$1000/month Assisting Individuals with Trip Planning: The Travel Advising Side Gig

      Side Hustle Nation focuses on enhancing your personal profitability. To achieve this, we often collaborate with companies that share a similar goal. If you register or purchase through one of our partners' links, we may receive compensation at no additional cost to you. Learn more. What if you could transform your passion for travel into an extra source of income by establishing a travel advising side hustle that suits your lifestyle?

      Bailey Richert returns to the show to share insights on how you can accomplish this as well.

      You may recall Bailey from one of our earlier episodes where we discussed creating an online course business. Today, we are shifting our focus to her latest side hustle: assisting individuals in planning unforgettable trips as a travel advisor.

      Bailey operates UnlistedTravel.com and MakeTravelYourJob.com, successfully building a flexible, low-overhead business centered around her true passion.

      Tune into Episode 670 of the Side Hustle Show to discover:

      - How travel advisors get compensated

      - What it takes to set yourself up for success in this industry

      - Innovative strategies for client acquisition

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      How Travel Advisors Generate Income through a Side Hustle

      To illustrate the potential of being a travel advisor, Bailey shared a recent itinerary she organized for a couple visiting London.

      This was a romantic 6-day, 5-night getaway, for which she charged a non-refundable upfront planning fee of $100—common practice among travel advisors today. Planning fees typically range from $20 to $50 per day of travel, making $100 a reasonable starting charge.

      Afterward, Bailey meticulously crafted their travel itinerary by booking hotels, tours, and transfers.

      The significant earnings come from commissions. Bailey arranged her clients' accommodations at the Fleming’s Mayfair Hotel in central London, earning a 15% commission, which is higher than the usual 8-12% due to her partnership with a host agency.

      The total hotel booking amounted to $2,442, resulting in a commission of $366. With a 70/30 split with the host agency, Bailey retained $256 solely from this hotel booking.

      Adding her $100 planning fee, she earned $356 on a single trip, excluding additional bookings for transfers or tours that could have increased her earnings.

      As she expressed, “Your role as a travel advisor involves considering all the diverse aspects someone may require for their trip… while ensuring an enjoyable experience… This allows you to earn commissions on numerous elements.”

      How to Begin Your Travel Advising Side Hustle

      Your role as a travel advisor goes beyond merely planning a trip; it entails making the entire experience seamless for your clients.

      You alleviate the burden from them, providing peace of mind while enabling them to truly enjoy the process.

      However, to facilitate an easy experience for your clients, you must first establish a straightforward setup for yourself.

      There’s no need for extensive and costly certification or licensing to become a travel advisor. With the existence of "host agencies," you can begin much quicker than you might anticipate.

      Here’s the fundamental process Bailey recommended to establish your travel advising side hustle:

      Obtain an Accreditation Number

      To book trips and receive commissions, you require an accreditation number, such as an IATA number (International Air Transport Association).

      While you could apply for your own, this approach can take months and cost thousands of dollars.

      Bailey suggests that you join a host agency instead, as they already possess the accreditation, allowing you to start booking immediately.

      Select a Host Agency

      Bailey recommended HostAgencyReviews.com as an excellent resource for your research. You will find reviews, comparisons, and insights on what various host agencies offer.

      Bailey collaborates with Fora Travel, which she endorses as a good option for beginners. Fora charges $300 annually upon acceptance, a modest fee for access to their network, training, and technology tools.

      Understand the Arrangement

      When collaborating with a host agency, you are an independent contractor, not an employee.

      You manage your own business, define your focus, and keep the majority of your commissions.

      In return, the host agency manages vendor relationships and tracks your commissions, allowing you to concentrate on serving your clients and building your brand.

      Creative Strategies to Promote Your Travel Advising Business

      Nearly all travel advisors start through word-of-mouth referrals.

      Your initial clients will likely be friends, family, and individuals within your existing network, especially if you’re considered the “go-to travel expert” among your acquaintances.

      (You can also find additional insights from Bailey at maketravelyourjob.com