The Journal

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

WEBSITE Lara Ellis WEBSITE Lara Ellis

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.

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BRANDING Lara Ellis BRANDING Lara Ellis

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..

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WEBSITE Lara Ellis WEBSITE Lara Ellis

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.

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CLIENT EXPERIENCE Lara Ellis CLIENT EXPERIENCE Lara Ellis

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

Most travel advisors have the first four stages of the client journey pretty well covered. It's stages five through eight, the pre-departure prep, the mid-trip check-in, the welcome home email, the referral ask, where things can go sideways. This post walks through all eight stages, what should actually be happening at each one, and where the gaps tend to show up.

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CLIENT EXPERIENCE Lara Ellis CLIENT EXPERIENCE Lara Ellis

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.

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BUSINESS Lara Ellis BUSINESS Lara Ellis

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.

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WEBSITE Lara Ellis WEBSITE Lara Ellis

6 Must Have’s on Your Travel Advisor Website

In a sea of Travel Advisors all offering the same services, a custom website that truly reflects you can set you apart. Attract the clients you actually want, show your value, establish your expertise, and streamline your process; all while building trust through thoughtful blogging and a personal-touch newsletter.

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now in the birch & Bud Design Co. shop

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