luxury travel advisor qualifications

How to Become a Luxury Travel Advisor [Full Guide for 2024]

Last Updated: February 11, 2024

What Do Luxury Travel Advisors Do?

1. sell travel , 2. find a niche , 3. get proper training , 4. decide which agency to join, 5. educate yourself , 6. establish social media presence , 7. practice dedication, patience & training, key takeaways, how much do luxury travel advisors make, pros and cons of being a luxury travel adviser.

Would you like to become part of the travel & tourism industry and help others experience the joys of luxury travel? If so, then a career in luxury travel advising may be perfect for you. Our guide addresses the traits and skills required for this job. It also provides essential information on how to become a luxury travel advisor, salary details, and the perks and downsides of becoming one.

The most common misconception about luxury travel advisors is that they lead a glamorous life, enjoying all the luxuries the world of travel offers. Although, as a travel advisor, you get to visit places that most people only dream of and, for example, be among the first to see a new hotel, the job comes with specific requirements and responsibilities.

So what is a luxury travel advisor? Expert advisors provide their clients with luxury hotels, restaurants, and transportation and prioritize their needs. Being a luxury travel advisor can often be a 24/7 full-time job—available to tend to their client’s needs to ensure a memorable travel experience.

There are many challenges that this job entails. You need to possess a palette of certain traits and skills for success. Consider some of the following unwritten luxury travel advisor requirements.

• A passion for travel  
• Good interactional skills
• Provide excellent client care 
• Establish a suitable connection with clients 
• Excellent problem-solving skills 
• A strong work ethic  
• Desire to learn and recognize opportunities for growth  

If you possess the above skills, a career in travel advising is the right choice. But if you don’t, you might want to dedicate your time to training and acquiring these skills before making this your career.

How to Become a Luxury Travel Advisor? [7 Steps]

One characteristic that can make your advisor’s job easier and more fulfilling is a love for travel. Becoming a luxury travel advisor means you’ll spend plenty of time researching luxury destinations, and if you have a passion for travel, doing so will be fun and engaging.

Consider the following seven recommendations on kick-starting a career in the luxury travel industry.

The goal of the luxury travel industry is to sell the ideal travel package, and clients are willing to pay a lot for this. The relationship between consumers and producers is based on people having their needs met by purchasing a product. Though people don’t need travel as a commodity like housing or food, travel still sells.

What is a luxury travel advisor to expect in terms of demand for travel? In 2019, the global luxury travel market was valued at around  $945.6 billion. It’s estimated to reach $1,198.3 billion by 2027. But what is most important when selling travel is for an advisor to identify the right clients, inspire them to fulfill their travel dreams, and put their knowledge to use to make those dreams a reality.

Before you identify the right clients, select a niche for yourself. A specialized product or service comes with a more significant earning potential in today’s industry. You can choose to become a luxury travel advisor who is destination-specific and specializes in a region or country that attracts robust tourism, such as France or Japan. If you decide on US tourism, consider investing in USA travel insurance.

Multi-generational travel is a good choice for those who grew up traveling with their immediate family, while honeymoons are perfect for romantic souls. The more you learn about your niche of choice, the better you’ll be at identifying client needs and attracting and keeping clients.

While there’s no degree or certification required, it’s essential to know the travel industry. To identify whether or not you have the needed luxury travel advisor qualifications and need training, consider the following questions.

• Are you experienced in travel ? 
• Have you traveled extensively?
• Do you have the means and extensive network and friends willing to travel ?
• Do you have previous experience in planning trips? 

If you’ve answered “yes” to these questions, you could consider pursuing this career. And don’t be concerned if you don’t have prior experience. All you need is some hands-on experience related to traveling by becoming an intern at a travel agency or planning your friends’ vacations.

Becoming a successful luxury travel advisor is challenging without becoming part of a travel agency. A host agency can help you establish contacts with tour operators, airlines, restaurants, etc., offer the best properties, and book trips without a problem. But before joining an agency, research their commission model and average commission percentage and agents’ annual fees. Consider also what you’re looking for in an agency.

Many expert advisors advocate staying on top of the game and continue learning about luxury travel advisor education. Products and destinations change rapidly and constantly.

You may not have enough time and resources to check out various hotels and cruise lines, but you could subscribe to online magazines and newsletters. You can also learn from the many digital platforms where luxury advisors share valuable experiences.

The best way to attract clients is to establish a robust online presence by starting a travel blog and setting up a website where potential clients can become familiar with your services. If you’re aiming to become a popular luxury travel advisor, updating your social media pages is essential—almost everyone does internet research before booking a trip.

Becoming an advisor takes dedication and patience. It’s essential to take every opportunity to meet new clients and take advantage of all training and learning opportunities. Like any other career, this job also comes with its highs and lows, which is why being patient can take you a long way.

According to ZipRecruiter, the national average luxury travel advisor salary is $50,894/mo ( $24/hr or $1,000/wk ). California is the best-paying state in the US for luxury travel advisors, with the cities San Mateo, Berkeley, and Daly City topping the list of highest salaries.

When deciding if this is the right career choice, consider the following pros and cons.

• Offers location flexibility
• Opportunity to become an independent agent once gaining experience
• Specialized niche options
• Decent paycheck
• Must be available 24/7 despite time zones
• Luxury travel advisor requirements (e.g., maintaining an online presence) can be  time-consuming and difficult
• Can be stressful

Choosing a career in the travel and tourism industry is a good idea for those passionate about traveling and possess the needed interaction skills to help them scale up in this competitive field. There’s no need for previous luxury travel advisor education for this job; it’s primarily based on personal skills, networking, dedication, and persistence. And traveling around the world means you’ll be dealing with foreign currencies for business expenses, so we suggest checking out these business credit cards for travel to simplify transactions.

If you’re looking for advice on how to become a luxury travel advisor, keep these basic concepts in mind:

• Selling travel
• Find a niche
• Find an agency
• Educate yourself
• Establish social media presence
• Dedication and training

There are no set prerequisites to a luxury travel advisor’s education. No specialized courses or certifications are needed to start the job, as it primarily depends on interpersonal skills and travel experience.

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I am curiosity-driven and detail-oriented so you will often find me researching the latest trends, experimenting with search engine optimization, or testing software. As a keen observer of content, my teammates often like to joke that "noting escapes the eye of Beti."

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6 Steps: How to Become a Luxury Travel Advisor

Do you dream of becoming a luxury travel advisor?

If you want to start a career in the travel industry, the luxury market is a lucrative place to target.

But you wonder…

How do you become a luxury travel advisor?

Where do you find luxury clients?

And what skills do you need to build a profitable career as a luxury travel advisor?

In this blog post, we’ll outline the steps you need to take to achieve the success you’ve always dreamed of!

I’m Sheila Folk, founder and CEO of Travel Industry Solutions (TIS) . As a travel advisor who started out planning small cruise itineraries, I know what it’s like to start from scratch. I booked my first client’s cruise for $1,000. Within one year, I was booking cruises and curated luxury experiences valued at $100,000 and higher. Today, many of my clients fall into the ultra-luxe and private jet category, and I often book trips valued from $250,000 up to $1 million.

You too can have the success I created for myself, but first, let’s explore what a luxury travel advisor is.

What is a Luxury Travel Advisor?

A luxury travel advisor is a professional who provides upscale travel planning services to their clients. They work with high-end customers who are looking for exclusivity and experiences that aren’t run-of-the-mill and can’t be found on Expedia.

Many luxury travelers seek out more immersive and culturally enriching experiences, not just star-studded events. And just as important, they want their luxury travel advisor to identify with them and understand their needs.

Luxury travel advisors are well-versed and knowledgeable about destinations and the luxury amenities that are available.

They have a network of contacts who can help secure exclusive access to the best hotels, restaurants, and activities. They can secure reservations with experiences like heli-skiing in the French Alps, a private fitting at Armani, a takeover of the Paris Opera House for a private concert, dinner with a notable historian in their 300-year-old castle, a world cruise on a 6-star line, or even a stay at a remote 6-star villa on its own private island.

If you’re interested in becoming a luxury travel advisor, there are a few steps you need to take. Keep reading to find out what these steps are and how you can do them with ease.

