Wait... Travel Advisors Are Free?" Here's How We Actually Get Paid
One of the biggest misconceptions I hear is:
"I don't want to bother you."
Or...
"How much do I owe you for answering all of my questions?"
The truth is, in many cases...
My services are already included in the price of your vacation.
So... How Do Travel Advisors Get Paid?
Most of the time, travel advisors earn a commission from the cruise line, hotel, resort, or vacation supplier after your trip is completed.
That means my goal is simple:
Help you find the vacation that's right for you.
My job isn't just clicking a "Book Now" button.
It's helping you make smart travel decisions before, during, and sometimes even after your trip.
What You're Really Getting
When you work with me, you're getting more than someone who books vacations.
You're getting someone who can help you:
Compare cruise lines
Explain cabin categories
Understand travel documents
Recommend excursions
Explain drink packages
Help with online check-in
Monitor promotions
Answer questions before you sail
Sometimes it's a five-minute question.
Sometimes it's months of planning.
Either way, that's part of what I enjoy doing.
Why I Love Being a Travel Advisor
I genuinely enjoy helping people travel.
I enjoy answering questions.
I enjoy seeing someone take their first cruise.
I enjoy helping families make memories together.
I enjoy hearing about your vacation when you get home.
That's why I do this.
The One Thing I Ask
Communication goes both ways.
I'll do everything I can to answer your questions, explain your options, and help you make informed decisions.
In return, I simply ask that you:
Read the emails I send.
Review your travel documents.
Ask questions early instead of waiting until the last minute.
Respect the time and effort that goes into planning your vacation.
The better we communicate, the smoother your trip will be.
Could You Book It Yourself?
Absolutely.
There are plenty of websites where you can click a button and book a cruise, resort, or hotel.
But a booking website won't tell you:
Which balcony has the better view.
Why one itinerary may be a better fit than another.
Whether your birth certificate or passport will work.
How to avoid common mistakes.
When a better promotion becomes available.
And that's just the beginning.
One thing I do for many of my clients is connect them with resources that help them feel more confident before they travel.
That might include:
Sending YouTube videos that show their exact ship, cabin category, resort, or hotel.
Sharing Facebook groups where they can connect with other travelers sailing the same cruise or staying at the same resort.
Answering questions they've never even thought to ask.
I want my clients to know what to expect before they ever leave home.
Because the more informed you are, the more relaxed you'll be when your vacation begins.
That's the difference between simply making a reservation and having someone help you prepare for the entire experience.
My Goal Is Simple
I want your vacation to be exciting—not stressful.
Whether you're taking your first cruise or your fifteenth, I want you to feel like you have someone in your corner who genuinely cares about your experience.
Because that's what a travel advisor should be.
Not just someone who books your trip.
Someone who helps make it unforgettable.
Final Thoughts
Travel is about more than destinations.
It's about confidence.
It's about having someone you can call when you have a question.
It's about knowing you don't have to figure everything out on your own.
If you're thinking about your next vacation, I'd love the opportunity to help.
After all...
Turning travel wishes into reality isn't just my slogan.
It's what I enjoy doing every single day.
— Eric Miles
Poet's Year-Round Travel
