The Pros and Cons of Being a Travel Agent

Yin and Yang. Heads and Tails. Everything in life has its advantages and disadvantages... well, unless you’ve just won the lottery, but that’s not the case here. Unfortunately. What we’re saying is that being a travel agent comes with both perks and challenges. That’s true for almost any job, and today, we’ll focus on the best aspects of becoming a travel agent, as well as the biggest challenges.

Let’s start with the pros, shall we? 

The Pros of Being a Travel Agent

You don’t need previous experience

One of the top perks about being a travel agent is that you can start today if you are bored or just unhappy with your old job. All you need is a computer, a good internet connection, and the determination to grow your business. It will take some time until you start earning your first salary and even more to grow a stable client base, but you will get there someday.

You will also have a much better chance of success if you join a host agency that offers all the support you need if you are starting now and are still a bit lost. We provide everything you need for a small 70/30 commission split, which can increase to 80/20, where you keep the bigger share. There are no extra fees, and you’ll get access to personal training, a customized dashboard, hundreds of reviews and guides, and a community of fellow travel agents, all for free!

You Can Make Good $$$

This is a great place to start, right? We all seek jobs that can pay the bills and provide stability for ourselves and our families. As a travel agent, your income isn't fixed, as it depends on the number of bookings and sales you make each month. 

The upside is that if you're an experienced agent with years in the business, you can earn a substantial income. Some of the top travel agents make on the higher end of six figures annually. However, keep in mind that these are exceptional cases, and reaching such figures will require hard work (and a bit of luck).

Your have your own Schedule

As a travel agent, you will most often be affiliated with a host agency, but you will have the freedom to work at your own pace, set your own schedule, and work remotely during the hours you choose. 

The host agency isn’t your boss - they are there to offer support, training, and licenses in exchange for a commission split. This gives you a lot of freedom to work as you wish, without a boss breathing down your neck. You can work part-time as a travel agent, full-time, or take it at your own pace as you try to build a large client base.

Travel Perks!

One of the best things about being a travel agent? You can save a lot on your next vacation! You may receive big discounts on Disney World tickets or special fare discounts on most cruise lines for you and your family. You might also get invited to FAM trips - familiarization trips designed to help you better understand and research specific destinations.

The Cons of Being a Travel Agent

You salary isn’t fixed

The biggest downside of being a travel agent is the uncertainty of your income. Some months, you'll secure a lot of bookings and earn a great paycheck, while during slower seasons, your earnings might be lower than expected. Not having a fixed salary can be stressful, so it’s important to stay patient and plan ahead. Understand that fluctuations are normal, and success comes from consistency. Focus on building a strong client base rather than expecting high earnings right away.

Patience Is Key for a Travel Agent

Patience is one of the most important traits a travel agent needs to succeed. It plays a role in two key areas.

First, you need patience when starting out. You won’t make money right away - it may take months before you see your first earnings. This is because some travel suppliers, like cruise lines, only pay commissions after a guest has completed their trip. On top of that, building a strong client base takes time, so it’s essential to stay committed and understand that consistency is key to long-term success.

Second, patience is crucial when dealing with clients. Strong communication skills are a must, as you’ll be working with travelers from all backgrounds. Some clients may be more high-maintenance than others, reaching out frequently to adjust dining reservations, modify itineraries, or book excursions. No matter the request, always remain professional, take a deep breath, and approach every conversation with patience and understanding.

What else do I need to know about being a Travel Agent?

Okay, here’s the last tip of the day: as a travel agent, staying informed is crucial. The travel industry is constantly evolving, and to provide the best service, you need to keep up with changes and trends. This is especially important in a highly competitive market like this one - demonstrating expertise will help you stand out in a sea of travel agents.

Take Walt Disney World, for example. In just a year, they transitioned from Disney Genie+ to Lightning Lane Passes, and now there are multiple types of Lightning Lane options. Many guests don’t even know that these Fast Pass options exist! If you’re selling Disney vacations, you need to stay up to date and educate your clients like a true expert.

Selling cruises? You should familiarize yourself with major cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, their dining options, entertainment, and fleet. For instance, Icon of the Seas is currently the largest cruise ship in the world, and Royal Caribbean is already preparing to launch Star of the Seas, its highly anticipated sister ship with small new features.

The key is to always study what you're selling. Being knowledgeable not only builds trust with your clients but also encourages repeat business and referrals. When guests see that you’re an expert, they’ll feel confident booking with you again, and they’ll be more likely to recommend you to friends and family!