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How to Become a Travel Agent and Work From Home

Author: Holly Reisem Hanna

June 1, 2023 Leave a Comment

Do you love to travel? Are you a master at finding great travel deals? Then, becoming a home-based travel agent might be your ideal work from home career path!

Working as a travel agent might seem outdated in today’s world of Kayak and Airbnb, but many people still prefer to work with travel agents.

Experienced travel planners help travelers save money, time, and travel-related headaches.

Home-based travel agents generally work for a host agency (a company bonded and accredited by the Airlines Reporting Corporation or the International Airlines Travel Agents Network) as independent contractors.

As a travel agent, you’ll earn a commission on the travel arrangements (flights, hotels, rental cars, travel excursions, and more) you book, and you’ll often have access to special deals and travel discounts. You can choose to work in a particular niche, such as cruises or business travel, or work with clients looking into a specific type of travel (adventure, Disney vacations, eco-friendly, budget, or luxury travel).

One of the great things about becoming a work at home travel agent is that it’s a relatively easy startup business idea, and the costs are low. With a basic home office (including an internet connection, a phone, computer, printer, and website), you can get started with a host agency.

So, if you love to travel or if you love to help other people fulfill their vacation dreams, you may want to start a home-based travel agent business!

What Skills Do You Need to Be a Successful Travel Agent?

The basic skills you’ll need as a travel agent include attention to detail, excellent research and communication skills, high-level organizational skills, and a knowledge of geography and travel destinations. You’ll also need to be tech-savvy and have a solid understanding of programs like Microsoft Office and Google Workspace. 

If you’re working as an independent contractor, the host company will usually train you; some host agencies charge a fee, while others do not. While there are travel agent certificate programs that you can take, you may be able to break into a travel role if you have customer service , hospitality, marketing, or sales experience under your belt.

Getting Started as a Work at Home Travel Agent

According to Host Agency Reviews , experienced travel agents make an average of $50,000 per year, and 25% of experienced agents earn $100,000 or more annually. Your earnings will depend on your experience, the number of clients you retain, hours worked, and commission and support from your host agency.

Agents who work in specific markets or on particular vacation types (like destination weddings or luxury travel) can become very familiar with their market and, thus, enjoy even greater success. Working in particular markets, like weddings or corporate travel, can also make a big difference regarding salary.

Remote Travel Agent and Consultant Jobs

If starting your own business seems intimidating, many companies within the travel and hospitality industry hire at-home travel consultants, reservationists, and planners for full-time and part-time positions. Best of all, many of these positions come with travel perks!

To start, you may want to explore:

• American Express
• Kemp Travel Group
• Vail Resorts
• Working Solutions
• World Travel Holdings

Exploring Host Agencies

Finding a good host agency is key to getting started as an at-home travel agent. If you’re just starting, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with host agency options to get a feel for what each can offer.

• American Society of Travel Advisors
• Cruise Planners Franchise
• Disney Vacation Planner
• Dream Vacations Advisors
• Dugan’s Travel

How to Select a Great Host Agency

Travel agencies vary significantly in what they offer their consultants. Besides who offers the best commission, there are many other factors to consider.

For example, do you prefer a large agency or a small agency? Locally-based hosting can be easier for new agents who might need extensive support and training. On the other hand, national agencies may offer more flexibility and growth.

Carefully weigh your agency options and perform background research. Sites like Host Agency Reviews and Find a Host Travel Agency can help. They offer tips and ratings for finding the best travel agency that fits your needs.

Perks of Becoming a Travel Agent

Aside from being a fun business opportunity, being a travel agent offers some amazing perks.

If you enjoy travel, you might enjoy taking “FAM trips” or “familiarization trips” to various locales. Cruise lines, hotels, and tour guides know the best way for you to sell their services is for you to try them firsthand. So they offer perks, including complementary and deeply discounted fares, as well as opportunities to use their services and explore all your amazing options.

You can also save big on your own travel with great discounts! You’ll score awesome deals before anyone else even hears about them. As a travel agent, you’ll have access to discounts because, of course, the more you travel, the more business experience you rack up.

The best part? You can deduct those travel expenses from your taxes as part of your business! You can also deduct things like advertising and expenses related to your clients. This amounts to big tax savings for you!

Other Ways to Make Money in the Travel Industry

If you love the idea of working and traveling but you’re unsure about becoming a travel agent or consultant, there are many other options available.

Traveling to another country as an Au Pair is a great option if you enjoy working with children. When you work as an Au Pair, you’ll live with a family, helping them with household chores and childcare. In return, you’ll get free room and board and a small stipend that you can use on your days off. Being an Au Pair allows you to experience life in another country for an extended period of time. Becoming an Au Pair does come with some fees you’ll need to pay, such as your flights, travel visa, and insurance.

Customer Service Representative

Customer service is an excellent way to break into the travel industry and work from home! Many companies provide full training for these roles as well as a host of benefits. You can work for airlines, hotels, cruise lines, travel booking sites, and other travel-related sites and industries. For these work from home positions, you’ll generally need your own device (laptop or computer) and a high-speed internet connection. Check out this article for a list of hospitality companies that hire remote customer service reps.

ESL Teacher

You’ve probably heard of being an online ESL tutor , but did you know you can travel to another country to teach English as a second language? Most countries require ESL teachers to have a bachelor’s degree and a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certificate. Like being an Au Pair, there will be fees for your flights, travel visa, and insurance. Depending on which host company you use and which country to travel to, your housing may be free or purchased at a reduced cost. How much you can earn will vary as well. For more information on traveling and making money as an ESL tutor, check out the resources below.

• EF (Education First)
• International TEFL Academy
• Premier TEFL

Local Coordinator

If you enjoy working with high school and college students, consider becoming a local coordinator . In these independent contracting roles, you’ll work with educational organizations and programs to place and mentor students interested in foreign exchange programs. These part-time positions are a flexible and easy way to make extra money from home. Some programs also offer incentive trips and perks for their local coordinators.

• Education, Travel, and Culture – Earn $700-$1,600 per student
• International Cultural Exchange Services (ICES) – Average earnings are $8,000 a year

Social Media Marketer Specializing in Travel

If you love to travel and you’re looking for ways to earn money from home, there are plenty of opportunities to take your travel beyond Instagram snaps and shares on Facebook… If you’re really great at social media, you could also become a social media manager in the travel industry! Many of these positions allow you to work from home for a travel-based company, sharing posts and connecting with their customers.

If you prefer to create your own schedule and be your own boss, become a local tour guide! With this idea, you’ll need to be in the know about the food, culture, and history of the area you’re helping tourists explore. With apps like  Showaround  and  Viator , you can create your tour, book customers, and make money from your travel expertise. You can also look at local tour operators and see if they have any openings for tour guides. Explore this article for more tips on making money as a tour guide .

Travel Writer

Magazines, guidebooks, and websites are often looking for freelance travel writers to contribute their experiences and give readers recommendations. If you have writing and communication skills and you travel often, this might be an excellent option for you.

The income for travel writers varies greatly, but many writers make great money by documenting and sharing their travels. Travel writers, according to ZipRecruiter , earn an average of $24 per hour. I think these numbers sound high, but I wasn’t able to find any other stats for how much travel writers really earn.

Travel Blogger

If you prefer to write and document your own travels, start a travel blog ! With blogging, you can make money with affiliate marketing, ad networks, sponsorships, product sales, and more! The great thing about blogging is it’s affordable and easy to set up, and there are many free ways to promote your content through social media. Amanda from A Dangerous Business Travel Blog documents how she makes money from her blog in this blog post , and she earned a multiple six-figure income in 2022 alone!

Travel Influencer

Have you been documenting your travels on social media? Then, make money while traveling the world as a social media travel influencer . Whether your specialty is Instagram , Pinterest, TikTok , or YouTube , you can earn good money through paid sponsorships, advertising, and affiliate marketing. Besides building an engaged audience of followers, you’ll need to become skilled at taking photos and videos, editing, and writing captions. How much you can earn as a travel influencer will depend on how many followers you have, your reach, your engagement, and which platforms you’re using. According to this article in Vogue , a travel influencer with 1-4 million followers can earn $31,000 per post!

Travel Nurse

If you’re a registered nurse , you can sign up to become a travel nurse. These nurses travel to areas where there are nursing shortages in work in a wide variety of settings. Nurses typically work in one location for 13-16 weeks, then move on to another location. Not only is travel nursing a great way to see the country, but it’s also lucrative. The average travel nurse can earn $59.66 per hour plus housing stipends. If you’re interested in travel nursing, check out these sites for assignments.

• Health Carousel Travel Nursing

Working From Home as a Travel Agent

If you have a passion for travel, there are many ways you can earn money working in the travel industry. From becoming a home-based travel agent to finding ways to document and share your own travel experiences—there’s an opportunity for every traveler out there. Explore your options and pack your suitcase! Check out this post if you’re looking for ways to make money while you travel the world!

Originally published February 25, 2009. Updated June 2024.

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About the Author

Holly Reisem Hanna

Holly Reisem Hanna is a former nurse who decided to start a blog to make money from home while caring for her daughter. Since its inception in 2009, The Work at Home Woman has helped millions of readers find legitimate work at home jobs and business ideas. Under Holly's guidance, The Work at Home Woman was named one of the best websites for your career by Forbes two years in a row. Holly graduated from the University of Texas and has been featured in Yahoo Finance, Woman’s World Magazine, CNN, and many others.

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10 Steps to Starting a Travel Agency from Home

If you're thinking of starting a travel agency from home, you're in luck. The cost to become a travel agent is relatively low and there are plenty of opportunities for someone with the passion to sell travel. Not only that, but starting a travel agency from home is becoming the most popular route to become a travel agent .

"Home-based independent advisors continue to dominate the travel agency landscape, accounting for 72% of travel advisors." -Phocuswright

According to Phocuswright's US Travel Agency Landscape 2023 , "Home-based independent advisors continue to dominate the travel agency landscape, accounting for 72% of travel advisors."

Want to throw your hat into the ring and start your own travel agency?

Starting any business is no walk in a park, but it certainly helps if you have someone to advise you and lay out a path. We're here to help support you and answer your questions as you start out on your new entrepreneurial journey!

PS: If you can't answer the question ' what do travel agents do ', let's have you read up on that first before you go all in on starting your own travel agency. 🤗

10 Steps to Starting Your Travel Agency From Home

Here's a summary of the steps to start your travel agency from home. If you've already completed some of the steps, you can click on the link to shortcut which step is best for you!

