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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

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

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Homeworking Travel Consultant Opportunities

Freedom to choose.

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

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

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

New to travel – academy.

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

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

New Travel Consultant

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

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

£8,000 + VAT

Payment Plans Available

New Travel Consultant - Leads Supported

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

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

Experienced Travel Professional

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

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

Experienced Travel Consultant

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

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

plus a Monthly Management fee applies

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

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

Don't just take our word for it…

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

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

Can I choose my own hours?

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

Is there a minimum sales value?

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

How long will it take to be up and running?

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

What kind of support will I receive?

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

Is there any out-of-hours support?

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

What happens when I go on holiday?

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

How much can I earn?

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

Are there monthly management fees?

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

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

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

Will the Leads Supported model have any expectations of me?

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

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

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

Cruise Holidays

City breaks.

Holidays with a personal touch

Personal Holiday Advisors are an established homeworking travel agency, offering a tailor made approach to planning and booking your ideal holiday.

Our Personal Holiday Advisors are experienced travel professionals offering impartial advice with access to the widest range of travel companies and airlines.

So whether you are looking for a round the world trip, cruise, city break or family beach holiday our Personal Holiday Advisors will create your perfect holiday.

So why not start your personal holiday adventure today, and contact your nearest Personal Holiday Advisor.

Come and Join our Team and Work From Home

CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION

[email protected].

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Do you currently sell travel or have recent experience selling in the travel industry and are looking to return? We’d love to hear from you! Complete the below form and a member of our recruitment team will be in touch to discuss opportunities with you.

Welcome to Travel Homeworking

There are many reasons to consider becoming a homebased travel agent. Perhaps you’ve reached the cap of your current earning potential? Are looking for a better work/life balance? Want to have the freedom to sell your own travel niche to a base of loyal clients? However you’re looking to take the next step in your career, we’d love to see if we can be a part of that journey.

Holidaysplease, part of the Travel Counsellors Group, we have been operating for over 20 years as a homeworking luxury travel agency. Starting from a dream of three entrepreneurial Directors, who had a vision to combine the ease of the internet with the incomparable value of having the knowledge & service of a travel agent. Our community grew and so did our client base, leading to years of successes and recognition from the travel industry; including our industry peer, Travel Counsellors, who acquired us in 2023.

Now we provide those looking for homeworking travel opportunities a unique offering – Two different models under two renowned brands to choose from. Everyone is unique and requires different support on their career path, and here you benefit from the guidance of two winners of the industry’s most recognised Homeworking Agency awards (… amongst many others!).

So, what’s the difference between us?

Holidaysplease offers its agents luxury long-haul holiday leads, providing a fantastic platform to build your own business. Additionally, we have an in-house Admin Team to handle your day-to-day payment and ticketing checks so you can focus on selling. Working from a custom-built system, you can easily track your client’s journey from their initial enquiry, right through to their return home, with helpful reminders along the way.

Travel Counsellors offer industry-leading tech and platforms, including a cutting-edge in-house booking system to help you deliver competitive quotes with great earning potential.  The business model is built on partnerships. As a  self-employed franchise holder arranging bespoke travel experiences for your  customers, you’ll earn commission on the services you sell. Our commission is  split 60/40 – 60% for you; 40% for us.  For that 40%, you’ll receive our unwavering support and  continual investment in your business to see its success.  Although we’re a commission-based business, customer  experience means everything to us. When presented with two-holiday options –  one better for the customer and one better for your pocket – you’ll always put  the customer first.

There are a great number of benefits to joining either of our teams, so please get in touch today to discuss how we can support you in your individual journey.

At Travel Homeworking, we take you on an in-depth journey through the Holidaysplease homeworking model. If you’d like to learn more about the Travel Counsellors offering, you can visit their website here.

Get in touch today…

Phone:  0161 464 5243

Email:  [email protected]

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New to TTG?

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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Abby Homes Stay

Homeworkers Agents

EXPLORE. EXPERIENCE. EXCEL.

Delivering Global Travel Services and highly developed technology to enable travel agents to start their own travel agency  without a single cost .

We at Abby Homes Stay are creating an opportunity to all who want to build their own travel business at zero cost and receive all the product required to be able to compete against the top sellers in the industry.

With a combination of product, technology and service, we are providing the best tools available for you, including your own web portal, personally customised to your business.

We offer over 400,000 hotels, 42,000 transfers & activities, as well as a live Whats app booking line to support queries, bookings and even your customers with a little help from AI.

Our ethos is to be the world’s most caring travel homeworking company

Putting people at the heart of everything we do, we provide entrepreneurs with the tools, technology and support to build flourishing leisure and corporate travel businesses as part of a company that truly cares.

