Mindy Poder
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I hunt down the best travel content for @travelagewest. Executive Editor; NATJA 2015 Travel Writer of the Year; @thetrvlretreat. Hair everywhere.
Articles by Mindy Poder
International Visitor Spending Expected to Drop by $11 Billion As Travel Prices Climb
The U.S. Travel Association has long been sounding the alarm on America’s travel slowdown problem — and a new forecast shares just how much the U.S. economy is expected to be impacted. Even after adjusting for inflation, international visitor spending is expected to drop by 6.3% — representing $11 billion — to $163 billion. U.S. travelers explored the country with a record 2.44 billion domestic trips, but overall U.S. travel spending is still projected to drop by 0.7% to $1.35 trillion.
American Express Eliminates Advisor Access to Its Travel Programs — ASTA Petitions for a Reversal
Oct 05, 2026 ASTA Cruise Hotels and Resorts Luxury Travel Opinion Travel News American Express cardholders will have to choose between using a travel advisor or booking their own hotel or cruise on American Express Travel. fizkes/stock.adobe.com As of Sept.
Newport Beach for Families: Where to Eat, Sleep and Play
“We have to show this video to all my friends,” my daughter screamed as I fumbled between filming her ecstatic joy and our surroundings. Dozens of dolphins surrounded the front of our catamaran, riding the wake of the boat and breaking the surface again and again. We had just taken off from the dock of Balboa Peninsula, footsteps from Balboa Fun Zone, a waterfront amusement park that’s been in Newport Beach, Calif., since the destination’s earliest days.
5 Future Leaders to Watch List, 2026
Under the waning light of a partial lunar eclipse, a mother sea turtle laid eggs in a nest in the sand. She would lay up to 150 eggs and crawl back to the water, unsure of how many would survive the incubation and hatching processes. A group of travel advisors strolling the same beach witnessed the event, marveling at their good luck. But what they didn’t realize is how, like the turtle, they were also incubating something — not eggs, but the next chapter of their careers.
Editorial: Adventure Travel Is More Mainstream Than You Might Think
More than 13 years ago, the editorial team at TravelAge West launched Explorer. From the very beginning, we realized that we had to qualify how the magazine was related to adventure — it was “soft,” “experiential,” “sustainable” and “culturally immersive.” We weren’t summiting Mount Everest; we were huffing and puffing to Everest Base Camp. We weren’t roughing it in a tent in cold climes, though we were perfectly content to watch the northern lights from the bed of our heated glass dome.
Can the U.S. Be the Most-Visited Country in the World? U.S. Travel Sets Target for 2030.
Travel industry CEOs recently met with President Trump at the White House to discuss inbound travel following the success of the FIFA World Cup and America’s 250th birthday. Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, shared the group’s ambitious next goal: to reach 100 million international visitors per year by 2030. This would make the U.S. the most-visited country in the world, which is currently France.
Review: Fairmont Orchid for Families
“Twenty-eight, twenty-nine, thirty!” I was counting the seconds it took from opening the glass doors of my ground-floor oceanfront suite to the white-sand beach at Fairmont Orchid on Hawaii Island’s Kohala Coast. To get from our south tower room to Pauoa Bay involved walking past a snail — easy enough — and zigzagging around my kids, who were gleefully extinguishing their morning zoomies on the grassy lawn separating the tower from the sand.
Review: Mauna Kea Beach Hotel on Hawaii Island
“This was all just air before,” my guide said, gesturing toward Mauna Kea Beach Hotel’s new adults-only infinity pool and glass-enclosed fitness center — two of the most significant additions in the resort’s recently completed $240 million renovation. His comment reminded me of another moment viewed from the air: founder Laurance Rockefeller’s first glimpse of Kauna‘oa Bay more than 60 years ago while location scouting across Hawaii.
