The benefits of travel are manifold. It reduces stress. It engenders creativity. Travel can broaden your horizons and create unforgettable memories. In 2022, American travelers directly spent $1.2 trillion on travel, although about one fifth of that was for business. At the heart of this tremendous industry is the travel agent. While more people are using travel agents than ever before, the number of traditional brick-and-mortar travel agencies is shrinking (along with the number of every other kind of physical store). So, the best way to get into the travel agency business may very well be to go home-based. To start a successful home-based travel agency, securing initial capital from a loan money lender could be a crucial step.
Being a Travel Agent from Home – the Basics
So how to become a travel agent from home? As with any type of new vocation, it starts with education and training. There are two avenues for this, on-the-job training obtained by working with an existing travel agency, and certifications that can be obtained through various organizations. The main institutes and associations that offer certification for U.S. travel are The Travel Institute, International Air Transport Association (IATA), and the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). While all of these groups have a lot of knowledge to offer an aspiring travel agent, keep in mind that no specific education or certification is required to become a travel agent.
Another thing to consider when getting set up as a home-based travel agent is finances. It may be tempting to think that by working from home you will have an easy time financially, since you don’t have to pay rent for a physical office. But remember, travel agents do not get paid until their customers’ travel is completed. This introduces a type of cash flow problem that most other new businesses do not have to face. When the Covid epidemic struck in 2020, many travel agents watched months of work evaporate as the travel cancellations poured in.
Vitally Important: Finding the Right Host Agency
With the above points in mind, the first thing to do is to find a host agency with which you will cooperate. When choosing a host travel agency, prioritize a strong reputation for support and training, ensuring they offer comprehensive resources to help you succeed. Make sure you understand the host agency’s fee structures and commission rates. Some will take a percentage of your commission on sales, while others have a monthly or annual fee. Remember to look carefully at the training offered.
Once your relationship with a host agency is established and your business is set up, work towards getting signed up and trained with the major travel suppliers. These include large cruise lines, Disney, Universal Studios, and the most famous hotel brands. Remember that besides websites, there are tons of resources out there where you can ask questions and get advice from people in the industry. Look for forums, Facebook groups, and local travel agent groups that meet in person. With due diligence and hard work, you will be on your way to one of the most rewarding jobs – helping people go on the honeymoon or vacation of their dreams.
