In this "go, go, go" world we live in, it is important to take some time for yourself. Forever (it seems) teachers and professors have been able to take sabbaticals to refresh and renew. They take their time off and relax, and re-educate themselves to be the best they can be for their students when they return. Unfortunately, in our industry few of us have back up agents to carry us for many months; and those that do likely don't have the cash flow to support that time off. So here's what we do.

Every year, Travel Research Online "shuts down" for the lat two weeks of the year and this is a much appreciated perk from Richard Earls. Typically, it is a slow time for…

A while back I was doing a little web "surfing" when I came across a major travel industry conference, and I began to snoop around.

This event really looked cool, and I thought I would spend a few days down at the convention center to learn what I could learn...and to see whom I could see. After all, I guess after 30 years it might not be a bad idea to let a few people in the industry know that I am still alive and capable of fogging a mirror with the best of them.

But, that is not the purpose of my writing…

Cross marketing refers to the practice of working with a non-competitive retailer to enhance business opportunities for both parties. Any compatible product is a possible theme for cross marketing purposes, and travel presents a great opportunity because of how easily it can be linked to almost any theme.

Retailers make excellent cross marketing partners because they typically do not compete with travel agents and because it is easy to create real value by marketing together. When you pool your client list with that of the retailer, both benefit by leveraging the other’s circle of influence. When the retailer introduces you to his clients, you enjoy the inherent third party endorsement and trust the retailer has established with his own clients. Properly executed, the effect of a…

Vice President of Brand Management for Emerald Waterways Lisa Norton has been in the travel industry for years. In her current role for Emerald Waterways, she is responsible for the growth of Emerald Waterways' footprint in the U.S and Canadian market. She is often on the road meeting with agents to develop and grow relationships for her brand in the travel agent community. Lisa works tirelessly each day to raise awareness for Emerald Waterways while also making relationships and connections with other cultures. To learn more about Lisa Norton and Emerald Waterways, continue on below.