Press
The Travel Advisor, an Unsung Hero of the Pandemic—and the Key to Safe Travels in 2021 and Beyond
April 15, 2021 | Veranda
Brownell Travel Vice President Beth Flowers was checking up on the company’s partners and guides in Africa during January 2020 and started noticing many people wearing masks across larger cities, like Johannesburg, by the time she flew back to the U.S. Read More >>
Don’t You Dare Protect Your Summer Vacation Like This
April 10, 2021 | Forbes
No one in their right mind would take a vacation this summer without a little protection. And I’m not talking about sunscreen, either. Read More >>
How to Book a Better Beach Vacation
February 2021 | D Magazine
To go alongside our February cover story, we asked Dallas-based travel agent Sam Murphy for some of her top tips to help plan your first post-pandemic getaway. Read More >>
How to find a travel advisor amid the pandemic
January 27, 2021 | The Washington Post
Finding a good travel adviser used to be easy. Plenty of qualified and experienced travel agents were out there. But then covid-19 happened. No one knows how many travel agencies closed during the pandemic. But last year, the American Society of Travel Advisors predicted that a stunning 72 percent of agents would go out of business within six months if they didn’t receive government aid. Read More >>
Is Free Travel Insurance Enough For Your Next Trip? Here’s How To Know
January 19, 2021 | Forbes
Free travel insurance is without question the top travel insurance trend of 2021. Airlines, destinations and hotels are offering “insurance included” vacations in the hopes of attracting more post-pandemic visitors. Read More >>
WHERE TO TRAVEL AFTER COVID? 25 INSPIRING ESCAPES
January 8, 2021 | Wall Street Journal
After nearly a year of vacation deprivation, frustrated globe-trotters are starting to dream about traveling freely again. Read More >>
Post-Vaccine Vacation Dreamers Plot to ‘Get the Hell Out of Their House’
December 30, 2020 | Wall Street Journal
Coronavirus cabin fever is inspiring some big-trip plans for 2021; ‘a little hopefulness’ Read More >>
Still traveling despite the CDC warning? Here’s how to pick a safe vacation destination
December 11, 2020 | USA Today
Here’s a trick question: Where’s the safest place to travel during the pandemic surge? Is it somewhere nearby? Or a squeaky-clean destination that takes its disinfecting really seriously? Read More >>
Brownell Travel’s sounding board
November 30, 2020 | Travel Weekly
Brownell Travel in Birmingham, Ala., is home to a community of 115 independent contractors. With dozens of ICs on the books, the agency has come up with an interesting way to make sure they all have a proverbial seat at the table with Brownell: The Independent Contractor Advisory Board. Read More >>
How can the cruise industry attract new cruisers in 2021
December 2, 2020 | Conde Nast Traveler
Brownell Independent Travel Advisor shares her insight on how the cruise industry will have to appeal to and attract a younger clientele in the new year. Read More >>
11 ways 2020 may ultimately change travel for the better
November 12, 2020 | Independent
From contactless service to politeness and new cleaning policies, 2020 may leave a good as well as bad legacy for travel. Read More >>
How the lessons of 2020 may make travel better in the long run
November 11, 2020 | The Washington Post
The conventional wisdom is that 2020 has nearly destroyed travel. And though it’s true that covid-19 ruined our vacations and took a wrecking ball to a large part of the industry, the conventional wisdom is wrong. Read More >>
Why Travelers Are Moving the Home Office Abroad to Work Even More Remotely
November 8, 2020 | Robb Report
These new nomads are making the best of a bad situation. Read More >>
What’s the state of the travel industry?
November 2, 2020 | WBRC
Brownell’s Vice President of Marketing & Development Haisley Smith shares about the state of the travel industry and an innovative program to temporarily live and work in a new destination. Read More >>
Want To Go Somewhere? 4 Reasons To Be Optimistic About The Future Of Travel
October 31, 2020 | Forbes
These days, almost every conversation about leisure travel feels like an exercise in heartache. With the global pandemic closing borders, cancelling journeys, and shuttering hotels, every part of the travel industry is being confronted with existential challenges. Yet while the future might feel bleak for the industry and for the all of the individuals whose livelihood depends on it, there nonetheless remains reason not only for hope, but reason for optimism as well. Read More >>
How Covid-19 ended the city escape
October 13, 2020 | CNN
Around the world, cities are taking a pounding from Covid-19 as travelers are avoiding visiting large conurbations during the global pandemic. In turn, tourism numbers in metropolises have plummeted. In Madrid, tourist arrivals dropped by 63.8% during the first half of 2020. Read More >>
How To Buy Travel Insurance For Extended Trips
October 2, 2020 | Forbes
Most travel insurance lasts only as long as your vacation. So if you want to extend your trip, you might be out there without any coverage. How do you buy travel insurance for extended trips? Read More >>
The Future of Travel in 2020 and Beyond
September 26, 2020 | Barron’s
While the world continues to battle Covid-19 and scramble for an effective vaccine, many of us long to jet around the globe safely again. As we slowly dip our toes back in, we’re likely to see some worldwide shifts, as people are more inclined to travel responsibly and consider their impact on a destination before booking a trip. Read More >>
How Cruises Are Planning for a Busy 2021
August 26, 2020 | Conde Nast Traveler
If you hope to cruise in 2021, word in the industry is: Book now. Between the passengers who bumped 2020 sailings because of the pandemic and general interest in getting out to sea again, cabins on ships both small and large, river and ocean, are filling up fast. “Already, availability is limited,” says Linda Allen-Speer of Cruises by Linda Read More >>
How To Buy Travel Insurance Based On Your Destination Country
August 17, 2020 | Forbes
When it comes to travel insurance, one size does not fit all. At least that’s what Hanna Thomas discovered when she planned a recent trip across Asia. It turns out that buying travel insurance based on your destination isn’t easy. Read More >>
Virtuoso speakers propose pathways to restore confidence, restart travel
August 14, 2020 | Travel Weekly
Consistency, transparency, flexibility and price integrity will be key to travel’s comeback from the coronavirus crisis. That was the message from suppliers and agency executives during Virtuoso Travel Week, which this year was held virtually for the first time. Read More >>
GREAT AMERICAN ROAD TRIP
August 2020 | Luxury Travel Advisor
Marion McDonald, an independent advisor at Brownell Travel, goes exploring to discover some gems out west. Read More >>
Changing the Paradigm of Luxury Travel
August 2020 | Luxury Travel Advisor
Helen Jordan of Jordan Luxury Travel, an affiliate of Brownell, tries camping and a visit to a luxury resort for her domestic vacations. Read More >>
Avoid These Travel Insurance Mistakes For Your Post-Pandemic Vacation
July 30, 2020 | Forbes
When it comes to travel insurance, everyone makes mistakes. After all, policies are filled with jargon and exclusions. And that’s particularly true for vacations planned after the pandemic. Read More >>
Longer, Slower, Farther: Savoring the Prospects of Future Travels
July 28, 2020 | New York Times
In the travel lull induced by the pandemic, many people are planning ambitious, once-in-a-lifetime trips. Optimists are targeting 2021. For others, their next big trip will be in 2022. Read More >>
Why Travel Advisors are Everyone’s Best Friend Right Now
July 24, 2020 | ILTM
While it’s clear that the pandemic hasn’t put an end to the desire to travel, how clients book and the priorities they now hold have undoubtedly shifted. This modified attitude towards travel has manifested in a variety of ways, not least of all in creating a new dimension of discourse between brands, advisors and their clients. Read More >>
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 >>