How to Run a Travel Business From Home

Running your own travel business takes some work, but it can be rewarding and even fun. You can work your own hours, set your own schedule and be your own boss. The question is, though: how do you start and run a successful travel business from home?

Instructions

Home office

1

Make sure you have a home office. The Internal Revenue Service states that you need to have a work area that you use only for your business, and you need to use it on a regular basis in order for you to take any business deductions. You also need to check with your local county's zoning office to see if there are any regulations about running a business from your home. This also is the time to check to see if you need any county, city or state business licenses for your travel business.

2

Decide what type of home-based travel agent you want to be. If you have very little experience in travel, according to Home Based Business World, you can be a referral agent, which simply refers customers to actual travel agencies. But if you are the type of person who likes to plan trips, and you want to get into the details of the travel business, you may wish to consider becoming a booking and selling agent. As such, you also can specialize in certain areas of travel, such as cruises, "wine country" tours and overseas golf excursions.

3

Educate yourself about travel and travel destinations. There are many suppliers, according to Dugans Travels.com, that offer free travel agent courses. You also may wish to consider learning about as many travel destinations as you can since you will be advising people about many different countries and locations.

4

Using a computer, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, is essential to your travel business because most travel arrangements are made using the Internet or electronic reservations systems. So if you don't already have them, invest in a fast, current computer and Internet connection.

5

Travel, according to Dugan's Travels.com, is always in a state of flux. Knowing this, make sure that you stay up-to-date on the travel industry. You can stay current by reading travel magazines, joining a travel association and developing relationships with suppliers.

6

Find a host agency to work with. By working with an existing agency, you will earn higher commissions because of the combined sales of all the agents at your chosen company, according to Dugan's Travel.com. Another plus: many host agencies provide free training.