Own Business

The freedom of being self-employed with 24/7 support

Global Coverage

400,000 hotels and 18,000 Activities and Transfers

Why Join Us?

60% commission.

Unlimited Earning Potential

Robust UK based infrastructure ensuring your success

Bespoke, industry-leading classroom and online training

Customer Focused

100% Dedication to our customers and yours

Years Experience

Our company has been built by putting people at the heart of everything we do.

We provide our team with the latest tools, cutting edge technology and back-office support to build flourishing leisure and corporate travel business whilst being a part of a company that truly cares.

We have been successful by combining new technology and cutting edge web marketing, with an old school commitment to delivering outstanding levels of customer service.

WHY CHOOSE US?

At Abby Homes Stay, our mission is to help you and your customers experience the world of travel in an authentic and exciting way.

Whether you’re a seasoned overseas traveller or making your ‘international debut’, our hotels offer a social and safe way to explore far-flung destinations.

LIKE-MINDED PEOPLE

Our travel agents come from all corners of the world and from a wide variety of cultures, nations and backgrounds, and they all share our love for travel, adventure and spirit.

We hold regular events and team meetings with our strong passionate community of travel workers.

Helping Our Homeworkers Grow Their Businesses

Testimonials.

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:

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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.

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

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What are the benefits of becoming a homeworker?

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Being a homeworker has many perks. Tamara Hinson takes a closer look at how you can make the most of them

There’s never been a better time to be a homeworker. As companies are recognising the value that homeworkers can add to their organisations, more and more are rolling out benefits designed to appeal to the growing number of people who are craving a better work-life balance.

While Travel Counsellors was an early entrant into the homeworking market, much has changed since it launched in the 1990s. Jim Eastwood, the company’s global sales director, recognises how homeworkers’ needs are different now compared to before.

“It’s about providing individuals with a truly personalised, digital platform of support to empower them to run their own businesses in a way that suits them, their families and their customers,” he says. “So, it’s no longer just about ‘homeworking’, it’s about smarter working, creating limitless potential, enhanced wellbeing and a better work-life balance.”

Have laptop, will travel

One of the perks of being a homeworker is that, for the majority, you can work where you want, when you want. And those who want to take time off will find it’s actually quite flexible. In some companies, homeworkers will “buddy up” with a colleague who will provide cover during periods of absence for holidays when they’re unable to take bookings.

However, more homeworkers are continuing to work – or at least process bookings – abroad, sometimes while on fam trips. These trips can be a brilliant and effective way of expanding your knowledge on a particular destination or product.

“When our franchisees do fam trips, it gives them first-hand knowledge of the product, so they can sell to their clients,” says Samantha Bruton, head of franchise at GoCruise & Travel. “For example, we had a franchisee attend the Clia RiverView Conference in March and experience AmaWaterways’ product, and in May alone they made 15 AmaWaterways bookings.”

Wellbeing first

The topic of mental health has never been in the spotlight more than it is now. Homeworking companies have been investing more time and money to look after their homeworkers’ mental health and wellbeing, and ensure they remain connected and part of the team.

Damian Mc Donough, business development director at Vertical Travel Group, says keeping lines of communication open is one of the company’s priorities. “Communication is key to our approach when it comes to mental health,” he says.

“We have a Facebook group – Vertical Travel Talk – for all staff to share thoughts, feelings, advice, successes, failures, funny stories and problems. You name it, it’s all on there!”

The company recently vowed to send out more email updates, and also host regular coffee mornings with company chief executive Peter Healey. There will be more regional get-togethers and more in-house fam trips too.

Travel Counsellors has a Wellbeing Hub for its homeworkers, where they can find advice on mental health, mindset, financial advice and physical wellbeing.

Alongside investing in mental health first aiders, the company has a personal counsellor and has partnered with mental health support service Able Futures to offer agents access to an experienced healthcare professional who can provide mental wellbeing support at work.

Those working at Travel Counsellors are also encouraged to join community support networks that cover everything from menopause to neurodiversity.

Take time away

As a homeworker, it’s important to take a proactive approach to your mental health, making sure you’re not glued to your laptop 24/7. The good news? Being a homeworker means you’re not always tied to fixed schedules.

InteleTravel launched a weekly podcast this year that agents can listen to when they’re out and about, with interviews, trends and more, to help agents with their sales.

Claire Titcombe, a homeworker at Personal Holiday Advisors, part of Constant Travel, says: “I walk my dog every day come rain or shine to get some fresh air.”

She adds: “I also arrange a lot of face-to-face meetings with clients in local coffee shops. Just changing your scenery can do wonders.”

Building a community

Companies go all out to make sure that their homeworkers can access any help when they need it.

At Hays Travel, each member is assigned a business development coach, of which there’s a ratio of 1:40. “They are there for the day-to-day questions, but also to support the PTCs grow their business,” says Tanya Cooper, head of the Personal Travel Consultants at Hays Travel.

