Beyond the Handbooks
Welcome to Beyond the Handbooks — practical insight from the minds behind the manuals. This is the podcast for travel advisors who want to think deeper, sell smarter, and build stronger businesses — beyond what fits on the page. Hosted by the authors of the best-selling Travel Advisor Handbooks series - CLIA Hall of Famers Michael Akana and Christopher Grum, plus Elite Cruise Counsellor Scott McAlister. Each episode, we take the concepts you know, the challenges you face, and the questions you don’t always get clear answers to — and talk through what actually works in the real world. Because our handbooks are just the beginning. Let’s go beyond.
Episodes
A ship's capacity might seem simple, but it can be confusing for advisors and clients alike. Chris has an example of how not understanding this concept created chaos for a cruise group and how you as an advisor can avoid this mistake while helping your clients understand it.
Your website may be missing a very important element. Chris has the details on what he sees missing from many travel agency websites.
Chris has a quick update on our 2027 Seminar at Sea, which now only has 20% of its space remaining.
Not getting responses to your emails? There might be a reason and Chris has a quick tip that might save a booking.
Our newest work is now available! Michael, Chris, and Scott talk about today's release of their third book - The Travel Advisor's Cruise Line Handbook.
Michael, Chris, Scott, and Danielle have all the details in this deep dive into our 4th Annual Seminar at Sea.
Michael, Chris, and Scott break down what you can expect from their second book - The Travel Advisor's Cruise Handbook - and share their favorite lessons form the work.
For those who may not have read it or are unfamiliar, Michael, Chris, and Scott share details on their first best-selling book - The Travel Advisor's Handbook.
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