FAQ
Searching for some answers? Check out these most commonly asked questions we get asked from new advisors.
Am I the right fit to be a travel advisor?
Being a travel advisor can be a fulfilling and rewarding career for those who love to travel, pay attention to detail, and enjoy planning. Like every career, you'll have challenges you will need to overcome to succeed. In our experience, successful travel advisors have time to dedicate to their clients, learn the trade, learn details about their preferred travel partners, and approach all interactions ethically. We want all future advisors to find the right home, even if that's not with Rainbow Getaways. One excellent resource for finding a home is Host Agency Reviews.
Why Should I have industry training before Applying as a new advisor?
Being a travel advisor is more than just booking vacations and enjoying travel benefits—it’s about building and running a small business. As you embark on this career, having a solid foundation in business fundamentals is essential. The Rainbow Getaways leadership team is dedicated to helping all our independent travel advisors succeed, but we’ve found that understanding basic business principles is crucial before diving into the finer points of advising. To support you in this, we’ve partnered with The Travel Institute to offer an $80 discount on the TRIPKIT, the industry-leading course for new travel advisors. We understand that the TRIPKIT is an investment; not everyone can afford it immediately. However, two critical factors for success when starting a travel business are a commitment to education and the capital to cover business expenses. Alternatively, we will gladly accept your certificate if you’ve already completed industry training from ASTA, CLIA, or another recognized industry leader. If you have other relevant business experience or education, you're welcome to apply, and we will discuss it in more detail during your interview. The important thing is to ensure that you have covered the business fundamentals before launching your travel business. When you’re ready to take the course, you can request your discount code from the New Advisor page.
Does Rainbow Getaways only work with LGBTQ+ clients?
Absoultely not, we welcome all travelers regardless of sexuality, age, race, religion, gender, gender identity, etc. All that we ask is that our travelers have want to experience the world and our advisors will help make it happen.
Do I need to develop my own travel brand?
For advisors new to the industry, starting under the Rainbow Getaways brand lowers the barriers to entry and allows you to focus on learning and growing your traveler list. However, if you have the desire to sell under your own brand from day one, let's talk about it during your interview. As you gain experience and revenue, you'll most likely start to think about using your own brand. When that time comes, we'll work with you to make sure you're set up for long-term success with Rainbow Getaways.
Who can apply
All Independent Travel Advisors of Rainbow Getaways must be US residents living in the United States (excluding Hawaii and Washington).
Will I be a W2 employee or an Independent contactor?
As an independent travel advisor with Rainbow Getaways, you will be a 1099-NEC Independent Contractor. This allows you to set your working hours, find your own clients, and discover which of our preferred suppliers you want to work with. You will receive a 1099-NEC from Rainbow Getaways each January as an independent contract. This reports the commission you've received during the previous year to the IRS and will be used when you file your annual tax return. For further clarification on how a 1099-NEC may impact your taxes, please consult your CPA or other qualified individual.
What are the benefits of being a travel advisor?
As an independent travel advisor, you will set your own schedule, work with your clients, and bring your passion for travel to every interaction. Once qualified, you'll have the opportunity to receive discounted hotel rooms for personal travel and opportunities to participate in FAM Trips.
What tools do I need to be a travel advisor?
You'll supply your computer, cell phone, internet, and workspace. For advisors selling under the Rainbow Getaways Brand, your dues will cover the essential tools you need to be successful. You'll be added to our team's CRM, travel partner booking systems, Google Workspace, and other tools. ​Beyond the basics, the sky is the limit for what tools you can use to build a successful business.
Are there any sales requirements?
We know it takes time to build up your client base and bookings when you are starting as a travel advisor. While there are no specific sales requirements to be a member of Rainbow Getaways, we do have tenure and production requirements before you are approved for your own IATAN or CLIA card.
Can I really make money as a Travel Advisor?
