Press
Our Favorite Drives in the U.S.
June 2020 | Virtuoso
It’s the summer of the road trip. While some this year’s grandest travel plans may be on pause, not all vacation hope is lost. As countries and states ease restrictions and hotels, national parks, and other attractions cautiously begin to reopen, the allure of the open road is strong. Read More >>
COVID-19 forcing many to change summer travel plans
June 15, 2020 | WVTN
Travel is starting to pick back up, but for many people their summer vacation looks a lot different because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Brownell Travel is working with clients to plan vacations within the United States. Haisley Smith, Vice President of Marketing for Brownell Travel, talked to WVTM 13 about options travelers have despite the current restrictions. Read More >>
Recreational Renaissance
June 10, 2020 | Travel Weekly
It was late March when Martha Gaughen, an owner and vice president of Birmingham, Ala.-based Brownell Travel, a Virtuoso member agency, came to terms with the fact that the international travel she’d booked for the year was likely a washout. Read More >>
The pandemic’s devastating effect on wildlife and conservation efforts
June 3, 2020 | The Points Guy
When travel was put on pause and countries slammed shut their borders, some destinations that had long been plagued by overtourism began to show signs of recovery. Venetian waterways became significantly more clear, and smog above the Himalayas dissipated. In some countries, however, the absence of tourists can be disastrous, and one sector of the industry has been left particularly vulnerable. Read More >>
In A Covid-19 World, Here’s Why You Should Use A Travel Agent
May 28, 2020 | Forbes
Many of us are starting to think about a vacation, and now matter how nice our homes, there is strong desire to go someplace different.Chances are you will start seeing deals and discounts, if you haven’t already. Free nights, credits to use the spa or at restaurants, and of course 60% off are all standard tools for travel marketers. Read More >>
Is the Future of Luxury Travel Private?
May 19, 2020 | Veranda
Picture yourself waking up in a luxurious villa in Sicily to the aroma of breakfast being prepared by a private chef. On the agenda for the day: exploring ancient ruins, lunch at an olive oil farm, afternoon yoga around your villa’s pool, and dinner in the garden under the stars. Read More >>
This Is Why You Need A Travel Advisor For Your Post-Pandemic Vacation
May 14, 2020 | Forbes
If you’re planning a trip after the pandemic, maybe it’s time to call a professional. A competent travel agent can help you navigate the strange new world of airlines, hotels and rental cars. Travel is radically and almost unrecognizably different after the COVID-19 pandemic. That is why you need a travel advisor, say experts. Read More >>
Travelers Are Ready to Cruise Again—And They’re Booking Up 2021
May 7, 2020 | Conde Nast Traveler
Brina S., a 41-year-old mom in Florida, has a family cruise booked with Royal Caribbean next year: It departs in late May 2021 out of Barcelona with stops in Italy and France. Read More >>
Don’t Make These Expensive Travel Insurance Errors
April 29, 2020 | Forbes
When it comes to buying travel insurance, there are important new rules after the pandemic — and troubling new ways to lose money. But they are expensive travel insurance errors that you can easily avoid. Read more >>
Travel Agent Superheroes: Going Above and Beyond for Clients Amid the Coronavirus Outbreak
March 23, 2020 | Travel Pulse
If there’s any silver lining to the coronavirus outbreak, it’s that more travelers will recognize that professional travel advisors are worth their weight in gold – especially during a crisis. Read more >>
Travel and the Coronavirus: Answers to Your Top Questions
March 18, 2020 | New York Times
As the coronavirus continues to spread across the globe and countries continue to tighten their travel restrictions, the questions of whether to travel and where it’s safe to go have become increasingly complicated. Read more >>
Coronavirus Forces Families to Rip Up Spring Travel Plans
March 14, 2020 | Wall Street Journal
For months, Scott and Patrick Soltys-Curry had planned to celebrate their second wedding anniversary with a spring break trip to Dollywood in Tennessee and a visit to Scott’s nearby mother and stepfather. But as the new coronavirus started spreading, the family worried about Scott’s stepfather, who is 68 and recently had triple bypass surgery. Read more >>
Why the Virgin Voyages Cruise Line Postponed Its Launch
March 13, 2020 | Conde Nast Traveler
Stylish, sexy, and promised as a new kind of cruise for travelers, the much-anticipated Virgin Voyages cruise line—the latest venture from Sir Richard Branson—will keep crowds waiting just a little bit longer. The line announced on March 12 that the maiden voyage for its first ship, the Scarlet Lady, originally planned for April 1, has been pushed back to August 7 (with a few industry-aimed “showcase” sailings scheduled from mid-July). Read more >>
Does travel insurance cover coronavirus-related cancellations?
