Become a Travel Agent | Earn $60,000± per year

Are you eager to work from home and share your joy of travel with others by assisting them in planning their dream vacations?

Help clients find the best deals & experiences for their trips as a travel agent.

Starting a travel agent career offers the flexibility to work remotely, the joy of creating unforgettable travel experiences, and the potential to earn a great income. This guide will show you how to get started, who this career is for, and how much you can make as a home-based travel agent.

What Is Travel & Tourism?

Travel and tourism is the global industry that comprises the movement of people from one location to another, whether for leisure, business, or personal reasons. The industry includes various services such as accommodation, transportation, tours, and attractions, all of which contribute to creating memorable experiences for travelers.

Travelers might seek relaxing beach vacations, cultural city tours, adventure travel, or business conferences. Travel and tourism are vital to the world economy, supporting jobs and businesses worldwide.

What Is a Travel Agent?

A travel agent is an expert who assists customers in planning, booking, and managing their travel arrangements. Travel agents work with airlines, hotels, cruise lines, tour operators, and other service providers to organize trips that meet their clients’ needs and preferences. They might focus on specific kinds of travel like, such as luxury vacations, cruises, family trips, or adventure travel.

Travel agents offer personalized recommendations, help clients find the best deals, and manage complex itineraries. They also provide customer support, handling any issues that may arise before, during, or after the trip.

As a travel agent working from home, you can work independently or partner with a host travel agency, using your expertise to create custom travel experiences for clients while working from anywhere.

Who Is a Travel Agent Career For?

A career as a travel agent is ideal for individuals who:

• Love travel: If you’re passionate about exploring new places and sharing travel experiences, this career allows you to help others plan their dream vacations.
• Enjoy helping others: Travel agents work closely with travellers to understand their preferences and needs before providing tailored solutions. If you enjoy providing excellent customer service, this role is a great fit.
• Are organized and detail-oriented: Managing travel bookings, itineraries, and deadlines requires you to be very detail-oriented and well-organized. Ensuring that every aspect of a client’s trip runs smoothly is key to success.
• Seek flexibility: Home-based travel agents enjoy the freedom to set their own hours and work remotely. If you value flexibility and independence, a travel agent career offers the perfect balance.
• Have strong communication skills: Building relationships with clients and travel service providers requires excellent communication. If you like interacting and building relationships with people, you’ll thrive as a travel agent.

How Much Can You Make?

A Travel Agent Job Pays: up to $100,000 per year

The income you can make as a travel agent varies depending on your experience, client base, and specialization. Here is a summary of what to anticipate:

• Commission-Based Earnings: Most travel agents earn money through commissions from airlines, hotels, cruises, or tour operators when they book travel for clients. Usually, commissions are between 10% and 15% of the entire cost of the booking. For example, if you book a $5,000 vacation package, you could earn a $500 to $750 commission.
• Annual Income: Entry-level travel agents can earn between $25,000 and $35,000 per year. More experienced agents or those specializing in high-end or luxury travel may earn $50,000 to $100,000+ annually, depending on the number of clients they manage and the types of trips they book.
• Independent and Freelance Agents: Freelance travel agents working independently have more control over their income, but earnings can vary based on their ability to attract clients and market themselves. Some highly successful independent agents can earn six figures by focusing on niche markets or luxury travel.

The potential to grow your income as a travel agent depends on your client relationships, marketing efforts, and specialization within the travel industry.

Where to Find Jobs

1. Dream Vacations

Dream Vacations is a leading home-based travel franchise that helps individuals start their own travel agency business. As a franchisee, you’ll receive comprehensive training, marketing support, and access to exclusive travel deals. This opportunity is ideal for those looking to combine entrepreneurship with a passion for travel.

Payouts: Commission-based; earnings vary based on sales.

Requirements: Initial franchise investment, completion of training programs.

Regions Available: Primarily U.S., with opportunities in select other countries.

How to Join:

1. Visit Dream Vacations.
2. Request more information and speak with a franchise development specialist.
3. Complete the application and training process.

2. American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT)

Amex GBT is a corporate travel management company offering remote positions for experienced travel consultants. Employees assist business clients with travel arrangements, ensuring seamless experiences.

Payouts: Salaried positions; competitive pay with benefits.

Requirements: Prior experience in corporate travel planning; proficiency with GDS systems like Sabre or Amadeus.

Regions Available: Global, with a focus on the U.S. and Canada.