Companies also have initiatives in place to make their homeworkers feel part of a team, and to ensure that they don’t feel isolated or lonely.

Homeworkers at Private Travel Designers, which works in partnership with Elegant Resorts, have weekly catch-ups via Microsoft Teams with their support manager, as well as monthly team meetings, quarterly team away days and a yearly trip abroad.

There’s a WhatsApp group for the homeworkers, who, in addition to remote supplier training, can attend regular training workshops with colleagues around the country and at the company’s offices in Chester.

Technology has been key to helping homeworkers feel part of the bigger picture. “We have a strong community for our Personal Travel Agents, the centre of which is our ‘virtual office’ where our agents gather daily to share knowledge, successes and challenges,” says Sheena Whittle, head of Co-op Travel’s The Personal Travel Agents.

Whittle adds that homeworkers actively seek out opportunities for catch-ups. “We all love to get together in person and have regular roadshows, coffee mornings, afternoon teas, pop-up picnics, conference and VIP trips.

“There’s always something to look forward to and this summer we’re embarking on our first beach clean-ups together.”

Things to remember

• Try to attend in-person events whenever you can – as well as gleaning crucial knowledge, you will also form firm friendships with fellow homeworkers.
• Consider your set-up at home – are you in a home office? Or do you prefer to work from somewhere else? You’ll have the flexibility to work where is best for you.
• Make the most of the training that’s on offer from other suppliers – the benefit of being a homeworker is you can fit this in when it works best for you.
• Many homeworking companies have welfare funds and support groups. Make sure you find out what support is available, and make full use of it.
• As well as in-person events, many companies host virtual meetings, events and informal catch-ups to help everyone to feel connected and motivated.

Ask the homeworkers

Nicola Nies, Luxury Holidays and Honeymoons 

“I get to work around my children. I enjoy the flexibility”

“I was never cut out for a nine-to-five job and working my own hours suited me perfectly. I get to work around my children and have been able to continue supporting my family without having to put them

into childcare. I enjoy the flexibility and getting to know my clients. When I’ve found out exactly what the client is looking for and all boxes are ticked, I get a message from my client thanking me for the best holiday ever, which is the best feeling.

Luxury Holidays and Honeymoons provides lots of ongoing training and I gain so much knowledge from my colleagues. I tried to attend as many in-person events as I could before my baby was born in February, although I’m now able to take my baby with me to company events.”

Rebecca Halliday, Momente Travel, an affiliate of InteleTravel

“There’s a huge support network, so while it’s my own business, I also feel like I’m a part of something”

“I launched my business at the end of June 2022 – prior to this I had been in large corporations and held director-level positions.

There has been so much training available, along with a huge support network, so while it is my own business, I also feel like I’m a part of something.

Having access to all the suppliers from day one was the main selling point for me. The support and training is endless and varied. There are in-person events, webinars – live and recorded – and there’s plenty of stuff to read.

I absolutely love it when somebody comes to you with an idea that they think is not possible to achieve and you can make it a reality for them. I also love getting in front of suppliers and resorts at the travel events as I find I learn well from speaking to people and I love to have a big network.”

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Why Join Us?

Honeymoon Dreams is an award-winning & dynamic Independent Travel Agency , offering both European and Worldwide luxury tailormade travel. We strive for our client experience to be a personalised and memorable – this approach gives us a higher than industry average repeat and recommendation rate.

Our well-established business offers tailormade travel throughout Europe, The Caribbean, Asia, Indian Ocean, Australia & South Pacific, USA & Mexico and The Middle East & Africa. In addition to great relationships with the major Tour Operators, as ATOL holders you will be able to access great rates to dynamically package holidays, helping you secure great value travel for your clients every time.

Honeymoon Dreams will provide luxury honeymoon enquiries, and with an average booking value of £7,000 has great earning potential. We are especially keen to support you in growing your own database, and therefore offer in-house marketing support as well as a commission uplift on self-generated business. To allow you to focus on sales, our head office Concierge Team will handle schedule changes, amendments, tickets and extra touches while accounts will handle payments, reminders and invoicing.

Our induction programme will get you rating to go and with ongoing supplier and internal training sessions which you can access from anywhere in the world you’ll be all set.

Via one-on-one meeting, conferences, training seminars, skype sessions, our intranet and internal message boards you will have full support from our development and management teams along with your fellow homeworkers.

Our award-winning marketing team will help you promote yourself and build your brand. With help on social media management, email marketing and events, you will have regular contact with our marketing team who will help plan and design something that will get your clients on board.

