Getting out and seeing the world is one key to success for new advisors. (Source: olezzo/Adobe Stock)
Beginning a career in virtually any industry can be a daunting prospect, but launching a career in the travel industry can be particularly challenging. Travel advisors face issues from economic uncertainty and ever-changing technology to geopolitical unrest, competition from online travel agencies and more.
We asked seven veteran advisors for their best advice to agents new to the industry. Here’s what they had to say.
Practice Self-Motivation and Discipline
The most crucial piece of advice for new advisors, according to Kendra Wolfe, owner of Zip Travel Co., is this: You must be self-motivated and disciplined.
“This business will not build itself for you,” she said. “There’s no boss standing over your shoulder making sure you follow up with clients, no time clock pushing you to put in the hours, and no guarantee of instant success.”
Discipline is what transforms potential into results, she said.
“It’s our willingness to show up day after day — even when the bookings aren’t rolling in yet, even when you feel unseen, and even when it would be easier to quit,” Wolfe added.
You have to find the time each and every day to learn, market and network, she said, all while serving your clients at the highest possible level.
“It’s creating structure in what can feel like an unstructured job,” she said. “Motivation gets you excited, but discipline keeps you moving forward when excitement fades. This industry rewards the advisor who treats it like a career, not a hobby.”
Be Clear and Consistent
Chesleigh Lloyd, founder of Elevate Travel, encourages new advisors take the time to define and customize their process, from discovery calls and itinerary development to follow-ups — because a clear and consistent process will help build client loyalty.
“When you’re just starting out, you have the gift of time to set this up properly and ensure your foundation is strong,” she said.
Lloyd also stresses the importance of networking with fellow advisors and others in the travel industry.
“Having these personalized connections reminds you that you’re part of a truly amazing community,” she said.
Prioritize Learning
For Claire Schoeder, an independent contractor with Elevations Travel, the biggest key to success is learning.
“Start with an experienced mentor or pro who you can follow as you begin your career — listen to them as they work with clients and vendors, see how they research, and find material to read,” she said.
Also, if a new advisor’s consortium has a group focused on agents new to the industry, Schoeder urges them to join.
Forge Strong Client Ties
Delving deep into clients’ travel experiences — or, as Isabel Perez, a luxury advisor with Forest Travel puts it: “learning how to live vicariously through others” — will go a long way in forging enduring relationships.
“Seeing your clients’ excitement and joy is how you, as an advisor, also get to enjoy the journey,” she said. “And at the same time, it allows you to genuinely connect with them. Building strong relationships with your clients and suppliers is just as valuable as knowing the logistics, because at the end of the day, people remember how you made them feel more than the details of an itinerary.”
A sense of curiosity and open-mindedness is also a major component on the road to success, Perez said.
“This industry is always changing, and every client is different, so being willing to learn, adapt and really listen will take you further than just memorizing destinations or products,” she said.
Travel Regularly
James Berglie, president of Be All Inclusive, said his top piece of advice for new advisors is to get out there and see the world.
“Too many people love the idea of being in the travel industry but don’t realize that truly being in the industry means you’ll likely never take a true vacation ever again in your life,” he said.
Product knowledge is a critical part of success in this industry, he added.
“You need to travel regularly and learn the locations and properties so you can sell them accordingly,” he said.
Take Your Career Seriously
A career as a travel advisor is not for hobbyists, according to McLean Robbins, founder of Lily Pond Luxury and an affiliate of Travel Experts.
“This is not a fun side hustle; it’s a career,” she said. “From day one, treat your travel business like a business: Invest in education, align with a host agency that supports your goals, and put real systems in place to track growth.”
“The advisors who succeed are the ones who operate like CEOs, running a business that earns trust, scales sustainably, and delivers a luxury-level client experience every time,” she added.
Find a Work-Life Balance
One thing new advisors should avoid at all costs? Burning out by not affording themselves any downtime, said Ryan Spear, president of Spear Travel Group. You have to prioritize yourself as well as your business, he noted.
“Make sure you structure your service and business model to a point where it allows you to live the type of life you expected when you became an advisor,” he said. “If you aren’t happy, it’s tough to make your clients happy.”
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