How to Join:

1. Visit the Amex GBT Careers Page.
2. Search for remote travel consultant positions.
3. Submit your application and resume online.

3. BCD Travel

BCD Travel is a global travel management company that frequently hires remote travel agents to assist corporate clients. The company values innovation and offers various roles, including VIP and entertainment travel consultants.

Payouts: Salaried positions; compensation varies by role and experience.

Requirements: Experience with corporate travel booking; knowledge of GDS systems.

Regions Available: Global.

How to Join:

1. Navigate to the BCD Travel Careers Page.
2. Filter for remote positions in travel consulting.
3. Apply directly through the website.

4. AAA – American Automobile Association

AAA is renowned for its travel and roadside assistance services. They offer remote positions for travel agents to help members with vacation planning, bookings, and travel insurance.

Payouts: Salaried positions; includes benefits.

Requirements: Customer service experience; travel planning background preferred.

Regions Available: U.S.

How to Join:

1. Go to the AAA Careers Page.
2. Search for remote travel agent positions.
3. Complete the online application process.

5. Fora Travel

Fora Travel is a modern travel agency platform that empowers individuals to become travel advisors. They provide training, marketing tools, and access to booking systems, making it easier for newcomers to enter the travel industry.

Payouts: Commission-based; earnings depend on bookings.

Requirements: Completion of training modules; no prior experience required.

Regions Available: Primarily U.S.

How to Join:

1. Visit Fora Travel.
2. Apply to become a travel advisor.
3. Complete the onboarding and training process.

6. Cruise Planners

Cruise Planners is an American Express Travel Representative offering franchise opportunities for home-based travel agents. They provide comprehensive training, marketing support, and access to exclusive deals.

Payouts: Commission-based; potential for high earnings with sales.

Requirements: Initial franchise investment; completion of training.

Regions Available: U.S.

How to Join:

1. Visit Cruise Planners Franchise.
2. Request more information and speak with a franchise development specialist.
3. Complete the application and training process.

7. Outside Agents

Outside Agents is one of the largest and most recognized host travel agencies in the U.S. They offer tools, training, and support for independent travel agents to run their businesses from home.

Payouts: Commission-based; competitive commission splits.

Requirements: Enrollment in their program; no prior experience required.

Regions Available: U.S.

How to Join:

1. Go to Outside Agents.
2. Sign up for their program.
3. Complete the training and start booking travel.

8. Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Line offers remote positions for Personal Vacation Planners who assist clients in planning and booking cruise vacations. This role involves sales and customer service, ensuring clients have memorable experiences.

Payouts: Salaried positions; average salary ranges from $80,000 to $85,000 annually.

Requirements: Sales experience; strong communication skills.

Regions Available: U.S.

How to Join:

1. Visit the Carnival Careers Page.
2. Search for remote Personal Vacation Planner positions.
3. Submit your application online accompanied by your resume and cover letter.

9. FlexJobs

FlexJobs is a subscription-based job board specializing in remote and flexible jobs. It features a variety of travel agent positions from reputable companies, ensuring scam-free listings.

Payouts: Varies by employer; both salaried and commission-based roles available.

Requirements: Depends on the specific job listing.

Regions Available: Global.

How to Join:

1. Sign up for a FlexJobs subscription at FlexJobs.
2. Search for remote travel agent jobs.
3. Apply directly to positions of interest.

10. Indeed

Indeed is a widely-used job search engine that aggregates listings from various sources. It offers numerous remote travel agent job opportunities across different companies and experience levels.

Payouts: Varies by employer and position.

Requirements: Depends on the specific job listing.

Regions Available: Global.

How to Join:

1. Visit Indeed’s Remote Travel Agent Jobs.
2. Browse available listings.
3. Apply directly through the platform.

Want to Start a Business?

Step 1: Build a Website

If you would like to start this career as a business, it is essential to know that the success of your travel agency starts with you having an online presence, obviously. Your customers should be able to find you online, and a travel website is exactly what you need…But what if you don’t know how to create one? Well, creating a website with no coding experience is easier than you think with Wix. Wix is our recommended easy-to-use web design platform for beginners, that gives you free domain names, email addresses, web design templates, and website hosting all in one place! Start building your Wix website in minutes!

As a travel agent, you may help others plan incredible travel adventures. Therefore, come along on this thrilling journey into the travel industry and transform your love of travel into a career that is not only satisfying but also involves working from home.