homeworkers travel agents definition

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Homeworking Travel Consultant Opportunities

Freedom to choose.

Hays Travel is the UK's largest independent travel agency with a strong high street retail presence. However, over the last 20 years, we've grown and diversified with the extension of our business into homeworking travel consultants with a network of now more than 500 homeworker partners in our family.

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

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

New to travel – academy.

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

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

New Travel Consultant

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

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

£8,000 + VAT

Payment Plans Available

New Travel Consultant - Leads Supported

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

• Three weeks Virtual Induction Training
• Free Quality sales Leads via various methods.

Experienced Travel Professional

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

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

Experienced Travel Consultant

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

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

£295 plus VAT

plus a Monthly Management fee applies

We will help you build your business and increase your database by providing free quality sales leads via various methods.

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

Don't just take our word for it…

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

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

Can I choose my own hours?

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

Is there a minimum sales value?

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

How long will it take to be up and running?

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

What kind of support will I receive?

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

Is there any out-of-hours support?

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

What happens when I go on holiday?

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

How much can I earn?

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

Are there monthly management fees?

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

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

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

Will the Leads Supported model have any expectations of me?

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

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

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

• Let’s talk

How to become a travel agent from home

First, you’ll be passionate about travel — as passionate as us. Next, you’ll love the idea of changing careers to improve your work-life balance. If you tick these boxes, working from home as a travel agent could be the perfect solution for you.

What are the benefits of being a homeworking travel agent?

As a home travel agent, you can cater to your customers in a way that works for you. Getting to know them on a personal level builds trust and rapport and expands your network.

Our in-house marketing team works tirelessly to provide the simple and intuitive tools you need to segment your customers and provide tailored content and holiday recommendations.

Then there are our product teams who deal directly with hoteliers, airlines and destination management companies (DMCs) to ensure you always have the best luxury travel options for your customers. That way, you control the margin you make on travel arrangements instead of being held to third-party fares.

Learn more about our business model .

How will Travel Counsellors support me?

We empower our travel agents to chase their dreams from the comfort of their own home, or wherever they choose to work. Say goodbye to long commutes and hours sitting in traffic.

Some see home working as lonely, but we make it easy to stay connected. Our global community of 2000 Travel Counsellors share advice, tips, knowledge and practical support every day across a variety of platforms.

You’ll also get personal guidance from your own Relationship Manager, as well as the back-office support of over 400 colleagues in our UK support team who all share a single goal: to help you and your business thrive.

Learn more about our support teams .

Work from home as a travel agent

• Are you passionate about travel?
• If you are looking for a career change and want to improve your work-life balance, working from home as a travel agent could be the perfect solution for you.

To become a Travel Counsellor, you'll need to:

• Fund your training
• Commit to it, full-time
• Be eligible to work in the UK
• Understand you'll be a franchisee

Travel Academy

For those of you with an entrepreneurial spirit; passionate about travel, but without professional travel sales experience.

Business Development

We always have room for experienced sales, account management and business development professionals from the corporate travel sector.

Minimum 3 years travel experience — If you sell holidays to customers in a travel agency or work for a tour operator, find your new home with us.

Travel Trade

If you’re an experienced travel industry professional who’s never sold holidays directly to customers, we can help you transfer your expertise to your own travel business.

Spend less time on paperwork and more time building your own travel business as a corporate travel consultant with Travel Counsellors

Return to Travel

For people who used to sell travel, but who have been out of the industry for more than 12 months.

Agency Owner

Currently running an independent or franchised travel agency. For owners of existing travel agencies with an established business, this is the page for you.

Got a question?

Starting your travel agency from home couldn’t be simpler with Travel Counsellors. Contact us and one of our new franchise consultants will be in touch with you.

How to Become a Home-Based Travel Agent

By: Author Blake

Posted on Last updated: July 9, 2024

Categories Travel Jobs

It is quite surprising how many job opportunities exist in the travel and tourism industry. If you want a piece of the pie, you are in the right place. Here, we show you exactly how to become a home-based travel agent for free and its benefits.

Have you been contemplating becoming a home-based travel agent? In this day and age, nothing feels better than being your own boss.

Technological advancements offer an excellent platform for working remotely from home. But where do you start? Is the idea feasible or profitable?

A home-based travel agency will have challenges like starting any other business. While this industry used to be dominated by large agencies, the wave is shifting, with an increasingly high number of agents going independent.

This is mainly because of the convenience it offers, as well as the better income rate it guarantees. However, although the job seems exciting, especially with the freedom and perks, you’ll also have to handle the risks of being an entrepreneur.

Also, since you are building a personal brand, you must develop unique ways to differentiate yourself from the rest of the pack.

Read on to get the best insights on becoming a home-based travel agent for free.

What We Cover

What is a Home-Based Travel Agent?

How to become a travel agent from home, develop a business plan, consider travel agent training programs, research the travel industry and successful travel agents, identify a niche within the travel industry, consider a host travel agency, start your business or search for travel agency jobs, tips on how to become a travel agent from home for free, free travel agent training courses, be prepared for flexible and inflexible days as a travel agent, how much can you make as a home-based travel agent, benefits of being a home-based travel agent, how can i become a travel agent for free, do you need qualifications to be a travel agent, how do you become a work-from-home travel agent.

A home-based travel agent is an individual who books and arranges travel for clients , right from their house. They then receive commissions from suppliers for tickets booked , although they also charge clients for services not included in the commissions.

As a home-based travel agent, you can be completely independent with an online agency or work with a travel supplier as an affiliate. Whichever the case, you have the freedom to work remotely based on your set schedule.

The good thing here is that you can relate with your clients personally, develop trust and loyalty, and grow your network. This means that you have the potential to grow and expand the business over time, which will only add to your income.

If you’ve been into the travel industry, this gives you an upper hand over people from other fields trying to become travel agents . This is because you already have the training, skills, and experience necessary for this job. But, even as a novice, you need not worry.

The easiest way to become a home-based travel agent is to browse current remote job opportunities on FlexJobs , a seamless way to browse travel agent jobs available no matter your location. If you are looking for a general travel agent career opportunity or want more options, be sure to use ZipRecruiter as they are one of the largest job boards in the world.

Here is an all-inclusive guide to becoming an independent travel agent for free.

Formulating a concrete business plan should be the first thing you do. While becoming an online travel agent sounds like the ultimate dream job , it is as challenging as starting any other business. Therefore, make sure that you have a plan.

Although you might not need a formal one, especially if you’re not seeking funding, a business plan is essential nevertheless. This helps to guide your actions and prevents you from derailing from your objectives. Your plan should detail things like:

• The type of travel agent you want to become
• How to identify the best host agency – in case you want to start a home-based travel agency
• How much startup capital is necessary and how to acquire it
• Marketing details
• Milestones, and
• Goals to achieve both financially and professionally/

Early planning is a great way to ensure that you have ample time to consider every angle of the intended business. So, don’t just wake up one day and decide to start a travel business . Take your time and plan. Email marketing is very, very important for any business. I used this free course to grow my email list and boost revenue.

See Related:  Tips for Luggage Free Travel

If you’re interested in becoming a travel agent, there are a few things you should consider. One of the most important things is getting the right travel agent training.

