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Have you ever wondered how to turn your love for travel into a paying career? You’re not alone. Whether you’re the go-to trip planner in your friend group or just love curating unforgettable adventures for your family, there’s a way to transform your travel passion into real income, even if you don’t want to become a full-time travel agent for others.

Spoiler alert: I used to be you… and now I get paid to do what I love. Here’s how it all started and why I wish I had taken the leap sooner.

I Never Used a Travel Agent… Until I Became One

Confession time: I had never worked with a travel agent before I became one myself. For years, I prided myself on being the ultimate trip planner. From weekend getaways with my husband John to full-blown international family adventures with kids in tow, I did it all on my own: researching, booking, and building dream itineraries from scratch.

Sound familiar?

If you’re someone who lives for planning every travel detail but hasn’t explored the idea of earning money from it, I’m here to share the one thing I wish I had known sooner: You can get paid to book the same trips you’re already planning, even if it’s just for yourself.

Our Travel Journey: From Honeymoon to 30+ Countries

Our travel story began in 2014 with our honeymoon in Cancun, which was John’s first time out of the country. A few months later, we jetted off to Ireland for a “second honeymoon,” and by then, the travel bug had officially bitten us both.

Over the years, I spent countless hours planning unforgettable trips, chasing flight deals, crafting detailed itineraries, and building a travel lifestyle we loved. Fast forward to today: we’ve traveled to 30+ countries, and I’ve now turned our personal travel obsession into a professional career.

From Corporate Career to Travel Agent: The Shift

I used to work in corporate America as an executive search professional. I had a successful career, but it wasn’t my dream. Like many, I believed the myth that turning a passion into a job would make me lose my love for it.

But with the support of an executive coach, a whole lot of reflection and a few pushes & pulls, I took the leap and became a professional travel advisor. Spoiler: I didn’t lose the magic. In fact, I love travel even more now, and I get to help others experience that magic, too.

The Truth About Travel Commissions (That No One Tells You)

Here’s one of the biggest surprises I learned after becoming a travel agent:

Almost every travel company already builds a commission into the price you pay, whether you use a travel agent or not.

So when you book a hotel, cruise, or tour online, the company keeps that commission for themselves. But when you work with a travel agent (or become one!), that commission can go to you instead.

Example 1: Booking Direct

Book a hotel through Marriott? That commission stays with Marriott.

Example 2: Booking With a Travel Agent

Book a vacation package through a travel advisor? The price stays the same (or often better!), but the advisor earns that commission instead of the big corporation.

That commission could be yours, even for trips you’re already planning for yourself or your family.

Why I Wish I Had Become a Travel Agent Sooner

Once I understood how the system worked, I had one thought: Why didn’t I do this years ago?

The commissions I could’ve earned on my own trips would have easily covered the costs of becoming a travel advisor, and then some.

Imagine getting paid just for booking your own vacations. No clients, no pressure, no strings. Just passive income on something you were already doing.

You Don’t Have to Be a Travel Agent for Others (Unless You Want To)

Not everyone wants to build a full-blown travel business, and that’s totally okay. But if you:

Love researching destinations
Get joy from building the perfect itinerary
Enjoy sharing travel tips with friends and family

… then becoming a travel advisor could be your secret weapon to turn your travel passion into profit.

It’s the perfect side hustle (or full-time gig!) that lets you:

Earn commissions on your own travel
Unlock exclusive travel perks and discounts
Access insider tools and support
Build a flexible business around your lifestyle

You can start small, maybe just booking your own trips. Or, if you're ready, you can grow it into a thriving travel business like I did.

Ready to Explore Becoming a Travel Advisor?

If you're passionate about travel, love organizing trips, and want to start earning money doing something you already love, becoming a travel advisor might be the perfect next step.

Have questions? Curious how to get started? I’d love to chat. I’m happy to walk you through the process and share how I did it!

How I Turned My Passion for Travel Into a Career (and Why You Might Want To, Too!)