• Find your travel agency niche: Finding a travel agency niche is a great way to hone in on what about travel you're most passionate about. If you develop a niche, you'll be building your travel agency business on a strong foundation of your strengths, interests, and personal networks. Not only that, it will help you give direction as you start (and grow) your agency!
• Choose your travel agency name: This is often a step advisors struggle with, but don't skip it! Travel vendors need a travel agency name for their records. Make sure you have one ready so you can start selling travel.
• Choose a Travel Agency Business Structure: Most new-to-industry advisors will be choosing between a sole proprietorship or a Limited Liability Corporation (LLC). It's a matter of balancing host requirements (if you go with one), business protections, your agency model, and your budget.
• Create a Travel Agency Business Plan: A travel agency business plan is a document that will help you cat herd all your amazing ideas for your business. It helps you define your mission and goals, helping you think through the process on how to get there. Best yet? We have a free 15-page travel agency business plan template you can use!
• Register Your Travel Agency with the State + Feds : This is a critical step so to legitimize your travel agency. You can register your LLC through the Small Business Administration (SBA) resource to find the steps to get registered with your specific state. This will enable you to do other fun steps like starting a business bank account.
• Get an FEIN : This is optional but recommended, here's why: It's free to get an FEIN, takes just a few minutes and if you move to a business structure that requires an FEIN in the future it will save you a few steps!
• Set Up Your Travel Agency Financials : Separating your business bank account from your personal account is required if you set up an LLC. But frankly, we recommend setting up business financials regardless of your agency model.
• Choose Between a Host Agency, Travel Franchise, or Your Own Accreditation: There are a lot of choices in which direction to go with your travel agency. Do you have your own vendor relationships and want to get your own travel accreditation? Do you want to partner with a host agency under your own brand so you take advantage of their aggregate sales volume? Do you want a turnkey agency option with a franchise? This will help you choose.
• Check Out Host Agency Reviews' Resources Page : Our resources page gives you tips on how to optimize our site to help start your travel agency from home.
• Sign Up for 7 Day Setup Accelerator Course: Within each of these steps, there are many many many other steps to starting a travel agency from home. (Yes, just like nesting dolls.) Our course gives you the tools and knowledge you need to go from the seed of an idea to hanging the shingle out for your travel agency!
• Bonus: Read up on what you can expect in terms of income potential as well as time and financial investment.

I know. It can be totally overwhelming. But if you're starting a travel agency from home, these steps will help prepare you to feel 10,000% (no those extra zeros are NOT typos!) more confident. What are the preliminary steps you need to take when starting a travel agency? Funny you should ask . . .

Here are the steps to take to start your travel agency from home:

1. Find a Travel Agency Niche

A niche is your friend. When you start your home-based travel agency, a niche will help you establish your brand, create your travel agency name, and allow you to focus your energies. Starting a travel agency without a niche is like traveling without a compass (or, let's be honest, a smartphone). Are you going to be focusing on a destination? Maybe you'll be like Andres Zuleta, who specializes in Japan tours:

Or maybe you'll focus on a type of travel, like Deb Fogarty, who specializes in cruising:

Or maybe you're like Will Medina and have a love for destination weddings and honeymoons:

Or maybe you're more attracted to the corporate world and aim to book travel for corporations like Karen Hurlbut:

Whatever your niche, it's the first problem to solve when you're starting your travel agency! We have a free brainstorming exercise to help you find niches that you're passionate about.

2. Choose Your Travel Agency's Name

Vendors will need a travel agency name for their records so have one ready before you start selling travel.

Whether you go with a host agency or choose to go independent, you're going to need a name for our agency. The vendors (hotels, cruise lines, airlines, etc) will need a travel agency name for their records so have one ready before you can start selling travel. Having a niche already picked out can help you as you decide on your travel agency's name .

Starting your travel agency (from home or otherwise) is a lot of work. The last thing you want as your travel agency opens its doors is a letter saying you've infringed on someone else's trademark! We help you through the things you need to consider when choosing a name for your agency. Are their any competitor's with similar names that will make it harder for you to pull up at the top of the search engines? Are the URLs available? Are their any copyrights? Is it too long to neatly fit on marketing materials? We go through this and a whole lot more, so dig in!

3. Choose a Travel Agency Business Structure

You can change your business structure as your needs evolve.

A base step in starting your travel agency from home is deciding on a business structure. There's a lot that goes into what is the best fit for you. Do you have personal assets like a house or car that you want to make sure are protected? How much money do you want to spend?

We help you understand the different business structure options for your new travel agency : Sole proprietor, partnership, LLC, S Corp.

As you're starting your travel agency, you may feel like the low cost of a sole proprietor makes the most sense for you. It's important to know that you can change your business structure as your needs evolve.

As your business grows and you're making more bookings (which exposes you to more liability), you can always move to a structure that gives you more personal liability protection, like the LLC. While it's more expensive, and may not be feasible for everyone as they're starting their travel agency, the protection it offers to your personal assets is incredibly important as your business grows.

And what the heck is an S Corp anyhow? Don't worry, we'll give you the scoop and let you know when that should be a consideration for you.

4. Create Your Travel Agency Business Plan

Next step in starting your travel agency? A business plan!

While a travel agency business plan isn't technically required to start an agency, it is something I highly recommend. I didn't write a business plan when I started this site but I also knew online marketing, SEO, and the travel industry front and back. I also had the industry connections to make it work. Most people starting a travel agency from home either don't have experience in starting a company or they don't have experience in travel. This is where a business plan can help.

What a business plan does for you is it forces you to think through each different area of your business and come up with a plan. Will you stick to that plan 100%? Definitely not. But it gives you something to refer back to and helps you organize your thoughts. Plan to take a chunk of time to work on it as it's not something you want to do willy-nilly.

Not only that, but we made it really easy with our free 15-page travel agency business plan ! All you need to do is download our template and adapt it to your agency.

While I didn't write a business plan for Host Agency Reviews, I did write a VERY detailed travel agency business plan for you. :) It's completely filled out with a fictitious travel agency. That's helpful because you can use some of the data and ideas in there on your travel agency's business plan.

Here's a peek of the business plan. Just to note, this version is not editable! To get the editable version, download the travel agency business plan template (an editable version of the one below).

That was good stuff, right? So let's move on to some more logistics, getting your government paperwork in place.

5. Register Your Travel Agency with the State ... and Feds!

You're doing great!

Starting a travel agency from home isn't as tough as you thought, is it? When you have a road map, it's easier to navigate the start-up process.

Registering with the State

Ok, now that you've:

• nailed down your niche,
• come up with your name,
• and settled on a business structure.

The next step is letting the state government know you've got a company. The Small Business Administration (SBA) website shows   how to register your company's name by state . If you are an LLC, the SBA also has a state-by-state guide on how to register your LLC .

A word of warning: When doing a DBA, your business, even though they have different names, are still legally considered the same entity.

Registering your company with the state is an important step because you will need this proof to open a business bank account and other random things (running FB business ads, getting a loan) as your business grows. Do yourself a favor and when those certificates come in, keep them handy in a file for your company's legal documents.

When you start your travel agency, you may have registered it as Margarita Travel. But over time, that might change.

Let's say you fell into becoming the local destination wedding expert that everyone turned to. Margarita Travel works, but you want to have a more romantic name for those clients and different branding. So you create a new brand, Beach Romance , that specializes in destination weddings.

Do you need to let the state know about this new company, even though it's really your same company? Yuppers.

You'll need to file a DBA with the state. DBA is an acronym for "Doing Business As." It's also sometimes referred to as a fictitious name, trade name, or assumed name.

Your DBA is essentially saying, 'My formal company is Margarita Travel, but I also go by Beach Romance.'

To help you get a feel for the pros/cons of a dual-brand, listen to Andrey Zakahrenko's story of how his agency evolved into two brands: (This was our first ever podcast so please forgive the horrible sound quality!)

The one thing to know about DBAs is that they don't create a separate entity. DBAs just allows you to legally operate under different names.

A word of warning: When doing a DBA, your businesses, even though they have different names, are still legally considered the same entity. That means if someone sues Beach Romance for a honeymoon gone wrong, Margarita Travel is also being sued since it's the same company.

Registering with the Financial Crimes enforcement network

And can we talk about the Feds for a moment? They're doing their part to cut down on money laundering. (Score!) And... since money laundering happens through businesses, you're going to have to do a little paperwork with them. (Boo!)

You'll fill out the Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) form to make sure you're on the up and up. :)

Don't worry, it's not too painful despite the fact the they name of the government org in charge—Financial Crimes Enforcement Network—sounds like they're going to send a SWAT team into your home at any moment.

6. Get an FEIN (Optional, but Recommended)

A Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) is like a social security number for your company. It's a number to identify your business and is sometimes referred to as an EIN.

Technically, you do not need an FEIN if you're a sole proprietor or a single-member LLC with no employees since you can use your social security number to file taxes.

However, I personally prefer not to give out my social security number if I don't have to. :) I also like to get my pencils lined up from the get-go.

It's free to get an FEIN and takes just a few minutes. A huge plus in getting one right off the bat when starting a travel agency is that if you move to a business structure that requires an FEIN, you won't have to worry about changing out your SS# for an FEIN on legal documents, bank accounts, etc.

Also, make sure to check in with your tax professional when it's tax filing time—for certain business structures, you may still file under your SS# even though you have an FEIN.

Confusing, I know. That's why you go to the professionals! 😊

7. Set Up Your Travel Agency Financials  

Like the FEIN, when you're starting a travel agency, you don't need a separate business bank account or credit card if you're a sole proprietor, but you'll have wished you'd had set one up come tax time!

Separating your personal bank account from the business account from the start makes accounting easier and will help you keep track of business expense write-offs.

Wondering what travel expenses you can write off as a travel advisor ? We've got a resource for that too. :)

Important to note: If you choose a business structure that offers personal liability protection, like an LLC, you need to keep your business and personal money separate. If you are mixing finances and paying personal bills out of your business account, or vice versa, that opens you up to personal liability.

The argument is that, yes, when you started your travel agency you chose an LLC structure, which protects your personal assets. BUT, clearly, the business and the owner are not separate entities because the owner is making business payments out of their personal bank account (or vice versa). And if you're one and the same, then your personal assets are also the business's assets.

There's a lot to consider when it comes to travel agency financials and getting the foundations laid.

Don't worry, we walk you through all things having to do with your travel agency's financials :

• what to consider when choosing your bank,
• the documents you need to have ready for the bank,
• what business credit cards are best,
• the most common software travel agencies use for their bookkeeping, and
• how to find a bookkeeper for your agency

8. Decide if a Host Agency Is Right for You

We mentioned host agencies at the very beginning of the article. And maybe you noticed the name of our site. We're big fans of host agencies for people starting a travel agency . . .but it's not for every agency out there.

That said, our travel advisor research reports continually show that new advisors almost always choose the host agency route.

Your next step is going to take a lot of research. You need to decide if you want to go with a host agency, franchise, or go independent.

Questions you might have:

• How do you know if you should go with a host agency, travel agency franchise , or if you should be independent and get your own accreditation ?
• How do you decide which travel consortium to join if you are independent?
• How do you choose a host agency when there are 200+ listed on the site ?

Don't you worry, little bird, it's easy to feel overwhelmed, but we have answers to all these questions. :)

To start, check out our article, " The Top 10 Benefits of Using a Host Agency . " If you read that and decide a host agency is a good fit for you, you'll move on to our article on choosing a host agency and take a look at our best host agencies of 2024 .

