7 Shocking Things You Don’t Know About Travel Advisors
Do you hear the job title “travel advisor” and think of an elderly woman sitting in a dusty office touting ancient tour brochures that were published before the age of the Internet? You’re not alone. But the truth is, travel advisors are smart, savvy individuals with a passion for travel and drive for success. They know people have a wealth of information at their fingertips, but they rest assured that their first-hand expertise and global network of personal contacts is far more valuable than any google search.
This is the travel advisor of the future.
Keep reading to learn 7 more shocking things you DON’T know about travel advisors.
1. Travel Agents are Dead; Travel Advisors are Thriving
It’s a common misconception that travel advisors went the way of the dinosaur when the Internet made booking a trip as simple as a few clicks. While it’s true that many traditional travel agents (ie: order takers whose business was built on simple air and hotel transactions), failed to thrive, the demand for travel advisors grew. Today, millions of savvy travelers look to professional travel advisors to help them edit the onslaught of information on the Internet and to secure exclusive offers, amenities, and experiences you can’t find on Google.
Brownell in Bali
2. Travel Advisors Can Earn Six Figures
You read that right. Six. Figures. Smart, driven travel advisors can earn well over six figures in professional consulting fees and commissions, but you do have to put in the time and effort. New travel advisors must be prepared to dedicate several years to establishing their business and building a strong client base — success doesn’t happen overnight. An established host agency can fast track your success with an intensive training course and comprehensive support, like the Brownell Mentoring Program. (PS – At Brownell, our top producers and their teams average $550,000 in revenue.)
Brownell Independent Advisors Kelly Millington and Kim Heflin during an educational trip to Kenya.
3. A Career as a Travel Advisor is Very Fulfilling
Travel advisors become a trusted resource and extended family member for their clients. They play a huge role in making memories that their client’s cherish for a lifetime. One of the most rewarding parts of the job is the debrief or SHARE when clients recount WOW moments and experiences that enriched their lives.
4. Travel Advisors Are Not Old Ladies
When people think of travel agents, they think of harried old ladies sitting at a desk in front of faded travel posters. Today’s travel advisors are hip, active and on-the-go.
No decrepit ladies anchored to oxygen tanks here.
5. Travel Perks Are Just a Part of the Job
Advisors spend many long hours, and sometimes nights, working from a desk or home office to pour over trip details and field phone calls from clients and suppliers. Now that we’ve dispelled the rumors that being a travel advisor is hard work, we can’t skip that there IS travel involved. And when you’re a luxury travel advisor, you do it right. You may not be Beyonce (or a billionaire), but you can travel like her. The world’s best properties will roll out the red carpet and pull out all the stops so you can truly understand (and sell) their property or destination.
Forget the lines. Brownell Advisors got a private tour of Highclere Castle aka Downton Abbey.
6. Independent Travel Advisors are Small Business Owners
When you start a career as an Independent Travel Advisor, it is wise to join a host agency with a strong training platform, marketing resources and industry connections. Although you work through a “host,” you are indeed a small business owner. Most advisors incorporate and create their own company name and branding.
Brownell Independent Advisor Susan Whitson left a career in DC politics, including serving as Press Secretary to First Lady Laura Bush, to start a rewarding career in travel.
7. Most Travel Advisor Jobs are Second Careers
Not many advisors start selling travel straight out of college. Many launch their business as a second, or encore career. Everyone from attorneys to marketing executives to financial planners have become successful travel advisors. The common threads? A passion for travel and a solid network of contacts.
