how do travel agencies operate

How does the travel industry actually work?

You may be new to the travel industry, investigating a career in travel or just trying to research a bit about the industry ahead of your next adventure. There’s a mass of information out there and it can be overwhelming to wrap your head around. Lucky for you, our team of travel experts have been hard at work to give you a bird’s eye view of the travel industry as a whole .

The travel industry has gone through many evolutions with a variety of external factors contributing to who has access to travel, where they are travelling to and what the travel industry looks like overall.

A few important travel industry statistics

Let’s start by setting the scene…the travel industry is HUGE and the numbers certainly prove it .

Source: Statista

A brief history of the travel industry

We are fortunate to live in a globalised world meaning that travel is reasonably accessible. At the press of a button, most people are able to book a flight and jet off to wherever our wallets will take us. 

But, it hasn’t always been so easy. To help you understand how the industry has developed to the point it has today and where it might head in the future, here is a travel industry timeline.

Before the mid 20th century, travel was reserved for the extremely wealthy. It was expensive and it was time-consuming (can you imagine having to travel on a boat for 3 weeks…. or 3 months!). The concept of a ‘travel industry’ had not yet formed; it was more a collection of hotels, restaurants and coachlines who all operated independently from one another.

1950 – 2000

After the Second World War, travel suddenly started to become accessible for many more people due to the development of commercial airlines. Although they were originally still very expensive,  costs started to reduce over the years and more people were able to invest in seeing the world.

The industry grew and grew, and many saw a gap in the market for people wanting to travel but not having the knowledge, or time to organise it themselves – travel agents and tour operators started to establish themselves!

2000 – 2019

The travel industry has undoubtedly boomed, and the way that people travel is almost unrecognisable from the early 20th century. With smartphones, we now have unlimited apps at our fingertips, specifically designed to make every aspect of travel easier. 

For travellers, there are websites and apps to help them plan their travel, help them while travelling and to give them inspiration for their next trip! For travel agents and tour operators, itinerary software has streamlined much of their processes, from itinerary planning to customer relationship management. Now all this technology is amazing, and helps our lives in many ways, but has also resulted in fragmentation of the travel industry with travellers choosing to plan and manage their trips themselves or online increasingly.

 2020 and the future of travel

Due to the pandemic and the pause in travel, both countries and travellers worldwide re-evaluated travel and how it should be conducted. Countries who experienced over-tourism considered ways to encourage more sustainable travel in their destinations . For travellers, Covid triggered them to start thinking about their bucket list destinations and working with travel designers to plan and book them. This resulted in tourism returning with a significant rise in 2022, although the industry is indicating it might be plateauing in 2023/2024 .

How does the industry actually work?

You may be thinking to yourselves, how does travel actually function as an industry . How does it all fit together? You are not alone, it’s a complex industry notorious for its jargon, terminology and abundance of acronyms!

As you can see there are a few key players to remember:

Tourism Boards and Government organisations: Usually run or overseen by local or national governments. These boards set in place regulations for the other players in the industry. They also market countries or cities as tourist destinations for potential travellers

Suppliers/Vendors: Suppliers (or Vendors) are the hotels, the restaurants and the activity providers that travellers eat, stay and partake in on their travels. Travellers may liaise with and purchase from suppliers directly if they are organising their own travels, or communications with suppliers may be managed entirely by a middle-man (AKA, the tour operator, travel agent, travel wholesaler or DMC).

Tour Operators: Tour Operators design itineraries, often tailor made, for their customers, liaising with suppliers to organise and book the travel itinerary (partially or start to finish)

Travel Agents: Travel agents liaise with tour operators to book packages and tours for their clients. As such, tour operators will often focus on a certain destination or market area, whereas travel agents can focus on selling the whole world – with a comprehensive list of suppliers in their books

Destination Management Companies (DMC’s) : Organisations that specialise in offering tours, logistics, and planning services for a particular destination. They often re-sell their services to tour operators

Ground Handlers : A ground handler takes care of some day to day operations and tour management such as picking customers up from the airport and arranging sightseeing tours

Associations and Memberships: These organisations exist to provide support, promotion, and opportunity to other players in the travel industry. All of them operate with a slightly different mission, whether it’s to promote sustainable business practices, celebrate the luxury travel market or to connect travellers with LGBTQ friendly travel businesses

Travellers: Arguably the most important cog in the wheel. Everyone in the tourism industry sets out to meet travellers’ needs – to ensure they keep coming back for more!

The beauty of the travel industry supply chain is how all of these key players work together creating one of the worlds biggest industries.   

 Interested to learn more?

The ultimate A-Z glossary for the Travel industry. Understand the different terms, jargon and acronyms.

For a taste of the luxury end of travel, explore our list of Exclusive luxury travel communities

To discover more about sustainable tourism, download our ebook focusing on how to elevate travel design with sustainability.

Travel designers- meet the influencers you should work with.

Understand the role travel influencers play in the industry and why tour operators should be following, interacting and collaborating with them. Explore eight global travel influencers who are inspiring travellers daily.

Tourism news websites you can trust

In the tourism industry it can be hard to differentiate the reliable travel news sources from the not-so-trustworthy ones. In this blog we summarise the top travel news websites that tour operators, travel agencies and DMC’s should pay attention to.

How to set your team up for success when introducing new software

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How can tour operators contribute to sustainable tourism?

Sustainability is a key pillar of tourism, with a growing number of people interested in travelling responsibly and sustainably. We explore the easy ways in which your tour operator business can make a positive change. You can help to encourage economic growth and protect our environment whilst also watching your business flourish… could it get better?

How to Become a Travel Agent—Because, Believe It or Not, the Industry Is on the Rise

By Scott Bay

There’s a reason “how to become a travel agent” has been a continuously trending search phrase on Google—it is a career path that offers a flexible work environment and schedule, ample travel opportunities, and an immersion into a supportive world-wide industry. It's a surprise to some in 2023: Once the internet became widely available, it was largely believed that needing a travel agent was obsolete. However, even though the brick-and-mortar agencies with punny names in strip malls have vanished, the career is on-the-rise .

New software options are making it easier than ever for people to make money planning trips, either as a side hustle or as a full-time business. That’s why Cherikonda, India-based stay-at-home mother, Maya Kapoor-Miller, decided to enter the professional world as a travel agent this year, at 31. “I knew nothing about the travel industry prior to signing up,” says Kapoor-Miller, who decided to use San Francisco-based booking platform Dreamport to establish her online travel advisor business. “It is my first business in life, and the only one that you can start with no investment.”

But there's also a rise in demand. When people ventured back into the world after the pandemic, travel agents saw an overwhelming amount of business . And that momentum hasn’t stopped—when travel is complicated, like it was in 2020 and 2021, travelers turned to professional trip planners to create a seamless vacation. For better or worse, traveling has remained complicated and chaotic, with new rules being implemented (like Americans needing to pay a fee to visit Europe in 2024 ) and airline strikes and staffing issues. Offloading all of the nitty-gritty details to someone else is more appealing than ever.

For those entering the field, there's also the age-old motivator: a love of travel. 

Shelton Ellis, who is based in North Carolina, recently saw these opportunities and left behind more than 20 years in public relations and global advertising to turn his passion into a career. “I was born with a wanderlust that would wear Rick Steves out,” Ellis says. “I decided to take the leap and follow that lifelong yearning. Transitioning into this role was really about learning how to monetize what I'm passionate about.”

Whether you are looking for a new career path or a lucrative side-hustle—or simply curious about those taking the plunge—here’s how to become a travel agent, from the qualifications and education required, to anticipated earnings, according to those who have made the shift in the past year. 

What exactly does a travel agent do?

Travel agents, or travel advisors (the term is mostly interchangeable), manage everything that goes into a trip for their clients: the flights, car transfers, accommodations, restaurant reservations, and more—they even inspire the itinerary. The reason people turn to travel agents, aside from having a helping hand during any travel chaos , is also to tap into the travel agent’s first-hand knowledge of destinations, and their industry partnerships, which often lead to perks such as hotel upgrades, ideal airplane seats, and experiences that can’t be found on a search engine.

“You have to remember that as a travel agent, you will be a guide for people during their happiest moments—family reunions, weddings , baptisms, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences that people have dreamt of,” says Kapoor-Miller. “It has been one of the most rewarding aspects of being a travel agent. You navigate people, inform them, and help them choose.”

So, how do you become a travel agent?

There are many ways to become a travel agent, from joining an existing travel agency , to starting an independent business from the ground up. Others are opting for one of the buzziest start-ups in the travel industry, Fora . When it launched in 2021, the software company, which trains and provides search engine-optimized profile pages to advisors—at one point had a waitlist of over 30,000 people eager to begin a part-time gig. Travel photographer and Condé Nast Traveler contributor Amanda Villarosa is currently in the process of joining.

“I'm the person that friends and family come to for travel recommendations, tips and tricks, and general travel advice,” says Villarosa. “After discovering Fora and looking into it, I realized that it could be the perfect side-hustle, considering I'm already so involved in the industry.”

With additional flexibility, Villarosa was able to move from New York City to splitting her time between Denver and Los Angeles . She says that the sign-up was quite straightforward. “You're given a dedicated Fora email and have access to advising tools and fellow Fora advisors,” she says. “The training is in the form of Zoom meetings and videos, which you have the option to watch at your own pace. Once completed, you take a certification quiz and you're on your way to advising.”

The other ways in are slightly more involved. To begin an independent practice, you go about it like many other businesses. You will have to create an LLC, establish a business name, cultivate marketing materials, build a website, find clientele, and more.

Ellis found something in the middle, choosing to connect with an established travel agency. “Don't be afraid to reach out to an agency looking to take on new advisors and is willing to mentor," says Ellis. "I was fortunate to learn so much from Annie Chambers, the owner of Crafted Escapes , who has seven years in the business.” He now knows the ropes on everything from using itinerary-building software to destination-specific training, to the sales and marketing aspects of the trade.

Is there required education or qualifications?

Ellis says that there's no certification, per se, required to become a travel advisor, but there are countless training courses available like Departure Lounge ’s classes on navigating the industry through hotels and tour operators. He said it’s also important to stay on top of travel trends. Ellis recently completed travel agent training programs provided by premier cruise lines such as Virgin Voyages , Ritz-Carlton Yachts , and Cunard to help agents sell their products more accurately.

How much does a travel agent make?

What a travel agent earns depends on how many trips they successfully book for their clients. The entire model is commission-based, meaning agents earn a percentage of the total cost of the vacation they orchestrate. Many travel advisors choose to charge a flat-rate planning fee in addition to their commission, but balance is key—if you charge a high planning fee, it could lead to potential clients going elsewhere.

Anna Borges

Jessica Puckett

Karthika Gupta

Fora ’s website states that “some of our full-time, expert advisors earn well into the six figures (or beyond).” So a lucrative career may be on the horizon, for those who are able to build a robust client base and excellent industry connections.

How much you make can also depend on where you live around the world. “I am being paid in dollars,” says India-based Kapoor-Miller. “So the currency fluctuations of the local exchange rate are not something I am worried about.”

What are the key skills required to become a travel agent?

“Travel agents need a mix of customer service, communication, destination knowledge, organizational, and problem-solving skills,” says Kapoor-Miller. “But I would say that adaptability, flexibility, curiosity, and cultural sensitivity top them all—you have to put yourself in other's shoes, and understand the requirements, hopes, and expectations of your clients along with any worries and questions they may have.”

It’s vital to have a passion for traveling, even the aspects of the process that aren’t as exciting, such as learning about new airline routes, train schedule updates, and industry news. “It can be an information-heavy hustle, and I believe it's important to be excited about it as that energy definitely transfers to your clients and partners,” Villarosa says.

Should travel advisors choose a specialization?

Many travel advisors have found success through becoming an expert in a few types of travel and destinations. “It's important to become an authority and learn as much as you can through personal experiences and continuing education,” says Ellis. “As a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community , an avid snow skier, and scuba diver, I know not only the popular destinations but others that are off the beaten path, equally safe and adventurous for all travelers.” This helps travel agents establish a competitive edge, and hopefully convince potential clients to choose them for their expertise.

What are the benefits of being a travel agent?

“Flexibility tops them all,” says Kapoor-Miller. “And the ability to start without industry knowledge. If you worry that you are too old for this job, the good news is that this is a job you can enter and enjoy at any age.”

Another great perk is the "Familiarization trip,” says Ellis. “Tourism boards and hotels invite agents to visit and familiarize themselves with a particular country and its properties. After all, any accomplished salesperson should learn everything they can about their products first-hand...even if they're in Bora Bora.” It's hard work, but someone's got to do it. 

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What does a travel agent do?

Would you make a good travel agent? Take our career test and find your match with over 800 careers.

What is a Travel Agent?

A travel agent assists individuals or groups in planning, organizing, and booking various aspects of their travel arrangements. They act as intermediaries between travelers and travel suppliers, such as airlines, hotels, car rental companies, and tour operators. Travel agents have in-depth knowledge of different destinations, travel options, and industry trends, which they leverage to provide personalized recommendations and advice to their clients.

One of the primary roles of a travel agent is to help clients navigate the complex world of travel. They listen to their clients' preferences, budget constraints, and desired experiences, and then work towards creating a tailored itinerary that meets their needs. Travel agents handle tasks such as booking flights, accommodations, ground transportation, and excursions, ensuring that all the necessary arrangements are made smoothly. They can also provide valuable insights on visa requirements, travel insurance, and local customs, helping travelers make informed decisions and avoid potential pitfalls.

What does a Travel Agent do?

Travel agents possess extensive knowledge and expertise in the travel industry, including destinations, transportation options, accommodations, and activities. This expertise allows them to provide valuable advice and guidance to travelers, helping them make informed decisions and create well-planned itineraries that meet their specific needs and preferences. They also have access to a wide range of resources and tools that enable them to efficiently search for the best deals, discounts, and promotions available. They can often secure exclusive rates and packages, saving their clients both time and money.

Duties and Responsibilities Here are some common tasks and responsibilities associated with being a travel agent:

• Client Consultation: Travel agents engage in thorough consultations with clients to understand their travel preferences, requirements, and budget. They ask relevant questions to gather necessary information and provide personalized recommendations based on the client's needs.
• Itinerary Planning: Based on client preferences, travel agents create detailed travel itineraries that include destinations, transportation options, accommodations, and activities. They consider factors like travel dates, budget constraints, and any specific requests from clients.
• Reservation and Booking: Travel agents handle the booking process for flights, hotels, rental cars, and other travel-related services. They ensure that all bookings are made accurately and efficiently, securing the best available rates and deals for their clients.
• Travel Documentation and Logistics: Travel agents assist clients in obtaining necessary travel documents such as passports, visas, and travel insurance. They provide guidance on the documentation process and ensure that clients have all the required paperwork in order. Agents also handle logistical aspects like seat assignments, baggage allowances, and transportation arrangements.
• Knowledge of Destinations: Travel agents possess extensive knowledge about various destinations, including popular attractions, local customs, weather conditions, and safety considerations. They provide valuable information and recommendations to clients, enabling them to make well-informed decisions about their travel plans.
• Customer Service: Travel agents offer exceptional customer service throughout the entire travel process. They address client inquiries, resolve any issues or concerns that may arise, and provide support during the trip. Agents act as a point of contact for emergencies and assist clients in making alternative arrangements if necessary.
• Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends: To provide the best service to clients, travel agents stay updated with the latest industry trends, travel regulations, and changes in travel technology. They attend industry conferences, participate in training programs, and conduct research to ensure their knowledge is current.
• Sales and Marketing: Some travel agents engage in sales and marketing activities to attract new clients and promote travel packages and services. They may participate in trade shows, develop promotional materials, and utilize online platforms to reach a wider audience.
• Financial Management: Travel agents handle financial transactions related to travel bookings, including processing payments, issuing refunds, and managing invoices. They maintain accurate records of financial transactions and ensure compliance with accounting procedures.
• Continuous Learning: Travel agents continuously enhance their skills and knowledge by staying updated on travel industry trends, new destinations, and emerging technologies. They actively seek opportunities for professional development to provide the best possible service to their clients.

