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Travel advising offers strong earning potential in 2025, whether part-time or full-time. With low startup costs and the right tools, advisors can grow faster, attract high-value clients, and build a profitable travel business.
As travel continues to rebound and evolve, more people are exploring travel advising as a flexible and rewarding career path. With that rise in interest comes a common question: How much do travel agents actually make in 2025? The answer can vary widely depending on your business model, niche, and how much you choose to work. Whether you’re aiming for a part-time side hustle or a full-time income, there’s real earning potential in today’s travel industry—with the right strategy and tools in place.
Travel agent income can vary greatly depending on experience, business model, and the amount of time and effort put into growing a client base. According to Host Agency Review’s 2024 report, full time advisors made more than double compared to those who do it part time. On average, full time travel advisors in their first 3-5 years made $44,127. As they gain experience, build their client list, and specialize in high-value trips, mid-experience, full time advisors on average earn $66,000 and $79,000 per year.
Top-performing and well-established travel advisors, especially those with a strong niche (i.e. Corporate travel) or luxury clientele, can earn $100,000 or more annually. Many of these agents operate as independent business owners, earning commissions on bookings and additional fees for planning services. With the right tools, training, and marketing strategy, the income potential in travel advising is substantial and continues to grow in 2025.
Several key factors can impact how much a travel agent earns, shaping both their short-term commissions and long-term financial growth.
Let’s dive into each.
Travel agent income can vary based on how you structure your business. Independent agents keep 100% of their commissions but also take on all expenses, tools, and supplier relationships, which can affect profitability early on. Agency-based advisors typically earn a lower percentage of commission or a set salary but benefit from consistent bookings and support. Host agency advisors usually split commissions with their host (often 70–90%) but gain access to tools, training, and higher-volume booking rates that can help them earn more overall as they grow.
The biggest factor influencing income as a part-time versus full-time travel agent is how much time you can dedicate to marketing, client relationships, and booking travel. Part-time agents often earn supplemental income and may take on fewer, lower-complexity trips, while full-time agents can scale their business and build a steady stream of high-value clients. Full-time advisors also have more opportunities to specialize, earn commissions and planning fees, and take advantage of supplier incentives. The more hours and strategy you invest, the more earning potential you create.
Experience and industry connections play a major role in travel agent income. Seasoned advisors often have a larger, more loyal client base and know how to sell higher-value trips that earn greater commissions. It’s for this reason finding a seasoned mentor in this industry proves to be advantageous. Strong relationships with suppliers and preferred partners can also unlock exclusive perks, bonuses, and higher commission tiers that boost overall earnings.
Having a travel niche or specialization can significantly increase your income. Specializing in areas like luxury, adventure, or destination weddings positions you as an expert, making clients more willing to pay for your knowledge and services. A clear niche also helps you stand out in the market and grow your business more strategically.
Travel advisors have several revenue streams they can tap into to grow their income beyond just commissions. The most common source is commission earned from travel suppliers and vendors (like airlines, hotels, cruise lines, and tour operators) based on the total cost of what you book for your clients. These rates can vary depending on the supplier, your booking volume, and whether you work with a host agency that provides access to preferred commission tiers.
In addition to commissions, many advisors charge service or planning fees to compensate for the time and expertise they provide. These fees can be flat-rate, per-person, or customized based on the complexity of the trip, and they help ensure you're paid for your work even if a client changes their plans. Some agents also generate referral or affiliate income by promoting travel insurance, travel gear, or booking tools, earning a small percentage when clients make purchases through their links. By combining multiple revenue streams, travel advisors can create a more stable and profitable business model.
Starting a travel advisor business comes with relatively low overhead compared to many other industries, but there are still some essential upfront costs to plan for. Basic business setup expenses may include registering your business name and structure (LLC or sole proprietorship), which can range from $50 to $300 depending on where you’re located. If required in your state, a Seller of Travel license may add to that cost. You might also choose to invest in certifications or training programs such as through The Travel Institute, CLIA, which typically range from $200 to $600.
Beyond legal setup and training, you'll need to budget for essential business tools. These include website domain and email hosting (around $50–$100/year), marketing expenses, and software like CRM systems or itinerary builders. If you partner with a host agency, expect a monthly or annual fee, which can range from $30 to over $100 per month, depending on the agency and level of support. While these startup costs can vary widely, many new travel advisors are able to launch their businesses for under $1,500—with smart investments in tools and support that can quickly pay off as you grow.
To make launching even more accessible, Travefy’s New Travel Agent Program helps significantly lower these startup costs by bundling many of these essentials into one discounted package. The program includes a custom domain, branded email address, access to Travefy’s website builder, CRM, and professional itinerary and proposal tools. Giving you everything you need to launch with a polished, professional presence. For new advisors looking to streamline setup and reduce overhead, it’s a smart and cost-effective way to build a strong foundation from day one.
Once your business is set up, the focus shifts from launching to growing–and that means finding ways to maximize your earning potential. With the right strategies and tools, you can increase revenue, attract higher-value clients, and build a sustainable, profitable travel business.
Using the right software is key to streamlining your workflow and scaling your travel business efficiently. From managing client details to building proposals and itineraries, automation tools help you save time and focus on selling more. Travefy offers an expanded platform designed specifically for travel advisors, giving you everything you need to stay organized, look professional, and grow your business.
One of the best ways to boost your income as a travel advisor is by offering premium services or travel planning packages. These can include detailed custom itineraries, concierge services, or VIP perks that go beyond basic bookings. Clients are often willing to pay more for white-glove service and the peace of mind that every detail is handled. Packaging your expertise into clear service tiers also helps you set expectations and confidently charge for the value you provide.
Specializing in a travel niche allows you to attract higher-paying clients and position yourself as an expert in a specific area. This targeted focus can lead to more referrals, higher-value bookings, and the ability to charge premium planning fees. A well-defined niche makes it easier to market your services and build a loyal, repeat client base.
Investing in training is one of the smartest ways to increase your earning potential, especially when you're just starting out. The more knowledge and confidence you have, the better equipped you are to book complex trips, offer valuable insights, and charge for your expertise. Programs like Travefy’s New Travel Agent Program provide the education, tools, and support needed to build a strong foundation and grow faster.
While travel advisor income can vary based on experience, time commitment, and business structure, the opportunity is very real for those willing to build intentionally. With the right niche, tools, training, and marketing strategy, you can create a business that’s both personally fulfilling and financially rewarding. Whether you’re aiming for a side hustle or a full-time career, there’s space in the industry for motivated, service-focused advisors.
Success doesn’t happen overnight, but with consistency and the right support, it’s absolutely achievable. By investing in your skills, staying organized with professional tools like Travefy, and consistently showing up for your clients, you can grow a thriving travel business on your terms.
Independent travel agents often earn more by keeping a larger share of commissions but also manage more expenses and responsibilities. Agency-based agents may earn a salary or smaller split, with the benefit of steady bookings and support. Income ultimately depends on your sales, setup, and level of independence.
Yes, many travel agents make a full-time living. Especially those who specialize, consistently market themselves, and build a strong client base. With the right tools, training, and business strategy, it’s possible to grow your income over time and turn travel advising into a rewarding full-time career.
The time it takes to start earning as a travel agent can vary, but many advisors begin making money within the first few months, especially if they actively market their services and tap into their personal network. Those who invest in training and use the right tools often see faster results. Building a steady income typically takes consistent effort, but early wins are common with the right foundation.
