A Look Behind the Scenes at The Bespoke Destination

If you’ve ever worked with a travel advisor, or considered it, you might wonder: how exactly do they get paid? It’s a fair question, and one that often surprises people.

At The Bespoke Destination, we believe in transparency and want our clients to understand the value we bring to every trip we plan. Here’s a breakdown of how travel advisors are compensated, plus a few insights you won’t find in a quick Google search.

The Two Main Ways Travel Advisors Earn Income

1. Commissions from Travel Partners

When you book through a travel advisor, we’re typically paid a commission from the hotel, cruise line, or tour operator. These commissions are built into the price of your trip, meaning you won’t pay more than if you had booked direct.

Here’s what most people don’t realize:
We don’t earn commission until after you travel. That means we invest hours upfront designing your itinerary, coordinating logistics, confirming bookings, and fine-tuning the details, without immediate compensation. We’re motivated by trust and long-term relationships, not quick transactions.

As a Virtuoso-affiliated advisor, we also have access to preferred partner programs that unlock VIP perks you often can’t get on your own:
✨ Complimentary breakfasts
✨ Room upgrades (when available)
✨ Resort credits
✨ Early check-in / late check-out
✨ Personalized welcomes

These extras can often add up to hundreds, or even thousands of dollars in added value.

2. Planning or Service Fees

Not every trip requires a planning fee, but when it does, it reflects the depth of customization and expertise involved.

At The Bespoke Destination, we charge planning fees for multi-stop itineraries, bespoke honeymoons, bucket list safaris, multigenerational trips, or anything involving more than simple logistics.

Our clients appreciate knowing that this fee ensures a truly tailored experience, built from scratch with their needs, pace, and travel style in mind. It also gives you peace of mind knowing your trip is being handled by someone who knows the difference between just nice and once-in-a-lifetime.

What You’re Really Paying For

Yes, we can book your hotel. But the real value lies in everything that happens before and after the booking confirmation.

You’re paying for:

• A deep understanding of your preferences, often before you’ve even put them into words
• Firsthand knowledge of the destinations and hotels we recommend (we visit them ourselves)
• Access to our network of in-country partners who add authentic, on-the-ground experiences
• Fast solutions if something goes wrong while you’re away—flights delayed, rooms not ready, excursions rescheduled, we’re on it
• Confidence that every little detail has been thought of: from the transfer times to the restaurant reservations to the view from your room

And perhaps most importantly: someone who cares about your experience as much as you do.

Why It’s Worth It

Working with a travel advisor means:

• Less overwhelm. You’re not sorting through hundreds of “top 10” lists.
• More value. Our partnerships often mean better rooms, better rates, and better perks.
• Less risk. You won’t find yourself second-guessing what you booked.
• More personalization. No two trips we plan look alike.

When you partner with The Bespoke Destination, you’re not hiring someone to click “book.” You’re working with someone who approaches your travel plans like a curated art form, designed with care, and tailored for you.

Ready to make your next trip truly bespoke?

We’d love to hear what you’re dreaming about, and show you what’s possible when travel is planned with intention, expertise, and care.