Oh, and we've got a great tool for you to help narrow down your list of host agencies and/or travel franchises in our choosing a host agency article. It's a nifty spreadsheet to help you narrow down your top host agency picks ! 😊

9. Read our Home-Based Travel Agent Resources Page  

We put together a page with loads of links so you don't have to scour the web. Here she be, the Home-Based Travel Agent Resources page. 😊

Not only that, connecting with host agencies, travel franchises and consortia couldn't be easier! You can go directly to a host's profile to write them via Host Agency Reviews' Q&A feature. The beauty of this is that tons of agents will also get to learn from your question too!

10. Sign up for HAR's 7 Day Setup Accelerator Course

Phew. That was list was a little overwhelming, wasn't it?

The fact is that there's a lot of groundwork that needs to take place in order to start a travel agency.  Wouldn't it be nice if someone with tons of experience who's helped over 10,000 agency get started could walk you through the setup?

We've got an option for that too! It's called our 7 Day Setup Accelerator course .

But don't take our word for it. Hear from some of our students on the value of bite-sized instructional videos, a supportive community, and access to the HAR team:

The course is written and taught by HAR Founder, Steph Lee, and professional Educator, Bridget Lee. It includes nine chapters with 70+ instructional videos, course quizzes, peer accountability, and monthly meet-ups with HAR members and industry experts. Check out HAR's 7DS Accelerator course below!!

As you can see, there are lots of things to do as you start a travel agency from home. But we're here to offer you a TON of resources and support.

So take a deep breath and we'll do it step-by-step together!

Once you start your travel agency from home, you'll have lots of other things that will demand your attention so laying the proper groundwork as soon as you can is smart business. 

Starting a Travel Agency from Home: What to Expect Time-Wise

In general, it will take a few years to get your agency off the ground.  This is the case with nearly all entrepreneurial endeavors.

Our travel advisor research reports continually show that it typically takes about 3 years to really start generating a sustainable income.

Here's why it can take time to see the cash flow when you starting a travel agency:

• It takes a while to build a client base and develop your brand
• Even when you do make your first bookings, you're not paid commission until after your client completes their travel (or after final payment for some vendors). So, if you make 7 bookings in January but the clients aren't traveling until November, you can see how your first-year money might be tight.
• Travel is something most people only do 1-2 times a year. Even with referrals and repeat clients, it can take a lot longer to build a steady business compared to a new restaurant or other service industries. 

Starting a Travel Agency from Home: What to Expect Money-Wise

And money. You probably want to know what you can expect when it comes to money and starting that travel agency from home, huh?! 😊

I hate to admit it but there is no one set answer. It depends on soooo many factors. The good news is that we were so curious to answer this question that we asked a few hundred new travel agents about their income in the first years of starting a travel agency.

Here's some hard data on travel agent income and travel agency start up costs in the first 5 years of business!

Even more travel agent income data

Want to dig into travel agent income data even more? Here's a great reading list that will give you an idea of what you might expect to earn when starting a travel agency: 

There's a lot of things to look forward to when it comes to a travel agent career . Check out our (free) annual event, Host Week , to get a flavor of what you can expect once you decide to start a travel agency.

The travel industry opens possibilities of traveling to beautiful places to help you do your job better. You'll get to attend things like FAM trips , ship inspections and go on site inspections. When you sell enough, you'll have access to travel agent rates .

All that said, it's important to understand that you still have to (*ahem*) work if you're a travel advisor- --you just get to have a lot more fun doing it than most people (yay)! :)

Questions? Ask Away.

I grew up in the travel industry and have I've worked with thousands of agents looking to start a travel agency. It's totally my jam. And it's not just my jam.

The entire HAR team is here to help you start (and grow) a successful travel agency. Ask us questions in the comments, drop us a line via email, or reach out to us on social. We love helping bring new people into our amazing industry! 🤗

Editor's Note: This article was originally published in July 2021. We updated this resource and republished it on publish date above.

About the Author

Steph grew up in the travel industry, helping on and off with her mom's homebased travel agency. She has worked with thousands of agents in her role as a former host agency director before leaving in 2012 to start HAR. She's insatiably curious, loves her pups Fennec and Orion, and -- in case you haven't noticed -- is pretty quirky and free-spirited.

If you’re looking for Steph, she leaves a trace where ever she goes! You can find her on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn (her fav) and Pinterest as 'iamstephly'. 🙂 You can also catch her on her Substack, Bumblin' Around, where she writes on things outside the world of HAR.

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10 Companies Hiring A Work From Home Travel Agent (2024 Guide)

Learn how to become a work-from-home travel agent and make money . Do you have a passion for travel? Do you Love to help people plan their vacations?

If yes – and even if you’ve only done travel planning for yourself, friends, and/or family – then we’ve got great news for you. You could possibly make a very great travel agent – and get paid for working from home !

Table of Contents

Work From Home Travel Agent Job

In this guide, you’ll learn the basics of what such a position entails, as well as where to find work with legitimate opportunities.

Companies That Hire Remote Travel Agents

There are several companies that hire remote agents that are worth looking into. Each has its own unique set of requirements, but you’ll find a list of general requirements to expect in the next section.

This is by no means an exhaustive list of host agencies that hire remote travel agents. However, we’ve personally researched each one of them to ensure they are 100% legitimate.

While you shouldn’t feel limited to this list, if you do decide to apply to any other agencies or positions you find online, please do your due diligence in researching them thoroughly before contacting them.

As you’ll find out in the last section of this guide, there are also many work-at-home travel agent scams to look out for.

1. American Express

American Express always has a list of positions available in major locations where the company has a physical branch or large customer base. Not all of these are remote (and most of them are not in the line of being a travel agent).

Visit the  American Express Careers page  for more information. Alternatively, you can head straight to their  Virtual Career Opportunities page  to see what remote positions are currently available and where you need to be based to apply (for example, Toronto, Canada).

It’s also recommended you  join the American Express Talent Community  for regular updates and newly opened positions, especially if one that suits you isn’t currently available.

2. Carlson Wagonlit Travel

Carlson Wagonlit Travel is a reputable industry leader in global digital business travel management. As such, they have remote opportunities for talented, enthusiastic applicants from almost all over the world.

You can visit  CWT Careers Page  to run a search through their database for any positions currently available in your location. Alternatively, you can head straight to the  Travel Counselor page  to search for opportunities.

Do note that you’ll need to  create a free CWT profile  in order to apply for a job. It’s also worth spending time reading through their  FAQs  to familiarize yourself with their application, recruitment, and development (training) processes.

3. Carnival Cruise Lines

Carnival Cruise Lines has been operating for almost 50 years and hires shoreside as well as onboard workers.

One of their onshore, remote work options is, of course, as a travel agent, which they call a virtual vacation planner or sometimes a group agent. To find such positions, you need to visit the  Carnival Cruise Lines Jobs page  or  Filtered Search page .

It’s also a good idea to visit the  corporation’s general jobs page  to sign up for job alerts.

4. Cruise.com

Cruise.com regularly updates its  Employment page  as appropriate. At the time of publication, it reads that,

“During 2019 Cruise.com will be hiring team members who are professional and passionate about selling cruises and other leisure services and products and providing clients with world-class service either as a home-based agent or in our beautiful Dania Beach location.”

Further down the page, they specify “Future Home-Based Job Opportunities (Multi State Except California and Hawaii).” Included are details for 3 positions: Customer Service Agents, Cruise Sales Agents, and Online Support Agents.

It’s worth noting that Cruise.com does have strict requirements: a minimum of 2 years recent experience with cruise sales (if applying for the Cruise Sales Agents, the closest approximation of travel agents).

They also have a preference for those with call center experience, as the position entails cruise sales via telephone. You’ll also be required to sell Allianz Insurance (travel insurance), as Cruise.com is entering a partnership with them.

In exchange, successful applicants will receive base pay as well as tiered incentives.

FROSCH has been around since 1972 and focuses on deluxe leisure and corporate travel. With the aspiration of becoming “the travel company of choice,” they have high expectations of their employees – both office-based and remote.

They only hire from certain locations at present and there’s no guarantee of a position being available.

While not quite on a “first-come, first-served” hiring basis, it’s highly recommended if you meet FROSCH’s requirements, you apply as soon as possible.

To browse current job listings, please visit the  FROSCH Careers page  and follow the heading corresponding with your location (list included below).

• Philippines
• United Kingdom
• United States

One of the most famous worldwide hotel chains, Hilton also regularly hires remote workers. Their  Work From Home Talent page  doesn’t give any indication of the types of position available, but their  Search All Jobs page  (with “Work From Home” selected) does.

At the time of posting, Hilton had no open opportunities to join their remote team. However, it is worth mentioning that they do appear to hire virtual call center agents to help with making reservations.

You can also use their general  Careers page  to filter results according to your location. This page is the easiest to access directly from their main website.

JetBlue was one of several airlines that announced they were  no longer working with travel agencies , in order to help cut costs. However, they do hire travel agents of their own to help their clients make reservations and assist with customer service issues.

While JetBlue makes it somewhat unnecessarily difficult to find such opportunities on their  Careers page , Glassdoor has  several reviews  by currently employed work from home customer service and reservationists (the latter being what JetBlue calls their travel agents).

It’s worth going through these reviews to get a holistic view of the opportunity to work for the company.

General consensus appears to be that it’s a great part-time, short-term solution for anyone wanting to gain experience, enjoy great benefits, and be willing to work strict hours (though you can reportedly trade in hours if need be).

The major complaint among current and recently resigned employees is that cancellations and delays inevitably create a perfect storm for customer service representatives and that JetBlue tends to micromanage, with regular updates that need to be read almost daily as soon as received via email.

Our Recommendation

Learn from the experience of those who have worked for JetBlue in the past. The complaints are almost exclusively from those who spent 5+ years working from home for the company.

While we couldn’t find any concrete requirements posted by JetBlue, it does seem to be a good way to gain experience before moving to another company to host you as a work from home travel agent.

8. VIP Desk (Now Aspire Lifestyles)

Aspire Lifestyles, previously VIP Desk, styles itself as a “Leader in B2B Benefit Solutions and Concierge Services.”

That’s really just a fancy way of saying they offer high-end customer service/virtual assistant services, with a focus on travel, health, wellness, and assistance with home and auto.

There are 2 general types of employment opportunities within this sphere (though several others that include finance and business development): brand ambassadors, who act as customer service agents, and concierges, who perform virtual assistant duties relating to travel.

It’s the latter you want to apply for if you’re wanting to focus purely on being a work from home travel agent. Do be aware there are typically fewer of these positions open, however.

To discover available opportunities, please visit the  Aspire Lifestyles Careers page . You can also filter results according to general geographic location:

• Asia-Pacific (several countries listed)
• Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (4 locations listed: Europe, South Africa, Turkey, and the UAE)
• North America (several U.S. cities listed)
• South America (Brazil only)

9. Working Solutions

Working Solutions offers several work from home employment opportunities, including:

• Inbound technical support agent
• Sales representative
• Travel and ticketing agent
• Customer support agent
• Data entry clerk
• Copy-editor/proofreader

Travel consultants, as Working Solutions calls them, work on a part-time basis, but the pay isn’t exactly clear. Depending on the individual project, you would invoice the company for hours worked and receive between $9 and $30/hour once every 2 weeks.

