Ever Wondered How Travel Agents Get Paid?
- Kathie
- Jul 30
- 4 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
Commission: You’re Already Paying for a Travel Agent!
Here’s a truth that most major travel companies don’t advertise: Most hotels, tours, and cruises already include commissions in their prices. That means when you book your vacation directly with the company over the phone—you're paying for a travel agent, but you're talking to an order taker.
What Happens When You Call Direct?
Let’s say you call that big-name hotel or cruise line. The person who picks up the phone is usually a salaried employee. They don’t make commission, and their primary focus is taking your booking, and moving on to the next caller as quickly as possible. Their job is to fill rooms, cabins, or seats for their employer—not to design your ideal vacation.
Who Are They Really Working For? Not You.
When you book directly, you’re interacting with someone whose loyalty is to their employer, not to you. Their job is to handle each caller politely and expeditiously, without getting to know you—and your needs and desires.
How Are Travel Agents Different?
We work for you!
Here at Beyond the Crowds, our clients are our business. Our goal isn’t just to make a one-time sale—it’s to create long-term, trusted relationships. We want you to love your travel experiences so much that you’ll come back for your next journey, and feel so excited about your trip that you want to refer us to friends and family.
As your travel agent, my focus is on you, and fulfilling your wants and needs, not just getting something booked. I advocate for your preferences, handle special requests, and ensure your experience exceeds expectations.
Tailored Recommendations: Your interests shape every itinerary and hotel selection.
Assistance With Special Offers: I track exclusive promotions—like up to 15% off your room rate—to add even more value to your booking.
Seamless Problem-Solving: Should any issue arise, I serve as your direct contact, saving you time and frustration.
Peace of Mind: Flexible, refundable policies ensure you can book with confidence, even as plans evolve.
Broad Expertise: I have been serving travel clients since 2009 so I know what to watch out for and what questions to ask. Plus, I am always learning by reading up on destinations and suppliers, as well as attending several webinars weekly. If I were to do a brain dump, it would be overwhelming!
Here is Commission at the Savoy Hotel in Florence Italy For Example
Oct 28, 2025 for 4 nights - pricing with commission shown - it's included in the price!

Did you notice the Virtuoso Benefits?
When you book your travels with me, you’re not just securing a beautiful room—you’re tapping into exclusive privileges thanks to my host agency and partnership with Virtuoso. Here’s what this means for you:
Sample Exclusive Virtuoso Advantages
With Virtuoso, your stay goes far beyond the ordinary. You can receive benefits and experiences you simply won’t get by booking direct or online:
Complimentary Daily Breakfast
Enjoy a delicious buffet breakfast included with your stay—often saving hundreds of dollars over a multi-night visit.
Hotel Credits
Receive $100 or more in food and beverage credit to use during your stay, perfect for enjoying gourmet dining or specialty drinks at the hotel’s restaurants and bars.
Room Upgrades
Benefit from potential free upgrades at check-in, subject to availability, so you can enjoy more space or a better view at no extra charge.
Early Check-in and Late Check-out
Start relaxing sooner and savor your departure longer with priority for early check-in and late check-out when available.
Same Reservation—Without the Virtuoso Benefits
The big difference with Virtuoso is that you get 15% off the room and free breakfast. Below, without Virtuoso, you get 15% off of breakfast only!

Note: If Virtuoso properties are not in your price range, I can still get other benefits from my host agency. Send me a request and I'll pull a quote for you.
The Big News! Here’s How We Get Paid:
By Suppliers: When you book a hotel, cruise, or tour through us, the supplier pays us a pre-included commission.
By Value-Added Service: If your trip is customized or involves more than two people, I’ll clearly outline any planning fee right from the start. You’ll always have full transparency before you decide to book.
By Referrals and Repeat Business: The better your experience, the more likely you are to book with us again—and spread the word. That’s our real “bonus”! This saves us time, effort and expenses on creating and paying for advertising.
Why Trust a Travel Agent?
Working with a travel professional means you have an advocate before, during, and after your journey. We know the secrets—exclusive perks, upgrades, and little touches you won’t find online. We take the time to get to know your travel style, your preferences, and your dreams—so every trip is uniquely yours.
Travel Smart—Choose a Partner Who Works for You
Next time you’re planning a trip, remember:
The price is usually the same, but
The service, value, expertise, and memories you get with Beyond the Crowds are in a league of their own.
Have questions about our process? Reply to this email—we’re here for you every step of the way.
Ready to make your next adventure effortless and extraordinary?
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