Types of Travel Agents There are various types of travel agents, each specializing in different aspects of travel and catering to specific clientele. Here are some common types of travel agents and what they do:

• Leisure Travel Agents: Leisure travel agents focus on organizing vacations and leisure trips for individuals, families, or groups. They assist clients in planning and booking all aspects of their leisure travel, including flights, accommodations, tours, and activities. Leisure travel agents may specialize in specific types of travel, such as beach vacations, cruises, adventure travel, or luxury travel.
• Corporate Travel Agents: Corporate travel agents primarily cater to business travelers and companies. They handle the complex travel needs of corporate clients, including booking flights, arranging accommodations, managing itineraries, and coordinating travel logistics. Corporate travel agents are familiar with business travel policies, negotiated rates, and preferred vendors to ensure cost-effective and efficient travel arrangements for their clients.
• Group Travel Agents: Group travel agents specialize in organizing travel for large groups, such as family reunions, weddings, school trips, or corporate retreats. They handle group bookings for flights, accommodations, transportation, and activities, negotiating group rates and coordinating logistics to accommodate the specific needs and preferences of the group.
• Tour Operators: Tour operators design and operate pre-packaged tours and travel itineraries. They create comprehensive tour packages that include transportation, accommodations, guided tours, and activities. Tour operators often work with travel agents to sell their tour packages, providing them with a ready-made product to offer their clients.
• Destination Specialists: Destination specialists focus on specific regions, countries, or cities. They have in-depth knowledge of the destination's culture, attractions, local experiences, and logistical considerations. Destination specialists provide expert advice and create customized itineraries for travelers seeking in-depth exploration of a particular destination.
• Online Travel Agents (OTAs): Online travel agents operate through internet platforms and websites, offering a wide range of travel services. They allow customers to search, compare, and book flights, hotels, rental cars, and other travel services online. Online travel agents may also provide customer support and assistance through online chat or call centers.
• Niche Travel Agents: Niche travel agents specialize in specific types of travel, catering to niche markets or specialized interests. Examples include adventure travel agents, luxury travel agents, honeymoon specialists, culinary travel agents, or eco-tourism experts. These agents have extensive knowledge and expertise in their niche area, curating unique experiences and tailored itineraries for clients with specific interests.

Are you suited to be a travel agent?

Travel agents have distinct personalities . They tend to be enterprising individuals, which means they’re adventurous, ambitious, assertive, extroverted, energetic, enthusiastic, confident, and optimistic. They are dominant, persuasive, and motivational. Some of them are also conventional, meaning they’re conscientious and conservative.

Does this sound like you? Take our free career test to find out if travel agent is one of your top career matches.

What is the workplace of a Travel Agent like?

The workplace of a travel agent can vary depending on their specific employment arrangement. Some travel agents work in traditional brick-and-mortar travel agencies, which may be part of a larger travel company or operate independently. In these settings, travel agents typically have a physical office space with workstations, computers, and travel industry resources such as brochures, destination guides, and reservation systems. They may have a reception area to welcome clients and conduct in-person consultations.

With the increasing prevalence of remote work and online booking platforms, many travel agents now have the flexibility to work from home or in virtual offices. They utilize technology, such as laptops, smartphones, and high-speed internet, to communicate with clients, access travel resources, and make online bookings. Virtual travel agents often communicate with clients via phone, email, or video conferencing, offering the convenience of remote consultations.

Travel agents also frequently visit destinations, attend industry conferences, and participate in familiarization trips organized by travel suppliers. These opportunities allow them to gain firsthand experience, build relationships with suppliers, and stay updated on the latest travel trends. While travel agents spend a significant amount of time working at their desks, they also have the chance to explore and experience the destinations they recommend to their clients.

In terms of work hours, travel agents may have a standard office schedule, working weekdays during regular business hours. However, they may also need to be flexible, accommodating clients in different time zones or assisting with emergency situations outside of regular office hours. The workload of travel agents can vary throughout the year, with peak periods during holiday seasons or when there are significant events or festivals happening in popular destinations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pros and cons of being a travel agent.

Being a travel agent can be an exciting and rewarding career for individuals who are passionate about travel and enjoy helping others create memorable experiences. However, like any profession, there are pros and cons to consider.

• Travel Opportunities: One of the major advantages of being a travel agent is the exposure to diverse travel opportunities. Travel agents often have the chance to visit destinations, experience different cultures, and explore new places as part of their job. This firsthand experience not only enhances their knowledge but also allows them to provide valuable insights and recommendations to clients.
• Personal Satisfaction: For individuals who are passionate about travel and helping others, being a travel agent can be personally fulfilling. The ability to create personalized itineraries and witness the joy and excitement of clients as they embark on their dream trips can be highly rewarding.
• Knowledge and Expertise: Travel agents develop a deep understanding of destinations, travel products, and industry trends. They stay up-to-date with the latest information, including visa requirements, safety advisories, and emerging travel destinations. This expertise allows them to provide valuable advice and recommendations to clients, ensuring they have well-planned and memorable travel experiences.
• Building Relationships: Travel agents have the opportunity to build strong relationships with clients, travel suppliers, and industry professionals. They can establish a network of contacts that can enhance their business and open doors for collaboration and future opportunities.
• Industry Changes and Competition: The travel industry is constantly evolving, with new technologies, online booking platforms, and dynamic pricing models. Travel agents must stay updated with these changes and adapt their business practices accordingly. The rise of online travel agencies and self-booking options has increased competition, requiring travel agents to differentiate themselves and provide added value to their clients.
• Workload and Time Management: The travel industry can be demanding, especially during peak travel seasons. Travel agents may need to work long hours, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate client needs and handle emergencies. Proper time management skills are essential to balance the workload and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
• Pressure for Exceptional Customer Service: Travel agents are expected to deliver outstanding customer service consistently. They must handle client inquiries, resolve issues, and manage expectations throughout the travel process. This level of customer service can be challenging, particularly when dealing with unforeseen circumstances or dissatisfied clients.
• Commission-Based Income: While some travel agents receive a salary or hourly wage, others rely on commission-based income. This means their earnings are directly tied to the bookings they secure for clients. It can take time to build a client base and establish a steady income stream, especially in the early stages of a travel agent's career.

Travel Agents are also known as: Travel Consultant

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

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

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

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

Why become a travel agent?

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

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

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

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

How to become a travel agent

Find a program.

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

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

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

Apply for certification

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Save money as a travel agent

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

Discounted rates

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

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

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

Luxury programs

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

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

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

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

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

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

» Learn more: Uncommon tips for saving money on travel

Earn money as a travel agent

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

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

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

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

If you’d like to become a travel agent

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

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

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

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

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

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

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

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What does a travel agency do?

Disclaimer: Some posts on Tourism Teacher may contain affiliate links. If you appreciate this content, you can show your support by making a purchase through these links or by buying me a coffee . Thank you for your support!

What does a travel agency do? You will almost definitely have heard of travel agencies if you have ever booked a holiday or have an interest in the tourism industry. But what exactly is a travel agency, and what do they do?

What is a travel agency?

Independent travel agents, online travel agencies , visitor information centres, other types of travel agency, what can a travel agency book, big names in the travel agency industry, travel agency business model, a brief timeline of travel agencies, further reading.

A travel agency is essentially the ‘middle man’ between travel companies and the general public i.e consumers. They book all sorts of travel-related experiences for customers on behalf of larger companies.

The main aim of a travel agency is to make the booking process simpler for the public, who might lack the time or confidence to book trips themselves.

Types of travel agencies

So what does a travel agency do? It mostly depends on what type of travel agency you’re looking at. This can be broken down into the following types…

An independent travel agent is the type you’ll see on Instagram or with their own Facebook pages, their feeds full of snaps from Amsterdam, Bali , or New York City. They tend to partner with a ‘host agency’, who will take a portion of the agents’ commission themselves in exchange for letting them use the company software and access their commission. Travel agents are also able to recruit other people, and in turn get a cut of their commission too. In this way, independent travel agencies tend to be a type of multi-level marketing scheme.

Online travel agencies are much more consumer-focused. They allow individual customers to book their own travel, but as a package or with the added protection from ATOL and ABTA. They act as a broker, allowing you to input your dates, desired destination(s), what board basis you wish to travel and so on. The site then pulls together a package deal, allowing you to book everything in one go with access to booking details so you can make amendments and keep up to date with any changes.

While these don’t offer flights and hotels generally, visitor or tourist information centres are found within cities or tourist destinations. They provide advice, maps, discounts and booking services for tours and excursions such as open top bus tours. These are usually run by local or national governments, or specific tourist boards. They are great for recommendations when travelling somewhere new!

Hotel concierge services work in this same way, often getting commission for booking trips for guests.

I won’t go into too much detail here, but there are other types of travel agencies too. You can learn more in this post about the different types of travel agents .

Overall, what does a travel agency do?

A travel agency does a multitude of things. During non-peak times, they will mostly spend their days researching new or upcoming tourist destinations and what makes them so great, advertising them as somewhere people can book future holidays to.

Travel agencies are also required to keep up to date with safety information for various destinations. They do plenty of research meaning they can tell customers about the best places to go, what they can do while they’re there, what documents they need and so on. This is particularly important now, as travel advice is ever-changing with regards to political conflicts and public health.

But during peak times and in the run-up to these times, travel agents will be busy actually booking trips. Nowadays they mostly do everything via the computer, using the internet to put holiday packages together which include at least the basics – flights and accommodation – for one price. However, they also call travel companies directly in order to get better deals or to see if there are rooms or seats available which might not be showing online for whatever reason. Because of this, travel agencies and agents tend to have great relationships with particular brands.

Travel agents can book much more than just flights and accommodation. Not all of them can book all of these experiences or features, but it is definitely worth asking if you are using a travel agency to book your next vacation.

• Flights – short haul, long haul, & various classes
• Accommodation – hotels, apartments, and villas
• Airport transfers
• Executive airport lounges
• Airport parking
• Cruises – river and ocean
• Car rentals
• Travel insurance
• Excursions and tours
• Taxi services
• Currency exchange
• Train tickets
• Theme park & water park tickets e.g Disneyworld and Universal in Orlando, Florida

They will also advise on public transport services and timetables, as well as arranging for medical items to be delivered and any access requests you have.

Most travel agencies are actually online, and many of us use them regularly. There are still some in-store travel agencies, but with the impact of both modernisation and the Covid-19 pandemic the majority are online now. Below are some big names within the industry which you will likely recognise.

Expedia – founded by Microsoft in 2001

Cruise.com – specifically for booking cruises

American Express Travel – allows you to earn & use points when booking

Audley Travel – the largest operator in tailor-made travel

loveholidays – a British company founded in 2012

Lastminute.com – offering cheaper travel when you book last minute

Kiwi.com – specifically for booking air and ground transport

Booking Holdings – these are a travel technology company who own Booking.com, Cheapflights, OpenTable and more

Now we’ve looked at the question of ‘ what is a travel agency’, let’s take a look at the generic business model. Generally, travel agencies work in one of two ways. The first way is by receiving commission from the companies they book experiences with for customers. For example, if you were to use a travel agency to book your next holiday which included flights, a hotel stay and a transfer to and from the airport this is three separate components which will be booked through three different companies. The travel agency will receive commission from each of the three companies. There may be other benefits and incentives offered by the travel companies. Commission rates and these benefits mean that travel agencies are more likely to use some companies more so than others who might offer them less in exchange.

Alternatively, travel agencies will charge a fee for their services. This makes it more expensive for consumers to book trips through travel agents and agencies than it would to book themselves. However, as some people don’t feel confident booking themselves, many are happy to pay this additional cost. Holidays booked through travel agencies often come with the added benefit of being ATOL and ABTA protected.

• Cox & Kings were the first travel agency, was established in 1758
• Abreu Agency was the first public travel agency, was established in 1840
• Thomas Cook , one of the most famous travel agencies, was founded in 1841
• Brownwell Travel, the first travel agency in the US, was established in 1895
• Nippon Travel Agency was the first travel agency in Japan, established in 1905
• Intourist became the official state travel agency of the Soviet Union in 1929
• The first travel agency in Australia which went on to become Helloworld Travel, was established in 1951
• Henderson Travel Service became the first Black-owned travel agency, taking Black tourists to various African countries, in 1955
• American Airlines’ Sabre unit created a direct-to=consumer booking tool for flights, hotels and cars in the early 1980s
• Mode Tour became the first travel agency in South Korea, established in 1989
• Hotel Reservations Network, which went on to become Hotels.com, was established in 1991 – at this point, hotels didn’t pay a lot of commission so it didn’t take off
• Travelweb.com, the first online hotel directory, launched in 1994
• The Internet Travel Network sold the first airline ticket online in 1995
• Expedia launched in 1996, funded by Microsoft, and are now one of the biggest travel agencies 
• In 2007, as the iPhone was released, more bookings were made online because mobile apps were now in use
• Airbnb was established in 2008
• HotelTonight, specifically for instant same-day hotel room bookings, was launched in 2011

If you enjoyed this article explaining what does a travel agency do, then I am sure you will enjoy these articles too-

• What is a tour operator and how does it work?
• The 3 types of travel and tourism organisations
• 150 types of tourism! The ultimate tourism glossary
• The 9 types of tourist destinations
• 50 fascinating facts about the travel and tourism industry

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Starting a Travel Business: How to Become a Travel Agent

Briana Morgaine

17 min. read

Updated March 18, 2024

Free Download:  Sample Travel Agency Business Plan Templates

If you’re someone who loves travel, meticulous planning, and helping others have great experiences, consider starting a travel business and becoming a travel agent.

After a sharp drop in international and domestic travel during the COVID-19 pandemic, air travel demand has returned to pre-pandemic levels.

Pent-up demand from families who put off trips is driving tourism activity even as fewer travelers cite the pandemic as a major concern. Those tourists are forecast to drive solid long-term growth in the worldwide travel and tourism industry – and plenty of business opportunities for those who can make vacation planning less stressful.

Becoming a travel agent can be fairly inexpensive, as business ventures go, and you can often get away with limited staff and little upfront cost.

That being said, success largely depends on finding the right niche in a fiercely competitive market, given the rise in online direct-to-consumer travel booking sites. So, if you want to be successful, you’ll want to focus a lot of your effort on your market research , branding, and marketing. You’ll need to know who needs your services—your target market—and what they’ll be willing to pay. 

If this sounds right up your alley, keep reading. I’ve interviewed several founders of successful travel agencies for their advice on everything you need to get started, and I’ve also included plenty of links and resources to help you work through the process of starting your own travel business.

• 1. Create a plan for your travel business

Make no mistake: No matter what industry you’re in, a business plan is essential. You may not need a formal business plan if you’re not seeking a loan or investment funding for your business, but don’t skip it. Write a one-page business plan instead.

You can do it in less than an hour. Writing a business plan is scientifically proven to help you grow faster , so don’t skip this step. 

What kind of travel agent are you interested in becoming? If you’re planning to be a home-based travel agent, you’ll want to look into finding a host travel agency where you’ll essentially be an independent contractor. If this is the type of travel business you’d like to start, the business planning process should be fairly straightforward.

However, if you’re looking into starting your own travel business from the ground up, you’ll be looking at a much more lengthy planning process—but you’ll also have more flexibility to build a business that’s all your own.

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A case for starting early

“In starting ADDISON Yacht Charters , we began market analysis and business planning efforts a full year before we launched the company in November 2013,” says owner Scott Bessette.

“During that period, we attended industry events such as regional yacht shows in the Virgin Islands, Antigua, Florida, and Monaco to acquire as full an understanding as possible with regards to what products and services were being delivered to the market, who was delivering those products and services, and who was purchasing those products and services,” he explains.

Starting the planning process early helped Scott hone in on his vision for his business. “In this manner, we determined what our market niche could be, and established whether or not we could compete in the existing market, and what it would take to succeed,” he says.

Scott was able to get a clear sense of where he wanted to take it, and how to tailor his business to best suit the market needs.

What kind of travel agent business plan will you need?

The kind of travel agency business plan you’ll need will vary depending on what kind of funding you’re looking for.

