Hey future travel planner! If helping others experience amazing getaways sounds like your dream gig, but you’ve heard too many intimidating rumors, let’s clear things up. Becoming a travel planner doesn’t have to mean giving up your life or getting tangled in red tape. Let’s walk through some of the biggest misconceptions so you can see if this is the right move for you
Misconception #1: You Have to Quit Your Day Job
A lot of people think that becoming a travel advisor means dropping everything else. Not true! The beauty of starting your own travel brand is that you call the shots. You can plan trips full-time, part-time, or even just in the evenings while juggling your other responsibilities. You decide how it fits into your life.
We’re here to make sure you can get started without all the stress—no quotas, no deadlines, and no one breathing down your neck. Your business is yours, and you get to decide how it grows. We just provide the tools, support, and guidance to help you build it your way. Some of the best advisors I know plan trips after their regular work hours or during the kids’ nap times. Flexibility is key, and it’s what makes this career so appealing.
Misconception #2: You Have to Be a Travel Expert
Another big misconception: that you need to be an expert in every destination before you can help others book their trips. The reality? You don’t. All you need is curiosity, a love for adventure, and a willingness to learn as you go. The best travel advisors are the ones who are always exploring, learning, and improving.
We offer a program called #JessUniversity that help you build knowledge at your own pace—whether you’re an armchair traveler just starting out or someone who’s already the trip-planner for all your friends. You’ll have access to live webinars, a supportive community, and plenty of resources to make sure you’re learning what you need, when you need it. And if you get stuck? Our community is here to share knowledge and support you through it all.
Misconception #3: Travel Planning is Just About Booking Hotels and Flights
There’s this idea that all you’ll be doing as a personal travel planner is booking hotels and flights. Let’s set the record straight: it's not just that, and—here’s a fun fact—we don’t even book flights! Your real job is to curate memorable experiences, connect clients with unique activities, and provide the kind of personalized travel insights they simply can’t get from the big online booking sites.
Think about all those little moments that make a trip special—the surprise room upgrade, the perfect sunset spot, or the local guide who shows you the city beyond the tourist attractions. That’s the heart of what we do. Travel advising is about the personal touch, crafting an adventure tailored to each client, rather than just checking off a few reservations.
Misconception #4: Travel Planners Make Barely Any Money
Some people think there isn’t any real income to be made as a travel advisor—that it’s just a hobby, not a business. Let’s put that one to bed. It’s true that like any entrepreneurial gig, your income depends on the effort you put in, but there is real money to be made. Travel advising can be incredibly lucrative, especially if you find your niche or focus on high-end, specialized trips. You can earn commissions on hotel bookings, curated experiences, and even exclusive activities. The bottom line: if you’re willing to work at it, the financial rewards are there.
Misconception #5: You Have to Be Tech-Savvy
Think you need to be some kind of tech wizard to make this work? Nope. You don’t have to be fluent in coding, fancy software, or anything like that. The tools we use are designed to be user-friendly, straightforward, and practical. You just need a basic comfort level with a computer and a willingness to learn. And if tech ever gets confusing, we’re here to walk you through it. No need for elaborate gadgets or complicated systems—a laptop and Wi-Fi are your ticket in.
Misconception #6: You Need Expensive Certifications to Get Started
There’s a notion that to be taken seriously as a personal travel planner, you need to load up on pricey certifications. This couldn’t be further from the truth. While education is helpful, it's not a requirement to get started. What really matters is your drive to learn, your knack for connecting with clients, and your enthusiasm for travel. The training and support we provide are more than enough to get you up and running without spending thousands on certification courses.
Misconception #7: You Need a Big Network of Clients to Start
Another big one: people assume they need a ready-made list of clients who are eager to book travel before they can even begin. The truth is, most new advisors start small—planning trips for friends, family, and neighbors. Those first bookings are a great way to gain confidence, learn the ropes, and build a reputation. From there, word-of-mouth takes over, and your client list begins to grow.
And don’t worry—you’re not alone in this. We’ve got tools and strategies to help you build visibility and attract clients, whether through your own branded content, guides, or even social media. Growing a business is a journey, but it doesn’t start with a massive client list—it starts with the first booking and grows from there.
Misconception #8: You Need to Travel All the Time to Be Credible
Many people think they need to be hopping from one country to another constantly to be seen as a credible advisor. The reality? You don’t need to be a globe-trotter 24/7. Yes, travel experience helps, but a good advisor is more than a personal traveler—they're a great researcher, communicator, and listener. Your value to clients comes from understanding what they want and using your resources to deliver an amazing experience. Even if you’re at home, you can stay up to date through industry connections, training, and by tapping into our vibrant community.
Misconception #9: It’s Too Complicated
There’s this misconception that being a travel advisor is just too complicated—that the logistics, the planning, and the sheer amount of information is overwhelming. Here’s the deal: it can be complex, but that’s where we come in. We’ve simplified the backend so you don’t have to deal with the overwhelming part of this business. The tools, booking systems, and guidance we provide help make the process smooth. Instead of struggling to navigate the complexity alone, you have us to help make sense of it all, so you can focus on the fun part: creating great experiences for your clients.
The Bottom Line
If you want a host agency that doesn’t enforce quotas or require endless, boring trainings, but instead helps you do what you love—your way—then we’re here for you. Ready to turn that passion for travel into a real business? Let’s make it happen. Click for a free inquiry about becoming your own travel brand with Jess.Travel's help.
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