If you want to become a travel agent, you'll need to sign up with a host agency as an independent contractor, and this is where things get confusing from the get-go. There are many host agencies, and some seem downright, well.... scammy.

When you submit my interest form, I'll connect you with my host agency and I've worked with for over a year and personally vouch for. Or you can go out and find your own; just be sure to read vetted reviews before making your choice.

A good host agency will provide you with training and other resources you need to learn the ropes of being a travel agent, including ongoing continuing education.

Okay, so this is another area of confusion with the travel agency industry.

Travel agencies are not inherently MLM (Multi-Level Marketing) companies, but some travel-related businesses operate using an MLM model.

One of the biggest and most well-known host agencies (which I will not name here) operates this way, and I originally signed with them (before I knew better), paying a steep monthly fee. I later realized there were other agencies with better business models, and switched to the agency where I am now, and it's the one I recommend.

The way my agency works is a "pay to join" or membership model, where agents pay a $30 monthly fee, which is less than half what I was paying with my former unnamed agency.

It's not "multi level," but "uni level," meaning that every time an agent recruits a new agent, he or she receives $10 per month for that new agent, plus a percentage of their commissions (although this does not reduce or cut into the recruited agent's commissions at all). So basically, if you sign up and then recruit three agents, that covers your monthly TA fee. Recruiting other agents, however, is not a requirement or expectation at all.

This is where there's sometimes a misconception that this is an "MLM." But with my agency, the buck stops there. Unlike a traditional "pyramid scheme," there is no additional "upline" from agents recruited by another agent's recruit.

This means that if you sign up with my same host agency, I will receive $10/month as long as you are with the agency. 

Once you're committed to becoming an agent and ready to sign up, simply complete this interest form.

The reality is that anyone can become a travel agent, with or without experience, and this can be a good and a bad thing.

It's a good thing because it opens the door to anyone interested in becoming an agent. It requires nothing more than signing up and paying the monthly fee charged by the host agency and sometimes completing some basic preliminary online trainings.

It's a bad thing because there are sometimes highly unqualified travel agents out there, booking unwitting clients. That's why I always encourage travelers to vet their agent and ask for referrals before booking with them.

If you're interested in becoming an agent, it's shockingly simple. Either find your own host agency, or fill out my form and I'll connect you with mine. Then, finish registering with them and pay your fee and that's it... you're officially a travel agent!

Good travel agents complete the trainings provided by their host agency and really master their craft. They also engage in professional development (which in our world also means traveling... how fun!) to really learn the ins and outs of what we're advising to our clients.

Good host agencies provide their agents with online training and access to a CRM (customer relationship management) system, which is a database you'll use to enter and track your bookings. Mine provides all of these things, which is one of the things I like about them.

The answer to this is that it depends on the host agency. Host agencies charge varying monthly fees and have different commission splits, which can vary from 60/40 to 80/20.

There are some agencies that do not charge a fee, but many of them require minimum quotas and/or have a less-than-generous commission split (like a 90/10 split).

As I noted in a prior answer, my original host agency (which I do not recommend) charged $70 per month, with a $70 setup fee.

My new host agency, where I've been for a year, charges a $30 initial setup fee and a $30 per month hosting fee. Their commission split is 80/20, meaning agents keep 80%.

Of all the host agencies I've evaluated, this one has one of the lowest monthly fees and highest commission splits, which is why I made the switch. They also provide great training and support to their agents.

Once you complete my interest form, I'll help get you connected and set up with them. Of course you can also do your own research and find your own agency; whatever is best for you!

Okay, I'm not going to touch this one as I am NOT a tax professional. I will tell you that I personally set up an LLC for my business, which includes travel agent services and other things, and I do personally write off my monthly $30 hosting fee on my taxes as a business expense, along with some of my own qualifying travel expenses.

As for commissions income, as an independent contractor you'll need to complete a W-9 form and any such other forms necessary to ensure your host agency's compliance with State and Federal laws.

Everyone's tax situation is different, and this is a complicated subject, so I recommend that you consult with a trained tax professional to discuss your individual situation.

Yes, this is one of the perks of being a travel agent! I cruise often, and MSC Cruises regularly offers $29-$49 discounted cruises for agents. I've also received a free pass for Walt Disney World for completing their training, and other perks. These are just a couple of examples.

Agents can also often participate in what are called FAM trips, which are "familiarization" trips, hosted by various suppliers (hotels, destinations, etc.) to woo agents to their properties to familiarize themselves with the product to then sell to clients.

If cruising is your thing, note that cruise lines don't host typical FAM trips; but rather they offer exclusive ship tour opportunities to agents. Some also offer the aforementioned discounted fares for agents.

For me, the best perk, and why I become an agent in the first place, is to earn a commission on my own travel, since I do it so frequently. It helps subsidize the cost of my own travel, which is a nice perk.

Yep, and that's one of the best perks of being a travel agent! You can work from anywhere, as long as you have a reliable internet connection.

Once you sign with a host agency, you will receive your own IATA number, which is your International Air Transport Association number, provided to accredited travel agencies, airlines, and other entities involved in the travel industry.

This number is essential for travel agencies and professionals who sell travel services because it grants them access to various industry benefits and resources.

Basically, anytime you make or update a booking, you'll need your IATA number (so memorize it once you have it!).

But... you can make and manage bookings remotely -- from anywhere! Ready to get started? Simply fill out this interest form.

Sure, but in all honesty success isn't going to happen overnight. Signing up to become a travel agent is simple, but doing the online trainings, learning the ropes, ramping up, and building a client base that trusts you takes time.

