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The Best Travel Agency Franchises of 2023 (Updated Rankings)

Last updated on March 1, 2023 by Franchise Chatter 1 Comment in Franchise Chatter Hot List , Travel Franchise

This annual list of the best travel agency franchises was revised and updated on March 1, 2023.

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Although the internet has made it easy for anyone to book flights and hotel rooms, there is still a large market for travel agencies, mostly focused on booking full vacation packages for people who don’t have the time or inclination to figure out all the details. By taking over the planning for travelers, agencies add value, reduce hassle, and draw in business. This is why cruise and travel agency franchises have a market size of $5.7 billion and employ over 29,000 people in nearly 11,000 businesses .

The Growth in Franchised Travel

Cruises play a large part in the business of travel agency franchises. This fits the model of these agencies, as cruises provide an all-in-one holiday package, the sort of thing that travelers go to agencies for. They’re also relatively high value holidays that can provide a good commission relative to the work involved in arranging them. There are so many options, even within the cruise industry, that it’s often hard for customers to figure out which one is right for them, and an agency can help with this. Travel agencies can obtain discounts on cruise bookings thanks to their relationships with the cruise companies, saving consumers hundreds of dollars per cruise.

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These businesses grew an impressive 13.6% per year on average from 2018 to 2023 . Some of this growth came from trends that were already in place in the 2010s, as high consumer spending boosted travel and franchise agencies moved in to take a share of the market. Online agencies in particular benefited from lower costs that allowed them to offer better deals and make better profits. Ever since the mid-90s, travel agencies have been shifting toward an online, home-based model, and that’s an approach that really fits current times.

The tourism industry was badly damaged by the Covid pandemic. Strict controls on both international and domestic travel, fears about the virus, and horror stories about outbreaks on cruise ships combined to kill a huge portion of the tourist trade. Cruise ships remained docked in US ports throughout 2020 under a no sail order from the Center for Disease Control. Revenues for travel and cruise franchises fell from over $3.2 billion to under $2.7 billion in 2020 , a less dramatic fall than was initially reported, but still a serious blow for an industry that had been rising in value for the whole of the previous decade.

Revenues were initially slow to recover, reaching $3 billion in 2021, still behind where the industry had been pre-pandemic. More than half of American consumers put money away in 2020 to spend on things they’ve missed during the crisis, and tourism was part of that, but health fears and financial insecurities still held some people back. The future of the industry looked uncertain.

Prospects for Travel Franchises

Despite all the uncertainties and challenges, things have now swung the other way. Franchised travel and cruise businesses are seeing the greatest growth they’ve ever experienced, reaching $5.1 billion in value in 2022 and with their market expected to reach $5.7 billion in 2023.

This has clearly been driven in part by people getting out and traveling post-Covid. The economic recovery and the pent-up desire for travel have benefited the industry, and franchises have taken a large part of that. E-commerce sales are also important , as more travel bookings shift online, where the brand reach and marketing power of franchises provide significant benefits. This fits well with a working from home model which has allowed the industry to cut costs, and so to offer more appealing deals.

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But while revenues are expected to grow in the next year, profits are expected to decline . Geopolitical tensions and ongoing health concerns still affect customers’ travel plans, while rising competition in the industry is pushing down prices and so profits. The prospect of an economic downturn could further impact the industry, as expensive vacations are something that consumers will cut back on if finances get tight.

Problems in specific parts of the world can affect some travel agents. For example, an agency with a focus on eastern Europe would have seen a lot of business lost in the past year thanks to events in Ukraine. It’s impossible to plan for every eventuality, but offering a diverse range of options can protect a business against events beyond its control.

Travel agencies are surprisingly low-cost franchises to purchase. The cost of entry is low, with little expenditure on equipment and training. This means that there’s also plenty of competition, which can create both challenges and opportunities. In current circumstances, this is an accessible option for a franchise, but one that holds potential for strong long-term profits if the tourism industry continues its current trend. Recent dramatic growth can make the sector seem very appealing, but before jumping on board, it’s important to ask, how sustainable is that growth, and how much of it will turn into profit?

The Top Travel Agency Franchises of 2023

1. cruise planners.

Cruise Planners is a work-from-home franchise concept in which its Travel Advisors sell all kinds of vacation travel packages, but with a special focus on cruises. Cruise Planners as a company has become a recognized master of micro-targeted email marketing along with its other high-tech, big-data-driven marketing tactics and technologies that give Travel Advisors the edge they need to succeed. In fact, its chief information officer, Brian Shultz, was once named CIO of the Year at South Florida Business Journal’s Annual Technology Awards.

Founded in 1994 by Michelle Fee in Coral Springs, Florida and franchising since 1999, the number of locations expanded rapidly in recent years from 1,172 in 2012 to 3,151 in 2020 but has since dropped back to the current total of 2,585 (down from the previously reported total of 2,659), of which one is company-owned and all are located in the US.

2. Dream Vacations

Dream Vacations is a spin-off from CruiseOne in order to make sure people knew they did more than just book cruises. Both travel franchise concepts are owned and operated by World Travel Holdings. The cost for a new franchisee without travel agent experience is just under $10,000, while those with a medium level of experience get a 67% discount and more experienced travel agents can buy in at a 95% discount.

Franchisees can literally work from anywhere with an Internet connection, and are encouraged to travel as much as possible themselves to keep their own knowledge and travel experiences up-to-date to improve their customer service. And franchisees also get to do their own travel at deeply discounted rates.

Founded in 1991 and franchising since 1992, the number of locations grew steadily from 909 in 2012 to 1,553 in 2020, then dropped to 1,489 in 2021, and has now risen to the current total of 1,618, of which none are company-owned and two are located outside the US.

3. Travel Leaders

Travel Leaders has a long history dating back to the 1800s. Wagonlit Travel was founded in 1872 by Georges Nagelmackers (who created the Orient Express) while Ask Mr. Foster was a travel agency founded in 1888 by Ward G. Foster. In 1979, Carlson Travel Networks acquired Ask Mr. Foster and in 1997 merged with Wagonlit Travel to form Carlson Wagonlit Travel. Then in 2008, a three-way merger with Carlson Wagonlit, Tzell Travel Group, and Travel Leaders resulted in the Travel Leaders franchise.

The company is known for going the extra mile in customer service – not only getting to know customer preferences, but also helping them through any and all issues or challenges that may arise during travel.

Founded in 1888 and franchising since 1984, the number of locations declined for a time and the last known reported total was 367 in 2016, of which 24 were company-owned and three were located outside the US. The company website claims nearly 7,000 “travel agency locations,” but it’s not clear what is being counted – individual agents or agency locations.

4. Expedia Cruises

Expedia Cruises , as its name implies, has a special focus on selling cruises, but also offers a full array of other travel services and vacation packages of all types. This company has the distinct advantage of carrying the well-recognized Expedia brand name. Expedia purchased CruiseShipCenters International in 2007 and eventually decided franchising was the way to expand it.

Franchisees can get involved as individual travel agents (Vacation Consultants) who can work from home or at the nearest retail location, or can select to run a retail location.

Founded in 1987 and franchising since that same year, the number of locations climbed slowly but steadily in recent years from 159 in 2012 to 269 in 2020, but has since fallen to the current total of 246 (down from the previously reported total of 253), of which none are company-owned and 159 are located outside the US.

An Important Note About Our Methodology

The franchises on this list were ranked according to the number of units in the franchise system. If you are a prospective franchisee searching for franchise opportunities that meet or exceed certain performance benchmarks for sales, profits, and return on investment , please check out this list of America’s Most Lucrative Franchises .

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Travel Franchise Opportunities for Sale

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Prior to the pandemic, travel-related jobs directly accounted for 6% of the US workforce, while travel-supported jobs accounted for 11% of the nation's workers. And with a bit of good fortune, the travel industry won't take long to get back to where it was in 2019.

Before the pandemic, travel was the 7th largest employer in the private sector and the largest small-business employer in the United States (that's travel-dependent leisure and hospitality). One in ten private-sector jobs were supported by travel, and the travel industry supported 15.8 million American jobs - that's planes, trains, and automobiles, people.

So, once we start moving about again, there's enormous potential in the travel franchise industry to once again bring vigor back to the sector.

The primary type of travel franchise is the travel agency franchise sector, such as Cruise Planners, Dream Vacations (formerly CruiseOne), and Expedia Cruises. And although these companies all contain "cruise" in their brand names, they cover more than boats - they provide access to air, land, and sea vacations.

Another popular travel franchise sector is the hotel industry. Nearly all American hotel chains are franchises, and while the costs of investing in hotel chains can be extremely high, it’s a fertile industrial sector to plant your money.

Franchising

People spend a lot of money on their vacations. On average, the American consumer spends 5% of their income on planning and booking their holiday. That amounts to an average of $2,400.

Of course, many people spend way more than that - but there's one critical metric that all consumers need when they invest their hard-earned money in a dream trip:

And one of the principal problems with small, independent travel companies is that the general public doesn't necessarily trust the small guys. They often opt for the tried-and-tested brands well-known for delivering excellent customer service and the best deals.

So, franchising is the ideal option for anyone hoping to get into the travel industry.

A travel franchise provides a ready-built reputation for excellent customer service and satisfaction. They offer instantly recognizable branding that affords immediate curb appeal, and they come with compliance with all the complicated and technical travel guidelines, regulations, and protections that consumers expect.

Travel franchise parent companies usually provide world-class training to bring you up to expert level - they have their hard-earned reputation to protect, after all. As well as training, most travel franchises also provide HR services that help you ensure that your business works in line with US business and employment regulations.

Facts About Travel Franchises

The travel industry is essential to the general health of the US economy, and many believe that the economy won't recover fully until the travel industry is up and running again. As the Travel Technology Association puts it:

“The travel industry is a vital facet of our nation’s economy, generating billions of dollars in revenue, supporting millions of jobs nationwide.”

But there is light at the end of the tunnel as restrictions ease and vaccine programs roll out. Analysts are already seeing signs that the travel franchise industry is recouping the $500 billion loss in travel spending experienced in 2020 and is once more on the path of steady growth.

And as consumer confidence returns, we’ll see international visitors return, bringing with them their keenness to spend their holiday dollars in the United States.

It’s easy to get glum about the prospects for the travel franchise industry, but - actually - there’s every reason to feel positive, making this a great time to invest in a travel franchise.

Travel franchises offer a range of travel-related services, from full package holidays to transport solutions. They give customers a wide choice of budgets and standards to meet their holiday and traveling wish list.

There are still tremendous profits to be made in the budget holiday offering, providing the lower-paid the opportunity to enjoy their vacation in comfortable, pleasant surroundings.

Of course, there are considerable profits to be found in the high-end vacation choices - from luxury stays in Las Vegas's most exclusive hotels to exotic American tours and - of course - fabulous holiday cruises on vast travel liners.

Franchising Vs. Independent

Franchising requires an initial investment, starting from around $50,000, moving into the hundreds of thousands for the most exclusive brands.

Most of us require funding from an outside source to gather the startup collateral for a travel franchise, and this is where the franchise model really does come into its own.

The majority of banks and moneylenders are keen to invest in franchises because they represent a minimal risk compared to small independent companies that are setting up without the support of an established partner.

Independent companies lack proof of the market viability of their business model, whereas travel franchises can demonstrate a history of profit and sustainability (even in tough times). Franchises have the support of an experienced partner who knows the marketplace and has already forged their products in line with customer needs.

Franchise companies tend to hit the ground running, while independent companies often struggle to survive beyond the first five years of trading.

One of the principal pain points for new indies is their lack of reputation, meaning that they often struggle to establish themselves in the crowded marketplace.

In fact, almost half of all independent companies go bankrupt before their fifth birthday as they struggle to recoup their initial investment and turn around a profit.

On the other hand, franchising is often considered the common-sense way to start up in business for yourself - taking on a ready-formed business model that has proven its market viability; with branding that future customers already know, love, and trust.

Check out Franchise Direct's brilliant selection of travel franchises.

You can also check out many more related franchises here on Franchise Direct, such as:

• Hotel Franchises
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• Travel Franchise

How Much Does It Cost to Start a Travel Agency?

Curious about what it takes to run your own business? Love to travel? You can combine the best of both worlds and become a travel agency franchise owner with Dream Vacations. You may be wondering, “How much does it cost to start a travel agency?” – you can rest assured that Dream Vacations is considered to be one of the best low-cost franchises in the U.S. Here’s how our home-based travel agency franchise does things differently.

Costs to Start a Travel Agency Franchise With Dream Vacations

At Dream Vacations, our low initial investment fee can be as low as $3,500, and we provide a wide range of generous discounts to keep our travel agency franchise cost reasonable for prospective owners.

• Promotional: As part of an across-the-board promotion for all new franchise owners, we offer a 10% discount. 
• Community Heroes: For active and retired first responders, medical professionals and educators, we proudly offer a 20% discount off our standard cost of investment.
• U.S. Veterans & Military Immediate Family: Any prospective franchise owners who are veterans or active military immediate family can take advantage of our 30% discount for a total cost of investment. Additionally, Dream Vacations is consistently ranked as one of the best franchises for veterans by Forbes, Entrepreneur, Military Times and other trusted publications. 

Furthermore, if you are an experienced travel or hospitality professional, you can qualify for an even bigger discount off our standard travel franchise cost. Contact us today to see how you can save on your one-time investment!

Our Nationally Recognized Low-Cost Franchise Opportunities

Dream Vacations is nationally considered to be one of the most affordable franchises in the country. In fact , Entrepreneur magazine ranked Dream Vacations as a Top Low-Cost Franchise in 2022 . The ability to work from home, keep low overhead cost, and avoid overpriced inventory purchases make our travel agency franchise an easy decision for many prospective franchise owners with the entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for travel.

Without the support and resources of a highly successful brand name like Dream Vacations, travel agency startup costs can be costly if you’re starting from scratch. When you join the Dream Vacations family, you’re not just buying a franchise, you’re also joining a profoundly successful business model that provides you with the quality training, networking and marketing services you need to profitably run your business. Established in 1991, Dream Vacations works to grow your travel agency’s potential through our team of industry experts, innovative web-based technology and reputable business practices that have made us one of the best affordable franchises in the U.S.

