Why We are Different

you’re ready to become a travel agent, one of your first steps will be choosing a host agency and signing on as an independent contractor. And this is where things can get confusing—fast. There are a lot of host agencies out there, and unfortunately, not all of them are created equal. Some can even feel a little… scammy.

When you submit our form, I’ll connect you with the host agency I work with. You’re also completely free to research and choose your own. If you go that route, take your time and read vetted, trustworthy reviews before making a decision.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions and compare your options before committing. At a minimum, you’ll want to find out:

• What is the monthly or annual hosting fee?

• What is the commission split?

• Is there a contract or long-term commitment?

• Are there minimum sales requirements or quotas?

• Are there any additional fees you should know about?

You’ll also want to look closely at the training and support each host agency provides. A good host agency should give you the tools and resources you need to learn the business—not simply sign you up and leave you to figure everything out on your own.

Ask about initial training, ongoing education, technology and booking tools, marketing resources, supplier training, and access to support when you have questions.

Choosing the right host agency can make a big difference in how smoothly you get started, so do your homework, compare your options, and make sure you understand exactly what you’re signing up for before you commit.

Getting started is simple. Reach out through our contact form or schedule a call—we’ll walk you through the next steps and answer any questions along the way.

Absolutely, and that's one of the best perks of being a travel agent! You can work from anywhere, as long as you've got a reliable internet connection.

Once you sign with a host agency, you'll book under the agency's IATA/IATAN number, which is its International Air Transport Association number, or its CLIA number. Those are the credentials accredited travel agencies use to work with airlines, cruise lines, hotels, and suppliers across the industry.

That number is what gives a travel business access to book travel and tap into industry benefits and resources.

Anytime you make or update a booking, you'll be working under that number, so you'll get to know it well.

But the best part... you can make and manage those bookings remotely, from anywhere! Ready to get started? Simply fill out this interest form.

https://form.jotform.com/240813493815156

This is another area that can get confusing when you’re first looking into becoming a travel agent—and it’s one of the reasons the industry can sometimes look a little “scammy” from the outside.

First, it’s important to understand that travel agencies themselves are not MLMs (multi-level marketing companies). However, some businesses in the travel industry do operate using an MLM-style model. In fact, you may come across several of them when searching online for information about how to become a travel agent.

I actually started with one of the larger, well-known companies when I was brand new to the industry. At the time, I was paying a fairly high monthly fee—and that fee increased twice within my first 10 months.

As I learned more about the industry, I realized there were other options with lower fees, better training and support, and business models that were a much better fit for the kind of travel business I wanted to build. So, I started researching alternatives.

The host agency I work with now uses a straightforward membership model. Currently, agents pay a flat $39 monthly fee, with a 80/10 commission split, meaning agents keep 80% of the commissions they earn.

And importantly, it’s not an MLM. Your focus is on building your travel business and serving your clients—not recruiting other agents or building a downline. There’s no expectation or pressure to recruit people in order to grow your income.

So, yes—you absolutely can become a travel agent without joining an MLM. The key is understanding the business model of any host agency you’re considering, comparing the fees and commission structure, and choosing one that supports the kind of business you actually want to build.

If you’re ready to take the next step—or you simply want to learn more—fill out the interest form and I’ll share more information with you.

https://form.jotform.com/240813493815156

The reality is that anyone can become a travel agent, with or without experience, and this can be both a good and a bad thing.

It's a good thing because it opens the door to anyone interested in becoming an agent. It takes nothing more than signing up, paying the host agency's monthly fee, and sometimes finishing some basic online training.

It's a bad thing because there are some highly unqualified travel agents out there, booking unwitting clients.

If you're interested in becoming an agent, it's shockingly simple. Either find your own host agency, or fill out our form https://form.jotform.com/240813493815156 and I'll connect you with mine. Then finish registering, pay your fee, and that's it... you're officially a travel agent!

Good travel agents complete the training provided by their host agency and really master their craft. They also engage in professional development (which, in our world, also means traveling... how fun!) to really learn the ins and outs of what we're advising our clients on.

Good host agencies provide their agents with online training and access to a CRM (customer relationship management) system, which is a database you'll use to enter and track your bookings. The agency I use provides all of this, which is one of the reasons I like them.

This isn't a race. I didn't book my first trip until I'd been an agent for two months, and that one was for myself. I didn't feel ready to book for others, so I eased in with family and friends about five months in.

Because the host agency I recommend has no quotas or recruitment pressure, you can learn at a realistic, low-stress pace. And with a low $39 monthly hosting fee, you're not bleeding money while you get your footing, unlike some host agencies that charge $100 or more per month on top of upfront setup fees.

he short answer: it depends on the host agency you choose.

Costs can vary quite a bit from one host agency to another, which is why this is one of the most important things to compare before signing up. And don’t look at the monthly fee alone—you’ll also want to consider the commission split, startup fees, sales requirements, and any additional or hidden costs.

Most host agencies charge a monthly or annual hosting fee, and commission splits can vary as well. You’ll commonly see splits ranging from around 60/40 to 80/20. With a 80/20 split, for example, you keep 80% of the commission you earn, while the host agency keeps 20%.

You may also come across host agencies that advertise no monthly fee, which can sound like a great deal. But be sure to look at the entire compensation structure. Some may have lower commission splits, sales quotas, or other requirements that can make the “free” option less appealing once you start selling travel.

Another cost to watch for is the startup or initiation fee. Depending on the company, this can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand just to get started.

The host agency I work with keeps things pretty simple. Currently, the cost is $39 per month, there are no startup or initiation fees, and the standard commission split is 80/20—meaning you keep 80% of the commissions you earn.

Of the host agencies I’ve researched and evaluated, this one has consistently offered one of the strongest combinations of low monthly costs, a competitive commission split, quality training, and ongoing support. That’s ultimately why I chose them and why I’m comfortable recommending them to others.

If you’d like to learn more, complete my interest form and I’ll help connect you with the host agency so you can review the details and decide whether it’s the right fit for you.