Podcast Summary: The Side Hustle Show - Episode 670
Title: $1000/mo Helping People Plan Trips: Inside the Travel Advising Side Hustle
Host: Nick Loper
Guest: Richard (of UnlistedTravel.com and MakeTravelYourJob.com)
Release Date: May 1, 2025
Introduction to Travel Advising
In this episode of The Side Hustle Show, host Nick Loper welcomes Richard back to discuss the burgeoning side hustle of travel advising. Richard shares his journey of generating an extra $1,000 per month by helping clients plan intricate and memorable trips. This role not only satisfies a passion for travel but also leverages existing skills to create a sustainable income stream.
How Travel Advising Generates Income
Richard delves into the financial mechanics of travel advising, breaking down how one can earn through planning fees and commissions.
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Planning Fees:
At the outset, travel advisors charge clients a planning fee to cover the cost of crafting a personalized itinerary. Richard mentions, “[02:33] Richard: So we've got a $100 planning fee upfront,” which can vary based on the trip’s complexity and duration. This fee ensures that advisors are compensated for their time and expertise from the beginning. -
Commissions from Vendors:
After the initial planning, advisors earn commissions from bookings made through hotels, tours, car rentals, and other services. For example, Richard earned a 15% commission on a hotel booking for a London trip, translating to $256 after a 70/30 split with his host agency. He notes, “[03:57] Richard: Because on a trip, the hotel is usually what you spend the most on. It's important to make sure you're looking at that commission number.”
Getting Started as a Travel Advisor
Entering the travel advising field involves obtaining an accreditation number, such as IATA, which legitimizes advisors and enables them to earn commissions.
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Joining a Host Agency:
Rather than navigating the lengthy and costly process of becoming an independent travel agent, Richard recommends joining a host agency. Host agencies provide accreditation, handle relationships with vendors, offer training, and support advisors with community resources. Richard explains, “[07:44] Richard: So a host agency is a company travel agency that's already gone through the time and effort and paid the fees to become accredited.” -
Choosing the Right Host Agency:
Advisors should consider factors like commission splits, support systems, and whether the agency operates on an MLM model. Richard suggests, “[08:39] Richard: The host agency I belong to is called Fora and I think they're a great host agency, especially for beginners.” He warns against agencies with strong network marketing components, stating, “[10:34] Richard: With some host agencies there is [an MLM component]. In fact I recommend that people stay away from those host agencies.”
Building a Client Base
Successfully growing a travel advising side hustle hinges on effective marketing and leveraging existing networks.
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Starting with Friends and Family:
Richard emphasizes the importance of beginning with close contacts to build initial experience and testimonials. “[46:36] Bailey: You're absolutely right. Pretty much everybody starts off either booking a trip for themselves or for their family and friends.” -
Referral Incentives:
Implementing referral programs can exponentially grow the client base. For instance, Richard offers to waive the planning fee for clients who refer new customers: “[15:44] Richard: You could say to someone who was a successful client… I'll waive your planning fee for your next trip if you refer another person to me…” -
Niche Specialization:
Focusing on specific types of travel—be it luxury, destination-specific, or themed trips—can help advisors stand out. Richard shares, “[16:13] Richard: I do think that there are lots of travel advisors who choose to focus on luxury travel… but there are plenty of people who are just serving their friends and family…” -
Hosting and Attending Events:
Engaging with potential clients through bridal shows, themed dinners, or online webinars establishes credibility and fosters direct connections. Richard illustrates, “[18:28] Richard: Events. So both going to and hosting your own…” and further explains how hosting themed events can attract targeted clients.
Effective Marketing Strategies
Richard outlines several marketing tactics tailored for travel advisors to attract and retain clients.
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Content Marketing:
Creating valuable Q&A content, informative blog posts, or engaging social media updates can position advisors as industry experts. For example, Rob Ptingolo’s walking tour company in D.C. effectively uses Q&A content to drive bookings. -
Online Communities and Groups:
Building or participating in Facebook groups or online forums related to specific destinations or travel interests can help advisors reach enthusiasts eager for expert guidance. Richard states, “[29:43] Richard: Well, like you mentioned, there's always the online strategies as well. Creating a location specific Facebook group…” -
Collaborations and Partnerships:
Partnering with local businesses, DMOs (Destination Marketing Organizations), or other service providers can enhance visibility and trust. Richard advises, “[47:51] Richard: This business is all about building relationships… I want to establish myself as the Cancun expert…”
Tools and Technology for Travel Advisors
Efficiency and organization are crucial as travel advisors scale their operations. Richard recommends several tools to streamline workflows.
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Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software:
Tools like Travify, Traveljoy, or TERN help manage client information and track progress. “[36:39] Richard: Yeah, absolutely. There's actually a large number of tools specifically designed for travel advisors. The most important one you're going if your host agency again doesn't provide something for you is a CRM…” -
Itinerary Builders:
Platforms like Safari Portal enable advisors to create visually appealing and detailed trip itineraries that impress clients. Richard highlights, “[37:12] Richard: So the CRM softwares and things allow you to have different features that you might really like…” -
AI and Automation:
While AI can generate basic itineraries, Richard emphasizes the irreplaceable value of personal expertise and relationships, stating, “[37:38] Richard: AI doesn't think it's not a human. It can only regurgitate the information that's already inside of it…”
Overcoming Challenges and Common Mistakes
Richard addresses common pitfalls that new travel advisors may encounter and offers advice to overcome them.
