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The Travel Advisor—an Unsung Hero of the Pandemic—and the Key to Safe Travels in 2021 and Beyond

We're making the case to never book a luxe vacation without the help of a travel advisor again.

"Once everyone was back home, we were in total lockdown, and so we transitioned again to working with our partners as client advocates," Flowers says. "The 'client's advocate' was the phrase that encapsulated the first few months of the year for us as we pivoted and postponed trips, dealt with refunds, and worked through technicalities in terms and conditions for them. If you hired an advisor, you didn't have to deal with any of that."

Though the role of the transactional travel agent is nearly all but defunct, the luxury travel advisor is more in-demand than ever before. Flowers says her team is not only buzzing with new bookings into 2022, which is anticipated to sell out faster than ever before, but also with first-time clients who don't want to make the mistake of traveling during this era without the peace of mind a seasoned travel advisor brings, whether they learned that first-hand or not.

Why You Should Consider Working with a Travel Agent

"We've been working in this climate for 16 months now and know exactly who and where is performing and who isn't," says Flowers. "Fine wine is the closest association I can make here. When it comes to travel right now, it's like someone picking up a 100-page book by a sommelier when you really need someone to cut through the clutter and select the best vintage for your meal. That's what we are constantly doing: listening to clients to understand the expectations they have for the experience they want while helping them find a possible match, all the while helping them manage their expectations during these times."

Flowers says the greatest benefit to working with a travel advisor is the relationship they have with partners, properties, and hoteliers across the globe. And not only that, they often have relationships with locals who offer unique experiences that you won't be able to find online.

Erik Ornitz, the general manager for new ventures at TripAdvisor agrees, which is why his team has recently launched Reco , a digital travel advisory platform that connects travelers with a highly curated selection of "trip designers" based on their expertise of specific destinations. Ornitz says working with a travel advisor offers access to experiences that you simply can't get anywhere else. One of Reco's trip designers, for example, specializes in wine travel across Portugal and Spain, and those who book with him will arrive at these vineyards as his friend and are offered intimate, special experiences that they would have never been able to have if they hadn't worked with a specialist in this area.

"TripAdvisor is the most-visited travel site in the world, and with that, we get a lot of insights and data, as well as get to talk to the travelers themselves," says Ornitz. While TripAdvisor helped introduce the capability of DIY travel, his team has noticed over the last few years that people are really wanting to work with someone for specific vacations, like honeymoons or two-week explorations through Asia or Europe, which his team calls "highly considered trips."

"We really started to research the concierge travel space, and it made a lot of sense with many of the other consumer trends going on out there like personal trainers, subscription services, and home management concierge, like Hello Alfred."

From there, Ornitz's team spent countless hours curating a pool of 300 "trip designers" who they considered to be deep specialists in specific destinations. These advisors list their top three or four specialities on a Reco profile, particularly if they lived there at some point or have visited dozens of times. Travelers looking for a travel advisor through Reco, answer a few important questions about where they want to go, the type of traveler they are, among other things, and will then be paired with several options to select the perfect trip designer for a specific vacation.

"People highly value their vacations and travel in general—research shows that," says Orntiz. "Then you add a layer of willingness to venture further out, make the trip experiential, and that's when it gets exciting and really matters."

While spending hours researching various locations can help you make good decisions on where to go and what to do, working with a travel advisor, especially in the luxury space, is all about making the absolute best decision for a one-of-a-kind vacation you'll never forget. Flowers and Ornitz both say people are craving trips with their loved ones, who they may not have seen (or seen much of) in more than a year, and they want their family vacations to be extra-special.

"Folks are looking for ways to get the most from their vacations, and with so many options and information out there, it can be overwhelming to choose, especially for far-off destinations," says Ornitz. "Our trip designers offer their personal expertise of having actually been there and really knowing these different hotels to help you decide the best for you. There may be a dozen luxury resorts lined up on the same beach, but the right trip designer knows how much you love golf and that Rosewood's golf program is the best in the area, so that will be the best fit."

Flowers says another crucial benefit of working with a travel agent—especially for travel into 2022—is that through their own partners on the ground, they know which areas, hotels, and other offerings are and aren't performing well.

"What we initially saw from many partners around the world when Covid-19 hit was this emphasis on sanitation and cleanliness, but that's not why people were wanting to travel," she says. "The desire for travel was to be remote, to have privacy with loved ones, to escape into beauty and nature, and that is only going to be accomplished when you're in places that deliver all of those experiences to meet these desires." Flowers cites Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts , Oetker Collection , and Rosewood Hotels & Resorts as some of the major luxury resort chains that have gone above and beyond to deliver not only a safe experience while traveling, but are still focused on creating these ultra-high-end, luxurious stays for people seeking to unwind and rejuvenate. Flowers also says that places with excellent villa or residence properties as part of their repertoire have really thrived during this time, winning people back to travel again, be it domestic or international.

The Future of Travel Advisory is Bright

Flowers has full confidence that travel advisors will remain in high demand, as more people are desperate than ever to travel yet are fearful of the unknown in terms of the pandemic and Covid-19 restrictions. She's also betting on the power of word-of-mouth advertising to keep luxury travel firms as busy as ever into 2022 and beyond.

"When a person is at a cocktail party with friends and hears how someone had this fabulous experience with a vacation during Covid, that will be a real feather in people's caps," Flowers says. "There's such a pent-up demand for top-level properties, and it's important to have someone who understands which ones are truly the best and know the things that can't be Googled. The world is becoming more and more experiential, and people want to spend more time together with loved ones. The advisor community is just going to continue to grow. We actually need more of us!"

