Home-Based travel advisor

Families, couples, retirees and groups planning holidays, honeymoons, cruises or reunions. Suppliers such as resorts, cruise lines and tour operators pay your commission.

Commission paid by suppliers once a client travels, usually shared with your host agency. Many advisors also charge a planning fee for complex trips.

• Good listening and customer service
• Organised, with attention to detail
• Knowledge of destinations, or willingness to learn them
• Comfortable selling and following up

• Check whether your province requires registration or a licence for travel sellers. British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec have specific rules, and others may differ
• Check what insurance (such as errors and omissions) you or your host agency need
• Commission is usually paid only after the client travels, so income can arrive months after booking
• Check any home-based business licence rules from your municipality
• Host agencies may charge monthly or joining fees, so read the contract carefully

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $300 to $2,500, depending on host agency fees and your setup. Monthly revenue is estimated at roughly $300 to $3,000, though commission is usually paid only after clients travel.

Check whether your province requires registration or a licence for travel sellers. British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec have specific rules, and others may differ. Also check insurance such as errors and omissions, and any home-based business licence rules.

Useful skills include listening, customer service, attention to detail, knowledge of destinations or willingness to learn them, and comfort with selling and following up. Estimates suggest at least about 8 hours a week to start.