You became a travel advisor. You completed the training. You created the social accounts.

So... where are the clients?

In this episode of Travology Unpacked, Claire Bennett explores the “first-client problem” — that uncomfortable stretch between becoming a travel advisor and actually having people trust you to plan their trips.

Getting those first bookings isn't only about knowing travel. New advisors also have to learn how to build awareness, develop trust, communicate their value and stay visible long enough for potential clients to remember them when they're ready to travel.

In this episode, we look at:

• Why training and building a client base require different skills • How staying in “learning mode” can delay actually building the business • Why simply posting on social media isn't a client-acquisition strategy • How existing relationships and communities can help create early momentum • Why a quiet first few weeks doesn't necessarily mean something isn't working • How one great client experience can begin a cycle of referrals and repeat business • The questions new advisors should ask when the inbox is still empty

The first client can feel like the hardest one to find. But building a travel business doesn't require hundreds of clients on day one. It starts with becoming known, building trust and giving the first person a reason to say, “Can you help me with this trip?”

Learn more about Travology and listen to more episodes at TravologyAgent.com/podcast.

SOURCES / FURTHER READING

Travel Weekly — 2025 Travel Industry Survey

Host Agency Reviews — Resources and guidance for new travel advisors

Is the highest host-agency commission split always the best deal for a travel advisor?

Not necessarily.

In this episode of Travology Unpacked, Claire Bennett breaks down why the percentage an advisor keeps is only part of the commission equation. A 90% split on a lower supplier commission can sometimes produce fewer actual dollars than an 80% — or even 70% — split on a stronger underlying commission rate.

We look at what else matters when comparing host agencies, including:

• Supplier commission levels and preferred supplier relationships • Host-agency fees and the true cost of doing business • Technology and commission tracking • Training and mentorship • Advisor support • Commission payment practices • Overall earning potential versus the advertised split

The commission examples used in this episode are hypothetical and are intended to demonstrate how the math works. Actual supplier commission rates, host agreements, fees and advisor compensation structures vary.

The takeaway: commission split matters — but it shouldn't be the only number you consider when choosing a host agency.

Learn more about Travology and listen to more episodes at TravologyAgent.com/podcast

With online booking sites, supplier websites, smartphones, and now artificial intelligence making it easier than ever to plan a trip, do people really still use travel agents?

In the first episode of Travology Unpacked, host Claire Bennett looks at what the modern travel advisor actually does, why travelers still choose professional help, and how the profession has evolved alongside technology rather than disappearing because of it.

We explore why travelers turn to advisors for expertise, time savings, personalized service, complex trips, groups, cruises, international travel, and help when plans don't go as expected. We also look at the other side of the equation: sometimes booking a straightforward trip yourself makes perfect sense.

The question isn't whether everyone needs a travel advisor. It's when having one adds value.

In this episode: • Why travel advisors still exist in the age of online booking • What today's travelers say they value about working with an advisor • How the travel advisor profession has changed • Why complexity and specialization matter • How technology and AI are changing the role rather than simply replacing it • When DIY booking may be perfectly reasonable

Sources & further reading: American Society of Travel Advisors — 2026 industry fact sheet Travel Weekly / Phocuswright — 2025 Travel Industry Survey Expedia Travel Agent Affiliate Program — research on traveler use of travel advisors

Travology Unpacked takes you inside the business of travel—how the industry works, what's changing, and what it means for the people who plan, sell, and experience travel.

Learn more about Travology at TravologyAgent.com.