Question for travel agents

[steff613]

I absolutely love traveling, I think i actually enjoy the planning more than the trip itself, I would like to hear from any travel agents out there, is there any $$ to be had in the travel industry or what perks are there? What would be the best way to go about becoming a home based travel agent? Thanks for any info you can provide!

[LisaM]

Hi Steff

There is $$ to be made in the travel industry, especially if you can specialize. The perks typically include incentives from suppliers (hotels, resorts, etc) to frequent their establishment and help draw business from there. Plus when all is said and done you can write all your travel off on your business if you are home based.

Access to standard discounts requires an IATA number. That entails a lot of "stuff", but keep in mind that you really only "need" one of those if you plan to book flights as well.

If you love travel and planning, you may want to do it part time to see how it pans out for you.

[steff613]

Lisa,

do you know of a reputable online class i can take to become a home based travel agent? Is it better to be an independent agent or to be associated with an agency? Any info you can share is much appreciated!

[LisaM]

The advantages of linking to an existing travel agent is immediate access to their IATA number, however they will take a % commission off of each sale. In my view it was a little difficult to swallow since I was working personally with my suppliers to get my discounts, not using a "travel agent d/c" automatically.

Are you looking to be able to "general travel"? ie broad based travel arrangements (air/lodging/car rentals, etc)? Or specialized (safaris, guided travel to your area, adventure tours). That makes a difference in what way you may want to go.

Critical steps along the way?
1. Business Plan
Financing/Investment
Advertising Plan
Mkt research (understand what you're competing against, identify your niche)
2. Checklist of basic business start ups (licenses required, state requirments, tax filing info, legal documentation necessary)

Actually if you go the small business association site, they have great guides on small business start ups.

3. Web site development

Feel free to email me directly if you have specific questions!

[bku]

Hi Steff,

I am one of the partners of a tour operating firm in India by the name
The Wandering Tribes. We are doing very well in the domestic market but recently started (From 2003) our operations in the US. We are looking for Travel Agents to form alliances.
This will be on a commission basis. All you do will be to divert any travel enquiries towards us and if it matures you will get a portion of what the clients pay. To make sure that you get a cut, billing can be done through you, that is you can take the money from the customers and after deducting your cut, give the rest to us or we issue the invoice and later pay you the percentage.

Please look at our website and let me know what you think.

http://www.thewanderingtribes.com/index1.html

Sincerely,
Biju Ubaid
bijuku@hotmail.com

[kviquez]

If you become an affiliated travel agent you save 60% on all reservations plus upgrades, and incredible packages only available for us.
It's a great way to make some serious extra money and save some with your own traveling.
It's worked for me...!!
http://www.kviquez.prttravel.net
Let me know if you are interested.

[Terryh]

Steff,


If your serious about the travel industry you really must check into out network. we handle Cruises, Airline reservations, Hotel, and car rentals as well. We also handle group tours and even Business travel. I have begun to specialize in Incentive Corporate travel for businesses. There is some serious money in this industry and I am getting my share...lol.