How to Start an Online Traveling Business

When sites like Orbitz.com and Expedia.com became popular to consumers, many storefront travel agencies went out of business. Consumers began to spend more time booking inexpensive travel online as opposed to hiring a traditional travel agency. Also airlines reduced the commissions given to travel agents, which reduced their ability to make money. Starting a travel agency online allows you to maintain a business with low overhead, yet offer your customers the best rates for their travel needs.

Instructions

1

Obtain any credentials necessary to be a successful travel agent. Most travel agents have two certifications; either a CLIA certification and an IATAN credential. These credentials allow you to receive discounts on plane, hotel, cruise, and car travel, as well as designate you as a professional travel agent. CLIA (Cruise line international Association) designates you as a cruise specialist. You can obtain your CLIA credential by taking various courses and selling a set number of cruises to customers within a time frame. An IATAN credential may be slightly more challenging to obtain as it requires you to be initially affiliated with a host travel agency and make $5,000 worth of commissions within a set timeframe. Both credentials are not required to be a travel agent, but in order to be taken seriously in your business you will eventually need one or both.

2

Determine what specialization you would like to base your travel agency upon. Your choices may include a general travel site that assists customers with looking for cruises, hotels, airfare and car rentals. Or you can specialize in specific trips like Caribbean cruises, Alaskan getaways or international travel to specific countries. Having a specialization in your travel agency allows you to target a specific niche market, which allows you less competition and higher profits.

3

Consider being an affiliate for existing online travel agencies. If you have limited travel agent experience or have challenges obtaining travel agency credentials, consider working with a company that allows you to pay a small fee and become an affiliate to their agency. Typically you will receive your own website that you can advertise to your new customers and also a back office that allows you to access travel deals that customers may not have the same access to. You will receive a commission off each travel you book.

4

Educate yourself on various countries and travel frequently. Oftentimes, the most successful travel agents are able to sell a trip based on their own experience. Travel to the specific places you plan on offering to your customers so you become an expert on that location. Consider taking courses online on various locations your travel agency will provide. For example, Travel Agent University offer short courses online that allows you to specialize in locations and types of travel.

5

Generate customers and traffic to your online travel agency. Generate subscribers by either writing articles on various travel destinations and link the readers to your website, make postings in forums, and most importantly; speak with your friends and family and obtain referrals to your website.