Are you hoping to eventually run a large travel agency, and interested in seeking a loan, or maybe investment from angel investors? You’ll want a formal business plan for a travel agency that contains all the necessary information on your business. Are you more interested in becoming a travel agent using your own savings, without seeking outside investment or loans? A more lightweight one-page plan might be a perfect fit for your business.

Even if you do intend to pitch your business idea to lenders and investors, you can start with a Lean Plan, and flesh out the rest of the info later on.

Whatever your specific reason for writing a business plan for your travel business, the most important thing is that you write one, period. The travel industry is fragmented , and having a clearly defined niche and a plan will help you stand out. Writing a business plan for your travel agency will help you narrow in on what your goals are, and establish a clear, focused vision going forward.

We’ve covered nearly every aspect of writing a business plan here on Bplans, so be sure to check out the links below when you’re ready to get started. We also have several travel industry business sample plans, which will give you an idea of what your business plan should look like.

Resources to help you create a business plan for a travel agency:

• How to Write a Business Plan
• Travel Agency Sample Business Plan
• 2. Conduct market research and find your niche

What kind of travel agency do you plan on starting? Moreover, what kind of travel business does the industry or your local community actually need?

“When you launch a travel business, the most important thing to do is to provide a valuable service,” says Jacquie Whitt, owner of Adios Adventure Travel .

This means doing some market research to find out what kind of travel agent or travel business the market really needs. Is there a niche you can fill? Maybe there’s an opening in the travel market to provide destination adventure honeymoons for young couples who would rather go backpacking than relax on the beach. Think about the people in your local community too—do they need something specific?

“In a saturated luxury travel market, Urbane Nomads had to distinguish itself from more seasoned players from the get-go,” says founder Hajar Ali. “The dual elements of adventure and luxury was an unexplored niche which we filled very well.”

Hajar says of Urbane Nomads: “It was conceived as the kind of travel company that would remain relevant in the age where most travel-related bookings are made online. We specialize in the sort of experiences that can’t be booked online—adventurous trips to non-mainstream destinations, lodges that can’t be booked online—or indeed, by non-travel professionals—and special experiences and access to personalities that would have been impossible without the personal connections.”

What niche are you filling? Start by researching the travel market in general. Find out who the major players are that you’ll be competing against, determine who your ideal customer is, and define what they want.

Resources to help you do market research and determine your niche:

• Practical Market Research Resources for Entrepreneurs
• How to Do Market Research
• How to Create a Unique Value Proposition
• How a Buyer (or User) Persona Can Improve Your Business
• What Is Target Marketing?
• 3. Develop a brand as a travel agent

Once you’ve determined what the market looks like and what specific niche you’ll be filling, it’s important to get down to the nitty-gritty of creating a strong brand image .

As the travel industry is so competitive, having a well-developed brand will help your business stand out. How do you want your customers to feel when they visit your website, view your advertising, or use your services?

Lorne Blyth, Founder and Director of Flavours Holidays, had a very specific vision for her brand. “[At Flavours Holidays], we have been specializing in cooking, Pilates, painting, photography, and language holidays in Italy since 1998,” she says. Lorne’s vision was to create a brand that “gave guests a true taste of Italy.”

“I use that as part of my branding, as we would like to perceive ourselves as being experts on all things Italy,” says Lorne. “That is why our tagline is ‘Passionate, Inspiring, Authentic.’”

Why should customers use your services, rather than just book a trip themselves? What experience can you provide that others can’t?

Do you offer unique services, such as partnerships with the locals of your travel destinations, that customers wouldn’t have access to otherwise? Is your selling point the ease of having someone else plan your trip for you, down to the last detail? Are you all about personal touches and a great customer service experience?

This is the first step to determining your travel business’s brand strategy— determining who you are. We’ve gone in-depth on how to build a memorable brand for your business, so check out the articles below for more information on branding.

Resources to help you brand your travel business:

• The Definitive Guide to Building a Brand
• Your Brand’s Tone of Voice: Why It Matters and How to Craft It
• 4. Deal with the legal side

A travel business is, for the most part, a fairly simple one to set up. Unlike starting a brewery or starting a dispensary , there isn’t a lot of legal red tape when it comes to becoming a travel agent and starting a travel business. 

Determining if you’ll require licensing

In most locations, you won’t need any specific licenses or certifications, but licensing requirements will vary by state and country.

For the U.S. in general, there is no specific license needed to start a travel business; however, state laws vary . In California, Washington, Hawaii, Iowa, and Florida, you’ll need a Seller of Travel license. Canada also has licensing requirements that vary by location, and in the U.K., you’ll need an Air Travel Organiser’s License .

Choosing the structure of your travel business

Beyond specific licenses, there are general licenses that you’ll need before you start any type of business.

First off, choose your business structure . Scott Bessette, owner of ADDISON Yacht Charters, started his travel agency as an LLC , which he says suited his business needs. “Before we considered starting our agency, we determined that a Limited Liability Company was the appropriate structure for what we were trying to achieve.”

Why was an LLC the best choice? “We had no intention of going public, or having to secure formal investment,” he says. “Further, we had a very simple organization structure, so ease of governance and compliance drove our choice of corporate structure.”

However, the business structure you choose will depend largely on your plans for your business, and how you intend to fund it. If for example, you plan to seek outside investment, you may want to look into starting your business as a corporation .

Naming your business and applying for a Federal Tax ID number

You’ll also want to formally name your business (even if it’s just you, becoming a travel agent!), which involves filing a DBA , or a “doing business as.” You’ll also need to apply for a Federal Tax ID number , otherwise known as a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN or FEIN). We’ve covered these topics in plenty of detail, so be sure to check out the links.

Scott also adds that setting up the legal end of things was fairly simple.

“Establishing the legal and licensing requirements was one of the easiest aspects of starting the business,” he explains. “All said, conception and gestation of ADDISON Yacht Charters was long-term, but she was born after only two days of hard labor.”

Resources to help you determine the legal structure and name for your business, as well as other legal considerations:

• The Complete Guide to Choosing Your Business Structure
• The Complete Guide to Registering Your Business Name
• Resources and Tools to Help You Name Your Business
• How to Apply for a Federal Tax ID Number
• How and Where to Obtain Business Licenses and Permits
• Keep Your Startup Safe from Legal Trouble
• 5. Determine your funding strategy

How do you plan to fund your new travel business?

Luckily, your starting costs should be fairly low: You won’t have expensive equipment to buy, and you probably won’t need extensive space in the beginning. If you’re hoping to become a travel agent working out of your own home, you may not even need office space at all. 

However, be sure to have a plan in place for how you will obtain funding. You’ll need funds for marketing materials at the very least; both online, such as your business website , and offline, such as flyers, posters, business cards, and more . Your initial funding budget will also likely go toward any branding or advertising, and you may eventually also decide to rent office space and hire employees, which is a fairly large expense.

Unlike many businesses, there isn’t one tried-and-true path for funding a travel business. From personal funds to venture capital funding, it’s all a possibility.

Many travel agencies are self-funded since they have low initial overhead and can be started fairly easily (though face stiff competition to stand out). “I didn’t get any funding at all, apart from $2,000 borrowed from my dad for the website,” says Brady Hedlund, founder of Life Before Work.

Looking into loans and a line of credit is also a good first move. “We developed banking and relationships with firm lines of credit and support, to ensure that as we started to deliver, funds were available to spend before the client paid the bill,” says Scott of ADDISON Yacht Charters. “ Cash flow is critical to the appearance of a business’s success.”

However, when it comes to financing your travel business, angel investment, and even venture capital funding isn’t completely out of the question. “We formed an LLC to start Project Expedition and closed a $300k seed round in January 2015 to help drive the development of our MVP (minimum viable product),” explains founder Jeremy Clement.

Don Halbert, owner of Costa Rica Vacations , also funded his travel agency through venture capital. “Funding for this venture came from a venture capital company which would later become one of our primary partners,” he explains.

Resources to help you with the funding process:

• How to Get Your Business Funded
• 35 Great Ways to Fund A Small Business
• What Do Venture Capital Firms Want?
• 10 Tips for Finding Venture Funding
• 6. Choose a location and hire employees

Next, you’ll want to make a plan for the logistics of opening your travel business to the public. If you’re starting a travel agency and require office space, this section will likely be more relevant than if you plan to work as a travel agent out of your home. 

How many employees will you need to hire? You may not need any to start, until you decide to expand your operations.

You might also want to look into remote employees , suggests Mike Liverton, CEO and founder of Leavetown Vacations . “While many company employees live and work as home-based ‘Destination Experts,’ our main headquarters are downtown Vancouver,” he says.

Additionally, you’ll want to determine your business location . While foot traffic will likely not be a primary motivator in choosing a business location, you’ll want to pick somewhere that accommodates your space needs as well as reflects your desired brand image.

However, as with employees, you’ll find that a physical location isn’t always an absolute necessity. “We have never booked a client from our hometown,” says Scott.

“We’re a 24/7 business, that cannot be limited to when I am in the office, or more importantly, marginalized when I am not,” he explains. “The ADDISON staff has families, conflicts, and important events in their lives. We constructed and positioned our business to be virtual in nature; to be operational anywhere, anytime. I’ve conducted business from Europe, the Caribbean, from multiple states, and during my children’s sporting events.”

“We didn’t choose our business location, we chose a virtual location,” he adds. Whether or not you choose to go this route will depend on your specific niche and brand; however, it’s certainly an option to consider.

Resources to help you set up your travel business and hire employees:

• How to Choose a Business Location
• 13 Out of the Ordinary Ways to Find the Perfect Business Location
• How to Hire Your First Employee
• A Comprehensive Guide to Creating a Business Website
• 7. Market and launch your travel business

Marketing will likely be where the majority of your initial funding budget goes, as it’s an important area to focus on when becoming a travel agent and starting a travel business. In fact, it’s a good idea to come up with a marketing plan as soon as possible.

For Don, the idea that you must spend money to make money drove the marketing strategy behind Costa Rica Vacations.

“Our ‘lesson learned’ in starting up our agency was primarily the realization that your Google Adwords budget can single-handedly determine your success when starting out in this normally competitive market,” he says.

Don’t make the mistake of thinking that all your advertising efforts should revolve around paid advertising, however. Plenty of your focus should go into social media marketing and guerrilla marketing tactics.

“I started out eight years ago running backpacking trips to Thailand, advertising using only lean, guerrilla marketing tactics,” says Brady Hedlund of Life Before Work. “I created an itinerary and website and hit the streets of western Canada to promote my new company.” Since his target demographic was 18-30-year-olds looking for an ‘adventure party tour,’ he went to university campuses and handed out flyers and posted signs advertising his travel agency.

“I didn’t get a single call for over a year,” he explains. “I honestly had no idea what I was doing at the time, but eventually, the business picked up and began to grow at an exponential rate. Flash forward eight years, and we now have a team of 35 full-time staff operating in 18 countries.”

Your marketing strategy will, as with all aspects of starting a travel business, be largely dependent on your specific niche, the demographic you are after, your budget, and your bandwidth as a business. That being said, combining both paid advertising with other guerrilla tactics (both online and offline) will likely serve you well.

Resources to help you market and launch your travel business:

• How to Write an Effective Marketing Plan
• 20 Marketing Tools Every Small Business Owner Should Try
• A Beginner’s Guide to Google AdWords for Small Business
• How to Have the Best Opening Day Ever
• Words of advice: Final tips from entrepreneurs who have started successful travel businesses
• “We searched for quite some time to find an underwriter that would provide us with general liability insurance, due to the amount of risks involved in adventure travel…This is a tricky product when it comes to insurance, but it’s obviously a very important piece of the pie.” – Brady Hedlund, Life Before Work
• “From the beginning, I have built up relationships with various individuals in Italy to help recruit staff for the villas used during our vacations. This varies from local cooks to tour guides to drivers. The little touches along the way, from booking flights for guests to getting the transport back to the airport, all adds up as every little bit helps to create the perfect experience for my guests.” – Lorne Blyth, Flavours Holidays
• “It’s important that your business partners share your values. I work with people in South America who are now my friends. We’re not in it for the money; we enjoy our jobs and if we can ‘eke’ out a living, all the better.” – Jacquie Whitt, Adios Adventure Travel

Business plan template and travel agency resources 

By now it should be clear that starting a travel agency requires a strategic approach and lots of planning. But don’t worry if it feels overwhelming. At Bplans, we have a full library of business planning resources to help you get started. You can browse through our free collection of over 500 real business plan examples , or download our free business plan template to help your travel business take flight. 

Clarify your ideas and understand how to start your business with LivePlan

Bri Morgaine is a seasoned content marketing leader with a decade of experience in copy editing, social media operations, and content strategy— having honed her skills at industry giants like Palo Alto Software and Andreessen Horowitz.

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Everything You Need to Know About Becoming a Travel Agent

Here's what you should know before becoming a travel agent.

If you're someone who spends your days scanning flights , loves hotel rewards points, and in general, is a fervent traveler, you've probably wondered how to become a travel agent.

And, while it's true that living in the age of Expedia means travel agents are not as vital as they once were, people use them a lot more than you might think. Just because travelers aren't calling up an agent every time they need to book a quick flight doesn't mean they don't want to consult an expert for a big trip. This holds especially true when it comes to honeymoons or experiential trips that have a lot of moving parts — coordinating tour companies , translators, or multiple resort stays, for example. It's often easier to leave the logistics to someone else: travel agents.

You don't need a specific employment background to become a travel agent, so if you're looking for a fresh career start, that's totally OK. You have to start somewhere on your path to becoming a travel agent, and the sooner you jump in, the sooner you'll build your client base. On the other hand, if you're hoping to parlay your experience in a semi-related industry, be it marketing or hospitality, that can help because you'll have even more context for your new gig. Either way, this can be a rewarding career path (with some fun perks), so here's what you need to know to become a travel agent.

Formal Training Needed to Become a Travel Agent

While some four-year colleges, community colleges, and trade schools offer tourism certifications, it is not a requirement for those trying to become travel agents. Certificates of tourism can be very helpful, but so can previous training in marketing, hospitality, or even event planning. Ultimately, your knowledge of destinations, sales, itinerary planning, and booking software will be crucial for your career as a travel agent.

In terms of the training time you need to put in before becoming a fully-fledged travel agent, it depends. You could start your career right after high school, or you could put in one to four years to earn a certificate, associate's, or bachelor's degree in tourism. Of course, you could also change course from a related job, and morph your experience as, say, a destination wedding planner into a career as a travel agent.

Training Programs Available

You could take classes with a company like The Travel Institute to earn your certification. Not only will they teach you the basics of planning itineraries, but they'll also make sure you're learning about new cultures, world geography, and experiences you can have all over the world. They'll also help you decide what business route you want to take.

How to Become a Travel Agent: The Logistics

Becoming a travel agent will likely mean starting your own business . On the plus side, it requires relatively little overhead. If you're becoming a small business owner by opening a yoga studio, for example, you will need to rent a space, deal with permits, buy supplies, build a website, and pay yoga teachers and someone to work the front desk. However, if you're starting a travel agent business, you can operate from your living room and there aren't nearly as many upfront costs.

You will have to think about what type of business you want to become. Do you want to incorporate or become an LLC? Would you rather be a sole proprietor? Incorporating takes the most effort, and is often the most expensive. Becoming an LLC is a good happy medium because it can help protect you as a business entity without having as many associated costs. Small business owners typically become an LLC to protect their personal assets. If you get sued as an LLC, someone can come after your business holdings, but can't come after your house, car, or personal savings.

If you choose to remain a sole proprietor (which doesn't require any fees or legwork), you are essentially a freelancer or independent contractor. You can be an LLC and an independent contractor, too — they aren't mutually exclusive. If you want to be an independent contractor, it likely means you're working as part of a larger host agency, which is smart to do when you're starting out as a travel agent. Down the road, you can also own a travel agency franchise. Owning a franchise might come with more overhead costs, and that would be a reason to incorporate.

If you're an independent contractor, you should know that your taxes aren't going to be as straightforward as a full-time employee's might be. You may have to start keeping track of your business expenses, as you might be able to write them off. You also might not get things like health benefits from your employer. As you plan your new career, consider sitting down with an established travel agent to ask them some logistical questions: Where do they get their health insurance? How do they keep track of their income and expenses? Do they use an accountant to do their taxes? While meeting with the travel agent, you can discuss the pros and cons of working for a larger agency, too. If you're not sure how to get in touch with other travel agents, consider using social media, like LinkedIn or even Instagram.