Lauren Wicks is a freelance writer and editor based in Birmingham, Alabama. Before going on her own, Lauren worked for brands such as VERANDA, EatingWell, and Cooking Light , and she covers all things lifestyle from interior design and luxury travel to wine and wellness.

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5 Reasons to Use a Luxury Travel Advisor & How To Find The Best Travel Agency

It may be tempting to go the do-it-yourself route when planning your vacation. After all, it seems easy enough to book a flight reservation using google or your favorite airline website. So why shouldn’t you also book your cruise, family vacation, or honeymoon on your own? When planning a luxury vacation, you should hire a luxury travel agency for the same reasons, you hire an expert to do your taxes, a financial advisor to manage your retirement portfolio, a licensed contractor to renovate your kitchen, and a realtor to sell your home. Anytime we make significant investments, it is prudent to rely on the advice and wisdom of an expert. 

Here are five reasons you should contact a professional travel agency or hire a luxury travel advisor for your next big trip.

1. Expertise – “You don’t know what you don’t know”

Of course, anyone can simply book a hotel online, but how do you know you’re choosing the best hotel for your needs, travel style, budget, and personality? Advances in technology have allowed us to access infinite amounts of information with the click of a button. Still, it has also enabled companies to collect our data, analyze our search history and classify us into specific buyer personas, thereby allowing them to send us highly targeted ads. Therefore, when you search for products, reviews, or general information, the results you are seeing and the ads you are shown are not the same as those offered to your neighbor or even your partner in the next room.  

Have you ever found yourself searching for a  “cute romantic hotel in Paris” and suddenly you are inundated with ads for hotels in the Left Bank? They may look lovely in the photos (most things do), but how can you ensure the images are accurate? In fact, how can you even know if the hotel is in the right location if it’s in a city you have never been to? Furthermore, how do you know if you are getting a good price or completely overpaying?

Watch Out For Dynamic Pricing

Airlines , hotels, and car rental agencies count on you to make your own reservations and may charge higher rates based on your search history. This is because they use dynamic pricing algorithms, showing different customers different prices based on various factors, such as the device they are using, their location, or spending history. To be fair, these companies are not doing anything illegal. No laws stop them from showing you prices that algorithms predict you’re most likely to accept, and they are for-profit businesses, after all. Plus, it’s not just the travel industry doing this. Did you know Amazon changes product prices  2.5 million times a day? An average product changes prices  every 10 minutes ! 

When you buy paper towels or toothpaste, it may not seem like a big deal to pay an extra few dollars here and there. But when you invest precious vacation time, months of research, and thousands of dollars on a dream trip, don’t you want to ensure you get the best product and value? So how can you confirm that you are booking exceptional accommodations, cruises, or tours? 

Reputable and experienced luxury travel advisors have a keen understanding of the products they recommend to their clients, basing your itinerary on your personality, interests, and budget. No algorithm can replace the power of human connection and a good old-fashioned face-to-face. Luxury travel advisors also have access to contracted rates, value-added amenities (sometimes adding up to hundreds of dollars), and personal relationships that allow them to VIP their clients. After all, they spend years cultivating relationships with hotel owners, general managers, concierges, cruise lines, tour operators, and guides. 

Ultimately, everyone understands that the better a hotel or cruise line treats a travel agency client, the more clients the agency will send them. So while you may visit a particular hotel once or twice in your life, a luxury travel agency may send them hundreds of clients per year. That is, as long as they continue to provide exceptional service.

2. Comprehensive Travel Road-Map

A full-service luxury travel agency, and experienced travel advisors will design comprehensive and customized itineraries. They may suggest destinations, tours, activities, and hotel properties you may otherwise have never known existed. For example, perhaps you’re a golfer and have always wanted to experience playing in Scottland. Maybe you want to retrace your roots and spend time tracking down your ancestral home in a tiny village in Europe. Or perhaps you are looking to take a once-in-a-lifetime cruise around the world to celebrate your retirement, but there are just so many options. A reputable travel advisor has the connections and expertise to craft itineraries that work best for you and your family. They will also consider all the necessary logistics and nuances that make a trip successful. 

3. Great Service and VIP Status

When you go the do-it-yourself route, it’s often difficult to coordinate all aspects of your travel. Ensuring you have optimal flight times and connections (long-enough but not too long), orderly hotel reservations, and the necessary documentation to board that dream cruise can be a hassle. A luxury travel advisor can do all the legwork, allowing you to concentrate on preparing for your trip. And because it’s nearly impossible to VIP yourself, leave it up to your advisor to contact hotel management and tell them all about the special occasion you are celebrating and how much they would appreciate you feeling pampered. 

Perhaps most importantly, the services of a good travel advisor become apparent when things go awry. If you miss your connection, get ill while traveling, or need to make last-minute changes, your travel advisor can become your greatest advocate and ally. 

4. Group Travel

Are you planning a destination wedding , girl’s trip , corporate retreat , or family reunion? A full-service travel agency can make the process of organizing and streamlining group travel seamless and stress-free. Additionally, they can negotiate contracted rates and value-added amenities on your behalf. Having a group travel coordinator gives everyone peace of mind and ensures that the group’s needs are met.

Additionally, a luxury travel advisor can act as an intermediary and unbiased third party, allowing smoother decision-making, particularly when there are differences of opinion. They can also customize specific components of the trip, allowing each traveler to feel like the itinerary was designed exclusively for them. For example, a multi-generational family traveling together may want to incorporate one or two days where the group separates into smaller segments to accommodate varying interests. 

5. Remote Destinations & Exclusive Experiences 

Sometimes you may want to plan a trip to a remote destination that requires significant planning, permits, and connections. Other times you may be looking for an exclusive and hard-to-get experience. Many travel advisors specialize in particular types of travel and have established relationships with industry colleagues worldwide.