The Key Steps to Becoming a Luxury Travel Advisor

There are a few key steps you need to take if you want to become a luxury travel advisor.

Taken from my own experience, here’s what you should do:

Step One: Get Experience in the Travel Industry

The first step is to get experience in the travel industry. This can be done in several ways, but the best way to get started is by working at a travel agency that already focuses on the luxury travel market. Working at a luxury travel agency like Trips & Ships Luxury Travel will give you the opportunity to l earn about different types of luxury travel, what these types of clients expect, and how you can build relationships with suppliers that cater to this clientele. It’s a great way to get your foot in the door of the industry.

Step Two: Get Certified

The next step is to get certified as a travel agent. This can be done through several different organizations, but two of the most popular options are the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) and The Travel Institute . Getting certified will show potential clients that you are knowledgeable about the industry and that you are qualified to work as a luxury travel advisor. Having that qualification helps to give your clients peace of mind. They feel comfortable knowing they can entrust you with their dreams.

Step Three: Build Your Clientele

Luxury travel advisors need to build relationships with luxury clientele. You need to be able to gain trust and understand what your client’s dreams and aspirations are. Ideally, you would already have a network of potential customers within your sphere of influence. If you don’t already have a pathway to a luxury clientele, we’ll outline a couple of ways you can connect with your target market next.

Step Four: Market Yourself

Once you have experience in the industry and have a client base built up, you need to market yourself. There are several ways to do this, but one of the best ways? Fish where your clients fish! In other words, network and show up to events where your ideal client would naturally be found. This includes charity events, country clubs, alumni associations, city and yacht clubs, the golf course, and clubs catering to high-end experiences.

You can also have your well-connected college roommate host a cocktail party for you in their home and invite all their friends. Your friend who is a wealth manager may want to partner with you to host an event for your clients and theirs. The possibilities are endless for meeting your ideal luxury client, but you must be able to walk the walk.

Angela Hughes, CEO of Trips & Ships Luxury Travel and the Luxury Travel University says, “It’s also important to remember that your brand must speak to your ideal client. If your website features budget cruises and all-inclusive resorts, you likely won’t garner the type of client you’re looking for. Creating a website is a great tool to present your services, generate traffic through blogs, and showcase your work.” She further goes on to say…. “but it’s also important to understand that luxury travel is not a commodity that can be easily bought or sold. It requires a deep understanding of the customer’s needs and desires. Only then can you create an experience that exceeds their expectations.

In many ways, selling luxury travel is a relationships business. You need to build trust with your clients and show them that you have their best interests at heart. Travel is an emotional purchase, and people want to work with someone who understand their feelings and can help turn their dreams into reality. By taking the time to get to know your clients and providing them with personalized service, you can create lasting relationships that will result in repeat business and referrals.”

Step Five: Stay Abreast of Global Trends & TRAVEL LUXURY!

Learning how to become a luxury travel advisor means staying up to date on industry trends. This can be done by attending industry events geared toward the high-end market, reading trade publications, and following influencers in the industry. The most important thing you can do is to visit and stay where your clients travel. If your clients stay in Four Seasons properties, don’t book a 3-star hotel on the outskirts of the city for yourself. You need to be able to share first-hand accounts of your experiences. Your clients and potential clients evaluate you based on your own personal experiences.  

Step Six: Set Goals and Plan

Setting business goals can help you stay on track to meet your new aspirations of being a luxury travel advisor. In addition to goals, you’ll need a plan to help you complete those goals. If you want to find three new clients by the end of the quarter, you’ll need a plan to accomplish that. Your plan may include attending fundraisers or an up-scale golf course where you can garner those leads. Make sure you have an onboarding plan for what will happen after you find potential clients, a plan that includes following up with them and scheduling a call.

What are the benefits of becoming a luxury travel advisor?

There are a number of benefits to becoming a luxury travel advisor. Some of the most notable benefits include:

• Access to exclusive deals and discounts: Luxury travel advisors typically have access to exclusive programs that their clients can take advantage of. This can provide clients with special perks and amenities.
• Ability to customize travel plans: Luxury travel advisors can customize their clients’ travel plans to suit their specific needs and wants. This means that clients can get exactly what they want out of their trip.
• Increased satisfaction: Because luxury travel advisors can tailor their services to each individual client, this often leads to increased satisfaction among clients. This can lead to repeat business and referrals from satisfied customers.
• Increased earnings: Luxury travel advisors tend to earn more than their colleagues because the price of their clients’ trips is much higher, and they tend to travel more frequently.

Are there varying degrees of luxury travel?

Simply put, YES!  There are varying degrees of luxury travel depending on everyone’s needs and wants.

For some, anything beyond economy class is considered luxury travel. For others, only the most exclusive and expensive experiences will suffice. For others, it’s unique adventures that look like luxury. It really depends on the individual and what they consider to be luxurious.

Many people feel luxury travel brings exclusivity, adventure, and personal discovery together through meaningful encounters with history, local folkways, and even cuisine.

They focus more on how each experience enriches their understanding of different cultures versus how much fun they can have during their vacation.

Luxury travel to this kind of client means a time of enlightenment. Every experience gives them a greater appreciation for the world around them while giving them countless unforgettable memories.

A luxury travel advisor can make all of this and more happen for their clients.

You have the opportunity to make someone’s life a better place!

By following these simple steps, you will be on your way to becoming a luxury travel advisor and start booking high-end travel for your clients. If you’d like to become a luxury travel advisor we recommend pairing the one-to-one coaching and group trainings provided by Luxury Travel University with the solutions TIS offers.

Do you have what it takes to become a luxury travel advisor?

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The Ultimate Guide To Becoming A Luxury Travel Advisor

• 1.1 The Skills and Qualifications Needed
• 2.1 The Art of Luxury Travel Planning
• 3.1 Adapting to Changing Travel Trends
• 4.1 Continuing Education and Professional Development
• 5.1 Embracing the Journey as a Luxury Travel Advisor

Why Choose a Career as a Luxury Travel Advisor?

Are you passionate about travel and have a keen eye for luxury? If so, a career as a luxury travel advisor might be perfect for you. Not only will you have the opportunity to explore some of the most exclusive destinations in the world, but you will also get to curate unforgettable experiences for your clients. As a luxury travel advisor, you will have access to a network of high-end hotels, resorts, and travel partners, allowing you to provide personalized and exceptional service to your discerning clients.

The Skills and Qualifications Needed

Becoming a luxury travel advisor requires a combination of skills and qualifications. While a formal education in travel and tourism can be beneficial, what truly sets apart a successful luxury travel advisor is their attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and ability to build strong relationships with clients and travel partners. Additionally, staying updated on the latest travel trends and destinations is crucial in order to provide expert advice and recommendations.

Building Your Network and Expertise

Building a strong network of contacts in the luxury travel industry is essential for a successful career as a luxury travel advisor. Attending industry events, conferences, and trade shows will allow you to connect with hotel representatives, tour operators, and other travel advisors. Additionally, taking advantage of familiarization trips and site inspections will help you gain firsthand knowledge of luxury destinations and experiences, allowing you to confidently recommend them to your clients.

The Art of Luxury Travel Planning

Planning a luxury trip goes beyond booking flights and hotels. A luxury travel advisor must have the ability to curate unique and personalized itineraries that cater to their clients’ specific preferences and desires. Whether it’s arranging private tours, securing reservations at exclusive restaurants, or organizing special events, a luxury travel advisor must have a knack for going above and beyond to ensure their clients have an unforgettable experience.

Delivering Exceptional Customer Service

As a luxury travel advisor, providing exceptional customer service is of utmost importance. Your clients expect nothing less than perfection, and it is your job to exceed their expectations. This means being available 24/7, promptly responding to inquiries, and taking care of any issues that may arise during their trip. Building a strong rapport with your clients will not only lead to repeat business but also invaluable word-of-mouth referrals.

Adapting to Changing Travel Trends

The luxury travel industry is constantly evolving, and as a luxury travel advisor, it is crucial to stay updated on the latest trends. Whether it’s wellness retreats, eco-friendly resorts, or experiential travel, being knowledgeable about emerging travel trends will allow you to cater to the changing preferences of your clients. Embracing technology and utilizing social media platforms to showcase your expertise can also help you stay ahead of the curve.

