The Secret to Thriving in a Commission - Based Travel Career

Image: A thriving career (Photo Credit: KHM Travel Group)
Image: A thriving career (Photo Credit: KHM Travel Group)

Last updated:: 8:00 PM ET, Mon November 24, 2025

A commission-based career in travel can be exciting, but it can also be stressful. The unpredictability of client requests, high expectations, and working independently can lead to burnout if you’re not careful. The key is having smart strategies, ongoing support, and a strong professional network. As a host agency, KHM Travel Group helps travel agents stay energized, focused, and successful doing a job they love.

Set Realistic Goals

In a commission-based career, it’s easy to fall into an “all or nothing” mindset. As travel seasons change, you’ll have busy times followed by slower booking periods. Setting realistic, consistent goals can help even out the highs and lows. Break your annual commission goals into manageable monthly benchmarks and celebrate your small wins all along the way. Slower times are also great periods to refresh your processes and develop new skills. 

A thriving career

A thriving career (Photo Credit: KHM Travel Group)

Stay Committed to Ongoing Education

Education not only sharpens your knowledge but also helps you feel more confident and in control of your business. KHM Travel Group provides online courses, webinars, and live events that help agents stay updated on sales techniques, resources, and industry news. Suppliers also offer training on their booking websites, destinations, and experiences. Learning new strategies can reduce stress and make your workload more manageable.

Lean Into a Supportive Community

Working independently can feel isolating. A strong professional network can be a powerful buffer against burnout. KHM Travel Group’s community allows travel agents to connect with fellow agents, share tips, and celebrate successes together. Regional gatherings, a private online community to exchange ideas, and unlimited agent support make all the difference. Knowing how others have overcome similar challenges can be a huge morale booster.

Work With a Team of Coaches

Having access to those in the industry who understand the nuances of a commission-based career can have a significant impact. KHM Travel Group offers an award-winning coaching program with sessions about sales, marketing, time management, and more. By working one-on-one with someone, agents can learn the best ways to organize their workflow and develop good business practices. Sometimes just hearing a reassuring voice pointing you in the right direction is all the guidance you need.  

A thriving career

A thriving career (Photo Credit: KHM Travel Group)

Prioritize Work-Life Balance

Even the most dedicated travel agents need downtime. Schedule breaks, maintain boundaries with clients, and remember that rest is part of productivity. Burnout often comes when work becomes your entire life. Protecting family time and scheduling your own personal vacations is so valuable.

Burnout doesn’t have to be part of travel agent life. With KHM Travel Group’s education, coaching, and supportive community, agents can work smarter, stay motivated, and build a sustainable career they enjoy. Learn how you can get started with one of the industry’s leading host agencies at https://khmtravel.com


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Helping leisure selling travel agents successfully manage their at-home business.

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Laurence Pinckney

Laurence Pinckney

CEO of Zenbiz Travel, LLC

About Me