Perhaps you dream of having a mother-daughter high-tea with a duchess, getting a behind-the-scenes, after-hours tour of the Louvre museum, or watching an artist restore priceless Renaissance art in Florence. Maybe you want to take a photography expedition cruise to the Arctic with a National Geographic photographer, or you have always wanted to have your children participate in marine research while sailing through the Galapagos. Where would you even begin searching for this, and how much time would it take you? These are the types of experiences a luxury travel advisor will be happy to arrange. 

How To Find a Local Travel Agency and Luxury Travel Advisor

One of the best ways to find a reputable professional is to ask your friends and colleagues. If you see photos of someone taking a fantastic vacation, ask them who they used to book it. If their travel agency is not accepting new clients or is not the right fit for your needs, they may be able to refer you to a colleague. 

Google Local Businesses

A great way to find local businesses is on google, and travel agencies are no exception. Enter keywords in the search bar such as “travel agency near me,” “best travel advisors in Scottsdale Arizona,” or “luxury travel agents near me.” Read reviews carefully and decide whether they sound legitimate. Then check out their website and make sure that it is up-to-date and professional. Reputable local businesses will usually work hard to maintain their standing in the community and respond to both positive and negative online reviews. You should also pay attention to the style of travel the reviewers describe to determine if the type of clients serviced by the agency aligns with your ideal vacation.

While reviewing their website, you should also get a sense of the specialties and style of travel the agency caters to. For example, an agency that promotes highly tailored experiences, high-end tour operators, and luxury cruise lines such as A&K, Seabourn, and Silversea is likely not the right fit for a budget-conscious traveler. On the flip side, an agency that promotes “travel deals,” mass-market cruises, and large group packaged tours may not be a good fit for an ultra-luxury traveler.

ASTA is the American Society of Travel Advisors and “the leading global advocate for travel advisors, the travel industry and the traveling public.” Travel advisors who take the time to join ASTA and pay annual dues take their professional responsibilities seriously and maintain a commitment to servicing their clients with integrity. 

Luxury Travel Consortiums

Many travel agencies belong to a travel consortium such as Virtuoso. These organizations help travel advisors by providing them with essential training, marketing material, and access to vetted suppliers. Joining a consortium requires a travel agency to submit extensive documentation, undergo a stringent interview process, and maintain high professional standards.

Local Chamber of Commerce 

Most cities have a local chamber of commerce that promotes small businesses in their area. As there are strict criteria for admission and annual membership dues, luxury travel agencies who take the time to join a local chamber demonstrate their commitment to their community and professionalism. 

While it’s possible to book travel on your own, why would you want to? After all, the advantages of using a full-service luxury travel agency are limitless.

9 Important Questions To Ask Your Travel Agency or Luxury Travel Advisor Before Hiring Them 

1. Do you carry E&O insurance?  Errors and omissions i.e. E&O insurance is a professional liability policy that covers travel agencies in a variety of situations including coverage for personal injury, negligence, defense costs, and claims against services rendered in the past.

2. Are you part of a consortium and if so which one? Although it is not necessary for a travel agency to belong to a consortium, many memberships offer travel agencies special benefits and amenities that they can pass along to their clients.

3. Are you a member of ASTA? Professional organization membership is an important indicator that the agency is committed to serving its clients in an ethical and professional manner.

4. Which professional certifications do you hold? Just like any other professional industry, travel advisors should hold certifications that demonstrate their expertise. Examples include the ASTA  Verified Travel  Advisor ®  (VTA)  certification program, Signature Travel Expert, and destination or supplier-specific certifications.

5. How many years have you been in business?   Industry experience is invaluable in any field.

6. Are you a full-time travel advisor? Although there are many exceptional travel advisors who may be working on a part-time basis, you want to avoid hiring “hobbyists” who may not prioritize your travel needs or hold themselves to the same professional standards.

7. Do you charge professional fees/service fees? Luxury travel advisors often charge professional fees for their time and expertise. These fees cover the time required to research and propose a comprehensive itinerary and make recommendations based on industry knowledge and experience.

8. What type of clientele do you typically service? If you are looking to plan a corporate event for your executive team in Europe you will want to work with an agency that specializes in European travel for sophisticated clients and has experience working with corporate groups. On the other hand, if you are looking at planning a family-friendly cruise to Alaska you will want to work with an advisor who specializes in family travel and has experience booking cruises. Make sure your travel goals align with the type of services the agency provides.

9. Do you have a team or are you a solo practitioner? If you are working with a solo practitioner ask what happens if your travel dates coincide with theirs? Who takes care of their clients in the event that they fall ill, have a family emergency, or are otherwise unavailable? You don’t want to find yourself in a situation where you are traveling and need emergency assistance only to learn your travel advisor is away on a cruise in a remote destination and can’t be reached.

Boutique Travel Advisors is a full-service, luxury travel agency . We specialize in creating  bespoke itineraries  for discerning clients around the world. Please visit our   website   or call 480-787-1477 to speak with a dedicated travel expert. 

Are you planning an international or domestic trip? Check out our other articles to help you come prepared!

We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance to protect your financial investment and health while traveling internationally. To purchase a policy with our preferred travel insurance company Chubb   click here .

At this time, anyone that resides in CA, CO, KS, MN, MO, MT, NH, NY, PA, TX or WA is unable to purchase an insurance policy online. If you would like assistance purchasing a travel insurance policy, please get in touch with a BTA advisor .

About the Author: ANGELA RICE & JANET SEMENOVA

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Hi, It’s been really a nice and interesting piece of content to read and hats off to your collection related to the Boutique Travel Agency . Thanks! for sharing such stuff with us. We are also provide services and blogs related to Unique Travel Experiences, Authentic Travel, Travel Adventure in Miami, FL USA.