Embracing the Challenges and Rewards

Like any career, being a luxury travel advisor comes with its own set of challenges and rewards. From dealing with last-minute changes to managing complex itineraries, there will be times when you’ll need to think on your feet and find creative solutions. However, the rewards of seeing your clients’ faces light up as they embark on their dream vacations and knowing that you played a part in creating those unforgettable memories make it all worth it.

Continuing Education and Professional Development

As the luxury travel industry evolves, it is important for luxury travel advisors to continuously update their knowledge and skills. Participating in professional development programs, attending industry conferences, and pursuing certifications can help you stay at the top of your game. Additionally, joining industry associations and networking with fellow luxury travel advisors can provide valuable insights and opportunities for collaboration.

Cultivating Trust and Loyalty

Building trust and loyalty with your clients is essential for long-term success as a luxury travel advisor. By delivering personalized and exceptional service, consistently exceeding expectations, and demonstrating your expertise, you can cultivate strong relationships with your clients. This will not only lead to repeat business but also referrals, as satisfied clients are more likely to recommend your services to their friends and family.

Embracing the Journey as a Luxury Travel Advisor

Becoming a luxury travel advisor is a journey that requires dedication, passion, and a genuine love for travel. It is a career that allows you to combine your creativity, organizational skills, and passion for luxury into a fulfilling and rewarding profession. So if you’re ready to embark on a career that takes you to the world’s most exclusive destinations and allows you to curate unforgettable experiences for your clients, then becoming a luxury travel advisor might just be the perfect path for you.

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How to become a luxury travel advisor.

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By Courtney Eisen

March 15, 2023

Becoming a luxury travel advisor with LuxRally Travel is a great way to combine your passion for travel and adventure with making a living. There are plenty of advantages to becoming a LuxRally Travel Advisor, such as freedom, financial and career growth, flexibility, and much more. Here's what you need to do in order to become an experienced travel advisor:

Becoming a luxury travel advisor with LuxRally Travel is a great way to combine your passion for travel and adventure with making a living. There are many advantages to becoming a LuxRally Travel Advisor, such as financial and career growth, flexibility, travel opportunities, and much more.

Here's what you need to do to become an experienced travel advisor:

Research Host Agencies

There are many host agencies to choose from, and not all are created equal. Some host agencies simply provide infrastructure, while others offer basic training. LuxRally Travel offers comprehensive training and continued mentorship to those we believe want to turn their luxury travel advisor aspirations into a full-time, six-figure career. Apply for LuxRally Travel's free online travel advisor training program to get started.

Suggested Article: How to Select The Best Host Travel Agency For Your Business

Establish a Network

Building relationships is essential for luxury travel advisors. You must regularly connect with both industry professionals and potential clients. Take the time to create connections within your personal and professional communities so that you can start referrals and keep up with trends in luxury travel. Join various online communities of other travel advisors who specialize in luxury destinations and connect with other agents in your host agency. At LuxRally Travel, our agents often help each other with hotel recommendations and booking tools via group chats and weekly meetings.

Suggested Article: How to Sell Yourself as a Travel Agent

Seek Professional Development

As a Luxury Travel Advisor, it is essential to stay up-to-date on industry developments, resources, and trends so your advisees can quickly make informed decisions. Investing time in continuing education is critical for developing your skills and networking opportunities while keeping you engaged in this ever-changing industry. LuxRally Travel invites speakers from luxury hotel brands to give presentations and Q&As during their weekly meetings; this is especially beneficial for beginner travel advisors. One-on-one mentorship with our VP of Sales is always available to LuxRally Advisors, along with weekly AMAs with David Eisen, believed to be the highest-grossing single travel advisor in the world .

Suggested Article: The Importance of Travel Agent Mentors

Participate in Social Media Platforms

Utilizing social media networks like Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn will help you establish yourself as an expert in the luxury travel sector by building trust amongst potential customers as well as informing them about specials or promotions. Announcing your career to your existing network is critical to building momentum for your future success. Remember, everyone travels and therefore, everyone is a potential client. Regardless of your community's background, whether they're spending $200 a night or $2,000 a night on hotels, your friends, family and business associates are a key place to start in building a client base.

Becoming a Luxury Travel Advisor with LuxRally Travel may seem intimidating, but our course is designed for beginners. We've developed a full scope curriculum, community and mentorship program to get you started. If you take the necessary steps post training, such as establishing professional networks within the industry, pursuing learning opportunities related to luxury travel and participating actively on relevant social media platforms then success won't be far away!

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Wondering how to become a travel agent let our smarties lead the way..

For thirty-three years and counting since our founding in 1990, we’ve aimed to create a work environment where a passion for hospitality can be fueled into creating clients’ remarkable travel memories.

With curiosity around how to become a travel agent increasing in recent years , our team is often told that being a SmartFlyer travel advisor is a dream job ; we can’t help but agree! For thirty-three years and counting since our founding in 1990, we’ve aimed to create a work environment where a passion for hospitality can be fueled into creating clients’ remarkable travel memories–both for our growing team of in-house advisors and our global community of over 250 independent affiliates. While we can’t give away all of the secrets behind what makes this business so special, we’ve broken down some of our most commonly asked questions for those considering a career in luxury travel.

The below “How to Become a Travel Agent” FAQ is comprehensive, but please keep in mind that we do not onboard new-to-industry advisors on a rolling basis throughout the calendar year . In order to ensure that our platform’s resources are dedicated to our existing advisors and clients, we have shifted towards onboarding new agents only once per year through our mentorship program: Takeoff. This highly personalized approach to advisor development pairs new-to-industry associates with experienced SmartFlyer agents who are as passionate about developing fresh talent as they are driving their own sales. But more on that later!

Whether you’re an experienced advisor looking to shift gears, or considering making the leap into travel for the first time, read on for all you need to know about how to become a travel agent.

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If you have travel industry experience and are looking to bring your business to SmartFlyer, please submit your information here and someone from our Affiliates team will be in touch with you directly.

Tell me more. Which preferred hotel programs are you part of?

To name a few : Accor STEP, Belmond Bellini Club, Couture by Langham, Dorchester Collection’s Diamond Club, Four Seasons Preferred Partner, Hilton Impresario, Hyatt Privé, IHG Luxury & Lifestyle, Jumeirah Passport to Luxury, Mandarin Oriental Fan Club, Marriott STARS & Luminous (Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, EDITION), Peninsula Hotels PenClub, Rocco Forte Hotels Sir Rocco’s Knights, Rosewood Elite, Shangri-La’s The Luxury Circle, and SLH WithIn.

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We host an annual agency-wide summit, CORE (Collaboration, Originality, Relationships, and Education) where we bring together our team and partners to strategize for the year ahead.

I’m an established agent based in Australia. Who should I reach out to?

If you are based in Australia and would like more information on joining our SmartFlyerAU team, please connect with Anthony Goldman via email at [email protected]

I’m Looking to Make a Career Pivot: Tell Me More About Takeoff

What are you looking for when bringing on new smartflyer travel advisors.

Dynamic self-starters will find synergy in this space. Smarties (that’s what we call our agents!) are natural-born lovers of hospitality; a successful candidate thrives on nailing the details. If you’re looking for the secret to how to become a luxury travel advisor , it’s all rooted in professional relationships. We foster talent seeking a collaborative community as the tool to grow your own business and meet revenue goals.

Is your team salaried or work off an independent contractor model?

Both! While we do have an in-house team of experienced advisors, the vast majority of our network is made up of independent contractors who utilize the SmartFlyer brand to ensure their clients receive the best possible perks but own their own businesses. We are only currently accepting applications for independent contractors, with all new-to-industry agents required to complete our Takeoff program.

Is SmartFlyer a member of any consortia?

Yes, for a decade and counting, SmartFlyer has proudly been a member of Virtuoso , the leading global network of agencies specializing in luxury and experiential travel. Virtuoso agents are partnered with over 1,800 of the world’s best companies such as hotels, cruise lines, tour operators, and more. In turn, SmartFlyer travel advisors use their personal connections and firsthand expertise to craft bespoke trips for clients, including unique experiences, special values, complimentary perks, VIP treatment, and rare access.