Here's What Luxury Travelers Are Booking, According to New Data
Global Travel Collection (GTC) recently shared new 2026 booking data, revealing shifts in travel behavior among luxury clients. Summer trips to Europe are down 10% year over year, while fall trips to Europe are up by 25%. Top growing destinations include the Nordic and Arctic north for their expedition cruises and luxury lodges, while more Mediterranean-bound travelers are seeking out Croatia, Montenegro, Albania and lesser-known Greece.
Disneyland Is Prioritizing Families This Summer — And There’s Still Time to Book at a Great Value
Over a dinner of burgers at Disney California Adventure Park (DCA), my daughter told me that our day park-hopping at DCA and Disneyland Park was, in her words, “the best, best, best, best day ever — even better than when I was born.” Perhaps it had something to do with her back-to-back consumption of an Oreo-vanilla milkshake and a chocolate-covered Mickey Mouse ice-cream bar.
Weak Hotel Demand in U.S. World Cup Cities
Hotel bookings are weaker than anticipated for this year’s FIFA World Cup, according to the “FIFA World Cup 2026 Hotel Outlook” from the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA). The majority (80%) of hoteliers in 11 U.S. host cities say that bookings are not meeting expectations. Only a quarter of markets are seeing increased demand, thanks to strong baseline leisure demand or confirmed team base camps.
Angie Licea Explains How the Newly Unified Global Travel Collection Plans to Be the ‘Best of the Best’ Luxury Agency
Global Travel Collection (GTC) has officially stepped into its next chapter. What was initially created to be an umbrella brand for Internova Travel Group’s luxury host agencies Protravel International, Tzell Travel Group and eventually Altour, has officially unified into a $2.4-billion luxury host agency of 1,500 travel advisors with grand ambitions to leverage its scale and collective expertise for the benefit of GTC advisors, partners and clients alike.
Review: Shore House at the Newly Renovated Hotel del Coronado
When Hotel del Coronado opened in 1888, it aimed to be the largest and grandest hotel in the Western world. Elisha Babcock Jr. and Hampton Story, two businessmen from the Midwest, bought the entirety of Coronado — a barren peninsula across the bay from up-and-coming San Diego, Calif. — for just $110,000. The Del was created in tandem with Coronado itself — its streets, parks, home plots and infrastructure — and was built in just 11 months for $600,000.
In 3 Years, This Travel Advisor Built a $9 Million Business With Just 6 Clients. Here’s How.
At some point on her flight from Cape Town to Greece, a Grammy-nominated musician who shall not be named realized how close she was to Istanbul. “I've always wanted to go there,” she said. “Can we go there?” Fortunately for the artist, her travel advisor — Katy Caldwell-Cole, founder of Touring Folk — was right by her side. The two had just completed work commitments in Cape Town after two weeks on safari with Abercrombie & Kent.
How Travel Advisors Helped Clients Get Out of the Middle East When the Government Couldn't
Many Americans are struggling to leave the Middle East as airspace closures and flight cancellations disrupt travel across the region amid escalating tensions involving Iran, Israel and the United States. According to the U.S. Department of State, 20,000 Americans have been able to leave the region since the start of the conflict.
ASTA Publishes List of Hotels That Don't Pay Commission
For a limited time, the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) is publicly posting its Hotel Watch List, which identifies properties that have been reported for not paying travel advisor commissions. ASTA previously announced the launch of its Report a Hotel tool, which is available exclusively for ASTA members. ASTA has made the list public through March 13 in an effort to help the organization reach its 2026 goal of recovering $100,000 in hotel commissions.
Review: Montage Laguna Beach for Families
We were looking high. We were looking low. But my daughter and I could not find that dang Elf on a Shelf at Montage Laguna Beach in Orange County, California. It wasn’t in the chandeliers or wedged between ornaments on the Christian Louboutin-themed Christmas trees. It wasn’t on the table with self-service hot cocoa or in the mini VW Bus stocked with stuffed animals greeting kids at check-in.