Systems & Technology

We’ll set you up with our high-tech booking system and provide you with a dedicated phone line where you contact all your customers from. Our system will provide you with the best platform to sell and provides all our clients their own online area where they can view all quotes/bookings and access all their documents.

All our staff benefit from from regular long haul education trips, staff team events, discount travel rates and incentives and also priority concert tickets in our own private box.

See Some of our staff nights and events below

Commission & benefits.

Homeworkers who supply their own enquiries and their own repeat clients receive a basic of 55 % commission rising to 65% .

With enquiries supplied by us you receive a basic rate of 40 % rising to 50%.

This applies across all supplied leads, regardless of supplier and value of booking. And remember our average booking value is almost £4,000.

That’s not all – we also have a yearly bonus scheme in addition to your commission rates.

Other benefits, educational trips.

We also provide all of our staff with the opportunity to visit our most popular long haul destinations each year. Last year, each of our agents experienced at least one luxury long haul educational trip. They  visited: Maldives, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Bali, Dubai,Seychelles and many more.   Read about some of our recent staff trips.

Supplier Rewards

Many of our suppliers provide incentives and rewards for booking through them with all our agents keeping this for themselves. Our agents regularly take home a few hundred pounds each month in vouchers and rewards from suppliers.

Staff Nights Out

All our staff are regularly invited to staff nights out where everyone can come together and have a fun time. We have recently been to mini golf, bowling, comedy nights and more. We also have our own hospitality box at the Arena Birmingham which we use for staff nights and all staff can benefit from heavily discounted tickets and priority sales for all concerts at the arena.

Agent Rates

Due to our fantastic relationship with hotels and suppliers around the world, all our staff benefit from fantastic agent rates on their personal holidays.

Set Up & Systems

Complete set-up.

We charge an initial set-up fee of £750 but unlike other companies, for your first year, we won’t charge you a monthly admin fee. This amount include initial set-up and access to all our systems, and gets the homeworker a business cards, a web microsite and personal electronic magazine set up to send to existing clients.

In-house Systems

Our bespoke, state-of-the-art back and front office systems allow agents to manage all of their enquiries from start to finish and send full tailored quotes with images, video links and full resort information.

We use Sabre GDS for searching for flights and we also have a great relationship with a variety of different suppliers who provide us with top commission rates to ensure you make the most on your bookings.

Our Support

Administration support.

From the moment your client books they will be handed to our concierge  department so we can take care of the aftersales services such as taking payments, sending out tickets and dealing with any queries the client may have.

This means that you can concentrate on selling and not have to worry about chasing clients.

Marketing Support

Our award-winning in-house marketing team will help you connect with your clients through creating and sending out a weekly special offer email to your clients along with our quarterly magazine.

We can set you up with your own website and social pages with special offers and information about yourself that you can direct your clients to. Our design team can also work with you to put together any collateral for you to give to clients from flyers to posters or even brochures of your own.

“I am just coming up to 4 years of working for Honeymoon Dreams, as a home worker, and am loving every minute of it.

Previously I have worked for two other home working companies, and have found Honeymoon Dreams best suites me and my family life. They are very flexible, which is great, as having 2 children, I have been able to go to all of my children’s activities at school and haven’t missed one.

You need to be disciplined working from home, I tend to find that clients sort out my working hours, as I am able to work around them. Honeymoon Dreams have and continue to provided me with leads, and I have never been short of enquiries.

I receive lots of support from head office, and if I ever need help or advice, there is always someone to talk too. The admin, concierge and marketing support is superb, they help deal with Aftersales queries, leaving me time to focus on new business.

The in-house system is great, as any amendments or changes made to my bookings, I receive an alert, meaning I am always up to date, and this helps keep a great rapport going with my clients. ”

Karen Whittaker

Homeworker with us since 2015

Start Your own travel Company

The number of awards we have received from our piers, suppliers and the public truly is testament to the quality of service and range of products we offer. We were recently named as the Best Weddings & Honeymoons Company at the British Travel Awards, voted for by our clients and the public. We have also won awards at the Travel Agent Achievement Awards and at several other travel and wedding ceremonies.

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Travel homeworking

If you’re already working in the Travel industry and want to be part of a fun & fresh travel company then read on…

Live the Dream​

Working from home as a Travel Planner with Travology Travel offers you true flexibility & independence, as well as offering you a unique brand that will help you stand out from the crowd, we are a fun new company with the energy to really help you build your own business and help you succeed. 

What You'll Get

• Your own business
• To build a customer base that is yours long term, your customer base is yours
• Work anywhere with internet access
• A unique brand to help you stand out
• True flexibility with what you can sell
• No sales targets or directional selling

You've got it ?