How often does Takeoff hold training sessions?

Takeoff launches with a two-week course called Smartie School covering everything on how to become a luxury travel advisor. From there, we hold bi-monthly Takeoff Roundtables with all mentors and associates. Additionally, throughout the year, there are countless opportunities for education including our weekly product and destination training with partners around the world. Finally, Takeoff associates have monthly one-on-ones exclusively with their mentor.

What is the deadline to apply for Takeoff 2024?

We accept applications (linked below) on an ongoing basis each year. To be a part of Takeoff 2024, please submit by November 1, 2023. Applicants will be notified by mid-December 2023 of their acceptance with the program kicking off in early February 2024 and concluding in January 2025.

Okay, I’m ready to apply!

If you are new to the industry, please submit your request to join Takeoff here . As a part of the application, you will be asked to submit a one- to three-page business plan that outlines the description of your targeted client demographic, how you plan on positioning yourself as a SmartFlyer travel advisor, and what marketing strategies you plan on using to bridge your credibility while reaching out to this potential network.

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Founded in 1887 by a passionate traveler who wanted to share his love for exploring the world with others, the Brownell of today is a leading host for successful travel advisors. Globally recognized, Brownell is a top 5 producing Virtuoso agency. We achieve this by growing purposely and helping our advisors sell more travel.

At Brownell, we’ve developed an approach to hosting and mentoring that delivers excellence. Our primary focus is to help you launch and grow your business, and we offer abundant support, resources, and training to help you meet your goals. Our advisors aren’t simply successful – they make four times the industry average. We have spent decades building and cultivating relationships with the best travel providers, and our advisors greatly benefit from the Brownell name’s incredible brand power.

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We are the premier hosting agency for luxury travel advisors because we have a proven strategy for success. We take a holistic approach to help entrepreneurs not just become great at selling luxury travel but build successful, lasting businesses.

Why Choose Brownell

Why join our Hosting Program? We do more for our independent advisors – more support, marketing, educational travel, sharing, and business development. And as a result, our advisors travel more, learn more, and earn more. They have their own brand while leveraging Brownell’s vast industry connections and a deep level of support.

From marketing to accounting and hosting, the ratio of the support team to advisors is 1:5 – the highest in the industry. Whether you are new to travel or have a successful business, we are all in when it comes to developing and growing your business.

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At Brownell, our success depends on our team of highly qualified and motivated professionals inspired by the world of travel.

Each of our team members is dedicated to supporting each of our Independent Advisors and fully committed to Brownell’s core values of Innovation, Passion, Integrity, Curiosity, Graciousness and Excellence.

Brownell’s pioneering spirit has been evident since our agency’s founding, as we were one of the first in the travel industry to launch a hosting program in 1978. Over the years, we have continued to break new ground, being the first host agency to initiate a mentoring program in 2006, which has since become a model for other agencies in the industry. Our mentoring program has been recognized for its excellence and was awarded the Outstanding Mentoring and Talent Development by an Agency at Virtuoso Travel Week.

We are also proud to have been the first host agency to hold a company-wide event in 2005, bringing travel advisors, Brownell staff and key partners together. These achievements, combined with our more than forty-year hosting history, have earned us numerous awards and recognitions, cementing our position at the forefront of the industry.

Advisor Testimonial

Brownell is the place to be if you want an incredible support team, excellent industry connections and surrounded by high level advisors who are well respected in the industry. i have really loved my time at brownell and my business is thriving because brownell supports me so i have time to go and sell travel.

Shelley Rapp

I don’t have a benchmark for comparison but I know that I couldn’t do it without Brownell. Just having their name behind me brings enthusiastic greetings (and even hugs sometimes) from vendors, hoteliers, etc when I first meet a new partner. My clients are spoiled because I am part of Brownell.

Catherine Parkin

Not only have they provided me with excellent training, they continue to support me as I learn and grow my business. The hosting support staff is professional, positive, responsive, and always cheerful and eager to help me. I have found that my personal desire to be a top-notch travel professional with high expectations for customer service, integrity, and commitment to excellent results have made possible by my affiliation with Brownell. What they deliver to me allows me to deliver the very best to my clients.

Martha Rhodes

I know Brownell was the right choice for me given the partner relationships, ethos, and overall excellence and warmth of this community!

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How To Become a Luxury Hotel Advisor

Do you dream of a career within the luxury travel sector? Are you passionate about helping people locate high-quality accommodation that caters to their needs?

If so, a career as a luxury hotel advisor could be for you. 

Whether you are hoping to learn more about the qualifications you require or wish to understand how to start your career in luxury travel, we explore how to become a luxury hotel advisor and answer some frequently asked questions in this article.

What does a luxury hotel advisor do?

The role of a luxury hotel advisor is diverse. Usually, those fulfilling this role often complete duties such as these:

• Researching and reviewing luxury hotels: Researching luxury hotels enables a luxury hotel advisor to determine whether they’re suitable for their client base.
• Recommending hotels to clients: Based on their research, luxury hotel advisors recommend hotels to their clients.
• Liaising with luxury hotels: Forming working relationships and liaising with luxury hotels ensures they can accommodate the client’s needs. These needs could include food and beverage packages, excursions, room service, concierge, and car services. 

What do luxury travel advisors do?

To help you uncover more about this unique career path, we share some insight into the responsibilities and duties of a luxury travel advisor below.

Definition of a Luxury Travel Advisor

Also known as a luxury travel consultant, a luxury travel advisor supports clients in planning bespoke holiday packages.  

If you have a client that desires a tranquil vacation to a destination such as the Maldives or St Lucia, or perhaps a five-star all-inclusive safari break,

Your role as a luxury travel advisor would be to ensure that a memorable trip is planned and runs smoothly from the moment the client departs their origin country.

Responsibilities and duties

In addition to supporting clients in curating bespoke holiday packages, luxury travel and hotel advisors have many other responsibilities and duties. These include but are not limited to the following:

• Listening to clients’ needs
• Researching luxury travel destinations
• Preparing and proposing bespoke itineraries 
• Advising clients on the best travel insurance providers
• Ensuring clients meet visa requirements 
• Arranging luxury hotel accommodation
• Booking flights and any other transport the client needs during their vacation
• Recommending and arranging memorable experiences
• Working with luxury hotels and resorts to ensure the clients’ stay runs smoothly
• Supporting clients with any unexpected changes
• Maintaining communication with the client during and after their trip.

The difference between a luxury travel advisor and a regular travel agent

When considering ‘what is a luxury travel advisor’, you might wonder how they differ from a regular travel agent. There are several dissimilarities between the two.

• The types of holidays and trips they specialize in: Often, a client that requests the support of a luxury travel advisor is wealthy and will have a considerable budget. They may be looking to book a trip for a honeymoon, wedding, or special event. In contrast, a regular travel agent may work with clients looking to book a more affordable trip, such as a city break.
• Relationships formed with clients: Another difference between a luxury travel advisor and a regular travel agent regards the relationship formed with a client. Luxury travel advisors often spend a great deal of time building a returning client base who trusts them. Meanwhile, a regular travel agent may only form basic relationships with clients or work with clients on a one-off basis.

Skills and knowledge : Another difference to bear in mind when wondering what is a luxury travel advisor and

how they differ from a regular travel agent is that luxury travel consultants and advisors often have expert knowledge and insight to share with clients, having visited many luxury destinations themselves.

How to become a luxury travel advisor?

As you turn your thoughts to how to become a luxury travel advisor, considering the qualifications, skills, and qualities you’ll require is beneficial. Below, we share more about these.

Qualifications and skills

When wondering how to become a luxury travel advisor, ensuring you have the right qualifications and skills is essential. 

Like many other careers within the luxury travel sector, the qualifications and skills you require to become a luxury hotel advisor will differ depending on the organization you wish to work for.

Some may require a hospitality degree , while others may look for work experience from prior hospitality careers .