One downside is, that once accepted as an independent contractor for Working Solutions, you’re expected to apply for all of its various programs (the employment opportunities listed above).

This means you aren’t guaranteed to be hired as a travel consultant just because Working Solutions accepts your general application.

On the plus side, you’re able to set your own hours based on workload availability, and the company provides full training as necessary. After training is completed (varies from a few days to a few weeks), you’ll also receive a stipend.

Visit the  Working Solutions Work at Home Jobs page  to learn more and apply to become part of their Talent Community.

10. World Travel Holdings

World Travel Holdings might be one of the most attractive options on our list, especially if you’re a beginner with no prior experience.

It is worth mentioning that there is an investment required from your side.

Usually, this is a major red flag that warns you a job opportunity is in fact a scam, but we’ve done the research and are confident World Travel Holdings is 100% legitimate.

So, what is the investment?

$250 refundable deposit (paid over 5 payroll deductions – so you don’t actually have to make any upfront payment) for the company computer (including monitor, keyboard, mouse, and headset) and landline phone, which is provided for you

Cable and DSL initial setup fees, which typically max out at $200 – however, if you already have cable and DSL that meet World Travel Holdings’ requirements, you won’t need to spend any extra money here (or you can replace initial setup with upgrade fees)

$50 to $100 for a UPS/Surge Protector (again, if you already have one, no cost applies)

The only other expense is any optional supplies you decide to get for yourself, like a notepad and pen set, printer, fax machine, etc.

You’ll also receive paid training, ongoing support, and training, benefits (including travel discounts and similar perks), and paid time off. The only stipulation is you don’t set up your home office in the same residence as any other World Travel Holdings employee.

Interested? Visit their  Work @ Home Careers page .

What are the Resume and Experience Requirements for Being a Travel Agent?

The exact resume and experience requirements for being a travel agent vary depending on which host agency you apply to join.

You’ll also find if you decide to start up as an independent, the requirements might actually be a little higher, as clients will want more surety when contracting an independent travel agent.

As a general rule, however, you can expect the following requirements (including equipment, etc.) will need to be met:

• A working computer (desktop or laptop)
• High-speed, reliable internet connection
• A fax machine, printer, and copier (if you can get a 3-in-1 model, all the better)
• A quiet, designated working environment, such as a study or home office
• Pass a background and employment check (when applying with a host agency, at their discretion)
• Flexible schedule to suit client needs
• Most host agencies will require prior experience, but some won’t
• No special education requirements – and some host agencies will provide training and software as necessary

Finding Work from Home Travel Agent Work

If you’ve decided to find work-from-home travel agent opportunities as an independent, or you want to consider options for host companies not included in our list above, the best place to get started is  FlexJobs .

Simply  visit their Pricing page  to select your preferred membership subscription. Good Value costs $14.95 for 1 month’s subscription, Better Value $29.95 for 1 quarter (3 months), and Best Value $49.95 for 1 year’s subscription.

All subscriptions share the same benefits – it’s only the duration and price that change (the longer your membership period, the lower your per-month costs).

What Do Travel Agents Do?

Travel agents do exactly what you said you love (or at least enjoy) doing in answer to our opening question above. They help holidaymakers plan their trips by taking care of the travel arrangements.

This means you would be doing things such as booking flights, reserving hotel rooms, tickets, vehicle rentals, restaurant reservations, and so much more. Not that you’ll necessarily be doing  all  of that for every client: some only need help with the finer details.

There’s a huge market for this type of service. Many people find the process of planning a holiday to be so stressful that they subscribe to the half-joking notion that they need a vacation to recover from their vacation. And this makes them very willing and even eager to enlist the help of a travel agent.

Can I Work From Home as a Travel Agent?

Absolutely! There are 2 ways to go about doing so:

Striking out on your own

This requires a lot of initial and ongoing work to set up a website and blog for your independent agency, marketing and advertising yourself to attract customers and building relationships with different types of travel-related businesses. This includes cruise lines, airlines, hotel franchises, vehicle rental companies in different countries… the list goes on, almost without end.

Join an agency

A much less stressful option is to join a host agency that will hire you as a remote travel agent. There are several to choose from (we’ll introduce you in a later section), but the really great thing is you won’t be just another employee. You’ll get a lot of the perks of working for an established company while still being self-employed and working as an independent contractor. And if you’re hoping to strike out on your own eventually, then doing your time with a host agency will open up a lot of doors for building the professional relationships you’ll need.

How Do Travel Agents Make Their Money?

Most of the time, the travel agency that contracts you as an independent remote agent will pay you an agreed-upon commission fee – typically a set percentage of the fees they charge the clients.

Some remote travel agents will also charge a small service fee over and above the commission, but this isn’t a standard practice anymore.

Then there’s the other side of the coin: agencies that hire remote agents on a full-time basis as actual employees. If you do decide to join such a company, you’ll receive a base salary in addition to the commission earned.

There’s one last thing worth mentioning here, though it’s not really  making  money so much as  saving  it. As a remote travel agent, you can work almost anywhere with a solid internet connection.

And this means it’s easier for you to travel… especially with the fantastic discounts you’ll score as a result of your work.

What is Work At Home Travel Agent Salary?

This depends on who you ask…

The  Bureau of Labor Statistics  offers a median figure of $38,700/year, based on 2018 data.

ZipRecruiter , on the other hand, suggests an average of $57,623/year (as of June 20, 2019), with a range spreading from $15,000/year to $125,000/year. The majority of home-based travel agents appear to be earning between $28,000/year and $70,000/year.

Confusing? You bet.

Because your pay is determined by so many different factors – whether you’re fully independent (and if so, how many clients you’re pulling in) or hosted by an agency (and if so, whether you receive a base salary as well as commission, or only commission… plus how much of each), it’s difficult to get an accurate estimate.

Are There Any Work From Home Travel Agency Scams?

A sad fact of life is, that for as long as there have been jobs, there have been scams. And online/remote work is no different.

One common scam is being sent an email from a seemingly reputable agency with an online presence overseas. Purporting to be in response to an application, this scam relies on the target having applied to various online and remote positions (including legitimate travel agencies) and not remembering whether they’ve applied to this one in particular.

The email goes on to explain that you, as the agent, will receive checks in the mail, sent by nationally local clients of the agency. All you need to do is cash the check and send the agency a set portion of the amount via wire transfer.

Where the scam comes in is that you’re obligated to complete the transfer on the same day as you receive the check. A few days after the agency has taken your money, the bank will notify you that the check never cleared. And because the payment method is untraceable, you won’t be getting your money back either.

You can read more about this particular scam and how to avoid it at  Scam Alert: Don’t Take that “Travel Coordinator” Job That Requires an Upfront Payment  by Consumer Affairs.

A second, similar type of scam is the travel agent certification scam. Here, targeted or organic ads online introduce you to the opportunity to become a travel agent and receive world-wide exclusive discounts. Usually, the discounts advertised are  very  enticing – 50% to 70%!

The catch? You need to pay a registration fee of $200+ and complete a 20-minute test. But the website looks legitimate and there are glowing testimonials designed to make you feel like you’ll make that fee up again by the end of your first trip (through the discounts, of course).

Here things start to vary. In scenario 1, you do actually receive a travel agent card via the mail. But once you start trying to use it, you’ll be informed that it can’t be used as anything other than a $200+ bookmark. In scenario 2, you never even receive the card or hear anything from the scammers again.

The Balance Careers has an excellent resource on the  Top 10 Job Scam Warning Signs  that’s worth reading.

Ready to get started? Here are a few more online resources to help you turn this opportunity into a success!

• Host Agency Reviews  (website)
• National Association of Career Travel Agents  (NACTA)
• Start Your Own Travel Business  (ebook)
• Travel Agent Central  (website)

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THE JOURNAL

Travel Advisor Resources

How to Become a Travel Agent from Home (Yep, from Home!)

The Modern Travel Agency

Fora Travel

https://www.foratravel.com/the-journal/how-to-become-a-travel-agent-from-home-yep-from-home

As far as work-from-home jobs go, being a travel agent doesn’t seem like the most likely fit. The job title suggests traveling to destinations far, far away. And while jet-setting is certainly a perk, planning travel from home happens to be one of the best remote-work jobs out there. What’s the catch, you ask? Crickets….

It’s true: anyone with a passion for travel and a little spare time can make $$$ becoming a travel agent from home, whether as a side hustle or full-time business. Planning travel is not only one of the most rewarding jobs – it’s also one of the most flexible, with the ability to work from anywhere and on your own terms. TLDR: being a travel agent from home might be The Best Work-from-Home Career You Didn’t Know Existed . 

Read on for answers to FAQs on how to become a travel agent from home, plus expert tips on getting started. Or, if you're ready to dive in today, sign up to become a travel agent .

Looking for more intel? Learn how to become a travel agent with our full guide.

How do I work from home as a travel agent?

As a travel agent, you work with clients, hotels and travel suppliers (such as tour guides) to sell, curate and book travel. Learning how to become a travel agent from home isn’t any different.

Over the phone and via email, you’ll get to know your clients and tailor travel arrangements to their budget, taste and style. You’ll make sure their travel is not only awesome, but goes off without a hitch. This could mean booking a cruise or a hotel room online, or planning a multi-country journey that includes flights, transfers, tours and restaurant reservations. (Cruises are having a moment. Check out our guide on how to become a cruise travel agent .) Travel agents often work under the umbrella of a travel agency (referred to as a host agency) that handles commissions and other logistics.

What do I need to become a travel agent from home?

For starters? A WiFi connection. A solid international calling plan, can-do attitude and a few potential clients don’t hurt either. Remember, it’s completely free (yes, free) for clients to book travel with you. You’ll be earning commissions and hooking up your clients with the best perks (like room upgrades, complimentary breakfasts, spa credits and best available rate you’d find on the internet). For you, there are no exams or other hoops to jump through become a travel agent from home and start booking travel. Nor is experience at a travel agency required. 

How do I get started?

Join the Fora community ! We’ll set you up with everything you need to become a successful work-from-home travel agent. Why Fora, you ask? As a modern host agency, we’ll get you onboarded, help you set up your profile, and teach you the ropes with training programs galore – all from the comfort of your home office, couch, hammock or yoga mat (hey, more power to you).

We have a community-driven learning model. You'll learn how to become a travel agent from home alongside fellow advisors. We'll show you the ropes and make you look great. Sign up to take the first steps today to become a travel advisor .

And when it comes to booking travel, our team of experienced travel agents will help you get that first booking - and be on call for all the support you need.

What about community?

Learning how to become a travel agent from home has its benefits (home-cooked lunches, location flexibility, extra time with pets and loved ones). But, if the last few years have taught us anything, it’s that people appreciate connection and being a part of something.

That’s why at Fora, we are building a diverse community in the travel space to help people become travel agents from home. You’ll be joining a team of passionate entrepreneurs and travel experts who hail from different parts of the globe. The common factor: we’re all dedicated to sharing our passion for the travel industry, while building a successful business from home. 

Looking for more intel? Read on to learn how to become a travel agent .

