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.
For an even better look into the life of a travel advisor, we suggest taking the 7-day Setup Accelerator Crouse offered by Host Agency Reviews. This course provides the building blocks you'll need to get started in the industry and can help you determine if being a Travel Advisor is right for you.
Do I need to be branded under Rainbow Getaways?
Yes and No.
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.
As you gain experience and revenue, you'll have the option to follow your dreams of building your own brand.
For tenured advisors, you're welcome to use your own brand on a website, email, and other traveler-facing documents. If you're interested in joining as a self-branded advisor, let us know during your interview.
Who should apply?
All Rainbow Getaways Travel Advisors must be US residents living in the United States (excluding California, Hawaii, and Washington).
You should be detail-oriented, have a passion for travel planning, be good at cultivating relationships, have a thirst for learning all you can about destinations, and strive for excellence in everything you do.
Will I be a W2 Employee or a contractor of Rainbow Getaways?
As a travel advisor for Rainbow Getaways, you will be a 1099-NEC Independent Contractor. This allows you the freedom to set your working hours, find your own clients, and discover which registered suppliers you want to work with.
As an independent contractor, in January of each year, you will receive a 1099-NEC from Rainbow Getaways reporting the commissions you've received in the prior year. You will be responsible for reporting this on your income tax return. For further clarification on how a 1099-NEC may impact your taxes, please reach out to your CPA or other qualified individuals.
What are the benefits of being a travel advisor?
As an independent travel advisor, you will set your own work schedule, work with your own 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, opportunities to participate in FAM Trips from travel suppliers, and more.
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 basic tools you need to be successful. You'll be added to our team's CRM, travel partner booking systems, and Google Workspace for email, Gdrive, and Google Docs.
Beyond the basics, the sky is the limit for what tools you can use to build a successful business. Once you get started, you'll find a list of recommended tools that have been tried and tested.
What does it cost to join Rainbow Getaways?
A one-time new advisor set-up fee of $100 will be included in your first annual dues invoice.
For Rainbow Getaways branded advisors, the annual dues are $300.
For year two and beyond, we offer flexible payment options that allow you to pick one that meets your overall budget.
Your annual dues include:
- CRM access
- Rainbow Getaways Google Workspace Account
- Legal forms from Travel Industry Solutions
- A competitive commission split based on travel revenue
- Access to Ensemble training and booking software
- Plus additional tools
For experienced advisors selling under their own brand, dues will be dependent on the number of services needed (CRM, Google, etc.).
What are the commission splits?
Your commission split is based on your traveled revenue from the previous year. You can earn higher splits as you earn traveled revenue; in that case, all future commissions for the current year and the following year will be paid at the earned level.
|
Previous Year Traveled Revenue |
Commission Split |
| $0 to $49,999 | 70/30% |
| $50,000 - $149,999 | 75/25% |
| $150,000 - $399,999 | 80/20% |
| $400,000 - $599,999 | 85/20% |
| $600,000 and up | 90/10% |
If you're joining us as an experienced advisor with your own brand, we will discuss a custom schedule of commission splits during your interview.
Are there any sales requirements to be with Rainbow Getaways?
We know it takes time to build up your client base and bookings when you're starting as a travel advisor. While there are no specific sales requirements for your first year, your second year, and beyond, there are requirements before you will be approved for your own IATAN 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.
One of the most substantial metrics for how much money you can make in the industry is the time you can dedicate to the profession. The beauty is that you can choose to do this as a part-time profession to supplement your regular income or focus full-time.
You will need to find your leads and clients, so to be successful as an independent travel advisor, you should be able to network with others to build your recognition in the industry.
How will I be paid?
We pay commissions twice a month via direct deposit.
Commissions are paid after the client has started 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 client's personal and payment information, we conduct a basic background check before setting up your accounts.
What kind of expenses should I expect as a travel advisor?
Beyond the one-time set-up fee and your annual dues, for the most part, how much you spend on your travel business is up to you.
To be successful, you will need to spend some money on your new business. Whether this is course from The Travel Institute, building your own website, or something else is up to you.
Some advisors spend thousands of dollars on marketing and other tools, while others spend just a few hundred.
While running a travel business, it's not always how much you spend but how much time and effort you put into cultivating relationships with your clients.
Will I be able to use Rainbow Getaways branding?
Yes, you will. You'll be invited to the Canva Team, giving you access to our templates, logos, colors, and more.
We will build a profile page on www.rainbowgetaways.net to show off your passion and reviews. Plus, you'll be able to create your own social media pages and groups to inspire your clients to travel.
Will I need my own website?
That is up to you and your operating budget. You will have a profile page on the Rainbow Getaways website, but as you gain experience, you may want to explore having your website.
As a member of Rainbow Getaways, you will have access to affordable website design to highlight the parts of travel that you're passionate about.
Do I need Professional E&O Insurance?
Rainbow Getaways has Professional E&O insurance, which carries forward to our independent contractors selling under the Rainbow Getaways brand while they are just starting in the industry.
After your first year, we encouraged our advisors to maintain their own E&O coverage on top of the RBG Policy.
If you are coming to Rainbow Getaways with your own brand, you will need to have your own E&O policy.
Apply Now
Ready to apply? Click the link below to submit your application. Have other questions? Send us an email at info@rainbowgetaways.net.
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