• A positive, fun & can-do attitude
• Excellent customer service & people skills, we put our customer happiness first at all times.
• Entrepreneurial with the commitment to build your own business
• You want to look after your customers from start to finish

• There is no cap on your earnings.
• You will receive 60- 75% of the booking profit after any discount depending on your joining option.
• Your commission is paid the month of travel.
• We know that some homeworking companies pay instant commission, but our payment process means that you don’t have to worry about paying back any commission that you’ve already spent if a customer cancels.

• Cloud based software installed on your laptop with a customer management portal, allows you to look after your customers & manage your holiday bookings anywhere you have WIFI.
• We provide a Voip phone with your own direct phone number & handset. Mobile app option to use your direct dial on the go.
• Landline & Mobile numbers included
• Personalised email address
• You must provide your own laptop.

• Flexible Hours
• Uncapped earnings
• Supplier incentives & Educational trips
• Holiday discounts
• Grow your own business & be your own boss
• Enjoy a better work life balance to pick the kids up from school, go for lunch with friends, work around appointments and any other commitments
• Be part of small, family run business who really cares

Training & Support

• Virtual or in person induction
• Remote training & support when required
• Supplier trainings, events & webinars
• Access to educational trips to really experience the destinations you are selling
• Tips and tricks to grow your business
• Our return to travel option includes a 4 week training program. 
• Our Academy option includes a 10 week training program. 

Suppliers & Protection

• Access to a range of leading ABTA & ATOL bonded tour operators to sell packages & also the ability to tailor make packages under their ATOL licence.
• Flight consolidator access with fantastic net rates for flight only bookings.
• Bedbanks and ancillaries suppliers at competitive rates.
• Flexibility to use your own suppliers around the world.
• Fully compliant with the package travel regulations with a trust account.
• 100% Customer Protection

Social Media & Marketing

• Your own web page with your contact details and an “about you” section.
• Your own social media pages to enable you to grow your business in your local area.
• Personalised business cards, marketing/event materials available to order at such as a pull up personalised event banners, leaflets, and much more.
• Supplier offers and deals.

Joining Options

Experienced travel agent, return to travel, join our academy, stay in touch.

Don’t miss out. Sign up to hear about exciting holiday offers and experiences.

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01244 256955

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When booking with Travology Travel your travel arrangements are always 100% financially protected. We are an Accredited member of Protected Trust Services, who are also FCA registered. All our customers funds are held in an independent trust account, separately to us and guarantee 100% financial protection for our customers. All our package holidays that include international flights from the UK are fully ATOL  Protected.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the National Travel Health Network and Centre have up-to-date advice on staying safe and healthy abroad, see gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice  and travelhealthpro.org.uk .  For more on security, local laws and the latest travel information, visit the FCDO Travel Aware website at travelaware.campaign.gov.uk. The advice can change so check regularly for the latest information. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the National Travel Health Network and Centre have up-to-date advice on staying safe and healthy abroad, see gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice  and travelhealthpro.org.uk .  For more on security, local laws and the latest travel information, visit the FCDO Travel Aware website at travelaware.campaign.gov.uk. The advice can change so check regularly for the latest information.

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Should I Use a Travel Agent? Our Travel Expert Says It Makes All the Difference.

The new age of travel agents know how to find deals, book off-the-beaten path adventures, and get you out of any jam. Especially if you know who to use.

Heading out the door? Read this article on the Outside app available now on iOS devices for members! >","name":"in-content-cta","type":"link"}}'>Download the app .

I’ve always thought that planning my own trips was the most cost-effective way, but I’ve been hearing more about travel agents making a comeback and saving their clients a lot of money. What kinds of outdoor trips should I turn to a travel agent for, and are there any who specialize in working with adventurers like me?

Technically, I’m a professional traveler. As a journalist, it’s my job to research and connect with locals to get beneath the surface of a destination. So I have never really used travel agents. What could they plan better than I could?

A lot, it turns out. Over the years, I’ve gotten to know many travel specialists, and I consider them magicians. My big aha moment happened two winters ago on a trip to Iceland . A massive storm shut down internal flights for a day, causing me to miss my return flight to the U.S. Normally, I would have spent frustrating hours on hold with the airline. But because I’d paid $65 to have Ana Gloria Garcia, an air-support specialist at the travel agency EmbarkBeyond, find and book the most affordable and convenient flight option for me, she handled the rebookings while I soaked in the Blue Lagoon.

During the pandemic, agents became advocates helping travelers get refunds on canceled flights and trips. As travel has come roaring back, an agent’s superpower is now their access to the best hotel rooms, most in-the-know guides, free amenities, and more, says Cory Hagopian, senior vice president of sales and partnerships for Virtuoso , a global network of travel agencies.

And they’re attracting a young clientele. According to a recent industry survey , 38 percent of millennials and Gen Zers are opting to use travel agents as opposed to booking on their own trips. That number is far greater than Gen Xers and baby boomers, of whom only 12 and 2 percent respectively use agents.