Plus, unless you're booking immediate trips, it will take some time for you to receive commissions, as those don't come until after your client completes their trip.

So unless you have a lot of financial resources to pay your bills, I would not recommend that someone quit their job to become a travel agent.

My advice is to sign up and do travel agent work as a side hustle first. Then, if you're successful and the commissions start rolling in as you build up your client base, then make the move and take the leap into doing it full-time.

I know many highly successful full-time travel agents who live a life of travel, freedom, and flexibility doing what they love, but this doesn't happen immediately. It does take some time. But, if you don't start now... then when will you?

If you want to take that step and become an agent, all you have to do is complete this interest form.

I am very transparent that if you join with my same host agency with me as your referral source, I will receive $10 monthly, just as you will receive $10 monthly for any agent you personally recruit once you've signed on.

I also will receive 10% commission from your bookings, but this does not in any way cut into your own commissions; just as will be the case for any agents you recruit.

I am not "sponsored" in any way by my host agency, nor do I receive any additional compensation or perks for sharing this information.

I also welcome you to do your own research and look into the many other host agencies that are out there. And if you choose one of them that works better for you, that's amazing! But if you want info on my host agency, just complete my form and I'll get you the info so you can compare.

If you sign up as an agent with my host agency and me as the referring agent, I will provide you with free access to my online Travel Agent Squad course where I provide business development guidance. I also provide my agents with cruise travel resources and port guides at no cost that they can then share with their clients.

Plus, once you've successfully booked 10 cruises, I'll add you as a travel agent as part of my team and send you client referrals (see the "travel gurus" on this page).

Nope. My host agency does not require any commitment, obligation, or contract. You pay the $30 initial set up fee and then the $30 monthly hosting fee, which covers access to training, a custom CRM system, personalized website/landing page, and more.

Most importantly, this fee provides you the ability to sell travel as an Independent Contractor through the host agency, including the necessary licensing for all states in the USA that require Seller of Travel licensing or registration.

You are not required to sign a contract if you join through my host agency, and you can cancel at any time, although a 30-day notice is required.

Nope, there aren't any other costs to get started as a travel agent beyond the $30 hosting fee, which makes this one of the lowest risk, lowest investment entrepreneurial venures out there!

Included in the monthly hosting fee is your own customized landing page, so even the web basics are covered.

While not required by any means, however, I recommend that agents invest in a custom web domain through a provider like GoDaddy to personalize their brand and direct that URL to their free website provided by the host agency. Domains are surprisingly affordable; often under $15 per year.

While you can certainly use a free email for your travel agent business, I also recommend agents also buy via GoDaddy a monthly customized email address through Microsoft 365 (this is around $2.99 per month). This gives more legitimacy to your travel agent brand and business than a generic Gmail or other free email service and gives you access to the Microsoft email platform.

You may also consider using an service like Fiverr to hire an affordable freelance graphic designer to customize a logo for your brand (if you use my referral link here you can save 10% off your first order). This can often be done for under $25.

Basically, the beautiful thing about starting your travel business is that there is very low risk and minimal startup cost, even for these "extras."

Per the host agency, joining with them as a travel agent is open to anyone anywhere as long as the agent understands they will be operating as a US agent.

They can book non-US clients and at non-US destinations, but will still be functioning as an Independent Remote Agent for a US Based Agency.

Sometimes yes, sometimes no. I cruise almost exclusively on casino offers personally, and some lines, such as Holland America Line and Carnival, pay commission on these although it's generally a fairly small amount.

On average, my own Carnival casino bookings pay me an average of about $55-75 in commission, but that still helps subsidize the cost of my travel and is money that I otherwise wouldn't have! Other lines, however, like Royal Caribbean, do not pay a commission on casino bookings.

In the travel agent industry, SOT stands for Seller of Travel. This designation refers to the legal requirement for businesses or individuals selling travel services to register as a "Seller of Travel" in certain U.S. states. These states regulate the sale of travel services to protect consumers from fraud and ensure that travel agents operate in a transparent and ethical manner.

The specific requirements for SOT registration vary by state, but it typically involves licensing, bonding, and adhering to consumer protection laws. States with SOT laws include:

• California
• Florida
• Hawaii
• Washington

For example, California's Seller of Travel law requires travel agents to register with the Attorney General's office, and they must display their SOT number to inform clients that they comply with state regulations.

Some states, like Florida, require an SOT annual fee (this is separate and in addition to the $30 monthly hosting fee Florida agents will pay with the host agency). Click here for that application and info.

Individuals residing in these states may still register to sell insurance with my host agency, as the agency has SOTs and are licensed and bonded in all of these states. Depending on the state requirements (like Florida, for example), however, an agent may also need to register and purchase their own SOT, which comes at an annual fee that is the obligation of the agent to pay.

Some host agencies require sales minimums or quotas, so this is always a good question to ask before choosing one.

My host agency does not, which is great because you can build you business at your own pace without pressure.

If you're ready to sign up, just complete this form and I'll send you all the information you need to get going and signed up with the host agency I use.

Once you've officially signed with the host agency, you'll receive access to the agent portal for initial onboarding and training.

Before you'll be able to book with a company, like a hotel, airline, or cruise line (in the industry, these are called "suppliers"), you'll need to complete each supplier's individual trainings, which are all offered online. Most of them have their own online booking portals for travel agents that you'll need to learn to navigate.

There is zero obligation to continue with the agency, so aside from the $30 monthly hosting fee, there is no cost and you can drop it at any time.

You're also welcome to research other host agencies and sign with the one that you think is best for you. If you'd like to move forward with my host agency, which I personally vouch for and recommend, just complete this form.