March 11, 2020 | AJC
As coronavirus continues to spread, companies have pulled back on business travel and U.S.-based airlines are reducing international flights. However, travelers who already had jet-setting plans prior to the outbreak may find themselves in a bind. Read more >>
An Expert’s Guide to Travel: A Conversation with Megan Winslett
March 5, 2020 | The Scout Guide
Meet Megan Winslett, owner of MEGAN WINSLETT TRAVEL, an independent affiliate of BROWNELL TRAVEL, a luxury travel consultancy. Megan’s professional background includes stints as executive director of the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce’s foundation, and in executive-level leadership development partnered with the Center for Creative Leadership. Read More >>
CRUISE LINES MUST MOVE QUICKLY AND CREATIVELY TO REDEPLOY SHIPS
February 24, 2020 | Travel Weekly
At last count, at least 27 cruise ships in Asia have had to cancel or modify not only single itineraries but in some cases entire seasons in response to the Covid-19 coronavirus outbreak in China. Read More >>
TRAVEL TRENDS WITH SUSAN
February 18, 2020 | Studio 4
A vast and highly diverse continent full of fascinating cultures, dramatic scenery, and extraordinary animals, Africa offers some of the most amazing travel experiences in the world. Traveling to the world’s second-largest continent feels a little overwhelming, which is why having a travel advisor can certainly help. Our own personal travel guru, Susan Teeple is in today, having just returned from Africa. Read More >>
4 SCENARIOS WHEN YOU SHOULD USE A TRAVEL AGENT
February 7, 2020 | The Points Guy
As miles-and-points-wielding travelers, we may not immediately think of using a travel agent to book our getaways. But, there are times that warrant consulting an expert. Read More >>
FAMILY VACATIONS – NOT JUST FOR KIDS
February 5, 2020 | Sonoran News
Remember the excitement your children shared when you took them to Disney, traveled to a family-friendly resort, and cheered them on at a sports tournament far from home? If your children have left the nest, those vacations may be in the past for you. While those experiences are surely cherished memories, you may find new experiences with your adult children even more meaningful. Read More >>
5 REASONS WHY YOU NEED A TRAVEL AGENT – MORE THAN EVER
January 26, 2020 | Forbes
Want to rent a villa in Tuscany and do it on your own? It’s simple. Just type “Villa Rentals Tuscany” into Google, then wade through the four and a half million responses – most of which look the same, whether they are good or bad, legit or bogus. Spend just 10 seconds each vetting sites, and you’ll be done in a year and a half – and still won’t have rented anything. Read More >>
SUSAN’S TRAVEL TRENDS
January 15, 2020 | Studio 4
AMARILLO, Texas — Susan Teeple is back with us this afternoon to take us on a trip of a lifetime to Chile! Read More >>
NEW DECADE, FIVE NEW EXPERIENCES
January 15, 2020 | Sonoran News
Welcome the new roaring 20’s with a passion to refresh your outlook on travel and make this the year for new travel destinations and experiences. Exploring a destination for the first time? Fantastic! Returning to a city or country that you absolutely love? Great – I suggest you commit to experiencing it in a fresh new way. Here are five ways to put an exciting spin on your travels in 2020. Read More >>
How to Take a Family Sabbatical
January 5, 2020 | Worth
For many, the idea of taking a year off to travel with family is a pipe dream. But as paid leave policies and remote education become more prevalent, it’s becoming a reality for a growing number of people. Interested in taking your family on an around-the-world adventure? Read this first. Read More >>
Susan’s Travel Trends: The United Arab Emirates
November 20, 2019 | Studio 4
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — You will experience culture, luxury, even adventure as you admire some of the world’s most notable landmarks and enjoy the peace and tranquility of the white beaches of UAE. Read More >>
Susan’s Travel Trends: Going Greek
October 2, 2019 | Studio 4