Or, check out resources on other types of travel agent careers:

How to Become a Luxury Travel Agent

How to Become an Independent Travel Agent

How to Become a Disney Travel Agent

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How to Become a Home-Based Travel Agent: Everything You Need to Know

Nothing feels better than being your own boss. ​In most fields, you need the infrastructure and support of a reputable corporation to reach anything beyond the low-hanging fruit. In the travel industry, things are changing—and if you move now, you can catch the wave.

While the industry used to be dominated by travel agencies, it is increasingly the domain of independent agents. Experienced agents already have the knowledge, training, and qualifications they need to professionally book travel arrangements for clients. According to a 2018 survey, 61% of these independent travel agents make between 10-30% more than when they worked for an agency, and 23.5% earn more than 30% more! The most attractive part of starting your own independent travel agency is the freedom to work for yourself, on your own hours, with your own clients, in your own home. But like all good things, independence comes with risks. As an independent travel agent, you have to assume the risks of entrepreneurship. You must also develop a personal brand that distinguishes you from other agents and from corporate agencies. The right tools and partnerships can empower you to overcome these obstacles and start working for yourself. Once you learn how to become a home-based travel agent, you will truly be able to enjoy your freedom and earn top commissions working directly with clients. You will be free to decide when, where, and for whom you work—and this guide will show you how.

How to Become a Travel Agent from Home in 3 Steps

If you have experience in the travel industry, then you're at a great advantage, however even if you're just starting, becoming your own agency breaks down to five crucial steps:

1. Find Your Grove

Customers look to independent travel agents for individualized customer service and niche expertise they can't get from a corporate agency. Although you may have experience with cruise lines, scuba trips, honeymoons, and adventure trips, you need to choose the types of travel experiences you're most familiar with and focus on them. Once you know what your preferred niche is, you need to learn everything there is to know about it. This could mean being an expert in a specific destination—in its local customs, cultures, languages, and tourist attractions—or being an expert in a particular type of vacation. In today's travel environment, we usually see the best results when independent agents combine different travel specialties to create a niche. For instance, combining scuba and cruise ship trips, or adventures and honeymoons. Whatever your combined niche is, your clients will expect you to have answers for all of their questions, so be prepared to deliver. The key to thriving as a home-based travel agent is knowing what your clients want and being able to deliver before they have to ask for it. Focusing on your niche allows you to deeply understand your clients and create a personal brand that speaks to their needs. Young, adventure-minded travelers, for instance, will respond to edgy, exciting brand messaging. Retired veterans, on the other hand, demand different treatment—you must know your client. As a home-based travel agent, you are directly responsible for your income. If you haven't brushed up on your sales skills, you may want to. Travel Quest World, EDGE, and regional travel conferences can help you create a solid foundation for your future. Not only must you make sales without the large corporate team backing you up, but you also have to tend to the needs of a more demanding customer base—people willing to pay extra for premium service.

2. Consider a Host Agency

Independent travel agents still need to use state-of-the-art technology to manage their customer relationships, make timely bookings, and track commissions accurately. You still need a top-shelf insurance policy to handle potential liabilities. Partnering with a host agency gives you access to these important tools and benefits. This is a secret that large corporate travel agencies don't want you to know. The truth is that becoming an independent travel agent doesn't mean you're completely on your own. The key to starting a successful travel agency while working from home is choosing the right host agency to collaborate with. The travel industry has evolved. Home-based independent travel agents are becoming the new norm because much of the time-consuming legwork that goes into making travel plans for clients can be streamlined and scaled using new technology. The same Internet that enables travelers to book their own flights and make their own travel arrangements also makes travel agents' jobs easier. And although it may seem counterintuitive, the hyper-connected Millennial generation actually relies on travel agencies more than previous generations do. This means that independent agents will spend less time typing code into a Global Distribution System (GDS) and more time talking to clients about exciting opportunities off-the-beaten-path. In fact, one in three leisure travel agents and one in five corporate travel agents prefer using the Internet to using a GDS. But there are still certain things you need to assure your new career as an independent travel agent is a successful one. Host agencies lay the groundwork for you to showcase your expertise and deliver value to travelers while retaining 100% ownership of your travel brand.

3. What to Look For in a Host Agency

Not many people will tell you that when you learn how to become an independent travel agent, what you're really learning is how to become your own sales team, your own customer support service, your own commission manager, and your own marketing expert. That's where having access to the powerful, intuitive tools host agencies make available becomes useful. Some of these tools include:

Web Development and Design. Having a state-of-the-art website is an absolute necessity for today's independent travel agents. Potential clients will be browsing your website to determine how professional and trustworthy you are. Host agencies can provide you with destination-specific content, booking engines, and special trip information that boosts your online presence significantly.

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software. You can't run your own home-based travel agency on Microsoft Excel. A professional host agency will provide you with a customized CRM solution that enables powerful, intuitive management of client profiles according to a variety of unique, indexed factors.

Commission Management and Accounting Tools. Independent travel agents need 24/7 access to an accounting platform that shows open invoices, close invoices, unpaid commissions, and more. Customized reporting lets you be your own accountant and stay on top of your financial situation with ease and accuracy.

Travel Agent Networking. When you work in a niche, your competition isn't so competitive anymore. Through your host agency, you can connect with other independent travel agents to cooperate, share contacts, and forge new relationships.

Which Host Agency is Best?

Choosing between host agencies for independent travel agents is one of the hardest decisions to make. Many organizations offer technical and marketing support to home-based travel agents, but not all of them represent an equal value. Dozens of these agencies exist, and each one offers different benefits and drawbacks to its network of independent travel agents. To choose the right one for you, follow these guidelines:

Identify What You're Looking For. Your host agency should complement your strengths and compensate for your weaknesses. If you're great at connecting with clients but not so experienced with customer management support and marketing, those would be the areas you want to focus on.

Ask for References. Remember that as an independent agent, you are interviewing hosts, not the other way around. Find other agents who are working with the host in question and find out what they have to say about the host's resources and offerings.

Look Beyond the Commission Split. Your commission split is just a small part of the overall equation that will determine your success as a home-based travel agent. The best host travel agency is not necessarily the one that offers the best split, but that offers the best value.

Choose a Pure Host Agency. Not all host agencies are really host agencies. Most retail travel agencies offer a few home-based travel agent jobs with commissions. A few of them believe this lets them describe themselves as host agencies—which they are not.

If an agency runs its own internal sales process parallel to yours, that creates a conflict of interest.

Is Travel Quest Network the Right Host Agency for You?

When you want to learn how to become a travel agent from home, you need to approach every relationship you build from a place of honesty and professionalism. When you run your own company and put your name on the line, your reputation takes the hit when things don't go as planned. As a result, it pays to spend time interviewing host agencies and finding the right one to fit your needs. When you're learning how to become a home-based travel agent, remember that the best host travel agency is the one that gives you the tools and knowledge you need to maximize the success of your independent business. Ready to take the first step towards financial independence as a home-based travel agent? Talk to Travel Quest Network today and we'll show you how to get started.

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17 Top Companies to Find Home-Based Travel Agent Jobs

Last Updated on May 15, 2024 by Katie

Are you passionate about travel and love helping others have amazing experiences? If so, working as a home-based travel agent might be the perfect job role for you.

Whether it’s organizing corporate travel solutions, finding the best luxury beach resorts or curating hiking trails for adventurers, working as a home travel agent will never get boring!

In this blog post, we’ll explore the best reputable companies that hire home-based travel agents , providing you with the opportunity to turn your passion for travel into a rewarding career.

Here’s an overview of what this article details:

• What does a home-based travel agent do?
• Best companies hiring home-based travel agents
• What do you need to be a home-based travel agent?
• How to become a work from work-from-home travel agent
• Pros and cons of working as a home-based travel agent
• Is being a travel agent from home right for you?

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Understanding the Role: What Does a Home-Based Travel Agent Do?

As a home-based travel agent, the job responsibilities revolve around assisting clients in planning and booking travel experiences.

This includes researching destinations, flights, accommodations, and activities to curate personalized itineraries.

Moreover, home-based travel agents often provide recommendations, offer travel tips, and ensure all necessary arrangements are made for a seamless travel experience.

Job Responsibilities

Home-working travel agents are entrusted with the task of liaising with clients to determine their travel preferences, providing them with various travel options, and making bookings on their behalf.

They must stay updated on travel regulations, and documentation requirements, and ensure that clients are well informed about their travel plans.

Skills Required

To excel in this role, home-based travel agents need multiple different skills. These include:

• Excellent communication
• Great customer service skills
• Great research skills to find the best deals
• Proficiency in travel booking systems
• Knowledge of diverse travel destinations
• Ability to multitask
• Adaptability and problem-solving skills
• Passion for travel and helping others

Salaries and Benefits

The income of home-based travel agents can vary based on experience, commission structures, and client base.

Typically, they earn commissions from bookings, and with experience and a strong client base, their earning potential increases.

Additionally, the flexibility of working from home and the opportunity to create personalized travel experiences for clients are valuable non-monetary benefits of this profession.

According to Salary , remote travel agents earn on average between $35,636 – $45,925 a year.

However, it’s possible to earn more in certain travel niches and if you work as a freelance home-based travel agent.

Company Profiles: Where to Find Home-Based Travel Agent Jobs

Take a look at the best, reputable companies, hiring work from home travel agents today

1. ADTRAV Travel Management

ADTRAV Travel Management offers home-based travel agent jobs with a focus on innovative travel solutions for corporate clients.

Joining their team opens up opportunities to leverage cutting-edge technology and a supportive network to excel in the travel industry.

Take a look at their current job openings.

2. Go Cruise and Travel

Go Cruise and Travel has been established for over 17 years and hires home based travel agents from all over the UK.

They set you up with your own territory so you’re not competing with other agents and allow you to choose the travel niche you want to specialise in. These include:

• Cruise specialist
• Luxury specialist
• Weddings and honeymoon specialist
• Or choose to sell a variety of packages

Learn more about their homeworking travel agent jobs here.

3. AllTrails

AllTrails, known for its dedication to outdoor exploration, also offers remote positions for travel enthusiasts.

By curating exceptional travel experiences, home-based agents at AllTrails have the chance to contribute to shaping unforgettable adventures for clients.

4. Kemp Travel Group

Kemp Travel Group is currently hiring passionate and experienced travel consultants to work from home.

You’ll be expected to sell travel products and travel suppliers, respond to inbound inquiries, promote travel services and to share accurate travel information.

Take a look at Kemp Travel Group careers here.

5. Travel Solutions International USA

Travel Solutions International is a travel management company that regularly hires sales professionals, account managers and home-based travel consultants.

They offer competitive salaries, generous benefits and an engaging place to work.

They’re currently hiring workers from these regions:

• Dallas headquarters
• Houston, TX
• Chicago, IL
• India/Bolivia

Learn more about the open job positions here.

6. AvantStay

AvantStay offers remote opportunities for travel agents who are passionate about creating memorable stays for vacationers.

Home-based agents can expect a dynamic environment with ample room for creativity in crafting unique travel experiences.

