How does a Travel Professional get paid?

Have you ever wondered how a Travel Professional gets paid?  Most people really don’t know. 

There are actually two ways.  The most common way is directly from the suppliers we book your travel through.  These suppliers (like the cruise line, tour operators, Disney) pay us to service your trips.  But only if you book your trip through us.  If you book your trip yourself through a website then the website services your trip.  Simple.

Unfortunately, a lot of people use a Travel Professional as a personal research tool and then book their trip directly with the cruise line.  This brings us to the second way we can get paid.  By charging a fee.  Sometimes it is a research fee; sometimes it is a Plan To Go Deposit.  They both work a little differently, but basically a fee is charged up front to plan your Family Getaway. And usually they are non refundable.  After the plans are finalized, you can take these plans and book it yourself if you choose, knowing that you will rely directly on the supplier to provide the customer service for your trip.  

How your Travel Professional gets paid depends entirely on your Travel Professional’s business model.  There is no right or wrong. 

Just remember, your Travel Professional is a Professional, with training and expertise.  Just like you wouldn’t expect your doctor to give out free medical advice, or your attorney to give out free legal advice; you shouldn’t expect a Travel Professional to give out free travel plans and advice.