There are a number of paid and free travel agent training programs available, and it’s important to choose one that will give you the skills and knowledge you need to succeed.

You can also opt for free online travel agent training programs or in-person certified travel associate license training. Many different training programs are available in the travel industry, and courses vary depending on your experience. You must choose the training that matches your business plan and encourages continuing education.

Here are several different types of training programs and courses for people in the travel industry:

• Certified travel counselor program
• Certified travel industry executive program
• Comprehensive management preparation program for travel
• Certified travel associate program
• Online travel agent certification
• In-person travel agent training program
• Travel sellers license

Another factor to consider is whether or not you want to become an independent travel agent. This can be a great way to get started in the travel industry without many overhead costs. Online travel agents typically work with a travel agency , which is a larger agency that provides support, resources, and booking power.

You must market your services and build a client base as an online travel agent. This can be done through social media, networking events, or your website as a travel agency.

See Related : Ways to Book the Cheapest First Class Flights

You can’t afford to go in blindly in whichever kind of business you’re starting. You need to conduct thorough research to understand the market and competition.

If you are learning how to become a home-based travel agent, you must have a clear picture of the market in terms of what the customers need and what the competition offers.

The size of the market is also something that you must find out. This way, you can identify possible problems you can solve with your business and how to position yourself better in the eyes of potential customers.

The whole idea is to provide something extra that customers are not getting or offer what they are already getting but in a better way. To do this, a proper understanding of the market, customer behavior, and competition will be essential.

Finally, research travel agent positions currently in the market to understand what companies look for in successful travel agents online or in person.

See Related : Top Digital Marketing Tips for Hotels

Niche expertise and personalized customer service are the primary factors that make clients seek assistance from independent travel agents. This means that you have to be quite good at what you do to win the confidence of these customers.

Since they need something they can’t get from the large corporate agencies, you must specialize to offer exceptional services. You can’t be a “jack of all trades” and expect to outdo your competition.

For instance, despite having experience in cruise tours, adventure trips, honeymoons, and scuba trips, you must choose one niche that you’re perfect in. When you focus on a single line, you become better at it and can offer services that customers will love.

But, it also means that you must learn every nitty-gritty aspect of that niche. If, for instance, you choose to specialize in tours to a certain destination, learn everything, including the local culture, languages, customs, tourist attractions, and the best time for travel .

This means that when you serve a client, you can answer any question they might have and offer solutions. Understanding your customers’ needs will go a long way in making your business successful.

When you know what the customer needs, you can offer it even before they ask, which earns you their trust and confidence. Remember, customer trust means more referrals, and repeat purchases. This subsequently leads to growth in sales and, thus, more income for you.

See Related : How to Build a Travel Website

As a home-based travel agent, you’ll still compete with large corporate agencies with access to cutting-edge technology. This means you’ll also need to be up to the task better to manage customer relationships, bookings, and commission tracking.

Also, it would be best to have a premium insurance policy catering to potential liabilities. While these things might be hard to fulfill as a solo agent, finding a good travel agency to partner with can make it easier. It gives you easy access to such essential technology and benefits.

Don’t be fooled by the term home-based travel agent . It doesn’t necessarily mean that you must be completely independent.

Collaborating with a great travel agency is crucial to succeed in this field. It’s an essential ingredient for those trying to make it big as home-based travel agents.

Working at home is even easier with the internet shifting the tides in almost every business sector. You can easily become an online travel agent, booking travel for your customers from your home office.

The new technology helps to streamline most of the hard and time-consuming work of travel planning for clients. Travel agencies give you the best platform to serve your customers while retaining total control of your brand.

See Related:  How to Start a Ticketing Business

How to Choose Host Agency

Once you’ve learned to take your online travel agent training to become a travel agent from home, you’ll have to learn all the necessary entrepreneurial skills to market yourself within the travel agency industry.

It also means that you’re now the salesperson, customer support, marketing manager, and commission manager to learn and grow to become a professional travel consultant.

Affiliating with one of the many reputable travel agencies grants you access to powerful tools to ease your burden. Some of the essential tools here include:

• Web design and development tools to help you design and maintain a top-notch travel website (we recommend using Bluehost to get started)
• CRM (customer relationship management) software, which we recommend using Keap
• Accounting and commission management tools
• Travel agent networking tools like Global Travel Agents
• Lead generation tools like Leadpages for email lead gen (try Leadpages for free using our link )

You might have difficulty identifying the best option with numerous host agencies offering the same tools. However, these guidelines can help you easily find the best fit for you.

• Identify your needs – what exactly do you need? The best host agency must help cover your weaknesses and complement your strengths.
• Don’t focus too much on commissions – look for an agency that offers comprehensive support for the growth of your travel business.
• Consult for references – get opinions on various host agencies from other independent travel agents.
• Look for a host agency that isn’t running a parallel in-house sales team.

Choosing the right host agency is one step towards a successful home-based travel business.

See Related: Best Travel Credit Cards: What Card is Best For You?

Now that you have taken the necessary travel agent training and built your business plan, you need to decide if you are going to be fully independent or if you are going to work for a travel agency.

In today’s age, plenty of travel agents work directly with a travel agency. So, search for jobs using ZipRecruiter , Solidgigs , or Flexjobs . You can find many top online travel agency jobs on those job boards.

Some fully independent travel agents will contract with a few different agencies, so they always have plenty of options for their customers. This also allows them to keep a good variety of inventory for their clients.

Otherwise, if you choose to work at your own pace by starting your travel agency, you’ll need to start by building a website. You can do this by  signing up for Bluehost , which offers a completely free domain name and only $3.95/month.

From there, connect with other travel agents to understand how they market their business and build clients. If you don’t have a travel agency backing you, this is truly the only way to work based on your schedule.

Here are some additional tips to help you become a successful travel agent.

Being an online travel agent is a great career that allows you to work from anywhere. But how do you attain the necessary certifications? The funny thing is that no specific degree or certificate is necessary to become a professional travel agent.

All you need is a strong reputation as an online travel agent and interpersonal skills, and you are good at selling travel products. However, that doesn’t mean that you don’t need training.

Since being a travel agent requires travel experience, dedication, and exceptional interpersonal skills, you need proper training for the job. If you want to become an agent, you can easily obtain your travel agent certification online for free.

Numerous free online courses can equip you with all the necessary information to work as a travel agent. These include Coursera, which offers 100% free online travel & tourism courses.

This free online training program can unlock a wealth of knowledge along with the proper travel agent accreditation you need to help market yourself to both potential clients and potentially a host agency.

Also, you can use Global Travel to learn how to travel the world and get paid while doing it. Go for the paid course (but affordable) routes like these entrepreneurship and online travel industry certification programs:

• 5 Traffic Secrets course to help you grow your business
• Becoming a successful travel agent course (Online Course on Udemy)
• Basics of travel consultancy (Online Course on Udemy)
• How to start a travel business (Online Course on Udemy)

The day-to-day schedule of online travel agents is very flexible. Depending on the type of work they do, they might be able to work from anywhere with an internet connection.

Typically, their workday will involve communicating with clients, researching travel options, ability to sell travel, route planning, and arranging bookings. They may also be responsible for providing customer service and support schedules.