What to Think About When You Become a Travel Agent

Once you've secured work as a travel agent, you'll want to think about how you can earn more money and distinguish yourself from other agents. Here are three things to consider as you start your career.

Making Commissions: If you're working for a larger travel agency as an independent contractor, how do commissions work? Make sure you have this conversation early on before accepting the position. When you're starting out, you want to make sure the commission rate you're receiving is similar to the industry standard.

Growing Your Client Base: How do you make more money as a travel agent? Clients, clients, clients. You want happy customers who will return to you every time they want to book a travel experience. You'll want to keep your clients happy by finding them great deals, curating unbelievable experiences for them, and simply being great to work with.

Establishing a Niche: This is by no means a requirement for becoming a travel agent, but as you establish your career, you may want to consider focusing on a specific niche. For example, perhaps you're someone who focuses on honeymoon travel , luxury travel, or adventure travel . Your niche can help you attract clients, and it can be anything in the travel realm, as long as there's a need for it.

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Is a travel agent worth it the pros and cons.

Travel experts agree there are several advantages to hiring a vacation planner.

The Pros & Cons of Using a Travel Agent

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A travel agent can save you money and time.

Need to pivot your trip plans but don't want to deal with the extra time, money and hassle of rebooking flights and accommodations on your own? That's just one area where a knowledgeable travel agent (also commonly known as a travel advisor) can help. Read on to discover the other benefits – as well as the downsides – of using a travel agent, so you can confidently decide whether or not a travel agent is worth it for your next trip.

The Pros of Using a Travel Agent

Travel agents can save you money – and get you other perks.

"In some cases, you'll actually get a better  deal by working with a travel agent," says Jackie Steele, travel expert at MagicGuides . "This could be in the form of a cruise onboard credit (free spending money to use on the ship), access to special agency/group rates, or even just learning about a discount you qualify for but weren't aware of." The best agents will even keep an eye on new discounts as they're announced and apply them to your trip even after you've booked, he notes.

Travel agents handle all the details

Hotel room? Booked. Dinner reservations? Made. Tour tickets? Ready to go. A travel agent handles every detail of your vacation itinerary. "The traveler still gets to be involved in the fun part of dreaming up ideas and providing their travel wishes, while we take and perfect them," says Jessica Parker, founder of Trip Whisperer .

Molly McShea, owner and travel advisor at McShea Travel , points out that travel agents can also help with timing logistics. "Travel agents know how many days should be spent in each destination, which tours go together, and how many things you should do in a day," she says, adding that crafting an itinerary can be challenging if it's not something you regularly do. Additionally, travel agents can help you choose the best time to visit your preferred destination(s) based on seasonality and your budget, and sift through travel insurance policies to find the best option for your needs.

Travel agents can provide local expertise

"A travel advisor's industry connections and relationships provide added value to their clients," says Valerie Edman, a luxury travel advisor and agency owner at Cultured Travel LLC. She says when working with a travel agent, travelers gain access to a global network of connections including:

• In-destination specialists who work exclusively with travel advisors and can connect travelers with unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences they wouldn't otherwise know about
• Exclusive experiences not available to the general public

You'll avoid surprise fees

When deciding if a travel agent is worth it for you, remember this: A reputable agent can guarantee you won't encounter any surprise fees on accommodations and activities once your trip is booked.

You'll have someone to troubleshoot unexpected travel issues

A travel advisor is essentially your personal vacation concierge. "Because they've been around for so long, agents really know what to look for," says Christopher Elliott , a consumer advocate and journalist. "Travel agents are among the first to know about flight cancellations and delays , making it easy for them to rebook itineraries right away." 

The Cons of Using a Travel Agent

It might not be your cheapest option.

There are some instances when it makes more sense to plan your own trip. "If you're planning a quick flight from New York City to Los Angeles, it's easy enough to book it yourself online directly or through a third-party booking site," says Elliott. "If you're planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip or bucket list honeymoon , that's when you call the experts."

You'll have less flexibility in your itinerary

The upside of working with a travel agent is having someone plan an epic vacation for you based on industry knowledge and local expertise. But this can also be a downside in the event you discover an activity you'd like to do or a restaurant you'd like to try that isn't on your pre-planned itinerary. If you alter your plans, you risk losing money; plus, the time it takes for you and your travel agent to coordinate your change of plans may not be worth the hassle.

You still have to do some research

It's important to find an agent you can trust, which means you still have to do some of the vacation planning. For this part, Parker recommends picking up the phone. "Lots of people avoid or don't pick up the phone as much anymore," she says. "That's where you get the high-touch service, tone of voice, excitement or concerns to manage." She advises to look for the following red flags:

• No fees: " Travel advisors are charging planning fees more now or increasing them, so the client knows more confidently than ever, we work for them, not the suppliers with the best commissions," Parker explains. "There are a lot of things that are non-commissionable and the advisor's time and expertise shouldn't be given away for free, either. That's the best way to show an advisor takes their business seriously."
• Limited options: If you work with someone who is inexperienced or has an incentive to book you with a certain supplier, they may not be prioritizing your best interests. "It's important to check if they are with a larger consortia, accreditations and network, typically listed on their website and signatures," says Parker. "That level of mindshare doesn't come with a lone advisor unless they have many, many years of experience."
• Slow response times: If communication is delayed, that's a sign they may be too busy to plan your trip – but again, this is something you can avoid by having the right conversations early on.

Edman suggestes starting your search with the American Society of Travel Advisors . "ASTA-verified travel advisors are committed to the highest industry standards and have verifiable industry knowledge so consumers can feel confident in working with them," she says.

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An Overview Of The Travel Industry Working As A Travel Agent Go Back Button

Introduction

The travel and tourism industry is formed by a variety of organizations and business that come together to provide a complete experience for consumers of travel products and services. These consumers range from leisure travel to business or personal travel. The travel industry is one of the biggest and the most dynamic industries in the world and travel Agents play a significant role in the promotion and selling of travel products. If you are looking to become a travel agent or start a travel agency, it is a requirement that you learn the industry and understand, the different types of travel agents there are and the roles that you will be required to fulfill.

The Role Of Travel Agents And Agencies

The number of people consuming travel products and services is growing at a rate that is extremely higher than the overall growth of our population. Due to this, there has been an increase in the number of accommodation types available to consumers, along with the number of ways in which a consumer can book travel. Even with the increasing popularity of customers booking travel themselves online or with the vendor direct, more than 50% of people booking travel still seek the assistance of a certified travel agent.

Customers look to travel agents to provide, insight, knowledge, advocacy and booking services for them in the travel booking process. A travel agent is a source of insurance, convenience, and peace-of-mind for nervous travelers, looking for a smooth and hassle-free experience from booking to traveling. Due to customers have these expectations, travel agents are required to be experts in the area of travel they specialize in, and that can only be obtained through product experience, product training and time spent in the industry.

Different Types Of Travel Products

There are several different travel product categories made up of a wide variety of product types.

Accommodations: Hotels, Resorts, Hostels, Villas, Shared Space, Bed & Breakfast, Inns, Chalets.

Cruises: Luxury Cruise, River Cruise, Family Cruise, Event Cruises

Flights: Commercial, Chartered, Private

Tours: Adventure Tours, Eco Tours, Special Interest

Other products include; travel insurance, local attractions, airport lounges, ferry tickets, train tickets, bus tickets, car rental services, hotel transfer services.

How A Does A Travel Agent Work

Travel agents are middlemen between the product owner or supplier and the consumer. When customers are interested in booking any travel product, they can contact a travel agent, and that agent will conduct the booking purpose on their behalf. Travel agents have access to special tools, relationships, and product knowledge that allows them to be more flexible in creating a vacation package. Consumers with complicated travel itineraries, special interest, lack of destination knowledge or those who are too busy to plan their own vacation, seek the services of a travel agent. Travel agents get paid when they sell travel packages. Some agents charge a service fee to the client, but most travel agents work on commissions paid to them by the product supplier for bringing them the customer. Travel agents can earn anywhere from 7% - 25% on a sale.

How Do You Become A Travel Agent

The trading of travel products and services is regulated by the International Association of Travel Agents (IATA). For anyone to trade in the travel industry, including travel agents, they must be associated with an IATA certified entity. To become a travel agent, you can get your IATA certification, or you can join a Host Agency and sell through their license. If you are new to the business, getting your IATA certification will almost be impossible as you will need to have years of experience plus referral letters from vendors and suppliers. Also, the fees and bonds are very substantial. The best approach for new travel agents is to align with a host agency, who already has the infrastructure in place for you to start selling right away and earn commissions. Your host agency will provide you with the vendor relationships, training, and tools you need to become a fully equipped travel professional. Joining a host agency will require a registration fee that ranges from a couple of hundred dollars to a few thousand. There are no set fees to join a host agency. Each agency set their own prices.

Depending on your current place of residence or the jurisdiction in which you decide to conduct business, you may be required to pass a certification exam before you can start selling travel. Your host agency will advise you on the necessary steps and procedures you need to take for you to start selling travel as quickly as possible.

Different Types Of Travel Agencies

Wholesale Travel Agencies

A wholesale travel agency works directly with vendors to put together packages, itineraries, and product pricing at reduced rates. Wholesalers negotiate bulk pricing from the suppliers and resell to retail travel agencies. Wholesalers do not make their wholesale prices available to the consumer. They exclusively work with travel agents. There are travel agents that work with Wholesale Travel Agencies. These travel agents are known as inside sales agents, who work on salary, not commissions.

Retail Travel Agencies

Retail travel agencies deal directly with the end user or consumer. A retail travel agency can either be your traditional storefront agency that operates out of a physical location or host agencies that support travel agents working remote, normally from home offices. Travel agents that work with retail travel agencies work on commission only or commission and small services fees. These travel agents spend their time creating packages and building itineraries for clients.

Online Travel Agencies

Online travel agencies, also known as OTA’s offer retail travel booking through a website. These sites aggregate a variety of travel products and services such as flights, accommodations, and tour packages, to make them available for access to customers via an Internet Booking Engine (IBE). Bookings made on these websites are managed by a reservation management software. Most travel agents today have some online presence, as it is an excellent way to promote their services, build their brand and generate consumer leads.

The Right Timing

In the early 2000’s when online travel agencies started to emerge, retail travel agencies struggled to keep up with this new phenomenon, which lead to the closure of almost half of the traditional storefront travel agencies. Becoming a travel agent no longer seemed a viable career option. The travel agent profession, once very fruitful for many and filled with a lot of amazing travel perks, no longer seemed like that. However, the roles of a travel agent are once again on the rise. Many consumers find the many options online to be overwhelming and time-consuming, and would now prefer to go to a travel expert to handle their travel plans for them. This is especially true for business professionals with busy lives and millennials with shorter attention span and less interest in shopping around online for deals and reading reviews. Ironically, the very same reason many left using a travel agent to book online, is the very same reason they are going back to travel agents. Using an agent now seems faster and more reliable as they have the resources and expertise to quickly build any itinerary. This is why if you are considering becoming a travel agent , the timing could not be more perfect, as the travel industry for travel agents is once again on the rise.

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How Do Travel Agents Make Money?

When people find out I work with travel advisors, one of the first questions they ask me is how do travel agents make money? Do they charge fees or do they earn a living from commission?

Usually, the people asking are either those who are interested in becoming a travel agent or they're thinking about trying one out and want to better understand the income model a travel advisors operates under.

I'll go more in-depth in just a second, here's a list of steps that show how travel agents make money:

• Depending on the booking type and the agency, the travel agent may also charge the traveler a consultation fee. (Our travel agent research shows about 50-60% of advisors charge some sort of a fee.)
• A traveler works with a travel advisor to plan and finalize their travel itinerary .
• The travel advisor books the trip , often within the agency's preferred supplier list .
• Advisors are recognized by suppliers because they give an accreditation number specific to their agency. The number signals to the vendor/supplier who the agency is and if the supplier pays the commissions, the travel agency's commission level .
• The commission is paid to the travel agent. For most trips, the vendor pays a commission to the travel agent after the client has traveled . For most cruises, the travel agent is paid their commission after final payment (typically about 60-90 days before the sailing).

Now, if you're looking for how travel agents make money that are employees of an agency, that falls more into the territory of travel agent salaries. You're at the right site, just the wrong article. :) Here's our article that deep dives into travel agent salaries .

A Short History

To give you an answer on how travel agents make money, it's important to know a little history. I promise to keep it short—it's actually pretty fascinating how the industry has changed over the years.

In the good 'ol days, a large portion of travel agency income came from airline commissions. Since tickets were expensive, in demand, and could only be ticketed by agents or the airlines, they were the bread and butter of every agency.

What about commissions from tours, hotels, and cruise lines? Those were just icing on the cake.   

They were travel agents in every sense of the word because they were agents of travel vendors.  Their revenue came from the commissions earned from selling travel products. However, when airline commissions were cut and capped in the 1990s — sad face! — the main revenue base for travel agents disappeared. It hurt. A lot.

Airlines cut their commission because they could now reach travelers via the web and online travel agencies (OTAs) like Expedia and Booking.com. Travel agents, who were once wined and dined by airlines, were left out in the cold. Ouch.

With this rapidly changing travel landscape, travel agents needed to find a new way to make money . . . and fast. And that's where our modern-day story of 'How Do Travel Agents Make Money?' begins.

A Shift in Business Models

With commission cuts and clients' ability to book online, agencies needed to adapt to the new landscape of planning and booking travel. The travel agency community was, quite honestly, fumbled for about a decade. Many agencies that didn't adapt quickly enough had to close their doors.

From Storefront to Home-Based

But kiddos, I got news for you! While the storefront travel agencies that once peppered towns across the US aren't as numerous, there is a BUSTLING group of agencies that are less visible, working remotely.

There's been a HUGE influx of new advisors, especially after the pandemic. Call them solopreneurs/home-based/location-independent — whatever hip term you want to use. They may be harder to see without a storefront, but this new segment of the industry is now a force to be reckoned with!

By and large, the most popular agency model has switched from the storefront agencies of the past to the remote agencies of today.

Starting around 2013, travel agents started to see their numbers increase. When there was once a worry that there wouldn't be any travel agents to fill the shoes of those retiring, there was an influx of new blood, eager to take advantage of the flexibility and travel opportunities a travel agent career provides.

Check out these industry stats:

• In 2013, according to the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) , nearly 70% of the agency workforce was older than 55. Not only that, but the percentage of agents over age 65 had nearly doubled, from 17% to 32%, over the prior decade. 
• Year after year, stats from our HAR's surveys indicate that the median of an agent lands in the early to mid-50s, with the majority working from home. (In 2022, the median age was 55).

Did you catch that?!? We went from 70% of the workforce being over 55 in 2013, to 50% of the workforce being younger than 55 in 2022!

While ASTA and HAR do tend to attract different demographics — ASTA was traditionally larger, retail storefronts and HAR is typically smaller, non-storefront agencies — but even so, the trend is clear. Travel agents are no longer in danger of going extinct. (HUZZAH!!!)

A big reason for this new influx? The rise of the agent that works remotely.

Call them solopreneurs/home-based/location-independent — whatever hip term you want to use. They may be harder to see without a storefront, but this new segment of the industry is now a force to be reckoned with!

Moving to Diversify Income

Along with the loss of airline commissions, travel agents face the challenge of many major cruise lines' non-commissionable fees (NCFs) .

Yup, it's self-explanatory: They're miscellaneous fees that are not commissionable. While a cruise sale may be $2,000, it's possible only $1,400 of it will be commissionable. (That deserves a boo from you as the audience.)

Travel agency business models (both corporate and leisure) are moving to become less dependent on commissions alone . Why the change? Not only did commissions from airlines and other vendors lower than in the past, but the industry has experienced huge industry and economic ups and downs including 9/11, recessions, and pandemics. (Am I missing any? PHEW, travel agents sure are resilient!)

