1. The Travel Industry is Complicated
Loving travel and being able to book your vacations does not equate to successfully booking and planning trips for others. When one chooses to become a travel advisor, they become liable for others’ plans, which is not the same as booking a trip for oneself.
This Means As a Travel Agent, You Must:
- Understand customer service intricacies for delays, cancellations, and missed connections.
- Learn how to customize a packaged vacation based on customer needs and customizations.
You’ll need information relevant to travel suppliers as well. Suppliers (tour companies, hotels, cruise lines) provide agents commission for booking travel. Each supplier has their own prices and rules; your job is to understand which suppliers apply to which situations, how they operate, and it’s your responsibility to ensure your clients get value from the experience.
Then there’s crisis management. If anything should go wrong on a trip, your client expects you to provide services to resolve the issue. Learning how to take a problem to the next level, advocate on behalf of your client, and crisis manage puts you ahead of the game as a reputable service provider.
Lastly, business essentials. You need viable terms and conditions, liability insurance, and coverage of all types to keep you protected. This isn’t the fun part of traveling, but it’s necessary to keep your business active.
2. Choosing the Right Setup For Your Goals
This is one of the most important, and most overlooked, part of starting a travel business. If you choose a setup that isn’t aligned with your long-term goals, you could find yourself trapped, frustrated, or even having to start over.
Before you dive into any program or join a host agency, stop and ask yourself:
- What are your long-term goals for this business?
- Do you require this to be a full-time income or side hustle?
- Are you trying to replace your 9–5, obtain location freedom, or create a business that you can scale?
There is no correct or incorrect answer, but the response should guide your setup. As an example, if you’re looking to create a team or work solo in the future, joining a host agency with restrictive contracts might not be a good fit. On the other hand, if you only want to book a few trips each year, that kind of setup might be perfect.
We recommends completing a free masterclass with Wanderlust Campus to get a clear overview of the different types of setups in the industry. It’s a no-commitment, educational experience to allow you to make a solid, informed decision before investing time and money into something that will not fit your goals.
When Starting a Travel Business, You’ll Most Likely Be Working as a Contractor, Not an Employee
Another huge misconception regarding working under a host agency is that they will provide you with all the training, framework, and assistance you would get in a standard employment. Most travel agents are hired on as independent contractors, not employees. That means it’s up to you to run your business.
You are:
- In charge of your own training and development
- Accountable for building your tech stack, business systems, and marketing
- Expected to protect your business legally and financially
- Accountable for creating your own customers and establishing your brand
That can sound overwhelming, but only if you go into it blind. When you know what’s coming and have the right training and equipment, contracting actually gives you a lot more freedom and flexibility.
If you like having someone show you how it’s done when you first start out, Careers on Vacation offers a structured way of learning the ropes as you set up your business in the real world. You’re given advice, mentorship, and an entire curriculum to walk you through setting up and opening your business in the right way.
Starting a Travel Business Doesn’t Happen Overnight
It’s not something you can do by just putting it on Facebook and selling vacations. It takes planning, education, and a vision to build something that’s profitable and sustainable.
In short:
- Gain a solid understanding of the whole scope of the travel advisor position—it’s more than selling vacations.
- Choose an organization that aligns with your personal goals
- Recognize that working under a host agency means being a business owner, not an employee.
If you’re serious about starting a travel business and want to avoid common mistakes, explore Wanderlust Campus for free resources, in-depth training, and expert guidance.