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I’ve always wanted to observe safari life up close, so I’m thinking of going on a trip to Kenya this summer. I’m glad you told us that a travel advisor can help provide us with a customized itinerary filled with suggestions for destinations, tours, activities, and hotels we might not have known to exist. I’ll take note of this and consider speaking to a vacation planner before I leave for Kenya this summer.

We would be happy to help you. Please fill out an inquiry form https://travelbta.com/contact-us/

I’ve always wanted to get a close-up look at how parks live, so I’m considering visiting Yellowstone this summer. I’m delighted you mentioned that a travel agent may assist in creating a personalized plan for us that includes recommendations for locations, trips, activities, and accommodations we would not have known existed. I’ll remember this and think about consulting a travel and tour company before I fly to the location this summer.

I now know that although joining a consortium is not required, many memberships provide travel firms with exclusive perks and facilities that they may pass on to their customers. To make our forthcoming trip stress-free and fun, I want to consider obtaining a family vacation planner. With their experience, they can take care of every aspect, from selecting the ideal location and lodgings to organizing activities and crafting a schedule that meets the interests and needs of our entire family, allowing us to unwind and make cherished family memories.

HI Taylor, our team would be delighted to assist you in planning a wonderful family trip.

I’ve always wanted to see how parks operate up close, so I’m thinking about going to Yellowstone this summer. You indicated that a travel consultant may help create a customized itinerary for us that includes suggestions for destinations, excursions, activities, and lodgings we would not have known existed. I’ll keep this in mind and consider speaking with a travel and tour company before I take a flight to the destination this summer.

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How to Become a Luxury Travel Agent: the 2023 Guide

The Modern Travel Agency

Fora Travel

https://www.foratravel.com/the-journal/how-to-become-a-luxury-travel-agent

Luxury travel agent . It has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it? If you’re someone who has a passion for travel and appreciates the finer things in life, you may be missing your calling. A luxury travel agent plans five-star — and often extravagant, downright epic — trips around the world. 

We’re talking safaris , over-water villas in Bora Bora, the nicest suites in Paris — the works. It sounds glamorous, and it often is, as luxury travel planners frequently get to experience these high-end travel experiences for themselves. There’s also the draw of bigger commission checks, as compared to modestly priced trips ( how do travel agents get paid , anyway?). But there’s far more to being a luxury travel advisor than juicy payouts and sampling the goods. There are impossibly high-maintenance clients, unrealistic expectations and plenty of hoops to jump through. Think you’re cut out for it? We got you.

(Not quite ready to tackle luxury-seeking clients? Learn how to become a travel agent from square one, or, better yet, what is a travel agent? )

First, what counts as “luxury travel?”

When most think of luxury travel , elite properties like Rosewood or Four Seasons in gorgeous places like Monaco or the Maldives tend to come to mind. But there’s more to it than extravagant, amenity-filled hotels in coveted destinations. 

You’ll be planning beyond-ordinary travel experiences (and it’s really fun)

Luxury travel planning tends to include more dimensions than an ordinary booking. Clients may have unorthodox requests, like reserving separate villas for a single couple. They might desire custom excursions, such as an off-the-rails safari through the Serengeti. They could show interest in unique destinations, like chartering a one-off cruise to Antarctica…you get the idea.

Many luxury travelers expect white-glove service

Luxury travelers often want attentive, uncompromising service and have a desire to enjoy extraordinary experiences far removed from everyday life. Some clients may expect their needs to be anticipated, rather than spoken. Itineraries may change on a whim. And frequent follow-ups are often a must (though this may vary by client).

Expectations are high, so knowing how to navigate these particulars is a necessary skill. Don’t assume this is a raw deal, though. Luxury travelers may have heightened expectations, but they’re also willing to pay top dollar for those experiences, which means greater commission. 

Plus, luxury travelers are often looking for extensive itinerary planning (which is billable), and other commissionable services, too, like organizing transportation and special experiences. 

Even so, commissions for smaller-scale luxury trips are nothing to balk at. This is, after all, why many in the industry aspire to become a luxury travel agents.

How to become a luxury travel advisor, step by step

If you’re a travel planner who’s interested in leveling up into the luxury market, read on for our tips on how to become a luxury travel agent. Or, if you're ready to dive in today, sign up to become a Fora Advisor .

Start with the basics of travel planning

If you haven’t booked travel before, you may not want to start with elite hotels, resort buyouts and organizing luxe itineraries. Instead, it may be helpful to start with ordinary bookings and trips, and then work your way up. This way, you can build your confidence and experience in a lower-stakes setting so that you’ll be well prepared for luxury travel planning in due time.

And if it’s all new, Fora can teach you everything about becoming an independent travel agent . We offer comprehensive travel agent training on everything from the basics to hyper-niche destination planning — plus endless support.

Become a luxury connoisseur

Luxury travel is one of the most exclusive subsets of an already exclusive industry. Five-star hotels and high-end suppliers (like tour companies) cater to the one-percent, which means most of us will never experience travel at the crème de la crème level.

But in order to become a luxury travel agent, you must be acquainted with the product. No, you don’t have to fork over thousands of dollars to stay at luxury hotels in order to compare them. However, you should make an effort to learn about the luxury travel industry by doing research, leveraging your fellow advisors’ expertise and poking your head into five-star hotels when you can.

Developing your eye for luxury is an important step in earning your chops as a travel connoisseur, so you can consult with your clients as they decide between the best of the best.

Develop your high-touch service skills

Knowing about luxury travel is one thing, but booking it is a whole different beast. Because clients are paying five-star prices, they are expecting five-star service — and that white-glove customer experience begins and ends with you.