What Are the Benefits of Choosing Dream Vacations?

When you choose our travel agency franchise, the benefits are many. Dream Vacations provides new franchise owners with in-depth,multi-daytraining that can be completed either virtually or in-person. With more than 1,500 training courses accessible 24/7 through our learning portal, as well as ongoing in-person trainings given throughout the year, you can be confident you’ll have the necessary skills to be successful as a travel agency owner.

Beyond understanding the ins and outs of the travel business, Dream Vacations also supports your growth as a business owner. With the help of an assigned Business Development Manager, you’ll craft a personalized business plan and set goals for long-term expansion. Furthermore, we’ll assist you in securing any licenses or certifications that your state may require before you can start recruiting new clients.

We provide you with robust marketing support that includes lead generation, email marketing, print advertising and much more. Plus, when you choose Dream Vacations to start running your travel agency business, you’ll benefit from leaning on our trusted brand name to get yourself in front of prospective clients.

Get Started With Dream Vacations

With our low-cost franchise model and extensive franchisee network there’s never been a better time to invest with Dream Vacations. Are you ready to learn more about our travel agency franchise opportunities , how much it costs to start a travel agency with us, and become a franchisee? Fill out our brief information request or give us a call to get started!

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A Low Cost Franchise Investment

We understand these are unprecedented times, and we want to make our franchise accessible to as many people as possible. That's why, for a limited time, we are reducing our franchise fee by $1,000*. Click below to claim your special pricing and see why now is a great time to invest in a Cruise Planners franchise.

The Best Affordable Travel Franchise

At $10,995, Cruise Planners ® is one of the most affordable low-cost franchises to own, and for a limited time, we are lowering the price even further to $9,995 . Many franchise companies have initial franchise investment costs that can be four times as much as a Cruise Planners ® travel franchise.

Cruise Planners offers incentives for active and retired military, first responders and travel industry professionals.

Franchise Incentive Programs

Our special franchise incentive programs for active and retired military, first responders and travel industry professionals provide an even greater value for a home-based business . Click the icons below to learn more about these programs.

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What's Included with the Franchise Cost

• 6-day training in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida with our Leadership Team & industry partners (includes hotel).
• Access to hundreds of web-based training courses in Cruisitude ® Academy
• Business development coaching and ongoing support
• Award-winning marketing programs
• A robust, custom CRM and booking engine
• Social media page design and supplemental management
• Mobile tools for access on your smart phone or tablet
• Consumer-facing mobile app for your clients to book travel
• Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) & International Air Transport Association (IATA) Memberships
• $1 million errors & omissions insurance protection

Explore Our Guides and E-books

Explore the realm of travel franchising through Cruise Planners' extensive library of guides and e-books. Ideal for entrepreneurs interested in franchising of existing franchisees seeking business improvement, these meticulously prepared materials offer guidance at every stage.

Claim your $1,000 discount and jumpstart your new journey today!

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Travel Agency Franchise Explained

• 17 min read
• Published: 7 Jun, 2024
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In 2024, UNWTO  expects  global travel to recover completely from the pandemic and finally exceed 2019 levels. At the same time, one of the main industry trends is the growing demand for comprehensive and personalized travel services. Tourism presents a lucrative opportunity for entrepreneurs – and one way to enter the industry is through a franchise model.

Franchising in the travel sector offers independence while operating under an established brand. So let’s delve into the nuts and bolts of travel agency franchises and, among other things, discuss how to start and what to expect.

This article mainly targets those considering buying a travel franchise and launching their own agency, but it will also be useful for established businesses wanting to become a franchisor and develop their brand.

What is a travel agency franchise?

A travel agency franchise  is a business arrangement in which you (a franchisee ) start your own travel agency using the name, branding, and resources of an already established travel company (a franchisor) .

Buying the right to use the promoted brand and proven operational model  helps you attract customers more easily and set up business processes faster than when starting from scratch. In return, you follow the company’s rules and share some of your earnings with them.

This “business-in-a-box” model allows you to benefit from the larger travel agency's experience and support, accelerates market entry, and reduces some of the risks associated with launching a completely new business. Here’s what  you – as a franchisee – can count on .

How does a franchisor support a franchisee?

A  franchisor provides various support to its franchisees  to help ensure the success and growth of their business. Here are some of the key areas.

Key benefits for a franchisee

Branding . As we said, one of the most significant advantages of a franchise is the use of a well-established brand identity. It includes logos, marketing materials, and a unified brand presence, which helps attract customers who are more likely to trust a known name in the industry.

Technology . Franchisors typically provide essential technological tools to support franchisees, such as

• integrated booking systems for handling travel arrangements,
• lead generation tools,
• marketing platforms for executing campaigns and maintaining brand consistency,
• customer relationship management (CRM) software to handle  and optimize customer interactions,
• analytics tools for tracking business performance, etc.

For example, Cruise Planners provides  its franchisees with its proprietary CP MAXX system which is a CRM and a booking tool, a mobile app, a cruise watcher, a group registration tool, and so on. Dream Vacations has similar software capabilities . Travel Leaders also offers  its own suite of booking and operations management systems.

Partner network . Franchisees benefit from pre-negotiated contracts and favorable terms the franchisor has established. Among other perks, it means access to bulk ticket rates and special fares  that are typically not available to smaller, independent agencies. The network often includes airlines, hotels, cruise lines, tour operators , and other travel-related service providers.

Accreditations and ticketing power . Franchisors often (but not always!) provide access to necessary industry accreditations  and memberships, such as CLIA, ASTA, or ARC/IATA, which can be costly and complex to obtain independently.

Training and development . Franchisors provide comprehensive training programs that cover the operational aspects of running a travel agency, the use of technology systems, customer service, travel regulations, etc. They also organize regular workshops, seminars, and masterclasses for further development. This ensures the franchisee is well-prepared to manage the business and meet customer expectations.

Marketing and advertising . Franchisees benefit from national advertising campaigns and marketing strategies  designed by the franchisor. Additionally, they often receive tools and resources for local marketing initiatives tailored to their specific market.

Operational support and regulatory guidance . Franchisors offer continuous operational support from office setup to ongoing advice to improve business efficiency and profitability. They also assist in navigating the legal aspects of running a travel business, including help with licensing, compliance with travel industry regulations, and so on.

Other benefits of working with a franchisor include access to exclusive deals and offers from travel suppliers (such as free promotional tours for agents), as well as a community of fellow franchisees who can share their experiences.

This comprehensive support framework provided by a franchisor helps franchisees start a new business and contributes to their overall success and growth. In return, franchisees

• pay the agreed-upon fees,
• adhere to the franchisor’s guidelines to ensure consistency across the brand network,
• maintain the parent company's reputation by providing high-quality services, and
• contribute to the network growth and market expansion.

If you’re familiar with how the travel market is organized, you might notice the similarity between franchising and working with a host travel agency . But these types of partnerships are different. Let’s talk about the nuances.

Travel agency franchise vs host travel agency model

Both travel agency franchises and host travel agency models  offer support in running a travel business, but they operate differently.

Franchise and host models compared

In a   travel agency franchise , you buy the right to use an established travel company’s brand, systems, and resources. You run your own business but under the company's name, following their rules and guidelines. This model provides brand recognition and a ready-to-use business blueprint.

In a franchise model, the franchisee receives payments from customers and then pays a royalty to the franchisor.

When working with a host agency , on the other hand, you operate as an independent agent with your own name having more flexibility in branding and business approach.

You use the host's accreditations (like IATA  and ARC ) to book travel , issue tickets , and handle other operations. The host also often provides its partners with other support and resources such as tech solutions, training, marketing programs, etc.

As for the transactional part, your host will typically collect the payments from suppliers and then transfer 50 to 90 percent to you (terms vary), keeping the rest as its commission. Plus, there’s usually a small monthly fee.

So essentially, a franchise model is like buying a branch of a big brand, while a host model is more like partnering with a big agency to use their tools while running your own small business. The former will empower  you to have your business up and running faster, but the latter allows for more flexibility and is often less costly upfront.

Please note that there’s no strict distinction as franchising and host agency agreements can come in all kinds of forms. For example, some companies act as both a franchisor and a host agency. In this case, you buy a franchise and use the credentials of the same company when booking travel (e.g., Cruise Planners ). However, there are also other scenarios when you can only get a franchise if you’re already an accredited agent (e.g., that’s how Travel Leaders  work).

We’ve touched on the fees that you must pay to a franchisor company. But what are those? Let’s find out.

Costs associated with a franchise model

Starting a franchised travel agency involves several types of costs . Understanding these financial obligations is crucial for anyone considering such a business setup. Here’s a breakdown of the typical costs associated with this model.

Initial franchise fee

This is a one-time fee paid to the franchisor when you sign the franchise agreement. It grants you the right to use the franchisor’s brand, system, and resources. This fee varies widely depending on the brand and can range from a few thousand to several tens of thousands of dollars.

Also, in some cases, it’s a flat, one-size-fits-all fee, while in other cases, it can depend on the location, franchisee’s experience, or other factors. Sometimes, discounts are available for military veterans, medical workers, minorities, existing travel experts, etc.

For example, the standard Dream Vacations franchise costs  $10,500, but there are 4 discount tiers that can give you 10-95 percent off.

Startup costs

Beyond the initial franchise fee, there are startup costs. These will mainly depend on whether you plan a home-based agency or a storefront one. Obviously, the first option is much cheaper as you can start off pretty much with a personal laptop and your home Wi-Fi.

Launching a brick-and-mortar agency is more costly. You’ll have to take care of office setup, initial marketing and advertising, purchasing equipment and supplies, maybe hiring other employees, and so on. These expenses depend on the location, size of the operation, and the specific requirements set by the franchisor.

To give you an idea of the initial costs range, Expedia Cruises calculates  the investment of starting a storefront travel agency under their franchise to be between $197,050 and $328,745 (including the franchise fee).

Royalty fees

Franchisees pay ongoing royalty fees, which are typically a percentage of the franchise’s gross sales, though they can sometimes be a flat, fixed monthly amount. These fees contribute to the franchisor’s continued support and use of the brand name and system.

For example, Expedia Cruises charges 9 percent of gross revenue, while with Dream Vacations you’ll pay 1.5-3 percent of gross sales.

Note that most franchisors only post explicit information about these three categories. However, if you look deeper under the hood, you might find more hidden costs.

Other franchise costs

More often than not, there would be a number of additional fees and expenses you’ll have to cover as a franchisee and a business owner, so be sure to read the franchise agreement carefully.

Training fees . While initial training is often included in the franchise fee, ongoing training sessions or advanced training programs might incur additional costs. You might also need to plan for travel expenses if the training is offline.

The training fees depend on your experience and the complexity of the programs. In some cases, you might only need zero-cost online training, while in others, the price may range from several hundred to several thousand dollars.

Technology fees . Some franchisors charge fees for the use of their proprietary software.

Here, again, fees vary wildly across franchisors (or, sometimes, external vendors) and the number of users and can be as low as $50 to thousands of dollars annually.

Renewal/transfer fees . When a franchise agreement term ends, continuing the franchise might require paying a renewal fee. Some franchisors might also charge you for terminating the agreement early. A transfer fee is incurred if you want to transfer the business to a different person.

For example, the renewal fee can comprise up to $5,000 and the transfer fee can be as high as $10,000.

In addition to the costs you pay to the franchisor, don’t forget about other ongoing expenses  such as

• operational costs (salaries, utilities, etc.),
• E&O insurance (often purchased through a franchisor),
• legal services,
• business permits and licenses,
• membership fees,
• renovation, etc.

These costs add up, so potential franchisees should conduct thorough research and prepare detailed financial projections to ensure the feasibility of their investment in a travel agency franchise. And that takes us to the practical part of how to approach the franchising business at all.

How to start a travel agency franchising business?

Here's a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the franchising process and launch your travel business.

Steps of starting a travel agency franchising business

Conduct research and evaluate your options

The first step is to conduct thorough research on potential franchises. Identify established travel agency brands with a strong market presence and a good reputation. Visit their websites to gather detailed information about their offerings, support systems, and franchise requirements.

Once you have a list of potential franchises, assess each option. Talk to the representatives of the brands you are interested in, watch a demo of the software they provide, and request the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). The FDD contains crucial information about the franchise, including fees, obligations, and financial performance.

Compare the initial investment required for each franchise, considering franchise fees, startup costs, and ongoing royalties. It's also essential to assess the support and training provided by the franchisor. Look for franchises that offer comprehensive training programs, robust marketing support, and continuous operational assistance.

Pro tip: Choose your niche.  

When choosing the franchisor, think about the market niche you want to work in and how well the selected brand fits in. You might want to sell only cruises  or work with full-blown tour packages . Or you can choose the niche of organizing group travel or arranging business trips . Or you might want to focus on educational travel or craft exclusive personalized luxury tours. Choosing your niche can help you better understand and cater to your target customers.

Assess your budget

After evaluating your options, assess your finances to ensure you have the necessary funds to start the franchise. Determine your budget, including all costs such as franchise fees, equipment, marketing, and working capital.

Explore various funding options, such as personal savings, bank loans, or investors, to ensure you have sufficient funds to cover both initial and ongoing expenses.

Pro tip:   Make a business plan.

Consider developing a complete business plan to calculate the expected returns and define if they justify the costs.

Conduct due diligence

Conducting due diligence is a crucial step in the process. Thoroughly analyze the franchisor’s financial health and market reputation.

Speak with existing franchisees to gain insights into their experiences and their operational results. Ask about their relationship with the franchisor, the level of support they receive, and their overall satisfaction with the franchise.

You can also additionally consult a franchise attorney to review the FDD and franchise agreement.

Pro tip: Compare to similar businesses.  

Make sure that you compare “apples to apples” when speaking with other franchisees. Factor in their previous experience, market niche, territory of operation, type of franchise (homebased or storefront), size of business, and other aspects that can influence the terms of an agreement and business results.

Choose the right franchise and apply for a partnership

Based on your research and due diligence, choose the franchise that best aligns with your goals, budget, and expectations. Complete the application process required by the franchisor, which may include an interview, background check, and financial review.

