Often times, I'm asked how much I get paid. To be honest, when I first began my travel business, I thought, "Really? Are you actually asking me that question?" But as the years went on, I realized that it was truly a legitimate inquiry. I found that potential customers simply wanted to know if they were going to be paying more by using the services of a travel agent and felt that they could save money by booking their cruise or trip themselves.
First, it is important for me to let you know that I work with ALL of the cruise lines and land tour suppliers you have ever heard of and many you aren't even aware exist. This is important to the consumer because I will never "steer" you in the direction of one supplier over another. I will get paid no matter which company I know is the best fit for your particular trip. For example, if you call a cruise line directly, they are not going to tell you that their competitor is a better fit for you and your needs. Their Call Center employee will simply book your trip. Then there are the Online Travel Agencies...you know who they are...did you know that during the recent pandemic many of them laid off their staff, turned off their phones and left their clients to fend for themselves to ask for refunds, have their trips postponed or even get them back home? Both the Call Center and the Online Travel Agencies are really just order takers. They make a sale and send you on your way. Most will not be concerned that the cabin they selected happens to be directly under the dining room or that the hotel you will be staying at is currently under renovation. I on the other hand, have developed personal relationships in the travel industry that allow me to know first-hand what I am recommending for you.
Getting back to the pandemic for a minute, I worked tirelessly getting refunds for my clients and re-booking their trips for later dates and getting them back home when they were stranded. Other than the clients who actually were on their trip, I did not receive ANY compensation for the plethora of hours of work that I did. In fact, I was called by a multitude of people who had booked trips either on their own or with one of the above mentioned companies who were in such dire straits that I just couldn't turn them away. And...I was happy to do it because I truly care and treat everyone the way that I would want anyone to treat me or someone in my own family. Post-pandemic there are going to be many changes taking place in regard to travel. I continually keep myself educated and know what the new protocols will be when travel resumes. PLEASE don't spend your hard-earned money on a trip without using the services of a Travel Advisor, whether it is me or someone else.
So finally, let's address the elephant in the room....Let me explain how a Professional Travel Advisor gets paid:
I get an initial phone call from a potential client. We discuss at length who is traveling and how much time they have to travel. If they know where they want to go, we discuss that or we talk about options if they are unsure where they want to visit. We discuss their budget for the trip. If they have traveled before, we discuss their likes and dislikes. And there are many, many other things that are imperative for me to know in order to select just the right journey for their needs. Based on what is revealed, I research the trip and I mean, extensively. After that, I put together an itinerary or a cruise sheet showing pricing, cabin categories, inclusions, etc..
Now, here's the part you really want to know. The price I quote is the TOTAL cost. If you call the cruise line or land tour operator, they will keep the built in "commission" as profit. If you have me plan your trip, I have earned that money and the supplier will pay me the commission. So that $5,000 trip will cost you the same $5,000 whether you book with me or if you book direct. To be absolutely clear, you won't pay a dime more if you have me do the work so why not use the services of someone who has expertise and knowledge? Not to mention, saving yourself the frustration you will experience while spending an exorbitant amount of time trying to make an "informed decision."
Further, many Travel Advisors or Online Travel Agencies charge a service fee. I don't...never have and never will. I feel like the commission I earn is sufficient. I truly enjoy what I do, so my satisfaction with seeing you experience that trip-of-a-lifetime along with my commission is compensation enough. However, although I love what I do, you should be happy to know that this is not a hobby for me. This is my career and it is how I earn my living. In fact, you WANT me to get paid. I work as YOUR advocate and by the way, I am REALLY good at it. (Please allow me to pat myself on the back just this once...lol.) The relationships I have fostered with cruise line executives and tour operator suppliers gives me an upper-hand when I plan a journey. Of course, being part of the Cruise Planners / American Express Travel Representative brand gives me an astronomical advantage over an individual planning a trip once or twice a year. As i mentioned previously, don't trust your hard earned money and incredible trip to chance. I am a Verified and Certified Travel Advisor who will go "overboard" for you.
Well...there it is in a nutshell. I know many Travel Advisors gulp when they are asked how they get paid but I think it is a legitimate question and I am more than happy to discuss it with you.
I promise to earn your trust so give me a call and let's talk travel!