How Seven-Figure Bookings Are Reshaping the Travel Industry
Last year, the luxury host agency SmartFlyer closed 330 bookings north of $100,000 — a 40% leap from the year prior. Bookings of $500,000 and up grew 75% year over year, and the agency’s top 20 trips of 2025 ranged from about $500,000 to more than $2 million. Who knew that becoming a “million-dollar advisor” could one day be a term used to define just one booking, rather than a whole year’s worth?
Brownell's Mentoring Program Will Now Be Known as 'Brownell Startup' - Here's What Else Is Changing
Brownell, the luxury host agency that was founded in 1887, is ringing in 20 years of its award-winning mentoring program with a rebrand and a refresh. Now called Brownell Startup, the training and onboarding program will introduce updates while continuing to provide new-to-the-industry advisors with the best practices, technology and community needed to launch a scalable travel business.
Why Families Should Experience Disney's Lunar New Year Celebration
For families, travel is an invaluable way to teach kids about the world around them and the richness of other cultures. But I’m not quite ready to tackle a trip to Vietnam, China or Korea with my 4.5 year old — yet. Fortunately, we only had to drive an hour from our house in Los Angeles to visit an especially festive Lunar New Year celebration at Disney California Adventure Park, which kicked off on Friday Jan. 23 and runs through Feb. 22.
As Avoya's New CEO, Phil Cappelli Promises Continuity
This year has seen some of the biggest changes in Avoya Travel’s history. With roots dating back to 1964, Avoya was run as a family business until June, when co-CEOs Jeff and Michael Anderson sold their stake in Avoya to Certares, which had been an investor in the host agency since 2021. And last week, the company announced that Marc Kazlauskas — who was appointed CEO in August — will be departing the host agency to become the president of Norwegian Cruise Line, effective Jan. 19.
These Are the Winning Photographs From the 2025 TravelAge West Reader Photo Contest
Some things never change — which is an interesting statement to make in a year marked by twists and turns. From global uncertainty and economic volatility to adapting to the rise of artificial intelligence, most days of this year were full of surprises. And while travel advisors have had to adapt their businesses to these challenges, it’s clear that the lure of their core product — travel — is timeless.
How Discussing Budget and Savings Can Actually Show Your Value as a Travel Advisor
Using the “B” word in client consults is controversial. But Leanne Lavoie, one of Expedia Cruises’ top-performing vacation consultants, has spent the last decade-plus talking to clients about their budget — and she says that transparency is one of the ways she has earned her customers’ trust.
Google Is Working on Helping Users Book Hotels and Air Directly in Search
Yesterday, Google Search announced updates to its travel platform, including a preview of flight and hotel booking updates that are in progress. Google says that it is currently working with Booking.com, Choice Hotels International, Expedia, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Marriott International and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts to make it possible to book flights and hotels directly in AI Mode, Google’s AI-powered search.
This Is How You Should Position Travel, According to a New Study
About half of U.S. travelers (48%) view leisure travel as essential to their mental health, according to a national survey of 1,200 travelers from creative agency Mower. Parents and caregivers lead the charge, with nearly half viewing leisure travel as essential to their well-being. This group also reports booking earlier than planned due to stress or burnout, showing that emotions — not just travel deals — motivate action.
What to Know About Travel Insurance During a Government Shutdown
The U.S. government shut down more than a week ago, and the effects on travel have been staggering. According to the U.S. Travel Association, America’s travel economy has lost $1.2 billion in spending so far. And travelers around the U.S. have been impacted by air traffic issues, longer security lines, reduced flight availability and more challenges. “This shutdown is doing real, irreversible damage,” said Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association.
ASTA Launches Tool to Report Late or Unpaid Hotel Commissions
The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) has launched a webpage and tool for members to report late or unpaid hotel commissions. With the new tool, travel advisors can fill out a form to report hotels that have not paid commissions within 45 days or more. ASTA promises to follow up with member hotels through its dispute resolution process. For properties that are not members of ASTA, the organization will add the property to its watchlist of hotels that do not pay timely commissions.
