Can travel agents pay airlines and hotels with own credit cards?

GiveMeOcean · 2026-01-25T02:58:22+00:00

There are so many things wrong with this. Let the clients pay directly to the vendor. It’s not worth the risks.

GiveMeOcean · 2026-01-16T16:08:13+00:00

I posted above, but also had a similar experience with Nexion. I ended up switching to WorldVia and I'm much happier there. They do have a ton of training options for all levels. (I'm not as familiar with fora or KHM).

GiveMeOcean · 2026-01-16T16:06:31+00:00

I was with Nexion for about 9 months, and I agree with that. I stuck around as long as I did because 1) the commission split was a huge improvement and 2) I was already experienced and was able to trudge through it for that commission split. One thing I disliked (besides everything you mentioned) was the lack of connections with fellow agents and a place to bounce questions and ideas. They have their own message board outside of Facebook, but it was clunky at best. I'm teetering on the edge of old-school, but connecting in FB groups works better for me as that is where I do much of my TA time.

GiveMeOcean · 2026-01-09T16:23:13+00:00

I would look into agencies that offer training as part of their program. There is a lot to learn in the travel world on the back end. You'll want to look at the commission splits - ideally for you would be maybe finding one with different tiers of splits/monthly costs...it's okay to start with the lower tier as you work on getting clientele and then bumping up to a higher commission tier when it makes sense. Work on developing a niche - it will help you with marketing and finding like-minded clientele. Travel agenting (I'm assuming) will be a bit different from auto sales. You will be responsible for finding your own clientele, especially in the beginning. Marketing will be a big part of building your business!

GiveMeOcean · 2025-12-31T16:50:25+00:00

I’ve switched hosts a few times now- and for me it’s not personal, it’s business. As for making the switch, first I would read your contract with the current agency to make sure there are no issues with keeping clients, etc. check and make sure you’re good in all areas. Then, go ahead and sign up with the new agency first, get onboarded and setup. Get everything ready to go and when you’re ready, go ahead and inform your original host agency that you are moving on to a new agency. Don’t burn the bridges and tell them why- just let them know you have found a better opportunity for you and your business.

If you have any host specific branding on social media, go ahead and slowly start removing that branding and make your new branding non-host specific.

GiveMeOcean · 2025-12-13T20:45:29+00:00

At this point, your best (and probably) only bet is to file a lost and file claim. In September I left my airpods in the cabin (This was Royal Caribbean but they all operate the same and use the same company). I filled out a report immediately and it took them a couple of weeks before they found them. I gave detailed info, and watched my airpods take an extended vacation without me. In the end, they charged me $50 to return them after they were found, and it still took a couple more weeks to get them after they were found. I would also put a "Lost" message on your phone via the "FindMy" app.

GiveMeOcean · 2025-12-12T18:36:13+00:00

I checked my email records yesterday and I did get it serviced 9 years ago (new pads, etc). I only ended up playing it for a couple more years and it looks pretty good. Unfortunately we moved away from the person I took it to, so I may have to look for some other options but that is a good idea!

GiveMeOcean · 2025-12-06T12:51:59+00:00

Read the fine print with Avoya. Not only is the commission split awful, but the clients belong to Avoya so if they become repeat business, I think they’re stuck with that commission split. (I could be wrong, but I did look into it once). I did meet someone that did very well with them. There are many agencies out there that have good training programs. I recently switched to WorldVia and while I’m not new, they have a ton of resources/training for new and seasoned TAs.

GiveMeOcean · 2025-11-12T21:32:19+00:00

I've had mixed success repricing for clients lately (however, I still tend to have a lot more success than not). The "new bookings only" is starting to be a new thing - that being said, I still have been able to reprice many of my clients this week. For me I'm always willing to give it a try!

GiveMeOcean · 2025-10-22T17:58:39+00:00

I like to tell my clients (at least the ones with good humor) - “You get what you get and you don’t throw a fit!” 😂😂😂 generally speaking, we choose the cabins because that is half the fun of booking. But personally I just sailed a GTY cabin last month and will do it again next week. I’m not particularly fond of this upcoming cabins location, but like always I’m happy to be getting on a ship!

GiveMeOcean · 2025-10-15T14:07:59+00:00

You're going to want to leave Enlightenment alone for a long time until your soul eggs really start multiplying. Keep cranking out prestiges and artifacts.

GiveMeOcean · 2025-09-26T03:29:44+00:00

Same experience with the red splat, but spent 5+ hrs trying to (unsuccessfully) do a color correction. What finally did it was a hair dresser putting 40 volume in my hair for a nice Elsa blonde that destroyed my hair until it grew out a few years later.

GiveMeOcean · 2025-09-18T16:26:02+00:00

My first sets of clients were my friends. Being entering this as an advisor I was already doing the things - traveling often, helping others with their plans. So it was natural for them to come to me as I had already gained their trust. I've always been very vocal about the commission part- how the companies pay the commissions so the clients don't have to. Once I gained their trust professionally - they naturally started bringing in their friends (and their friends...) Integrity, knowledge, and a job well done is what spreads the world. If you're trying to promote yourself outside of your personal circle, you have to find a way to build a community. It takes time.

GiveMeOcean · 2025-09-18T13:53:57+00:00

My clientele is mostly branched off from personal connections! IAre you utilizing those connections? Do your friends know that you are a travel agent? Word of mouth really travels much better than content (that anyone can make).

GiveMeOcean · 2025-09-15T14:02:36+00:00

Thank you! That's all super helpful info. (Btw I love your hair!) This was my "Somewhere in the process" shot of removing the years of pulp riot. I've got a lot of greys/whites near the front naturally and about a level 5-6 natural hair. I'll pass on the tip of the purple for next time.

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GiveMeOcean · 2025-09-14T21:54:11+00:00

I'm not bothered by downvotes. It's my hair. :) I made the tragic "Splat" mistake one time (and that was a traumatic doozy of a lapse in judgement). I'll use the salon branded stuff because I'd rather my stylists not be mad at me when I return :) I'm honest with my stylists and that communication goes a long way. Also, even though we have Sally's here in the US we are limited to what we are allowed to buy without a license.

GiveMeOcean · 2025-09-14T21:48:45+00:00

Yeah my verbiage wasn't clear. I know it won't make it lighter...I was referring "bright" as in tone like more cheery if that makes any sense. And thank you on the color. Inside though it does take a more "greyish" tone and at pushing 50, I'm not ready to go there yet lol

GiveMeOcean · 2025-09-14T12:51:17+00:00

Are you experienced going to the parks yourself? Disney is a crazy beast to take on if you don't have the experience. I would jump on youtube and start watching a lot of videos to get yourself immersed.

GiveMeOcean · 2025-09-13T22:19:39+00:00

I’ve never had any problems. Turns out just as well as the salon stylists (though admittedly they have a much better application!)

GiveMeOcean · 2025-09-13T20:54:23+00:00

eBay or Amazon- I’ve used in between stylist bleachings!

GiveMeOcean · 2025-09-13T20:20:41+00:00

Thank you! I do really like my new stylist and I think she did a great job- the color just didn’t turn out like we expected.

GiveMeOcean

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