It takes time for travel advisors to be in the black after considering their annual expenses. According to the Host Agency Reviews 2023 Hosted Travel Advisor Report, the average income after the first year of experience is about $1,200. The average jumps to $9,800 in the second year and continues to grow with more time in the industry. ​As a new small business owner, you should expect to invest in your business during the first few years. Access to available capital is vital to provide opportunities and reduce the stress that being in the red can cause. ​Beyond capital, one of the most substantial metrics for how much money you can make in this industry is the time you can dedicate to your profession. While you can do this as a part-time professional, you will want to make sure you have the freedom to invest time to grow your business. This means attending industry events, working with clients on their schedules, and answering emergency calls when they come in. ​You'll need to find your leads and convert them to clients. As an independent travel advisor, having the time and money to invest in this can give you a leg up. Plus, being comfortable speaking to strangers about your business while networking is critical to success and building recognition within the industry.
How will I be Paid?
We pay commissions twice a month via direct deposit. Commissions are eligible to be paid after the client starts travel and once the commissions have cleared from the supplier into the agency's account.
Is there a background check?
Yes, because you'll have regular access to your clients' personal and payment information, we conduct a background check before setting up your accounts.
Will I need my own website?
All members of the Rainbow Getaways team have a spot in the Meet The Team section on the About Us page. Beyond the About Us section, we will set you up with a starter page that you can share with your prospects to build credibility. As your revenue grows, you will want to consider expanding your online footprint with your own website. When the time comes, we have options for you to consider, or you can start from scratch and build up your website.
Do I need Professional E&O Insurance?
Rainbow Getaways has professional E&O insurance, which is carried over to our independent contractors selling under the Rainbow Getaways brand. After you sell $50k in booked revenue, we encourage our advisors to maintain their own E&O coverage on top of the RBG policy. Advisors who have sold at least $150k in booked revenue each year must carry their own E&O insurance. For advisors marketing travel under their own brand, you must have your own E&O policy before you start working with Rainbow Getaways.
Does RBG offer a Military/Veteran Discount?
We are grateful for the service of the members of the U.S. military and veterans. To show our appreciation, we offer $50 off the initial set-up fee for all veterans and active-duty military members.
Key Rainbow Getaways Tools
Your annual dues include access to a comprehensive suite of tools designed to empower and streamline your business operations. Two of our proud partnerships are:
Tern
As an inaugural member of the Tern Founding Flock, Rainbow Getaways has played a key role in shaping an exceptional CRM system tailored specifically for the modern travel consultant. Tern seamlessly combines traditional CRM functionalities with an elegant itinerary planner and advanced AI capabilities, delivering a premier vacation planning experience for travelers.
Travel Industry Solutions
Rainbow Getaways has partnered with Travel Industry Solutions to offer industry-specific, warrantied legal documents, empowering you to mitigate risk and ensure compliance when working with your travelers.
What are the commission splits?
Your commission split is determined by your previous year’s traveled revenue. As your annual traveled revenue increases, so does your commission split.
Previous Year
Traveled Revenue
$0 - $49,999
$50,000 - $199,999
$200,000 - $399,999
$400,000 - $999,999
$1,000,000 +
Commission
Split
75/25%
80/20%
85/15%
90/10%
Contracted
If you’re joining us as an experienced advisor, Rainbow Getaways will adjust your commission level to reflect your previous year’s traveled revenue with your former host agency.
What does it cost to join Rainbow Getaways?
The first annual dues invoice will include a one-time setup fee of $100 for all independent travel advisors.
For Rainbow Getaways Branded Advisors, your dues start at as low as $450 per year, and there are no hidden fees to buy into higher commission tiers.
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For Advisors selling under your own brand, dues vary based on the tools that you will need access to, with a base plan of $87 every three months for Tern.
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To help you budget, Quarterly, Semi-Annual, and Annual payment plans are available.
Your Annual Dues Include:
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Rainbow Getaways Google Workspace Account (email and business software)
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Tern CRM Access
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Legal forms and templates from Travel Industry Solutions
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Competitive commission split based on travel revenue and no additional fees to get paid more
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Access to training programs
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Rainbow Getaways credentials & booking tools
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Ensemble Travel Network membership for increased commissions and air desk support
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Plus, additional tools and training
Please note: Annual dues are subject to change based on the current market rates of the included tools.