How to Be a Home-Based Travel Agent

If you want to start up your own business, the first thing you need to do is find an idea for your business. Matching up your business with your interests increases your chance of success. For instance, if you like to travel, becoming a home-based travel agent may be the right job for you. Unlike many other agents, such as real estate agents, a travel agent does not require any special licensing or schooling, though some states do require you to pay a bonding fee.

Instructions

1

Research travel agent hosting companies. These companies serve as a support for home-based travel agents and give you access to book vacations the same way as other travel agents do. Each one charges different amounts to join and offers different services, including training, special discounts for agents and commission rates.

2

Join a travel agent organization, such as the Air Traffic Conference or International Airline Transportation Association. These organizations offer suppliers and deals for travel all over the world.

3

Sign up for a home-based travel agent host to get started in the field. Some of them offer you training to help you succeed. You may even receive your own website to use for your business.

4

Pay into the bonding or restitution program your state offers for home-based travel agents. Some states require that you join this program to protect your clients. Even if your state does not require it, you should still pay into your state's program to protect yourself and your clients.

5

Complete all of the training your host offers to you. The information you learn is invaluable and will help you along the path to success. If your host doesn't offer a training program, seek out a home study course. The training should cover information like how to book flights and hotels, how to put together a full package, how to find the best deals, and customer service tips.

6

Set up a website if your travel agent host does not provide one for you. If you are unfamiliar with basic web design, you may want to hire a web designer to create your website. This requires extra money out of your pocket, but a well-designed website increases your potential for success.

7

Purchase business cards with your information printed on them, such as your name, the business name -- if you have one -- email address, phone number and website. Distribute these cards to your family and friends, post them on bulletin boards and leave extras with anyone who is willing to pass them out for you.

8

Place ads to advertise your home business and gain new clients. Use free Internet classified ads as well as paid newspaper ads. The more places you advertise, the more potential clients you will reach.