Once approved, carefully review the franchise agreement with your attorney. Ensure you understand your obligations, rights, and the franchisor’s commitments before signing the agreement and paying the initial franchise fee.

Pro tip: Negotiate.

Review the discount options offered by a franchisor and see if you’re qualified. Think of other reasons to negotiate with the company and secure the best deal possible. Besides discounting the franchise fee, you can discuss other benefits and incentives such as commission structure, financing options, territory rights, and so on. Remember that franchisors are also interested in cooperation so many of them are willing to adjust their fees and other terms to make them more appealing.

Prepare for launch

With the agreement signed, it's time to prepare for your travel agency's launch. Attend the training sessions provided by the franchisor, which will typically cover business operations, marketing, customer service, and the use of proprietary systems. Check the regulatory requirements for operating a travel agency in your region and make sure you comply with them.

If your franchise requires a physical location, find a suitable office space and set it up according to the franchisor’s guidelines. Implement the franchisor’s marketing plan to attract customers, utilizing the provided marketing materials and strategies.

Pro tip: Choose location wisely.

The location of your travel agency is crucial for its success. Consider factors like foot traffic, visibility, and proximity to potential customers when selecting a location.

Open up and start working

When everything is in place, plan and execute a grand opening event to generate buzz and attract initial customers.

Focus on providing excellent customer service to build a loyal client base. Engage in local business networks and travel industry events to expand your reach and continuously monitor your business performance.

Seek support from the franchisor whenever needed and attend any additional training or meetings they offer.

Pro tip: Monitor the market and adjust.

Remember that the travel industry is highly dynamic, so be sure to stay up to date with travel trends and adjust your strategy and offerings accordingly.

As you move through these stages, remember that thorough research, careful planning, and diligent execution are key to your success. Also, as you develop, make sure to monitor your performance  and look for ways to enhance your operations.

Challenges of a franchised travel agency

With all the support and guidance from a franchisor, it might seem like running a franchised travel agency is a breeze. Well, it’s not exactly that way. Here are several challenges that you better be prepared for.

Initial investment . Just like any other business, starting a franchise can require a significant upfront investment, especially if you’re considering a storefront option. To avoid monetary failure, it’s crucial to have a clear financial plan that incorporates franchise fees, ongoing royalties, and operational costs – as well as funding sources.

Adherence to franchisor guidelines . Franchisees must operate within the franchisor's guidelines and policies, which can limit creativity and flexibility. What seems a relief for some people, might become an unbearable restriction for others, so make sure you feel comfortable operating in the set structure.

Competition . Understanding your local market and competition is essential. Your business's success can heavily depend on its location, the demand for travel services in the area, and, of course, the level of service that will keep you one jump ahead of your competitors.

Now that you know all the pros and cons of a franchise business, let’s take a look at your options.

Top travel agency franchi ses

In the travel agency franchise market, sever al prominent companies are considered leaders due to their extensive franchise networks and comprehensive support systems which include marketing, technology, training, and operational guidance.

Notably, many travel franchises are focused on the cruise industry. That’s because the margins are generally higher in cruise sales, allowing agents to earn more. However, most franchises will enable you to sell all types of travel products.

Top travel agency franchises compared

Expedia Cruises: storefront franchising with the leading travel brand

Expedia Cruises   leverages the powerful Expedia brand to offer extensive marketing and technology support to its franchisees. It has been franchising for over 35 years, emphasizing its proven success in the travel industry. It specializes in selling cruises but also works with other travel products (flights, hotels, packages, etc.).

Expedia Cruises encourages franchisees to open retail locations and create teams of travel agents (or Vacation Consultants).   To qualify for a franchise, it expects applicants to have $250,000 in liquid capital and a minimum net worth of $750,000.

As we noted earlier, the initial investment range is $197,050 to $328,745 with a franchise fee of $39,000. The royalty comprises 9 percent of the gross revenue paid by suppliers. Expedia Cruises also discloses the revenue projections  for the first years of operation and shares the median annual net revenue of $233,624 that mature stores (3+ years) in the US made in 2023.

Dream Vacations: a low-cost option for home-based agents

Dream Vacations  is part of World Travel Holdings, one of the largest cruise distributors. However, it deals with a variety of travel services, not just cruises.

As it mainly offers a home-based franchise model, this brand is recognized for its low startup costs ($10,500 with several discount options). When joining, new franchisees have a choice of which brand they want to operate under – Dream Vacations or CruiseOne. The ongoing royalty is 1-3 percent of gross sales.

Another option is becoming an independent Dream Vacations Advisor  for a $69 fee and working as a contractor with one of the established franchisees.

Cruise Planners: the biggest network of home-based franchisees

Cruise Planners  was previously known as part of American Express's Travel Representative program, but in December 2022, they discontinued their partnership, and Cruise Planners joined Signature Travel Network.

With a focus on the home-based model, it has the biggest network  of individual franchisees. The initial franchise fee is $10,995 (discounts exist as well), and the royalty is 3 percent of gross sales.

Travel Leaders: professional support for established businesses

Travel Leaders Network , a division of the Internova Travel Group,   is different from other franchisors as it focuses on existing travel businesses with retail locations. It has strict requirements for potential franchisees, such as agency size, annual sales volume, accreditations and memberships, etc.

Depending on your business status, you can expect an initial franchise fee of up to $1,500 and a royalty fee of up to $1,000 per month. Contact them directly for more information.

Choosing the right franchise is critical to your success. Look for a franchisor with a robust support system, a strong brand, and positive franchisee testimonials. Ensure their business values align with yours, and consider the growth potential within their business model.

Now that we’ve discussed all the nuts and bolts of becoming a franchisee, let’s say a few words about creating your own franchise.

How to become a franchisor?

If you run an established brand and are looking for ways to develop it, franchising is one option. Becoming a travel agency franchisor requires a careful approach to planning, legal considerations, and business strategy.

Note also, that it’s likely to be a rather costly endeavor. The rates for legal, registration, and other services vary, but we will give you a rough idea of the main expenses (numbers taken from Drumm Law, LLC ).

Here are the key stages of the process.

Develop your business model . Before you can franchise your travel agency, you need a successful, replicable business model. This means your existing travel agency should be profitable and have well-defined operational procedures that can be easily taught to others.

Create a franchise system . To help your franchisees succeed, you'll need to develop a comprehensive franchise system that includes training programs, operational manuals, marketing strategies, and other support systems (if you engage external specialists, developing an operations manual can cost up  to $20,000 ). This system should establish brand standards and quality that all franchisees will operate under.

Comply with legal requirements . Obviously, regulations vary depending on the country and state in which you operate. For example, in the United States, you might need to register a separate entity for your franchising operations, and you’ll definitely be required by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to draft an FDD. By the way, developing an FDD with an experienced lawyer might cost up to  $30,000.

Here are the main legal aspects to comply with:

• state/federal franchise regulations (e.g., registrations or disclosures may be required),
• business licenses and permits,
• consumer protection laws,
• intellectual property laws,
• data protection regulations, etc.

To stay compliant and avoid potential legal issues, consider consulting legal and business advisors who specialize in franchising and the travel industry. Also remember that regular audits might be required to maintain the franchisor's status (and that’s also  $2,000 to $3,000 paid to the auditor  annually).

Market and sell your franchise . Once you have the legal aspect sorted out, develop marketing materials and strategies to attract franchisees. This includes detailing the benefits of your franchise, the support provided, and the financial investment required.

Sieve applicants . Note that not everyone might be a good fit for your franchise. You’ll need to have a process in place to evaluate potential franchisees, ensuring they have the necessary business skills, experience, and financial resources to succeed. After all, they will present and promote your brand, so make sure your reputation is in good hands.

Train franchisees . To have a network of best-in-class travel agents, provide extensive training to new franchisees, covering everything from the day-to-day operations to customer service and local marketing. Ongoing support is also crucial to help them overcome any business challenges and to ensure quality and service standards are maintained.

Grow your network . As your network grows, monitor its performance and adjust your franchise system as needed.

Franchising travel agencies requires a significant commitment to fostering the success of your franchisees, but it can also be a rewarding endeavor that enhances your brand.

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12 Best Low-Cost Franchises If You Want to Start a Business for Cheap

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 .

Many people have dreams of becoming a business owner, but aren’t sure where to begin. If you have an entrepreneurial spirit but don't necessarily want to start a business from the ground up, looking into low-cost franchises is an opportunity worth considering. It's one of the easiest ways to break into business ownership, giving aspiring entrepreneurs the chance to make their business dreams a reality without the challenges of starting from scratch.

The buy-in cost of some franchises can be very expensive, but others are more affordable and therefore more accessible to hopeful franchisees with limited capital available.

To help you make your dreams of franchise ownership a reality, we’ve compiled this list of the 12 best low-cost franchises you can buy. Each of these franchises has an upfront franchise fee of $50,000 or less and a total initial investment of $110,000 or less.

How much do you need?

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We’ll start with a brief questionnaire to better understand the unique needs of your business.

Once we uncover your personalized matches, our team will consult you on the process moving forward.

Low-cost franchise opportunities: What to expect

Although owning a franchise isn't for everyone, it does have some advantages over starting a business from scratch. For one thing, a franchise already has an established brand and customer base. The parent company—or franchisor as they're called more commonly—has already done some of the hard work, such as creating the business concept, designing the logo, and developing marketing materials. Now, you—the franchisee—can jump in and carry out the day-to-day responsibilities of business ownership.

As with any business, of course, you need capital to buy a franchise. Every franchise requires some initial money up front and an ongoing investment of dollars and time.

When purchasing a franchise, there are four main cost parameters to consider:

Franchise fee - Virtually every franchise opportunity requires the business owner to pay a one-time, upfront franchise fee.

Initial investment - Your initial investment covers the materials, labor, and resources you'll need to launch. In our ranking below, the initial investment amount includes the franchise fee.

Ongoing investment - This is the money you'll need to run the franchise on an ongoing basis.

Personal finances - A few franchises require the owner to have a minimum net worth before they're eligible to purchase a franchise. Others have liquidity requirements.

The franchise fee, initial investment, and personal finance requirements are typically the biggest barriers to entry for most potential franchisees. When added up, large franchises like McDonald's come with initial buy-in fees that are more than $1 million. But don't lose heart—affordable franchises do exist that span a wide range of industries—fitness, cleaning, travel, and more. Some low-cost franchise opportunities can even be operated as home-based businesses with no physical location.

Although it's certainly possible to buy a cheaper franchise without breaking the bank, low-cost franchises tend to be less well known too, so your profits from the business might not be very high. Before venturing into one of these opportunities, do your research, review franchise paperwork, and evaluate whether the franchise is expected to have a positive uptrend in revenues and customer demand.

Next up, our top 12 cheap franchises to buy if you want to become a business owner. We'll follow with some information on financing and business loans that can help make your dreams of business ownership a reality.

12 best low-cost franchises for aspiring business owners

1. cruise planners.

Franchise fee: $10,995

Initial investment: $2,095 to $23,367

Interested in owning a travel company? Then consider Cruise Planners , a franchise representative of American Express, which is one of the most widely recognized cruise planning companies in the country. The bonus: You can operate your Cruise Planners franchise out of your home, making the initial investment in this opportunity among the lowest in the market.

Franchise fee: $5,495 to $10,495

Initial investment: $6,205 to $24,285

Grown out of the popular StrollerStrides fitness programs for mothers of young children, Fit4Mom offers nationwide franchising opportunities with very low startup costs and attractive scheduling options. Becoming a Fit4Mom franchisee allows fitness instructors to conduct their own Stroller Strides Classes, Fit4Baby Classes, Body Back Classes, Stroller Barre Classes, and Fit4Mom Run Club. You can conduct the classes in your own community and on a schedule that's convenient to you.

3. Chem-Dry

Franchise fee: $23,500

Initial investment: $56,495 to $162,457

Personal financials: $50,000

With an average of 10 billion square feet of carpet installed each year, it’s no wonder that Chem-Dry has become a successful franchise business. Chem-Dry was founded in 1977 with the goal of cleaning carpets and keeping them clean, and since then, they’ve had a consistent track record of supporting their franchisees to build thriving businesses.

Costs to become a Chem-Dry franchise owner can vary widely depending upon your starting equipment purchases—but some franchisees have begun the process for as little as $56,495, including the franchise fee. Fortunately, if you decide you're interested in opening a Chem-Dry franchise and need help with the initial investment, this franchisor offers internal financing options to help you get started.

4. Jazzercise

Franchise fee: $1,250

Initial investment: $2,500 to $38,000

Of course, we can’t talk about fitness franchise opportunities without including this gem on our list. Founded in 1969, Jazzercise is no longer all about leg warmers and '80s music. The business that started the dance party craze is making a modern and hip comeback with dance and exercise classes. Buying a Jazzercise franchise involves submitting an initial investment, finding an ideal location, and polishing up those dance moves. With the low franchise fee and initial investment, Jazzercise is one of the cheapest franchises on our list.

5. Stratus Building Solutions

Franchise fee: $2,700 to $100,000

Initial investment: $3,450 to $100,000

Personal financials : $5,000 to $10,000 minimum net worth and $2,000 to $20,000 cash requirement

Stratus Building Solutions focuses on bringing environmentally friendly solutions to meet the janitorial needs of office buildings, retail shopping centers, restaurants, and more. This franchise started in 2006 and brought on 91 units in 2017 alone.

Stratus Building Solutions offers potential franchisees two options for buying a low cost franchise: unit and regional or executive master . Both options are relatively affordable, but for those that have only a small amount of money set aside to invest in a franchise, the low $5,000 net worth requirement for unit-level ownership makes this option especially appealing.

Interested in starting at a higher level of investment? Stratus offers in-house financing options to help with the initial franchise fee, equipment, inventory, and other startup costs.

6. SuperGlass Windshield Repair

Franchise fee: $5,000 to $17,500

Initial investment: $18,685 to $84,205

Personal financials: $15,000 minimum net worth and $15,000 cash requirement

With just a few weeks of training, almost any aspiring business owner can learn the necessary skills to become a SuperGlass Windshield Repair franchise owner .