As a high-end concierge or personal assistant would, luxury travel agents do their due diligence in getting to know their clients and catering to their unique needs and travel preferences. When advising on a destination or specific hotel, demonstrate your thorough research, paint an enticing picture and be sure to highlight specific details in line with their tastes.

… including razor-sharp attention to detail

The devil is in the details when it comes to being a luxury travel agent. In addition to providing a highly personalized service experience, it’s crucial to ensure accuracy when dealing with reservations, transportation and other logistics. 

When working with hotels, be sure to communicate early and often to ensure your clients are treated like VIPs. For luxury travelers, little details like a personalized welcome gift go a long way. (By the way, we have access to perks at the world’s top high-end properties that you can offer your clients). But missing a little detail — like an early hotel check-in — will not be treated lightly.

Rely on your fellow advisors (and choose your agency wisely!)

Unless you’re an experienced globetrotter, you can’t know everything when it comes to luxury travel. 

If a client is looking to you for advice on a destination you know little about, leverage your fellow travel agents. At Fora, our team of experienced industry insiders (many of whom are luxury travel advisors in their own right) knows the ins and outs of luxury travel planning worldwide, so you’ll never be taking a shot in the dark.

For context: if you work at a boutique travel agency, you may have fewer resources. Alternatively, agents at a larger, high-end travel agency often gate-keep information (new agents are often viewed as competition), making it tricky to plan trips you’re unfamiliar with. Learning how to become a luxury travel advisor is as much about making connections as it is planning travel.

Market yourself, but remember: referrals are your best friend

You’ve studied up on luxury, refined your sales skills and done your research — now what? 

First, market yourself as a luxury travel agent . At Fora, we offer content marketing tools and resources to help you look super professional and curate your expertise to skew luxury. But becoming a luxury travel agent largely relies on your first luxury client. 

To get your first client, leverage your personal network. Do you know anyone planning a honeymoon? This is often the first (and only!) luxury vacation people take, so consider offering to plan a friend’s. And when all goes well, request they share your name with their network, and so on.

Identify a niche (at least to start)

Specializing in something specific can be a good way to get your foot in the door as a travel advisor. 

You could focus on booking luxury cruises, for example, then slowly branch out as your clients’ needs inevitably change. Not many people only go on cruises, right? Your clients’ subsequent vacations can serve as opportunities to expand your services.

(Also check out how to become a cruise travel agent .)

Set yourself up for success with a host agency that takes care of the nitty gritty

Ready to get started becoming a luxury travel agent? You’ll need a host agency that gets it. 

Enter Fora. We’ll ensure you thrive each step of the way — from your first booking to your 1,000th — and arm you with the tools you need to launch your luxury travel business. You’ll get access to our technology (like our  integrated booking platform ) and community of luxury travel experts. Plus, we handle all the logistics, like chasing commissions, invoicing hotels and getting you your payments, so you can focus on what you know and love: planning trips. 

We have a community-based learning model at Fora. You'll learn how to become a luxury travel agent online alongside fellow advisors and we'll support you through your first booking to the 1,000th and beyond. 

Sign up to take the first steps today to become a travel advisor — and check out our tips on how to be a successful travel advisor .

Want to know how to become a luxury travel advisor? Here’s the bottom line...

There’s a lot to love about being a luxury travel agent, and with Fora on your side, you get all the support, training and community you need.

And if you’re looking for more intel? Check out resources on other types of travel agent careers:

How to Become a Travel Agent from Home

How Much Do Travel Agents Make Per Booking?  

How to Become a Disney Travel Agent

Travel Agent Certification: Options and FAQs

Ready to start your own high-end travel business? Take the first steps to become a travel advisor today.

Eager to learn more? Download our guide on how to turn your passion for travel into $$$.

Are you the go-to person for travel tips?

Transform your passion for travel into your dream job. We'll set you up with everything you need to succeed as a travel advisor. From training to top-notch tech, marketing assets, community, commission tracking & payments (and more), we've got you.

Experience the world.

Travel in style to luxurious destinations..

Celebrating 25 years in business, thank you for being part of the journey! 

Stress-free travel starts here.

Gone are the days of impromptu planning, spontaneous adventures, and instant online travel bookings. With new rules and regulations and ever-changing trip cancellation policies, proper travel planning is essential to ensure you enjoy the vacation you yearn for.

Yes, it’s complicated, but that’s where I come in!

I’m Margi Arnold, Luxury Travel Advisor and owner of Creative Travel Adventures. Over the past 30 years I have custom designed, planned, and orchestrated tailored experiences for clientele around the world, and traveled extensively myself. Today, precise travel planning, safety precautions, and detailed trip organization are paramount, and the “new normal travel” is my top priority. I’m here to assist you from our very first phone consultation right through to your return trip home.

Sit back and relax. Margi will take care of all the finer travel details.

Creating travel memories for 30 years, and counting.

“Perfect No-Stress Plan”

“ We had an AMAZING time in Costa Rica and we loved that everything was planned for us and we did not have to stress about anything from the minute we left our house until we got back. We would highly recommend your services and look forward to planning our next vacation with you! ”

“The most amazing experience”

“I don’t know how to put into words what was the most amazing experience we’ve both ever experienced at The Brando Resort in Tahiti. Thank you so much!”

“All was perfect for our trip to Barbados.”

“Everyone had a wonderful time and enjoyed the Sandals Resort very much. The wedding was beautiful and our venue on the beach was stunning. Thanks for your help arranging everything!”

“Unmatched Experience”

“I can’t say how much I appreciate working with you. Your accessibility, timely responses and attention to detail are unmatched in our experience. Thank you for making our family trip a most memorable one!”