What Do I Gain from Using a Travel Agent?

I recently had a friend tell me she spent close to 40 hours researching a family trip online. She probably could have gleaned the same intel from an hourlong conversation with a travel adviser. Knowledge is priceless, and advisers act as your insiders. They know what you don’t and fill in the blanks for things you might not have considered, says Erika Richter, a spokesperson for the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA). Their firsthand knowledge, vast network, and on-the-ground connections all combine to provide a unique perspective for crafting the perfect itinerary for you.

Most travel advisers specialize in certain regions and countries and travel to them frequently, so they have up-to-date intel on not only the best safari camps but the perfect tent to book for the most incredible views and the best local restaurants you won’t find on Tripadvisor. They want their client’s trips to go well to keep them coming back, so it’s in their interest to have sussed out hotels and itineraries before they send you out into the world.

Nicole Forster, 29, considers herself a savvy traveler. She’s been to 20-plus countries and enjoys destination research. But when it came to planning her honeymoon in Africa, she felt overwhelmed, so she reached out to Danielle Meyer at Coastline Travel Advisors , which specializes in bespoke itineraries. “Originally, I wanted to go to South Africa, Victoria Falls, and Madagascar,” Forster recalls. “Danielle convinced me that if we wanted to relax, we should stay in South Africa and save the other countries for separate trips.”

Over five phone conversations and multiple emails, they crafted a 15-night itinerary that included Cape Town, the winelands, the Cape Peninsula, and a safari at the Thornybush Game Reserve. Forster established her budget early in the process, and Meyer sent her a variety of lodge options to choose from.

“I initially wanted to start with the safari, but she pointed out that we’d be jet-lagged and would need to wake at sunrise for game drives,” says Forster. “The safari was our highlight, so it was a perfect way to end the trip.”

Not only did Meyer book all of the flights, hotels, and transfers, but she created a detailed, day-by-day trip app for the couple that included useful information like check-in times at hotels and how much to tip guides .

Agents also act as advocates. If something goes wrong during your travels, they’re on call 24/7 to handle it. When Forster left the battery and charger for her camera at a hotel, Meyer arranged for an on-the-ground contact to go to a camera store and buy new ones that would be delivered to her hotel the next day.

The cost for the honeymoon planning: $150 per person. “I wouldn’t use a planner for a trip to Hawaii ,” Forster says, “but if I ever took a big trip like this again, I’d 100 percent work with an expert.”  

When to Consider Using a Travel Agent

For savvy trip planners, the best time to use a travel agent is for complicated international travel. It can save you hours of planning and peace of mind that if anything goes wrong in your chosen far-flung destination, there’s someone a What’sApp message away to handle it.

Domestically, I’d consider using a travel agent when planning a multi-week national park trip or multi-island trip in Hawaii. They will save you time, guarantee you get the best guides, and help you land reservations at always-booked lodges and hotels.

Dream Trips Delivered

Jessica Cook and her husband both work in the travel industry. Decision fatigued, they handed their honeymoon logistics over to the team at Askari Travel , an agency that specializes in South Africa. Their original plan was also an African safari, but just as they were about to put a deposit down, the Omicron variant of the coronavirus made headlines. Worried about getting stuck abroad, they reached out to Askari’s founder, Muriel Truter, who is from Zimbabwe, and upon her advice, changed their focus to South America.

Knowledge is priceless, and advisers act as your insiders. They know what you don’t and fill in the blanks of things you might not even have considered.

Truter suggested they stick to Colombia rather than country-hop. Cook supplied a budget and a wish list: 12 days, no more than three destinations, a barefoot-luxe feel, and adventures like horseback riding and mountain biking. The rest was a surprise that Askari pretty much nailed, with the exception of one hotel.

“Everything felt so authentic, but this one hotel on Barú island felt really fabricated and was full of American tourists,” recalls Cook. She immediately messaged the Askari team, saying, “Hey, this place really isn’t our vibe,” and within an hour they were on a water taxi headed to Blue Apple, a B Corp hotel—and an Outside pick for tropical adventures —on Tierra Bomba island. “It was honestly the best trip we’ve ever taken,” she says.

Are Travel Agents Expensive?

It depends. Cost varies. Some travel agencies won’t charge any fee, as they receive a commission from the bookings, while some high-end agencies will charge pricey annual membership fees for their services. Still others charge nominal “professional” fees starting at $150. Fees often fluctuate based on the length and intricacy of a trip and how far out you do the planning (6 to 12 months is recommended). You may occasionally come across agents who charge a percentage of the total trip price or hourly rates.

