Yes, You Want A Travel Agent
and it won't cost you anything.
I had been casually serving as a Travel Agent under a “Host Agency” since January of 2024, primarily to earn commissions from myself. In the last month, I’ve absorbed 450 hours of online learning, taken 4.5 hours of exams to pass 3 accreditations to start MY OWN Host Agency.
In 4-6 weeks, I’ll receive my IATAN number, which enables me to serve as an intermediary between airlines and travelers, retain the entire commission from bookings AND affords me incredible discounts as I pursue my silly little mission to see the world.
You’re probably wondering why anyone would use a Travel Agent in 2025. First, let me make it clear that Travel Agents earn the same commission the same way Booking.com, Expedia and all those other OTA’s (Online Travel Agencies) do. The vendor…the airline, the hotel, the tour provider…pay about 10% of the cost of the purchase to the intermediary. When you book directly from Delta or Marriott, you don’t get a deal…they do.
That said, these suppliers prefer travelers to book through Travel agents over OTA’s because we simply provide better customer service. We are more available and accountable, so they incentivize our travelers by adding extras, like a welcome drink, a room upgrade, a free night, or a $100 credit for the spa or restaurant...or all of the above. Ultimately, it saves them money and offers you better value and security.
Of course, anyone can book an itinerary to a place they’ve never been from the home they’ve never left, so long as they’ve got an IATAN number to work under. The majority of travel agents, particularly those working under a Host Agency, have traveled less extensively than their clients. Many are simply sitting in a call center, like your Amex Customer Service Agent. No shade, they can look at the numbers and get you a deal…
If you want an epic adventure to a remote, unspoilt, location that hasn’t been destroyed by overdevelopment, you need me. Of course, I’m happy to simply book your flights and hotels at no cost, only benefit to you. What really excites me, though, is crafting your itinerary and curating your lifetime travel strategy. My client’s find the additional 10% fee for this service saves them hours of planning and earns them an experience they would never have had the knowledge to execute on their own.