The beauty of being a home-based travel agent is that you can work around your current schedule. Whether you’re a stay-at-home mom or dad, a student, or someone who works a traditional 9-5 job, you can find a way to make it work.

Naturally, there will be times when scheduling is one of the most crucial aspects of being a travel agent, whether you work from home or in an office. You’ll need to be able to deal with customers who want trips at certain periods in time.

It’s also critical to answer calls from clients or provide help when they need it. There are several techniques to schedule, one of the most essential elements of being a travel agent, whether you work from home or in an office.

You’ll need to be able to work with clients who are looking for trips during specific timeframes. It’s also important to be available when customers have questions or need assistance.

See Related : Free Downloadable Vacation & Travel Planner

The leading factor in establishing any new business is income. Although there are several other factors, like passion and a sense of freedom, money is always a primary factor. No one wants to put all their efforts, minds, and time into something that isn’t profitable.

A home-based travel agent’s earnings depend on the number of products sold, the type of product, and the percentage the supplier offers.

Some products, such as vacation packages and group trips , earn more commissions than others, while the commission rates also vary based on previous travel agent experience.

Although many resources put the average annual income for home-based agents at $37,000, this depends on several factors. Mostly, many home-based travel agents do it as a part-time job or are retired people already enjoying their pensions.

The fact of the matter is those travel agents who do this as a full-time job earn way more than that. Some of the different products that you can sell as a travel agent to make good money include:

• All-Inclusive Resorts
• Niche travel
• Group travel

Whereas several other travel products could offer higher income, the above categories are ideal for optimum profits. This is because the effort and time required to create the income are relatively low, as compared to other categories.

See Related : How to Use Pinterest in the Tourism Industry

Besides the attractive income, there are several other benefits of becoming a home-based travel agent.

Some of these benefits include:

• Freedom to work from home and save from not owning an office
• Having to plan your working hours
• Additional passive income if you’re working part-time
• Chance to travel at discounted prices
• Becoming your employer

Starting a job as a travel agent online or home-based is never a smooth path. However, you’ll certainly make it through with the right plan and determination. Learning the industry’s fundamentals is crucial if you plan to work from home as an independent travel agent.

We hope that this guide has taught you how to become a travel agent from home and that you can now apply this knowledge to succeed in the industry.

See Related : Pros and Cons of Being a Travel Agent

A travel agent doesn’t necessarily have to have much experience doing it full-time. A home-based agent could be a stay-at-home mom, an Executive Chef at a four-star hotel or resort, or a retiree needing some supplemental income.

The great thing about the travel agent industry is that there are many ways to get your foot in the door and learn the ropes. You can start working part-time from home, and as you get more comfortable with the business and build a clientele, you can transition into a full-time travel agent.

No, there are no specific qualifications required to be a travel agent. However, many employers require a high level of education, including a GCSE in English and maths. Additionally, having a strong geographic awareness can be very beneficial in this line of work.

You can become a work-from-home or an online travel agent by contacting a travel agency, joining reputable organizations, developing client databases, and building your professional network.

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• Work From Home

How to become a travel agent and work from home

Do you love to travel? Do you have wanderlust? Are you a master at finding great travel deals?

A work from home travel agent could be the ideal work for your home career!

Working as a travel agent may seem a bit old-fashioned in today’s world of Kayak and Airbnb, but in reality, many people still prefer to work with travel agents.

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

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

As a travel agent, you earn commissions on booked travel arrangements (flights, hotels, rental cars, sightseeing tours, and more) and you often have access to special deals and travel discounts. You can choose to work in a specific niche, such as cruise or business travel, or work with clients looking for a specific type of travel (adventure, Disney vacation, eco-friendly, budget or luxury travel).

One of the great things about working at home travel agent is that it is a relatively easy startup business idea and the cost is low. With a basic home office (including an internet connection, a phone, computer, printer and website), you can start with a host agency.

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

What skills do you need to be a travel agent?

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

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

Starting work as a home travel agent

According to host agency reviews, travel agents with three years of experience make up for it $46,580 per year . However, there are some travel agents who make six figures a year. It all depends on your experience, how many clients you have retained, how many hours you have worked and the commission and support from your host agency.

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

Remote Travel Agent and Consultant Jobs

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

To get started, you may want to explore:

Search for host agencies

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

How to choose a great host agency

Travel agencies vary significantly when it comes to what they offer their consultants. There are many factors to consider besides who offers the best commission.

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

Carefully weigh your agency options and perform background research. Like the site Host Agency Review And Find a host travel agency Can help. They offer tips and ratings for finding the best travel agency to suit your needs.

Benefits of being a travel agent

Besides being a fun business opportunity, being a travel agent offers some amazing benefits.

If you enjoy travelling, you can enjoy “FAM Trip” or “Acquaintance Trip” to different locales. Cruise lines, hotels and tour guides know the best way to sell their services to you is for you to try them firsthand Hence they offer benefits including complementary and deeply discounted fares as well as opportunities to use their services and explore all your amazing options.

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

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

Other ways to make money in the travel industry

If you like the idea of ​​work and travel but are unsure about becoming a travel agent or consultant, there are many other options available.

If you love working with children, traveling to another country as an Au Pair is a great option. When you work as an au pair, you will live with a family, helping them with household chores and childcare. In return, you get free room and board and a small stipend that you can use on your vacation. Being an au pair allows you to experience life in another country for an extended period of time. Becoming an Au Pair requires you to pay certain fees, such as your flight, travel visa and insurance.

Customer service representative

Customer service is a great way to break into the travel industry and work from home! Many companies offer full training for these roles as well as many benefits. You can work for airlines, hotels, cruise lines, travel booking sites, and other travel-related sites and industries. For these tasks from a home location, you will usually need your own device (laptop or computer) and a high-speed Internet connection. See this article for a list of hospitality companies that hire remote customer service representatives.

ESL teacher

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

Local Coordinator

If you enjoy working with high school and college students, consider becoming a local coordinator. In this independent contract role, you will work with educational institutions and programs to place and advise students interested in foreign exchange programs. These part-time positions are a flexible and easy way to earn extra money from home. Some programs offer incentive trips and benefits for their local coordinators.

Social media marketers specialize in travel

Do you love to travel and are you looking for ways to make money from home, there are tons of travel opportunities outside of Instagram snaps and sharing on Facebook… but if you’re really good at social media, you can be a social media manager in the travel industry! Many of these positions allow you to work from home for a travel-based company, sharing posts and connecting with their customers.

Travel guide

If you love making your own schedule and being your own boss, become a local tour guide! With this concept, you should learn about the food, culture and history of the area you are helping tourists explore. With the Like app Showaround And Victor , you can create your tours, book customers and earn money from your travel skills. You can also visit local tour operators and see if they have any openings for tour guides. Explore this article for more tips on making money as a tour guide.

travel writer

Magazines, guidebooks and websites often look for freelance travel writers to contribute their experiences and offer recommendations to readers. If you have writing and communication skills and you travel frequently, this could be an excellent option for you.