Some luxury travel consultants begin working within the travel and tourism industry after completing a high school diploma, while others will study higher education programs before commencing their careers. 

Education and training

Whether you are finishing your high school diploma and considering which bachelor’s degrees are available in the luxury travel industry or looking to further your skills with a master’s degree,

Education and training can boost your chances of securing a role as a luxury hotel advisor. 

Here at Les Roches, we have numerous courses that can support you in your education and training.

This bachelor’s degree equips you with the knowledge and practical experience required to begin your career as a luxury hotel advisor or luxury travel advisor.

Required skills

Most luxury travel organizations will consider the following skills as essential when hiring a luxury travel consultant:

• Excellent communication and listening skills
• Leading industry and trend knowledge
• Problem-solving skills 
• The ability to work well under pressure
• Outstanding customer service and sales skills
• Advanced computer skills.

Personal qualities

Choosing a career as a luxury hotel advisor or travel consultant will see you support clients and work with other people, such as hotel managers.

With this in mind, you’ll need to have a friendly personality, be approachable, and be trustworthy.

In addition, you’ll need to be passionate about the travel industry, patient, confident, driven, authentic, and hard-working.

Career paths and advancement opportunities

When researching how to become a luxury travel advisor, remember that various career paths and opportunities can assist you in advancing your skills. The most common include the following.

Entry-level positions

Upon graduating, the first step in becoming a luxury hotel advisor is to apply for entry-level positions. These include trainee travel agent and hotel assistant roles.

Advancement opportunities

As you gain momentum in your career in the luxury travel sector, you’ll find that you have numerous opportunities to advance your opportunities.

Progressing your career may include applying for promotions, applying for managerial positions, completing professional development diplomas , or attending summer programs .

Specializations

Your chosen career path may see you specialize in a particular role, such as hospitality management .

If you complete our BBA in Global Hospitality Management and secure an entry-level role as a travel consultant, you may go on to specialize as a luxury hotel advisor or work in

hotel management , luxury management , or luxury marketing if you’re looking for a career in travel advising.

How to build a successful career as a luxury travel advisor

While completing qualifications and relevant training is essential, these may be the building blocks of a successful career as a luxury travel advisor.

A solid foundation enables you to begin your career. But how can you excel in your role and build a reputation for excellence as a luxury travel advisor? Here are a few tips.

Networking and building relationships

Networking and building relationships with others within the luxury travel sector enables you to develop positive working relationships with luxury hotels and resort managers, and meet potential clients.

Staying current with industry trends

Being in the know about industry trends is vital to building a successful luxury travel or hotel advisor career. The more up-to-date you are with current trends, the better you can serve your clients.

Marketing and promoting yourself 

Like networking, promoting yourself and your skills on social media, for example, enables you to connect with potential clients and those who already work in luxury travel. 

LinkedIn is especially beneficial if you dream of building a successful career as a luxury travel advisor. Designed for professionals, the platform currently has over

900 million members across the globe and a huge community of travel experts. 

Do you see yourself setting up your own business? If so, consider exhibiting at a luxury travel event or fair, such as the Luxury Travel Expo or ILTM Cannes .

These events are attended by clients looking for a luxury hotel advisor or luxury travel consultant, as well as luxury hotels and resorts.

Starting a luxury travel blog or a website advertising your skills as a luxury hotel advisor is also highly beneficial.

You could work with luxury travel influencers and ask them to share your website for more visibility.

Summary: How to become a luxury hotel advisor

From researching and proposing world-renowned hotels that can cater to your client’s needs to ensuring that their stay goes smoothly, the role of a luxury hotel advisor is exceptionally fulfilling and exciting.

If you dream of becoming a luxury hotel advisor, the first step is to study for a relevant hospitality degree, such as our BBA in Global Hospitality Management.

From here, you can develop your network, expand your skills, and promote yourself to ensure you connect with your desired client base. Photo credits

Main image: Thomas Barwick/DigitalVision via Getty Images

A Les Roches Master’s degree equips you with insight and knowledge to develop and implement marketing and management plans to support luxury hotels and organizations in reaching their target customer.

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Becoming a Travel Advisor | The Luxury Travel Agency

Are you thinking about becoming a travel advisor.

Making the decision to become a Travel Advisor is not an easy decision for most to make.

To start, there are many unknowns.

• How do I get started?
• What education do I need?
• Do I need to be well-traveled?
• How much money can I make?
• What do I need to be successful?
• What are the real perks and benefits of being a Travel Advisor?
• During this pandemic, is now even a good time to become a Travel Advisor?

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  I want to be a Travel Advisor, how do I get started?

Let’s start with the first question. How do I get started?  I have been in those shoes and was overwhelmed with that, what I thought was a complex question, and in the end, the answer is quite simple.  You just decide you want to do it!

In reality, there is no special training or education you must have. Depending on the state or province you live in, there may be some licensing or certifications needed, but in general, you can pretty much put up a sign and say “ I’m now a Travel Advisor ”.

Now, does that make you successful?  No.  You do need more than that to become a successful Travel Advisor. We’ll discuss more about what it takes to become a successful Travel Advisor later in this post.

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  Do I need an education to be a Travel Advisor?

No, you don’t NEED and education. But, does an education help? Of course, it helps, but by no means is it mandatory, nor is it a guarantee.  I have found the most successful Travel Advisors have a true passion for travel, are a “people person”, have good writing skills, are creative, have excellent customer service skills and willing to work hard… very hard; this is not a 9-5 job!

I’ve met a lot of Travel Advisors with a background in education, law, sales, marketing and even medicine!

Soneva Jani Maldives, a Partner Hotel of The Luxury Travel Agency

  Do I need to be well-traveled to be a Travel Advisor?

Regarding, “Do I need to be well-travelled to become a Travel Advisor” gets a little tricky to answer.  Ideally, yes, you should be well-travelled; but again, that is not mandatory.  Your lack of travel can be easily compensated by your passion for travel and your passion to learn about new destinations, your excellent customer service, your people skills and your determination to succeed. Will it be easy, maybe not, but if you have the passion and the drive, you will succeed. I have met many successful Travel Advisors who got into the business without a solid travel background and became hugely successful, mainly due to their passion, drive and commitment.

Luxury safari, one of our favorite trips to book

How much money can I make as a Travel Advisor?

This may be the trickiest question of all. In the end, being a Travel Advisor is akin to being a salesperson in the sense you are working on commission (as well, we recommend you charge a planning/consultation/service fee).  The drawback to this is there are not guarantees. The positive though, is there are no limits to how much you can make. In the end, the harder and smarter you work, the more you will make!

Laucala Island Fiji, a Partner Hotel of The Luxury Travel Agency

What do I need to be a successful Travel Advisor?

This is the second trickiest question to answer as there is no guaranteed formula.  I’ll talk a bit about generalities and a bit about specifics.

In general, as mentioned before, a passion for travel, drive and commitment are essential to becoming a successful Travel Advisor. So is the belief (and practice) that taking care of your clients and doing what is right for them is at the forefront of everything you do. Emergencies and issues don’t happen just during business hours, you must be willing (and able) to take care of your clients in the evenings, on the weekends, during the holidays and maybe even when YOU are on vacation!

This may sound like a big commitment and it is.  But the rewards are so great, it makes it all worth it. If you are like me, taking care of a client in distress, solving their issues and recusing them and/or their trip, is, in itself, a big reward!

More specific things you need to be a successful Travel Advisor are a niche, good potential clients and probably most importantly, choosing the right host agency to be your partner.

We will tackle each of these one at a time.

Heli-Skiing, one of the many experiences we can arrange for our clients.

Niche: what is your niche going to be? Honeymoons? Family Trips? Italy? Cruises? Safari? Business Travel? Luxury Travel?

The good thing is, you can start with one niche and as you learn and experience more or as your client’s needs change, you can move or expand into a new speciality or niche. I have seen many people who started in business/corporate travel and moved into the luxury side of the business.  Others started with a specialization in honeymoons and transitioned into family travel as their clients’ families grew.