“Amazing Track Record”

“We looked at your online reviews and WOW! What a great reputation you’ve built. The great things people said about you and all of your repeat customers made us very happy we connected with you. We’re looking forward to working with you on a great Italy trip!”

“Customer Service Above and Beyond”

“Margi was so helpful and patient. I should stress that “after the sale,” Margi continued to answer my questions and help me in any way she could, even though we had already paid the bill. I would absolutely use Margi again, and I’m telling all my friends to give her a call!”

Travel in Style to these Top Travel Destinations

African Vacations & Safaris

You have always dreamed of traveling to Africa and now is your time! Creative Travel Adventures specializes in luxury Africa vacations, game drive safaris and adventure vacations for couples, families and groups.

European Vacations

Entrust a luxury-travel consultant who knows the most romantic European getaways and the best European family vacations. Enjoy a small group tour or your own private tour designed just for you.

Costa Rica Vacations

Stroll along miles of pristine beaches, visit Arenal Volcano, Manuel Antonio National Park, and Costa Rica’s magnificent waterfalls. A tropical paradise like none other awaits your arrival.

Belize Vacations

Fiji Vacations

Hawaii Vacations

Embrace the Aloha Spirit, relax at tropical pools, serene beaches, tiki bars, and outdoor spas, while enjoying the majestic scenery and gourmet restaurants of each unique Hawaiian island.

Vacation to Mexico

Explore the vibrant culture of Mexico, adventure through ancient ruins, take a dip in the ocean, and indulge in mouth watering Mexican cuisine from the sanctuary of your luxury cabana.

Escape in style to the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora

There is nothing quite like the tropical paradise of this private island in the heart of French Polynesia. Relax, unwind, and let all the troubles of 2020 drift away as you sip refreshing cocktails from the comfort of your bungalow, explore untouched island territory, and immerse yourself in translucent waters. Exclusive and intimate, the idyllic Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora, with its tranquil blue lagoon setting and 5-star service, is the perfect place to recharge.

Travel inspiration

Experience Luxury in the Tahiti Bora Bora Overwater Bungalows

by Margi Arnold | Feb 9, 2024

Imagine waking up to the luxurious views of a beautiful crystal-clear lagoon and pristine white sandy beaches in Bora Bora. With Creative Travel Adventures, this unforgettable experience unfolds in the epitome of luxury – an exquisite stay in the Tahiti Bora Bora...

Croatia Yacht Cruises: Exploring Every Charm

by Margi Arnold | Last updated Jan 11, 2024

Have you ever wondered what it's like to travel through Croatia's breathtaking landscapes? With our selection of Croatia yacht cruises, Creative Travel Adventures can turn your dreams into reality. These boat cruises are not only exciting and attractive, but they are...

Discover Luxury on Italy’s Stunning Amalfi Coast

by Margi Arnold | Last updated Jan 15, 2024

An hour south of Naples and Pompeii, a picturesque 25-mile stretch of cliffside villages, beautifully terraced vineyards, and lemon groves overlook the sparkling Tyrrhenian Sea. This UNESCO World Heritage Site—the Amalfi Coast—is known worldwide for its magnificent...

Let’s plan your perfect trip.

Experience the luxury of a perfectly planned vacation—the kind that creates lasting memories.

Whether you prefer to relax in leisure, embrace local culture, indulge in decadent dining, adventure into the untouched wilderness, swim with dolphins, sail vast oceans, climb mountains, or visit the great wonders of our world, together we can make that happen for you.

Perhaps you are venturing off alone, with a loved one, as a family, or as part of a larger group for a destination wedding or a milestone celebration. Maybe your idea of the perfect escape is an adults-only, all-inclusive resort on an exotic beach, or maybe it’s a trip to Disney, a sightseeing tour of Europe, or a Big Five Safari in Africa. No matter what you dream of, I’m here to assist you in customizing a luxurious and safe vacation that is fun, personalized, and stress-free.

Creative Travel Adventures specializes in planning and orchestrating unique, worry-free, and memorable vacations that are entirely custom-designed to your discerning specifications.

Travel with complete peace of mind.

Start Planning Your Perfect Trip with Margi, your luxury travel advisor.

Be inspired and get the latest information on travel tips, specialty resorts, international destinations, and exclusive offers.

Becoming a Travel Advisor | The Luxury Travel Agency

Are you thinking about becoming a travel advisor.

Making the decision to become a Travel Advisor is not an easy decision for most to make.

To start, there are many unknowns.

• How do I get started?
• What education do I need?
• Do I need to be well-traveled?
• How much money can I make?
• What do I need to be successful?
• What are the real perks and benefits of being a Travel Advisor?
• During this pandemic, is now even a good time to become a Travel Advisor?

Baccarat Hotel, New York – A Partner Hotel of The Luxury Travel Agency

  I want to be a Travel Advisor, how do I get started?

Let’s start with the first question. How do I get started?  I have been in those shoes and was overwhelmed with that, what I thought was a complex question, and in the end, the answer is quite simple.  You just decide you want to do it!

In reality, there is no special training or education you must have. Depending on the state or province you live in, there may be some licensing or certifications needed, but in general, you can pretty much put up a sign and say “ I’m now a Travel Advisor ”.

Now, does that make you successful?  No.  You do need more than that to become a successful Travel Advisor. We’ll discuss more about what it takes to become a successful Travel Advisor later in this post.

Waiheke Island, New Zealand

  Do I need an education to be a Travel Advisor?

No, you don’t NEED and education. But, does an education help? Of course, it helps, but by no means is it mandatory, nor is it a guarantee.  I have found the most successful Travel Advisors have a true passion for travel, are a “people person”, have good writing skills, are creative, have excellent customer service skills and willing to work hard… very hard; this is not a 9-5 job!

