Listen to the episode od the podcast here:
If you’ve ever thought:
“I love travel… could I actually become a travel agent?”
You’re not alone.
I hear this question all the time.
People ask me things like:
- How do I become a travel agent?
- Can I actually make money doing this?
- Is there still a need for travel advisors?
- What happens between signing up and getting your first client?
So today I want to walk you through the real step-by-step roadmap from the idea of becoming a travel agent to booking your very first client.
And I’m not going to romanticize it. I’m going to show you the real behind-the-scenes process — the things that actually matter when starting a travel business.
Because being a travel advisor is so much more than posting pretty vacation photos.
It’s relationship building, marketing, systems, client care, and business ownership.
But if you’re willing to learn and grow, it can also be incredibly rewarding and a lot of fun.
Let’s break it down.
Step 1: Decide This Is a Business (Not a Hobby)
Before you worry about training, suppliers, or marketing, you need to make one important decision:
Is this a hobby, or is this a business?
Because if you treat it like a hobby:
- You’ll work on it inconsistently
- You’ll get frustrated by slow results
- You’ll likely quit before you gain momentum
But when you decide:
“I am building a real business.”
Everything shifts.
You show up differently.
You learn differently.
You treat clients professionally.
And that mindset is the foundation for everything else.
Step 2: Choose Your Travel Business Structure
There are two main ways to become a travel agent:
Option 1: Start Completely On Your Own
Technically you can start a travel agency independently.
However, I do not recommend this for beginners.
Starting alone means you must:
- Register with every travel supplier yourself
- Build relationships with cruise lines, hotels, and tour companies
- Obtain your own CLIA or IATA number
- Manage commission tracking
- Handle supplier contracts
- Reconcile payments
It’s a huge amount of work.
Option 2: Join a Host Agency (Recommended)
Most successful travel advisors begin by joining a host agency.
A host agency provides:
- Supplier relationships
- Access to booking systems
- Commission contracts
- Training
- Support and mentorship
- Community of other travel advisors
Instead of building everything from scratch, you can plug into an existing structure.
For example, many host agencies offer commission splits such as 70/30, meaning you keep 70% of the commission you earn.
This allows you to focus on what actually matters:
- Marketing
- Client relationships
- Booking travel
Step 3: Get Legal and Professional
Once you join a host agency or decide your structure, it’s time to handle the professional setup.
Important steps include:
Sign Your Independent Contractor Agreement
Most travel advisors work as 1099 independent contractors.
This means:
- You run your own business
- You set your schedule
- You manage your clients
- You control your marketing
But you still follow the operational systems of your agency.
Set Up Your Business Banking
Keep business and personal finances separate from the beginning.
This makes bookkeeping and tax preparation much easier.
Understand Commission Timelines
One thing many new travel advisors don’t realize:
Commissions are usually paid after travel occurs.
In most cases, travel suppliers pay commissions 30–60 days after the trip is completed.
That’s why good systems and tracking are essential.
Get Errors & Omissions Insurance
Errors and Omissions Insurance protects you if something goes wrong with a booking.
Even if your agency provides coverage, many advisors still carry their own policy for additional protection.
Use Strong Terms and Conditions
Contracts and booking terms protect both you and your clients.
These documents help prevent issues like:
- Chargebacks
- Misunderstandings
- Liability disputes
Having professionally written agreements is incredibly important in the travel industry.
Step 4: Complete Your Training
Before you start selling travel, you need to understand how booking actually works.
This includes:
- Supplier training
- Booking systems
- CRM tools
- Payment processes
- Cancellation policies
For example, if you plan to sell:
- Disney vacations
- Cruises
- All-inclusive resorts
- Guided tours
You should complete those suppliers’ training programs first.
These trainings are usually free and incredibly helpful.
They teach you:
- What products exist
- Pricing structures
- Promotions
- Booking procedures
This knowledge builds your confidence quickly.
Step 5: Choose a Starting Focus
You do not need to niche immediately.
But it helps to start with a primary focus area.
Examples might include:
- Disney vacations
- Ocean cruises
- River cruises
- Europe travel
- All-inclusive resorts
Starting with one focus allows you to:
- Build expertise faster
- Create targeted marketing
- Speak confidently with clients
Later, you can expand into additional travel types.
For example, when I started my business, I focused heavily on Disney travel, then expanded into cruises, river cruises, and international trips.
Step 6: Tell People You’re Booking Travel
This is where many new travel advisors freeze.
They think they need:
- A perfect logo
- A full website
- 30 days of content
- Professional branding
You don’t.
Your first client will likely come from your warm network.
That means:
- Friends
- Family
- Coworkers
- Social media connections
All you really need to say is:
“I’m officially booking travel and would love to help you plan your next trip.”
That simple.
Step 7: Start Conversations
Bookings don’t come from pretty posts alone.
They come from conversations.
Start asking questions like:
- Are you planning any trips this year?
- Have you ever done a cruise?
- Are you thinking about Disney?
When someone shows interest, move them into your quote process.
Step 8: Book Your First Client
Here’s a simplified version of a typical booking workflow:
- Initial conversation or inquiry
- Send a travel quote form
- Research trip options
- Send travel proposal
- Client chooses option
- Collect deposit via secure form
- Confirm booking with supplier
- Send confirmation and itinerary
- Continue trip preparation support
After the trip is booked, the real service begins.
Travel advisors help with:
- Pre-trip planning
- Documentation reminders
- Excursion recommendations
- Travel preparation
And after the trip?
You follow up to build a long-term client relationship.
Common Mistakes New Travel Advisors Make
Here are some things I see new advisors doing that slow down their progress.
Over-training
Learning endlessly without ever taking action.
Waiting for Perfect Branding
Your logo doesn’t book clients.
Conversations do.
Comparing Yourself to Experienced Advisors
Someone with 10 years of experience started exactly where you are.
Only Posting on Social Media
Bookings come from relationships and conversations, not just posts.
What Actually Builds Momentum
Successful travel businesses grow through:
- Consistency
- Visibility
- Conversations
- Continued learning
- Exceptional client care
You don’t need 100 clients.
You need one client, then two, then five.
Momentum builds from there.
Your Next Step
If you’re thinking:
“I think I want to do this.”
Then the next step is simple.
Take one aligned action:
- Research host agencies
- Book an information call
- Start supplier training
- Announce your travel business
- Reach out to potential clients
You don’t need to see the entire staircase.
You just need to take the next step.
Interested in Becoming a Travel Advisor?
If you’re looking for a supportive place to start your travel business, I invite you to explore joining my agency:
At Last I See the World Travel
We focus on helping driven travel advisors build successful travel businesses with:
- Systems
- Strategy
- Training
- Community support
If that sounds aligned with you, check the links below to learn more or fill out the interest form.
Travel advisors don’t just book trips.
We build relationship-driven businesses that help people create unforgettable memories around the world.
And if this is something you’re dreaming about…
You absolutely can do it.
✨ Create and own your magic.
Want info on joining at Last I See The World Travel LLC?