Good Potential Clients: Do you have potential clients? And if so, are they “good” potential clients?  Depending on your niche, people you know may or may not be “good” potential clients. If you want to specialize in safaris, do you have potential clients that are actually interested in safaris? If you want to specialize in honeymoons, so you have potential clients that are getting married or at least in that typical age range for marriage?  And, if you want to specialize in luxury travel, do you have potential clients that we willing to spend on a luxury trip?

Before you make the decision to become a Travel Advisor, you should make sure you have a good base of potential clients. Without a good base to start, you can still be successful, it just can be more of a challenge.

Lobby of the Mandarin Oriental Paris, a Partner Hotel of The Luxury Travel Agency

Choosing the Right Host Agency:

If you are just getting started, you will want a host agency that has someone dedicated to you; someone well-traveled, has been in the business long enough to have the contacts you need and someone that can help you “learn the ropes”.

They should help you set your goals and help you attain them. Their goal should be your growth and your success.

If you want to specialize in luxury travel, the agency should have partnerships with all the top hotel brands such as Four Seasons, Ritz Carlton, St. Regis, Peninsula, Hyatt, Waldorf Astoria and more. (The Luxury Travel Agency partners with over 20 of the best hotel brands in the industry, plus we are a Virtuoso agency!)

In the end, picking the right host agency from the start can be the beginning of a relationship that if done right, will last for decades.

River Cruising, a popular way to travel

Still interested? Let’s look at the real perks and benefits of being a Travel Advisor

• You are your own boss
• You are passionate about travel
• how you work
• when you work
• where you work from
• It is FUN! You will learn A LOT
• You get to help people and you get to travel
• There is an endless supply of free training
• You get to TRAVEL
• The earning potential is unlimited!

Interest in private villas and home rentals has shot up during the pandemic

  Is now, during the COVID-19 Pandemic, a good time to become a Travel Advisor?

I think now is the best time to become a Travel Advisor. Demand has never been higher and the need to work with a professional Travel Advisor is going to grow as the world starts to open up.

Right now, you will have the opportunity to learn the business, start making contacts (both within the industry and with potential clients).  You can get your “office” set up and prepare for when the floodgates open and everyone will be traveling again. Once travel starts again, there will be so much pent up demand, that everyone is going to be extremely busy! Ask yourself, when people start traveling again, do you want to just be getting started and learning or do you want to be ready to start planning and booking great trips?    The future is yours, what do you want to make of it?

Are you ready to take the next step? Complete our Become a Luxury Travel Advisor survey and we’ll be in touch within 24 hours. 

We look forward to hearing from you,

Andrew Satkowiak

Executive Vice President

Travel Notes is a thoughtfully researched luxury travel blog written by our team of expert advisors. We’ve travelled to all corners of the world and here we share our experiences. Interested in learning more? Give us a call or sign up below.

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The Outlook of a Travel Agent Career: Fora’s Full Guide

The Modern Travel Agency

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https://www.foratravel.com/the-journal/travel-agent-career

A love for all-things travel, solid communication skills, self-starting ambition — these are the makings of a great travel agent career. If you’re considering this path, you’re in the right place. We have details on all the education and experience requirements, daily tasks, salary info and more — all with the aim of helping you decide if a career as a travel agent is right for you. 

Don’t take it exclusively from us, we polled a few of our top earners to see why they love being a travel advisor. 

Fora Advisor Diana Morales said, “I love the flexibility that it gives me. I love that I get to be in charge of my own schedule and can work from anywhere in the world. It is truly such a gift to have both of those things.”

If you’re ready to try your hand at a travel advisor career, apply to become a Fora travel advisor . We’ll set you up with everything you need to start and run a successful travel advisor business, from training to tech, community, partnerships and more. 

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First, what do travel agents — or travel advisors — do?

You can check out our full guide to what travel agents do if you’re completely new to travel planning, but here’s the short version. 

Travel agents — or travel advisors (the terms are interchangeable) — plan and book trips for their clients. These trips can be for leisure, business (or both).

How do travel agents make money? Who pays them?

Travel agents earn money by selling and booking trips. As a travel advisor, you’ll build a network of clients and earn money through the trips you book for them. 

There are two common ways that advisors earn money: from commissions and planning fees. 

Commissions

Many people don’t know this, but commissions are already baked into the prices of most hotels and many travel experiences already. When travel advisors book accommodations, cruises, rental cars, etc,  the travel partner pays a small percentage of the sale. Commissions range depending on the travel partner, but can typically range from 10-15% (and are sometimes as high as 25%). To earn commission, you’ll also need access to an IATA number to cover the legal framework. When you become a Fora Advisor, you’ll get access to our IATA number (and we also cover all of the commission tracking and payments for you). 

“Because Fora handles commission tracking & payments, I can focus my energy on other parts of my business, " noted Fora Advisor Alexandra Vigilante Chamberlin . “Starting a new business is stressful, so Fora saves me time and takes a significant burden off my to do list by handling commissions.”

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Planning fees

In addition to commissions, travel advisors can also earn money through planning fees. Many travel advisors also charge their clients to build more complicated itineraries, make group bookings (find out why group bookings are great ) or provide other related services. 

Diana explained, “Fora just makes everything easier for advisors, but specially commission payments. We don't have to go chasing suppliers for our commission because Fora takes care of that. They make sure that we are paid fairly and on a reasonable time frame.”

(If you’re wondering how much travel agents make or how travel agents get paid , see our guides.)

Related Article: Travel Agent Commissions

Do travel agents work for themselves?

Fora Advisor Nadiah Ford offered an excellent point, noting, “I recently had a ski accident and broke my wrist. Unlike my corporate job, I was able to navigate and continue to work on my own terms and schedule.”

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Generally, yes. Most people who work in the field are independent travel agents who belong to a travel agent host agency (such as Fora). Through this relationship, advisors are provided a variety of benefits. At Fora, our advisors get access to our preferred partnerships — which allow advisors to unlock VIP perks for their clients — as well as advanced booking software like our travel advisor booking platform and the ability to operate under the agency’s licenses, among other benefits depending on the agency.

Fora Advisor Diana Morales shared her take here, as well. “My favorite part about being my own boss is that I get to prioritize time with my family and I get to be available if I am needed.” She added, “I am about to become a mom for the first time, and I am so glad that I get to take a maternity leave and make it as long as I need to make it instead of thinking that I need to be back in an office when my baby is six weeks old. That alone is a huge blessing to me already, but there have been many other times when I have been able to put work aside for the moment in order to dedicate time to my family.”

What does the career path of a travel agent look like? (Hint: it can depend on their niche)

Not every travel agent career looks the same. Flexibility and variety are built into the role, and most travel advisors approach their craft differently — especially depending on their niche (learn about different travel agent jobs ). 

For example, luxury travel advisors book elite hotels in premier destinations, like the top hotels in Downtown NYC or the ritziest hotels in Tokyo . They may devote much of their time to researching bespoke experiences for their discerning clientele. Disney travel agents know all the ins and outs of the brand, and typically focus on booking family vacations to Disney properties around the world (learn how to become a Disney travel agent ). Similarly, cruise travel agents may exclusively book ocean-bound voyages for their clients while staying up to date on the latest offerings from brands like Virgin Voyages and Royal Caribbean . 

What travel agent niches exist?

The list of potential niches is long, and at a host agency like Fora, you’re free to carve out any specialization you choose. 

It’s also worth noting that a career as a travel advisor is flexible. You can work part-time or full-time (or, start part-time and work your way to full-time as you build your book of business). If you want to work part-time, make sure you’re choosing an agency that doesn’t have minimum bookings or sales quotas. (At Fora, we have neither). Becoming a travel advisor is a great opportunity to build a career on your own terms. 

Alexandra said, “As a Fora advisor, I love that I have the flexibility to take my business with me anywhere in the world. Tech focused training and tools enable access on the go so I can meet my clients needs from anywhere.”

How do I start a travel agent career?

On one hand, learning how to become a travel agent isn’t overly complicated, at least not compared to some jobs in the travel industry (like pilots or cruise directors). On the other hand, starting a travel agent career does take patience and dedication.

Join a host agency 

As an independent travel advisor, you’ll likely want to partner with a travel agent host agency (like Fora) to launch your travel advisor business. A host agency gives you the support and resources to build and scale your business.  

