The Journal
Strategy & thoughts from a TA-turned-designer on websites, fees, and the business foundations for independent travel advisors.
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featured posts
featured posts
How to Choose a Website Platform as a Travel Advisor (Without Losing Your Mind)
A real comparison of every website option a travel advisor is likely to run into, from travel-specific platforms like Travefy and Truevail to general builders like Squarespace, Showit, and WordPress, plus the quick-fix options like Canva and Carrd. We'll cover what each one actually costs (USD and approximate CAD), what you own versus what you're renting, SEO, ease of use, and how to figure out what makes sense for where you are right now.
New Travel Advisor? Your Current Skills Are Worth More Than You Think
This one's for the travel advisor who came from somewhere else, a corporate role, a client-facing career, a decade of managing projects, people, or both, and is letting the word 'new' talk them out of charging what they're worth. You didn't leave your skills at the door when you switched industries. This post is a reminder of who TF you are.
Why Would Someone Choose You? How Travel Advisors Can Craft a Position That Actually Sticks
Most travel advisors can describe what they book. Fewer can explain clearly why a client should choose them specifically. This post breaks down what positioning really means, the different ways you can build one without narrowing your business, and the questions worth sitting with to find your honest answer.
How to Stop Sounding Like Every Other Travel Advisor Online
Your website copy sounds professional. It's warm, it mentions your experience, and it could belong to almost any travel advisor online. If that sentence landed somewhere uncomfortable, this post is for you. We're covering why generic copy happens, what brand voice actually looks like in practice, how to figure out which voice type you are, and what to do with that information once you have it..
Do Travel Advisors Need a Website? Probably, Yes.
For the advisor who's been putting off the website decision, or who isn't sure the investment is worth it when referrals and social media are already working. We'll cover what a website actually does that Instagram can't, what your potential clients are doing before they ever talk to you, and the different ways to get started without losing your mind.
Transform Your Client Experience With Thoughtful Onboarding
Landing a new client is exciting, but the first impression they form often happens before you even talk. From discovering you online to your first call, clarity and structure shape how confident they feel in working with you. This post walks through why onboarding matters, what can go wrong without it, and how a well-designed welcome guide can make the whole process feel effortless, for you and your clients.
How to Turn Client Feedback Into Your Best Marketing Tool
Most travel advisors collect feedback but rarely use it strategically. In this post, we go over why the right questions matter, what to look for, and how to turn client insights into language that does the selling for you so your fee stops feeling like something you have to justify and your process becomes rock solid.
Travel Planning Fees 101: How to Charge with Confidence (and Attract Clients Who Happily Pay It)
This guide breaks down why fees are non-negotiable, what the industry is charging right now, how to handle objections like a pro, and why your branding might be the reason clients aren't taking you seriously. Plus: real scripts you can use today and resources to finally get your business looking as professional as the service you provide.
10 Strategies for Independent Travel Advisors To Stand Out & Not Burn Out
After 12 years at Flight Centre and 4 years as an independent advisor before becoming a web designer, I've seen what works on both sides. This post breaks down ten essential strategies for travel professionals to build an online presence that’s sustainable.
Ditch Your Hosted Travel Website & Level up With a Personalized Design
As someone who pours so much care and attention into your work, you deserve a travel advisor website that truly reflects your unique approach to travel planning. If you’re still using the standard site your host agency provides, you might be missing out on an opportunity to connect more deeply with your clients.
6 Design Elements Your Website Needs To Boost Conversion
When I audit websites, I notice the same gaps over and over —elements that could be turning curious visitors into loyal clients. In this post, I’ll walk through six essentials inspired by the StoryBrand framework, showing how clear messaging and customer-focused design can transform your site’s experience and conversion.
Curate Website Photography & Plan a Brand Photoshoot that Connects With Your Clients
Images on your website, blog, and social media should tell a well-crafted story that fits with your brand and message. Through strategic content curation and photoshoot planning, you can ensure your imagery is doing its job.
now in the birch & Bud Design Co. shop