What's New at Terranea
Back in 1966, The Beach Boys sang about “picking up good vibrations.” I don’t think they could have known that nearly 60 years later, spa-goers would be able to quite literally do this. Enter: Himalayan singing bowls. Many wellness travelers will be familiar with these copper or crystal bowls from attending sound baths, where a healer plays the bowls so that attendees — usually lying on yoga mats — can get absorbed by the calming sounds and vibrations.
Editorial: Why I Love Extended Port Stays and Overnights on Cruises
I remember the first time I was on a cruise that had an extended port stay as part of the itinerary. I was so excited imagining all the ways I was going to spend my European evening. Suddenly, so many more opportunities were possible — from catching a dinner reservation at a trendy restaurant to enjoying the sunset underneath a landmark. That was on a river cruise through Provence, France, nearly a decade ago.
ASTA’s Legislative Day Is Looking for More Travel Advisors
Registration for the American Society of Travel Advisors’ (ASTA)Legislative Day in Washington, D.C., is underway, and advisors from specific states are especially needed. The event — which takes place Oct. 6–8 — gives agents a united platform to advance policies that support the advisor career. States that need representation include Alaska, Arkansas, Delaware, Indiana, Maine, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Vermont and West Virginia.
Review: Four Seasons Cabo San Lucas at Cabo Del Sol
It’s not every day that a hotel check-in stirs my emotions, but there I was at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Cabo San Lucas at Cabo Del Sol, wiping away a tear as I juggled my toddler and our homemade popsicles. Moments before, our family of four was presented with a a tray featuring paper fortunes. While I was reflecting on how perfectly each fortune matched us — revealing a key personality trait or an area of growth — the front desk team was processing our stay.
Where to Eat, Sleep and Play in Austin’s Domain Northside Neighborhood
For travelers who want to spend the bulk of their trip to Austin, Texas, shopping and eating in one convenient location, be sure to consider a stay in the Domain Northside district of North Austin. Designed to be walkable and easy to explore, the area offers 600,000 square feet of retail, encompassing popular stores, luxury brands, local eateries and the Rock Rose entertainment district.
Tinder co-founder swipes right on $82 million hotel
Tinder co-founder Justin Mateen and his brother Tyler Mateen, in partnership with travel advisor Garrett Cayton of The Discerning Travellers and the Cayton family's Culver Capital, have acquired the El Encanto Hotel in Santa Barbara for US$82.2 million from Belmond, the luxury hospitality brand owned by LVMH. The sale marks LVMH's exit from its only hotel property in the US Originally opened in 1918, El Encanto is a 90-bungalow luxury property in the Santa Barbara hills with Pacific Ocean views.
Hotel Stays Are More Expensive Than Ever. Do Guests Think its Worth it?
New research shows that although average daily rate (ADR) for a U.S. hotel room reached a record high of $158.671 in 2024, guests have a higher perception of value. According to the J.D. Power 2025 North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index (NAGSI) Study, this is true across every hotel category — from economy to luxury — regarding cleanliness, condition and room amenities, such as in-room smart televisions.
Travel Advisor and Tinder Co-Founder Acquire Historic El Encanto Hotel for $82.2 Million
Tinder co-founder Justin Mateen and his brother Tyler Mateen, in partnership with travel advisor Garrett Cayton of The Discerning Travellers and the Cayton family's Culver Capital, have acquired the El Encanto Hotel in Santa Barbara for $82.2 million from Belmond, the luxury hospitality brand owned by LVMH. The sale marks LVMH's exit from its only hotel property in the U.S. Originally opened in 1918, El Encanto is a 90-bungalow luxury property in the Santa Barbara hills with Pacific Ocean views.
2 Ways the Budget Bill Is Good for Travel Advisors
The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) is celebrating its policy victories with the recent passage of President Trump’s budget reconciliation bill, aka the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. ASTA says it does not have a position on the overall content of the bill but applauds two provisions that the organization advocated for on behalf of U.S. travel advisors.