A few remote travel jobs AvantStay often hire for include:

• Reservation agents
• Remote customer experience concierges

Take a look at the current AvantStay job openings here.

7. BCD Travel

BCD Travel provides home-based travel agent opportunities that emphasize global corporate travel management.

Agents working remotely for BCD Travel are positioned to engage with a diverse clientele and provide tailored travel solutions on an international scale.

Research the current job openings at BCD Travel here.

8. Booking Holdings

Booking Holdings offers remote positions for travel agents who thrive in a fast-paced, customer-centric environment.

As a home-based agent with Booking Holdings, individuals have the chance to tap into a global network and influence the travel experiences of countless customers.

Learn more about current job openings at Booking Holdings here.

9. Corporate Traveler

Corporate Traveler provides remote travel agent jobs centred around corporate travel and event management.

As part of this team, agents have the chance to collaborate with businesses of varying sizes and industries, making a substantial impact on their travel needs.

FROSCH offers remote opportunities for travel agents seeking to deliver a high-end, personalized service.

By joining FROSCH as a home-based agent, individuals have the chance to be part of a team dedicated to creating bespoke travel experiences for clients across the globe.

Hopper, known for its innovative approach to travel booking, also offers remote positions for travel agents.

Home-based agents at Hopper have the opportunity to leverage cutting-edge technology to help customers discover and book exceptional travel experiences.

A few recent remote travel jobs with Hopper include:

• Travel agent for hotels
• Customer service team lead
• Customer service manager

Check out the current job openings with Hopper here.

12. Ovation Travel Group

Ovation Travel Group provides home-based travel agent roles focused on high-end, luxury travel experiences.

By joining this team, home-based agents can tap into a network of industry experts and provide unparalleled service to a discerning clientele.

Learn how to become an independent travel advisor with Ovation.

13. Travel Leaders Group

Travel Leaders Group offers remote positions for travel agents seeking to engage with a diverse client base.

As a remote agent with Travel Leaders Group, individuals can expect to be part of a collaborative team that prioritizes delivering exceptional travel experiences.

Learn more about the Travel Leaders Group here.

14. Tzell Travel Group

Tzell Travel Group provides remote opportunities for travel agents who are passionate about curating unique travel experiences.

By joining Tzell Travel Group as a home-based agent, individuals can harness their creativity to craft personalized journeys for clients.

Learn more about current job openings here.

15. Vail Resorts

Vail Resorts offers home-based travel agent roles with a focus on delivering exceptional mountain and lodging experiences.

Home-based agents with this company have the opportunity to make a difference by assisting clients in creating unforgettable mountain getaways.

Take a look at the current job openings here.

16. Virtual Vocations

Virtual Vocations is a job search platform where you can often find work from home travel agent opportunities.

Use the job search bar to find suitable roles and register for their newsletter so you get notified when remote travel jobs suiting your skills are posted.

Take a look at the current home travel agent roles hiring today.

17. World Travel Holdings

World Travel Holdings offers remote positions for travel agents who are passionate about delivering exceptional cruise and vacation experiences.

Home-work agents at World Travel Holdings have the opportunity to engage with a broad customer base and tailor travel experiences to their specific needs.

Learn how to become a remote travel agent with World Travel Holdings.

What Do You Need to Become a Home-Based Travel Agent?

Becoming a home-based travel agent can be an exciting venture for those with a passion for travel and a desire to help others plan their dream vacations.

Here’s what you need to make this career path a reality:

Passion for Travel

Having a genuine love for travel and exploring new destinations can be the driving force behind your success as a remote travel agent.

Your enthusiasm for different cultures, cuisines, and experiences will shine through as you help others plan their getaways.

Customer Service Skills

Strong customer service skills are essential for building lasting relationships with clients.

Being able to actively listen to their needs, offer personalized recommendations, and provide exceptional support throughout their journey can set you apart in the travel industry.

You’ll also need to be able to stay calm and be a problem solver if travel conditions change at a moment’s notice.

Knowledge of Destinations

Familiarizing yourself with popular travel destinations as well as off-the-beaten-path gems can position you as a trusted source of information for your clients.

Stay updated on the latest:

• Travel trends and popular destinations
• Visa requirements and local customs for different countries
• Best places to eat, drink, see local sights

Sales and Marketing Acumen

Promoting travel packages, negotiating deals with vendors, and creating enticing marketing campaigns requires a knack for sales and marketing.

Developing these skills can help you excel as a home-based travel agent and will help you if you want to start your own business.

Technology and Communication Tools

Utilizing modern technology and communication platforms is crucial for staying connected with clients and industry partners.

Embracing social media, email marketing, and online booking systems can streamline your operations and expand your reach.

Industry Certifications

Obtaining relevant industry certifications, such as travel agent licenses or specialized training in certain destinations, can enhance your credibility and reassure clients of your expertise.

Laptop or Computer and Reliable WIFI

Creating a dedicated home office space with a reliable internet connection, comfortable work environment, and organizational systems can boost your productivity and professionalism as a home-based travel agent.

Networking and Collaboration

Building a network of fellow travel agents, industry professionals, and local businesses can open doors to collaboration opportunities and provide a supportive community for sharing insights and resources.

Search for travel agent groups on Facebook and Twitter and don’t be afraid to ask questions and make friends in the industry.

How to Become a Home-Based Travel Agent

If you’re ready to start a home-based travel agent career there are a few steps you need to take. These include:

Develop a Business Plan

Before embarking on the journey of becoming a home-based travel agent, it’s crucial to start with a well-thought-out business plan.

A business plan will serve as your roadmap, outlining your target market, services offered, financial goals, and marketing strategies.

It will also help you identify potential challenges and devise contingency plans to address them.

Identify a Travel Agent Niche

Setting yourself apart as a home-based travel agent involves identifying a niche that aligns with your interests and expertise.

By deciding on a niche, you can market yourself as the go-to expert for this type of travel planning and it’ll give people confidence you know what you’re talking about.

A few options include:

• Luxury cruises
• Adventure travel, or eco-tourism,
• Family travel
• Honeymoon travel
• Solo travel
• Medical tourism
• Corporate travel
• Retiree travel

Specializing in a particular niche allows you to cater to a specific clientele seeking specialized experiences.

Once you have a niche, you can get any related certifications and build up a huge knowledge base of all the information that’ll be useful for that type of niche travel.

Get Training and Certifications

To establish credibility and enhance your knowledge in the travel industry, obtaining relevant training and certifications is paramount.

Accredited programs such as The Travel Institute and the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) offer comprehensive training courses that cover various aspects of travel planning, customer service, and industry regulations.

Additionally, obtaining certifications from suppliers like cruise lines and tour operators can further bolster your expertise and credentials.

Build Experience

Gaining practical experience in the travel industry is instrumental in honing your skills and understanding client preferences.

Consider pursuing internships, part-time roles, or volunteer opportunities with established travel agencies to familiarize yourself with booking systems, itinerary planning, and customer interactions.

Additionally, attending industry events and networking with seasoned professionals can provide valuable insights and mentorship.

Select a Host Agency

Aligning with a reputable host agency offers numerous benefits, including access to industry resources, technology platforms, and commission structures.

Research host agencies that align with your business goals and provide comprehensive support, such as marketing tools, back-office assistance, and supplier connections.

Evaluating factors like commission rates, contractual terms, and training opportunities can guide you in selecting the most suitable host agency for your home-based travel business.

Pros and Cons of Being a Home-Based Travel Agent

Just like any job role, home-work travel agent careers come with advantages and disadvantages.

Pros of Being a Home-Based Travel Agent

Imagine having the freedom to work from anywhere, whether it’s a cozy café in Paris or a beachside spot in Tulum.

There are many benefits to working as a remote travel agent, including:

• Great work/life balance
• Flexible work hours that you choose
• Work is location-independent
• Don’t need to rent an office
• Don’t need to travel in rush hour
• Excellent income potential
• Can start part-time
• No formal education needed
• The travel perks are great

Cons of Being a Home-Based Travel Agent

While the flexibility and freedom of this type of work sound enticing, it’s crucial to stay disciplined and organized.

Managing your own schedule requires self-accountability to avoid missing out on potential opportunities.

The allure of working from picturesque locations might lead to distractions, potentially affecting your productivity. Moreover, being on call for client emergencies means being prepared to handle unexpected situations at any time.

Despite the allure of working from exotic locales, being a remote travel agent also means being available to mitigate unforeseen issues that could arise during a client’s vacation.

Balancing the allure of an independent work environment with the responsibility of being on-call is a significant consideration for aspiring home-based travel agents.

Is Being a Home-Based Travel Agent Right for You?

Only YOU can answer that question!

But, if you love travel, have great research skills and want to work from home on your own schedule, home-based travel agent work could be ideal.

Take the time to create a strong CV to show possible travel company employers why you’d be a good fit for the role.

And, spend time getting experience with this type of work if you can by volunteering or taking on part-time work.

By taking the time to plan upfront, you can realise your dream of working as a remote travel agent and work from anywhere in the world!

Want more remote jobs that let you work from anywhere?

Check out these work-from-home jobs hiring:

• 45 Entry Level Remote Jobs Always Hiring New Talent
• 53 Legit Work from Home Jobs that Pay Weekly
• 20 Online Jobs that Require No Degree and Pay $20+/Hour
• 21 best Early Morning Jobs that Early Risers Will Love
• 15 Online Jobs for Introverts to make $2,000+/Month
• 13 Companies Offering Work from Home Web Search Evaluator Jobs

* Disclosure : I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are our own. This post may contain affiliate  links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission.

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The Work at Home Wife

Helping you work at home and make money online

Work-From-Home Travel Agent: 30 Work-at-Home Travel Jobs to Consider

December 21, 2021

Here’s my theory: there are two types of people. One type loves going on vacation and derives the most enjoyment from being on vacation. The other type loves the planning part as much as — if not more than — the vacation itself.

If you’re one of the vacation planning enthusiasts, you might have thought about being a travel agent. Travel agents are one of the more “old school” at-home workers, and it’s a proven industry that just gets more and better suited to remote work as time goes on, internet tools get developed, and even the most remote parts of the world begin to get online.

So, if you’re the person in your family who just revels in putting together the perfect itinerary for your upcoming trip, if you know all the deal sites, travel hacks, and best ways to see the world, then maybe being an at-home travel agent is the perfect job for you! Let’s take a closer look at this gig.

Why Be an At-Home Travel Agent

In addition, the overall industry of at-home travel agent work has a lot of options. You can choose to work for a company in a more traditional employment arrangement, or pick something that’s much more entrepreneurial in nature and take on a lot of the benefits and responsibilities of freelancing.

When I spoke with Andrea Joyce, an independent vacation specialist with Cruises Inc ., I asked her why she wanted to be an at-home travel agent. Here’s what she told me:

My motivation was 15 years ago when I wanted to find a way to help provide for my family and be a stay at home mother. This job has provided me with flexibility to be there for my children when they need me, to travel, to help people put together their dream vacation, as well as providing me with the income I need.”

She really hit the nail on the head for why this type of work-at-home arrangement is so fantastic. You’re making a huge difference in the lives of your clients and customers to help them plan their ideal vacations, and you’re making a huge difference for yourself and your family by bringing in extra income from home.