Commission income went on rollercoaster rides during these times. During the coronavirus pandemic, for example, advisors were working overtime canceling trips, bending over backward to get their clients home safe, spending oodles of time to keep up to date with constantly-changing travel regulations, and rebooking trips despite the fact that commissions came to a halt.

That's right, they were working overtime for essentially no pay.

These major pitfalls helped advisors realize the importance of diversifying revenue streams to help stabilize income.

One solution for advisors to counteract diminishing commissions was to diversify their income by charging fees.

So how do travel agents make money in a world where their commissions are lower (and even unpredictable at times)? One solution for advisors to counteract diminishing commissions was to diversify their income by charging fees. This helped agencies steer away from complete reliance on vendor commissions, helping them pad a bottom line that was once cushioned by generous airline and vendor commissions.

The Breakdown of How Travel Agents Make Money

Okay, before we really dig into things, it's important to understand that different kinds of travel agencies make money in different ways.

To make it easier, we've broken down the question of how travel agents make money into 4 main types of travel agencies:

• corporate travel agencies,
• leisure travel agencies,
• travel agencies planning custom itineraries,
• and 'the big players'

How Do Corporate Travel Agents Make Money?

Corporate travel agencies make money mainly from service fees, net/private fares, and from airline commissions.

Airline tickets are the lifeblood of corporate agencies (also known as TMCs or travel management companies). Were TMCs going to stop selling airline tickets just because airlines stopped commission? No way. They had to get creative to offset lower commissions. What did these corporate agencies do? They implemented a service fee when they booked a ticket.

In 2023, HAR research reports show the median service fee charge for international air was ~$60 and ~$40 for domestic air.

In addition to air, corporate travel agencies earn commissions from booking cars and hotels for business travelers (typically 8-10% commissions). Corporate travel agencies make money mainly from service fees, overrides from the GDS and airlines, net/private fares , and from airline commissions.

The average service fee for air ticketing in 2022 was $39 for domestic air and $63 for international air for agents who booked corporate travel.

Travel agencies, depending on the airline contracts they have access to, are able to earn commissions on both domestic air (typically 0-5%) and international air (roughly 10-22%).

How Do Leisure Travel Agents Make Money?

After the commission cuts, many travel agencies shifted their focus to leisure products that still paid travel agent commissions. These products were essentially vacation packages and cruises. Nowadays, these are your leisure travel agencies (the ones you probably think of when you think of a travel agent.)

Charging a fee helps agents boost a travel agency's bottom line and compensates them for their expertise.

As a general rule, leisure travel agents make money from commissions from vendors pay on vacation packages, cruises, air, and other add-ons. However, consultation fees and service fees are becoming more common as agencies try to diversify income sources to become less dependent on supplier commissions.

If you're wondering how many travel agents make money by charging a fee, what are the most common fee structures and ranges, you'll want to take a peek at HAR's research reports .

In 2023, 49% of hosted advisors and 67% of independent advisors reported charging fees. Just to compare to the days of yore, only 33% of advisors charged a fee in 2017. Holy smokes, that's a big increase!

Charging a fee helps agents boost an agency's bottom line and compensates them for their expertise. Some agencies have what's called a 'look-to-book' fee or a "plan to go fee." This is an up-front fee for research, which an agency may apply some or all of it to your booking once you book, and keep it if you decide to go elsewhere. Other agencies charge a straight-up non-refundable fee for consultations.

If you're coming to an agency with an air-only booking, you can pretty much bet there will be a service fee (median international air was ~$60 and ~$40 for domestic air in 2023). But travel agents also make money by charging fees for things like FITs (custom trips), air-inclusive packages, tours, accommodations only, and cruises.

How Do Travel Agents Make Money with Custom Itineraries?

Mass market trips like cruises, all-inclusive resorts, or group bus tours around Europe aren't for everyone. When you want an itinerary built just for you, travel agents call that an F-I-T trip — in plain-speak, you'd call that a custom itinerary. But why be simple like that when you could come up with an acronym, right?! ;)

Custom itineraries are more time intensive and may involve booking with multiple companies, some that may not pay travel agent commissions. Agents that build FITs typically charge higher consultation, trip planning, and/or service fees to compensate.

FIT travel agents make money not only through the fees mentioned above but also through net pricing mark-ups and commissions from the different vendors they're booking.

There's no one-size-fits-all fee when it comes to custom itineraries. But if you're curious about learning more about what kind of fee structures an agency might have, check this out:

How Do the Big Travel Agencies Make Money?

Let's first define what a big travel agency is before we talk about how they make money. When we're talking about a 'big player', we're talking about an agency that has tens of millions of sales revenue. There isn't really a cut-off on when you hit this threshold. The reality is that if you're in this circle, you'll know it. They're the 1% of the travel agency world. :)

While most agencies earn commission based on their sales tiers, these 'big players' travel agencies earn overrides based on their revenue, as well as earn commissions.

What's an override? It's best to think of it as a bonus.

When a travel agency meets a pre-determined sales goal or move market share, the vendor compensates them. These overrides can come from any number of vendors including airlines, GDSs , cruise lines, tour operators, car rental companies, and more.

Now that you're aware of how travel agents make money, maybe it's time to consider it as a career? Join the free trial for our 7 Day Set Up Accelerator course .

So, next time someone asks you 'How do Travel Agents Make Money?' you can now give a thorough answer, full of information that will blow their mind.

If that's where you're at right now, great. That was my goal.

Feel free to ask any other questions about how the land of travel agencies work in the comments below. I grew up in the travel industry and have worked with many agents to start and grow their travel agencies. If you still have questions, drop us a line , join the conversation in the comments below, or connect with me on   Facebook ,  Twitter , LinkedIn , or Instagram .

Editor's note: This post was originally published in July 2012 and has been updated annually to keep up with current data.

About the Author

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

If you’re looking for Steph, she leaves a trace where ever she goes! You can find her on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Pinterest as 'iamstephly'. 🙂 She doesn't do TikTok as no one would ever see her again.

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How Do Travel Agencies Work?

by Roam Trips Admin | Apr 13, 2023

From booking flights and hotels to organizing tours and activities, you’ll discover the benefits of using a travel agent and gain insight into the inner workings of this fascinating industry.

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or  planning your first trip , read about how travel agencies work.

What is a travel agency?

A travel agency is a business that offers a range of travel-related services to customers. These services include booking flights, hotels, rental cars, cruises, tours, and other travel arrangements.

Travel agencies can also provide valuable information and advice to travelers , such as visa requirements, travel insurance, and destination information.

Several types of travel agencies, including traditional brick-and-mortar agencies, online travel agencies (OTAs), and specialized agencies, focus on specific types of travel, such as adventure or luxury travel.

When you book through a travel agency, you’ll typically pay a fee for their services, which can vary depending on the agency and the services provided. However, using a travel agency can often save you time and money by taking care of your trip’s details and finding the best deals on flights and accommodations.

How do travel agencies work?

Travel agencies work by providing a range of services to help travelers plan and book their trips. Here’s a breakdown of how travel agencies typically work:

Consultation

When you first approach a travel agency, you’ll typically have a consultation with a travel agent who will ask you about your travel preferences, budget, and other requirements. This will help the agent to recommend the best options for your trip.

Itinerary Planning

Once the travel agent understands your needs, they will create a customized itinerary for your trip. This may involve researching and booking flights, hotels, transportation, tours, and other activities.

Once you approve the itinerary, the travel agent will book all the necessary elements of your trip. They will often handle all the details, such as arranging airport transfers and securing travel visas.

You’ll typically be required to pay a deposit or full payment upfront for the travel agency’s services. Some travel agencies may also offer payment plans to help you spread the cost of your trip over time.

Services offered by travel agencies

Travel agencies offer a wide range of services to help make your travel planning process easier and more enjoyable. From booking flights and hotels to arranging tours and providing travel insurance, these agencies can take care of all the nitty-gritty details of your trip.

Here are some of the most common services offered by travel agencies:

Flight Booking

One of the most essential services offered by travel agencies is flight booking. They can help you find the best deals on flights to your desired destination and can often secure better prices than what you would find on your own.

Travel agents have access to booking systems that allow them to compare prices across different airlines and routes, making it easier for you to find the most affordable option. Additionally, they can assist with itinerary changes, upgrades, and other travel-related issues.

Hotel Booking

Travel agencies can also help you find and book the perfect accommodations for your trip. Whether you’re looking for a luxury hotel, a cozy bed and breakfast, or a budget-friendly hostel , they can provide various options.

Additionally, travel agents often have access to exclusive hotel deals and packages unavailable to the general public.

If you’re planning a road trip or need a vehicle, travel agencies can also help you with car rental services. They can help you find the best deals on rental cars, provide recommendations based on your specific needs, and handle all the necessary paperwork and reservations.

They can also assist with any issues during your rental periods, such as vehicle breakdowns or changes to your itinerary.

Tour Packages

Travel agencies can offer a variety of tour packages to help you explore your destination more thoroughly. These packages can include guided tours, transportation, accommodations, and other travel-related services.

Whether you’re interested in cultural terms, adventure tours, or family-friendly activities, travel agents can provide various options based on your preferences and budget.

Travel Insurance

Finally, travel agencies can help you protect your trip with travel insurance . This type of insurance can cover unexpected events such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost or stolen baggage.

Travel agents can help you find the right insurance policy based on your needs and assist you with any claims or issues that may arise during your trip. With travel insurance, you can have peace of mind knowing that you’re covered in case anything goes wrong during your travels.

How travel agencies make money

Travel agencies are essential to the travel industry as they help travelers plan and book their trips. But have you ever wondered how travel agencies make money? In this article, we’ll explore how travel agencies generate revenue.

Commission from travel suppliers

One of the primary ways travel agencies make money is by receiving a commission from travel suppliers, such as airlines, hotels, and rental car companies. When a travel agency books a reservation with a supplier on behalf of a client, the supplier pays the agency a commission, usually a percentage of the total cost of the reservation.

The commission rate varies depending on the supplier, and the agency may also negotiate a higher commission rate based on the volume of bookings with that supplier.

Service fees charged to clients

In addition to receiving a commission from travel suppliers, travel agencies may also charge service fees to their clients. These fees may cover the agency’s time and expertise in planning and booking the trip and any additional services, such as travel insurance or visa assistance.

The service fee amount may vary based on the complexity of the journey and the level of service the agency provides.

The markup on travel packages

Another way travel agencies make money is by adding a markup to the cost of travel packages. A travel package typically includes airfare, accommodations, and sometimes activities or tours.

The travel agency may negotiate a discounted rate with the supplier for the box and then add their markup to the price before selling it to the client. The markup may vary based on the package’s components and the agency’s desired profit margin.

Benefits of using a travel agency

The experience of traveling can be exciting and gratifying, but it can also be overwhelming and stressful. Fortunately, using a travel agency can alleviate stress and benefit travelers. Here are some benefits  of choosing a travel agency:

Expert advice and recommendations

One of the main benefits of using a travel agency is the expert advice and recommendations they can provide. Travel agents have extensive knowledge and experience in the travel industry and can offer valuable insights and recommendations for destinations, accommodations, activities, and more. They can also provide insider tips and tricks to help travelers make the most of their trip.

Access to exclusive deals and discounts

Another benefit of using a travel agency is the access to exclusive deals and discounts. Travel agencies often partner with travel suppliers and offer their clients exclusive deals and discounts that may not be available to the general public.

This can help travelers save money and get the most value for their budget.

Assistance with travel arrangements and changes

Travel arrangements can be time-consuming and complicated, but a travel agency can assist with every aspect of the process. A travel agency can manage all the logistics , from making reservations for lodging and flights to organizing transportation and activities.

They can also help with any trip-related changes or issues, such as flight delays or cancellations.

Personalized service

Travel agencies can provide personalized service to clients, tailoring their recommendations and arrangements to meet their needs and preferences. They can also offer customized itineraries and travel packages based on the traveler’s interests, budget, and schedule.

Time-saving

Planning a trip can take significant time, but a travel agency can save travelers time and stress by handling all the details. They can take care of everything from researching destinations and accommodations to booking flights and activities, freeing up the traveler’s time to focus on other things.

Emergency assistance

Travel agencies can assist clients in unexpected medical emergencies or natural disasters. They can help travelers navigate issues and provide support and guidance during challenging situations.

Convenience

What should you look into a travel agency?

As travelers, it’s essential to know the services a travel agency provides and what they can do for you. Before deciding on a travel agency, one must consider their years of experience, customer service and support, cost-effectiveness, expertise in providing travel solutions, and other specialized services.

It would be wise to ask how experienced the staff handles various trip plans. This would include if they have previously handled trips with similar destinations and lengths as yours. It’s also essential to check if the travel agency has a good customer service and reliability reputation. Having an understanding of who will be your contact during the entirety of your journey is essential.

You should also inquire about any specialized services the travel agency can provide. For example, if you are looking for a family-friendly holiday package, it would be helpful to determine if the travel agency can provide services tailored to your family’s needs.

Last but not least, cost-effectiveness is essential when selecting a travel agency. Researching and comparing prices between agencies is vital to ensure you get the best deal possible. Furthermore, finding out what types of discounts or arrangements may be available will help you save money on your trip. After all, saving money is just as important as enjoying your vacation!

These are just some of the key elements to keep in mind when looking into a travel agency. With proper research, you can ensure that your vacation is planned with the right people and that it goes off without a hitch!

What is the best travel agency?

When it comes to choosing the best travel agency,  Roam Trips  stands out as an excellent choice. With hundreds of pre-planned trips and  flexible travel plans,  Roam Trips makes it easy for travelers to explore new destinations and experience unique adventures.

Their trips are open to all and provide an incredible opportunity to meet and connect with other like-minded travelers.

What sets Roam Trips apart is its commitment to providing personalized and high-quality service to each client. They take the time to understand each traveler’s interests, preferences, and budget to create customized itineraries that meet their unique needs.

They are also trusted and reliable, ensuring that every trip aspect is well-planned and executed, from booking accommodations and transportation to arranging activities and tours.

Sign up today  and let Roam Trips take care of your travel arrangements, so you can focus on making lasting memories.

Can travel agencies save you money?

Yes, travel agencies can help you save money. Travel agents have exclusive access to deals and discounts that may not be available to the general public, helping you get more value for your budget.

They can also provide valuable insights and tips to help travelers make the most of their trip, such as what attractions are worth visiting and where to find the best restaurants in the area.

Are travel agencies worth it?

Definitely! Travel agencies are worth it for those who value convenience and service. They can save travelers time and stress by handling all the trip details, from researching destinations to booking flights and activities.

Plus, they provide personalized service and support throughout the journey, making the experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Book Your Travels With Roam Trips Today!

The next time you plan a trip, consider the trusted and reliable services offered by Roam Trips. Their experienced staff will work with you to create a custom itinerary that meets your needs and budget, ensuring that every aspect of your journey is handled.

Book your travels with Roam Trips today and prepare for an unforgettable adventure! Happy exploration! Travel agencies have been around for decades, assisting travelers in  planning their trips . But have you ever wondered how they work? In this blog, we’ll delve into the world of travel agencies and explore how they can help you plan your dream vacation.

Recent Posts

How a Travel Agent Works

Founder - Vacationkids Travel Agency and Director at the Family Travel Association and Director at the Family Travel Association

Some will tilt their heads to one side and ask "Do Travel Agents still exist?" as if they were magically staring into the eyes of a unicorn. Others will immediately start over-sharing every travel nightmare they, and everyone on the internet have ever experienced. Finally there are the folks that hit you up with a rapid fire, laundry list of questions like a hypochondriac during a doctor's visit. The other ever popular response is "Wow, so you must get to like travel all over the world for free-right?"

Truth be told, I have the best, most misunderstood job in the world. It's true, most people have no idea how travel agents work and how they can help. Hopefully, I can help clear up some of this confusion by explaining things about what we do....

Most desperate vacation-seekers, take the knee jerk reaction of heading online to make their reservations. The lure of internet convenience and control quickly turns into confusion, indecisiveness and anxiety not to mention a huge time suck. How do I know?...because not a day goes by that I don't receive emails pleading for help from these exact problems from would-be vacationers.

Think of a travel agent as your tour guide that will lead you to the perfect vacation.

