The Secret About Travel Advisors: How We Get Paid

When you hear about the benefits of working with a travel advisor, you might think, “What’s the catch?” It feels like there has to be one. How could you possibly pay the same (or even less!) than booking it yourself, get access to exclusive perks, and have someone else handle the work?

I get it—this sounds too good to be true. But here’s the secret: there’s no catch. Let me explain how it all works.

What’s the Catch?

If you’re like most people, the first question that comes to mind is:
"How does this make sense? Why would someone offer all these benefits without hidden fees or gimmicks?”

We understand the skepticism. Before becoming a travel advisor, even I was curious about how this business model worked. Rest assured, it’s not a scam or a trick. In fact, the process is more straightforward than you might think.

How Travel Advisors Get Paid

Think of travel advisors like real estate agents or sales reps. Our primary income comes from a commission-based model. When we book your hotel or cruise, the property or cruise line pays us a commission after your stay as a “thank you” for sending them business.

Here’s why this benefits you:

• Hotels and cruises see us as a marketing partner. The better your experience, the more likely we are to recommend them to future clients. This motivates them to go above and beyond to ensure your trip is unforgettable.

• You don’t pay extra. The commission is built into the pricing whether you book through us or directly with the hotel or cruise line. The difference? Booking through us often means extra perks, like room upgrades, complimentary breakfast, or resort credits.

What About Custom Itineraries?

For more complex trips—like multi-city vacations, large groups, or bucket list experiences—there’s more involved than booking a hotel or cruise. These trips require hours of research, planning, and coordination.

On average, travelers visit 30+ websites and spend 10–20 hours planning a trip. When you hire us, we take that off your plate and replace it with a seamless, stress-free experience.

Since these custom itineraries aren’t commissionable, we charge a planning fee based on the trip's complexity. This ensures that every detail is thoughtfully arranged, from accommodations and tours to transfers and dining recommendations.

No Catch, No Hidden Fees

Here’s the bottom line:

• Hotel and cruise-only bookings are complimentary. There are no hidden fees, no tricks, and no surprises.

• Custom trips come with a planning fee. We’re upfront about this cost during the initial consultation, so you’ll know exactly what to expect.

If we’re not the right fit for your needs, no hard feelings! But if you’re ready to save time, reduce stress, and elevate your travel experience, we’d love to help.

Why Work With a Travel Advisor?

When you book through us, you get:

• Expert guidance. We have insider knowledge, professional networks, and years of experience.

• Time savings. We do the research and planning so you can focus on what matters most.

• Exclusive perks. From upgrades to personalized touches, we add value to your trip at no extra cost.

Ready to start planning your next adventure? Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime trip, we’re here to make it unforgettable.