As you think about becoming an work-from home travel agent, think about how much flexibility you want for your “time on” and how much you’re willing to do your own marketing — greater flexibility often comes with the need for greater marketing efforts. Just remember — marketing is something that can be learned, and most organizations that set you up to be your own independent business will also offer marketing training and resources.

If you’re an enthusiast of a particular type of vacation, or a specific location, you can put your enthusiasm and expertise to work for you. It truly is what you make of it.

Do I Work for Myself or for a Company?

As a travel agent, you can work with an agency, create your own agency, or “go big” and work for a corporation. Many travel agent jobs with major corporations will look a bit more like customer service, with set schedules and whatnot. They might not be as flexible as you’d like, but you also have the benefit of joining a well-established company.

For example, if you want to be a travel planner for a cruise line, you may need to be available by phone for customer service operations. On the other hand, if you’re part of a boutique cruise-planning agency, you might be able to have extreme flexibility as long as you’re able to be response (and take the occasional daytime call when necessary).

You can learn more about host agencies and get a feel for the right approach to you by visiting Host Agency Reviews . This site really gives you a good overview of “the lay of the land” so you can understand a bit more about how travel agencies are structured, and get a feel for where you think you might fit best.

Types of Companies That Hire Remote Agents

If you want to work from home as a travel agent, you’ve got all kinds of options. Quite a few companies and industries are hiring work-at-home travel agents, so with a bit of patience, you can find something absolutely perfect for you. You can also try a few different types of remote travel agent positions over time, once you know the lay of the land a little better.

Some of the most commonly known ways to work from home as a travel agent are with these companies:

• Cruises — Companies like Cruise.com and Cruises Inc. hire at-home agents to help customers book their dream cruises, shore activities, and more.
• American Express Travel Counselors — One of the concierge services that American Express offers its customers is the travel counselor. These at-home agents are available 24/7 to help with booking travel arrangements, event tickets, and more. It’s a high-end service and does require some background in travel agency.
• Red Butler — This opportunity is particularly interesting. Red Butler offers all kinds of virtual services for their customers, and it isn’t a travel-specific agency but it does have a travel-specific arm.
• Various Disney-oriented organizations like Travel with the Magic . Many of these are commission-based, and you receive a portion of the booking fee for every booking you make. If you’re a Disney enthusiast, helping other people plan their dream Disney vacation is a great way to make money online!
• Carnival Cruise Lines
• Working Solutions
• World Travel Holdings
• Alaska Airlines
• American Airlines
• Holland America Line
• Norwegian Cruise Lines
• Princess Cruises
• Shanty Creek Resorts
• Travel Leaders Group
• Best Western
• Hotel Tonight
• Omni Hotels
• Starwood Hotels & Resorts
• ACTIVE Network
• Carlson Wagonlit

How Flexible Are the Hours?

The flexibility you have comes down to which company you join and what type of role you’re taking on. There are two basic approaches to working from home as a travel agent. One is to take a role with a set payment of some sort, like a salary or an hourly rate. These will be a traditional employment model, except you’d be working from home instead of at the office.

The other way to be a travel agent is to look for an agency that hires agents on commission. As a commissioned travel agent, you’ll be able to take charge of your work to a much larger extent. You’ll be set up as a contractor and given access to the company’s resources, including things like software and leads.

As a commission-based contractor, your income would be tied to the amount of work you take on. You can work full-time hours 9-5, you can work evenings while your kids are asleep, or you can just book a trip here and there when you want some extra income.

The approach with this type of work-at-home setup looks more like running your own business, which offers you a lot more flexibility but also requires a bit more self-direction. (That said, your agency should offer lots of resources available to you to succeed. You won’t truly be on your own!)

What You’ll Need to Get Started

Some remote travel agent jobs — like the one with American Express — will require prior travel agent experience. Others are completely open to entry-level travel agents, which means you’ve got great opportunities no matter what your experience level is.

It’s extremely helpful to have your own travel experience under your belt so you can understand not only what it’s like to plan a vacation like the ones you’re selling, but also what it’s like to be on one. You can make recommendations based on personal experience, which your clients will find very helpful. I’m not saying you need to start taking mega vacations all the time to be successful as a travel agent — just that it’s helpful if you’ve got your own experiences to lean on.

Logistics-wise, you’ll need to have some sort of home office set up . Some positions will require specific technology (like a certain Internet speed or even a separate phone line), while others will let you conduct your working hours whenever and however you want.

What Are the Resume and Experience Requirements for Being a Travel Agent?

You don’t need special education or a degree to be a travel agent. That’s one of the great things about this line of work! The most important thing you need to be a great travel agent is an enthusiasm for helping people plan great vacations. That said, you might come across some job descriptions with specific requirements and such, like any traditional job description might have.

Most travel-related businesses that are hiring travel agents will be looking for experience either as a customer service representative or in the travel industry. It will also benefit you if you can show experience working from home. If you’ve never had the job title of Customer Service but you’ve had a role that involves dealing with the general public, you can certainly position that experience as relevant.

Many travel agent opportunities, however, will be looking more for your enthusiasm and experience planning trips than they will a specific work history. If you’ve never had a job in your life but you go to Walt Disney World three times a year and you live and breathe “the mouse,” you’ll likely interview well with a Disney-oriented travel agency.

No matter what, you’ll need to be able to demonstrate administrative skills like organization, professional interaction with customers, and the ability to work within a budget. You’ll also need to have the skills and attributes that will make you successful working at home. These include things like being self-motivated (instead of having the presence of a boss to keep you accountable) and the ability to stay organized and meet deadlines. You might, depending on the role, also need to be willing to pull some unconventional hours here and there.

Finding Work-from-Home Travel Agent Work

Depending on what type of work you want to do, the way to find it may vary. One sure-fire thing to do is check the careers pages of the organizations you’re interested in joining.

You can also search the job boards — my favorite is FlexJobs — for remote travel agent work. Keep checking these regularly to see what kinds of opportunities come up and jump on them quickly.

Some at-home travel agent opportunities (like most of the Disney-oriented ones) let you join up any time, because instead of filling an opening like a traditional employee, you’re starting your own small company, almost like an affiliate or a franchise of a larger travel company.

One thing to keep in mind with these opportunities is that there is sometimes a cost to get started. If you’re working for a traditional company, with a traditionally structured job, don’t expect to pay startup fees (aside from getting your home office up and running). But some travel agent companies will require a joining fee and/or fees for the mandatory training you’ll need. It’s commonly said that any work-at-home job that requires you to pay money to join is a scam… and while this is typically true and good advice, some of the at-home travel agent jobs you’ll find will be perfectly legitimate. As always, do your own research.

Are There Any Work-at-Home Travel Agency Scams?

As there are in nearly every profession, there is a common scam going around that tries to trap people looking for at-home work as travel agents. It’s a variation of the all-too-common check-cashing scheme.

Avoid being taken in by scammers by looking for any kind of payment arrangement that involves you receiving legitimate money from your clients and then turning around and sending a portion of that money via wire transfer to someone in another country. That’s a clear red flag that you’re being scammed.

That said, there will be time when start-up fees are required and legitimate. If you’re going to be an employment-based travel agent, your employer will most likely cover the costs of starting up your home office. But if you’re joining an agency that’s hiring you as a contract worker (and you’re therefore technically starting your own business,) you might have some start-up fees for things like insurance and special training (which is common for Disney-focused travel agents in particular).

Have you ever thought about working from home as a travel agent? I think it looks exciting, and it’d be fun to learn about all the different destinations and approaches people want with their vacations.

About Angie Nelson

Angie Nelson began working from home in 2007 when she figured out how to take her future into her own hands and escape the corporate cubicle farm. Angie’s goal is sharing her passion for home business, personal finance, telecommuting, and entrepreneurship, and her work has been featured on Recruiter, FlexJobs and Business News Daily.

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How to Become a Travel Agent

What you need to get started.

When you become an independent travel agent with KHM Travel Group, you’ll have everything you need to run a successful home-based travel agency at your fingertips. Our education programs are designed to teach you everything you need to know to book travel and build your business in the travel industry. No certificate or prior travel agent education is required!

You must be a U.S. citizen living in the U.S. with a current and valid driver’s license or state ID in order to become an agent. You will also need a valid credit card in your name in order to enroll and reliable access to the internet in order to access our Agent Portal and CRM systems , along with other supplier booking engines.

A passion for travel isn’t a requirement, but it is usually beneficial in helping agents succeed!

How You’ll Learn to Be a Travel Agent

In our Travel Agent Tips video , our Vice President of Agent Engagement, Bill, provides an overview of what it’s like to run your own travel business.

The bottom line: Education comes first! Our Learning Management System (LMS) lets you control your travel agent education. Accessible 24/7 from any device, the LMS is an online classroom accessible to all KHM Travel Agents through MyTravelAgentPortal .  Everything in the LMS makes the learning is broken down into courses, and each course is divided into lessons, so the learning process is very structured. When you first get started, you’ll go through our series of “Destinations” or courses within Agent Orientation. These courses act as a roadmap to guide you through the process of learning the travel industry and how to run your business.

Agent Orientation covers the basics of how to become a travel agent. This includes things like getting your business set up, working with clients, compliance, and simple marketing techniques. You’ll also gain a better understanding of all the tools and resources you have available to you as a KHM Travel Agent.

The LMS gives you the ability to learn how to become a travel agent at your own convenience. To continue expanding your professional development and travel knowledge, you can take advantage of our in-person educational events and one-on-one coaching program . You can always rely on our team to answer your questions or offer encouragement if you are feeling stuck.

How You’ll Find Prices and Book Trips

KHM Travel Group Agents are all independent contractors, running their own businesses under the umbrella of our booking credentials. Once you’re on board with us, our team will help you get registered with our Preferred Suppliers to access their travel agent-only websites. There is no additional cost to register with suppliers, but each supplier has a set of procedures to follow for agents to research trips and book travel.

KHM Travel Group already has established relationships with the most popular travel suppliers, giving you access to exclusive promotions, incentives, and marketing assets. Whether you want to specialize in selling cruises, romance travel, family vacations, or anything in between, we’ll provide you with the knowledge and connections you need to develop your sales.

How Do Travel Agents Make Money?

When you make bookings for yourself or your clients, our travel suppliers will pay a commission on the sale amount. The exact commission percentage varies between 3% and 20% of the travel sale amount, with the average being around 14%. Whatever commission we receive, we pay you 80% of that amount to start. After agents have reached $5,000 in gross commissions in a calendar year, they are bumped up to 90% commission. Learn more about commissions and see an example on our commission page here .

KHM Travel Group’s long-standing relationships with our Preferred Travel Suppliers enable us to receive the industry’s top commission payouts, which we pass on to you!

How Much Do Travel Agents Make?

One of the first questions people ask when researching how to become a travel agent from home is usually, “can I actually make money doing this?”  The answer is yes, and the amount of money you can make is really up to you. Some of our travel agents work part-time to plan travel for friends & family and earn a few hundred dollars on those trips. Our top-producing agents turn their travel business into their full-time career and earn thousands in commission each month.

