Is Being a Travel Agent Worth It?
INTRO
Host and context: Samantha, travel advisor for 11+ years, host agency owner (Just Adventures Host Agency, New York), has helped hundreds of advisors start or grow their travel businesses.
Background includes: speaking at travel events, business development manager for a hotel, travel non-profit work, chapter director for CCRA, and nine years running Just Adventures.
Core claim: Yes, being a travel agent is absolutely worth it — not just for the travel and flexibility, but because it can change your whole life.
HER STORY
Previously owned a boutique on Long Island — long hours, no passion.
Started doing group trips to travel and have people to travel with.
Realized she should do it full time, closed the boutique, became a travel agent.
Describes it as completely changing her life.
WHY IT'S WORTH IT
Travel Experiences
Grew up not traveling — family couldn't afford it.
Since becoming an agent: traveled throughout the Middle East, Europe, and Asia.
Stayed at iconic, expensive hotels around the world, often for free.
Flexibility
Ability to work from anywhere — describes it as life-changing in itself.
Sense of Purpose
Not just booking trips — helping people experience meaningful moments: honeymoons, anniversaries, family vacations, destination weddings (her niche).
Fulfillment she never felt in retail or any other job.
Waking up knowing the work is fun and matters.
Income Potential
Some advisors use it as side income — to fund travel, pay off debt, or supplement earnings.
Others started part-time and built full-time careers that replaced or exceeded traditional job income.
CLOSING TAKEAWAY
The career gave her travel, flexibility, financial freedom, and purpose — all combining into the ability to build the life she actually wanted instead of going through the motions of one she didn't.
Still just as grateful after 11 years as when she started.
Acknowledges it's not always perfect or easy — but it gives you the opportunity to create a life you love.
Verdict: 100% worth it.