If you've ever wondered what a day in the life of a travel agent is like, here's a bit more about what we're all about and how we help our clients....

Travel Agents are "All Inclusive" - Hotels, vacation package companies and cruise lines all include travel agent commissions in their published prices. If you do all the work yourself online, they "pocket" the difference. Using the services of a travel agent means you get the customer service you deserve. You won't be spending hours on the internet, hanging on phone hold for eternity or wasting any precious time wondering and worrying.

Travel Agent Do Not Cost More - Travel agents basically earn their living by the commissions we earn from our sales of hotel stays, cruises, sightseeing and rental cars. The airlines haven't paid commissions to travel agents since the mid 1990's. This is why when my travel agency Vacationkids recommends infants should have their own airlines seats instead of flying free as a lapchild , we're not trying to part you from your money, we're trying to make sure your baby stays safe. If you want to use mileage points too book your own flights, no problem. Online Travel companies do charge service fees. They build them into the cost that you pay. There are some travel agents that do charge a minimal service fee for their time which is usually offset by their time and money savings. Make sure you do ask in your initial consultation. Others may ask for an upfront deposit, especially in situations dealing with very complex itineraries or group events.

Travel Agents Are not pushy - Any good travel agent knows it's not about making the sale, it's about creating happy clients. Happy clients become fans of your company, come back to you every year and recommend your company to others. Most travel agents rejoice when we can save our clients money with a great deal. We make our recommendations based on the specific needs and requests of our clients. We don't base our recommendations on industry sales incentives or bonus gifts. If we know of a better room or experience that will enhance our client's family vacation, we'll suggest. We just want our clients to make the best informed decisions to get the most value for their vacation dollars.

Travel Agents Match Online Prices - Some people just enjoy planning their own vacations. These are probably the same folks who like putting together IKEA furniture. No matter, make yourself happy find your best price and email us all the details. Your travel agent will either be able to match it or tell you why you're setting yourself up for a scam. I even had clients who will make their own reservations directly with a cruise line or tour company then call and transfer their booking to our agency. It's a win-win. They get and do exactly what they want while having us do all the follow up, follow thru while making suggestions to enhance their enjoyment. .

Travel Agents Have Rates That You Don't - Travel agents are privy to special flight prices, special hotel and cruise cabin rates that consumers will never find online themselves. This feature alone will save you money. Beyond pricing, good travel agents have the buying power to get extra amenities like ship board credits or insider tours that can also enhance your family's vacation.

Travel Agents Save You Time - Time in our most precious commodity and yet so many people are willing to waste it. HOURS can be spent properly researching a vacation. With the amount of conflicting information available online, it's easy to quickly get overwhelmed and confused. Many times, the questions perplexing travelers are one that agents can answer right off the top of our heads thanks to our years of experience. If you have detailed questions or need to plan a complicated itinerary, we do all the work for you. We can make the international phone calls to get your questions answered. We know who and how to reach out to in order to get the job done, saving you hours of frustration.

Travel Agents Understand The Fine Print - Most people don't bother reading any of the fine print terms and conditions of their travel documents until it's too late. This is what "trips" them up (pun intended) and costs them big bucks in the long term. Even if folks do stop to read it, they fully understand all the implications. Travel Agents are well versed in these rules, terms and conditions. We can help navigate and protect your family and investment.

Travel Agents Protect You - Most DIY vacation planners don't realize that medical insurance usually does not cover your family while on vacation out of area or especially overseas. Many foreign countries will take your passport if you are admitted to a hospital and will expect payment in full for any treatment or surgery prior to discharge. A good travel agent will make sure you have the proper peace of mind with the right travel insurance to keep your family safe and protected.

Travel Agents Have Contacts - Travel agents do not get "free" trips. We invest our own money and especially our time to travel and visit the destinations we recommend. Sure we experience new travel options and learn about destinations. The most important reason why we make this professional investment is for the opportunity to meet face to face with the right important industry contacts. These important connections truly benefits the vacation experience our clients ultimately enjoy. We know exactly who to speak to in order to make special requests for our clients. This could mean things like connecting rooms, welcome gifts or advanced restaurant reservations. These relationships have proved priceless in emergency situations.

Travel Agents Have Specialized Expertise - At our agency, we specialize in Family and multi generational vacations. In a former lifetime, I was a pediatric nurse so I often use those skills to help my clients. I will often share and collaborate with other travel industry professionals to help clients enjoy vacations that exceed their expectations. Even within our agency, we have agents who are Disney experts while others have experience creating customized tours in Europe, Africa and Asia. If we don't have an in house person who can best serve our clients, we collaborate with other professionals who can.

Travel Agents Have Priceless Advice - First hand experience and knowledge are what will change a typical vacation into a real memorable experience. Even though good travel agents professionally invest in their own travel to gain this experience, not every Travel Agent can humanly know every destination in the world. That said, good travel agents have a "golden network" and know exactly who to call to get the answers their clients need.

Travel Agents Prevent Hassles - Most DIY travel people don't realize if there is a HUGE difference between great value and the cheapest price. For example, you may pay a really low price for your family's flight but that doesn't mean you'll make your connecting flight. This could result in an unexpected camp out at the airport terminal and the out of pocket loss for the vacation days you're missing. A good travel agent know certain airport require longer connection times than others to prevent problems. This is just one of many examples that "trips" up online travel shoppers and may explain so many of the unnecessary rants on travel review websites.

Travel Agents Babysit Your Reservations - Many folks have commitment issues when it comes to pulling the trigger and confirming their reservations. They always think they will get a cheaper last minute rate. Often they wait too long, forfeit availability and end up paying much more for their vacation. Most people don't realize that if their trip goes on sale, they can get a lower rate. A good travel agent will babysit your reservation and have any lower prices or sales applied to your reservation, even after you've made your initial deposit has been made. This is true for many cruises or Disney vacations. For Caribbean or Mexico resort vacations, our agents can direct you to price guarantee coverage that offers you the same option.

Travel Agents Offer Affordable Payment Plans - Online booking require payment in full at the time you confirm your reservations. This means you could be paying huge credit card interest fees that will add to the total cost of your vacation in the long run. If you plan ahead and use a travel agent, you will only be required to pay a small deposit to confirm your family's vacation reservations. Final payment for your trip will usually be required 45 to 60 days prior to your departure. This means your travel agent can set up a monthly vacation layaway program that could save you hundreds on credit card interest.

Travel Agents Work As Your Troubleshooter - No matter how much you prepare, sometimes unexpected "stuff" happens while your on vacation. When you book with a travel agent, they are with you every step of the way. We are your personal advocate. If you run into any issues, your travel agent can make calls and usually fix the situation so you don't have to waste valuable vacation time problem solving. We usually know who to call and how to ask for the right solutions many times exceeding your expectations. In the rare instance that you need to make a travel insurance claim or need to follow up on a complaint after you return home, your travel agent advocate continues to work on behalf on your family. We make sure any problems are solved to your satisfaction.

I don't think my job is weird at all...honestly, I think I'm one of the lucky ones.

I am one of those rare individuals who looks forward to getting up, pouring a cup of tea and going to work every the morning. I have a 26 step commute to my home office where I connect every day with friends and great people all over the globe. My staff and I work virtually. They are happy and get to be at home surrounded by the people they love every day. We get to help our clients explore the world, check items off their bucket lists, share life changing memories with their loved ones and come home a suitcases full of amazing experiences. I am fortunate now to be doing this long enough that the kids I once sent off on vacations with their parents are now calling me up to help plan their destination weddings or to take their own kids on vacation.

Tell me, does this all sound like a bad day at the office to you?

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An overview of the best distribution channels

• Xola University
• Business Operations

How do OTAs work

Most tours and attractions consider Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) a crucial piece of their distribution strategy.

OTAs were the fastest-growing distribution channel for tours, activities, and attractions before they began to lose market share in 2020 .

Still, OTAs remain powerful booking engines due to their sheer size : Expedia receives 112 million monthly visitors across its network of travel websites, which includes Expedia.com, Vrbo, Hotels.com, Orbitz, and Travelocity.

If you’ve ever wondered, “How do online travel agencies work?” then you’re in the right place. In this post, you’ll learn everything you need to know about listing your experiences with an OTA.

• What is an OTA?

What’s the difference between a travel agent and an OTA?

• How do OTAs make money?
• How do OTAs work?

How do you manage OTA bookings?

When to use an ota as a tour operator, what is an ota .

An OTA is an online marketplace where travelers can research and book their travels, including hotels, flights, cars, tours, activities, and events.

Some OTAs like Expedia allow travelers to book a variety of different services, from hotels to flights to local tours. Others like GetYourGuide and Viator focus solely on tours and activities.

There are also smaller OTAs that focus on a specific niche or geographical location. Tripshock , for instance, is a Florida-based marketplace focused mainly on tours and attractions along the Gulf Coast. Meanwhile, BringFido helps pet-owners find pet-friendly hotels, activities, and events.

Tour operators and attractions often list their tours on OTAs to increase their chances of getting seen by more guests. Most OTAs often reach a global audience that’s significantly larger than a single tour website’s audience.

Listing your tours and activities on a large platform like GetYourGuide can sound appealing. Yet new operators may find it easier to stand out and reach more travelers on a smaller OTA. If you’re a Florida-based attraction, for instance, you could start to sell your tours on a smaller platform like Tripshock, where you won’t be competing with big, global operators.

At the end of the day, these OTAs act as tour and activity resellers. In exchange, businesses like yours pay a commission on every booking made.

With the rise of online booking and digitization of the travel industry, most people now approach their trips with a do-it-yourself mentality. They’ll log onto one of the most popular OTAs and start searching for flights, hotels, and activities on their own.

The approach to trip planning wasn’t always this easy, though. Before online bookings, guests had to plan everything through a travel agent. 

A travel agent is a tourism professional that makes all the necessary arrangements for you. They book your hotels, flights, and more for a fee.

Even today, some people still prefer to go through travel agents to plan their trips. Travel agents remove the hassle of going through an OTA, which presents travelers with dozens of options at multiple price points.

Luxury travelers also appreciate the personalized support that comes with working with an agent. It removes the hassle of trying to figure everything out on their own. Instead, they can tell an agent their budget and what kind of experience they’re looking for. 

Unlike an OTA, a travel agent provides guests with a custom-tailored experience that fits their needs and preferences.

Travel agents have years of expertise in the market, so they often know where to look for the best value deals, too. While travelers may need to pay a premium to work with an agent, they can often score great deals due to an agent’s connections in the industry.

How do OTAs make money? 

Most OTAs make money off of each completed booking, including every flight, hotel room, rental car, tour, or event ticket purchased through the website.

The airline, hotel, tour operator, or attraction selling the service pays a commission fee for every booking made. These fees are typically folded into the final price shown to guests on the platform.

Commission fees can be anywhere from 5% to upwards of 25% of every booking. Before signing up to sell your tours on an OTA, you’ll typically negotiate a rate based on your destination, services offered, and other factors.

How do OTAs work? 

Tour operators and attractions of all sizes can sign up to work with an OTA.

There are dozens of different OTAs out there, so the first step is to choose the one that best fits your niche. Some OTAs like Adrenaline only focus on adventure travel  activities, while larger platforms like GetYourGuide offer thousands of bookable activities that span all categories.

The next step is to apply to be a supplier on your OTA of choice. The application process typically consists of an online questionnaire where you’ll share details about your tour offerings, some background only our company, pricing, and more.

You’ll need to upload photos to visually showcase your experience, as well as come up with a catchy title and description for your experience.

There are typically no upfront costs for listing your experiences on an OTA. A representative will reach out to negotiate commission fees unless a standard fee is already in place.

Your experience will then be listed along with thousands of others on the platform. Every guest that visits the platform will now be able to find you through their unique searches. 

Every OTA uses its own search algorithm in order to rank listings in the search results. Once you’ve chosen an OTA to work with, it helps to learn about its search algorithm to increase your chances of appearing in front of more people.

Guests can then book experiences or purchase tickets through the OTA, and you’ll pay a fee for every completed booking.

When bookings are coming in from several different channels, things can quickly get messy.

This is why it’s key to find a booking software that integrates with your preferred OTAs.

Xola, for instance, offers seamless integration with GetYourGuide and Viator, among other platforms. This makes it easy for suppliers to share their booking schedule across both platforms. Then, the supplier can manage all reservations on their Xola dashboard, no matter where the booking was made.

Without this integration, suppliers would need to manage OTA bookings manually. That is a recipe for overbooking.

If guests are booking your tours directly on your website as well as through an OTA, it’s crucial to gave both linked to one another.

Over a fifth of travelers use OTAs to book all or part of their travel because they’ve grown to love and trust certain brands. And if you’re not listed on their go-to booking platform, there’s a chance your company will never reach them.

Here are three reasons why a tour operator should use an OTA:

• OTAs spend billions of dollars investing in marketing. The reason their audience is so large is that they have the funds to market to a global audience. Since OTAs make money off of actual bookings made, it’s in their best interest to drive as many bookings as possible — hence the lofty investments in marketing. Expedia spent $4.2 billion on sales and marketing in 2021.
• OTAs can help a new tour company or attraction build brand awareness. New companies typically have to make a big upfront investment in search marketing, website design, social media, and paid ads to reach a cold audience. Yet when they list their experiences on an OTA, they’ll start reaching new guests and building brand awareness immediately. Even if guests have never heard of your brand, they will feel comfortable booking a tour because they found it on a reputable website that they’ve grown to trust.
• You can reach a global audience. The biggest OTAs are active in several countries around the world. This makes your listings to travelers far outside your community or even country. Many OTAs also make your listings available in several languages, which is another way to attract an international audience.

Yet there are potential drawbacks to relying on OTAs.

One is that you have less control over your brand’s story. When you list your activities on an OTA, the platform will lump your listing in with various others like it. OTAs typically make most listings look the same to make it easier for guests to compare activity features and pricing.

You’ll have little control over your brand image on these platforms, and your tours can easily get lost in the mix.

OTAs use different search algorithms to rank suppliers and their tours. In order to appear at the top of relevant search results, you need to carefully follow the platform’s recommendations and stay up to date with important algorithm changes.

At the end of the day, OTAs are focused on selling the experience, not the brand behind it. You should keep this in mind as you work on your distribution plan.

Now that you have a better understanding of how OTAs work, you can decide whether they’re the right choice for you.

The biggest and most successful OTAs have thousands of tours and attractions listed, meaning that a whole lot of tour operators and attraction owners felt it was a good idea to work with them.

In other words, if you choose to list your tours on an OTA, you’ll likely be in good company. How much is too much company? You’ll certainly need to invest time in your listings to stand out.

It’s also important to remember that most tour operators and attractions don’t rely solely on a single distribution channel. Even if you’re selling your tours through a third party, it’s always a good idea to devote time to increasing your direct bookings, too.

Writer Carla Vianna

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THE JOURNAL

Travel Advisor Resources

Life as a Remote Travel Agent: Fora’s Guide

The Modern Travel Agency

Fora Travel

https://www.foratravel.com/the-journal/remote-travel-agent

Considering a career as a remote travel agent? We have all the details for you, from how remote travel advisors compare to in-person roles, to what the average day looks like. 

Already know what you’re signing up for? Apply to become a Fora Advisor today.

What does a remote travel agent do?

Nowadays, remote travel agents do just about everything in-person travel agents do, except everything they do is remote (no surprises here). 

Need to start from the beginning? Here’s exactly what a travel agent does .

Is a remote travel agent the same as a virtual travel agent? What services are offered by virtual travel agencies?

The two are one and the same. The only difference between a remote travel agent and a virtual travel agent is the title, which often comes down to personal preference. 

If you want a full breakdown of the different terms that travel advisors use, check out our guide to travel advisor versus travel consultant jobs .

Are remote travel agents in demand?

Every day, more and more travelers are seeking the services of travel advisors over online travel agencies like Expedia and Travelocity. Coupled with an exponential rise in travel over the past few years, remote travel agents are indeed still in demand. 

What does a typical day look like as a remote travel agent?

It’s hard to accurately define a “typical day" as a remote travel agent because every professional has a different schedule and process. 