Travel writers’ income varies widely, but many writers make a lot of money documenting and sharing their travels. According to travel writers Jeep Recruiter , earn an average of $76,474 annually, or $37 per hour. I think these numbers seem high, but I haven’t been able to find any other statistics for how much travel writers really earn.

travel blogger

If you love to write and document your travels, start a travel blog! With blogging, you can earn money through affiliate marketing, ad networks, sponsorships, product sales and more! The great thing about blogging is that it is affordable and easy to set up, and there are many free ways to promote your content through social media. My friend Julie Bonner has a travel blog where she documents her family’s RV trips. In one year, he was able to produce $5,000 a month From her blog, travel time all over the US and Canada.

Travel is influential

Have you documented your travels on social media? Then earn money while traveling the world as a social media travel influencer. Whether your specialty is Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, or YouTube, you can make good money through paid sponsorships, advertising, and affiliate marketing. In addition to building an engaged audience of followers, you need to be good at taking, editing, and captioning photos and videos. How much you can earn as a travel influencer depends on how many followers you have, your reach, your engagement and which platform you use. According to this article enjoying A travel influencer with 1-4 million followers can earn $31,000 per post!

travel nurse

If you are a registered nurse, you can sign up to become a travel nurse. These nurses travel to areas with nursing shortages to work in a variety of settings. Nurses typically work in one location for 13-16 weeks, then move to another location. Not only is travel nursing a great way to see the country, it’s also lucrative. The average travel nurse can earn $56.49 per hour Plus housing stipend. If you are interested in doing travel nursing, check out these sites for assignments.

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

Originally published on February 25, 2009. Updated June 2023.

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Hi there reader ttg news is free to access if you are registered please click here to log in ., which homeworking agency is right for you.

If you’re looking to transition into homeworking, here’s an A-Z guide to help you find the right company for you

Homeworking companies have mushroomed in recent years, which is great news in terms of choice but does mean you have to weigh up the pros and cons of the different offerings. Here’s a helping hand if you’re tempted to break into the sector but are unsure where to start researching.  

BRILLIANT TRAVEL  

Part of Barrhead Travel, one of the UK’s largest independent travel groups, Brilliant Travel homeworkers pay a monthly fee of £65, receive access to Barrhead’s own products and have the freedom to book what they want. A few years’ experience is needed to join its network of 25 homeworkers. Contact: brillianttravel.co.uk/home-based-agents ; [email protected]  

DESIGNER TRAVEL  

Founded in 2008 and part of the Hays Travel Independence Group, it now has 125 associates. Monthly fee is £50 and commission levels can reach 80%. New entrants to travel considered. 

Contact: recruitment.designertravel.co.u k  

FUTURE TRAVEL GROUP

Sarah Kelley founded Future Travel Group, out of the ashes of pandemic casualty Thornton’s Travel, in December 2020. A member of Advantage Travel Partnership, Future is a small, experienced team of six people. Contact: futuretravelgroup.co.uk  

HAYS TRAVEL HOMEWORKING

Hays Travel has 459 Personal Travel Consultants in its homeworking division – self-employed agents who use the Hays branding in all their communications and have access to leads. An alternative option is the Explorer Franchise (105 agents), where partners can build their business using their own brand identity. Hays Travel’s academy models help those with no previous travel experience or who have been out of travel for 10 years or more (£8,000 + VAT).

Contact: careers.haystravel.co.uk/homeworking

“After a career of over 30 years I found myself in a management role I didn’t enjoy and realised what I loved most was creating perfect holidays for clients. I took action and created my own dream job. We want positive, passionate individuals for a small, friendly team that encourages each other and celebrates success. Your greatest asset as a homeworker is a positive, forward-thinking, creative mindset. Flexibility and reacting to the needs of the consumer, technology, personal travel experiences, in-depth training and a thorough understanding of the industry are invaluable for clients and post-Covid are valued more than ever."

Joan Jones, owner and founder, Once in a Lifetime Holidays 

HOLIDAY ELITE/YOUR HOLIDAY BOOKING

Both these brands are part of Vertical Travel Group, which is a member of Midcounties Co-operative. Holiday Elite’s 60 homeworkers and Your Holiday Booking’s 145 homeworkers have the flexibility to run their own business while accessing 24/7 support. For new joiners, travel industry experience is essential, ideally holiday sales. No joining fee; monthly system fee is £20 + VAT.

Contact: holidayelite.com/recruitment ; yourholidaybooking.com/career-contact.php; [email protected]

HOLIDAYSPLEASE

Part of Hays Travel Independence Group, and now owned by Travel Counsellors, award-winning Holidaysplease typically attracts ex-travel agency managers/owners. A minimum two-and-a-half years in travel sales needed. There are no monthly fees, just a one-off set-up fee of £387, and free long-haul luxury customer leads are provided to all agents. 

Contact: travelhomeworking.org

HOMEWORKING BY INSPIRE

HQ in Cheshire, offers a lead-generated model and an independent model. There’s a small set-up fee and a low monthly fee.

Contact: homeworkingbyinspire.co.uk/about-inspire  

INDEPENDENT TRAVEL EXPERTS

Operates with the backing of the Travel Network Group, Europe’s largest independent travel network group, and has more than 100 homeworkers.

Contact: thetravelnetworkgroup.co.uk/independent-travel-experts

InteleTravel UK

“After the pandemic many businesses made promises of ‘working from home’ to allow more flexibility in the way people work. Forbes recently reported that businesses are winning the battle to get workers back into the office and are backtracking on previous promises. The reality is homeworking affords huge flexibility, allows families to collect children from schools and promotes a healthy lifestyle. We have one PTC who works from Barbados and another in Tenerife – these examples showcase the benefits of homeworking!”   "On a practical level, try to segregate your work space from your home space, find an area, ideally a room, where you can create a professional office area. Comfort is key: You’ll be spending a considerable amount of time in your workspace, so create a space that you’re looking forward to being in, ensure minimalism within your office to maximise your productivity, and definitely treat yourself to a comfy chair!" Abbie Heaton, sales manager, Personal Travel Consultants 

LUXURY HOLIDAYS AND HONEYMOONS  

No set-up costs or monthly fees, looking for both experienced travel professionals and sales experts seeking a new opportunity, with specialist training provided for newcomers.  

Contact: luxuryholidaysandhoneymoons.co.uk/home-working-opportunities  

MERLIN TRAVEL GROUP

UK-based travel consortium, tour operator and travel agency. Independent travel professionals can sell a range of mainstream suppliers’ holidays and access in-house tour operator MTG Holidays. Various membership options are offered depending on experience including a TravelPro Academy for those with no travel industry experience (fee £3,495 + VAT).  

Contact: merlintravelgroup.com  

ONCE IN A LIFETIME HOLIDAYS

Travel Trust Association member Once in a Lifetime Holidays started trading in May 2019 and now has a team of seven homeworkers playing a part in business decisions. Money is earned from commission revenue, which is split.

Contact: onceinalifetimeholidays.co.uk ; [email protected]

PERSONAL HOLIDAY ADVISORS

Part of the Hays Travel Independence Group, there’s no initial set-up fee. Minimum two years’ experience needed.

Contact: personalholidayadvisors.com/recruitment

"We have an excellent training programme for all our new “holiday fixers”. I personally mentor all my fixers to ensure they understand all aspects of the business so they feel confident and will become a successful part of the team. The onboarding programme helps our fixers understand the brand, identify their customers, learn how to use the systems and develop their knowledge of our products and suppliers. We don’t provide leads, but give full training on how to grow your travel business. A positive, can-do attitude is really all we ask for as the rest will be taught during onboarding programme."

