Hot industry: what it's like to work in travel

Travel consultant, travel specialist, business travel advisor...

Take a look at LinkedIn's 2025 Jobs on the Rise lists around the world and it's clear that the travel industry is making a comeback. From the US to the UK, Spain to Australia, travel-related roles are emerging as some of the fastest-growing titles over the past three years.

So what's it like to build a career as a travel expert? I spoke to Sarah Casewit , a luxury travel consultant and founder of Otherworldly Travel, to find out.

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Sarah Casewit's adventure in luxury travel began over 15 years ago in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Working for a tour operator in the city, she honed her skills planning and designing high-end trips throughout South America and expanding the service into Europe. "It was a great way to learn the backend of the industry as well as the frontend client-facing world with high-net-worth clients," she told Get Hired recently.?

These days, the Morocco-born entrepreneur runs her own business, Otherworldly Travel, from Mallorca in Spain, where she has been based since 2021. Most of her clients are in the US, however, and a typical day involves balancing their needs with her efforts to innovate and build her business.

Addressing last-minute adjustments, special requests or resolving travel disruptions for clients currently on the road is often how Casewit's morning begins.

"Effective problem-solving plays a critical role, particularly when managing unexpected challenges for travelling clients," she says.?

Apart from handling the reactive side of her job, Casewit also takes proactive steps to grow her business. Crafting compelling copy for new itineraries, conducting in-depth research on emerging destinations and keeping up with market trends are all part of her daily routine. "Identifying client preferences and reaching out with personalised proposals to inspire future bookings is essential," she adds.

What skills are needed for success as a travel consultant? It requires a unique combination of hard and soft skills, says Casewit. Attention to detail is crucial. "It's not only about listening carefully to clients and understanding what they seek, but also about picking up on subtle cues that reveal their true desires." This meticulousness extends to managing travel logistics, ensuring everything runs smoothly for the client.

Clear, persuasive communication is another vital skill. "Early in my career, I learned that a well-crafted, persuasive email is one of the most powerful tools I have," says Casewit. Whether in writing or verbally, being able to convey information accurately and warmly is critical in building trust with clients.

The travel industry often presents unexpected challenges, so the ability to think on your feet is a must. "A successful travel consultant must be resourceful and quick-thinking, providing creative solutions to ensure clients' needs are met seamlessly," she explains.

Strong interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence are also useful qualities, as you seek to build relationships with clients, "understand their preferences, and retain their business for years to come".

The travel industry has evolved significantly in recent years, says Casewit, with a growing focus on properties with "genuine sustainable practices" and "experiences that contribute to local economies". As travellers seek experiences that leave a positive impact, there is a growing interest in concepts such as slow and soft travel – journeys that encourage simplicity and ease, and are beneficial to mental health. "The shift toward more mindful and responsible travel is gaining traction," she says.

As the industry expands, so do travel-related roles. "It's no longer just about being a travel agent," Casewit explains. There is now a demand for diverse skill sets, with the intersection of travel and technology and emerging sectors within the industry. This has opened up opportunities to professionals such as copywriters, content creators, product managers and developers, "offering a chance to reinvent themselves and explore new career paths".

For Casewit, the most rewarding part of being a travel consultant is witnessing the transformative power of travel firsthand. "When you've curated an extraordinary journey for a client, and they return not only grateful but truly renewed with a fresh perspective on life, it's incredibly fulfilling," she says.?

"It's an affirmation of the impact travel can have on people's lives, and it's what drives me every day."

To anyone looking to break into the travel industry, Casewit has this advice: "Travel is personal, so offer a personal touch in your approach, and you'll attract those who truly resonate with you. Authenticity is the key to both personal and professional growth in this industry. Be bold about it. And most importantly, never stop learning, whether it's mastering copywriting, understanding taxes or developing new travel products. Knowledge and authenticity will set you apart."

?? Check out more insights from Fora travel advisor Stephanie Cavazuti on what's driving growth in the industry in the video below.

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