I’ve met a lot of Travel Advisors with a background in education, law, sales, marketing and even medicine!

Soneva Jani Maldives, a Partner Hotel of The Luxury Travel Agency

  Do I need to be well-traveled to be a Travel Advisor?

Regarding, “Do I need to be well-travelled to become a Travel Advisor” gets a little tricky to answer.  Ideally, yes, you should be well-travelled; but again, that is not mandatory.  Your lack of travel can be easily compensated by your passion for travel and your passion to learn about new destinations, your excellent customer service, your people skills and your determination to succeed. Will it be easy, maybe not, but if you have the passion and the drive, you will succeed. I have met many successful Travel Advisors who got into the business without a solid travel background and became hugely successful, mainly due to their passion, drive and commitment.

Luxury safari, one of our favorite trips to book

How much money can I make as a Travel Advisor?

This may be the trickiest question of all. In the end, being a Travel Advisor is akin to being a salesperson in the sense you are working on commission (as well, we recommend you charge a planning/consultation/service fee).  The drawback to this is there are not guarantees. The positive though, is there are no limits to how much you can make. In the end, the harder and smarter you work, the more you will make!

Laucala Island Fiji, a Partner Hotel of The Luxury Travel Agency

What do I need to be a successful Travel Advisor?

This is the second trickiest question to answer as there is no guaranteed formula.  I’ll talk a bit about generalities and a bit about specifics.

In general, as mentioned before, a passion for travel, drive and commitment are essential to becoming a successful Travel Advisor. So is the belief (and practice) that taking care of your clients and doing what is right for them is at the forefront of everything you do. Emergencies and issues don’t happen just during business hours, you must be willing (and able) to take care of your clients in the evenings, on the weekends, during the holidays and maybe even when YOU are on vacation!

This may sound like a big commitment and it is.  But the rewards are so great, it makes it all worth it. If you are like me, taking care of a client in distress, solving their issues and recusing them and/or their trip, is, in itself, a big reward!

More specific things you need to be a successful Travel Advisor are a niche, good potential clients and probably most importantly, choosing the right host agency to be your partner.

We will tackle each of these one at a time.

Heli-Skiing, one of the many experiences we can arrange for our clients.

Niche: what is your niche going to be? Honeymoons? Family Trips? Italy? Cruises? Safari? Business Travel? Luxury Travel?

The good thing is, you can start with one niche and as you learn and experience more or as your client’s needs change, you can move or expand into a new speciality or niche. I have seen many people who started in business/corporate travel and moved into the luxury side of the business.  Others started with a specialization in honeymoons and transitioned into family travel as their clients’ families grew.

Good Potential Clients: Do you have potential clients? And if so, are they “good” potential clients?  Depending on your niche, people you know may or may not be “good” potential clients. If you want to specialize in safaris, do you have potential clients that are actually interested in safaris? If you want to specialize in honeymoons, so you have potential clients that are getting married or at least in that typical age range for marriage?  And, if you want to specialize in luxury travel, do you have potential clients that we willing to spend on a luxury trip?

Before you make the decision to become a Travel Advisor, you should make sure you have a good base of potential clients. Without a good base to start, you can still be successful, it just can be more of a challenge.

Lobby of the Mandarin Oriental Paris, a Partner Hotel of The Luxury Travel Agency

Choosing the Right Host Agency:

If you are just getting started, you will want a host agency that has someone dedicated to you; someone well-traveled, has been in the business long enough to have the contacts you need and someone that can help you “learn the ropes”.

They should help you set your goals and help you attain them. Their goal should be your growth and your success.

If you want to specialize in luxury travel, the agency should have partnerships with all the top hotel brands such as Four Seasons, Ritz Carlton, St. Regis, Peninsula, Hyatt, Waldorf Astoria and more. (The Luxury Travel Agency partners with over 20 of the best hotel brands in the industry, plus we are a Virtuoso agency!)

In the end, picking the right host agency from the start can be the beginning of a relationship that if done right, will last for decades.

River Cruising, a popular way to travel

Still interested? Let’s look at the real perks and benefits of being a Travel Advisor

• You are your own boss
• You are passionate about travel
• how you work
• when you work
• where you work from
• It is FUN! You will learn A LOT
• You get to help people and you get to travel
• There is an endless supply of free training
• You get to TRAVEL
• The earning potential is unlimited!

Interest in private villas and home rentals has shot up during the pandemic

  Is now, during the COVID-19 Pandemic, a good time to become a Travel Advisor?

I think now is the best time to become a Travel Advisor. Demand has never been higher and the need to work with a professional Travel Advisor is going to grow as the world starts to open up.

Right now, you will have the opportunity to learn the business, start making contacts (both within the industry and with potential clients).  You can get your “office” set up and prepare for when the floodgates open and everyone will be traveling again. Once travel starts again, there will be so much pent up demand, that everyone is going to be extremely busy! Ask yourself, when people start traveling again, do you want to just be getting started and learning or do you want to be ready to start planning and booking great trips?    The future is yours, what do you want to make of it?

Are you ready to take the next step? Complete our Become a Luxury Travel Advisor survey and we’ll be in touch within 24 hours. 

We look forward to hearing from you,

Andrew Satkowiak

Executive Vice President

Travel Notes is a thoughtfully researched luxury travel blog written by our team of expert advisors. We’ve travelled to all corners of the world and here we share our experiences. Interested in learning more? Give us a call or sign up below.

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• Why Brownell

Join Our Advisor Community

Founded in 1887 by a passionate traveler who wanted to share his love for exploring the world with others, the Brownell of today is a leading host for successful travel advisors. Globally recognized, Brownell is a top 5 producing Virtuoso agency. We achieve this by growing purposely and helping our advisors sell more travel.