The Hawaii Tourism Authority Board Has Resigned
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Review: Montage Los Cabos for Families
Tucked in a sheltered bay, surrounded by beachgoers on white sand and diners enjoying alfresco seafood, I could be forgiven for lapsing into moments of believing I was summering in the Mediterranean. Maybe the Algarve in Portugal, or Menorca in Spain. But actually, I was in Los Cabos, a place I’ve been many times, but never quite like this.
This Is How Tourists to Israel Can Get Out of the Country
As the Israel-Iran conflict continues to escalate, Israel's airspace remains closed, and flights to and from Israel have been suspended. Ben Gurion Airport, Tel Aviv's main international airport, is closed until further notice. On Monday, the U.S. State Department raised its travel advisory for Israel to Level 4, or “Do Not Travel.” According to the Israel Ministry of Tourism, there are currently 38,000 tourists in Israel.
How Did Memorial Day Travel Compare to Last Year?
Privacy Preference Center When you visit any website, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. This information might be about you, your preferences or your device and is mostly used to make the site work as you expect it to. The information does not usually directly identify you, but it can give you a more personalized web experience. Because we respect your right to privacy, you can choose not to allow some types of cookies.
How Much Are Social Media Influencers Impacting Travel Decisions?
Influencers are increasingly driving travel decisions, according to new research from Expedia Group. The organization’s 2025 Traveler Value Index — which received responses from more than 11,000 consumers from 11 international markets — found that 73% of travelers say that influencer recommendations have led to booking decisions.
Why Luxury Travelers with $25K+ Budgets Are Turning to Travel Advisors
May 19, 2025 Family Travel Luxury Travel Preferred Hotels & Resorts Research Travel Agents Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ first-ever Luxury Travel Report 2025 found that “travel advisors are the new power brokers,” with 84% of respondents saying that a trusted travel advisor is more valuable than time-consuming internet research.
Travelers Will Soon Be Able to Book Trips Directly From Instagram Reels. How Does it Work and Do Creators Get Compensated?
Expedia is now beta testing its Expedia Trip Matching feature, which will create itineraries bookable on Expedia based on Instagram Reels. Travelers initiate the process by clicking the share icon on an Instagram Reel, searching for the Expedia account and sending it the video. Then Expedia replies with travel recommendations, itineraries and trip-planning resources generated by artificial intelligence (AI). Travelers can book directly from the Expedia itineraries.
How will the Pope's death affect travel to Rome?
The Vatican announced that Pope Francis passed away on 21 April 2025 at the age of 88 – in the middle of the Catholic Church’s busy 2025 Jubilee Year. Visits to Vatican City and Rome will likely be impacted by closures, crowds and increased security, so clients with trips set for the coming weeks will need to consider if this is still the right time for their visit.
Review: Alisal Ranch for Families
An acorn woodpecker was calling as I got off Prettyboy, the palomino horse I rode to the cowboy breakfast at Alisal Ranch, a luxury dude ranch in California’s Santa Ynez Valley. It had been quite a ride. Our group spotted wild turkeys and numerous black-tailed deer, with the ranch's 100-acre lake serving as their backdrop. Brown cows grazed on a breakfast of dewy spring grass, rich with nutrients and dotted by orange poppies, yellow buttercups and purple shooting stars.
A Local's Guide to Tokyo
Anne Kyle first visited Japan at the age of 13 — and loved it so much that she vowed to move there one day. At 19, she left the Philippines and did just that; she has now lived in Japan for 27 years. After some friends who were visiting told her she had a knack for guiding, she began Arigato Japan food tours in 2016. And last year, the company evolved into Arigato Travel, a full-service destination management company (DMC) that pays 10-20% travel advisor commission.
Season 6 Premiere: Mindy Poder's Journey, From Intern to Editor-in-Chief of TravelAge West
Subscribe now using your favorite service: Most readers of TravelAge West will recognize Mindy Poder's name from the top of the magazine’s masthead. As Editor-in-Chief, Poder oversees everything that happens at the brand, from managing content strategy and editorial mission to working with writers and editors, improving audience engagement and considering the ethical implications of AI use.
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