What do travel agents do and how do they get paid?

Commissions. The most important way that a travel agent earns money is by receiving a commission on travel sold. This can include a commission from booking flights, accommodation, tours, car rentals, entertainment tickets, insurance, and so much more.



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How much does a travel agent cost? The cost of using a travel agent is generally marginal, and often, they won't charge you at all. Much of their money comes from commissions the hotels and wholesalers pay them. Before you decide to book with a travel agent, inquire whether or not they charge fees.

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  • You're Not The One Planning Your Travel. While not planning your travel is a pro to some, for other travelers, it's a major con. ...
  • You Add Another Person To The Equation. ...
  • You Actually Have To Find The Agent. ...
  • They're Not Great For Spur-Of-The-Moment Changes.


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Travel Agents Can Save You Time Booking a trip, with all its working parts, can take hours, especially if you're researching and comparing the best deals, said Avery Harris of Viking Travel. A travel agent will take much less time to help you find what you're looking for, Harris said.

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The commission percentage agencies earn depends on numerous factors, the most important one being which private contracts you have access to. Here's a general rule of thumb on the airline ticket commission range you can expect as a travel advisor: Domestic: 0-5% International: 10-22%

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When you book a client and they check out, the hotel pays the travel host agency and then the host agency pays the advisor.

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Approach it as a side hustle with the potential for growth. Being a travel agent can be a great way to make extra cash, especially if you already have other businesses or entrepreneurial ventures. If you're a serial entrepreneur, juggling multiple ventures might come naturally to you.

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10 Reasons Becoming A Travel Agent May Be Right For You
  • You Get To Work From Home. Some people like an office, but most of us prefer our homes. ...
  • The Perks Are Great. ...
  • Own Your Business. ...
  • Low Start Up Cost. ...
  • Flexible Work Hours. ...
  • You Can Start Part Time. ...
  • Training Is Easy. ...
  • Expand Your Network.


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Getting to a Million: Top Travel Agents Share Tips for Six-Figure Sales
  1. Set goals. ...
  2. Education is key. ...
  3. Be in it to win it. ...
  4. Find a mentor. ...
  5. Choose your clients rather than vice versa. ...
  6. Mingle where the high rollers go. ...
  7. Consider working for someone else first, so you can start a business with a book of travel in hand.


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It really depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you are looking for the best deal, booking directly with an airline may be the way to go as they often have exclusive offers that travel agents don't have access to.

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Most travel agents will work for a travel agency, even those who work as a home-based travel advisor. Travel agencies provide travel advisors with the resources they need to become successful travel salespeople. Agencies will provide initial training, mentorships and ongoing education for travel agents.

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What's the Difference Between Them? The difference is that the tour operator creates packages and sells them either to the consumer or the travel agent. Whereas, the travel agent only sells the packages on behalf of the tour operator and does not create packages.

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A travel agent's role is to help people plan, choose and arrange their holiday. They will usually work to a budget set out by whoever is planning the holiday. They also offer advice and opinions on where to go and local tourist attractions, events and customs.

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Take advice from friends and business associates who use an agent they trust and always check business profiles on BBB.org. Visit or call several agencies to find the one that best suits your needs. Consider everything from the appearance of the office to the agent's willingness to listen and answer questions.

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With close connections to airlines, hotels, and tour guides, travel agents often have access to special deals and preferential pricing you won't find on your own. They know about seasonal deals, low-cost specials, and unique experiences that would be hard for you to find building your trip online yourself.

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