Hello there,
If you are visiting this blog, then you are probably curious:
- ‘How much do Travel Agents make?’
- ‘How do you become a Travel Agent?’
Great! I am here to give you complete insight on how much income a Travel Advisor makes.
Well, not really – I am going to tell you how much I make as a Travel Advisor!
First thing first – It is important to understand that not all Travel Advisors make the same amount.
in fact, the income can range significantly depending on:
- How many hours a Travel Advisor works (I work full time – plus some)
- Type of vacations a Travel Advisor sells
- The goals each Travel Agent sets for themselves
These are just a few factors that play an important role into the income of a Travel Advisor. And like any career, becoming a Travel Agent takes hard work and dedication before reaping the benefits.
A little background about me:
I have worked in the travel industry for over 10 years – since I was 18.
For the first 4 years, I worked a few days a week learning the ropes of the travel agency life while attending and graduating college.
And for the past 6 years, I have dedicated my life to becoming a travel advisor, as well as managing and growing one of the biggest travel agencies in our hometown.
How to Become a Travel Agent:
Considering 2 options:
- Commission Based Travel Agents: Commission Based Travel Advisors is the quickest and easiest option to becoming a travel advisor. Within no time, you can sign up and get started with little or no money down. There are actually subcategories to this, which would include either owning your own Travel Agency business or working with a host agency. In short, if you are just starting out, then it is wise to consider working under a host agency before venturing out on setting up a whole new business. Check out this blog for more information on my best suggestions for getting started with a host Travel Agency.
- Salary Based Travel Agents: Similar to what it seems, Salary Based Travel Advisors work for a Travel Agency and make a set amount each year regardless of the amount of sales made. A typical Travel Advisor salary working for a local Travel Agency can range anywhere from 25K – 60K per year. This is a large range, but a Travel Agents salary will vary greatly depending on their experience in the travel industry, clientele, and location.
Below is list of the sales and profit for myself ONLY. This does not include the entire travel agency, and is simply to show an example of what a single Travel Advisor can potentially make. In addition, I know many Travel Advisors that make more than me, with many years of experience, and a specific travel niche that maximizes their growth and profit.
2018
All Travel Departures from January 1 – December 31, 2018
| Vacation Type | Sales | Commission |
| Flight + Hotel + Insurance Packages | $375,845 | $41,769 |
| Cruises | $84,843 | $7,926 |
| Sandals and Beaches Resorts | $47,139 | $9,013 |
| Service Fees | $358 | $358 |
| Total for 2018 | $508,185 | $59,066 |
2019
All Travel Departures from January 1 – December 31, 2019
| Vacation Type | Sales | Commission |
| Flight + Hotel + Insurance Packages | $342,903 | $33,672 |
| Cruises | $67,308 | $4,313 |
| Sandals and Beaches Resorts | $33,104 | $6,835 |
| Service Fees | $1,515 | $1,515 |
| Total for 2019 | $444,830 | $46,335 |
This year, 2020, we have faced one of the biggest hits in our Travel Agency life of 30 years.
Even though the year is not over, my sales and commissions will not be nearly as high due to all of the cancellations.
Unfortunately, the travel industry as a whole has faced many cancellations due to COVID-19 and has left many tour operators and travel companies out of business.
Even through these hard times – we know travel will be back, and when it is, we hope that Travel Advisors will be more useful than ever before.
Until next time,
~ Sisi Travels