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Insufficient Marketing Efforts:
Relying solely on friends and family without expanding marketing channels can limit growth. Richard observes, “[42:17] Nick Loper:… people who pay the $300 fee to Fora and then never do anything with it versus the people who start to see success with this business?”
He adds, “[44:22] Nick Loper: Are they going to kick you out if you don't book anything…” -
Expensive Domain Purchases:
Investing heavily in premium domains before establishing a business can drain resources. Richard advises, “[54:33] Richard: It really all comes down to being willing to put yourself out there and willing to advertise and market yourself and get those clients…” and later, “[56:10] Richard: Don’t buy that premium domain. Don’t do it. It’s too expensive…” -
Misunderstanding Host Agency Roles:
Expecting host agencies to provide all leads without proactive marketing can lead to stagnation. Richard clarifies, “[43:53] Richard: …many people think that the host agency is just going to feed you the customers. And that's not the case…”
Expanding Revenue Streams
Beyond planning trips, travel advisors can diversify their income through additional services.
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Online Guidebooks and Courses:
Advisors can sell digital products or conduct workshops on travel-related topics, enhancing their expertise and revenue. -
Travel Coaching:
Offering personalized coaching sessions for aspiring travelers or advisors can open new avenues for income.
Building Long-Term Relationships and Repeat Business
Sustaining a successful travel advising side hustle relies on fostering long-term relationships with clients.
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Support During Travel:
Providing assistance and handling issues while clients are on their trips builds trust and encourages repeat business. Richard mentions, “[40:03] Richard: ...while they're traveling. And so one of the things that we as travel advisors do before someone leaves for their trip is try to prepare them in every way possible…” -
Creating Memorable Experiences:
Offering exclusive perks or personalized touches, such as welcome gifts at hotels, can enhance client satisfaction and loyalty. “[54:54] Richard: But if you can, you know, establish yourself as, hey, I’m going to be the Cancun expert…”
Future Plans and Insights
Richard shares his excitement about expanding his travel advising business and helping others discover this lucrative side hustle.
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Growing UnlistedTravel.com:
Richard aims to establish himself as an expert beyond his immediate network, leveraging his brand to attract a broader clientele. “[52:40] Richard: I'm excited to keep growing unlistedtravel.com…” -
Educating Others:
Through interviews and content creation, Richard plans to showcase the benefits and opportunities within the travel advising industry, inspiring others to embark on similar side hustles.
Final Tips for Aspiring Travel Advisors
Richard concludes with valuable advice for those considering travel advising as a side hustle.
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Tip on Domain Purchases:
“[54:42] Richard: …don’t get so excited and buy that four figure domain before you've even ever sold something…” Emphasizing the importance of sensible investments early on. -
Consistent Value Provision:
Providing consistent value builds trust and positions advisors as indispensable resources for clients. Richard reiterates, “[43:33] Richard: Communication and providing value are key…”
Notable Quotes
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On Planning Fees and Commissions:
“[02:33] Richard: So we've got a $100 planning fee upfront…, and “[03:57] Richard: Because on a trip, the hotel is usually what you spend the most on…” -
On Host Agencies:
“[08:39] Richard: The host agency I belong to is called Fora…” and “[10:34] Richard: With some host agencies there is [an MLM component]. In fact I recommend that people stay away from those host agencies…” -
On Marketing and Client Acquisition:
“[15:44] Richard: You could say to someone who was a successful client… I'll waive your planning fee for your next trip if you refer another person to me…” -
On Tools and Technology:
“[37:12] Richard: So the CRM softwares and things allow you to have different features that you might really like…” -
On Avoiding Premium Domains:
“[54:33] Richard: It really all comes down to being willing to put yourself out there…” and “[56:10] Richard: Don’t buy that premium domain. Don’t do it. It’s too expensive…”
Conclusion
Episode 670 of The Side Hustle Show offers a comprehensive look into the travel advising side hustle, highlighting its potential to generate significant income while satisfying a passion for travel. Richard’s insights provide a roadmap for aspiring travel advisors, emphasizing the importance of strategic marketing, leveraging host agencies, and building lasting client relationships. Whether you’re a travel enthusiast looking to monetize your expertise or an entrepreneur seeking a rewarding side hustle, this episode delivers actionable tips and inspiration to embark on the journey of travel advising.
Resources Mentioned:
Listener Bonus: Access a Big List of 101 Service Business Ideas compatible with the marketing strategies discussed. Visit the show notes in the episode description to download this valuable resource.
This summary captures the essence of Episode 670, providing a detailed exploration of travel advising as a side hustle, enriched with actionable advice and key takeaways from the discussion between Nick Loper and Richard.