Basic travel enquiries are generally free. In 2016, Leah Smith, founder of Tafari Travel , opened an old-school brick-and-mortar location in Denver’s Cherry Creek neighborhood so her services would feel less intimidating to first-time users. “With our retail-office location, we’ve become part of the community, and both clients and non-clients are welcome to pop in and ask whatever questions they may have, no charge,” she says.

Matt Lindsay, founder of the surf-guiding and travel company LuxSurf Travel , builds relationships with resorts and property owners to get discounted rates that he can then pass on to guests.

Dominic Allan, the founder of Real Latin America , specializes in travel to Belize and Nicaragua and caters to independent travelers who are happy to book their own flights and hotels but are seeking his local intel. Allan’s three-tier pricing structure starts at $300 for up to three hours of phone calls, during which he might weigh in on where to eat (or not to), the best room to request in a certain lodge, or whether you really need a guide to hike.

Value Versus Savings

If you’re just looking for deals and steals, you might not be ready to work with a travel adviser, says Richter of the ASTA. “Anything you invest in with a travel adviser comes back to you in the form of amenities, customer service, peace of mind, better access to unique experiences, and handcrafted itineraries,” she says. “You could save money by cutting your own hair, too, but most people go to someone who knows what they’re doing.”

Agents work with preferred partners who can guarantee perks for clients, such as free upgrades, early check-in or late check-out, and resort credits. Those add-ons often translate into savings, says Justin Huxter, cofounder of the UK-based Cartology Travel . “We had a client go to Maui for a week, and because of our partnership with the resort, breakfast was included,” he says. When breakfast costs $120 for two, that’s a savings of $840.”

Some of the Best Travel Agents in the Adventure World

Some of my go-to resources for finding a person to work with include travel expert Wendy Perrin’s annual Wow List of tried and trusted agents, the Adventure Travel Trade Association’s adviser network , and the ASTA’s advisor directory .

In addition to the agents mentioned throughout this story, others I highly recommend for adventurous travelers include:

• Dan Achber of Trufflepig , for Africa and the Middle East
• Miguel Cunant of Sri Lanka in Style
• Javier Echecopar of Journey Costa Rica
• Daniel Fraser of Smiling Albino , for Southeast Asia
• Elizabeth Gordon of Extraordinary Journeys , for Africa
• Kleon Howe of the Art of Travel , for French Polynesia
• Jay Johnson of Coastline Travel , for Hawaii and California
• Antonello Losito of Southern Visions Travel , for Puglia, Italy
• Rabia Malik of Fora Travel , for general worldwide travel
• Robyn Mark of Mayamaya Travel , for Africa, the Alps, Patagonia, and Japan
• Marisol Mosquera of Aracari , for Peru and Bolivia
• Zach Rabinor of Journey Mexico
• Raluca Spiac of Beyond Dracula , for Romania

Travel-advice columnist Jen Murphy is now a believer in using a travel agent. Thanks to their expertise and connections, she’s avoided dozens of trip catastrophes. 

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How to Become a Travel Agent: Everything You Need to Know

A re you great at finding reasonably priced flights and hotel rooms? Does making itineraries and solving booking issues come naturally to you? If your answer is yes, you might want to consider becoming a travel agent. And if you're the designated "trip-planning friend," you're already halfway there.

You might think the the profession is outdated, but that's not what the data shows: According to the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA), 50 percent of travelers are more likely to use a travel agent now than they were in the past. Not only are travel agents needed, but the career's earning potential can be impressive, depending on the type of agent you choose to be. Use this guide to learn how to become a travel agent and kickstart your journey into a unique career.

RELATED: 26 Best Trip-Planning Hacks Straight From Travel Agents .

What do travel agents do?

A travel agent's job is to ensure their clients have the best travel arrangements. Using their expertise, they offer advice and essential details about your trip, make your reservations, book flights and hotels, and manage your travel plans overall. Any hiccups regarding your accommodations are handled by them, and they are the best at finding money-saving deals. Travel agents prioritize your needs, like your vacation schedule and budget.

Their goal is to provide peace of mind throughout the trip-planning process so you can get the most out of your vacation.

What credentials do you need to be a travel agent?

You don't necessarily need a degree to become a travel agent, but getting some training within the field could be in your best interest. This not only makes you an attractive candidate to employers and agencies who may require a form of certification , but also helps you appear more qualified, which can help further your career in the long run.

Even though there might not be a degree in "travel agency" per se, you can opt for a related program like business, economics, or hospitality instead.

What do you need to become a travel agent?

There are different ways to become a travel agent, but anyone hoping to break into the field should definitely keep the following three points in mind.

Decide what kind of travel agent you want to be.

Having a specific focus on the kind of travel experience you want to provide allows you to build the knowledge and resources to best help those specific clients. Suppose you want to work in corporate travel: Building your skills according to your niche clientele and field will help you sharpen the skills you need to develop your expertise.

