Time is one of the most valuable currencies in the travel world—maybe even more valuable than money. Whether you’re new to the industry or a seasoned travel pro, you only get 24 hours in a day. Planning vacations, building relationships, running a business… every minute counts.

We sat down with Carolyn Swift, a travel advisor who made the leap from another host agency to join Cruise Planners in 2020. “I needed to be more me,” she told us. “To sell the way I wanted, market the way I wanted, and have tools that actually helped me grow.” 

Here are three must-have tools that can help Travel Advisors like Carolyn get more done in less time, so you can spend less energy on admin work and more time doing what you love, what moves the needle, or both.

Spoiler alert: they don't just save time—they help you make more of it.

1. Customer Relationship Management

Known as a CRM, ideally, it’s an all-in-one platform, that helps you manage and nurture relationships with customers and prospects.

Your client list isn’t just a spreadsheet; it’s the heartbeat of your business. But when that information is scattered across sticky notes, inbox folders, or clunky systems that don’t talk to each other, it costs you time, energy, and opportunities.

💡Cruise Planners' proprietary CRM and database tools, built into CP Maxx, bring everything together in one place: contact details, trip history, lead source, personal preferences, and more. It’s not just about storing info—it’s about using it in smart, strategic ways.

“There’s things from just searching a cruise... you don’t have to go to 15 different websites,” says franchise owner Carolyn Swift. “Put in your parameters, boom—send it to the client in a beautiful presentation format.”

CP Maxx makes it easy to segment your audience, set reminders, automate follow-ups, and track every step of the client journey—from inquiry to booking to post-trip check-in. Whether you're chasing a hot lead from a trade show or remembering to book a client’s anniversary cruise, the system helps you stay ahead of the game.

“I’m still finding new features every week,” Carolyn shared. “There are payment reminders, task managers, lead forms—it keeps me organized and gives me back so much time.”

2. Advanced Marketing Automation

The right marketing tools help you stay visible, nurture leads and grow your business without spending hours creating content from scratch.

Marketing is essential, but any experienced Travel Advisor knows, it can be a full-time job on its own. From sending emails to posting on social media, staying visible takes time that most travel advisors just don’t have. That’s where automation becomes a lifesaver.

💡Cruise Planners’ marketing tools are designed to take the pressure off. With CP Social, advisors can easily customize and schedule posts across platforms. And with a full suite of email campaigns, flyers, direct mail, and even personalized magazines, staying top of mind with your clients doesn’t require hours of content creation.

“There are so many marketing pieces, I really don’t have to do a whole lot,” Carolyn said. “Just add my name to a flyer or a magazine and it's ready to go. The marketing is phenomenal. It was one of the big reasons I joined Cruise Planners.”

But the real game changer is CP Maxx AI, Cruise Planners' new built-in AI tool that takes marketing automation to the next level.  CP Maxx AI helps franchise owners write custom content for emails, social posts, and other marketing channels based on client preferences and travel history. It can even suggest messaging ideas and help personalize campaigns faster than ever. 

3. Mobile-First Technology 

Managing bookings, leads, and client communication on the go keeps your business moving, no matter where you are.

“I love that I don’t have to be tied to my desk,” Carolyn added. “I can respond quickly, check details, and keep things moving no matter where I am.” 

With mobile tools, you can manage your business anytime, from anywhere.  Whether you're attending a trade show, meeting a client at a coffee shop, or traveling yourself, you need access to your business wherever you are. 

That’s why mobile-first technology isn’t just a nice to have, it’s a must.

💡Cruise Planners’ CP Maxx platform was designed with mobility in mind. The CP Maxx mobile app gives you full access to your CRM, booking tools, task manager, and sales dashboard, all from your smartphone or tablet. No need to wait until you get back to your laptop.

Today’s travelers expect fast, personalized service. Cruise Planners' mobile tools help you deliver just that while giving you the freedom to run your business on your terms.

Time is Money, So Make the Most of Both

🎥 Watch a Day in the Life

See how Cruise Planners franchisee Carolyn Swift uses these tools to streamline her day and grow her business.

👉 Watch the Video

Or

💵Find Out What Your Time is Worth

Download our free worksheet to calculate how much your time is really worth—and how Cruise Planners can help you make the most of it.

👉 Download the Worksheet