Based in Orlando, with locations operating worldwide, SuperGlass Windshield Repair is among the best inexpensive franchises to buy. Focusing on mobile service has allowed this franchisor to keep pace with customer demands, while also keeping startup and overhead costs low for franchisees.

7. Mosquito Squad

Franchise fee: $15,000 to $32,500

Initial investment: $17,050 to $79,425

Most of us think of mosquitoes as annoyance at best, and, in some cases, even a danger to our health. But could saving your neighbors from this backyard pest be your ticket to a profitable business?

Founded in 2009, Mosquito Squad is one the best-known names in pest control nationwide. Since that time, they have over 200 franchise locations and $50 million in sales. Their franchise fee is cheap, plus Mosquito Squad has third-party lender relationships to help facilitate financing, making it easy to get into business ownership.

8. Pillar to Post Home Inspectors

Franchise fee: $21,900

Initial investment: $36,350

With more than 500 franchises in Canada and the United States, Pillar to Post Home Inspectors is an affordable opportunity for a first-time franchisee. This professional home-inspection franchise was started in 1994, and has become the preferred home-inspection company by a number of real estate partners. Join their franchisee team and enjoy the benefits of work-life balance and a proven business model.

9. Property Management Inc.

Franchise fee: $15,000 to $45,000

Initial investment: $21,250 to $106,800

More than 35% of U.S. residents rent their homes rather than own. The growing number of tenants and rental properties means huge opportunity for the property management industry.

Operating more than 200 franchise locations in upward of 40 states, Property Management Inc. offers franchisees the technology, training, and marketing solutions needed to be successful. And you don't already need to be an expert in property management because Property Management Inc. will provide full-scope training.

Whether you’re an existing property manager looking to grow the scope and support of your business, or you’re brand new to the field but looking for an exciting new career, becoming a Property Management Inc. franchisee gives you a validated model to build your own thriving property management business.

10. Soccer Shots

Franchise fee: $34,500

Initial investment: $41,034 to $53,950

For aspiring business owners who love kids, fitness, and the great outdoors, a Soccer Shots franchise could be the perfect fit. Founded in 2005 by two former professional soccer players, this national franchise enrolled more than 350,000 kids in youth soccer programs last year. And it's continuing to grow at a 60% rate year over year.

Soccer Shots offers in-house financing to help with the franchise fee. Opportunities to become a Soccer Shots franchisee are limited by geographic territories, but many franchise locations are available in the central and western U.S.

11. Dream Vacations

Franchise fee: $495 to $9,800

Initial investment: $3,245 to $21,850

Dream Vacations is another low-cost franchise offering travel agency services that you can run out of your home. They boast award winning training so the startup to get running will be seamless. As an added bonus, they offer heavily discounted trips and vacations to their franchise owners so they can get to know the experiences they're selling.

12. Lil' Kickers

Franchise fee: $15,000

Initial investment: $25,000 to $35,000

Lil' Kickers offers a great cheap franchise opportunity with a small initial investment. While primarily a soccer program for young kids, they also advertise their locations as developmental centers that have impact with kids beyond the soccer field. If you have experience with kids or simply want to give back to your community, consider opening a Lil' Kickers franchise for a rewarding business experience.

Financing options to purchase low-cost franchises

When buying a franchise business, it’s important to know that there are options at a range of price points. And, if you’re concerned about affordability, there’s always the option of taking out a loan to help you along the way.

Plus, even if you're considering an affordable franchise opportunity, it’s likely that you’ll need a little bit of financial help to get started. There are many options for small business loans to purchase a franchise or other business. You can use these funds to help you pay for the initial cost of franchising a business.

The good news is that lenders like the predictability of franchises. Since a franchise already has had a history of some success, lenders feel more comfortable extending a loan to a franchisee. There's more certainty of successful repayment with a franchise, compared to a brand new company.

Each of these loan products has slightly different benefits, so make sure you find the one that will be right for your future franchise purchase.

Friends and family loan

Provided you have the option available, there can be many benefits to borrowing money from friends and family, including minimal interest rates and a longer repayment schedule. Often, friends and family are willing to give you a much better deal or take on more risk than a bank or traditional lender is willing to.

Of course, there are always drawbacks to involving friends or family in your business finances. It's especially important to document the loan and repayment expectations in a written agreement before funds exchange hands. That can help you avoid a strained relationship if the franchise's business plan doesn’t go precisely according to, well, plan. Plus, if you're interested in writing off the business loan interest as a deduction on your tax return, you'll need this documentation, anyway.

Franchisor financing

When looking for a more traditional borrowing arrangement to purchase into a specific franchise, your first point of contact should almost always be directly with your franchisor.

Remember, your franchisor has almost certainly been through this process before with other franchisees, so they may be able to offer support, guidance, and even internal funding options or special relationships with lenders to help you with the franchise financing process. In our list above, Mosquito Squad, Stratus, and Soccer Shots all offer some type of internal financing assistance.

That said, along with connecting directly with the franchise to learn about borrowing options, you also shouldn’t overlook comparison shopping with outside lenders to make sure that you’re getting the best available interest rates and borrowing terms.

Traditional term loan

A traditional term loan is likely the first scenario that comes to mind when you think of a business loan. In this borrowing arrangement, you obtain a fixed amount of capital upfront from a lender, then pay back that amount plus interest over time according to a set schedule.

Remember that some term loans carry restrictions that may limit the use of funds on a franchise purchase, so make sure that potential lenders know that you're considering buying a franchise before you sign any loan agreement.

Also keep in mind that a term loan might be out of reach for a business acquisition—without any history of revenue or time in business, this might not be an option for you. Since a business acquisition term loan is infamously difficult to get, you shouldn't count on it as a sure thing.

SBA 7(a) loan

If you’ve done any research into getting a business loan, it’s likely that you’ve heard all about the U.S. Small Business Administration’s loan programs. Long repayment terms and low interest rates make SBA loans the most coveted option around for many business borrowers.

The SBA 7(a) loan is a particularly attractive choice for those looking into low cost franchises to buy because it's highly applicable to franchise purchases and business acquisitions.

But keep in mind that the application process for SBA loans is lengthy and highly selective, so those with a short buying timeline or with poor credit will need to look elsewhere to finance their franchise.

Equipment financing

If the purchase price of the franchise you’re buying into has high initial equipment costs, you might be able to use equipment financing .

Available for the purchase of virtually any form of business equipment—computers, production machinery, cars, and more—an equipment loan works similarly to a car loan in that the price and quality of the equipment you’re purchasing is tied directly into the size and terms of your loan.

And, because the equipment itself serves as collateral on the loan, borrowers who opt for an equipment financing loan tend to encounter fewer personal collateral requirements than they would with other loan products.

Start Your Dream Business

The bottom line

Starting a new business can be intimidating. But purchasing a franchise can be a realistic—and much more affordable—entry point for many entrepreneurs.

This article originally appeared on JustBusiness, a subsidiary of NerdWallet.

On a similar note...

5 Best Travel Franchises In 2024

If you are someone who wants to start a franchise but has a low investment budget or simply needs location flexibility, then starting one of the 5 best travel franchises mentioned in this guide could be great for you.

People are traveling now more than ever, and that is largely because of the pandemic that took away two years of people’s lives. It was also the time when people realized how futile life is, and so many of them have started traveling since then.

This serves as an opportunity for you to get into this industry and make some good money. So make sure you see all the five options, compare them, and then pick the one that suits your needs the best.

5 Best Travel Franchises

1. dream vacations.

Founded in 1991, Dream Vacations is a business travel agency and a leading travel franchise that uses a proprietary system to offer travel deals related to cruises, vacations, etc.

This is one of the best travel franchises that you can find. What we love most about Dream Vacation is that it is a low-cost franchise with investments ranging from just $1,795 to $21,000. Also, it has a solid and repetitive customer base, ensuring that you may profit every time.

The company currently has a network of over 1,800 franchisees, and you can also become a part of their successful franchise venture.

2. Cruise Planners

Founded in 1994, Cruise Planners is another popular travel franchise that you can invest in in 2024. Cruise Planners is privately owned and is known for creating and planning some of the best itineraries for travel plans in Canada and the U.S.

In recent years, this company has also made its name in the list of Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 list multiple times.

Other than this, what sets Cruise Planners apart from its competitors is that it is a home-based franchise. Meaning its franchise owner can run this business from anywhere, anytime.

To be eligible for this flexible travel franchise opportunity, you must have $2,295-$23,465 as an initial investment.

3. Expedia Cruises Franchise

Expedia Cruises is another popular name in the travel industry that offers franchising opportunities to those interested. To be eligible, you must have a minimum net worth of $750,000 and a minimum liquid cash of $250,000.

Also, as per the company’s website, matured Expedia Cruises franchise owners generated a median annual net revenue of $233,624 in 2022. So this is the kind of revenue you can make from this franchise.

Having said that, you must note that Expedia has a very high royalty fee of 9%. This means you will have to give away 9% of your gross revenue. Because of this high royalty fees, you can consider other travel franchises that we have shared instead.

4. Travel Leaders

With decades of experience under its belt, Travel Leaders is another great travel franchise that you can think about investing in.

Travel Leaders offer the necessary training, business tools and strategies, travel management projects, and more to the franchisees to prepare them for the business.

Apart from this, they also offer their all-inclusive toolbox that includes templates and information on all the services they offer.

To be eligible for this franchise, you must have an initial investment of $2,270.

5. Itrip Vacations

Itrip was founded in 2008 as a property management company but later became a travel company.

By joining Itrip, you can benefit from a respected name in the industry and also from the decades of experience the company holds.

For this franchise, you do not need to hoard any inventory. The company has a proprietary system on which everything is taken care of.

To be eligible for this opportunity, however, the company requires you to have 15+ years of business experience. However, we suggest you to apply for the opportunity even if you have less than 15 years of experience.

Comparison of 5 Best Travel Franchises

When should you choose a travel franchise.

Here are some questions to think about before you decide to invest in a travel or any franchise business for that matter:

Are you okay in having limited control over your business?

When you invest in a franchise, you are asked to follow the rules and standards set by the franchisor. This standard may include following the working hours, marketing strategy, itinerary, advertisements, etc.

If you can deal with having limited control over your business, only then consider investing in a franchise, or else you are better off starting an independent business.

Are you comfortable carrying out work digitally?

A travel franchise will largely require you to carry out the bookings, confirmation, communication, and so much more digitally on your phone or a laptop.

So you must have good knowledge of technology and must be comfortable using it. If not, then you should consider opening some other kind of brick-and-mortar business.

Factors To Consider Before Investing In a Travel Franchise

Here are some factors that you should consider before investing in a travel franchise:

1. Royalty & Marketing Fees

Franchisors charge a set percentage of marketing and royalty fee in the range of 2% to 10% monthly from franchisees in return for you using their brand name.

Make sure you choose a travel franchise that charges this fee on the lower side of the bracket, or else you won’t get to keep too much of your profits.

2. Payback Period

You should also check the payback period of the franchise you want to invest in before investing your money.

You can find out the payback period by taking the initial investment and revenue of the franchise.

Make sure you invest in a business that has a low payback period so that you can start keeping the profits completely.

3. Failure Rate

The failure rate of a franchise can be calculated by the total number of franchised outlets that open and close in a year.

Invest in a franchise that has a low or zero failure rate only. This will ensure you do not invest in very risky options.

Starting a travel franchise might be ideal for you if you have a low investment budget or if you are a veteran or retired person.

The best thing about a travel franchise is that you do not necessarily need an office for this. You can work from your home office, and you also do not need to invest in machines or stock other items.

We hope that the information on the 5 best travel franchises that we have listed in this guide was useful to you.

FAQ’s

How much does a travel franchise cost.

Depending on the franchise you choose to invest in, the cost of a travel franchise could vary. However, based on the options shared in this guide, you can expect to spend between $1,795 and $292,245 on average. As you can see, the investment required to open travel franchises is not that high because, unlike other industries, opening a travel franchise does not necessarily require a brick-and-mortar location, inventory, etc.

How Much Can I Make From A Travel Franchise?

Travel franchises do not generate that much profit. On average, you can make $38,000 a year from a travel franchise. And if the franchise you have invested in is quite profitable and successful, then you might be able to make up to $100,000 a year.

Is Travel Business Profitable?

Yes, a travel business or starting a travel agency can be profitable. However, the amount of money you make in this depends on several factors such as your location, size of business, planning, etc.

Which Is The Cheapest Travel Franchise To Own?

As per the travel franchises shared in this guide, Travel Leaders is the cheapest travel franchise to own , with an investment requirement of $2,270 only.

What Is The Profit Margin In The Travel Industry?

The profit margin in the travel industry or the profit margin of a travel agency is usually between 10% to 15%.

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Starting a Business | Tip List

Low Cost Franchises: Top 25 Franchises Under $25,000

Published February 8, 2018

Published Feb 8, 2018

WRITTEN BY: Jeff White

This article is part of a larger series on Starting a Business .

We’ve found many high-quality, low cost franchises that have over 100 nationwide locations and initial investment fees starting under $25,000. They cover a range of industries, including fitness, cleaning, travel, food service and more.

Many franchises prefer to work with an LLC. By setting up an LLC, it protects your personal assets from any potential legal disputes. Rocket Lawyer is an online legal service provider who provides access to operating agreement templates from $39.99 per month.

Visit Rocket Lawyer

Top 25 Low Cost Franchises

We’ve listed the top 25 low cost franchises in the United States with at least 100 locations, sorted by the lowest possible initial investment below.

