What It’s Really Like To Be a Travel Agent

So as this post publishes I’ll be packing up the last few items then making my way to the airport for my trip to Italy and Slovenia.

But I remind folks that it’s not a vacation.

As a personal travel planner, aka travel agent, my trips are working trips.

People have been saying to me over the past week, “Enjoy your vacation!”

I politely tell them it’s not a vacation.

And I’ve realized that many folks just don’t understand what it’s like to be a travel planner/agent/advisor.

Or what it’s like to build your own online business.

So I want to take this opportunity to kind of pull back the curtain so you can see what it’s really like to be a travel agent — and to be a travel agent while traveling.

First I want to dispel some myths.

 

Myth 1: Travel agents get free travel

No.

I wish.

But … no.

I am paying for this trip.

Yes, we can get some discounts.

And as a travel writer, I often work with some accommodation or tour companies and get a wee bit paid for or a small discount.

But it’s a little bit.

I’m still paying for A LOT of it.

There’s no such thing as a free ride in the travel industry.

 

Myth #2: As a travel agent you can make a lot of money

So let me be upfront.

I actually have a part time gig that I go to 20 hours per week.

And I don’t get benefits from this job.

So when I take off for a trip to do some research in a given country, I don’t get any vacation pay for that time AND I lose that income.

I’m still not making a full time living as a travel planner.

And many of us never will.

Many agents do this on the side.

Although, admittedly, some folks do well.

These travel advisors are usually in the luxury travel arena.

And that’s just not me.

So this is why I market some products I really believe in and personally use — the affiliate marketing I talk about.

It’s a way to earn more.

This is also why I’m branching out into travel guides as it’s another source of income — although I also really want to share my knowledge of some off the beaten path destinations that I really love.

It’s why I pick up other odd jobs — both in person and online.

Yes, I hope to build my travel empire to a point where I can earn a full time living in travel and photography.

That’s my dream.

Because I truly love what I do.

But in the meantime, a girl’s gotta earn a living!

 

Myth #3: Being a travel agent is a 9-5 job

*Insert laughter*

When I have clients traveling in Europe and I’m in the Eastern Time zone of the US, I have gotten calls and texts at all hours.

I’ve been out shopping when a client has called for help.

I’ve been out for a run or a walk.

And I’ve been barely awake.

But, you know what?

I’m okay with it.

Because I love what I do and I want YOU to have the best trip ever.

So I make those sacrifices without even thinking about it.

 

What’s life like traveling as a travel planner?

I can tell you that I will not be out and about, eating and drinking and exploring all the time on this trip.

Nor have I been on any other trip.

I will have to sit in front of my laptop for a couple of hours each day as I travel — some days I may put in more hours depending on my workload.

And while I will be out exploring and doing and eating and seeing and experiencing, I’ll also have to answer emails, research and book client trips, write blogs posts, stay on top of marketing/social media, makes notes on what I’ve done and do my bookkeeping — not to mention edit photos and create a couple of newsletters each month.

That’s what I do week in and week out — so as I travel, it’s no different.

I’m not telling you this so you feel sorry for me.

Let’s face it — I’ll be doing some of this as I sit surrounded by the vineyards of Piedmont or look out at the Dolomites.

But I’m telling you this just to give you a better picture of what it’s really like.

 

What’s the best thing about being a travel agent?

My clients.

Period.

I have been so lucky to have some amazing people who have entrusted their trips to Wander Your Way.

I’ve made new friends.

And I’ve helped travelers create memories — memories that last a lifetime.

My heart fills with joy when my clients return from their travels and go on and on about their trip — what they did, what they experienced and what a wonderful time they had.

That’s why I do it — and why I’ll take that call or respond to that text at 3am.

I’m so fortunate to have clients who have become repeat customers and who have graciously recommended me to family and friends.

There is no greater compliment.

Another fabulous part?

The people I meet who work in the hospitality industry in any given country.

It’s Beliz in Turkey.

Or Gabriella in Italy.

Or Mary in Ireland.

I’ve had so many interesting conversations with B&B owners, guides, shopkeepers, restaurant workers, taxi drivers and vineyard owners.

So ultimately, it comes down to the people.

It’s always about the people.

 

How you can benefit from using a personal travel planner?

I always strive to give you the best service and provide the best value.

Yes, often hiring a travel agent can cost you money.

But a travel planner may also help save you money by finding the best deals or getting you a little something added to your trip.

You have 2 major resources: time and money.

For some folks, they’ll gladly use their free time to plan their trip.

They love the research and don’t mind using their time to do so.

You are not my client.

Although you may benefit from my travel guides!

Other folks value their time and would rather pay someone to help them plan a trip.

You are my client.

And know that I will always do my best to create the trip that YOU want.

Travel agents assist in creating experiences to enhance your trip.

It’s not just about seeing a site and ticking it off your list.

This is where the expertise of a travel advisor can really help.

And, for me, I thoroughly enjoy getting to know my clients so I can tailor make your trip to YOU.

 

What are your thoughts on travel agents?

I’d love to know so drop them in the comments below or send me an email.