Open Mic: How Travel Advisors Stay Productive From Anywhere

OPEN MIC IS AN AGENTatHOME SERIES FOCUSED ON GATHERING ADVICE FROM TRAVEL ADVISORS TO HELP YOU BOOST YOUR BUSINESS. THIS ISSUE PUTS THE SPOTLIGHT ON STAYING PRODUCTIVE WHEN WORKING AT HOME OR ON THE ROAD WHILE ALSO AVOIDING BURNOUT.

Queen Meador, Founder and Chief Experience Architect, You Deserve It! Vacations

@ydivacations

Staying productive while working from home or on the road starts with discipline — not hustle. I’ve learned that productivity isn’t about doing more; it’s about deciding what actually moves the business forward (and what can wait).

I prioritize revenue-generating activities first, strategic growth second and administrative tasks last. As I scale my team, we rely on documented SOPs, defined KPIs and CRM automation so the business runs smoothly — even when I’m boarding a flight.

When I travel, I pre-plan communication touchpoints and automate what I can. I also protect my energy. Rest is intentional. Boundaries are clear. Delegation is expected. My faith reminds me I’m called to steward my time wisely — not answer emails at midnight from a beach cabana.

Burnout happens when everything feels urgent. Leadership requires knowing what isn’t.

Real success in this industry isn’t about being constantly available — it’s about building a business strong enough to thrive without your exhaustion.

Tiffany Poche, Founder, Wish Upon Afar 

@wishuponafar

Working from home sounds flexible. In reality, it can feel like you are answering emails at the kitchen counter while mentally juggling 10 different things at the same time.

What keeps me productive is structure. Every morning, I make a plan. I keep a running monthly task list, break that into weekly priorities, and then narrow it down to what must get done today. In our industry, no two days look the same, so starting with a written plan keeps me grounded.

I also time block. When I sit down for a focused work block, I already know what I am working on. That clarity keeps distractions from taking over.

I have caught myself holding my breath during a stressful moment more times than I can count. Standing up, stretching and taking a few deep breaths resets everything.

When everything feels urgent, nothing is strategic. Burnout usually comes from reactive work. Productivity comes from intentional planning.

Structure is not restrictive. It is what gives me freedom.

Justin Wolfson, Travel Advisor, Chubit Travel 

@justin_chubit_travel

When working from home, I make a schedule every night for what I need to work on the following day. As things come in throughout the workday, they get prioritized. Once I get through that list, anything that comes in by 6 p.m. is prioritized for the next day.

In the last few years, I have also focused on working fewer hours and not responding to emails, text messages or calls after hours. Since implementing this, fewer clients have reached out at odd hours, which was a major cause of burnout.

When I travel, whether for personal reasons or business, I set client expectations and use an out-of-office reply stating there will be a delay in response. I also build in times throughout the day to respond to emails and quote requests. If you don’t set aside time to respond and attempt to work throughout the whole day, you will not be able to enjoy your travels and you will get burned out.

Janine Blas, Travel Advisor, Neverland & Main Travel 

@janineblas

As a travel advisor, I believe that productivity begins with being intentional about my time and energy. By taking the time to thoroughly qualify my clients, I’ve gained more time to craft memorable vacations and reduced the need to send multiple quotes.

I have started creating templates, workflows and checklists to make my day run more smoothly. This gives me the opportunity to work on other time-sensitive tasks right away. I also give myself specific time-blocking tasks, which have been key in helping me stay focused and maintain momentum during the busy peak seasons.

There are times when I must step away from the desk, and setting my out-of-office response has been essential. It reassures clients that their needs remain my top priority while setting boundaries on incoming email requests. This eliminates burnout while traveling because I can fully immerse myself in the destination and return with full insight and genuine value.