A Perk-Heavy Side Hustle: How to Become a Travel Agent
These days, everyone’s looking for their perfect side hustle. And learning how to become a travel agent could be your answer!
When it comes to side hustles, choosing the right gig is important – something that fits your lifestyle, interests, skillset, and financial goals.
Side hustling as a travel agent is ideal for travel lovers seeking flexible schedules and an independent work model.
As an added bonus, some sweet travel perks come with the position. So you can meet your travel goals while making extra income!
Think travel planning is the side hustle for you? In this post, we’re diving into everything you need to know about this popular side hustle, from job perks to tips for success.
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Travel Agent Side Hustle: What You Need to Know
A travel agent side hustle involves planning and selling incredible vacation packages to your customers. As a side hustle, you’ll likely work as an independent contractor, tied to a host company to support you along the way.
Travel agents plan more than just flights and accommodations; your packages include every special detail that makes a trip worth remembering. This can include:
- Cruises + all-inclusive resorts
- Excursions + specialty experiences
- Hotel transportation
- Restaurant bookings
- Amusement park passes
- Travel insurance
- + more!
Why Side Hustle as a Travel Agent?
Becoming a travel planner is an attractive side hustle for many, coming with unexpected perks that anyone would love!
Some benefits of side hustling as a travel agent:
- Extra income: You earn a commission on each travel package you sell, helping you earn financial freedom. This is a great way to pay off debt, add to your savings, give you extra spending money, or save for a big trip of your own.
- Flexibility: One of the best parts about this side hustle is the flexible hours. Choose when and how often you want to work as an independent contractor. You can work from the comfort of your own home or anywhere around the world – it’s up to you!
- Experience building: You learn several transferable skills through this side hustle, like customer service, marketing, and sales techniques.
- Travel perks: Travel agents are offered sweet perks including free or heavily discounted travel so that you are able to visit top destinations and better share them with your clients.
- Community: There is a strong community amongst the travel industry. You can connect with these folks through conferences around the world, helping you hone your craft over time.
- Retirement-friendly: Learning how to become a travel agent is common for retired folks looking to keep busy while earning extra money.
How Do Independent Travel Agents Make Money?
Unlike a salaried position, you’ll be paid entirely by commission for your travel agent side hustle.
In other words, you earn a percentage on every trip you plan. This includes all aspects of your travel package, from hotels to excursions.
Rates will vary based on your host company but tend to range between 10 and 15 percent.
Education Requirements
There isn’t any specific education required to become a travel agent. Instead, host companies will provide independent contractors with specialized training.
This training often involves a series of online modules and is included in your start-up fee.
If you’re interested in going solo without the backing of a company, you can find training courses through Wanderlust Campus Online Travel Agent Training or Udemy.
You can also become certified with the American Society of Travel Advisors.
Helpful Skills
A side hustle is only worthwhile when it fits easily into your lifestyle. Learning how to become a travel agent isn’t for everyone!
Folks who excel in this field are often extroverted, with top-notch communication and people skills.
It’s also great if you have a passion for travel and some experience in the destinations you’re selling. This personalized touch is always appreciated.
Other helpful qualities include:
- Quick problem-solving
- Highly organized
- Sales background
- Networking skills
- Marketing knowledge
- Tech proficiency
- Speaking multiple languages
Doesn’t sound like you? No worries! All my introverts should check out these best side hustles for introverts as well as this epic list of side hustles.
Tips for Starting a Travel Agent Side Hustle
Convinced that the travel agent side hustle is the project calling your name? Here are five tips to help you in your endeavors.
1. Hone Your Craft
Before you start selling incredible vacations, you’ll need training and certification to work as a travel agent (see education requirements above!).
From there, continue to learn about your field, tuning into the latest news, travel trends, and innovations.
2. Do the Travel
The best way to sell an authentic experience is to live it yourself. When given the opportunity, take the trip!
Your travel experiences will resonate with your clients, helping you deliver them quality vacations.
3. Find Your Niche
Everyone has their “thing,” whether it be cruises, all-inclusive resorts, or even theme parks.
When you’re marketing your side hustle, narrow in on that niche and share it with the world!
Narrowing in on a niche travel type makes it easier for clients to find you while also building your reputation as an expert in the field.
4. Seek Partners
A good way to earn extra commission is to partner with travel companies. As a travel agent, they can offer you exclusive deals, affiliate codes, and more.
Some popular online travel partners include:
5. Share Your Success
Success is the best marketing tool!
Share photos, reviews, and testimonials of the amazing vacations you’ve planned for your clients. You can even send personalized travel newsletters and/or marketing texts if you want to go the extra mile.
How to Side Hustle as a Travel Agent: Final Thoughts
And there you have it folks! This epic travel agent side hustle is darn easy to get started with when you have the right tools.
More than just a way to earn some extra cash, side hustling as a travel planner can earn you free and heavily discounted travel for your own dream trips (hello travel hack).
Safe travels!