However, most travel agents split their time between three major tasks: self-marketing, working with clients and research. At the same time, there’s not really a right way to divvy up each task — the cool thing about being a remote travel agent is that you get to decide what works best for you.

Self-marketing: earning new clients

As an independent travel agent , you’ll generally be responsible for promoting your business. Marketing is a huge part of any travel advisor business, remote or otherwise. Without it, no one will know who you are or what you do. 

The most successful remote travel agents typically boast a notable social media presence, run email campaigns and take advantage of other marketing tools. That’s usually in addition to serving their existing professional and social networks (i.e., friends, family, peers). 

If this sounds intimidating, don’t worry. If you sign up to become a Fora Advisor, our membership includes a wealth of travel agent training specifically meant to teach you how to market your travel business like a pro . Even better, we provide tons of marketing tools — from social media templates to your own landing page — to boost your business.

Working with clients: booking trips, planning itineraries & more

Helping clients figure out where to stay in Tokyo , planning trips to the best places to visit in Spain for first timers , booking the coolest hotels in Vegas …this is the fun part. Once you have a few clients in rotation, you’ll find that a good portion of your time as a remote travel agent is made up of planning and booking reservations. 

Not so coincidentally, this is another area where Fora offers a ton of help. Our proprietary booking platform allows Fora Advisors to make reservations at nearly 30,000 hotels globally, dramatically cutting down booking times. Plus, of those hotels, almost 5,000 and counting are preferred partners , where advisors can score their clients awesome perks.

Research & networking: improving your business across the board

Finally, the best remote travel agents devote a portion of their time to improving both their services and travel knowledge. This could be finding ways to improve their marketing efforts — like learning how to build a sales funnel within a travel context — working on supplier partnerships (e.g., hotels, tour operators, etc.) or simply researching destinations to craft better itineraries. 

Fora delivers here, too. All Fora Advisors can access Forum, our in-house community platform that allows travel advisors to ask questions — no matter how small — and share knowledge, tips and deals. It’s an inclusive environment that’s built around collaboration (rather than competition), and the wealth of material that exists within Forum is staggering.

Remote travel agent FAQs

Have more questions about remote travel agents? We have answers.

How exactly does remote travel planning work?

Just like in-person travel planning, except it’s usually done over a computer or phone. The exact methods are often left up to the advisor and client, but emails and calls (either via Zoom or over the phone) are typical. Likewise, communication between the travel advisor and supplier takes place remotely. 

Just as remote travel agents are happy to be able to work from anywhere, the same can be said for clients. Think of it from their perspective: would you rather travel to a brick-and-mortar office or work with an agent from anywhere in the world?

Is it worth it to become a remote travel agent?

Is being a travel agent worth it ? We sure think so. Of all the jobs in the travel industry , travel planning offers the most flexibility. There’s virtually no earnings cap. And your whole job is centered on making people happy (who doesn’t love to travel?). 

As far as being remote, it’s hard to complain about being able to work anywhere that has an internet connection. 

(Still unsure about becoming a remote travel agent? Hear 8 reasons to become a Fora Advisor , straight from the source.)

Do you have to work full time or can you sell travel as a side gig? Is this a good career path?

As far as careers in travel and tourism go, becoming a remote travel agent is a pretty sweet deal. Some travel agencies do require full-time commitments, but we prefer flexibility. At Fora, you can plan trips as a travel side hustle , travel agent career or anything in between. It’s totally up to you. 

Intrigued? Sign up to become a Fora Advisor today.

Do remote travel agents make good money? Can you earn a living?

It takes patience and dedication, but yes, remote travel agents can make very good money (see our guide to how much travel agents make for specifics). Our top earners make six figures, and the average Fora Advisor still makes enough to be comfortable (looking for the best remote jobs for moms , perhaps?). It’s also worth noting that many Fora Advisors pursue travel planning as a side gig, which we also fully support.

What’s the typical salary of a remote travel agent?

The typical Fora travel advisor salary varies. Again, many Fora Advisors choose to work part time, but many still earn covetable income. The more you book, the more you earn.

Are there different types of remote travel agents?

There are indeed different niches and travel agent jobs out there, including Disney travel agents , luxury travel advisors and corporate travel agents . 

Some remote travel agents also specialize in booking travel to specific destinations, such as the best places to visit in Hawai‘i .

(P.S. Love the idea of catering to a high-end clientele? Learn how to become a luxury travel agent .)

Is being a remote travel agent stressful?

Working as a remote travel agent can be overwhelming at first, but advisors who stick with the profession will tell you that the pros far outweigh the cons. We offer plenty of travel agent training and tips for how to be a successful travel advisor to get you through the tough parts. But as a Fora Advisor, you get to determine your own schedule, and can work as much or as little as you'd like. Over time, many find that managing the different aspects of being a remote travel agent is quite enjoyable.

Want to become a remote travel agent online? Join Fora

Ready to become a travel agent online ? Apply to become a Fora Advisor and kick off your travel career today.

Looking for more travel advisor resources? Check out these articles as well:

What Does It Take to Become a Travel Agent?  

How Long Does It Take to Become a Travel Agent?  

Travel Agent Certification: Options and FAQs  

How Do Travel Agents Get Paid (& Why Fora Does It Differently)  

Why Group Bookings Are Great: Tips from an Expert  

5 Types of Bookings You Can Make as a Fora Advisor (That Aren’t Hotels!)  

How Do Travel Agents Get Clients? Fora's Top 5 Tips

Are you the go-to person for travel tips?

Transform your passion for travel into your dream job. We'll set you up with everything you need to succeed as a travel advisor. From training to top-notch tech, marketing assets, community, commission tracking & payments (and more), we've got you.

What Are OTAs (Online Travel Agencies) and Should You Book With One?

Scott Keyes

August 7, 2023

There are two ways to buy flights online: directly with the airline, or via an online travel agency.

Though buying directly with the airline is self-explanatory, online travel agencies (also known as OTAs) are a bit more complicated. When Going sends our members cheap flights , we typically recommend you book directly with the airline, as there are some clear benefits of doing so, but sometimes we'll point you to an OTA if the fare is significantly cheaper there.

And since one of the top questions travelers have is whether a given OTA is reliable, it’s helpful to understand more about what OTAs are before deciding for yourself if the potential savings are worth it.

What are online travel agencies?

Online travel agencies are companies that sell you flights, online. They act as a middleman between airlines and consumers, though their prices can often be cheaper than booking direct.

Most people are familiar with top OTAs like Expedia , Orbitz , Travelocity , Hopper, and Priceline . There are hundreds, if not thousands, of smaller OTAs as well, and more pop up all the time. Some smaller ones include OneTravel, Kiwi, GotoGate, JustFly, Vayama, Tripsta, TravelMerry, ExploreTrip, Kiss&Fly, Webjet, Travelgenio, Bookairfare, Fareboom, Skybooker, Travel2be, OneTwoTrip!, and eBookers.

How do online travel agencies work?

Online travel agencies work by plugging into a “ global distribution system ,” which is a fancy name for the market where airlines tell distributors what they’re charging for their flights.

When you book directly on an airline’s website, your ticket typically gets issued almost immediately. That’s because the airline is both the seller and provider of the ticket, so it’s rare that their system allows them to sell something they don’t actually have in stock.

With OTAs, especially smaller ones, there’s a delay between when you purchase the ticket and when you’re issued the ticket. That’s because, unlike the airlines, OTAs don’t actually have the tickets they sell. Instead, the OTA is the middleman, connecting customers with airlines and taking a small commission from the airline in the process.

When you click to buy a roundtrip Delta flight from New York to London for $400, what happens is the OTA charges your credit card $400, then turns around and checks with Delta to make sure that ticket is available at that price. This process can take anywhere from a few minutes to 48 hours; each OTA is different and there are a ton of variables impacting transaction time.

But unlike most middlemen, OTAs don’t typically jack up the price. In fact, they usually offer the same price—and often times a lower price—than you’ll find directly with an airline.

Why are fares sometimes cheaper on online travel agencies?

There are a few reasons why OTAs can sometimes offer cheaper fares than booking directly with an airline. They might:

• Sell flights less than cost . OTAs may sell fares for less than they cost, either as a loss leader (in the hopes you’ll book additional add-ons like a hotel or rental car) or in order to accrue market share (hoping you’ll book your next trip with them as well)
• Pass on the commission . Airlines dole out a commission every time a traveler books their flight through an OTA. The OTA, in turn, may pass some or all of that commission on to consumers
• Specific discounts . Airlines regularly negotiate with OTAs to allow them to sell certain flights at a discount. The airline may not want the lower fare broadcast too widely, so only one or two OTAs are given the discounted rate.
• Less customer support . Many smaller OTAs save money and offer lower fares by skimping on customer support.
• Big change/cancellation fees . Many smaller OTAs charge inflated change or cancellation fees in order to offer lower prices initially.

What benefit can online travel agencies have?

It can be cheaper.  The main benefit of OTAs is they are often cheaper than booking directly with an airline. The same flight selling on United.com for $600 may cost $500 on an OTA, for example.

You can combine airlines for the perfect itinerary. Some OTAs like Kiwi let you purchase multi-airline itineraries. Airlines will only sell you their own flights (or partner airlines’ flights). Some OTAs, on the other hand, will let you buy a single itinerary that crosses the ocean on Delta, say, but then take your final leg on Ryanair.

What drawbacks can online travel agencies have?

The 24-hour rule may not apply. One of the best tools to have in your back pocket when buying flights is the 24-hour rule , which lets you cancel a ticket you booked without any penalty as long as you do so within 24 hours of purchase. This protection is guaranteed by the federal government, but only when you book directly with an airline . Some OTAs like Priceline offer their own 24-hour guarantee, but it’s not required by law and most OTAs make all sales final.

Customer service can be lacking. OTAs, especially smaller ones, often skimp on customer support. This can range from outsourced and minimally-staffed call centers to exorbitant fees if you need to change or cancel your ticket. Of course, this lack of support is part of how OTAs offer lower fares to begin with.

If things go wrong, it gets complicated. In addition, having a middleman can complicate any mishaps because airlines will tell you to coordinate any issues through the OTA rather than directly with the airline. And the OTA may turn around and push things back on the airline, leaving you stuck in the middle.

Mistake Fares are less likely to be honored. Finally, when there’s a Mistake Fare , booking through an OTA carries some risks. Think back to how OTAs operate. Unlike booking directly with an airline, booking through an OTA means going through a middleman, which can delay how quickly you receive your ticket after clicking purchase. For normal fares this rarely makes a difference because the fare is far less likely to imminently change. But for Mistake Fares, which can disappear any minute, that delay in receiving your ticket can be the difference between your purchase being honored and it being politely refunded with the quoted fare no longer being available.

This delay between purchasing and ticketing is one of the reasons why we recommend people wait a week or two before making any non-refundable travel plans. But once you’ve got an e-ticket number with the airline and can see your itinerary on the airline’s website, you should be all set.

How do OTAs make money? 

Online travel agencies make money by taking a commission from the airline, hotel, car rental agency, or cruise line when you book.

(At Going, we don't take any commissions from the airlines when we send our members deals. We make money when members pay for our services, which means our number one priority is making members happy, not getting them to book specific flights that line our pockets.)

Am I going to get scammed by online travel agencies?

If you’re worried that a smaller OTA will take your money and not give you a ticket, don’t be.

The worst you can expect is that, on occasion, you purchased a fare that no longer existed when you bought it. If that happens, they will reach out to you (almost always within 48 hours or less) to tell you your ticket can’t be sold at that price. At that point, you’re given the option to either purchase at a higher price or have the entire transaction voided and your money refunded.

Why do some online travel agencies have terrible reviews?

It's true that some online travel agencies have bad reviews. Does that mean you shouldn't use them? There are two schools of thought here.

The first is that these reviews are worthwhile because other people’s experiences can be instructive.

The second is that the nature of internet reviews tends to skew towards negative experiences. How many people whose flight was uneventful are then motivated to go back and write a review for the OTA they purchased it from?

Another other reason it can be worthwhile to take a nuanced approach to negative reviews is that they tend to come from folks who didn’t understand how smaller OTAs operate. They may have been unaware of the higher change/cancellation fees, outsourced customer service representatives, or the delay between purchasing and ticketing. Obviously those aspects of smaller OTAs aren’t ideal, but its those factors that also allow for often-substantial price savings.

Are all airlines listed on OTAs? 

No, unfortunately not all airlines are listed on all search sites. Notably in the US, Southwest fares aren't listed on Google Flights. Often, smaller regional carriers don't work with the large OTAs so you'll need to search those directly.

Should I book through an OTA or directly with an airline?

This is the million-dollar question. On the one hand, an OTA fare may be hundreds of dollars cheaper than booking directly. On the other hand, it’s completely understandable to be hesitant about booking a flight through an OTA you’ve never heard of before.

There are a few cut-and-dry situations. If the price is the same booking directly with the airline versus booking through an OTA, there’s almost never a reason to book through the OTA.

Conversely, if the OTA price is over $500 off the direct price, of course an OTA is the way to go.

But for more gray-area situations, it mostly comes down to a personal comfort level.

Questions to consider:

• How certain are you to take that specific flight? If there’s more than a 10% chance you’ll want to change or cancel your flights, the initial cost savings may not be worth the potential fees for altering your plans.
• Are the potential savings worth it? If the OTA savings is $5, most people would be wise just to book direct. If the savings start to become substantial, it starts to become a matter of individual comfort. Is paying an extra $50 worth the extra peace of mind of booking directly? $100? $200?
• Is it a Mistake Fare? Because booking through an OTA can lessen the chance a mistake fare is honored, the potential savings should be higher to make it worth it. Someone may prefer to book through an OTA if the savings exceed $50, but might increase that savings threshold to $100 if it’s a mistake fare, for instance.

Join Going and save up to 90% on your next flight. We're not an OTA—we just let you know when fares drop to amazing prices that can save you hundreds.

Founder & Chief Flight Expert

Published August 7, 2023

Last updated January 9, 2024

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How Does a Travel Agency Work?

Free services.

Travel agencies do not charge for inquiries. Customers can ask them about hotels, flights, possible destinations, cruise ship companies, rental cars and more for free. This service is provided free in hopes that customers will choose the agency to book their trip when the time comes. This demonstrates to the customer that the travel agent is well-versed and knowledgeable in the area of travel. It also shows that the agent is wiling to get you the best deal.

Services With a Fee

Most travel agents charge fees for only one thing. Airlines almost never pay commission on booking flights. If this happens, the agent will charge a fee of around $30 to $40. The agent works hard to find the best deals and deserves to be compensated for her work. If commission is available, there is no need to charge the customer a fee. If, however, no commission is possible, a fee is charged.

Commission Services

Travel agencies work by setting up accounts with tons of companies. These would be cruise ships, rental car companies, Disney and much more. When the agent books a vacation for the customer, the customer pays no extra for using the agent, but the agent receives a commission from the company she booked the vacation with. This commission can be anywhere from 10 to 18 percent. Customers really benefit from this service because it doesn't cost them anything extra, and the agent does all the researching for them. The agent will find them the best deals and can make suggestions based on the customer's likes and dislikes.

Business Services

Travel agents provide a real service to businesses. Many times, a company needs to send an employee to a branch in another part of the country. The business can make a quick call to the travel agent and have all of the arrangements taken care of in 30 to 60 minutes. The travel agent then earns a commission for booking the last-minute trip.

About the Author

Alicia Bodine has been a professional writer for 13 years. She has produced thousands of articles for online publications such as Demand Studios, GoBankingRates and WiseGeek. Bodine is passionate about gardening, travel, education and finance. She has received awards for being a top content producer.

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How do travel agencies operate?

There are many advantages for making a booking through an online travel portal, such as the ability to compare travel-related activities and more. we are a leading travel portal development company that offers a wide range of travel portals and travel booking solutions to give your business an advantage. the crm api call offered by the travel agencies is an easy-to-use interface for accessing live product, booking and customer data in real time., travel ceo is a popular web-based travel agency software that automates marketing, sales, operations and finance. the software serves a wide range of travel agencies, from small to large, in-house and internationally. letters that divide users into groups, such as travel agents, travel managers, travel agents and travel planners. a major advantage of the travel agency booking software is the automated mail approval by travel agencies and travel planners. the travel software allows you to create a travel plan for a travel agency that can be executed excellently. , travel ceo is one of the most popular travel agency software company in the world with a plentiful of users. it would be difficult for a company to find, analyze and select the best solution on the market. but with travel ceo , it will be very easy to get business information about the system with this software. travel software company is really in need of this software with all the travel operations..