"Homeworking is a more eco-friendly way to work, saving on travel costs to and from an office. Now that we all communicate much more online it is much easier for homeworkers to stay connected with their team and build up a good, supportive network without the need to be based in an office. Working from home doesn’t mean you miss out on travel perks. There are plenty of opportunities to take advantage of free trips to explore the destinations and hotels that you are selling. We attend lots of face-to-face training and our key suppliers hold webinars for us too.”   Britt-Marie Monks, director, The Holiday Fixer 

PERSONAL TRAVEL CONSULTANTS

Personal Travel Consultants by Blue Bay Travel was created in 2021 to expand Blue Bay’s homeworkers. A partnership with the Co-operative Travel gives access to a host of tour operators as well as Blue Bay’s own holidays. Homeworkers can receive 50% commission upfront and have the flexibility to use Blue Bay's leads if they need an extra boost while building their business. No joining fee; monthly admin fee of £49 if homeworker uses own equipment and £99 with full hardware and software support. 

Contact: personaltravelconsultants.com

PTS HOMEWORKER SOLUTION

Part of Protected Trust Services, protecting consumer monies within the PTS trust account system. The PTS Solution is available to experienced travel professionals with at least two years’ experience and professionals with good business acumen. 100% commission retained.

Contact: protectedtrustservices.com/business

SILVER TRAVEL ADVISOR  

Silver Travel Advisor is a review, information and travel advice service for over-50s, which added a homeworking agency in January 2022. Part of Hays Travel Independence Group; monthly fee £69, no joining fee. Currently has 10 homeworkers; previous travel experience is preferable but not essential.  

Contact: silvertraveladvisor.com/join-the-team

SIMPLEXITY TRAVEL MANAGEMENT  

Travel management company Simplexity Travel recently launched a homeworking division, working in its core specialism of corporate and leisure travel for music, fashion, film, TV and football professionals. No set-up costs, monthly fees or transaction fees. Travel experience needed.  

Contact: simplexitytravel.com/work-with-us  

“The pandemic brought the value of using a travel professional into sharp focus. There’s also a growing trend to “support local”, and travel agents running their own businesses are perfectly placed to serve their local communities. Add to this the opportunity to connect with a wider audience through social media, and the potential for homeworking is enormous. Becoming a self-employed homeworker can transform lives from a mental wellbeing perspective too.”   "Do your homework when choosing which homeworking organisation you join…. find a business and people you connect with both professionally and personally. Talk to the homeworkers within that business for the first-hand views." "We are always on the lookout for quality, entrepreneurial agents. We are excited by candidates’ ideas to build their businesses and we provide personalised support to bring those ideas to life." Sheena Whittle, head of The Personal Travel Agents 

TAKE THE FAMILY

Take the Family sells travel on behalf of Hays Travel and has a small team of family holiday experts. It is looking to recruit those with family travel expertise.

Contact: takethefamily.com/aboutus/jobs

THE HOLIDAY FIXER

Affiliated with Midcounties Co-op, there are nine home-based “fixers” around the country. Founder and director Britt-Marie Monks personally mentors all new starters including those without travel experience. Leads are not supplied.

Contact: theholidayfixer.com/become-a-holiday-fixer

THE HOLIDAY FRANCHISE COMPANY

Powered by Holidaysplease, this is available for people who have never worked in the travel industry, supplying training to launch a travel agency. Homeworker hands over 2% of revenue and keeps 100% commission.

Contact: holidayfranchise.company  

THE HOLIDAY VILLAGE

Part of the Travel Group Village Group, with no joining or monthly fees. £6 fee per booking. 65% commission split, paid in two instalments. Travel industry experience needed.

Contact: theholidayvillage.com/careers.phtml

"During the pandemic, our directors could see a lot of super talented people within our industry were losing their jobs. They wanted to ensure that talent was not lost, so therefore created Travelosophers, a personal homeworking business where people could have their own business without having the huge overheads." "We are always actively recruiting, It just has to be the right fit for both parties. We want to ensure we can support potential Travelosophers fully and so we would always start with a few detailed conversations on the kind of business you are looking to create. Be yourself, be consistent, be organised." “We are a close-knit family and our training and support reflects that at every point in your journey with us. We are led by a team of true industry experts. As well as one-to-ones with a dedicated business development manager, our head office team will be on hand to support you every step of the way.”   "Homeworking is the way of the new world. Everyone likes to have their own personal travel agent – it’s more flexible, feels more personal and you get to build a real relationship with their clients." Nisha Bean, business development manager, Travelosophers 

THE PERSONAL TRAVEL AGENTS

As part of Midcounties Co-op homeworkers benefit from the backing of the society and the buying power of the wider group. It started in 2012 and is after entrepreneurial agents to join its 150-strong ranks. Joining fees start from £295 + VAT, monthly fees from £60 + VAT, and commission levels go up to 75%.

Contact: jointhepersonaltravelagents.co.uk ; [email protected]

THE TRAVEL DIRECTORS/ THE TRAVEL MANAGERS

Part of Aquilium Travel Group and a member of the Co-operative Travel, a homeworker option is available for travel professionals with minimum three years’ experience and a franchise programme for those without travel experience.

Contact: thetraveldirectors.co.uk/careers

THE TRAVEL FRANCHISE

Franchise business operating under umbrella company Not Just Travel, with three packages, from £2,995 + VAT (Lite) up to £29,995 + VAT (Entrepreneur). No travel experience needed: 99% of consultants are industry newcomers.

Contact: the-travel-franchise.com

TRAVEL COUNSELLORS

Pioneer of home-based travel selling with more than 1,900 agents and multiple awards. Start-up costs from £295 for agents with at least three years’ experience to £10,000 for a programme designed to induct people who are passionate about travel but have no experience.

Contact: people.travelcounsellors.com/gb

"My previous experience working for a call centre from home has demonstrated that having everyone in the office all the time isn't always necessary. This arrangement allows travel agents to work around their lifestyle and have the flexibility to work when they want (as in our case, where homeworkers are self-employed). Additionally, it provides agents the chance to attend more events, work while traveling abroad, and meet clients at their local cafes. Overall, this setup offers general flexibility that can benefit everyone involved." “Homeworking allows travel agents to work around their lifestyle. It’s crucial to balance working, networking and promoting your business with taking breaks and avoiding overworking – that's the key to success.”   Lucy Clarke, managing director, Travology Travel

TRAVELOSOPHERS

Part of Advantage Travel Partnership, Travelosophers was created to ensure talent was not lost from travel during the pandemic, giving agents their own business without huge overheads. Fixed or tiered commission levels are offered to its homeworkers, currently 42.

Contact: join.travelosophers.com

TRAVEL SAFE

A member of Protected Trust Services, Travel Safe has 10 homeworkers. No joining fee; monthly fee £49.99. Travel experience necessary.