1. Results! Travel

Travel Agency 661 Locations Initial Investment: $0 – $10,400

2. Cruise Planners

Travel Agency 2,350 Locations Initial Investment: $2,095 – $22,867

3. Buildingstars

Cleaning Service 487 Locations Initial Investment: $2,245 – $53,200

4. Travel Leaders

Travel Agency 262 Locations Initial Investment: $2,270 – $16,910

5. Cruise One

Travel Agency 1,094 Locations $3,245 – $21,850

6. Jazzercise Inc.

Fitness & Recreation 6969 Locations Initial Investment: $3,700 – $32,750

Fitness & Recreation 256 Locations Initial Investment: $6,205 – $23,685

8. Ameriprise Financial

Business Services 4,553 Locations Initial Investment: $8,769 – $139,245

9. Coffee News

Newspaper 471 Locations Initial Investment: $9,750 – $10,750

10. Chem-Dry

Cleaning Service 2,098 Locations Initial Investment: $13,300 – $155,534

11. CleanNet USA

Cleaning Service 2,547 Locations Initial Investment: $14,277 – $44,725

12. Mosquito Squad

Pest Control 203 Locations Initial Investment: $15,850 – $69,625

13. Frontier Adjusters

Insurance Adjusters 668 Locations Initial Investment: $18,955 – $27,905

14. Proforma

Print services 676 Locations Initial Investment: $19,480 – $50,195

15. Property Management inc

Property Management 159 Locations Initial Investment: $19,850 – $86,800

Home Improvement 302 Locations Initial Investment: $20,000 – $439,690

17. American Poolplayers Association

Fitness & Recreational (Billiards) 299 Locations Initial Investment: $20,260 – $28,280

18. Hissho, Oumi Sushi

Food Service 819 Locations Initial Investment: $21,050 – $238,950

19. ACE Sushi

Food Service 327 Locations Initial Investment: $21,725 – $69,382

20. DKI Disaster Kleenup

Disaster Restoration 692 Locations Initial Investment: $22,145 – $94,750

21. Realty Executives

Real Estate 362 Locations Initial Investment: $23,500 – $171,000

22. Chester’s

Food Service 1,020 Locations Initial Investment: $24,200 – $296,600

23. N-Hance

Wood Renewal 407 Locations Initial Investment: $24,300 – $147,262

24. Cinnabon

Food Service 834 Locations Initial Investment: $24,564 – $327,300

25. Earthgrains

Food Service 461 Locations Initial Investment: $24,974 – $271,525

Keep in mind that since investments costs vary a lot depending on your location, many have high estimates of $50k or higher. All have low estimates below $25k, however, with some even lower than $5k.

We were able to provide you this information thanks to Franchise Grade .

Low Cost Franchises by Industry

Low cost travel agency franchises.

Some of the cheapest franchise options today can be found in the travel agency industry. You may have thought these businesses went away with the advent of the internet, but these four franchises have, in fact, managed to grow.

Travel agency franchises comprise four of the top five lowest cost franchises. They are amongst the lowest cost franchises partly because Results Travel and Travel Leaders only accept existing travel agency businesses into their programs. If you want to get in on the ground level, check out Cruise One or Cruise Planners .

Low Cost Travel Agency Franchise Options

Low cost commercial cleaning franchises.

Commercial cleaning dominated our last low cost franchise list with 7 of the 25 businesses. This time around, there are only 3, but they are still a solid option for the entrepreneur willing to work nights. It’s often found to be very attractive because commercial cleaning requires fewer clients, as the industry standard is to sign them up for long-term contracts.

As a B2B business, you don’t need to spend as much time on marketing and customer service, which is part of the reason why these ventures are cheaper than residential cleaning.

Chem-Dry and CleanNet USA both have over 2,000 franchisees nationwide. This is strong proof that the industry is still very valuable to businesses, and that they’ve figured out a franchise model that works.

Low Cost Commercial Cleaning Franchise Options

Low cost fitness & recreation franchises.

The next low cost type of business was fitness and recreation. Franchises in the fitness category tend to be very niche, like Fit4Mom , who focuses completely on the fitness of mothers or pregnant women. The cost is kept lower than other businesses in the industry because they only have to focus on a very small category of people. Other types of businesses in this category that are more broad, like full gyms, will have a significant increase in equipment costs.

Low Cost Fitness & Recreation Franchise Options

Low cost food service franchises.

If you’re looking for a low-cost franchise, you probably won’t go out and buy a full restaurant. A fast-food chain costs around $200,000 and a sit-down restaurant can cost over $1 million. There was one restaurant, however, that has been consistently in the top 25 low cost franchises: Chester’s Chicken .

For under $25,000 there are also some other smaller foodservice operations that focus on trendy foods like Sushi, or small specialty shops like Cinnabon. Franchises falling into this category had the most of any other on our list.

Low Cost Food Service Franchise Options

Miscellaneous low cost franchises.

Filling out the rest of our list is a wide range of industries. Each entry below was limited to one entry, for their industry, in the top 25. For example, Proforma is a franchise that provides printing services for medium and large businesses. Coffee News publishes a newspaper and uses their franchises to distribute it to places like restaurants, hotels, waiting rooms and libraries. And Mosquito Squad landed as the only pest control business on the list.

Miscellaneous Low Cost Franchise Options

Additional franchise resources.

We have compiled a list of important information regarding buying a franchise that you should be aware of before you get into the process. This can save you time, money, and set your franchise up for success in the long-term. Here’s the list of resources you can read today:

• 15 Mistakes to Avoid When Starting a Franchise : Learn from the experts on common mistakes you can avoid as you navigate the franchise buying process.
• Franchise Financing : Learn about the five best options for funding your franchise.
• Guide to Choosing a Franchise : We encourage you not to pick a franchise just because you like how their food tastes. Learn how to pick the one that will make the right business model for you.
• Buying a Franchise : Learn about how to navigate franchise opportunities, and about important documents like the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).

Bottom Line

Franchises can be great opportunities for new small business owners. And, as you can see, there are many franchises that are very affordable. If you’re planning on getting financing for either all or a portion of the startup costs, consider the options available in our franchise financing guide.

If you own a home, and have 20-30% equity in it, then you may be able to get a home equity line of credit (HELOC) with a low interest rate. If you’re considering a home equity line of credit, visit an online marketplace, like LendingTree, and compare offers from multiple lenders at once. Save time, shop smart, and find a home equity loan that fits.

Visit LendingTree

About the Author

Find Jeff On LinkedIn

As a JD/MBA, Jeff White has spent the majority of his career either operating small businesses (in the retail and management consulting spaces) or helping them through M&A transactions.

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• Franchise Ratings in USA

10 Best Low-Cost Franchises to Start in the USA for 2023

If you are looking for the most affordable franchises to start, then you need to consider not only initial investments, but also royalty fees, advertising, and other recurring costs to make up your mind. It is also important to investigate how reliable a franchisor is, what profit the business may bring, and what way it can be scalable later on. There are a lot of reasons to buy the best low-cost franchises. Firstly, you risk less at the start as you don`t take huge loans. Secondly, such a concept does not require a full-time commitment, so you can go on with your day job. Thirdly, low-cost franchises offer an opportunity to work from home. The best franchises to start with low investment may be found in various industries. There are real estate, advertising, travel agency, photography, fitness, repair, and event organizing businesses. The range of initial investments varies from $5K to $50K. The majority of businesses don't require high rental, labor force, and equipment expenses. Check out our selection of reliable low-cost franchises here.

Here is the top 10 low-cost franchise business opportunities in the US

Rhea lana's.

Founded in: 1997 Franchising since: 2008 Franchise units: 103 Initial investment: $20,550 - $39,950 Franchise Fee: $11,900 - $14,900 Royalty Fees: 1 - 3%

Rhea Lana's is an upscale children's consignment pop-up event. As a Rhea Lana's franchise owner, you will be able to benefit from a flexible lifestyle while earning income for your family. Rhea Lana's can fit into your family, whether you are a full-time working mom or a stay-at-home mom. As a current Rhea Lana's franchise owner, you will have the opportunity to purchase additional territories. There are numerous advantages to owning more than one franchise, which we would love to talk about in more detail with you. This is an affordable franchise opportunity you don't want to miss!

Founded in: 2014 Franchising since: 2014 Franchise units: 500 Initial investment: $15,250 - $214,095 Franchise Fee: $4,250 - $8,500 Royalty Fees: Varies

NextHome is a progressive real estate franchise with consumer-focused branding, technology and marketing. Our flexible pricing model and competitive programs, empower our brokers and agents to provide excellent service without compromise. We are the only low investment franchise that gives agents the choice on how fees are paid—and they can even switch plans during the year. Every office, local market and team is unique. Select what works best and adjust to meet ever-changing internal and external factors as we discover together what suits your business best.

Town Money Saver

Founded in: 1992 Franchising since: 2005 Franchise units: 39 Initial investment: $15,700 - $27,000 Franchise Fee: $10,000 Royalty Fees: None

Town Money Saver (TMS) offers local businesses quality advertising that attracts repeat customers and maximizes their return on investment. TMS has been structured to provide you with the tools and management knowledge to effectively and profitably produce a monthly community publication. There is no storefront, inventory, or employees required to start a TMS franchise. Town Money Saver offers you a low-risk franchise opportunity with low start-up costs and no need for employees or inventory. Start your local marketing franchise today!

Dream Vacations

Founded in: 1991 Franchising since: 1992 Franchise units: 1,500 Initial investment: $1,795 - $21,000 Franchise Fee: $495 - $10,500 Royalty Fees: 1,5 - 3%

With a low-cost franchise that has low overhead and no inventory, the world is your oyster when you start a travel agency franchise with us. Pursue your dreams of running your own home-based travel business and seeing the world by helping others plan the vacations they’ve always dreamed about. Our home-based franchise opportunity has changed the lives of our 1,500 franchisees, and it could change yours too. What we hear most from our franchise owners is, “I wish I did this sooner!” So, what are you waiting for? Become your own boss with Dream Vacations. Become part of the Dream Vacations family and position yourself to be on the receiving end of the greatest rebuild the leisure travel industry has ever seen. You’ll become part of a travel industry powerhouse where you can.

Founded in: 1969 Franchising since: 1982 Franchise units: 8,001 Initial investment: $2,415 - $21,750 Franchise Fee: $1,250 Royalty Fees: 20%

Have you ever wanted to own a business in the fitness industry? Jazzercise offers you the low cost franchise opportunity to own your own business while staying fit and enhancing the lives of others through exercise and dance. You don’t have to be an Instructor to own a Jazzercise Franchise! Jazzercise has been the world’s dance-fitness leader for nearly 40 years with classes in more than 32 countries. A Jazzercise Franchise is the perfect fit for you! As independent business people, Jazzercise franchisees can directly affect their own income levels while enhancing the lives of others through fitness and dance.

See more Franchises in USA in the catalog →

TSS Photography

Founded in: 1983 Franchising since: 1984 Franchise units: 176 Initial investment: $20,415 - $74,725 Franchise Fee: $8,500 Royalty Fees: None

Flexible, fun, and low investment – if you are looking for photography franchise opportunities, TSS may be the perfect fit. Whether you want to expand your existing photography business or begin a new venture you can be passionate about, a TSS photography franchise can help you achieve your goals. If you love sports, working with kids, capturing images at exciting events or helping people create memories, a TSS photography franchise can make a career out of your passion. And, you can enjoy flexible hours, being your own boss and creating your own working environment. Join America’s leading photography franchise with low startup cost!

Stratus Building Solutions

Founded in: 2004 Franchising since: 2006 Franchise units: 2,418 Initial investment: $4,450 - $79,750 Franchise Fee: $3,600 - $69,000 Royalty Fees: 5%

Stratus Building Solutions is leading the way in health and environmentally conscious commercial cleaning services provided by expert-level franchisees. As an innovative commercial cleaning company, Stratus franchisees provide businesses like yours with the most comprehensive green janitorial service options in the industry, allowing you to provide a healthier environment for your customers and employees. Join the thousands of individuals discovering the benefits are owning your own small business with the support of a proven business model. A franchise provides you with the management expertise, sales models, marketing support, and the affordable opportunity to grow!

Founded in: 2001 Franchising since: 2005 Franchise units: 255 Initial investment: $6,905 - $26,385 Franchise Fee: $6,495 - $12,395 Royalty Fees: 4%

FIT4MOM is the nation’s leading company for pre and postnatal health, wellness, and fitness programs for every stage of motherhood. Our mission is to create community leaders and provide Strength in Motherhood to every mom in every neighborhood nationwide, as we believe healthy moms equal healthy societies. Owning a Fit4Mom franchise allows you to have the best of both worlds - to become a successful owner of an affordable franchise and have a career that is supportive of motherhood. As a small business owner, you have the power to change the lives of women in your community every single day.

United Country Real Estate

Founded in: 1925 Franchising since: 1997 Franchise units: 401 Initial investment: $10,875 - $50,380 Franchise Fee: $8,000 - $20,000 Royalty Fees: 6 - 12%

A real estate franchise with United Country offers the only national real estate brand with a unique and proven marketing, technology and training platform specifically designed for specialty lifestyle properties across the United States, Panama, Costa Rica, Honduras, Australia and resort areas of Mexico. Our highly specialized team of real estate franchise owners consists of brokers, agents and auctioneers that live and work in the small cities, towns and most desirable lifestyle markets nationwide. As a real estate franchise owner you join a team that consists of experts in a variety of specialized property types ranging from country homes, weekend and vacation homes, land, ranches, farms, hunting properties, waterfront properties, recreational properties and over 40 more.

SuperGlass Windshield Repair

Founded in: 1992 Franchising since: 1993 Franchise units: 336 Initial investment: $18,685 - $84,205 Franchise Fee: $5,000 - $17,500 Royalty Fees: 4%

Windshield repair is a dynamic low investment franchise opportunity with a thirty-year history of servicing the commercial and insurance industry for the repair of rock-damaged and cracked windshields. When you start out with a franchise with SuperGlass Windshield Repair, you won't have to wonder if you have all the tools you need, if you are approaching the market correctly or if you can repair the damaged glass properly. You won't have to wonder if you'll have customers to service either. SuperGlass incorporates the most comprehensive windshield repair training and franchise setup system in the industry to ensure that you start your business with everything you need, including uniforms, printed literature and solid commercial accounts.

To summarize, we can say any of the listed above low-cost franchises is worth buying. But there is a lot to consider while choosing the best one for you. Pay attention to the reputation of the brand, what training and support are offered, check if the other franchisees are successful. But the main thing you need to do is to align your budget with investment requirements of the brand. In order to ease the challenge, we have made the comparison flowchart of the best franchises to start with low investment in the USA for you. It shows the minimum estimated initial investment and initial franchise fee of each brand. By using it, you can figure out the difference in financial requirements for each franchise, and decide which one fits you the most.