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — Greece is a beautiful country full of history, culture, and unique buildings. Susan Teeple recommends this country for a great getaway! Read More >>
THE HOTTEST TRAVEL DESTINATIONS TO VISIT THIS WINTER
September 30, 2019 | Reader’s Digest
Looking for somewhere to go during the months of December, January, and February? From snow-capped ski resorts to sunny islands, these are the hottest travel destinations to visit this winter. Read More >>
14 WAYS TO BUILD STRONGER SUPPLIER PARTNERSHIPS
September 30, 2019 | Travel Market Report
Let’s be blunt. When it comes to the quality of your clients’ travel experience, travel advisors are in many ways at the mercy of the suppliers who deliver the end product. Read More >>
Storm preparedness for travel advisors
September 16, 2019 | Travel Weekly
Hurricane Dorian is firmly set in the rearview mirror, but the Atlantic hurricane season extends through the end of November, leaving plenty of time for another storm system to disrupt travel and affect vacation plans. Read More >>
The Company Off-Site: Mega Perk or Dreaded Chore?
August 29, 2019 | Wall Street Journal
For some, a corporate retreat is the rare chance to deepen professional ties and revel in a free trip. For others, its obligatory ‘fun’ and round-the-clock awkwardness. We sink deep into the debate. Read More >>
Why You Should Become a Travel Agent This Year
August 29, 2019 | Travel Market Report
Looking for a profession that lets you work from home, be your own boss, earn a good living, and see the world — and while you are at it, build understanding and human relationships? This year, many travel advisors say, their chosen career is more lucrative and rewarding than ever, and there is more support and training available from reputable host agencies to help newcomers learn the basics. Read More >>
Susan’s Travel Trends: San Miquel de Allende, Mexico
August 21, 2019 | Studio 4
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — Are you looking for a vacation full of culture, art, and architecture? Susan Teeple says San Miquel de Allende, Mexico is the place! Read More >>
The Hottest Perk in Tourism: Making the Crowds Disappear
August 14, 2019 | Wall Street Journal
High-end hotels in some of the world’s most tourist-jammed destinations are selling something increasingly elusive: privacy. Read More >>
Susan’s Travel Trends: Italy 2.0
July 31, 2019 | Studio 4
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — There is so much to do when visiting Italy that you might need to visit twice! Travel advisor, Susan Teeple has details on what to do and how to navigate Italy like a pro. Read More >>
Don’t Go Anywhere Without These Expert Tips For Buying Travel Insurance
June 9, 2019 | Forbes
There’s no shortage of expert tips for buying travel insurance online. But where’s a pro when you really need one? That’s what Mike Mehta wanted to know when he contacted me recently. “Is travel insurance worth buying?” he asked. “Do you have any recommendations for reasonably priced travel insurance providers?” Read More >>
ASTA Legislative Day Brings Advisors to Capitol Hill
June 7, 2019 | Travel Market Report
This week, approximately 160 travel professionals convened at the nation’s capital to discuss issues and concerns regarding the travel industry with their state and local representatives, during the American Society of Travel Advisors’ (ASTA) annual Legislative Day event. Read More >>
Oldest agency has youth appeal
June 3, 2019 | Travel Weekly
Not too long ago, the travel industry had a pretty big, collective concern: that it would age out. “By and large, I think it’s a problem that we’ve largely solved,” said Troy Haas, president and CEO of Birmingham, Ala.-based Brownell Travel. “I think we benefit from the fact that the younger generation wants to do work that means something to them, and we do work that means something to people. These are careers that are enjoyable.” Read More >>
Susan’s Travel Trends: A Trip to Napa Valley
May 22, 2019 | Studio 4
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) – North of San Francisco, California’s Napa Valley wine country is one of the world’s great destinations, especially for lovers of great wine, fantastic food, and beautiful views. Travel Advisor Susan Teeple calls a trip to Napa Valley, “the Mother ship trip.” Read More >>
