by Diann Turner | Aug 8, 2025 | Frictionless Guest App Posts, Frictionless Tips
Running a B&B can feel all-consuming—but stepping away to attend an industry conference might be the smartest move you make all year.
Whether it’s a state or regional association gathering or a national one, these gatherings are packed with opportunities that can directly impact your bottom line and long-term success.
- Stay Ahead of Trends
From changes in guest expectations to the latest in booking technology, conferences give you a front-row seat to what’s happening now—and what’s next—in the hospitality world.
- Find Solutions Faster
Looking for a new PMS, laundry service, or marketing strategy? Instead of sifting through reviews online, you can talk directly with vendors, ask questions, and compare tools all in one place.
- Learn from the Best
Workshops and keynotes are led by experienced innkeepers, consultants, and hospitality pros who’ve been where you are. Their insights can save you time, money, and headaches.
- Recharge Your Passion
Burnout is real. Connecting with peers who understand your challenges can be incredibly energizing. You’ll return home inspired and re-focused.
- Grow Your Network
The relationships you build at conferences often turn into valuable partnerships, referrals, and support systems throughout the year.
Bottom line? Conferences aren’t time away from your business—they’re time invested in making it better.
by Diann Turner | Jul 10, 2025 | Frictionless Guest App Posts, Frictionless Tips
For years, Millennials have been seen as the “sweet spot” for travel brands—and with good reason. As the largest generation in the workforce, they’re projected to spend a staggering $268 billion on travel in 2025 alone.
But there’s another powerhouse demographic quietly—and steadily—transforming the travel landscape: women aged 50 and older.
According to a report sponsored by Collette Travel, Intrepid Travel, and Aurora Expeditions, this group represents a multi-billion dollar gold mine. In the U.S. alone, women 50+ wield $214 billion in travel spending power—a figure expected to soar to $519 billion by 2035. Even more telling: 40% of women travelers today are over the age of 55.
These women are not only traveling—they’re shaping the future of travel.
They’re fueling trends like:
• Cultural immersion over sightseeing
• Off-season and shoulder-season travel for fewer crowds and deeper engagement
• Longer stays and slow travel to connect more meaningfully with destinations
• Exploration of lesser-known locales rather than the typical top-10 list
As Doni Belau, founder of Girls’ Guide to the World, puts it, “Fifty years ago, it was frowned upon for women to travel alone. They were expected to have a companion or husband to look after them. That mindset has changed.” And the travel industry is changing with it.
Today’s 50+ female travelers are confident, curious, and eager to explore on their own terms. They’re less interested in packaged itineraries and more focused on authentic, enriching experiences that connect them to the culture and community of a place.
So, how can you tap into this powerful market?
Start by providing what they value most:
• Personalized, curated local experiences that go beyond tourist traps
• Opportunities for connection—with locals, nature, and culture
• Wellness offerings like yoga retreats, spa services, or healthy culinary options
• Safe, comfortable accommodations with solo traveler-friendly touches
• And most importantly: ease of access to local recommendations and experiences
With the Frictionless Guest App, lodging providers can deliver just that—offering curated, local experiences tailored to the interests of guests, especially those seeking more than just a place to stay.
This is not a niche audience—this is a growing, motivated, and underserved market segment ready to engage, explore, and invest in experiences that matter.
Now is the time to meet them where they are.
by Diann Turner | Jun 13, 2025 | Frictionless Guest App Posts, Frictionless Tips
Bleisure travel—a blend of business and leisure—is rapidly reshaping the way people travel. No longer confined to strictly work or play, today’s travelers are looking for ways to extend business trips into personal getaways. With this shift, the lodging industry must adapt to meet the needs of this evolving traveler.
According to Expedia, in 2025, 76% of business travelers plan to add personal vacation time to their work trips. Forbes expects the bleisure market to increase by 500% in the next decade. This growing trend presents a golden opportunity for lodging providers to enhance their offerings and attract guests who want the best of both worlds.
How Can You Tap into This Market?
To appeal to bleisure travelers, consider implementing these strategies:
• Offer Curated Tour Packages – Many business travelers don’t have time to research local attractions. Providing pre-arranged tours, whether for outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or culinary delights, makes it easy for guests to explore without the hassle of planning.