View all low-cost franchises

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Expert Advice - Buying a Franchise

Low-cost franchise opportunities for every budget.

Buying a Franchise Doesn’t Have to Break the Bank

A common misconception is that it costs an arm and a leg to start a franchise business. But, that’s not always the case. You may be surprised by how many low-cost, home-based franchise opportunities are available in various business sectors. 

Low-cost franchise opportunities, or businesses with startup costs of $25,000 or less, allow you to have a great work-life balance and the opportunity to work from home. With many low-cost franchise opportunities, the financial burdens commonly associated with business ownership aren’t as much of an issue. For example, most have lower overhead and labor costs, as well as minimal inventory. This opens the door to many people who can’t afford traditional, brick-and-mortar franchises.

Here are seven areas of franchising that you can enter for $25,000 or less.  

Business Consulting Franchises

Entrepreneurs who want to assist companies in improving their operations will thrive in a business consulting franchise. With a business consulting franchise, you can help businesses reduce their utility costs, improve productivity, etc. An example of a low-cost business consulting franchise is Succentrix Business Advisors. As a franchisee, you provide companies with business solutions through cloud-based systems. These services include tax preparation, accounting and payroll. Since the business can be operated remotely, overhead and labor costs are lower.

Travel Planning Franchises

The travel industry is an important aspect of the U.S. economy. According to the International Trade Administration , the travel and tourism industry generates $1.9 trillion and supports almost 10 million jobs. Even though there’s some competition with online sites like Tripadvisor, entrepreneurs have found success with travel franchises by providing white-glove services and offering deeper discounts. With a low-cost travel planning franchise, you can run a business remotely and receive special travel perks such as discounts on cruises and other trips. For under $25,000, you can invest in a travel planning business like Cruise Planners or Dream Vacations and get started in a matter of weeks.

Franchise Consulting Business

According to FRANdata’s 2022 Franchising Economic Outlook report, the franchise industry generated $787.7 billion in 2021. A key player in the industry is the franchise consultant, who helps entrepreneurs determine if franchise ownership is right for them. Franchise consultants work with prospective franchisees to find the ideal franchise opportunity that best suits their personal and financial goals. As a franchise consultant, you can be your own boss and help others achieve their dreams of business ownership. Franchise consulting companies like the International Franchise Professionals Group offer training programs to become a Certified Franchise Consultant . With average commissions of $25,000 or more, franchise consultants have the potential to make executive-level salaries.

Real Estate Franchises

Real estate franchises offer many opportunities under $25,000. You can help others find their dream home and find success in a growth industry. A low-investment real estate franchise opportunity is NextHome. The NextHome franchise calls itself a disruptor in the industry because it empowers brokers with marketing tools and streamlined processes. As a franchisee, your account with NextHome automates and integrates your listings to hundreds of websites. You will also have access to NextHome’s email marketing system and not be charged referral fees.

Pet-Related Franchises

If there’s one thing that Americans love, it’s their pets. Annually, Americans spend billions on pet care and other pet-related products. Passionate “pet parents” and animal lovers can enjoy investing in a variety of pet care franchise opportunities . For example, Pet Butler offers businesses and homeowners pet-waste removal services. While this may not be the most glamorous business, franchise owners can feel good about making communities healthier and cleaner.

A pet sitting franchise is also a great way to start a low-cost pet franchise. With Sitter4Paws, for instance, you can launch an in-demand business for under $25,000 and be up and running a few weeks after your training is complete.

Child-Related Franchises

There are a plethora of child-related franchises to choose from, including tutoring services, mobile sports franchises, cooking franchises, theater franchises, and so much more. Tennis Time is a fun child-related sports franchise that you can start for under $25,000. As a franchisee with the brand, you will teach children the fundamentals of tennis. Franchisees can scale the business and work full or part-time. With a child-related franchise, you have the potential to impact children’s lives positively. 

Pool Care Franchises

Many pool care franchises are seasonal and don’t require a year-round operation. With a pool care franchise, you can provide cleaning, opening, and closing pool services. As a franchisee with a pool care business, you will enjoy recurring revenue streams, including selling pool products to repeat customers every summer. This is a feel-good recession-proof business.   

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These Are the Most Affordable (and Most Expensive) U.S. Airlines

And not all of the least expensive are budget airlines.

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

Frontier Airlines is the cheapest carrier in the United States, despite its history of upselling customers for things like bags and seat selection.

The ranking is courtesy of a new study from airline compensation company AirAdvisor shared with Travel + Leisure , which looked at total passenger revenue per seat mile for the top 10 airlines in the U.S. When it comes to Frontier, the airline was more than $0.01 per mile cheaper than the next cheapest airline, fellow low-cost carrier Spirit Airlines.

“Frontier Airlines is often referred to as an ultra-low-cost carrier, and this certainly rings true based on our research,” AirAdvisor wrote in the study. “US airlines don’t get any cheaper than this as a whole.”

The ranking comes as both Frontier and Spirit recently eliminated most change and cancellation fees and Spirit made it easier to use travel vouchers for longer .  

Next on the list was Hawaiian Airlines, which came in as the third cheapest airline and the cheapest non-ultra-low cost carrier. In fact, AirAdvisor found Hawaiian Airlines was “by far the best combination of reliability and price of any airline we reviewed.”

Low-cost airline Allegiant Air and JetBlue rounded out the top five, but AirAdvisor noted Allegiant’s revenue per seat mile was $0.03 more than Frontier’s.

On the other end of the spectrum was Delta Air Lines , which came in as the most expensive airline per mile, but also one of the most reliable. That said, there are still ways to save.

“Delta offers flights all over the world, so there is a place for them on the itinerary of even the most budget-conscious traveler,” AirAdvisor wrote in the report. “Their website has a section for current flight deals, and you can subscribe to their newsletter to be informed whenever new sales are starting.”

Delta was followed by Southwest Airlines , which came in as the second most expensive on the list. That was due, in part, to the airline’s optional upgraded fare categories that come with perks like seat selection.

To form the list, AirAdvisor said it averaged the revenue per available seat mile for each airline in 2022 and 2023. The company specializes in helping travelers collect compensation from airlines when they are owed and collects a commission when the airline pays.

Beyond booking the cheapest airlines, travelers can save by buying tickets with specific airlines on certain days , being flexible, and setting price alerts .

Related Articles

Operational efficiency: A clear path to outperformance in distribution

Many distributors are finding it difficult to grow revenues and maintain margins while meeting the rising expectations of customers. Hiring and retention challenges, sharp demand variability, uncertain supply lead times, shortages, and inflationary pressures may seem like the new normal.

But opportunities abound for those who know where to look: distributors can meaningfully improve operational excellence to create more value for shareholders, customers, and suppliers.

In our inaugural survey of operations leaders in more than 80 North American distributors across more than a dozen subsectors, we identified many operations shortfalls—along with improvements that are helping about one in ten distributors outperform the industry by wide margins. Since 2019, these “transformers” have improved returns on invested capital by almost 30 percent and revenues by an average of almost 9 percent annually, boosted profits by around five percentage points, and expanded EBITDA margins by nearly seven percentage points. 1 For more on outperformance in distribution, see “ Lessons from transformers: How some distributors reset and won ,” McKinsey, February 21, 2023.

Distribution leaders recognize that operational excellence can be a promising path to profitable growth in these uncertain times. In this article, we outline the steps leading distributors are taking in operations to overcome their toughest challenges—and prepare for new ones.

The labor market has eased overall but is still a top concern

Labor shortages have eased since the pandemic, but more than a fifth of survey respondents still consider worker turnover their biggest operational gap (Exhibit 1). Labor mismatches are unlikely to fully dissipate on their own due to structural shifts such as early retirements and relocations. As one operations executive at an electronics distributor told us, “Prepandemic labor for warehousing and transportation was tight, and during the pandemic it became absurdly hard to recruit and retain people from the front line all the way to senior VP level. The situation is cooling, but labor is still a top priority.” Many distributors continue to face difficulties recruiting in select regions or for specific roles, such as commercial drivers and warehouse workers.

Nearly all respondents said they were hiring externally to meet talent needs, and most are offering more compensation or other benefits (Exhibit 2). But barely four in ten are helping current employees master new skills. Those companies that are upskilling may be gaining an edge: training can boost organizational agility in a more volatile marketplace, and career development and advancement can reduce turnover because they matter more to workers today. 2 For more on the changing needs of workers, please see Ela Chodyniecka, Aaron De Smet, Bonnie Dowling, and Marino Mugayar-Baldocchi, “ Money can’t buy your employees’ loyalty ,” McKinsey, March 28, 2022.

In conversations, leaders discussed a wide range of approaches they are taking to improve operations and the employee experience. An operations leader at a building supplies distributor credited his company’s lean operations system with giving workers more control over how they do their work and increasing their job satisfaction. He added that targeted infrastructure improvements, such as remodeling the break room and improving the air-conditioning system, increased retention. A food service distributor has introduced more flexible schedules, including a part-time work option, five eight-hour shift options, four ten-hour shift options, and extended operating hours to accommodate more flexible schedules. Another operations executive has made equipment and operations bilingual, expanding the pool of potential talent to include Spanish speakers. Some distributors are also employing flexible labor, such as contract workers, to plug labor gaps. While these workers can be more expensive, they’re not as costly as productivity losses or declines in service levels caused by staffing shortfalls.

Many distributors continue to face difficulties recruiting in select regions or for specific roles, such as commercial drivers and warehouse workers.

Technology is also playing a much larger role in retention. We spoke with leaders at a distribution company who used advanced analytics to understand what was driving attrition. Based on what they learned, they redesigned the daily routines of frontline roles. Improvements included more accurate delivery scheduling that reduced driver idle time, along with significant reductions in downtime and overstaffing in distribution centers. Retention rose by approximately 15 percent.

Low digital adoption has slowed the pace of operational improvement

By definition, every big distributor is a master of complexity—it may source, stock, price, and distribute half a million SKUs to meet customers’ needs—but many leaders have yet to harness basic digital tools, such as planning processes or systems, to manage that complexity. As one auto parts distribution executive put it, “Compared to our peers, we rank at six or seven out of ten on digital capabilities, but the industry as a whole is 20 years behind.” Some distributors are discouraged by the costs of purchasing, ROI, and building on legacy systems, but evolving software-as-a-service offerings are changing the equation and presenting an opportunity to leapfrog digital solutions. The time for upgrades has arrived.

Nearly half of our respondents said they had not invested in core building blocks of digital supply chain consistently across their networks, such as advanced planning systems (APS), warehouse management systems (WMS), or transportation management systems (TMS). About 14 percent still rely on manual spreadsheets for planning, while other sectors, from retail to advanced industries, are driving operational efficiency by using APS in pursuit of autonomous planning. Half of respondents have no warehouse robotics or automation—and no plans to adopt them (Exhibit 3).

Almost half of survey respondents said they had accelerated their implementation of advanced analytics to respond to recent supply chain challenges, but progress has been difficult in many cases—data scattered across different systems is the most common pain point. Other challenges include perceived high investment costs and slow implementation and adoption, with steep learning curves, across acquired subsidiaries. One senior leader in the chemicals sector told us that some software had been “home runs” in terms of value, some had not met expectations, and some had simply never been used.

Inventory and network strategies are increasingly important in today’s more volatile marketplace

As supply constraints ease, more distributors are getting back to basics, such as improving the customer experience. Their success will depend heavily on strategies that make inventory available across networks in more efficient ways, particularly for traditional distributors aiming to provide high service levels to retain high margins. Many distributors are building capacity to stay closer to customers, for example, by offering larger selections of SKUs and exceeding service-level expectations to boost customer acquisition and retention.

More than six in ten survey respondents say they have reassessed inventory strategy to maintain higher service levels, including faster deliveries and higher fill rates, and now hold larger stocks of critical SKUs. Many are finding ways to expand warehouse capacity to accommodate a larger and wider selection of inventory. In fact, nearly a third of survey respondents expect to make major investments in capacity and automation in the next three to five years—roughly the same share as those who anticipate investments in digital (Exhibit 4). Some operations leaders are getting more value from the space they already have, such as by investing in retrieval systems that maximize the use of vertical space per square foot. As distributors focus on driving growth, network strategy will play an increasingly critical role, especially as revenues continue to shift to online channels and e-commerce.

Recent disruptions revealed the high costs of complex organization design

The ability to make the right decisions quickly in response to changing market conditions is more important than ever as major disruptions become more frequent. But we find that many distributors become less agile as they grow—for example by adopting inconsistent systems and processes in different areas of their business. This is particularly the case for those who rely heavily on M&A to bolster the top line but don’t fully integrate the companies they acquire.

Without standard tools and approaches to make organization-wide decisions and gain synergies, distributors are likely to miss opportunities to drive sourcing efficiency, optimize pricing, and respond quickly to shifting customer demand. They also tend to spend more on multiple solutions that do not integrate well with one another. A leader in energy and mining equipment distribution explained that too many levels of management created lengthy chains of approvals, causing delays in procurement and quote changes from suppliers and logistics vendors, raising the share of expedited shipments.

Meanwhile, without central oversight, complex reporting lines and approval processes can slow strategic decision making and obscure accountability. Two-thirds of survey respondents said their companies had not centralized core functions or had duplicate and noncore functionality in IT, network planning, supplier management, or other areas. As one senior food services operations leader put it, “The duplication in our business adds costs and impedes our ability to move quickly.”

A value-back operations transformation can set up a distributor for success

Given the complexity of transforming operations, distributors should use a “value back” strategy to prioritize initiatives based on expected business impact, feasibility, and the time and cost to scale. Without a value-back approach, organizations risk pursuing projects that won’t deliver the maximum impact or investing in “must have” digital solutions that remain underutilized and fail to deliver adequate returns—making future investments even more difficult to justify.

Only half of our survey respondents said their investments in digital technology met or exceeded expectations. Some of the biggest shortfalls in ROI arise from failures to link technology upgrades closely to process and organization changes. We have seen some companies delay digital journeys while they wait to compile “perfect” master data, but starting with a few use cases and then gathering relevant data can yield results far more quickly. Another key to progress in most digital transformations is tapping talent with the right experience to complement the knowledge of those who understand distribution. As one executive that is focusing on bringing in external talent said, “You are one good person from success in any given organization.”