Typically, agents get out of their business what they put into it. As one of our agents, Lisa , put it, this is not an opportunity for someone who wants to make money quickly or by sending their clients to book themselves online. It does take time and dedication, but if you love travel, a travel agent career can bring you long-term rewards.

Check out all  the benefits of partnering with KHM Travel Group and learn about our pricing options here . If you’re ready to become a travel agent, you can get started here or give us a call 1-888-611-1220.

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How to Become a Travel Agent: Turn Your Passion Into Perks and Cash

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

Raise your hand if you love to travel. Whether you’re often on the road or take a vacation just once a year, you’ve probably heard of travel agents. These folks help plan and book itineraries for you, eliminating a lot of the pain points when it comes to traveling.

These days many people skip out on a travel agent in lieu of booking their trip online, but if you’re a frequent traveler, you may want to become a travel agent yourself. Why? Because it can save you a lot of money — and may even earn you some in the process.

Let’s take a look at how to become a travel agent, why it’s something you may want to consider and the ways it can work for you.

Why become a travel agent?

Have you ever obsessively researched the best hotels in a city you’re planning to visit? How about checking seat maps on an airplane? If getting into the nitty-gritty of travel logistics is something you do in your spare time, you might also enjoy becoming a travel agent.

Not only do you get to plan trips for others, but you’ll also be able to take advantage of special discounts on many facets of travel.

This is true for your clients, but also for yourself. Travel agents have access to a variety of discounted rates on both airlines and hotels, even when booking travel for themselves.

» Learn more: How to get a refund from a travel agency

How to become a travel agent

Find a program.

Becoming a travel agent isn’t as simple as declaring yourself one. Typically, the first step is to sign up for a program that’ll teach you the basics of running your own travel business.

There are a variety of programs to choose from, depending on your interests and career goals. Most programs will teach you about the business side of being a travel agent as well as how to plan trips, so your courses in itinerary planning and travel insurance will be coupled with business ethics and customer service.

If you’re wondering how to become a travel agent from home, don’t worry. Many of these courses don’t have to be done in person; there are online programs that will teach you everything you need to know from the comfort of your living room.

Apply for certification

Once you’ve completed your coursework, you’ll want to apply for certification. Although there is no single standard that designates you a travel agent, there are a number of different identifiers that you can acquire. Some of the more common ones are:

International Air Transport Association, or IATA, which allows you to book travel on domestic and international airlines.

Travel Industry Designator Service, or TIDS, which allows agents to book trips with a variety of travel suppliers and receive commissions.

Cruise Lines International Association, or CLIA, which provides agents the ability to book trips on cruises around the world.

In order to access Marriott’s travel advisor rates, for example, you can use any three of these designations, along with a variety of others.

Each of these associations and identifiers have different implications for your business, so you’ll want to be sure you’ve fully researched them before applying for membership.

» Learn more: Do travel agents really save you money?

Save money as a travel agent

Once you’ve qualified as a travel agent, what comes next? If you travel frequently, becoming a travel agent can be a huge benefit to you, as it offers discounted rates and access to luxury travel options.

Discounted rates

Travel agents have access to negotiated rates that aren’t available to the general public. The exact amount will vary depending on the business. Hilton, for example, will give personal travel discounts of 50% off at newly-opened hotels and up to 25% off at the remainder of hotels within Hilton’s portfolio.

Hyatt, meanwhile, will give you a discount on personal travel of up to 50%, but only during select dates of the year. And although not all airlines give discounts to travel agents, many do.

Regardless, these are some pretty spectacular savings, and if you’re looking to save money on your vacations, being a travel agent can help.

Luxury programs

Becoming a travel agent isn’t only about saving money, however. It also grants you access to many hotel chains’ luxury travel programs.

If you’re big into elite status benefits, this is definitely something you’ll want to consider — especially since you don’t need any status at all to receive these perks, as long as you book through the hotel’s agent portal.

Most major hotel chains have these programs, including Hyatt Privé, Hilton Impresario, Marriott STARS & Luminous, Four Seasons Preferred Partner, Belmond Bellini Club, Rosewood Elite, Mandarin Oriental Fan Club and Shangri-La Luxury Circle.

While benefits vary by brand, many of these offers include things like room upgrades, complimentary breakfast, early check-in or late checkout and credits for expenses like dining or spa services. General consumers aren’t eligible for these programs, but once you’ve become a registered travel agent, they become accessible to you; however, some programs — such as Hyatt Privé — are invitation only.

For the most part, booking rooms through these programs shouldn’t cost more than the standard rate you’d be paying anyway, so you have the potential to get big benefits without shelling out any additional money.

However, note that these numbers don’t take into account any other discounted rates for which you may be eligible, such as those offered to American Automobile Association members and veterans .

» Learn more: Uncommon tips for saving money on travel

Earn money as a travel agent

Of course, becoming a travel agent isn’t all about scoring discounts for yourself. If you’re looking to earn some money, being a travel agent can be a good way to do so.

Note that travel agents operate in a customer-facing role, so you’ll also need to be able to build client relationships and be comfortable with sales. Courses such as those mentioned above can help train you to do this and run a successful business.

If booking travel and organizing trips for others is something that appeals to you, there’s definitely money to be earned. Marriott, for example, gives agents a commission of between 8% and 10% for all eligible stays booked.

» Learn more: The pros and cons of booking through online travel agencies

If you’d like to become a travel agent

There are a few good reasons to become a travel agent, especially if you travel a lot. Although it takes time and effort to complete training and apply for accreditation, the benefits you’ll receive as a travel advisor can be significant. This is true whether you’re booking personal travel or have built yourself a client base. Either way, there’s money to be had — and saved.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1.5%-5% Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

Up to $300 Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

on Capital One's website

2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.

75,000 Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

• New to Travel
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Homeworking Travel Consultant Opportunities

Freedom to choose.

Hays Travel is the UK's largest independent travel agency with a strong high street retail presence. However, over the last 20 years, we've grown and diversified with the extension of our business into homeworking travel consultants with a network of now more than 400 homeworker partners in our family.

We know how exciting the journey of starting a new business can be so we offer a variety of options to suit your lifestyle - whether you're an experienced travel consultant or brand new to the industry and would like to leverage our Travel Academy. There's flexibility to work your own hours to suit your personal circumstances and commitments, as well as freedom to set your own goals without targets and have uncapped earning potential.

Click below to get started, whether you are new to travel or have previous experience

New to travel – academy.

If you have no previous travel experience but have a passion for sales and travel and want to take the first steps into setting up your own business, or have been out of travel 10 years or more we have two fabulous Academy Models for you to choose from and support you get your business off the ground.

• Competitive Commission Earning Potential
• Support from a Business Development Coach
• Access to our ATOL protected Hays Tour Operator
• Educational opportunities
• Travel partner Discounts/ rates on own holiday bookings
• Access to The Hub – our dedicated Intranet site
• Reduced cost CLIA Membership – The Worlds largest Cruise Industry Trade association
• Travel CRM Software included free for first 12 months of trading with preferential rates thereafter
• Your Business, Your time – Total Flexibility

New Travel Consultant

Build your own business by working with your family, friends and local businesses as well as engaging with your local and social network communities

• Two weeks Virtual Induction Training
• 12 month training programme delivered by our award winning training team, Suppliers & Business Development Coaches
• Admin Assist and Holiday Customer Services Cover
• Business in a box - Laptop and Telephony

£8,000 + VAT

Payment Plans Available

New Travel Consultant - Leads Supported

Join our Academy Leads Supported and we will provide you with Quality Leads for you to work, and convert into bookings. This gives you the opportunity to build up your knowledge and experience and have enquiries at your fingertips to get started.

• Three weeks Virtual Induction Training
• Free Quality sales Leads by telephone, email or Live Chat

Experienced Travel Professional

If you have at least 2 years experience working in a UK Travel Agency, that is within the last 5 years, and are looking for a new home, or want to start your own business, Hays Travel can provide Industry leading Commission levels and Training to support you build your own business.

• One week Induction Training
• Travel partner discounts / rates on own holiday bookings
• Access to The Hub - our dedicated Intranet site
• Preferential Rates with Travel CRM Software

Experienced Travel Consultant

Build you own business by working with your family, friends and local businesses as well engaging with your local and social network communities.

• Your Business, Your Time – Total Flexibility
• Progression Planning - Tailored support to ensure your business grows and succeeds
• Marketing Materials, Personalised Website and Specialist Social Media Support
• Business in a box – Laptop and Telephony Included

plus a Monthly Management fee applies

We will help you build your business and increase your database by providing free quality sales leads by telephone, email and Live Chat.

• Provided with unlimited quality sales leads to help grow your database
• Admin Support – Allowing you to focus on selling holidays and building your database
• Progression Planning – Tailored support to ensure your business grows and succeeds

Don't just take our word for it…

We are a business that keeps it simple. We deliver on our promises and offer exceptional service for our people as they do for our customers.

You will be part of the family, and we want to support your growth. We work with you to develop your own personalised strategy to support your future success.

Can I choose my own hours?

You choose the hours that you work, our self-employed packages are completely flexible. It's your business, so the more hours you put in, the more you get out.

Is there a minimum sales value?

There are no sales values put in place for you. What you achieve is simply down to you and how much hard work you put in.

How long will it take to be up and running?

Once we receive your signed consultancy agreement, we can have you up and running in four to six weeks.

What kind of support will I receive?

You are supported by travel industry professionals working in a number of head office departments. In addition to this you will have a dedicated homeworking support team as well a business development team who are on hand to answer queries and give you advice on how to market your business.

Is there any out-of-hours support?

Absolutely, many of our departments are open well in to the evening and on weekends; we are on hand to help and support you.

What happens when I go on holiday?

We have a customer service team who can help with bookings and queries on existing bookings whilst you are away.

How much can I earn?

That is entirely up to you, the more you put in the more you get out. The earning potential is unlimited. Our top sales-people all say that they make more now, than they ever could working in a branch/call center. Several of our homeworkers' profit was over £100k last year, of which they receive 60%.

Are there monthly management fees?

The Academy New to Travel Models have no monthly management fee for the first 12 months. The fee will then be £55 per month. The Experienced Travel Professional PTC Models, the management fee is £55 per month.

Is there an upfront deposit for the New to Travel / Academy model?

Yes, if you choose the New to Travel Academy model, you will be required to pay a upfront deposit of £2400 inclusive of VAT. This equates to 6 months of your New to Travel Academy payment upfront and is non refundable.

Will the Leads Supported model have any expectations of me?

In order to make the Leads Supported model work for you, you will need to ensure you have a working pattern you can commit to be online ready to take calls, emails or live chat. Your Business Development Coach will support you with conversion of the leads and offer coaching and development where needed & can share with you the busiest times of the day to work to assist with your planning.

What is the payment plan option for the New to Travel Academy model?

You will pay the upfront deposit of £2400 inclusive of VAT at time of purchase. This will cover the first 6 months of trading. In month 7 for a remaining term of 18 months, you will pay £400 per calendar month.

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