Open Mic: Travel Advisors’ New Year’s Resolutions for 2026

Open Mic is a new AGENTatHOME series focused on gathering advice from travel advisors to help you boost your business. This issue puts the spotlight on some travel pros’ business resolutions for 2026 — we hope these inspire you to make a few of your own. 

Abby Adams, Travel Advisor, Journeys Yacht & Travel, an independent affiliate of Travel Experts, a Virtuoso agency

@journeysbyabby

 In 2026, my biggest resolution is to make my planning fees fully transparent and consistent with every client. After building my business over the past seven years, I’ve developed longstanding relationships with travelers who feel like family, and I’ve always struggled to charge them the same way I would a new inquiry.

As my company has grown, so has the demand for my time and expertise. To continue delivering the high-touch service my clients expect, I’m committing to a clear, standardized planning-fee structure for all — no exceptions. It’s fair, straightforward and reflects the value of a now well-established luxury boutique travel brand.

The clients who have been with me since the beginning understand the importance of evolving with the times, they’ve grown with me, and I’m confident they’ll support this next chapter.

Kendra Barber, Travel Advisor and Owner, Roundtrips and Romances

 @roundtripsandromances 

My biggest resolution for 2026 is to grow Roundtrips and Romances into a stronger, more scalable business. I’ve reached a point where I’m not just thinking like a travel advisor anymore — I’m thinking like a business owner who’s ready for that next phase. For me, that means establishing a stronger foundation so the agency can increase revenue, stay organized and eventually welcome new advisors when the time is right.

One of the ways I’ll do this is by hosting my first “travel with me” group. I want to learn from the experience, build better relationships and get a clearer picture of what group travel can look like for my brand. Behind the scenes, I’m cleaning up standard operating procedures, streamlining my technology, organizing task lists, and creating a clear onboarding and training structure. Finally, I’m leveling up my marketing by committing to consistent content, newsletters, website updates and social media.

Adam Duckworth, President and Founder, Travelmation

@adam_duckworth

Travelmation’s resolution for 2026 is simple but powerful: We aim to continue growing our advisor base by being a standout brand in our industry, specifically in the theme park space. Travelmation will also strive to help our advisors grow their individual books of business by 15-20%.

We’re going to do this by expanding our media reach and the exposure it off ers our advisor network, and by building the best and most stable home they could ask for in the travel industry. Advisors need stability and an opportunity to focus on growing their book of business. We’re going to give them the resources to do just that.

This is a sales industry, and often, people get distracted by world affairs, industry noise or various other factors. We are going back to basics: Brand. Sales. Period.

Natalia Yepes, Owner and Travel Designer, Adventuresque Travel Boutique

@adventuresquetb

In 2026, I’m committing to learning how to accept help in my travel business by expanding my support team. My primary goal is to hire a dedicated personal travel concierge who will assist with confirming client trips, ensuring every detail is accurate, timely and stress-free.

I will also strengthen my industry relationships by having my dedicated concierge maintain consistent communication with my travel partners, especially following key conferences where those connections matter most. These relationships are vital to my business, and I am committed to nurturing them at a high level.

Building this support system will create more time for me to focus on growth and continue delivering highly detailed and customized itineraries to my clients. This year, I am investing in smoother operations, stronger partnerships and a more empowered version of myself as a travel professional.