Birmingham’s Best Places to Work for 2019
May 16, 2019 | Birmingham Business Journal
In a low unemployment rate environment, the battle for talent is key. That’s particularly true these days, as Birmingham employers in a range of industries are facing challenges finding skilled workers. It’s an employee’s market, and that makes it critical for companies to create a great workplace culture. Today, we’re unveiling a list of companies that have done just that – our 2019 Birmingham’s Best Places to Work. Read More >>
3 Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting a Travel Agency
May 15, 2019 | Travel Pulse
When you start your first business, three things are guaranteed to happen—you’ll work harder than you’ve ever worked in your life, your first sale will make you prouder than anything you’ve ever done, and every single person you know will have an opinion on your business. Read More >>
How 3 Travel Advisors Combat Overtourism
May 1, 2019 | Recommend Magazine
At last year’s USTOA Conference & Marketplace, when the results for the biennial economic impact study, conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLC (PwC), were released, we learned that overtourism had been newly added to the survey’s potential threats list because it’s a growing concern for USTOA active members. With that in mind, we reached out to travel advisors to get their take on the strategies they use to combat overtourism. Read More >>
Exploring the World from Above
Spring 2019 | Travel Advisor Magazine
FOR SOME, THE WINDOW SEAT IS A NIGHTMARE. FOR ME, IT’S MY HAPPY PLACE. The surreal happening of a never ending scroll of landscapes passing me by is one of my favorite memories of a trip. From the flat, cracked jigsaw pieces of the midwest desert, to the highest peaks of the Alps; the transparent, aqua waters of the Caribbean and the lush canopy of Central American jungle, I may have seen more of this world from above than on solid ground. But it’s not just the window seat that gets us these bird’s-eye views. Read More >>
Susan’s Travel Trends: The Bahamas
April 17, 2019 | Studio 4
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) – With the summer travel season on the horizon, a getaway could be in your future. Susan Teeple shares why the Bahamas is a great getaway. Read More >>
From One Million to Two in Travel Sales: How Advisors Can Jump the Hurdle
April 12, 2019 | Travel Market Report
Research shows that the jump from $1 million to $2 million in annual sales is among the toughest hurdles for travel advisors. But for those with the fortitude and drive to go for it, the next million is within your grasp, the experts say — and they have the data to back that up. Read More >>
Millennial Travel Forum Los Angeles: Meet the Agents Attending
March 26, 2019 | Travel Pulse
With less than a week away, TravelPulse reveals the names of the 14 agents who will be traveling to Los Angeles for the United States debut of travAlliancemedia’s Millennial Travel Forum. Read More >>
Expert Tips for Packing Light
February 6, 2019 | Sonoran News
New York Times writer Susan Heller famously said, “When preparing to travel, lay out all your clothes and all your money. Then take half the clothes and twice the money.” Read More >>
Caribbean Spas: Four Luxury Hotels to Help You Recharge
January 10, 2019 | Luxury Travel Advisor
The holidays are over (whew). They seem to be meant to allow you to rest and recharge but often they’re the most stressful part of the year. Luckily, Luxury Travel Advisor has your back — and, with it, four suggestions for a Caribbean spa escape to help you actually rest and recharge. Read More >>
Luxury Travel Advisor’s Trendsetters
December 2018 | Luxury Travel Advisor
Welcome to our second “Trendsetters” issue, in which we highlight top advisors in the most prestigious luxury travel agencies across the United States and beyond. Read More >>
The Best Places to Visit in 2019 Before They Get Too Popular
December 2018 | Reader’s Digest
Fancy yourself a travel trailblazer? From up-and-coming destinations to hidden gems you didn’t even know existed, here are 15 locales to put on your radar ASAP. Read More >>