• Create Pre-Planned Itineraries – Help guests maximize their limited free time by offering personalized itineraries based on their interests. A half-day city tour, an evening at a local theater, or a relaxing spa session can make their trip more enjoyable.
• Provide Quiet Workspaces – Many bleisure travelers need a seamless transition between work and leisure. Ensure you have dedicated quiet spaces for remote work or collaborate with a nearby co-working space to provide a comfortable and productive environment.
• Partner with Local Businesses – Reach out to colleges, hospitals, and other industries that frequently bring in interim workers, guest lecturers, traveling nurses, consultants, or event attendees. By building relationships with these businesses, you can position your property as the go-to place for professionals extending their stay for leisure.
Why It’s Worth the Effort
Bleisure travelers tend to spend more on dining, entertainment, and experiences since their company often covers flights and part of their stay. By catering to their needs, you not only enhance their experience but also increase your revenue potential.
By embracing bleisure travel, you position your property as the perfect destination for business travelers looking to turn their trip into a memorable experience. Now’s the time to create offerings that help them blend work and play effortlessly!
Make It Easy with the Frictionless Guest App!
by Steve Short | May 9, 2025 | Frictionless Innkeeper Podcasts
For many innkeepers, work-life balance can feel out of reach. Long hours, endless to-do lists, and the pressure of wearing all the hats takes a toll on both business performance and personal wellbeing.
That’s why simplifying operations isn’t just good business – it’s essential to building a more fulfilling life.
In this episode, Rebecca Gallagher, founder of hozperity, discusses how she helps independent lodging owners streamline operations, improve profitability, and reclaim their time.
We are very thankful to Rebecca for sharing her insights with us. You can learn more about hozperity at hozperity.com.
by Diann Turner | May 9, 2025 | Frictionless Guest App Posts, Frictionless Tips
Inns and B&Bs have always been known for their warm hospitality and home-cooked meals. But in today’s climate, small lodging providers are navigating a tricky balancing act: rising food costs paired with increasingly high guest expectations.
How can you manage inflation without sacrificing quality—or the personalized touches that keep guests coming back? Here are some practical, frictionless strategies for menu planning and cost control.
- Shrink the Menu, Elevate the Experience – A more focused breakfast or snack menu can reduce waste, streamline prep, and highlight your specialties. Instead of offering five different egg dishes, offer one signature frittata made with seasonal veggies and a side of locally baked bread.
Tip: Rotate menus weekly to keep things fresh for longer-stay guests and encourage return visits.
- Lean into Local & Seasonal – Sourcing ingredients from local farms and markets isn’t just trendy—it’s often more affordable and logistically reliable. Seasonal produce is usually cheaper and more flavorful, and it gives your menu a “fresh from the farm” feel that guests love.
Bonus: Guests enjoy stories—highlighting local vendors on your menu or during breakfast builds connection and adds value.
- Embrace Make-Ahead and Multi-Use Ingredients – Ingredients that can be prepped in bulk and used across several meals help minimize both labor and food waste. Think: yogurt that can top granola, swirl into smoothies, or accompany fresh fruit.
Try This: Signature baked goods (like a muffin of the week) that double as both a breakfast item and a welcome snack.
- Get Smart About Portions – Oversized portions can drain your food budget and lead to unnecessary waste. Smaller, thoughtfully plated servings often feel more curated and upscale—and guests will still leave satisfied, especially when quality is high.
Add Value: Offer guests seconds rather than serving large initial portions.
- Offer Add-Ons for Upselling (Strategically!) – Think about offering premium breakfast options or local snack baskets for a small extra charge. Guests who are food-focused or celebrating something special are often happy to pay a little more for a standout experience.
Ideas: Champagne brunch upgrade, charcuterie plate for two, or local honey sampler.
- Be Transparent, Not Defensive – If you’ve had to make small changes due to cost, communicate with authenticity. Guests are generally understanding—especially when you frame changes around sustainability, quality, or supporting local.
Food inflation isn’t going away tomorrow—but thoughtful planning and small adjustments can help lodging providers continue to deliver an amazing guest experience without breaking the bank. By focusing on quality, storytelling, and strategy, you can keep guests delighted while keeping your food costs under control.