Notably, your host agency will give you access to an IATA number , a system that is used to verify that a travel agency or agent is legitimate. It’s the thing that allows you, the travel agent, to earn money for booking hotels and other reservations.

The best host agencies also provide a multitude of other tools for you to run your business. Fora is a modern host agency that gives you everything you need to kickstart your career in travel, including training, community and technology. 

Participate in travel agent training to learn the skills & knowledge you need to be successful

It’s hard to sell travel without knowing the industry: the fundamentals of how it all works, the latest intel on destinations and properties around the world, how bookings and commissions work, best practices for client relationships…  There’s a lot to know. 

We offer a comprehensive travel agent certification program at Fora that will arm you with the foundational knowledge you need to get started. The travel agent classes offered by Fora are all online and you can take them at your own pace. We offer both live and recorded trainings. 

Fora’s training covers everything from the basics (how to book a hotel) to more advanced concepts, like planning multi-leg trips in destinations with destination management companies . 

Diana explained, “before joining Fora, I was with another host agency and it was not going well. I joined the travel industry without any prior knowledge. I was a brand new agent who needed a lot of support and a lot of training, but at my old host agency, I was not getting that.

“When I found Fora, it was their emphasis on training that drew me to them. I knew that I wanted to be at a place where I could work through my questions and have answers for them, she adds. “I was not disappointed. Not only were their trainings short, concise, and easy to understand, but often there were Q&A sessions that I could join if I had a question.

“Once I felt like I actually knew what I was doing, I pushed myself to get out of my comfort zone and start talking to people about my business.”

Related article: How to Be a Successful Travel Advisor: Insider Tips from the Pros  

Start booking

Once you’ve got a grasp on how to run your business, you’ll want to start booking (and earning!). We’re firm believers that people learn best by doing, and so our training program is complemented by opportunities to start booking as you’re learning about the role. We offer Booking Bootcamps, live sessions where Fora HQ team members will be available to discuss and brainstorm how you can move from learning about the travel industry to locking in your first bookings.

We also offer tips and tricks on how to build your book of business because we understand that garnering clients can be one of the toughest parts of the job. We do recommend starting booking with friends and family (it’s much easier to build confidence by booking for your sister-in-law, for example, than it is to arrange a trip for a stranger from the internet). When you’re ready, we have plenty of other resources to help you grow your clientele. At Fora, we teach travel advisors how to build up a client base early in our training program (you can also check out our guide to how travel agents get clients ).

For the bookings themselves, Fora Advisors use tools like our in-house booking platform that dramatically reduces the amount of time it takes to place hotel reservations. They can also use the Vault , a secure system that stores client information, and Forum , our community app that connects advisors so they can easily share tips and intel.

What does a typical day look like as a travel advisor?

One of the best parts about being an independent travel agent is that you’ll be able to set up your work schedule in a way that works best for you. Every agent has a different approach. Still, there are common elements. Successful travel advisors tend to split their time between marketing, staying up-to-date with the latest industry trends and of course, the actual travel planning itself.

Marketing is an integral part of any successful travel agent’s career. Without putting yourself out there, your potential clients won’t know that they can book with you, after all. Marketing can take many forms, but it doesn’t have to be overly complicated to run a successful business (don’t worry if you don’t feel like you’re a marketing guru). 

We recommend starting with friends and family to start the foundation of your clientele — and this means that “marketing” can be as easy as an email blast with your family bcc:ed, a message to your fave group chat or a post on social media. There are many successful travel agents who run their entire book of business based on their personal network. 

If and when you’re ready for more advanced marketing tactics, your time might be spent building and maintaining a website, cultivating a social media presence, running email campaigns and more. It’s not unusual for new and experienced travel agents alike to invest a solid chunk of their time marketing themselves. 

How Fora helps you market yourself

At Fora, we’re here to make marketing seamless and easy for you. We provide all Fora Advisors with a customizable profile page on our website, as well as unlimited content creation opportunities on our website to create travel guides that peacock your knowledge. We also have social media and email templates to make sharing the latest travel trends a breeze. Plus, we offer many classes (both live and recorded)  dedicated to teaching Fora Advisors how to market themselves. 

Diana noted, “The marketing assets are another area where Fora makes life easier for travel advisors. I love that we get a variety of content. This allows us advisors to pick and choose what we want to post about and it means that we are not all posting about the exact same thing.”

Researching industry topics

Staying in-the-know is critical to maintaining a competitive edge. Your clients rely on you for the latest intel on what’s trending in travel, so you’ll want to invest time in ongoing education about what’s happening in the industry. 

The exact amount of time spent researching new openings, attractions and so on will vary by travel advisor and niche. Disney travel agents, for example, need to stay on top of the brand’s constant stream of new hotels, rides and experiences so they’re constantly looking for inspiration from  Disney’s newsletters and press releases. 

You’ll also spend a good amount of time researching specifically for clients’ trips. This will likely include finding and comparing accommodations, recommendations and so on to provide a tailored report for clients. 

How Fora helps you stay up to date with travel 

We’ve got plenty of offerings to make it easy for you to keep up-to-date with the latest industry trends. We have weekly training sessions with debriefs on destinations around the world, as well as partner spotlights. You’ll also have access to Forum , our all-in-one community app where you can search and filter through posts from fellow Fora Advisors and industry insiders. 

Travel planning with clients

Of course, your role ultimately comes down to planning and booking travel with clients. Every booking is a little different: sometimes it will be a one-night staycation with a straightforward hotel booking, and other times, it will be a more complex itinerary like a multi-generational trip or honeymoon to a far-flung destination. Many clients will provide a loose idea of what they want out of their trip, and it’s up to their agent to shape it into an unforgettable experience. 

Your role doesn’t stop at the booking itself… You will communicate with the partner to make sure everything is squared away for the trip, and also check on your clients during and after their trip to ensure everything is going well.

Start your travel agent career: become a Fora Advisor

If you have a passion for travel and an entrepreneurial mindset, a travel agent career could be a great fit for you. As your own boss, you’ll be able to dictate your schedule, choose a niche (if you want to) and perhaps above all, help your clients build amazing memories with the trip plans you create.

When you’re ready to get started, apply to become a Fora Advisor today .

Travel agent career FAQs

Below, we’ve collected answers to a few common questions about travel agent careers.

Will a travel agent career take you around the world? 

A travel agent career certainly can take you around the world, especially as you become more successful and partners work with you more. It’s certainly a job where you can travel – as long as you have a Wi-Fi connection, you can work from wherever you want. 

Fora Advisor Beth Kaczka loves the flexibility that a remote role as a travel advisor offers her. 

“Picture me sitting ​at a breakfast table under an umbrella, overlooking the sparkling Aegean Sea, with the scent of olive trees and Mediterranean herbs lingering in the air​. It's the kind of setting that ignites the soul and fuels the imagination. Here I am, ​mobile phone in hand, soaking in the warmth of the Greek sun while orchestrating a luxurious ​Switzerland escape for a discerning client,” Beth said. “As I hit send on the final details, I can't help but marvel at the wonders of modern technology, which allow me to seamlessly blend work and wanderlust in such an idyllic setting. It's moments like these that remind me why I fell in love with being a travel advisor in the first place — the ability to turn dreams into reality, no matter where in the world I may find myself.”

Is a travel agent career stressful? Is it fun?

Like any profession, it can be both stressful and fun. Yes, it can be a little stressful to get your travel agent career off the ground or when a situation goes wrong when your client is abroad. (Learn more about how to deal with a travel snafu ). At the same time, travel planning is, well, fun. For one, you get to research exciting destinations, hotels and attractions for a living. Second, you’re selling people happiness and excitement: vacations are often among people’s fondest memories. Both aspects can be extremely rewarding, especially for those with an insatiable wanderlust. 

Do you have to make travel planning a career? Can you plan travel part-time instead?

Some host agencies may require full-time commitments, minimum sales quotas or set schedules. Fora does not: you can pursue a full-blown travel agent career or a part-time endeavor. Or, you can also start part-time and work your way up to full-time as you build your business. It’s whatever works best for you. 

