Halloween is here—it’s the season of pumpkin spice, scary movies, and, if you’re like me, the occasional jump scare when you least expect it. But while we can laugh at all the seasonal fun, the real chills many modern travel advisors feel these days come from things far less imaginary: fraudsters lurking in inboxes, headlines about geopolitical unrest, whispers of economic downturns, and yes, even the eerie unknowns of artificial intelligence.

But let’s be real—our industry has always had its share of monsters under the bed. Whether it was 9/11, the 2008 recession, volcanic ash clouds, or the global pandemic that shook us to the core, travel advisors have never had the luxury of working in a fear-free environment. Yet, time and again, we’ve proven one thing: we’re a resilient bunch. We adapt, we learn, and we emerge stronger—armed not with garlic and wooden stakes, but with training, community, and a deep passion for what we do.

When it comes to fraud, for example, vigilance is our best silver bullet. Nexion members know that protecting clients’ data and verifying suppliers isn’t just a chore—it’s a shield we hold high. And as for AI, while it can seem like a mysterious creature creeping into every corner of business these days, I see it differently. It’s not here to replace the human touch that makes travel special; it’s here to amplify it. Used wisely, AI helps advisors work smarter, freeing up time for the creativity and personal service no machine can replicate.

Geopolitical strife, economic uncertainty? They’re all too real, but they’re not new. Travel, as I like to say, has always been about connection—and in times of division or downturn, people crave connection more than ever. That’s where we shine. We don’t just sell trips; we give people hope, perspective, and the courage to keep exploring the world despite its unpredictability.

So this Halloween season, let’s tip our witch hats to fear instead of shrinking away from it. The travel industry has stared down scarier things than any haunted house could dream up, and every time, we’ve come back with renewed purpose.

To all my fellow travel pros: keep your stakes sharp (your business skills, that is), your cauldron bubbling (with coffee, of course), and your spirits high. The night may be dark, but our future? Brighter than a jack-o’-lantern at midnight.

Happy Halloween! 🎃

Jackie