Online specialist travel planner

Travellers who want expert advice for a specific type of trip, and are happy to pay a planning fee for a personalised itinerary.

Planning fees for custom itineraries plus commission on bookings. Specialists can charge more per trip than general agents.

• Deep knowledge of your chosen niche
• Writing and itinerary building
• Marketing through social media or a website
• Clear communication with clients

• Check supplier accreditation and agency requirements before selling bookings
• Be clear about fees and cancellation terms in writing, and check consumer law with the ACCC
• Professional indemnity and public liability insurance
• Check how deposits and client money are handled safely
• Check if you need to register for GST once turnover reaches the threshold
• Travel demand can shift quickly with events, so plan for quiet months

Startup costs are typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on your website, marketing and insurance. Monthly revenue is typically estimated at $800 to $5,000, depending on your niche, client numbers and the planning fees you charge.

Check supplier accreditation and agency requirements before selling bookings. Be clear about fees and cancellation terms in writing, check consumer law with the ACCC, and check how deposits and client money are handled safely. Also check insurance and when GST registration applies.

The estimate is at least around 10 hours a week. You'll want deep knowledge of your niche, itinerary writing, marketing through social media or a website, and clear communication with clients. Demand can shift, so plan for quiet months.