Frequently Asked Questions

Locations & Availability

What time zones and locations can an assistant be based in?

Short answer: Almost anywhere!

Longer answer: We can provide you with an assistant in most global locations, including:

In Europe, often supporting U.S. West Coast-based travel advisors
In Asia, often supporting U.S. East Coast- and Midwest-based travel advisors

These regions provide strong time zone coverage for international travel and itinerary coordination, and client coordination.

We also place assistants across Latin America who are aligned to U.S. working hours. This allows you to receive support during your business day, without the cost of a U.S.-based assistant.

We’re flexible and will do our best to support the locations that make sense for your business.

How quickly can I hire an assistant?

Typically the process will take up to 30 days from our first conversation through to your first day of assistant support. Timing primarily depends on your availability for interviews.

Roles & Responsibilities

What tasks can an assistant help with?

Exact responsibilities vary by each travel advisor, but typically include itinerary coordination, booking administration, itinerary documentation, CRM updates, and client support while travelers are on the road.

Will the assistant work only with one travel advisor?

This depends on your needs. Typically, yes, your assistant is dedicated to your business and works with you on a full-time basis.

Who manages the assistant day-to-day?

You are responsible for your setting assistant’s day-to-day work objectives and priorities. Durellis remains the primary manager of our assistants to maintain quality performance.

Selection & Performance

How do you assess and select assistants?

We assess assistants for the following core selection criteria:

Industry experience
Masters of details
Strong communicators with both clients and vendors
An appreciation for white glove experience

How do you ensure I receive quality assistance?

We establish and enforce high standards of productivity and work quality with our team of assistants, and provide opportunities for professional development to keep raising the bar. You’ll also regularly share feedback with Durellis on your assistant’s performance so that we can respond quickly to address any concerns.

Working Together

How does this compare to hiring directly?

Many travel advisors work with assistants on a contract basis, without realizing that this arrangement is often not compliant with local employment laws.

Hiring directly also involves recruitment time, payroll setup, compliance risk, and replacement costs if things change.

Durellis removes this risk and the administrative burden of hiring, and serve you with talented assistants around the world.

Is there a minimum commitment?

We’re designed and structured for long-term support, so yes, there is a three-month minimum commitment. This allows time for proper ramp-up and ensures you see real value from your new assistant support.

Fees & Payroll

How do wages, payment and payroll work?

You pay a monthly fee* directly to Durellis as your service provider.

What does the Durellis fee include?

The Durellis fee covers:

Full-time* Travel Assistant services
Performance management
Ongoing support and check-ins
Replacement if required

*Full time hours vary based on local employment regulations.