Ultimately, flexibility is one of the best reasons to become a Fora Advisor (and also makes travel planning one of the best remote jobs for moms and dads, if you’re interested).

How many hours do successful travel agents work?

It depends on how you define success! You can have a fulfilling career both part-time and full-time — the choice is yours. 

In terms of revenue earned, it is a commission-based business, so keep in mind that how much you book will also dictate how much you earn. Learn more about how travel agents get paid . 

How quickly can I start my travel agent career? 

Part of the beauty of a career as a travel advisor is that there are many ways to dive right in. As a Fora Advisor, you’ll have access to training as well as resources to make bookings from day one. When you’re ready to get started, apply to join today . 

For more in-depth intel, check out our guide to how long it takes to become a travel agent .

How lucrative is a career as a travel agent?

How much you earn is dependent on how much you book. Learn more about how Fora Advisors get paid . 

It’s worth noting that some domains, like luxury or corporate travel agent niches, tend to be among higher-earning travel agent jobs . As you might expect, these niches tend to have demanding clients (who are willing to pay more for the white glove service).

What kind of overhead do travel agents have? Are there monthly fees? How about licensing fees?

A travel advisor’s overhead — the cost they pay to maintain their business — varies. Every advisor sets up their business a bit differently, and you may decide to make different investments than other agents (for example, you might opt for a coworking space, or you might decide you don’t need one). 

At Fora, our membership cost covers everything you need to run your travel advisor business. 

Fora’s membership currently costs $299 annually or $49 monthly. With it, Fora Advisors receive access to our expansive network of partners , our in-house booking platform (which dramatically cuts down on booking times), expert-led training, professional marketing tools and more. 

To learn more, read our guide to how much it costs to become a travel agent , which compares joining Fora to the industry at large.

Overall: is a travel agent career worth it?

We think so! If you love travel, working with people and researching awesome destinations and sights, a career as a travel agent can be a great fit for you. If you’re on the fence, we have a guide that presents the pros and cons of being a travel agent .

More travel agent resources

Check out the travel advisor resources below for more guides:

How to Become a Luxury Travel Agent: the 2023 Guide  

How Much Do Travel Agents Make Per Booking?  

How to Market Your Travel Business Like a Pro: Tips from the Experts  

5 Types of Bookings You Can Make as a Fora Advisor (That Aren’t Hotels!)  

How to Become a Cruise Travel Agent (It's Easier Than You Think)  

What Does It Take to Become a Travel Agent?

Debunking 3 Myths about Becoming a Travel Advisor

Book with Fora

Tell us more about yourself to get matched with a Fora Advisor and start planning your dream trip today.

News Releases Category | August 20, 2024

Hilton Introduces Enhanced Global Luxury Travel Advisor Program

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McLEAN, Va. – Hilton today introduced Hilton for Luxury , a premier global luxury travel advisor (LTA) preferred partner program exclusive to Hilton’s award-winning luxury brands: Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, LXR Hotels & Resorts, NoMad Hotels and Signia by Hilton. The invitation-only program is designed for Hilton’s top-producing luxury travel advisors in every region, who support customers in booking world-class accommodations around the globe.

This enhanced partner program will be supported by a dedicated Hilton for Luxury Concierge Desk, a feature that our Luxury Travel Advisor Partners have advised would be a game changer when servicing their clients. Hilton for Luxury, formerly known as Impresario, serves as a one-stop shop for luxury travel advisors with improved connectivity and access through a dedicated private website. The program also offers advisors access to exclusive offers from Hilton luxury branded hotels and resorts, value added benefits and direct contact with on-property hotel team members. Each hotel has a dedicated team of Hilton for Luxury Ambassadors appointed to ensure that program features and benefits are fulfilled.

“As our luxury portfolio continues to grow, Hilton for Luxury represents our ongoing commitment to providing elevated and seamless solutions for our top travel advisors.” Frank Passanante Senior Vice President and Global Head of Sales, Hilton.

“As our luxury portfolio continues to grow, Hilton for Luxury represents our ongoing commitment to providing elevated and seamless solutions for our top travel advisors,” said Frank Passanante, senior vice president and global head of sales, Hilton. “Through this program, both advisors and their clients can benefit from Hilton’s industry-leading offerings to enhance the luxury travel experience.”

Hilton for Luxury program partners will enjoy a host of top-tier benefits for their clients, including: the best available rates, double Hilton Honors Points, complimentary breakfast for up to two guests, hotel credit per stay, next-category upgrades and early check-in or late check-out, based on availability.

Hilton Luxury Brands features 100 hotels and resorts in highly coveted destinations around the world. Most recently, Hilton welcomed the NoMad Hotels brand, an artfully designed luxury hotel brand centered around exquisite dining and inventive drinking experiences. Travelers can now book NoMad London through Hilton channels.

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About hilton.

Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 24 world-class brands comprising nearly 7,800 properties and more than 1.2 million rooms, in 126 countries and territories. Dedicated to fulfilling its founding vision to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality, Hilton has welcomed over 3 billion guests in its more than 100-year history, was named the No. 1 World’s Best Workplace by Great Place to Work and Fortune and has been recognized as a global leader on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices for seven consecutive years. Hilton has introduced industry-leading technology enhancements to improve the guest experience, including Digital Key Share, automated complimentary room upgrades and the ability to book confirmed connecting rooms. Through the award-winning guest loyalty program Hilton Honors, the more than 195 million Hilton Honors members who book directly with Hilton can earn Points for hotel stays and experiences money can't buy. With the free  Hilton Honors app , guests can book their stay, select their room, check in, unlock their door with a Digital Key and check out, all from their smartphone. Visit stories.hilton.com  for more information, and connect with Hilton on  Facebook , X , LinkedIn , Instagram and YouTube .

Our next MBA Course information session is December 12th at 7PM in Gainesville

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Start your Travel business today with the Luxury Travel Institute.

Become a travel advisor today, remote working, exceptional earning potential.

Work from anywhere in the world! All you need is an internet connection; Your cellphone is your office.  

One of the biggest advantages to becoming a travel advisor is the flexibility. You can work from home, on vacation, or just about anywhere in the world. 

With our online office you can organize your clients, track important dates as well as commissions.

With our expertise and guidance, new travel advisors are able to average $1,500,000.00 in sales the first year.  

Commission is earned on the vacation as a whole, this includes: trip fare, air fare, insurance and excursions.

Educational Training

Luxury Travel Institute wants its advisors to succeed. Therefore, our policy is to help generate as much business as we can for our advisors.  

We even have a Guarantee: 

If you do not produce $1,000,000.00 in sales your first year, we will refund your Course cost.

The Luxury Travel Institute has a 24-hour Back Office to help our Travel Advisors provide the absolute best service to their clients. This also affords our Travel Advisors the luxury to forward the phone and head out to the beach when the "Surfs Up"

 We implement our training through classroom, Resort Weekend Training classes, "on the job", virtual training and 24-hour mentoring.

Through on the job training, LTI is able to educate its advisors on the different products/ brands we sell. To give advisors a better understanding of the product we like to get the advisors to experience the product for themselves through FAM trips and ship inspections.

LTI is able to provide many educational materials to its advisors through its various partnerships. For Instance, LTI is a member of the Virtuoso Travel Consortium which provides a whole virtual course for new travel advisors. 

Partnerships

To help educate and build sales, Luxury Travel Institute sends its travel advisors on FAM trips. These trips are to experience the product, we offer cruise, tours, hotels and resorts as educational tours for our Travel Advisors

These trips allow the advisors to experience the product to better assist their clients by using their first-hand experience.

Luxury Travel Institute is partnered with many different cruise lines, hotels, resorts, airlines and insurance providers. With these partnerships, LTI is able to educate its travel advisors as well as help grow their business. This is also important because with this many partnerships we are able to service our clients with any of their needs.

Discover Your Potential with Luxury Travel Institute

At Luxury Travel Institute, we believe that dedication and ambition is the key to unlocking your full potential and building your business as a travel advisor. Our courses and programs are designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed immediately in the luxury travel industry.  Explore our website to learn more.

Join Our Team

If you're interested in one of our open positions, start by applying here and attaching your resume.

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