Income Growth Starts with Strategy

You’ve learned how travel advisors earn commission — now it’s time to talk about scaling your business.

The truth is, not all travel advisors earn the same. Two people can work the same hours, yet one makes $40,000 a year while another clears six figures. The difference lies in strategy, niche, and partnerships.

At Riveting Trips Group, we’ve coached advisors from their first booking to million-dollar producers. Here’s what separates those who simply book travel from those who build a business.

#1: Specialize in a Lucrative Niche

If you try to sell every type of trip, you’ll compete on price. But when you focus on a specific niche, you compete on value.

Luxury travel is all about expertise — and clients happily pay for it. Some high-earning niches include:

  • Luxury family travel (multi-generational villas, private guides)
  • Honeymoons and romance travel (Maldives, Amalfi Coast, Bora Bora)
  • Culinary and wine experiences (Italy, France, Napa)
  • Corporate incentive travel (reward programs and retreats)
  • Wellness and transformational travel (spa resorts, retreats, cultural immersion)

Niche advisors earn more because they become known for something. They attract referrals, press mentions, and repeat clients looking for specialized expertise.

#2: Charge Professional Planning Fees

One of the fastest ways to increase income is to start charging service or planning fees.

Think of it this way: architects, financial planners, and photographers all charge for their expertise — so should you.

A planning fee signals professionalism, filters out tire-kickers, and rewards you for your time. Most luxury advisors charge between $150 and $1,000 per trip, depending on complexity and client profile.

Pro tip from Riveting Trips mentors: present your fee after a warm discovery call — once clients see the value of your expertise.

#3: Nurture Repeat & Referral Clients

The secret to sustainable success? Retention and referrals.

It’s easier (and more profitable) to serve existing clients than constantly chase new ones. Here’s how top advisors do it:

  • Send personalized follow-ups after each trip (“How was the Amalfi cooking class?”).
  • Offer exclusive travel previews or Virtuoso perks to loyal clients.
  • Celebrate milestones — birthdays, anniversaries, first family trips.
  • Ask happy clients for referrals and reward them with small thank-yous.

When clients feel seen and valued, they become your biggest advocates. Many of Riveting Trips’ top advisors generate 80% of their business from repeat travelers.

#4: Leverage Your Host Agency’s Tools and Partnerships

You don’t need to do it all alone. Partnering with a strong host agency multiplies your earning power.

At Riveting Trips Group, advisors access:

  • Preferred rates and perks for clients
  • Commission tracking and CRM tools to streamline workflow
  • Business coaching and sales training tailored to luxury advisors
  • Introductions to global suppliers and DMC partners
  • Up to 100% commission potential for high producers

When you leverage these tools, you can focus on what you do best — selling extraordinary travel.

#5: Invest in Your Brand and Visibility

In the luxury market, presentation matters. Your brand is your storefront, even if you work from home.

Invest in a professional online presence:

  • A simple but elegant website (use Canva + WordPress)
  • A consistent Instagram and LinkedIn presence
  • Beautiful email templates with destination highlights
  • Thoughtful blog posts or videos showing your expertise

You don’t need to be everywhere — just visible to the right audience. Building brand trust attracts premium clients who value your expertise (and happily pay for it).

How Riveting Trips Helps You Scale Smarter

At Riveting Trips, we don’t just hand you a login and wish you luck. We help you build a thriving, profitable business through:

  • Mentorship & accountability — personalized business coaching
  • Training modules — learn sales, marketing, and mindset skills
  • Scalable systems — CRM, automation, and commission tracking
  • Supportive community — a network of high-performing advisors
  • Brand credibility — access to luxury partnerships and Virtuoso affiliation

When you grow, we grow — and that’s why our advisors consistently outperform the industry average.

Take the Next Step Toward Higher Earnings

You already have the passion. Now it’s time to build the profit.

If you’re ready to elevate your income and independence, join a host agency that gives you the tools, training, and community to thrive.

Ready to start earning doing what you love?
 Apply to become a Riveting Trips Independent Advisor and learn how we help new advisors launch and scale their business.

Next Steps: How to Get Started

If you’re craving more meaning, freedom, and creativity in your work life, it might be time to pivot into travel advising.

👉 Here’s how to take the first step:

Complete our application and our team will see if Riveting Trips is the right fit for you.

Start your training and begin building your dream business.

The world is waiting—and so are your future clients. Your next great adventure starts with saying yes to yourself.

About us

Riveting Trips is a luxury travel design agency led by Conde’ Nast Top Travel Specialist Jeanie Colclough. We specialize in crafting bespoke journeys that inspire connection, curiosity, and comfort—for families, executives, and adventurous souls alike.