A New Take on Luxury Destination Weddings and Honeymoons
November 15, 2018 | Luxury Travel Advisor
Luxury destination weddings and honeymoons continue to evolve in their style as the bride and groom raise the bar on their expectations. For destination weddings, couples are planning more customized experiences for their guests, and the planning is beginning earlier and earlier. Read More >>
Susan’s Travel Trends: Getaway to Spain
November 14, 2018 | Studio 4
If you’re looking to travel overseas, our friend and travel advisor, Susan Teeple, suggests going to Spain. Read More >>
The 19 Best Places To Travel In 2019
October 25, 2018 | Forbes
What’s on your travel wish list for 2019? We tapped into some of the world’s top travel experts to find out where they want to go next. From a colorful beach town in Belize that is slowly becoming discovered to an unexpected European country with a vibrant new arts scene, here are the most exciting places to travel in 2019. Read More >>
ILTM North America Wraps Up in Mayakoba with Record Attendance
October 2, 2018 | Insider Travel Report
With North America continuing to be one of the world’s fastest growing luxury travel source markets, something that is expected to continue until at least 2025, ILTM North America last week welcomed 328 travel advisors (buyers) from 152 cities across Mexico, Canada and the U.S. and 328 exhibitors (suppliers) from 60 countries from around the world. Read More >>
Susan’s Travel Trends: Hot Spots for Spring Break 2019
September 19, 2018 | Studio 4
It might be fall, but it’s time to start thinking about Spring Break 2019. Our friend and travel advisor, Susan Teeple, offers up her three favorite spots to book now. Read More >>
Age 14: A Gap Year Around the World
August 2018 | Virtuoso Life
Zander Galli’s far-reaching gap year – between middle school and high school – opened his eyes to a world of wonders. Read More >>
Something Special
August 2018 | Travel Weekly
When Samantha McClure opened Small World Travel in Austin, Texas, in 1999, she wanted to focus only on family travel. But a more experienced agent gave her some advice: “You have to be all things to all people,” McClure recalled. “You have to book air, you have to do corporate, you have to do honeymoons.” Read More >>
See this local couple’s collection of travel treasures
August 8, 2018 | Birmingham magazine
Travel is a way of life for Haisley Smith. As the vice president of marketing and development at Brownell Travel, she has turned her passion into a career, as well as inspiration for decor in her Mountain Brook abode. Smith shares the space–and her love of globetrotting–with her husband, Carlton, and their daughters Adelaide and Winnie, and thanks to a recent renovation project, the home comfortably accommodates the family, as well as all their treasures from afar. Read More >>
Embracing Technology a Key for Agents
July 2018 | Travel Pulse
The words “travel agent” and “tech-savvy” don’t usually go hand in hand. Travel advisors have never been known as early adopters or, for that matter, committed users of technology tools designed to help them do business. Yet, these days increasing numbers of agents are giving the lie to that notion. We asked a handful of tech-savvy advisors to share their insights on how technology helps them do business, and which solutions are most useful. Read More >>
Brownell Travel features its top hotels in new web guide
June 11, 2018 | Travel Market Report
Brownell Travel of Birmingham, Ala., has created an online guide to its top hotels, the Little Brownell Book, available on its website. The guide features nearly 50 hotels with more to come later this year. According to Brownell, the hotels featured were chosen because they “have exceptional service, desirable locations, and will go above and beyond for Brownell guests.” Read More >>
Brownell Travel Launches “Little Brownell Book” of Top Hotels
June 11, 2018 | Insider Travel Report
