This has the potential to be a dream job

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At World School Manatees, we specialize in budget friendly family travel. Why? Because most of us are just trying to get by, and we all deserve a vacation and some quality family time.

Regardless of that very respectable reality, it is nice to day dream sometimes. There is an entire industry around luxury travel and we wanted to find out what you can do to get in on the action.

Is There A Market For Luxury Travel Agents/Advisors?

A couple years ago, I was interested in becoming a Disney Travel Agent. My reasons were a little selfish. I love traveling to Disney destinations and I figured it would be a super fun career. Not to mention, I planned to get myself a lot of discounts.

The truth is, I put zero effort into becoming a Disney Travel Agent. I took all of the training and learned a ton of cool things (I will be sharing that knowledge in other articles). But I didn’t try to find clients. I guess I just wanted to go on a vacation instead of plan one.

During this process, friends asked me what the point of an agent was when anyone can book online these days. While their reasoning is likely true for us average shmoes, I don’t think it continues to apply for luxury travel.

The thing is: Time is money. I value my own time a great deal. That thought process increases exponentially among the super wealthy. Many want a vacation, without the hassle. Enter, the luxury travel advisor.

How To Become A Luxury Travel Advisor?

Okay, so becoming a luxury travel agent can get you a lot of perks. Amazing commissions, free hotel stays, cheap or free flights, restaurant privileges, and so on. But…how do you get such a sweet gig?

When I started out as a Disney Travel Agent, my foot was in the door and I didn’t even realize it. 

• Experience – You need to have experience in the industry. This can be through working for a travel agency at any level. It can also benefit from the hospitality industry. So, working in hotels, restaurants, airlines, and the like, can give you a leg up.
• Certification - When you become a travel agent, you are expected to get certified. This indicates that you are reputable and can provide your clientele with exactly what they want and need. Examples of certifying agencies are: The American Society of Travel Advisors and The Travel Institute.
• Get Social – This use to be called “building a client list” or “marketing yourself” but social media has really changed the game. Platforms such as X and Instagram help you build an audience and trusted community. (By the way, follow us on Instagram! We love sharing travel ideas with friends)
• Be Involved In Luxury Travel – You have to be able to talk about the amazing accommodations as an insider. Your clients want to know what to expect, and get recommendations from someone who knows. Attend luxury travel events, and talk to people in the industry. For example: The World School Manatess really do find all the cheap and free things out there so we can share with our community. :p

How Much Can You Earn As A Luxury Travel Advisor?

Travel agent life is all about the commission. If you don’t sell, you don’t earn. However, the good news is that all of your sales will be big ticket itineraries, which translates into great earnings.

Don’t forget, that involving yourself in the luxury travel can mean access to travel benefits that are worth a lot all on their own.

Is It Worth It To Become A Luxury Travel Advisor?

Who doesn’t want to be their own boss?

Who doesn’t want to travel for a living?

Who doesn’t want to immerse themselves in luxury?

I imagine that getting into the industry is a long and difficult road. The odds for success are likely low. Agencies that have decades of reputation have a leg up. 

Still, if you have the freedom to give it a try, I think it is definitely worth giving a chance. You never know until you see what happens.

In the meantime, you could always buy this cashmere luxury travel kit and feel like you belong.

Final Thoughts

As tempting as the luxury travel life is, we are still regular people trying to get around the world on a budget. We hope you will follow along and pick up some inspiration for your own travels.

Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube Channel and follow on Instagram. 

We have periodic give-aways in addition to sample budget travel itineraries. This is about building a community of like-minded people who love to travel and want to afford to do more of it.

Happy Travels!