.

You'll hear real talk about financial awareness, red flags in the industry, and how to evaluate...

🎧 New Podcast Description

This week’s episode is inspired by a powerful leadership conversation inside Wanderlust Campus — and it’s one travel professionals can’t afford to miss.

Kelli is joined by Cyndi Williams and the brilliant Jamie Santillo of Adventures by Jamie (and Wanderlust Campus coaching team!), who shares how her travel agency is seeing over 60% year-over-year growth.

Think travel sales are down? Think again. We’re pull...

Episode Description:

This week’s travel headlines are big—and we’re unpacking them all. Kelli Hayes Smith and Cyndi Williams dive into the stories making waves in the travel advisor world, from a real overboard incident on Disney Dream to the busiest travel week in 15 years, AI trip planning tools, and shocking Facebook account deletions.

In this episode:

• [00:01] Disney Dream incident: how to handle tough conversations with client...

In this episode of the Bliss to Abundance podcast, join Kelli Hayes Smith as she chats with Stephanie Gries from Travefy to explore the art of crafting impactful travel itineraries for clients. From avoiding common mistakes to using technology and visual storytelling, Stephanie provides actionable tips to elevate client engagement and make your itineraries shine.

Together, they dive into:

• The must-have components of an i...

In this episode of Bliss to Abundance, Kelli Hayes Smith and Jen Haslacker dive deep into the world of travel insurance.

They discuss why clients are often hesitant to purchase travel insurance and how travel advisors can address these concerns with confidence.

From debunking common misconceptions to sharing real-life testimonials, they explore practical ways to integrate insurance into the client journey.

Whether it’s protectin...

Summary:
In this inspiring episode of Bliss to Abundance, Kelli Hayes Smith welcomes Justin Hinkel, CEO of Suitcase Designs, to dive into the world of website design for travel agents.

Together, they explore how a well-designed website can transform your business by building trust with your clients. From harnessing the power of testimonials and reviews to showcasing certifications and creating an on-brand user experience, this epis...

Summary

Welcome to an inspiring conversation between Kelli Hayes Smith and industry experts Molly Johnson and Brad Turner from TERN. We’re diving deep into the world of workflows and how they can transform the way travel agents work. If you're looking to save time, boost efficiency, and create unforgettable client experiences, this episode is for you.

Learn about the must-have workflows that every travel agent needs, from ma...

Show Notes :

Join us on the Bliss to Abundance podcast as Wanderlust’s George Flynn and Kelli Hayes Smith explore the spine-chilling world of haunted travel! Discover eerie destinations across the U.S. and beyond, from the mystical streets of New Orleans to the historic charm of Salem, the ghostly fields of Gettysburg, and Charleston's haunted tales. We’ll also venture into iconic sites like The Stanley Hotel and Dracula’s cast...

Summary

Join us for a conversation between Kelli Hayes Smith and Justin Hinkle as they dive into the essential role of a website for travel professionals.

Discover why a polished online presence is non-negotiable and how a compelling homepage can captivate potential clients.

Learn about the power of a Google Business Page in establishing credibility and legitimacy. We explore the incredible benefits of websites in boosting SEO, d...

Join Kelli Hayes Smith and Jonathan Morris of Legato host as they explore the exciting possibilities of becoming a travel agent in today's vibrant market. Together, they dispel the myth that succeeding as a travel agent is a thing of the past and affirm that it's absolutely achievable. Discover the immense value that travel agents bring, especially to millennials who appreciate their expertise and personalized service.

T...

Episode Highlight

Join Kelli Hayes Smith as she sits down with Jen Haslacker, the dynamic Sales Director for Host Agency Partnerships at Arch Roam Right, to delve into the crucial role travel insurance plays for both travelers and travel advisors.

Listen to Kelli and Jen as they explore the numerous benefits of travel insurance, from post-departure coverage and medical benefits to protection against trip cancellations and delays.

Summary

At the Path Symposium, we delved into cybersecurity and the evolving landscape of education in the travel industry.

Key insights highlighted the critical need to safeguard against fraud and scams, underscored the importance of robust education and training for travel advisors, and shed light on the intricate tech stack new agents must navigate.

Our industry is dedicated to nurturing and empowering the next generation of ...

Episode Highlights:

Come along for an eye-opening chat as Kelli Hayes Smith sits down with Angela Hughes, the mastermind behind Trips and Ships Luxury Travel. They dive deep into Angela's journey, from a greenhorn in the travel biz to dominating the luxury travel game.

Key Points Covered:

• Coaching & Mentoring: Angela stresses how crucial it is to guide and support new agents through their career path. Coaching isn’t j...

Summary: Hey there, welcome to the latest episode where Kelli Hayes Smith and Jonathan Morris from Legato Host are kicking back and dishing out some real talk about the travel advisor game.

They're diving deep into the nitty-gritty of what it takes to become a travel advisor and why having one in your corner is still the way to go.

Forget the hype about AI taking over and the ease of booking online – they're here to remin...

Summary: Hey there, welcome to the latest episode where Kelli Hayes Smith and David Shull from Tern Travel are chatting up a storm about tech in the travel biz.

They're diving deep into the struggles travel agents face with ancient tech and why we're all craving some fresher options.

From the mind-numbing manual data entry to the headache of dealing with a bunch of disjointed systems, they're shining a light on all th...

Join Cyndi Williams and Kelli Hayes-Smith as they spill the tea on fam trips and their recent escapades aboard the Icon of the Seas cruise ship.

Get ready for a relaxed chat packed with tips for travel agents on scoring those coveted fam trip invites and making the most of industry events.

They'll dish out all the juicy details about the Icon of the Seas, including some seriously cool features that you won't find on Googl...