Why I Decided to Become a Travel Agent

Hey guys! It's been a couple of months so I wanted to come back to update you on a new venture of mine. I'm an independent travel agent now!

If you follow me on Instagram and YouTube, then it's no secret that I love to travel. I'm always trying to plan the best trips for myself and my friends while looking for ways to save money on travel. I also have a dream of creating awesome group trips for like minded people. So, I figured becoming a travel agent seemed like the most logical step to help save money on travel and become a better travel planner.

I know what you're thinking... "Being a travel agent is an outdated concept and no one needs them anymore." But, that's far from true! There is still a need for travel agents.

Travel is becoming more and more important to consumers. Millennials now incorporate travel into their life goals and budgets (which is definitely me..I have a savings account dedicated to traveling). And, although many consumers can book their own trips online, they will pay for travel expertise to give them the most authentic experience abroad. Travel agents still hold the knowledge. So, people are returning to travel agents for their expertise and quality travel experience. Not to mention, the travel agent industry is projected to generate 17.3 billion U.S. dollars in revenue by 2020. Don't miss out on that sch-money!

Are you looking to monetize a travel blog? Do you love to travel and want the opportunity to travel more? Or maybe you’re looking for a side hustle? Becoming a travel agent could be the job for you!

Here are 7 reasons that I became an independent travel agent.

1. You can travel MORE for LESS

Being a travel agent gives you the opportunity to take trips at a discounted rate. Most travel suppliers offer discounts to their agents that book with them. Some even offer an even greater discount if you complete their brand specific training. A lot of these discounts aren’t advertised; however, they can make a major difference when traveling.

2. You can work from anywhere

Right now I'm still working my full time job as a systems engineer. BUT, when my travel agent income gets to a point where I can quit my job, I can do that and have have ability to work from anywhere in the world. As a travel agent, your only job is to book and sell travel to customers. However you decide to do that is purely up to you! You have the opportunity to sell your Bali trip while in Bali, while sipping a latte in a local coffee shop, or you can simply work at home. The sky's the limit!

3. You don't need a degree

Long gone are the days where you need to get a degree in order to sell travel. You can become specialized in certain travel areas but it isn't REQUIRED for you to have any formal education.

4. As a consumer, there are limitations in what you can book

For instance, you cannot book more than 7-9 flights at one time, you can't block a large number of hotel/resort rooms, you're limited on the number of cabins you can block on a cruise, and you can't book too far in advance. There are also things you cannot access such as payment plans or select luxury travel suppliers. These limitations force consumers to book directly through the airline, hotel, resort, or cruise line. Or, become forced to find a travel agent.

5. You can choose your own host agency

A host agency is a network that is accredited with ARC/IATAN and serves as your covering in case something goes wrong. If you join a host agency, there are even more benefits: more commissions, networking opportunities, technology, education, tools, higher commissions, and access to lots of travel deals! You will become part of a family. Plus, it's cheaper than starting your own agency from scratch. THOUSANDS of dollars cheaper.

I chose an agency that has 25 years of experience and is considered the original home based travel agency. They're recognized by every major travel supplier, including every resort and hotel brand, cruise line, vacation company, car rental agency and tour operator in the world. With them, I was able to start my travel business with a very low overhead.

6. Why pay everyone else when you can pay yourself

I know what you're thinking..."I book my travel on Expedia. They don't get a commission on what I book. Only travel agents do." WRONG! No matter where you book travel, a commission is built inside of the price.

When you book on sites like Expedia, Booking(.com), and Hotels(.com), even when they say you're receiving a good deal, they earn a commission for your travel. You do the work by entering all of your own info such as travel dates, destinations, number of travelers, and your payment information. You receive a booking confirmation, but the website receives the commission check.

If you book through a travel agent they'll earn the commission.

If you book directly through the supplier (i.e. hotel/resort/cruise line/rental car/airline), they keep the commission and pay their own staff!

Travel suppliers are paying commission anyway. So, why not get paid to do what you're already doing?

7. You can travel A LOT MORE for LESS

So nice I had to say it TWICE! As a travel agent, you get access to something called FAM TRIPS. FAM trips are short for “familiarization” trips. They are discounted, round trips intended to get you familiar with a destination so you can sell them better to your clients. However, it isn't your typical laid-back vacation. Most of them have a jam packed itinerary so you can experience all things related to that destination. Plus, they can be low priced! (And I mean 7 nights in 3- and 4- star hotels in Athens and on the islands of Paros and Santorini in Greece, airport transfers and ferries, tours of major sites, daily breakfast, AND 3 lunches and 3 dinners all for $599 PER PERSON!)

You also have access to thousands of discounts with other travel companies!

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There are many amazing ways you can work and make money in the travel industry. But to me, becoming a travel agent is worth your while. You learn the ins and outs of all types of destinations, you get travel deals for yourself, AND you have the freedom to work from home. The travel agent industry is changing, and you could be part of it!

If you're interested in becoming a travel agent, I can help you get started! I can show you how to travel more for less, leverage the travel industry to generate additional income, and create a travel business (with low overhead) from the comfort of your own home. If you're interested, sign up below to get more information!

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