At Brownell, we’ve developed an approach to hosting and mentoring that delivers excellence. Our primary focus is to help you launch and grow your business, and we offer abundant support, resources, and training to help you meet your goals. Our advisors aren’t simply successful – they make four times the industry average. We have spent decades building and cultivating relationships with the best travel providers, and our advisors greatly benefit from the Brownell name’s incredible brand power.

Are you an existing luxury travel advisor looking to take your business to the next level? Discover the benefits of our Hosting Program and join the ranks of the industry's most successful travel entrepreneurs.

Are you an aspiring entrepreneur with no prior experience, eager to launch a thriving luxury travel business? Explore our award-winning Mentoring Program, tailored for business-minded individuals aiming to become full-time luxury travel advisors.

One Support Member for Every Five Independent Advisors

Advisor revenue average highest in the industry

We are the premier hosting agency for luxury travel advisors because we have a proven strategy for success. We take a holistic approach to help entrepreneurs not just become great at selling luxury travel but build successful, lasting businesses.

Why Choose Brownell

Why join our Hosting Program? We do more for our independent advisors – more support, marketing, educational travel, sharing, and business development. And as a result, our advisors travel more, learn more, and earn more. They have their own brand while leveraging Brownell’s vast industry connections and a deep level of support.

From marketing to accounting and hosting, the ratio of the support team to advisors is 1:5 – the highest in the industry. Whether you are new to travel or have a successful business, we are all in when it comes to developing and growing your business.

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Must Have Tools for Every Travel Advisor

At Brownell, our success depends on our team of highly qualified and motivated professionals inspired by the world of travel.

Each of our team members is dedicated to supporting each of our Independent Advisors and fully committed to Brownell’s core values of Innovation, Passion, Integrity, Curiosity, Graciousness and Excellence.

Brownell’s pioneering spirit has been evident since our agency’s founding, as we were one of the first in the travel industry to launch a hosting program in 1978. Over the years, we have continued to break new ground, being the first host agency to initiate a mentoring program in 2006, which has since become a model for other agencies in the industry. Our mentoring program has been recognized for its excellence and was awarded the Outstanding Mentoring and Talent Development by an Agency at Virtuoso Travel Week.

We are also proud to have been the first host agency to hold a company-wide event in 2005, bringing travel advisors, Brownell staff and key partners together. These achievements, combined with our more than forty-year hosting history, have earned us numerous awards and recognitions, cementing our position at the forefront of the industry.

Advisor Testimonial

Brownell is the place to be if you want an incredible support team, excellent industry connections and surrounded by high level advisors who are well respected in the industry. i have really loved my time at brownell and my business is thriving because brownell supports me so i have time to go and sell travel.

Shelley Rapp

I don’t have a benchmark for comparison but I know that I couldn’t do it without Brownell. Just having their name behind me brings enthusiastic greetings (and even hugs sometimes) from vendors, hoteliers, etc when I first meet a new partner. My clients are spoiled because I am part of Brownell.

Catherine Parkin

Not only have they provided me with excellent training, they continue to support me as I learn and grow my business. The hosting support staff is professional, positive, responsive, and always cheerful and eager to help me. I have found that my personal desire to be a top-notch travel professional with high expectations for customer service, integrity, and commitment to excellent results have made possible by my affiliation with Brownell. What they deliver to me allows me to deliver the very best to my clients.

Martha Rhodes

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Where We Are

Global Luxury Travel Trends with Virtuoso's Founder & CEO Matthew Upchurch Travel Trends with Dan Christian

Special Hospitality Edition - Live from Vegas @ Forbes Travel Guide's 'The Summit' Join us for this captivating conversation with visionary CEO & Founder of Virtuoso, Matthew Upchurch. With his roots deeply embedded in travel,  Matthew offers us a remarkable glimpse into his family's legacy and the collective ingenuity of 1950's boutique travel agencies that helped shaped the tailored travel advisor experiences we clamor for today. Our conversation starts with the creation of Virtuoso and weaves through their  incredible journey to become a global powerhouse of luxury travel .  Matthew's shares many fascinating insights about the travel industry's evolution and the global luxury travel trends for 2024. We discuss what brings him to the 'The Summit', and the many benefits and takeaways from this year's successful event, from partnerships opportunities with 5 Star Hotels to workshops on AI.  In an age where technology's grasp tightens around our experiences, Matthew sheds light on the dual role of artificial intelligence in streamlining processes while emphasizing the irreplaceable trust instilled by human touch.    A Must Listen - This episode is hands down one of the most inspiring, engaging and valuable discussions we've ever had on Travel Trends.  For that, I want to extend my sincere appreciation to Matthew for joining me for this incredible discussion.  Special thanks to the Forbes Travel Guide team for the opportunity to showcase these legends of hospitality.  More conversations and highlights to follow! Season 3 Sponsors Propellic is the only integrated digital marketing agency focused exclusively on driving bookings for travel companies. If you’re looking to accelerate your direct bookings and decrease your cost per acquisition, we highly recommend that you get in touch with Propellic. They’re offering our 'Travel Trends' listeners a free marketing audit. Just mention our Podcast.  Check out Propellic.com   TravelAI is shaping personalized travel experiences through micro-segmentation and the power of AI.   Their portfolio of travel brands is ever-growing, with new additions launching regularly to meet the shifting sands of the consumer landscape.  In addition to launching brands; they're filling gaps, identifying niches, and meeting traveler demands head-on. Their ultimate goal? An efficient travel ecosystem. Learn More https://www.travelai.com/resources/ New Travel Trends Episodes Every Wednesday. Check out Season 1 & 2. https://www.traveltrendspodcast.com/

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