670: $1000/mo Helping People Plan Trips: Inside the Travel Advising Side Hustle
May 1, 2025
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Bailey Richert, a travel advisor and online course creator from UnlistedTravel.com and MakeTravelYourJob.com, shares her journey in building a travel advising side hustle. She dives into how travel advisors earn money through planning fees and booking commissions. Bailey emphasizes the importance of leveraging host agencies for support and training. Creative marketing strategies and niche targeting are highlighted as key to attracting clients. She inspires listeners to turn their travel passion into a profitable business while building trust and lasting relationships with clients.
Travel advisors can earn significant income by charging upfront fees and earning commissions through partnerships with hotels and travel services.
Joining a host agency is crucial for new travel advisors as it provides necessary accreditation, support, and networking opportunities to ensure success.
Effective client acquisition strategies include leveraging personal networks, referral incentives, and targeted marketing initiatives like themed events and online communities.
Deep dives
Earning Potential as a Travel Advisor
Travel advisors can generate significant income by planning trips for clients. For instance, a recent case study revealed that planning a six-day trip to London could yield over $600 in fees and commissions for the advisor. This includes an upfront planning fee of around $100, alongside commissions from hotel bookings, which typically range from 8% to 12%. By establishing connections with preferred partner hotels, advisors can even earn higher commissions, showcasing the financial viability of this side hustle.
The Importance of a Host Agency
Joining a host agency is essential for new travel advisors to gain the necessary accreditation and access to commissions. Host agencies already possess accreditation numbers that allow advisors to book on behalf of clients, simplifying the booking process. Additionally, these agencies provide support, training, and community networking opportunities to help advisors flourish in their business. This collaborative environment facilitates the development of valuable relationships with suppliers and clients, enhancing overall success.
Client Acquisition Strategies
Building a client base often begins with friends and family who may refer others looking for travel planning assistance. Implementing referral incentives can encourage existing clients to spread the word by waiving planning fees for repeat customers who successfully refer new clients. Advisors should also focus on networking within their local communities and attending events where potential clients gather, such as bridal shows. These strategies can help establish a steady flow of clients and cultivate lasting relationships.
Creative Marketing Techniques
Effective marketing for travel advisors includes hosting informative events and workshops tailored to specific niche travel interests. For example, a travel advisor could organize a Japanese-themed dinner night where they provide travel insights and perks about visiting Japan. Online marketing strategies, such as creating location-specific Facebook groups or informative content that answers common travel questions, can also attract clients. By establishing themselves as knowledgeable experts in their niche, advisors can build trust and become the go-to resource for potential travelers.
Utilizing Technology and Tools
Travel advisors need effective tools to streamline their operations, especially as their business grows. Implementing a customer relationship management (CRM) system can help keep track of client details and the progress of their trips. Additionally, using itinerary builder software allows for the creation of visually appealing travel plans to deliver to clients. As the business expands, leveraging technology will be critical for maintaining organization and ensuring a high level of service.
What if you could turn your love of travel into an extra income stream and build a travel advising side hustle that fits your life?
Bailey Richert is back on the show to pull back the curtain on how you can do it too.
You might remember Bailey from one of our early episodes, where we talked about building an online course business. Today, we’re switching gears to talk about her newest side hustle: helping people plan epic trips as a travel advisor.
Bailey runs UnlistedTravel.com and MakeTravelYourJob.com, and she's managed to create a flexible, low-overhead business doing something she’s genuinely passionate about.
Listen to Episode 670 of the Side Hustle Show to learn:
how travel advisors actually get paid
what it takes to set yourself up for success in this field
