Have you ever dreamt of turning your passion for travel into a rewarding career? Becoming A Travel Agent might just be the perfect opportunity for you. In recent years, the role of a travel agent has evolved, offering exciting new possibilities, especially as an independent agent. Last year, I made the leap and became an independent travel agent, a decision that has not only boosted our family’s finances but also enriched our lives in countless ways. It’s allowed me to further develop my travel blog, embark on more family adventures, and connect with a vibrant community of travel enthusiasts.
Now, as a team leader, I guide aspiring travel agents in building their own successful businesses. I provide them with comprehensive resources, personalized coaching, and expert guidance to master the essential skills needed to thrive in the travel industry and confidently serve their clients.
Why Becoming a Travel Agent Could Be Your Ideal Career Path
If you’re someone who not only loves to travel but also finds joy in planning trips for loved ones, then a career as a travel agent could be incredibly fulfilling. As a travel blogger, I’m constantly immersed in creating itineraries and assisting others in crafting their perfect vacations. Discovering that I could actually get paid to design incredible travel experiences for others was a real eye-opener.
Becoming a travel agent unlocks a world of opportunities, with the most enticing being the chance to travel more yourself. As a travel agent, you’ll gain in-depth knowledge about diverse destinations and expertly plan trips for your clients, all while earning a satisfying commission for each booking.
While it’s true that this career path isn’t for everyone, if you possess a genuine passion for travel, it might just be the perfect fit for you. After all, your work life should ideally be centered around activities you genuinely love.
Understanding the Earning Potential: How Travel Agents Make Money
There are diverse avenues for generating income as a travel agent. The primary method is by managing travel reservations for clients, handling all aspects of customer service and the often-daunting task of travel research. Furthermore, you can expand your service offerings by creating bespoke travel itineraries, making reservations for dining, events, cultural attractions, and providing other personalized travel-related services that go beyond the standard commissioned work.
Partnering with InteleTravel offers a compelling commission structure where you start by earning 70% commission, progressing to 80% once you reach $5,000 in annual commissions. This is recognized as one of the most generous commission splits in the travel industry today.
No Prior Qualifications Needed: Travel Agent Training and Support
One of the most appealing aspects of becoming a travel agent is that no formal training is required to get started. Comprehensive training is provided, and as your dedicated coach, I am committed to guiding you every step of the way. InteleTravel also offers extensive training programs, including ongoing webinars and events, designed to deepen your understanding of the travel agent business and foster your professional growth. These resources include webinars and in-person events focused on specific preferred partners and vendors, enabling you to offer superior insights and travel recommendations to your clients.
Expanding Your Expertise: Additional Courses for Travel Agents
Many of InteleTravel’s preferred partners provide their own specialized training modules, allowing you to learn more about their offerings from the comfort of your home. Destination-specific training courses are also available, providing in-depth knowledge about particular travel locations.
By continually expanding your knowledge of various vendors and destinations, you’ll be equipped to craft exceptional, well-informed trips for your clients. And you’ll always have access to our supportive team for any questions or assistance you may need.
A World of Travel Options: What Kind of Trips Can You Book?
InteleTravel boasts partnerships with over 250 vendors, providing you with a vast array of travel options to offer your clients. You can book a wide spectrum of travel arrangements, including:
- Hotels
- Vacation Rentals
- Cruises
- All-Inclusive Resorts
- Theme Parks and Amusement Parks
- Rail Travel
- Car Rentals
- Tickets for Concerts and Events
- Excursions, Guided Tours, Museums, and more
- Airport Services like parking and transfers
- And much more!
Your Personal Mentor: Guidance Every Step of the Way
I’m Jessica Tejera, and I’m excited to be your travel agent mentor, coach, and team leader. I’m committed to supporting you throughout your journey, not just in the beginning, but continuously. My role is to lead, guide, teach, and encourage you as you build your travel business.
Exploring the Business Model: InteleTravel and PlanNet Marketing
Absolutely! It’s important to me that you feel completely confident and informed about starting your own business. I want to provide you with as much information as possible right from the start, so you can make a well-informed decision.
There are two key business components to consider when you’re starting out. InteleTravel is the platform for becoming a certified travel agent and operating your own remote travel agency from home. PlanNet Marketing offers the opportunity to become a coach and mentor, building your own team of travel agents.
Delving Deeper: About InteleTravel
InteleTravel has a proven track record of over 25 years in the travel industry and maintains an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). It stands out as a leading host agency, offering top-tier commission payouts in the travel agent sector. Their extensive network of preferred travel partners ensures you can create comprehensive and exceptional vacation packages for your clients. InteleTravel is also dedicated to the ongoing education and development of its agents, providing continuous webinars and in-person events for learning and networking with fellow agents and entrepreneurs.
