Thinking About Becoming a Travel Advisor? Read This First.
If you’ve ever messaged me with
“Hey… I’m thinking about becoming a travel agent—how does it actually work?”
You’re not alone. I get this question all the time. And the short answer is: there are a few solid paths, but none of them are “get rich quick,” and choosing the right structure matters more than people realize.
So let’s break it down—no fluff, no sugarcoating, just the stuff I wish more people explained upfront.
The Two Most Common Ways to Start
Option 1: Join a Team
This usually looks like a small group of advisors led by a manager or agency owner.
What this typically includes:
A monthly fee
A commission split (they take a percentage)
Sometimes leads handed to you
Built-in training and mentorship
Backend support (commission tracking, reporting, supplier relationships)
Access to IATA/CLIA for booking
A shared brand you can use (or sometimes must use)
Why people like this route:
You’re not building everything from scratch. You have people to ask questions, a process to follow, and often a faster ramp-up.
A few teams I know (not endorsements, just examples):
Come & See Travel – Based near me but with agents nationwide; they hire a couple times a year.
Tailor My Travels – Small, tight-knit group; Nashville-based.
Picture This Travel – Great culture, but often starts with a lower split.
Every team is different. Ask lots of questions before committing.
Option 2: Work Under a Host Agency
This is the most common path long-term advisors take.
What this usually looks like:
You pay a monthly fee
The host takes a commission percentage
You get access to their supplier relationships
They provide IATA/CLIA credentials
You run your own business under their umbrella
Key thing to check:
Who they’re affiliated with—consortia matter. Look for connections to groups like Virtuoso or Travel Leaders, depending on the kind of travel you want to sell.
This option gives you more freedom—but also more responsibility.
Things You Must Consider (No Matter Which Path You Choose)
1. Commission Splits & Monthly Fees
Know exactly what you’re paying and when your split improves. That progression matters more than the starting number.
2. Branding
Can you build your own brand—or are you tied to theirs? This affects everything from marketing to long-term growth.
3. Backend Systems
Are you required to use their CRM, or can you choose your own? Tech flexibility = sanity.
4. Payments (This One Surprises People)
You generally don’t get paid until clients travel (or close to final payment).
So if a client books today for a May trip?
You might not see that commission until June.
You are doing today’s work for future income.
5. Your Niche
Please don’t try to sell everything to everyone.
Focus on:
What you love
What your people ask for
What you want to be known for
The fastest way to burn out is trying to be all things to all travelers.
Podcasts Worth Listening To
If you’re still in research mode, these are great places to learn without the noise:
Tique HQ – Excellent for systems and business clarity
Masters in Travel – Education and mentorship options
HERE is my favorite
What I Do (For Transparency)
I’m hosted under Outside Agents, but I run:
My own brand
My own CRM and app
My own marketing (Website, Email, Social Media, Designs, etc)
My own LLC and E&O insurance
That setup works for me—but it’s not the only right way.
The Honest Timeline (No One Likes to Talk About)
I’ve been running at this hard for about 18 months—and I’m just now seeing consistent, meaningful income.
Here’s why:
Client books a trip
They travel months later
They come home
They tell a friend
That friend books a trip even later
This is a long-game business. The lead time is real. The payoff is delayed—but it does come if you stick with it.
Final Thought
If you’re excited, curious, and willing to build slowly and intentionally—this can be an incredible career.
If you’re expecting fast money or minimal effort?
This probably isn’t it.
And if you ever want to talk through options honestly (no hype, no pressure), you know where to find me.
You’ve got this—just go in with your eyes open ✨
HERE is my “pick my brain” as well if you ever want to ask a bunch of questions or are getting started and need some extra info - customized for you.