Contact: mytrustedtravel.co.uk

TRAVEL SOLUTIONS NETWORK 

This growing business offers fulfilment services to travel businesses who are struggling to recruit experienced staff. Agents who are new to homeworking or returning to travel can submit hours to the virtual call centre (VCC) while they build their own client base. It's a flexible model, with agents able to wind down the hours they commit to the VCC as their own business grows, or they can simply work from home as part of the call centre team. There are no joining or monthly fees and agents can choose their hours to suit.  Contact: travelsolutionsnetwork.co.uk

TRAVEL SPECIALISTS BY ADVANTAGE

A new homeworking model supported by Advantage Travel Partnership, which is 100% member owned. Membership fee of 2% turnover.

Contact: travel-specialists.co.uk

TRAVOLOGY TRAVEL

A member of Protected Trust Services, Travology has 16 homeworkers, with each taking a 60-80% commission split depending on joining model and profit per booking.

Contact: travologytravel.co.uk/travel-homeworking-academy

Would you like to add a homeworking business to this directory or update your entry?  Contact: [email protected]

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Find the best homeworking travel company for you

Are you planning to set up as a homeworker or are you looking to switch to a new consortium? Then Travel Gossip has got you covered!

There are so many homeworking travel companies out there that it can be hard to choose the right one for you, especially as it’s not always easy to find crucial information, such as exactly how much you’ll be charged, how much you’ll earn or how long you’ll have to wait to be paid.

Fortunately Travel Gossip has done the research for you and produced this handy guide, featuring only the homeworking groups that agreed to fill out our questionnaire with details about what they offer agents and how much they charge for their services.

So whether you’re a newbie agent or an experienced homeworker, this guide will help you find the perfect match.

Just click on the logos below to see a chart with all the homeworking travel company’s details. 

Featured Homeworking Travel Companies

Other Homeworking Travel Companies

Logos appear in random order with each page visit. Click here to view our Premium Homeworking Guide packages

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Homeworking Guide

Please send press releases to [email protected]

Home-Based Travel Agents

Is this growing business model a good fit for your future?

Today’s home-based travel agent has multiple options: part-time or full-time; employee, independent contractor or self-employed; aligned with a host agency, owner of a franchise or independent; new to the industry, experienced travel agent or phasing into retirement…

All the options, the many appeals of working from a home-based office and ongoing cultural changes continue to lead to increases in agents who are choosing to work from home. In fact, in Travel Weekly’s 2017 Travel Industry Survey, released in October 2017, more than half (55 percent) of the travel agent respondents were home-based, with 18 percent defining themselves as home-based employees and another 37 percent identifying themselves as independent home-based agents.

"There is no one right way to go about becoming a home-based agent,” says Joanie Ogg, CTC, MCC, a long-time champion of home-based travel agents and co-owner of HomeBasedTravelAgent.com, FindaHostTravelAgency.com and TravelProfessionalCommunity.com. “But whatever the path, an agent is going to have to have a business plan and a marketing plan to go along with that from the very beginning. You have to have a plan to know where you’re going, maintain your focus and continue in the right direction.”

Thinking about becoming a home-based agent? While there are no right or wrong answers, here are some considerations to start the thought process.

What are your motivations?

In the lead-up to opening her own home-based agency about a year ago, Tara Hyland asked herself the hard questions, including: “Is this something I really want to do? Why do I want to do it? Am I willing to step out and see where it leads me?”

Hyland had been in the travel industry for 35 years, most recently as a luxury leisure travel agent in a brick-and-mortar agency for four years. “Primarily I wanted the independence of running my own business,” she says. “I wanted the opportunity to be more in charge of my time management and to have more control of my earning capacity. Opening my own agency seemed to be part of a natural evolution of my career.” Her answers helped dictate her next step, which was to start Tara Hyland, LLC, an independent affiliate of Worldview Travel, in the Houston area.

What’s your model?

Hyland opted to join a host agency, a choice made by more than two-thirds (69 percent) of all independent home-based agencies, according to the 2017 Travel Industry Survey. In the survey, the top reasons agents chose for joining a host agency include access to preferred suppliers (89 percent), to book travel (76 percent) and for accounting or marketing services (62 percent). Hyland also says, “The other important part for me was the technology piece…I can book through a point and click system rather than a GDS, which I find more user-friendly.”

While Hyland has been happy with her host choice, Katina Bradley has changed host agencies in her five years as co-owner of Wish You Were Here Vacations, LLC, based in northern California. “We started with one host, but it wasn’t the right fit,” she says, noting that she had also considered a franchise model. “Finding the right fit took some time.”

Brand-new to the industry when she started her own business with her husband, she says, “Originally I got most of my information from my very good friend Google. I didn’t realize all the Facebook groups that were available at the beginning and I didn’t know how much help is available—this is such an open and giving industry and people will trip over themselves to help you if you come into it with the right attitude and develop real relationships.”

Where will your business come from?

One of the reasons Bradley changed hosts was the evolution of her business model. When she and her husband started their part-time business, she chose a host where she brought in her own clients. “That was well and good when I didn’t have to count on the income,” she says, “but when I went full-time, we changed hosts to one that provides leads.”

“For transitional agents, who have been in a brick-and-mortar agency setting, this is a big question,” says Ogg. “Do they have a book of business they can take with them? If not, they’ll have to consider what they need to create their own book of business: What do they specialize in? What special skills might they need? What resources do they have, and what additional resources do they need to build that business?”

Deb Fogarty, CTA, ECC, owner of Be Well Travel, LLC, in Pembroke Pines, Florida, has relied on referrals, organic marketing and a well-defined brand since she started her own home-based agency in 2013. After entering the travel business in 2008 as a personal assistant to a travel agency owner, she worked as an independent contractor before branching out on her own. “That agency wasn’t the best fit for me and when I realized how well I was doing, I decided to take a chance and see if I could do it on my own,” she says. “This year I set a financial goal for myself that I never thought I would really reach—and I’ve almost doubled it.”

Are you prepared to run a business?

“For many agents, the business side is the hardest part,” says Ogg. “Agents are passionate about selling travel and creating dream vacations for clients. But then there’s the reality of running the actual business side, which can be more challenging.”

Bradley learned “the industry and how to run a business in the industry at the same time,” although she has help from her husband co-owner, who has years of tax, bookkeeping and other business experience.

And Hyland points out, “People might think a home-based business doesn’t require as much planning, but you need to factor in all the business aspects, including equipment and space needs, privacy to work, licensing, business structure, tax implications, internet domain names, marketing plans and so much more.” In the first year, she also emphasizes the importance of understanding your financial situation and exposure. “It’s unknown what the earnings will be, especially in that first year,” she says. “Can you absorb the expenses while you’re finding new clients and transitioning existing ones to build your business?”

Fogarty, who started at a dining room table and now has a complete home office to work from, recommends consulting an accountant and planning for a payroll check every week, along with taking out taxes regularly. Although she says she works “40 to 60 hours a week, and sometimes 70,” she also is strategic in carving out time for education and networking. “I meet other high-caliber agents who work as hard as I do. And it’s so refreshing to meet with other agents and hear about their challenges and successes,” she says.

For more than 40 years, The Mark Travel Corporation has been helping travel agents make their clients’ vacation dreams come true. We are also committed to helping you grow your business with our brands Funjet Vacations, United Vacations®, Southwest Vacations® and Blue Sky Tours.