InteleTravel equips its agents with a robust back-office system for managing client bookings, accessing essential resources, and obtaining official documentation to ensure you can operate your business professionally and legally.
Understanding PlanNet Marketing
PlanNet Marketing represents the network marketing aspect of the business. This is where you can build your own team of travel agents, providing coaching and mentorship. Joining PlanNet Marketing is entirely optional; you can be a successful independent travel agent without building a team. You also have the flexibility to join PlanNet Marketing later if you decide to expand your role.
Building a Team: Is it Required?
Not at all! Building a team of travel agents is completely optional and is part of the PlanNet Marketing opportunity. If you decide to grow a team later on, you have the option to join PlanNet Marketing at any time. Many successful travel agents focus solely on serving their clients and running their remote travel agency without building a team. Both paths are viable and rewarding.
Investment in Your Future: Costs and Coverage
The initial investment to become a remote travel agent includes a one-time signup fee of $179.95 USD, followed by a monthly subscription of $39.95 USD. This fee covers essential aspects of your business, including insurance coverage to protect against unforeseen issues like trip refunds. It also provides access to crucial documents, comprehensive training, a back-office system for managing your business, and partnerships with preferred booking vendors. Crucially, it provides you with CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) and IATA (International Air Transport Association) numbers, which are essential for booking cruises, hotels, resorts, flights, and more, and for receiving commissions. Furthermore, your investment is protected by a 30-Day Money Back Guarantee.
Making an Informed Decision: Steps Before Signing Up
Before embarking on my travel agent journey, I thoughtfully considered the opportunity for a couple of months. I wanted to be certain it was the right direction for me and my family. I conducted thorough research, learned about the role of a travel agent, and had insightful conversations with my team leader, Cassie.
I understand that starting a new business is a significant decision and a financial investment. If you’d like to discuss this further with me personally, I’m happy to connect. You can reach out to me via private message through my Facebook page here, or we can schedule a call to address all of your questions. My aim is to ensure you feel confident and at peace with your decision before committing to this exciting new venture.
Getting Ready: Pre-Signup Checklist
To ensure you’re well-prepared to launch your travel agent business, here are a few recommended steps to take before signing up:
- Choose a business name that reflects your brand and travel focus. My guide here can assist you in selecting a great business name and verifying its availability.
- Create a professional email account using your new business name on Gmail.
- Set up a Facebook page to promote your travel agency under your chosen business name.
Ready to Begin? How to Sign Up as a Travel Agent
Click the button (link) below and select “Enroll Now” at the top right corner. Scroll down to “The Travel Business” under “About Us.” Then, click “Purchase Now” and “Purchase Now” again to finalize your travel agent enrollment!
SIGN UP TO BECOME A TRAVEL AGENT
Within your Virtual Office, locate and click the ORANGE button labeled “PURCHASE YOUR ITA NOW.”
The AGENT signup involves a $179 initial fee and a $39.99 monthly subscription. This covers your insurance, website, IATA and CLIA numbers, and access to all preferred booking partners!
Expanding Your Opportunity: How to Sign Up To Build a Travel Agent Team (Optional)
To become a sponsor and build your own team, click the button (link) below. Navigate to “Your Business” and click “Learn More.” Click “Enroll Now,” then “Enroll Now” again, and finally “Enroll Now” one last time. This is for the SPONSOR/REP side of the business, with a signup fee of $19.99 and a monthly fee of $19.99.
The app is NOT required!
Post-Signup: Next Steps
Once you’ve signed up, please email me at [email protected] with the following information. Upon receiving your email, I will send you a comprehensive welcome packet to help you get started, along with my personal contact details so we can stay connected throughout your journey.
- Did you sign up as a travel agent only, or as a sponsor and a travel agent?
- Your Facebook page name and link (if created).
- Your chosen travel business name.
- Your phone number and new business email address.
- Do you have any initial questions about starting your new business?
Still Considering? Let’s Connect!
I completely understand if you still have questions. Starting a new business is a significant decision. Please feel free to email me at [email protected] or reach out via Facebook with any questions you have, so we can discuss the business further. Facebook messenger is the quickest way to get in touch with me.
In Summary: Your Path to Becoming an Independent Travel Agent
Becoming an independent and remote travel agent presents an incredible opportunity if you are passionate about travel. It’s not a get-rich-quick scheme, but it offers substantial potential to build a consistent income stream. The best part is that as your business grows, so does your earning potential. Our community of independent travel agents is highly supportive and motivating, always ready to assist each other and answer questions. We also organize travel agent retreats and events to foster business growth and connect you with like-minded individuals.
If you’re thinking about becoming a travel agent and have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me via messenger on Facebook here. I’m eager to help answer your questions and, more importantly, to get to know you personally.
