Here’s What I Tell My Students

If you’ve ever thought:
“I feel weird earning money for someone else’s vacation…”
“Should I really be getting paid for something I love to do?”
“I didn’t mark up the price… but I still feel awkward about it…”

Let me reassure you: You are not alone.

This feeling comes up all the time especially for new travel agents who lead with heart and want to serve with integrity. (Which, if you’re here, I’m guessing is exactly you.)

But here’s what I tell my students inside Travel Genius Coaching:

You don’t need to feel guilty.
You need to feel proud.

Because commission isn’t about taking advantage.
It’s about being compensated for the value you provide.

Let’s break this down together:

1. You’re Not Charging Extra. Suppliers Are Paying You

When you book through a travel supplier (like a cruise line or resort), your commission is built into the price. You’re not tacking anything on. You’re not padding the cost. You’re not charging clients more than what they’d pay on their own.

In fact, in many cases, you’re unlocking extra perks, savings, or upgrades they wouldn’t even know to ask for.

So no, you’re not costing them more, you’re giving them more.

2. You’re Saving Them Hours of Time and Stress

Let’s be honest: planning a trip well takes time. Researching destinations, sorting out logistics, comparing options, watching for price drops, chasing down confirmations, answering last-minute questions… it adds up fast.

Your clients don’t have the training or the tools, but you do.
You’re doing the heavy lifting so they can simply show up and enjoy.

That time has value.
Your experience has value.
Your steady hand when things go wrong (because sometimes they do)? That has value, too.

3. You’re Allowed to Be Paid for Meaningful Work

Here’s the part that goes deeper:
So many of us have internalized the belief that if something feels enjoyable, or if we’re naturally good at it, we shouldn’t be paid for it.

But that’s simply not true.

You’re not earning commission for being “lucky enough to love your job.”
You’re earning commission for solving a real problem and doing it well.

You’re allowed to serve with heart and be paid for your time.
You’re allowed to love this work and build a business that supports your life.

Let yourself receive what you’ve earned.

4. Commission isn’t the enemy.

It’s the foundation of a business that allows you to serve beautifully and sustainably.

Inside Travel Genius Coaching, we talk about this a lot.
I’ll help you shift your mindset around money, own your expertise, and build simple systems that support your clients and your income.

Because you deserve to thrive in this work. And, yes, you can do it with heart.

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You’re in the right place and you don’t have to do this alone.