Transformation can seem daunting, but business as usual is a losing strategy in a volatile marketplace where competitors are raising their game. A value-back approach applied across functions and subsidiaries helps distributors set, execute, and modify strategy in response to almost any challenge, from economic and geopolitical disruption to sudden shifts in customer needs and expectations.

In today’s tight labor market, for example, some distributors using value-back strategies are piloting physical automation. A global healthcare distributor has reduced its reliance on manual labor by using autonomous, maneuverable robots in distribution centers and is reportedly testing autonomous floor sweepers and scrubbers—specific use cases that deliver solid returns on investment. Some are also adopting labor planning systems that allow managers to identify areas with excess labor, make intraweek and even intraday labor adjustments, and build flex capacity to account for absenteeism—all of which can ease the impact of labor shortages and rising wages.

In our experience serving distributors across sectors around the world, we have found that digital advances underpin nearly every transformation. Most find that a first-rate warehouse management system improves labor management, for example. This is likely one reason why a majority of survey respondents without a WMS are considering implementing one (Exhibit 5).

Distributors with up-to-date tech stacks and access to mountains of data from public, private, and internal sources will get more value from advanced analytics, including demand-and-supply planning, predictive inventory replenishment, machine-learning-based inventory forecasting, and a digital control tower.

The pace and scope of any transformation are vitally important. Achieving results and exciting stakeholders requires striking the right balance between thinking too big—an enterprise-wide transformation across multiple domains, for example—and thinking too small, such as pursuing only individual use cases to demonstrate material impact.

It’s time to act

As systemic supply disruptions ease in an inflationary and increasingly transparent market, distributors who improve operational efficiency to offer better service, responsiveness, and capabilities could gain considerable competitive advantages and limit margin compression.

We expect the delta between leaders and laggards to expand in the years ahead. Based on our analysis, we believe that as much as one to two percentage points of EBITA margin could be up for grabs across the distribution market—a significant improvement given an industry average EBITA margin of just 8 percent.

A few players could seize a larger share of that growth: the masters of operational excellence.

Thorne Brown is an associate partner in McKinsey’s Atlanta office; Iliana Filyanova is a partner in the Denver office, where Kevin Sachs is a senior partner; and Rohit Panikkar is a partner in the Chicago office.

The authors wish to thank Kapil Dev Bansal, Navya Devarasetty, Neil Graham, Rob McCarthy, and Howard Tomb for their contributions to this article.

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• Best overall
• Best for cruises
• Best for reputation
• Best for preexisting conditions
• Best for digital nomads
• Best low-cost
• Best for road trips
• How we reviewed travel insurance companies

Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Travel Insurance in June 2024

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.

Traveling is an adventure, a leap into the unknown, a story waiting to unfold. But every story needs a safety net, and that's where travel insurance comes in. In this guide to the best travel insurance, we'll embark on a journey to help you better understand travel insurance and uncover the benefits that make it an indispensable companion for any traveler.

Our Picks for the Best Travel Insurance Companies

Best overall: nationwide travel insurance.

• Runner-Up: AXA Assistance USA
• Best for Cruises: Travel Guard
• Best Reputation:  C&F Travel Insured
• Best for Pre-existing Conditions:   Tin Leg Travel Insurance
• Best for Digital Nomads:   WorldTrips Travel Insurance
• Best Low-Cost Option:   Trawick International Travel Insurance

Best for Road Trips: Travelex Travel Insurance

How we rate travel insurance »

Compare the Best Travel Insurance Companies

The best travel insurance companies offer comprehensive coverage options for a wide range of people and needs. For this guide, we looked at coverage options, customizability, and the best companies for specific situations, such as pre-existing conditions.

Here are Business Insider's picks for the best travel insurance companies in 2024. 

• Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of trip costs (for cruises) or up to $30,000 (for single-trip plans)
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Three cruise-specific plans to choose from
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Annual travel insurance plans available
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Strong trip cancellation coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Cancel for any reason coverage available
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. CFAR insurance not available with every single plan
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Medical coverage is lower than what some competitors offer

Nationwide Travel Insurance offers many of the standard benefits you might see with a travel insurance policy. This can include things like trip cancellation coverage, so you can recover pre-paid costs or trip interruption in the event your vacation is interrupted by an unexpected event. There's also baggage delay coverage and medical coverage.

• Cancel for any reason coverage available

Nationwide Travel Insurance is of the largest players in the travel insurance space, offering nearly endless options for any customer on the travel spectrum, including annual travel insurance plans which can offer frequent travelers the flexibility to "set it and forget it" on their travel insurance coverage.

Nationwide Essential also offers some of the most affordable policies in the market compared to similar plans from competitors, which makes it a great pick for just about anyone. Buyers can discuss bundling options as Nationwide also sells homeowners, auto, pet, and other insurance products. Its travel insurance quoting is just as easy as it has been with other Nationwide insurance products.

Read our Nationwide Travel Insurance review here.

Best Travel Insurance Runner-Up: AXA Assistance USA

• Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of the trip cost
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous medical evacuation coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Up to $1,500 per person coverage for missed connections on cruises and tours
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Covers loss of ski, sports and golf equipment
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous baggage delay, loss and trip delay coverage ceilings per person
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage only available for most expensive Platinum plan
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. CFAR coverage ceiling only reaches $50,000 maximum despite going up to 75%

AXA Assistance USA keeps travel insurance simple with gold, silver, and platinum plans. Emergency medical and CFAR are a couple of the options you can expect. Read on to learn more about AXA.

• Silver, Gold, and Platinum plans available
• Trip interruption coverage of up to 150% of the trip cost
• Emergency medical coverage of up to $250,000

AXA Assistance USA  offers consumers a great option for no-stress travel insurance: low-priced plans, generous coverage limits on key categories including primary insurance on lost luggage, and up to 150% reimbursement for qualifying trip cancellations.

While add-ons are limited and rental car coverage is not included by default on cheaper plans, AXA is a perfect fit for travelers who don't plan to drive (or who already hold a travel credit card with rental car coverage), and don't need any additional bells and whistles.

Read our AXA Assistance USA Travel Insurance review here.

Best for Cruises: AIG Travel Guard

Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of the trip cost and trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of the cost, for all three plan levels
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. CFAR covers up to 75% of total trip costs (maximum of $112,500 on some plans) 
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Medical coverage of up to $500,000 and evacuation of up to $1,000,000 per person
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Includes COVID coverage 
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Above average baggage loss and delay benefits
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. High medical evacuation coverage
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Premiums may run slightly higher than competitors

Travel Guard is a well-established and highly rated name in the travel insurance industry. It offers three main coverage options to choose from, and in general its policies have above-average coverage for baggage loss and baggage delays, plus high medical evaluation coverage limits.

• Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of the trip cost
• Trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost
• Preexisting medical conditions exclusions waiver must be purchased within 15 days of initial trip payment
• Annual travel insurance plan and Pack N' Go plan (for last-minute trips) available

Travel Guard is well-known insurance provider, and a great fit for travelers who want to ensure that they can get their money back in the event of canceled or interrupted travel plans.

While the company's policies can be pricey compared to its competitors, the high medical and evacuation limits make AIG a solid choice for older travelers who value peace of mind and simplicity over highly customizable plans that may be bolstered with medical upgrades.

Read our AIG Travel Guard review here.

Best for Reputation: C&F Travel Insured

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Offers 2 major plans including CFAR coverage on the more expensive option
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Cancellation for job loss included as a covered reason for trip cancellation/interruption (does not require CFAR coverage to qualify)
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Frequent traveler reward included in both policies
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Up to $1 million in medical evacuation coverage available
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Medical coverage is only $100,000
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Reviews on claims processing indicate ongoing issues
• C&F's Travel Insured policies allow travelers customize travel insurance to fit their specific needs. Frequent travelers may benefit from purchasing an annual travel insurance plan, then adding on CFAR coverage for any portions of travel that may incur greater risk.

While every travel insurance company has negative reviews about its claims process, C&F Travel Insured 's claims process has a consistent stream of positive reviews. One customer wrote that C&F processed a claim within 48 hours. Additionally, C&F regularly responds to customer reviews within one business week, making reviews a consistent way to reach the company.

Additionally, in C&F's fine print, it mentions that any claims that take more than 30 days to pay out will begin to accrue interest at 9% APY.

C&F's reputation isn't the only thing to speak highly of. It offers an array of add-ons uncommon in the travel insurance industry, such as Interruption for Any Reason insurance and CFAR coverage for annual plans. C&F also offers discounts for children on its Protector Edge plan and free coverage on its Protector plan.  

Read our C&F Travel Insured review here. 

Best for Pre-Existing Conditions: Tin Leg Travel Insurance

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Policy coverage includes most pre-existing health conditions
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous medical and evacuation amounts for peace of mind
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. COVID coverage included by default on all insurance plans
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Offers a wide range of plans for various budgets and travel needs
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Some plans offer CFAR, “cancel for work reasons,” financial default, and unemployment coverage
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Limited add-on coverage options
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Baggage loss and delay coverage is low compared to competitors

Tin Leg travel insurance offers eight travel insurance plans to meet the unique needs of travelers.

• Tin Leg was founded in 2014 by the travel insurance industry experts at Squaremouth. Designed to meet the most common needs of travelers, these policies offer comprehensive Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption benefits, and a range of Emergency Medical and Medical Evacuation limits.

Tin Leg Travel Insurance is a great fit for travelers with medical issues in particular. Seven of Tin Leg's eight travel plans include coverage for pre-existing conditions as long as you purchase your policy within 15 days of your initial trip payment.

Thanks to coverage for pre-existing medical conditions as well as for potential COVID-19 infection while traveling, this company offers some of the best financial investment options for travelers who are or will be exposed to higher health risks and issues.

Read our Tin Leg Travel Insurance review here.

Best for Digital Nomads: WorldTrips Travel Insurance

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Affordable base plans that can be customized with add-ons including rental car, pet care, hunting and fishing, and vacation rental coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Insurance plans available for international student travelers
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Trip delay coverage benefit that kicks in after just five hours
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Pre-existing conditions waiver can be purchased within 21 days of initial trip payment
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Lower medical, evacuation and accidental death limits
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Limited, secondary baggage loss coverage although baggage protection can be upgraded at a low cost
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. No special coverages for pets, sports equipment, etc.

WorldTrips has been a reputable travel insurance provider for more than 20 years. Unsurprisingly, it boasts an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and positive reviews from thousands of customers.

• Travel medical insurance (Premium, Group, Annual, and International Student options)
• Trip cancellation insurance
• Trip protection insurance

WorldTrips Travel Insurance has affordable premiums, highly customizable add-ons, and generous coverage for core categories of travel insurance. All this makes it a great option for digital nomads, students studying abroad and backpackers.

However, travelers should keep in mind that plans are not particularly flexible, and coverage amounts are limited unless you plan ahead to pay for the areas and amounts that you need.

Read our WorldTrips Travel Insurance review here.

Best for Affordability: Trawick International Travel Insurance

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Useful for adventurous travelers headed to higher-risk destinations
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Affordable plans with varying levels of coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. 10-day free look option
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous baggage loss replacement policy
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Trip delay coverage kicks in after just six hours
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Some policies allow a CFAR add-on
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Up to $1 million medical evacuation coverage limit
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Baggage and trip delay coverages don’t kick in until after the 12-hour mark
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. International student policies available for temporary stints abroad
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Complaints about claims not being paid or involving an intermediary to resolve claims

Trawick International travel insurance offers plans customized to diverse travelers' needs. We look at coverage options, claims processing, pricing, and other important factors for savvy travelers.

• Travel medical insurance
• Trip protection and cancellation
• International student insurance
• Visitor medical insurance (for traveling to the US)

Trawick International Travel Insurance is another insurance provider with robust medical travel insurance  that can help higher-risk and anxious travelers find peace of mind while on the road. This company offers one of the most generous medical evacuation policies in the market, although travelers will need to remember to add on rental car coverage if they need it.

Read our Trawick Travel Insurance review here.

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Options to cover sports equipment
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Option to increase medical coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Can cancel up to 48 hours before travel when CFAR option is purchased
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Affordable coverage for budget-conscious travelers
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Includes generous baggage delay, loss and trip delay coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Optional "adventure sports" bundle available for riskier activities
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Only two insurance plans to choose from
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Medical coverage maximum is low at up to $50,000 per person
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Pricier than some competitors with lower coverage ceilings
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Some competitors offer higher medical emergency coverage

Travelex travel insurance is one of the largest travel insurance providers in the US providing domestic and international coverage options. It offers a basic, select, and America option. Read on to learn more.

• Optional CFAR insurance available with the Travel Select plan
• Trip delay insurance starting at $500 with the Travel Basic plan
• Emergency medical and dental coverage starting at $15,000

Travelex Travel Insurance  offers three plans:

• Travel Basic
• Travel Select
• Travel America

The Travelex America plan is meant for trips limited to the U.S., but it has the highest coverage limits in many areas compared to its other programs. If you're flying somewhere, the lost baggage limits are higher. Its natural strengths shine for road trippers, though. Travelex America adds coverage for roadside service and rental car coverage for unexpected accidents. It also covers pets should you be involved in an accident while on the road.

While your standard auto insurance does extend to car rentals within the U.S. for a limited time, any accident would affect future rates. Travelex would eliminate the risk of reporting to your auto insurance provider for minor incidents within its purview.

Read our Travelex Travel Insurance review here.

Introduction to Travel Insurance

Why travel insurance is a must-have.

The unpredictable nature of traveling – from flight cancellations to medical emergencies – can turn your dream vacation into a nightmare. Travel insurance acts as a personal safeguard, ensuring that unexpected events don't drain your wallet or ruin your trip.

Understanding Different Types of Travel Insurance

Not all travel insurance policies are created equal. From single-trip travel insurance policies to annual travel insurance plans , from minimal coverage to comprehensive protection, understanding the spectrum of options is your first step in finding the right fit for your journey.

Key Features to Look for in Travel Insurance Coverage

Travel insurance for medical emergencies.