Previous Post Is online travel agency profitable?

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How to Become a Travel Agent and Work From Home

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

Becoming a virtual travel agent might be your ideal work at home career path!

Working as a travel agent might seem a little outdated 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-related headaches.

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

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

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

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

What Skills Do You Need to Be a Travel Agent?

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

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

Getting Started as a Work at Home Travel Agent

According to Host Agency Reviews, travel agents with three years of experience make an average of $46,400 per year . However, there are some travel agents making six figures per year. It all depends on your experience, the number of clients you retain, hours worked, and commission and support from your host agency.

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

Remote Travel Agent and Consultant Jobs

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

To start, you may want to explore:

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

Exploring Host Agencies

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

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

How to Select a Great Host Agency

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

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

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

Perks of Becoming a Travel Agent

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

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

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

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

Other Ways to Make Money in the Travel Industry

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

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

Customer Service Representative

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

ESL Teacher

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

• EF (Education First)
• International TEFL Academy

Local Coordinator

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

Social Media Marketer Specializing in Travel

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

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

Travel Writer

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

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

Travel Blogger

If you prefer to write and document your own travels, start a travel blog ! With blogging, you can make money with affiliate marketing, ad networks, sponsorships, product sales, and more! The great thing about blogging is it's affordable and easy to set up, and there are many free ways to promote your content through social media. My friend, Julie Bonner, has a travel blog where she documents her family's RV travels. In one year, she was able to generate $5,000 a month from her blog, all while traveling the United States and Canada.

Travel Influencer

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

Travel Nurse

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

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

Holly Reisem Hanna is the Founder and Publisher of the award-winning career website  The Work at Home Woman.

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American airlines changes passenger rules for earning miles — and travel agencies are pissed.

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American Airlines has multiple travel advisors up in arms after it announced plans to restrict AAdvantage Miles earnings for certain booking agencies.

The airline behemoth  announced  in February that flyers hoping to earn AAdvantage miles for their flights will have to do so directly through American, their airline partners, or preferred travel agencies recognized by the company.

The change will take effect on May 1, but American has yet to reveal which agencies will be included in its “preferred agencies.”

The change comes as part of the airline’s effort to minimize costs for agencies using older technology booking systems.

The airline has tried to convince agencies using the older booking systems to upgrade to newer platforms like the one American uses on its website.

While American  announced  a list would be shared in “late April,” agencies unsure if they’ll make the cut are expressing their distaste for the major change.

The American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA), Association of Canadian Travel Agencies and Advisors (ACTA), Foro Latinoamericano de Turismo (FOLATUR), and World Travel Agents Associations Alliance (WTAA) emphasized that any plans to restrict their clients’ earning miles could be detrimental to their agencies.

“It’s clear from the consensus among WTAAA, ACTA and FOLATUR, representing travel professionals around the world, the detriment that American’s decision will have on the travel industry globally,” President and CEO of ASTA, Zane Kerby, told  Travel and Tour World .

Kerby called out American for “operating in bad faith” and was “looking to pad its bottom line at the expense of our valued clients and the millions of consumers who rely on their trusted travel advisor.”

Henry Harteveldt, president of the travel industry market research firm Atmosphere Research Group, told  Fodor’s Travel  the move is a “very inward-looking” perspective on American Airlines.

“It’s not a very consumer-friendly approach, and American is being a bit of a bully here,” Harteveldt explained — adding the move will put loyalty airline members in the crossfire of the company’s dispute with agencies.

Harteveldt believes the move is also being monitored by the company’s competitors, who may adopt the change if it’s a success or whose sales teams may swoop in to poach any American flyers unpleased with the new method.

“As risky as American’s actions are, a lot of airlines are watching to see if it works out well for them, because if it does, I would not be surprised to see United and Delta copy it in certain ways,” he told the outlet.

While the airline is deadset on the change, Brett Snyder — author of the popular travel industry blog Crankyflier and CEO of the travel assistance service Cranky Concierge — said the move could cause “confusion” for the company’s flyers who already are trying to navigate their “frequent changes.”

“The biggest impact will likely be on business travelers who may not have a choice of where to book depending upon company policy,” Snyder told the outlet.

“The fact that American still hasn’t told everyone who is or is not preferred adds more to the confusion.”

As the airline industry waits to hear who American will list as their “preferred agencies,” occasional travelers may also feel the weight of the change, Snyder explained.

He worries that some agencies may not disclose that to their customers during the booking process.

Also, the move could affect cruise lines that book airfares as part of their packages, who may opt against using certain agencies not listed as one of American’s preferred agencies.

The changes will only affect travelers who collect AAdvantage Miles for their flights on American.

Flyers using corporate accounts with American will continue to earn miles for their flights no matter which booking channel they use unless they book a Basic Economy fare.

Travelers collecting miles from other Oneworld partners—the global airline alliance American is a member of with 13 other Airlines, such as British Airways, Qatar Airways, and Malaysia Airlines—will continue to earn miles for American Airlines flights regardless of booking channel.

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How Do Travel Nurses Find Housing?

Housing, travel nurse jobs, travel nursing.

So, you’ve finally found a travel nurse job that checks all your boxes, and you are ready to explore new places, meet new people, and expand your professional horizons. However, in the excitement of embarking on a new assignment, one crucial aspect that can often cause stress is finding housing that checks all your boxes. Securing comfortable accommodation is pivotal in ensuring a seamless experience while on assignment, so how do travel nurses find housing? Let’s dive into some housing options and resources that will help you find a home away from home that meets your needs.

Leverage Agency-Provided Housing

If you’re working with a travel healthcare staffing agency, often times they will offer housing to you as a part of your pay package. This is an incredibly stress-free route for travel nurses to find housing as most agencies will have a housing team that will do all the searching for you, and it’s completely paid for.

For example, Medical Solutions’ team of housing experts will find housing for you that fits your specific needs, including covering all utilities and setting them up before your arrival. All you need to do is specify the number of bedrooms, floor level, preferred amenities, whether you’re traveling with a pet or family, fully furnished or not, and the housing team takes care of it all. This is an especially good route if you’re new to travel nursing and want one less thing to worry about on your list of things to accomplish before you start your first assignment.

Using a Travel Nurse Housing Stipend

Many agencies offering housing to travel nurses will most likely offer stipends if you decide to make your own living arrangement while on assignment instead. How does a travel stipend work, exactly? As part of your compensation package, you’ll get an amount of money that will help you cover the cost of accommodation that you choose. A travel nurse housing stipend is based on the location of your assignment, so the amount you receive for an assignment in California will most likely not be the same for one in Nebraska.

Before committing to a housing option, it’s essential to carefully assess the costs and ensure they align with your budget. Additionally, factoring in expenses such as utilities and parking fees can provide a more accurate picture of the total housing cost. Securing desirable housing in competitive markets requires proactive planning. Travel nurses are often advised to begin their housing search well before their assignment start date. This allows ample time to research options, negotiate terms, and address any concerns that may arise. You can avoid last-minute stress and secure accommodations that meet your needs by staying ahead of the curve. Luckily there are tons of different housing options for travel nurses.

Online Platforms and Communities

The digital age has revolutionized how travel nurses find housing. Numerous online platforms cater specifically to short-term rentals, allowing nurses to browse listings, read reviews, and communicate directly with hosts. Some of the best sites for travel nurse housing are Furnished Finder , Airbnb , and Travel Nurse Housing and they offer many options tailored to the unique needs of travel healthcare professionals.

Furthermore, social media platforms like Facebook have lots of communities and private groups dedicated to travel nursing. Nurses often share housing leads, tips, and experiences, creating a supportive network that can be invaluable when navigating the housing market in unfamiliar locations. Plus, you might find someone with an assignment in the same area or facility you could potentially room with.

Extended Stay Hotels

If you want hassle-free accommodation with minimal commitments, extended stay hotels are a fantastic choice. These options offer fully furnished units with amenities such as housekeeping and utilities and often have discounted rates for longer stays. While they may come at a premium compared to traditional rentals, their convenience and flexibility can outweigh the costs for many travel nurses. A bonus is that Medical Solutions has discounts for travel nurses who choose this route for their temporary home.

Consider Alternative Housing

Flexibility is key for travel nurses; thinking outside the box can lead to unique housing solutions. Instead of finding travel nurse housing, many opt for alternative arrangements like staying with a relative or friend, as well as options like traveling in an RV or being a part of van life. While these alternatives may require more planning and flexibility, they can offer memorable experiences and significant cost savings.

Finding housing as a travel nurse may seem daunting initially, but with the right approach and resources, it can be a manageable and enjoyable part of the journey. By leveraging agency assistance, tapping into online platforms and communities, exploring alternative housing arrangements, and budgeting wisely, travel nurses can find accommodations that provide comfort, convenience, and a sense of home anywhere. Apply today and work with the industry’s best recruiters and housing team who will help you through every step of the journey.

Learn more:

Best Travel Nurse Agency: Finding Your Perfect Fit

• Travel Nursing
• What is the Average Salary for a Travel Nurse
• How Much is a Travel Nurse Salary
• What is a Travel Nurse Salary
• Which States Have a Nursing Shortage
• What States Need RNs the Most
• High-Demand Nursing Specialties
• Where Do Travel Nurses Find Housing
• Do Travel Nurses Get Free Housing
• Travel Nurse Benefits
• Nurses Week 2024: Celebrate with Discounts & Deals

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Andre James and Raiders' O-Line Excited to Work with New OL Coach

The Las Vegas Raiders will have a new look on their offensive line next season. Center Andre James and the Raiders' offensive line is ready to go to work with new OL coach James Cregg.

• Author: Ezekiel Trezevant IV

In this story:

The Las Vegas Raiders already have new faces in their front office and a few new faces on their roster.

There will be even more new additions in the next few weeks between the NFL Draft and the rest of free agency. No unit on the Raiders’ roster has more turnover than their offensive line. After letting Jermaine Eluemunor go in free agency, the Raiders will undoubtedly be adding to their offensive line soon.

However, maybe more importantly, the Raiders have a new offensive line coach, James Cregg, who has many years of experience coaching offensive lines in college and the National Football League. Cregg has spent time with the San Francisco 49ers, the Los Angeles Chargers, the Denver Broncos and even with the Raiders in 2007.

Cregg has had multiple opportunities as the assistant offensive line coach elsewhere; he will no longer be the assistant offensive line coach in Las Vegas. He's earned a promotion.

While the Raiders will have more than a few new additions to their offensive line, they re-signed center Andre James, who has been with the team for the past five seasons. He will likely be one of the Raiders' most essential signings this offseason as his knowledge of the team, quarterback Aidan O’Connell and at least a few other offensive linemen offer the Raiders stability along their offensive line. James will be vital to Cregg's transition to Las Vegas.

James says he and the rest of the offensive line are excited to work with Cregg .

"Yeah, we just had our first meeting today,” James told media members on Monday. “I met him a couple of weeks ago when he first came in here. Super awesome guy. I feel like he has a lot of stuff to teach, and he's just super positive. It's nice to have that type of mentality, especially in the offensive line room. Just the energy he brings to the room, it's going to be awesome to work with."

The Raiders are set on the left side of their offensive line, with Kolton Miller and Dylan Parham lining up on that side of James. The right side of their line, however, will miss veteran tackle Eluemunor, who departed in free agency. He helped the Raiders tremendously last season. James says he will miss his former neighbor, as their lockers were right next to each other, but James is looking forward to a new venture this season.

 "Yeah, he [Eluemunor] actually just texted me today,” James said. “He's like, 'You miss me yet?' And I was like, 'Yeah, you know I miss you.' He's always chirping, so I definitely miss him, but I’m always in contact with him."

The NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Mich., on April 25-27, 2024. The Las Vegas Raiders currently have the No. 13 overall pick.

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Province paid more than $2.5M for travel nurses to work long-term care homes

Minister says emergency situation justified paying higher wages to private agency.

Social Sharing

Travel nurses brought in to work in long-term care in 2022 earned two-to-three times more than their New Brunswick-based colleagues, the province says.

Minister of Social Development Jill Green told a legislative committee Thursday that long-term care homes were in an emergency situation at the time the department signed contracts totalling just over $2.5 million with two private companies. 

Toronto-based Canadian Health Labs received almost all of that money to provide 55 staff, from February to May 2022, Green said. The company charged a rate of $9,995 for a team of 10 people on an eight-hour shift.

That works out to an average of about $125 per hour, per person, although the hourly rates of pay "are not known by Social Development," according to spokesperson Kate Wright.

In an emailed statement, Wright did say that Canadian Health Labs provided a combination of registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and personal support workers.

• N.B. defends costly use of travel nurses as 'necessary at the time'

In addition to that contract, Green said Social Development struck a $176,000 agreement with Plan A, an agency from Sudbury, Ont., for 34 staff, from February to July 2022.

Hourly wages varied under that contract with Plan A, depending on the position, Green said, with $89.50 paid to registered nurses, $59.50 to licensed practical nurses and $39.50 to personal support workers. 

Those rates are notably higher than what New Brunswickers, working alongside the contract nurses, would have received at the time. 

As per the province's collective agreements, hourly wages ranged from $37 to $45 for registered nurses, $29 to $32 for licensed practical nurses, and $21 to $23 for personal support workers. 

The Social Development contracts are smaller than those struck by the province's regional health authorities for travel nurses, but are among those under investigation by Auditor General Paul Martin.

Opposition parties unhappy with $2.5M price tag for travel nurses

A Globe and Mail investigation found Vitalité Health Network, which oversees New Brunswick's francophone  hospitals, has awarded several large contracts to Canadian Health Labs.

Most recently, a $93-million agreement took effect on Dec. 2, 2022, and will run until February 2026, effectively charging Vitalité $306.70 an hour, per nurse.

• Auditor general begins probe of travel nurse contracts in N.B.

Green told committee members the Social Development contracts were not awarded through the typical tender process.

Instead, she said, the department used an emergency exemption available under provincial procurement laws. 

"There was no intent to hide anything or not speak about it publicly," she said. "As you can appreciate, with 410 [COVID-19] outbreaks that were happening at the time, it was an emergency situation."

The minister noted there were about 4,000 long-term care staff who tested positive for COVID-19 at the time.

Green was not available for an interview about the contracts with CBC News on Thursday.

Social Development does not have any current contract with private agencies, Green said in the legislative committee meeting, but added that some individual nursing homes may still be using that option. 

That's because the province is not always the direct employer of long-term care staff, she said.

"We have not been entertaining any thoughts around hiring agencies like this going forward," Green said. 

"We talked to a few companies, three to four, to assess who had capacity at that time. And then we went with the ones that had capacity because we were in an emergency situation."

• N.B. nurses union seeks end of use of travel nurses, cites 'astounding' $57M cost

Opposition MLAs were not convinced by the minister's rationale for the costly contracts. 

"There could have been a solution worked with the union, worked with our public service nurses," Green Party MLA Kevin Arseneau said. 

"If we needed to go get out-of-province nurses, there would have been other ways to do that than to give this to private companies at incredible prices, all while undercutting our own public service. It's unacceptable as a strategy." 

Liberal social development critic Robert Gauvin said the province should have spent on bonuses or other incentives for in-province workers instead. 

"We have no problems spending three times as much for external workers, and yet we don't give incentive to keep the workers that are here now," he said in an interview.

The New Brunswick Nurses Union and the New Brunswick Council of Nursing Home Unions were not available for comment Thursday. 

However, Paula Doucet, president of the Nurses Union, has previously called for an end to travel nursing contracts. 

"Invest in New Brunswick, invest in New Brunswickers, and invest in New Brunswick nurses. And then maybe we would have a better health-care system for all," she said.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Savannah Awde is a reporter with CBC New Brunswick. You can contact her with story ideas at [email protected].

With files from Bobbi-Jean MacKinnon