Upgrade Your Travel Business
Join a forward-thinking agency that combines high-touch mentorship with cutting-edge technology.
Just getting started? You're welcome here too. We train new advisors from the ground up, and your split grows as you do.
Schedule a Discovery CallAlready an established advisor? See your path
18
Active Agents
$6M+
Total Sales
1,800+
Bookings
The Whole Package
Your split matters. So does everything that comes with it.
- No startup fee and no monthly program fee.
- Your split is figured on the full commission the supplier pays.
- If a booking goes through one of our host partners, their cut comes out of our share, never yours.
- Paid on or around the 1st and 15th of every month, by direct deposit.
- Awaken carries its own E&O insurance for the agency.
- Your own personal travel pays you 95%.
- Any service fees you charge your clients are 100% yours.
Why Partner with Awaken Travels?
Everything you need to build a thriving travel business.
Earn Your Worth
Competitive Commissions
We reward ambition. Start with a competitive commission split on self-sourced bookings and unlock the potential to earn up to 88% of gross commission as you grow and complete our "Awaken Travels Certified Agent" curriculum.
Tools Built for the Future
Technology That Works for You
Don't get stuck in the past. We are investing heavily in our infrastructure to help you work smarter, not harder.
- Custom Agent Dashboard with proprietary software in development
- Top-Tier Network via CLIA & Travel Leaders Consortium (preferred suppliers, exclusive amenities, higher commission tiers)
Mentorship That Matters
In Business For Yourself, Not By Yourself
Get direct mentorship from agency owner Cindi Sanden (VP of ASTA Chattanooga Chapter) and join a team that values resilience, community engagement, and collaborative growth.
What You Get, What It Costs
Included
At no cost to you
- Our accreditation and supplier relationships, including our preferred-supplier programs.
- Your own agent portal and client management system.
- Onboarding, training and our resource center through the Awaken Travels Academy.
- Team chat spaces, group calls, and mentorship from me and our experienced advisors.
Optional add-ons
Never required
Pro tools: $29/month or $261/year
Faster itinerary building and destination research, live flight tracking, a built-in assistant for your client records and follow-ups, help drafting client emails, and a social media content generator. New advisors get their first 90 days of Pro free.
Your own @awakentravels.com email
We may assign you one once you reach $10,000 in collected commission. If you'd like one sooner, it's $25/month.
Your own business costs
Like any independent business
Things like a CLIA card, courses and certifications, marketing, and any individual E&O policy you choose to carry.
Your Commission Ladder
Your split is a share of the full supplier commission, and it grows with your lifetime sales. Once you reach a tier up to 80%, it's yours for good.
New advisors
- 60%
New Agent
Starting out
- 70%
Rising Agent
$50,000 in sales + onboarding + 1 supplier certification
- 75%
Certified Agent
$150,000 in sales + 3 supplier certifications
- 80%
Experienced Agent
$300,000 in sales
Above 80%, for everyone
- 82%
Senior Agent
$500,000 in sales
- 85%
Elite Agent
$750,000 in sales
- 88%
Top Producer
$1,000,000+ in sales
Tiers above 80% are kept with steady yearly sales. New advisors get a full 12 months before that review starts.
Leads that come in through our website, phone, email or social: you earn 60% on that client's first completed trip, then your own rate after that, and the client is yours from then on.
Areas We're Growing
We'd especially love to hear from advisors who focus on:
- Ocean and river cruises
- Honeymoons, anniversaries and romance
- Destination weddings
- Group travel and retreats
- Family and multigenerational travel
- All-inclusive and beach resorts
- Luxury and custom trips
- Adventure, expedition and wellness travel
- Europe and guided tours
Already an Established Advisor?
If you already have clients and a booking history, you don't start at the beginning.
- You start at 80% of the full commission.
- The 82%, 85% and 88% tiers open up as your sales with us grow.
- Training and supplier certifications are encouraged, not required to move up.
- Your clients are yours, now and if you ever leave.
- No startup fee, no monthly program fee.
Is Awaken Right for You?
We don't just hire anyone; we build a team.
You'll do well here if:
- You treat this as your own business and you're ready to build your own client base.
- You communicate clearly and take care with the details.
- You're open to learning new software and modern travel planning tools.
- You want real mentorship and a team to work alongside.
This probably isn't the right fit if:
- You're looking for a salary or hourly pay. Our advisors are independent contractors paid on commission.
- You need a full-time income in your first year.
- You're counting on us to hand you most of your clients.
- You want travel perks without booking clients. Staying active takes some booking every year.
Travel Coaching & Community
Founded in 2015 by Cindi Sanden, Awaken Travels is rooted in the belief that travel changes lives. We don't just book trips; we act as Travel Coaches, guiding our clients through the world with confidence.
Based in Soddy-Daisy, TN, we are a team that values community impact and resilience.
10+ Years
of Changing Lives Through Travel
Questions We Get a Lot
Are there any fees to join?
No. There's no startup fee and no monthly program fee. Pro tools ($29/month) and a business email ($25/month) are optional, and new advisors get 90 days of Pro free.
How long until this is a real income?
Honestly, it takes time. Building a full-time income in travel usually takes a few years, not a few months. Your first year is mostly learning, building your client list and earning your first commissions. We'll be with you for that part.
When do I get paid?
On or around the 1st and 15th of each month, by direct deposit. You're paid on commission we've actually received from the supplier since the last pay date. Amounts under $25 roll to the next pay date.
Do I need E&O insurance?
Awaken carries its own E&O policy for the agency. An individual policy is recommended, especially if you book high-value trips, but it's not required.
What about a CLIA card?
If you'd like one, it's one of your own business costs. As of October 2026, CLIA lists annual dues for its Individual Agent Membership at $139.
Do I need travel industry experience?
No. New advisors follow the ladder above with onboarding, training and mentorship. Established advisors start at 80%.
Can I do this part-time?
Yes. As an independent contractor, you set your own hours and where you work.
Will you send me leads?
Sometimes. Leads from our website, phone, email and social media go out at our discretion, based on things like response time, closing rate and destination expertise. Plan to build your own client base. Agency leads are a bonus, not a promise.
Do my clients stay with me if I leave?
Yes. Clients you bring in yourself are yours. An agency lead becomes your client after one completed, paid booking.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Let's see if we're a good match. I'd love to hear about your business goals and discuss how our platform can help you reach them.
Schedule a Call with CindiWant to see how we train advisors first? Visit the Awaken Travels Academy.
No commitment required. Just a friendly conversation about your goals.