AI isn’t coming. It’s already here. The good news? It’s not replacing great travel advisors. But it will replace the average ones.

That’s the message from Kha Ly, tech expert and repeat guest on the TIQUE Talks podcast, who joined us for an unfiltered look at how advisors can stay relevant in the age of AI.

Whether you’re overwhelmed by new tools or unsure how to start, this breakdown of five simple strategies will help you stop resisting change and start leveraging it. Because if there’s one thing Kha made crystal clear, it’s this:

“AI won’t replace people who can still think for themselves. The ones who stay irreplaceable are the ones who use AI to amplify their ideas, not replace their judgment.” – Kha Ly

1. Understand That Discovery Has Replaced Search

Gone are the days when people typed into Google to find a travel advisor. Today, your future clients are discovering you through Reels, DMs, and user-generated content.

AI is fueling this shift. Every major platform is now optimizing discovery content (read: social content) using AI. The good news? You can win here, if you post strategically.

Start here:

• Convert your Instagram or Facebook to a creator account, not a business page.
• Use AI (like ChatGPT) to help you write captions that evoke wanderlust and invite comments.
• Focus on content that creates conversation. Comments trigger algorithms.

Big takeaway: Advisors who create authentic, emotional, curiosity-driven content will outperform branded content every time.

2. Get Leads Without Spending a Dime

If you want new leads, you need new eyes. That means creating content that makes people comment so you can move them into your DMs and your funnel.

Tools like ManyChat can automate this. You post a Reel or carousel, tell viewers to comment a word (like “itinerary”), and ManyChat handles the rest: sends a DM, collects an email, and adds them to your list.

Try this AI prompt:

“Write a caption that creates wanderlust and invites the reader to comment a specific word to receive a free travel planning checklist.”

Big takeaway: Every comment is a lead. Automate the follow-up.

3. Let AI Be Your Assistant (It’s Free)

Feeling overwhelmed? You don’t need a VA. You need AI Pulse (or a similar assistant from Gemini or Claude).

These tools can:

• Read your calendar
• Summarize yesterday’s client conversations
• Draft a task list
• Prep you for meetings
• Even give you a quick news recap in audio format for your commute

How to try it: Use ChatGPT or Claude and say: “Act like my assistant. Summarize everything I discussed yesterday, pull today’s to-dos from my calendar, and prep me for my client call at 2pm.”

Big takeaway: Start every day with an AI-powered game plan.

4. Experiment with Agentic Browsers

This is cutting-edge stuff, but it’s coming fast. Browsers like Perplexity’s Comet, Gemini, and Microsoft Edge with Copilot can now operate as full-fledged AI agents.

That means they can:

• Research across multiple tabs
• Summarize vendor sites
• Draft itineraries from supplier info
• Even write emails to clients for you

Think of it as: You + AI = a third brain

You don’t need to master this today. But explore one agentic browser and start small. Even using it to plan your holiday meal shopping list can help you build confidence.

Big takeaway: AI is a tool and a teammate.

5. Align Your Brand With Your Ideal Client’s Mindset

AI can do more than write content. It can help you become a better communicator by analyzing personality types (DISC, tone, and more).

Use AI to:

• Run a DISC profile from a client’s email or LinkedIn
• Write messages that match their communication style
• Customize follow-ups based on behavior

Try this GPT: Search ChatGPT’s GPT store for “LinkedIn Profile Optimizer” or “DISC Analyzer” and upload client text.

Big takeaway: You don’t need more templates. You need more personalization.

The Bottom Line: AI Rewards Action

If you’ve been waiting for the “right time” to get into AI, this is it. The advisors who win in 2026 are already experimenting today. They’re testing captions. Posting imperfect Reels. Automating DMs. And showing up consistently.