Imagine falling ill in a foreign country; daunting, right? A robust travel insurance plan ensures you don't have to worry about how much emergency medical care while traveling will cost, even in the most remote corners of the globe. This coverage will often come in tandem with emergency medical evacuation coverage.

Trip Cancellation and Interruption Benefits

Life is full of surprises, some less pleasant than others. Trip cancellation and interruption coverage ensures that you're not left out of pocket if unforeseen circumstances force you to cancel or cut your trip short. You may also look for cancel for any reason and interruption for any reason options, which will reimburse you for a percentage of your nonrefundable fees, but expands the covered reasons you can cancel a trip. You can find our guide on the best CFAR travel insurance companies here.

Coverage for Personal Belongings and Baggage Loss

Losing your belongings is more than an inconvenience; it's losing a piece of your world. Insurance that covers personal belongings and baggage loss ensures that you're compensated for your loss, helping you to rebound and continue your adventure.

Support and Assistance Services

In times of trouble, having a lifeline can make all the difference. Look for insurance that offers 24/7 support and assistance services, giving you peace of mind that help is just a phone call away. Also, check websites that field customer reviews like Trustpilot, the Better Business Bureau, and InsureMyTrip , to see how well a company responds to customer requests.

Choosing the Best Travel Insurance

Reputation and reliability of the travel insurance provider.

A provider's reputation is not just about being well-known; it's about reliability, customer satisfaction, and the ability to deliver on promises. Researching and choosing a reputable provider is a cornerstone in ensuring your safety and satisfaction.

Understanding the Policy's Fine Print

The devil is in the details, and understanding the fine print of what your travel insurance policy covers is crucial. Be aware of coverage limits, exclusions, and the process for filing a claim to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

Customer Reviews and Feedback

In the age of information, customer reviews and feedback are goldmines of insight. Learn from the experiences of others to gauge the reliability and customer service of the insurance provider you're considering. While the ratings are important, you should also look at whether or not a company responds to customer complaints.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Travel Insurance

Knowing your policy inside out.

Familiarize yourself with every aspect of your policy – what it covers, what it doesn't, how to file a claim, and who to contact in an emergency. Being informed means being prepared. 

Steps to Take When a Problem Arises

If you face an issue during your travels, knowing the immediate steps to take can make all the difference. Keep important contacts and your policy details handy, and remember, your insurance provider is there to assist you.

How to Pick the Best Travel Insurance Company for You

There isn't a one-size-fits-all policy that works perfectly for every traveler. Young, healthy solo travelers can opt for much cheaper plans that offer bare-bones coverage, while families juggling complex itineraries will do best by investing in a robust policy that can help defray any costs associated with lost baggage, delayed transportation or other trip-impeding obstacles.

That being said, you can't go wrong with a travel insurance provider that boasts a reputable history and offers a wide range of customizable plans. In some cases, you may be comparing plans that are only a few dollars' apart from each other. In such situations, you should generally opt for the insurance company that offers the strongest customer service. It's also worth considering whether or not the travel insurance provider has been reviewed by other travelers with similar itineraries to your own. 

An insurance aggregator like InsureMyTrip or Squaremouth is one of the best tools for searching travel insurance policies. Once you input the specifics of your travel itinerary, you'll be able to see hundreds of search results to compare the ones that catch your eye. If the options are too overwhelming, use the filters to the left of your search page to eliminate as many irrelevant plans as possible.

How We Reviewed the Best Travel Insurance Companies

To come up with our list of the best travel insurance companies, we evaluated each insurer based on the following factors:

Guide Methodology: What We Considered

Policy Types

Travel insurance is essential, but often underused partly because people aren't getting what they want. Business Insider's 2023 travel study showed 10.65% of travelers surveyed bought cancel for any reason insurance. Cost may be a factor, but in many cases, the coverage is more affordable than you might think. Regardless, companies must offer a diverse range of coverage options. We award five stars to companies offering all standard coverages and additional options like pet and sports equipment protection.

Our 2023 travel study indicated the majority of purchases were made through the travel provider (ex: flight protection insurance when you're purchasing your airline tickets). While these may be sufficient for some customers, we look for companies offering a more comprehensive range of services.

According to the U.S. Travel Insurance Association, the average cost of travel insurance will be between 4% and 8% of total travel expenses. Anything beyond that price point should include additional benefits beyond the standard inclusions, such as CFAR protection or upgraded medical coverage. Anything below that 4% threshold may leave you lacking important or sufficient coverage in an emergency.

Convenience and Flexibility

Whether you're an infrequent traveler or a suitcase warrior, a good travel insurance company should have you covered. In many cases, you might not even have to talk to a person in order to purchase your policy.

Many people think of travel insurance in context with specific trips, but most of these top contenders sell both single-trip and multi-trip policies, also known as annual travel insurance. Some companies also offer plans specifically designed for cruisers, students abroad, and business travelers. (Read our guide to the best cruise travel insurance companies for more details.) Finally, all of these providers offer multiple options for getting the specific areas and amounts of coverage that you want.

Claims Handling

Most travelers never have a large claim. Premiums are low, and it provides peace of mind for the just in case situations. So they leave reviews based on their reduced stress levels. But what happens if you lose your luggage or have to stay a few extra days due to an unexpected accident? Will your insurance carrier cover your claim without all the hassle? We check real customer reviews to sort this out for you.

Ease of Use and Support

When purchasing, during your trip, and throughout the claims process, you may need extra support. Does the company have a 24/7 help line? Does it have an online or mobile system allowing you to self-manage? Essentially, what are the options when you need help? We look at the big picture to evaluate the average customer experience with each company.

You can read our full insurance rating methodology for even more details.

Best Travel Insurance FAQs

There isn't a one-size-fits-all solution for every traveler. Determine the benefits that are most important to you, like baggage delay coverage, medical coverage, and trip delay coverage, then look for a company with solid customer ratings, especially when it comes to processing claims.

Travel insurance will pay out if you experience a covered event, such as a travel delay or delayed or lost baggage. If you're looking to get travel insurance for a specific reason, such as needing to potentially cancel your trip due to work reasons, make sure your policy will cover you in that situation before purchasing it. You should also check customer reviews to see other travelers' claims experiences, as it varies wildly from company to company.

The average cost of travel insurance is 4% to 8% of your total trip cost, so it could vary widely depending on where you're traveling and the length of your trip. Your age, the number of people in your group, and other factors can also influence how much you'll pay.

Most comprehensive travel insurance policies include travel medical coverage that can come in handy if an emergency occurs and you need medical evacuation. Some travel insurance plans offer more specialized coverage for travelers with pre-existing conditions , so shop around if medical coverage is a top priority for you. 

$100,000 should be a sufficient medical coverage limit for travel insurance. If you're planning on doing extreme sports or anything particularly risky on your trip, you may want to increase your coverage level. A high medical coverage limit is especially useful when you're purchasing cruise travel insurance, since medical evacuations are more involved at sea.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

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XL Flag Elektrostal Moscow oblast | landscape flag | 2.16m² | 23sqft | 120x180cm | 4x6ft - 100% Made in Germany - long lasting outdoor flag

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• 100% Made in Germany » ... because the first impression last, quality flag for representative purposes *****
• State-of-the-art High-Tech Outdoor Fabric » One air-permeable 110 GSM Polyester to keep wind forces low and lifetime high
• Mirrored Back » Image printed on the front, mirrored image 100% visible on the rear side
• Landscape flag | 2.16m² | 23sqft | 120x180cm | 4x6ft
• Show your pride for your hometown with the Elektrostal flag! Made with quality materials and vibrant colors, this flag is the perfect way to display your patriotism and love for your city. Fly it proudly at home, at events, or even in your car. Get yours today and show your Elektrostal pride!
• The flag of Elektrostal, Moscow Oblast, is a striking combination of Old Glory red, representing strength and courage at 81%, complemented by a subtle touch of light grey at 5% for balance and harmony. The bold black stripe at 3% adds a touch of sophistication, while the shimmering gold stripes at 3% each symbolize prosperity and success. The flag is completed with a touch of very dark grey at 1%, representing the city s resilience and
• Elektrostal Moscow oblast

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Flag: Elektrostal Moscow oblast landscape flag | 2.16m² | 23sqft | 120x180cm | 4x6ft Elektrostal Moscow oblast Elektrostal obwód moskiewski , flaga ???????????? ?????????? ??????? Since we know how important your external presentation is, we print our Elektrostal Moscow oblast flag for your representative appearance using the most modern machines in Germany. To ensure your maximum flexibility, we have equipped the flags with quality metal eyelets, to let you simply attach these flags to any flagpole. To let you use the flags for a long time, we have strengthened the flag using double safety seams and a tear proof strap at the side of the pole. Due to the quality of this business flag, you show a particular degree of the closeness to Elektrostal Moscow oblast. Details about this flag This landscape Elektrostal Moscow oblast flag is a quality product Made in Germany made of 110g/m² gloss polyester. This Elektrostal Moscow oblast flag is wind- and weather-resistant and highly durable. The flag colors are intensive and UV-resistant. This flag is specially made for outer space. This Elektrostal Moscow oblast flag will be delivered with a double safety-seam as well as with 2 metal eyelets to hoist at the flag pole. The metal eyelets give you great flexibility for placing this flag on any flagstaff. The mast side is reinforced with a white hem. The quality flag material and the metal eyelets will take care of a long endurance of this Elektrostal Moscow oblast flag. If required, the flag can be washed at 60 degrees Celsius. Recommended height of flag pole Elektrostal Moscow oblast flags of 2.16m² | 23sqft | 120x180cm | 4x6ft look best with flagpoles of around 6m | 18ft height. Need a bigger size or an other configuration? We can provide bigger sizes, other configurations, exclusive indoor ...

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Top Things to Do in Balashikha, Russia

Places to visit in balashikha.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Kids
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Couples
• Good for Big Groups
• Adventurous
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Malenky Puppet Theater

2. Balashikha Park

3. Monument to Street Cleaner

4. Rock Fountain

5. Temple of Archangel Michael

6. Palace Pekhra-Yakovlevskoe

7. Monument to Fallen Soldiers-Brothers

8. Transfiguration Church

9. Mystical Castle

10. Alexander Nevskiy Cathedral in Balashikha

11. Homestead Gorenki

12. balashikha museum of history and local lore.

13. Arena Balashikha Ice Dome

14. Protection of the Holy Virgin in Balashikha

15. Art Gallery of The City District

16. Grave of Michael Lunn

17. Temple of St. Catherine

18. Alekseyevskiy Pond

19. Temple of Pochayevskaya Icon of Our Lady

20. Temple of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin in the Trubetskoy

21. Lover's Bridge

22. Temple of St. Vladimir

23. fairy tale children's model puppet theater, 24. saltykovka flea market.

25. Lisya Gora

26. Ecodrom Ekvilibr

27. temple of the prelate nicholas, 28. balashikha chapel.

29. Zoodvorik Zolotoi Fazan

30. Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker

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Rusmania • Deep into Russia

Out of the Centre

Savvino-storozhevsky monastery and museum.

Zvenigorod's most famous sight is the Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery, which was founded in 1398 by the monk Savva from the Troitse-Sergieva Lavra, at the invitation and with the support of Prince Yury Dmitrievich of Zvenigorod. Savva was later canonised as St Sabbas (Savva) of Storozhev. The monastery late flourished under the reign of Tsar Alexis, who chose the monastery as his family church and often went on pilgrimage there and made lots of donations to it. Most of the monastery’s buildings date from this time. The monastery is heavily fortified with thick walls and six towers, the most impressive of which is the Krasny Tower which also serves as the eastern entrance. The monastery was closed in 1918 and only reopened in 1995. In 1998 Patriarch Alexius II took part in a service to return the relics of St Sabbas to the monastery. Today the monastery has the status of a stauropegic monastery, which is second in status to a lavra. In addition to being a working monastery, it also holds the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum.

Belfry and Neighbouring Churches

Located near the main entrance is the monastery's belfry which is perhaps the calling card of the monastery due to its uniqueness. It was built in the 1650s and the St Sergius of Radonezh’s Church was opened on the middle tier in the mid-17th century, although it was originally dedicated to the Trinity. The belfry's 35-tonne Great Bladgovestny Bell fell in 1941 and was only restored and returned in 2003. Attached to the belfry is a large refectory and the Transfiguration Church, both of which were built on the orders of Tsar Alexis in the 1650s.  

To the left of the belfry is another, smaller, refectory which is attached to the Trinity Gate-Church, which was also constructed in the 1650s on the orders of Tsar Alexis who made it his own family church. The church is elaborately decorated with colourful trims and underneath the archway is a beautiful 19th century fresco.

Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is the oldest building in the monastery and among the oldest buildings in the Moscow Region. It was built between 1404 and 1405 during the lifetime of St Sabbas and using the funds of Prince Yury of Zvenigorod. The white-stone cathedral is a standard four-pillar design with a single golden dome. After the death of St Sabbas he was interred in the cathedral and a new altar dedicated to him was added.

Under the reign of Tsar Alexis the cathedral was decorated with frescoes by Stepan Ryazanets, some of which remain today. Tsar Alexis also presented the cathedral with a five-tier iconostasis, the top row of icons have been preserved.

Tsaritsa's Chambers

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is located between the Tsaritsa's Chambers of the left and the Palace of Tsar Alexis on the right. The Tsaritsa's Chambers were built in the mid-17th century for the wife of Tsar Alexey - Tsaritsa Maria Ilinichna Miloskavskaya. The design of the building is influenced by the ancient Russian architectural style. Is prettier than the Tsar's chambers opposite, being red in colour with elaborately decorated window frames and entrance.

At present the Tsaritsa's Chambers houses the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum. Among its displays is an accurate recreation of the interior of a noble lady's chambers including furniture, decorations and a decorated tiled oven, and an exhibition on the history of Zvenigorod and the monastery.

Palace of Tsar Alexis

The Palace of Tsar Alexis was built in the 1650s and is now one of the best surviving examples of non-religious architecture of that era. It was built especially for Tsar Alexis who often visited the monastery on religious pilgrimages. Its most striking feature is its pretty row of nine chimney spouts which resemble towers.

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