How to Start a Travel Agency Business in Montana

The sky is the limit when it comes to the amount of income you can make by running your own travel agency. Since Montana does not require any specialized training or licensing of travel agents, the process of setting up your agency is simple. The simplicity allows you to focus more on becoming the best, most informed travel agent you can be. Remember, a travel agency business must stay informed on the most up-to-date travel information in order to compete in today's market.

Instructions

1

Get educated. You must have a high school diploma or equivalent and will also need some vocational training. You will need to know about all kinds of travel destination places, so taking a world geography course will be beneficial. You will also need computer-use and Internet training. Gatlin Education offers an online Travel Agent Program or TAP certification through the University of Montana Western. The Travel Institute also offers classes and webinars to help you stay on top of your game.

2

Purchase Sabre Travel software and learn to use it well. Sabre Travel software allows you to connect to over 400 airlines, 13 cruise lines, 30,000 car rental sites, hotels and more. This software is the hub of your day-to-day operation.

3

Apply for an Employer Identification Number or EIN through the Internal Revenue Service website. See Resources, below. An EIN is the number that the federal government uses to identify sole proprietors, corporations and partnerships. Complete the application online to receive an immediate EIN. You must have an EIN before you can register your business in Montana.

4

Register your business with the Montana Department of Revenue by calling 406-444-3665. The state of Montana does not require licensing for travel agents; therefore you will not need to complete that process after registering.

5

Take advantage of the free online courses that the Small Business Administration offers. Courses offered include but are not limited to starting a business, small business management, surviving a slow economy and marketing your business.

6

Stay on top of the best travel deals and latest travel destinations. The Travel Channel offers lots of programming on vacation spots. You local library should also have a lot of information on destinations. Visit sites such as Lonely Planets Best Value Destinations. Keep informed about how tourism is currently be affected by the economy and weather through sites such as Breaking Travel News.

7

Create fresh travel packages by combining deals on travel and destination spots. Purchase business cards and fliers to begin marketing your new business. Solicit friends and family to build your customer client database. Remember, anyone can become a customer so always keep a customer-service orientation with you no matter where you go and give your business cards to people you meet everyday.