Brownell Travel has launched the “Little Brownell Book,” a digital listing of luxury hotel reviews for its most tried-and-true properties worldwide. Brownell, which bills itself as North America’s first travel agency dating from 1887, says it has more than 130 years of data and intelligence to back up its insider hotel information. As a Virtuoso member agency, Brownell if offering even non-clients (and yes, its competitors) a peak at its “little black book” of hotels in the aptly named Little Brownell Book section on its website. Read More >>
Travel Agents Selling U by Uniworld Discuss Brand’s New Focus
May 17, 2018 | Travel Market Report
With neon-lit lounges, high-energy land excursions and a youthful marketing vibe, U by Uniworld has set sail this inaugural season minus its initial concept of selling only to Millennials… Read More >>
River cruising – Breaking the old stereotype
May 14, 2018 | Sonoran News
If you think river cruising is just for “old” people, toss that idea overboard. The industry is breaking the old stereotypes and offering activities for vibrant, active travelers who want more than to settle into a lounge chair on deck. River cruising is hot and getting more popular with younger travelers… Read More >>
Where Would You Send Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on Their Honeymoon
May 2, 2018 | The Virtuoso Life
With Royal Wedding fever at a high, we asked three Virtuoso advisors: Where would you send Prince Harry & Meghan Markle on their honeymoon? Read More >>
Travel Agent Talk: Jessica Hart
April 24, 2018 | Travel Age West
Traveling the globe with her own two children has provided Jessica Hart, owner of Los Angeles-based Travel By Hart, an independent affiliate of Brownell, a Virtuoso Agency, with an appreciation for the importance of sharing the world with kids. It has also given her a firsthand understanding of the special requirements necessary for family travel.. Read More >>
One agency’s recipe for success
April 16, 2018 | Travel Weekly
Brownell Travel is the oldest travel agency in the United States. Its roots are in a July 1887 trip to Europe aboard the SS Devonia with ten travelers led by Walter A. Brownell. Today, 131 years later, Brownell has served more than 75,000 clients. Read More >>
The Perfect Honeymoon Based on Your Personality
March 26, 2018 | Brides
The honeymoon is a time-honored tradition. It’s a chance to set off on your first adventure as husband and wife—both literally and figuratively. Many times it’s all about the journey, but in this case the destination does matter. Read More >>
Vow to WOW this Valentine’s Day – travel tips for love!
February 6, 2018 | Sonoran News
Cupid is practicing his aim and many of you are firmly in his sights. February is the time when men and women ask themselves the burning question, “How can I make this year very special for my Valentine?” We humans are all hardwired to care and provide for our loved ones. Read More >>
10 Genius Ways to Turn a Good Vacation Into the Getaway of Your Dreams
January 2018 | Coastal Living
The gurus of making dreams come true—luxury travel advisors from the Virtuoso network—share inside tips on how to capture that vacation magic in a bottle. Read More >>
Let’s Get Out There and Travel!
January 17, 2018 | Sonoran News
Do you ever feel left out of the conversation when your colleagues and friends share their fabulous travel stories and you have nothing to contribute? Like happiness, positivity and a good friend, travel is something we want in our lives, so much so that we talk about it all the time, and some of us will even post our travel bucket-list destinations on Facebook. You know who you are. Travel is the “new” luxury and it’s time you start adding more to your life. Read More >>
Where to Go and What to Do
January 2018 | Simply Buckhead
“I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list,” the writer Susan Sontag once said. While it’s wonderful to have a heightened sense of wanderlust, how do you narrow the vast planet down when planning your next trip? Do you want to take a slow train through Ireland, visit kangaroos in Australia or catch the northern lights in Scandinavia? Jessica Battista, a trip advisor with Brownell Travel in Buckhead, shared her picks for the hottest destinations of 2018 and why we want to go there, as well as this year’s top travel trends. Read More >>