Q: What does a luxury travel advisor do day-to-day?
- Curate travel experiences that weave together the finest details with highly organized logistics
- Design and document itineraries
- Manage and complete bookings
- Invoice and track payments
Many of our most successful advisors employ assistants to help with these tasks.
Q: How long does it take to ramp up a luxury travel advising career?
It can typically take 3-5 years to generate a steady income as a travel advisor. It’s not about just studying or training hard enough. Consider the following:
- Growth is based on the number of clients you start with, how you build a client base, and the trip volume.
- You should be prepared to go a year without making significant income.
- Most of our Members are looking for full-time dedicated luxury advisors.
- Virtuoso’s Core Training and Virtuoso Certified Travel Advisor program can help you ramp up your career more quickly.
Q: What is a host agency?
A host agency works with independent contractors to help them grow their travel business. The agency:
- Provides access to products and services that will help them grow their business and earn more revenue.
- Usually charges a commission split or a monthly fee depending on the sales volume and the needs of the advisor.
Q: How do I know which agency is right for me?
Interview several different types of agencies to determine the right fit for your business. Consider the products and services they offer, as well as the agency culture.
Q: How do I know if I want to be an independent contractor or staff advisor?
There are many different factors to consider when deciding between being an independent contractor or a staff advisor.
Q: How do travel advisors make money?
There are many different agency models, but there are two primary revenue sources:
- Customer-paid fees based on transaction or service provided.
- Partner-paid compensation (commissions, overrides, or incentives), which generally happens after travel is completed.
