A Travel Counsellor has shared her top three tips for newcomers after reaching nearly £1 million in sales in her first 12 months.

Di Rhodes finally decided to pursue her dream of a career in travel in May 2024, having taken voluntary redundancy from a senior role in commercial advertising after 25 years.

The Cheshire-based advisor chose Travel Counsellors as her host agency, attracted by the freedom to run her own business while still receiving expert support. She had also already had a positive experience with its services, having previously used the agency to book corporate travel.

“I looked at a few other [agencies] ones but I knew Travel Counsellors had a good reputation and that it would provide the support, structure and training that I needed,” Rhodes told TTG Luxury.

Now 16 months in, she has already achieved impressive results. Rhodes has made more than £930,000 in sales, the majority of which has come from bookings for luxury cruises, and built up a network of loyal clients from across the UK. 

But this fast success, which would have even established advisors envious, is no accident. Rhodes attributes her high figures to three behaviours, which collectively, have solidified her place as one-to-watch in this industry.

Have a safety net

Having worked in the business world for over 30 years, Rhodes doesn’t mince her words when it comes to finances. She urges aspiring Travel Counsellors to have money saved up before joining, especially if they don’t already have industry experience or a readymade client base.

“You’re not going to earn straight away – there could be at least a year until the money starts coming in,” Rhodes warned.

Enrolment in Travel Counsellors is also a significant investment; members pay £5,000 for its six-month-long academy training as well as a monthly fee of £48. It’s also important to note the commission breakdown, which sees the consultant keep 60% of their profits, with the remaining 40% going to the company.

There are cheaper alternatives, but for Rhodes, the support offered by Travel Counsellors is “worth its weight in gold.”

“If you’re going to do it, do it properly,” she said.

Rhodes also believes it would be very difficult to maintain another steady income stream while building a franchise at Travel Counsellors, describing the role as “a full-time job.”

“There is so much involved, especially at the beginning,” she said. “You’ve got to learn the new systems, find your customers, find the right product, and manage your own social media accounts.”

With the workload taxing on both time and energy, Rhodes advises newcomers to minimise any financial stress before enrolment.

“If you have worries about bills, that will detract from your focus,” Rhodes explained.

Specialise – if you can

Travel is a vast and ever-changing field, with destination statuses shifting constantly and new products launching daily. To simplify things, Rhodes advises that newcomers to Travel Counsellors select a niche.

“When you start and you don't have experience, you have to ski downhill, not uphill,” she explained. It was this mentality that influenced her own decision to specialise – and she knew exactly which area she’d select.

“I’ve been on more than 100 luxury cruises, so I’ve never been frightened of it,” Rhodes said. She added that luxury cruise is also still niche enough that it doesn’t have too much competition, noting: “A lot of people shy away from it or they’re wary of it.” 

For those who don’t have a niche, Rhodes recommends practising on ‘bucket and spade’ holidays and collaborating with mainstream tour operators.

“Start off doing Jet2holidays or easyJet holidays, because then you’re tagging along with what they’ve organised rather than putting a holiday together from start to finish,” she advised. This will also give the new advisor the opportunity to develop their skills in a lower-stakes environment before they are comfortable enough to make higher-value bookings with more complex itineraries.

Say yes to everything

It may sound simple, but Rhodes believes her open attitude has been the foundation of her success. From marketing training to fam trips, she accepts invitations to any event that’s relevant to her business.

“I say yes to the opening of an envelope,” she jokes. “Or if anyone cancels or can’t go, I’ll volunteer.”

For Rhodes, showing up to these events isn’t just about expanding her product knowledge – it’s a ripe networking terrain.

“It’s so important to learn not just from the suppliers, but from experienced agents,” she explains, before reassuring newcomers not to be deterred by the unknown. 

“Soak up everything you’re offered, even if you think you’re not experienced enough,” she said. “Push yourself. Embrace yourself in the whole experience.”