How to Open a Travel Agency

If you love to travel and would enjoy helping others plan vacations or business travel, consider opening your own travel agency. Travel agencies provide a variety of services, like helping clients buy airline tickets or plan a cruise. Sound interesting? Find out what's involved in getting this type of business started.

Instructions

1

Learn the ins and outs of the business by working with a travel agency agency. Hands-on experience in the field can be invaluable.

2

Seek formal training in the industry by taking relevant courses and earning a travel agent certificate.

3

Learn one or more foreign languages, such as Spanish, French or Chinese.

4

Develop a thorough business plan. It should include details about the type of travel agency you want to start, an analysis of competitors, marketing strategies and budget details.

5

Apply for a small business loan if you need funding. If you approach a business lender, you'll need to submit your business plan and provide information about your credit history. Alternately, you can use personal savings, seek a personal or home-equity loan or ask family members or friends for investment capital.

6

Find out what types of licenses and permits you will need to get started and take care of the requirements. This step may involve getting a business license, filing incorporation paperwork or getting a federal employer identification number (FEIN).

7

Choose a location that's visible from roadways, perhaps in a major shopping center.

8

Advertise your travel agency. To maintain steady business, you'll need new customers and repeat customers. Start by building a website, and consider other forms of advertising, such as classified ads or direct mail.