“The fastest growing segment of our business is home-based agents,” says Lisa Tinnerman, regional director of sales for TMTC. “I love working with this segment. Agents are eager to learn so they can accelerate their growth, and at TMTC, we work with them to provide the unique tools they need to be successful.”

Noting that there are many different models of home-based agents, Tinnerman says that TMTC’s sales team includes Business Development Managers as well as Business Development Specialists dedicated to agents using host and franchise models.

“Sometimes there’s a perception that home-based agents are invisible. But at TMTC, we know who they are and where they are, and we work very closely with them to help them develop their business,” she says. “We engage one-on-one over the phone, at live events, through webinars and more. Relationship-building in all forms is a priority.”

The range of home-based travel agents also translates into different levels of expertise, and Tinnerman notes that TMTC features training and tools for home-based agents at all experience levels. For example, TMTC has created a series of live and on-demand webinars focused on selling land vacations with TMTC and using our suite of tools. 

“Our tools are designed to help agents grow their business regardless of agency model,” says Tinnerman. “Home-based agents will find great value in tools and programs such as the sales email tool, engagement tools like Creative Connection and the extensive breadth of product to provide their clients memorable vacations while maximizing earnings.”

For more information about how TMTC can help you grow your home-based travel agent business, go to TheMarkTravelCorporation.com .

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Why use a travel agent?

What benefits do travel agents offer?

For one, travel agents take all the hassle of booking away; you tell them where you want to go, what you want to do, your budget, and that’s it – job done! Your travel agent will then set out to find the best deals and suppliers for you. As they have access to such a wide range of suppliers, you have more options of destinations, better pricing through comparing rates and services you would struggle to find should you book independent.

Protecting your holiday

Your holiday will also be protected; registered travel agents have an ABTA and ATOL number that ensures your holiday is protected should an agent or supplier fail in their services.

So why a travel agent over a big-name brand?

You also must remember that homeworkers are people, they’re not just a corporate entity that only functions 9-5. It’s in the name – Personal Travel Agent, they add a personal touch to your holiday booking that no travel agent giant could offer. At Inspire we encourage our homeworkers to go that extra mile for their customers. This could be a personalised message you receive on your holiday or even a hamper of wine waiting in your hotel room. It’s the personal touch that makes the holiday YOURS, something that no travel booking giant could offer.

Essentially, booking through a travel agent offers a completely different experience from the moment you decide you want to travel, to the second you arrive back home. They also provide you with the priceless gift of peace of mind.

What do you think? Would you become a home based travel agent? If you think you have what it takes call us on 0161 465 6096.

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Independent Travel Pro

The perfect solution for experienced independent travel agents who want to operate under a trusted and respected homeworking network.

Work part/full-time from your home, an office, or anywhere in the world! The ultimate lifestyle business allowing you to balance family life and other commitments with running your own travel business.

You can sell a huge range of mainstream suppliers’ holidays and access our in-house tour operator MTG Holidays to create tailor-made ATOL protected flight inclusive packages for your clients.

Independent Travel Pro is designed around you, your clients, and your business needs.

What's Included

● All the mainstream travel suppliers ● MTG Holidays packages ● Access to our in-house tour ops team packages ● Cruise ● Flight only ● Hotel only ● Car hire ● Attraction tickets ● Holiday Essentials ● MTG Agent Portal Intranet ● Marketing support

● PTS CRM & Booking Management System ● Card Payment Facilities ● Mentoring ● Sales and Business Development Support ● Company email address ● Business phone number * ● Business cards (500)* ● Page on MTG website* ● Initial and ongoing training ● Head Office support

● Booking Administration ● Authorised to trade as a homeworker under the Merlin Travel Group brand ● Merlin Travel Group Branded Documents ● Out Of Hours Support & 24/7 365 contact centre ● Unique membership number – verifiable for added consumer confidence ● Access to Fam Trips & Team Trips ● Personal travel at nett booking cost ● Connect with other members in our Facebook Group

*This package only

Membership Terms:

Monthly Fee: £45 p/mth Setup Fee: £175 Commission: 70% during mentoring (1st 6 months) 75% on certification of competency

Best Choice I Made Joining MTG!

“Since I have joined MTG , I have become very happy, independent and confident in my travel business. Thank you Garry, Alistair & Janet for everything you do! You guys are the best and it’s a blessing to be part of your team.”

Nabila Akhtar

Other membership options.

Travel Agent Pro

Experienced travel homeworkers – grow your business and sales under your own brand name with this option.

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Cruise specialists sell the holidays you love and grow your business and brand with our Cruise Agent Pro option.

Elite Travel Pro

Established travel agency / tour operator businesses with turnover of £1M+ p/a & trading for a minimum of 3 years. 

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The perfect fit for agents who specialise in particular destinations, holiday types, or niche interest travel.

TravelPro Academy

Coming Soon! – Our Travel Pro Academy is for those who have no (or limited) travel industry experience.

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7 types of travel agents around the world

Travel agents are an important part of the tourism industry. There are several different types of travel agents. The different types of travel agents vary according to the service they provide and the products that they offer. In this article I will teach you about the different types of travel agents and provide some examples too.

What’s a travel agent?

High street travel agents, business travel agents, call centre travel agents, internet travel agents, independent travel agents, multiple travel agents, miniple travel agents, types of travel agents: to conclude, further reading .

A travel agency is a private retailer that sells travel-related products and services to consumers. This includes package holidays as well as individual holiday elements such as hotel rooms, flight tickets and travel insurance.

Travel agents typically use global distribution systems (GDS). These systems enable to travel agent staff to receive real-time updates on availability and prices and to make bookings.

Travel agencies typically take a percentage of the overall fee that a consumer pays, known as commission. Commission rates vary depending on the product and/or service that is sold. It is for this reason that consumers will sometimes pay more for a holiday booked through a travel agency than they would if they booked it directly with the suppliers.

Did you know that you can set up your own travel agency business and earn from your sofa? Find out how here!

The different types of travel agents

There are four main types of travel agents in the travel and tourism industry: high street, business, callcentre and Internet. I will explain how each of these types of travel agents work below. BUT before you read on, hit play on my new YouTube video below!

High street travel agents have been around for a long time. Up until only a few years ago, high street travel agents were the most popular and themes common types of travel agents.

High street travel agents are typically found in major shopping areas, such as local high streets or in shopping malls.

High street travel agents typically have an area where holiday brochures are displayed and desks for consumers to sit at and talk than travel agent. Travel agent staff are generally very knowledgeable about the products and services thatchy are selling and offer high standards of customer service.

Many people continue to prefer house high street travel agents because they enjoy the face-to-face interaction.However, fewer and fewer people have been using travel agents in recent years. This has led to the closure of many high street travel agents.

High street travel agent examples: TUI, Hays Travel, Cooperative Travel

Business travel agents specialise in planning and booking travel for business purposes. Business tourism is one of the largest types of tourism . As such, this is an important type of travel agent.

Business travel agents do not always have a visible high street presence. Instead, they may be tucked away in office blocks or in quiet locations.This is because they do not tend to have walk-in business.

Business travel agents typically work with companies to organise business travel. Stays tend to be shorter than ordinary holidays. Business travel agents are popular because they help to save organisations timed money, given that they are able to quickly plan itineraries and book travel the best prices.

