The Journal

Strategy & thoughts from a TA-turned-designer on websites, fees, and the business foundations for independent travel advisors.

All posts

ALL POSTS

Lara Ellis 1/8/26 Lara Ellis 1/8/26

How Travel Advisors Can Compete With and Embrace AI in 2026

AI is reshaping how people plan travel. I explore why travellers still need human advisors, what AI tools are helping and how to update your website to stand out in the AI era. Includes data, insights, and must-have website strategies for 2026.

on Branding & Positioning

Journal

BRANDING

You Niched Down. So Why Are You Still Explaining Yourself on Every Call?

BRANDING

Why Would Someone Choose You? How Travel Advisors Can Craft a Position That Actually Sticks

BRANDING

How to Stop Sounding Like Every Other Travel Advisor Online

BRANDING

Curate Website Photography & Plan a Brand Photoshoot that Connects With Your Clients

BRANDING

on Running a Travel Business

Journal

BUSINESS

New Travel Advisor? Your Current Skills Are Worth More Than You Think

BUSINESS

How Travel Advisors Can Compete With and Embrace AI in 2026

BUSINESS

Travel Planning Fees 101: How to Charge with Confidence (and Attract Clients Who Happily Pay It)

BUSINESS

10 Strategies for Independent Travel Advisors To Stand Out & Not Burn Out

BUSINESS

How Travel Advisors Can Monetize Their Squarespace Website With Affiliate Marketing

BUSINESS

How To Implement Travel Planning Fees That Feel Aligned & Sustain Your Business | A Case Study

BUSINESS

on Client Experience

Journal

CLIENT EXPERIENCE

The 8 Stages of a Successful Client Journey as a Travel Advisor

CLIENT EXPERIENCE

Transform Your Client Experience With Thoughtful Onboarding

CLIENT EXPERIENCE

How to Turn Client Feedback Into Your Best Marketing Tool

CLIENT EXPERIENCE

CLIENT EXPERIENCE, DESIGN

Why and How to Add a Thank You Page on Your Squarespace Website

CLIENT EXPERIENCE, DESIGN

on Blogging, Design, SEO & Website Strategy

Journal

DESIGN

Luxury Travel Advisor Website Design: What Makes It Work Well

DESIGN

WEBSITE

How Travel Advisors Get Found on Google (Without Competing With Expedia)

WEBSITE

Five Reasons Your Travel Client Talked Herself Out of Contacting You

WEBSITE

How to Choose a Website Platform as a Travel Advisor (Without Losing Your Mind)

WEBSITE

Do Travel Advisors Need a Website? Probably, Yes.

WEBSITE

Blogging on Squarespace: What You Need to Know Before You Start

WEBSITE

Squarespace Discount Codes & Ways to Save on Your Website in 2026

WEBSITE

The Best Squarespace Templates for Modern Travel Advisors & Service Providers

WEBSITE

Why Your Host Agency Website Is Holding Your Travel Business Back

WEBSITE

DESIGN

Using Custom Code to Create A Memorable Website on Squarespace

DESIGN

WEBSITE

6 Design Elements Your Website Needs To Boost Conversion

WEBSITE

Boost Your Squarespace Blog Traffic With These 5 Must-Have Strategies

WEBSITE

now in the birch & Bud Design Co. shop

Process and design templates, tools & guides — made just for Travel Advisors

The Shop

Quick View

Client Clarity Kit for Travel Advisors

CA$47.00

Quick View

Website Planning Guide for Travel Advisors

CA$27.00

Quick View

Welcome & Service Guide Template for Travel Advisors

CA$27.00

Quick View

The Travel Advisor Client Journey Checklist

CA$17.00

Quick View

Voice Discovery Claude Skill for Travel Advisors

CA$17.00

Quick View

Voice Discovery Guide for Travel Advisors

CA$17.00

The Journal

All posts

How Travel Advisors Can Compete With and Embrace AI in 2026

on Branding & Positioning

on Running a Travel Business

on Client Experience

on Blogging, Design, SEO & Website Strategy

Process and design templates, tools & guides — made just for Travel Advisors

quick links

services

learning

connect