Learn about the travel industry and its trends.

The travel agency field is constantly shifting, so it's important to stay up-to-date on industry changes and trends to know what you should be offering clients. People's preferences are ever-changing, so knowing what's hot and what's not is crucial. Spend time learning which places are popular and unpopular based on the season, or which restaurants are staple visits. This shows a solid and up-to-date understanding your clients will appreciate.

Build your communication and interpersonal skills.

A large part of being a travel agent is advising your clients and earning their trust, which doesn't happen overnight. Presenting yourself as knowledgeable and approachable can encourage them to trust your judgment and recommendations. This is especially important if you're not working with a travel agency, because you'll have to rely more on your brand and relationships instead of leaning on a company's reputation.

Maintaining a healthy balance of communication between you and your clients is also essential, which means scheduling phone calls, in-person meetings, keeping up with emails, and any other form of communication your client prefers.

RELATED: 9 Ways Flying First Class Can Actually Save You Money, Travel Experts Say .

Get certified if you can

Getting a certificate can be pricey and cost hundreds of dollars . So, if this option is not feasible for you, that's understandable. However, while certification isn't a requirement to become a travel agent, it can certainly help you throughout your career. Here are a few certificate programs to consider.

Certified Travel Counselor

This Travel Institute certificate requires at least five years of experience and a Certified Travel Association certification. This course focuses on marketing and building consumer relationships. CTC costs $550 to complete the course and $600 for the CTC Fast Track.

Certified Travel Industry Executive

CTIE is also backed by the Travel Institute and requires at least five years of field experience. This $550 program includes courses on travel business, marketing management, bookkeeping, and travel law.

ASTA Verified Travel Advisor

This certificate is given by the American Society of Travel Advisors and teaches applicants about the legalities of travel and how to solidify relationships with consumers. The nine-course program also focuses on ethical travel advising, agency law, and travel agency compliance.

For ASTA members, the course is $399, and for nonmember independent contractors, it's $598. Travel Advisor nonmembers pay the steepest price, which is $729, and $179 for recertification.

RELATED: 7 Hacks for Flying With Just a Carry-On—No Matter How Long Your Trip Is .

How much do travel agents make?

According to Indeed , travel agents make an average of $53,924, and salaries can range between $30,131 and $96,506, depending on where you live. But other factors can affect an agent's earning potential, like working independently instead of for a travel agency.

A travel agent's income also depends on their area of travel. The Hotel Agency Review 2023 report revealed that corporate and luxury travel agents earn much more than agents who focus on Disney and cruise trips.

Your experience level can also impact your earning potential, as agents who have worked in the field longer are typically viewed as more qualified.

RELATED:  The 7 Best Cruises to Book If You're Over 60 .

Do travel agents get discounts on flights?

Being a travel agent doesn't automatically mean you get tons of discounts and deals, but they do have access to perks that can help make planning trips easier and less expensive. Travel agents have the inside scoop on reduced rates because of their relationships with hotels and airlines. As a result, agents share these negotiated prices with their clients to help them save. Agents can, of course, also benefit from this insider knowledge and save money on their own trips.

Thanks to their agents, clients can enjoy luxury accommodations at high-end hotels like Hyatt Privé, Hilton Impresario, Marriott STARS&Luminous, Four Seasons Preferred Partner, and Mandarin Oriental Fan Club, to name a few. These perks range from spa services and later checkout times to room upgrades and complimentary breakfast.

How do you make money as a travel agent?

There are several ways a travel agent can make money in their field beyond selling travel packages or working for an agency.

Travel agents can charge a service fee, which is a base pay clients cover along with any other charges.

Travel agents can also make commissions from their contracts with hotels, tour/excursion companies, cruises, car rental services, and airlines. Add-ons like insurance can also help boost an agent's income, if their client wants it.

Booking group tours can increase a travel agent's earnings because their commission is based on how much their clients purchase, so more people means more accommodations. For example, booking travel for destination weddings or family reunions is an excellent way to book multiple hotel rooms. It's such a lucrative strategy that some agents make group booking their niche, because managing just a few a year can bring in a substantial profit.

RELATED: The Best Day to Book Flights for Your Next Getaway .

Being a travel agent comes with many perks, but ultimately, becoming one takes a lot of dedicated effort. Taking the time to learn about the travel industry is a great way to expand your tourism knowledge and consumer communication techniques. Refining your skills and becoming certified is one of the best ways to attract and retain clients.

So, if becoming a travel agent sounds like the career for you, join this community of globetrotters and combine your love for adventure, great deals, and helping others plan impressive getaways.

In the meantime, you can sign up for our newsletter to enjoy similar career-building content, as well as the latest in wellness, entertainment, and travel.

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