Business travel agent examples: Crystal Corporate, Click Travel, Kanoo Corporate

A call centre travel agent is a travel agent which is based in a call centre.

Call centre travel agents provide advice and guidance on booking your holiday via the telephone. Many major travel agencies will have call centres as wells high street shops.

Call centres have lower overheads than high street retailers because they do not have to pay premium prices for their offices- they have the flexibility to be based anywhere.

Some companies even choose to base their callcentres in developing countries, where wages and overhead costs are lower. However, this has been known to have a detrimental impact on the service offered due to language barriers and cultural differences.

Call centre travel agent examples: Flight Centre, Virgin Holidays

Internet travel agents are travel agents theatre based the Internet. This includes major travel companies as wells independent travel agents who are working from home.

Internet travel agents are the most popular types of travel agents nowadays. Many people prefer to book online.

Just like high street travel agents, Internet travel agents take a commission from the money paid by the consumer.

The rise of the Internet travel agent has been so significant in recent years that there is now a lot of competition in the marketplace. This helps to drive down prices and to make holidays more affordable to customers.

Internet travel agent examples: Expedia, Booking.com, Agoda

Types of travel agent businesses

The types of travel agents can also be distinguished by their business model. There are three major business models that are used: independent, multiple, miniple. I will explain what each of these are below.

An independent travel agent is an agent is a unique company. There is only one branch and it is not associated with any other travel agency stores or companies.

Independent travel agents are commonly found in small towns and villages. They are usually locally-run businesses. Because of scales of economy, independent travel agents are often not able to compete with the lower prices offered by larger types of travel agents.

Independent travel agents do not necessarily need to have physical travel agency. There are many people who are running their own, successful travel agency businesses from home. These are Internet travel agents who are operating on an independent basis.

Since COVID-19, many organisations have reduced their business travel requirements, opting instead for Zoom calls and webinars facilitated by the shut-in economy . It is predicted that this change will be irreversible and therefore that the need for business travel agents will be permanently reduced.

A multiple travel agent is one which has a chain of branches. They are typically large organisations with a strong high street presence.

Multiple travel agents did have a monopoly of the market for many years. However, they have struggled to compete with the Internet travel agents, who have fewer overheads and are more conveniently located- on a consumer’s computer/smart device!

Miniple travel agents are travel agents that have several branches. These are usually mid-sized companies. They are often regional.

As you can see, the travel agency market has changed a lot in recent years. We have moved away from the traditional multiple on the high street towards an Internet-based approach when researching and booking our holidays. Nonetheless, there does continue to be a desire for travel agents, albeit largely online.

If you’re studying travel and tourism then I highly recommend the following texts to support your learning:

• The 10 Major Types of Events
• The 8 Major Types of Cruise
• 150 types of tourism! The ultimate tourism glossary
• 20 Popular Types of Hotels Around The World
• 21 Types of Tourists Around The World

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Homeworking Travel Agent Vacancy

We lcome to  sn travel homeworking   .

Come and join the SN Travel family!  If you are an experienced travel professional and keen on starting or continuing running your own business, we have the perfect  solution for you  – and you will be supported 100% of the time!    

• Passionate about Travel and  Holidays ?  
• Able to work flexible  hours ?  
• An expert in selling holidays in a retail  environment ?     
• A strong  communicator ?  
• Passionate about delivering an outstanding level of customer service ?  
• Self-motivated ?  

  If the answer to the questions above is  yes  then we would like to talk to you .  Contact Max on  0203 793 9447 or email me  

What you can expect from SN Travel

• If you join SN Travel you will have the opportunity, support and tools to sell holidays either by developing your very own client base or taking enquiries from SN Travel Customers, with no upfront costs and a friendly yet professional team behind you, success is our key priority.  
• Full training provided  from the  comfort of your home   
• A ll the tools needed to sell holidays and communicate with your customers efficiently and effectively  
• Complete flexibility around your needs  as long as  you are available for your clients and able to complete your workload in a timely manner.  
• Uncapped and generous commission levels paid the following month from when the booking is made  
• Access to hundreds of hotel and flight nett rates worldwide, our reservation system makes it easy to search, select and book holidays  
• Product training and opportunity to take part educational visits/FAM trips  
• Total support on product,  marketing  and administration  24/7   
• Your very own website  with booking engine  capabilities ,  newsletters and social media support  
• Self employed  accounting support (we are there to work with you through the process and facilitate understanding of  self  assessment  )  
• You will receive special rates on all your personal holidays  

What some of our Homeworkers  say:  

“ I have worked for 3 homeworking companies including SN Travel. For me, SN Travel has the best offering by far! It’s a family run business where I know everyone by  name and I am not just a number. I enjoy the flexibility that SN Travel offers; I am not chased for figures or hours but simply left to run my business as I see fit which for me is a huge bonus. Having said that if I ever need assistance or advice then it’s just a phone call away!”   Karen – Flop Flip Travel     “ Working with SN Travel for me has been quite transformational for my business. Their homeworking solution is perfect for me as they offer good commission levels, flexibility and tools necessary enabling  me the ability to focus on running my business and service my clients. “   Cynthia – Cherished Travel      “Working with SN travel as a homeworker has given me the freedom to manage my time and work around my family commitments.  Everyone is friendly and support is there 24/ 7 .   They are there for you to grow as a person and your business. ”  Jacquie Brady     “SN Travel is great as I have the opportunity to earn some good commission as long as I work hard at it.  The support is there 24/7 and it’s  immediate, they truly care about me and want me to do well which is a rare trait to find in any company these days.”  Clare Williams      

To apply for this travel consultant vacancy please send your CV to us today!

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Personal Travel Consultants grows number of homeworkers to 55

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The number of self-employed agents under The Personal Travel Consultants in partnership with Blue Bay Travel (PTCs) umbrella has grown to 55 with 15 new recruits.

The have joined from other homeworking companies and or from high street roles, reflecting a growing demand for the work-life balance and elevated income, according to the company.

Late bookings for this summer accounted for half of sales made in the last three months compared to 44% for the same period last year.

This came as PTCs claimed a 42% year-on-year increase in sales for the first half of 2024, without disclosing actual figures.

However, demand for luxury short-haul has grown, with average booking values for Turkey having exceeded £6,000, and £4,000 for the Canary Islands – levels traditionally more associated with long-haul.

While Turkey remains a perennial favourite, long-haul destinations including the Maldives and Mexico are also proving popular, as customers continue to seek out premium, bucket-list destinations.

The PTCs can utilise customer leads provided by Blue Bay Travel. However, many are using social media marketing to grow their own customer databases resulting in a 67% year-on-year jump in sales through self-generated leads.

Bookings from self-generated customer leads, which PTCs receive 65% commission, have achieved an average booking value of £4,399 so far this year, compared with £3,000 in 2023.

Group manager Abbie Heaton said: “The hard work of our PTCs has been transformative and is instrumental in achieving these remarkable results.

“It’s an exciting time for the business and is really rewarding to see our consultants reaping the financial rewards of the robust, personal relationships they have built with their clients.

“It’s wonderful to be growing our volume of PTCs too but my top priority remains to nurture our team of high-calibre agents who are committed for the long term.

“The quality of our consultants contributes significantly to our growth as a business, resulting in high individual performance and increased profit margins.”

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