It wasn’t in my plan to be a travel agent. I stumbled on it accidentally as I was trying to find writing jobs to earn more income and not lose my apartment. Perhaps it was fate, God, the ancestors, or just dumb luck.
As much as I love travel and have traveled, it’s never crossed my mind to make it a profession to help people with their travel. That’s mind-blowing because it utilizes my best skills: personal assistance, research, and writing. But better late than never, right?
As a newcomer the best way to start is to get a host agency. The one I am with is called Archer Travel Service. They are also the ones who gave me my certification. The good thing about being under a host is that you have unlimited training and marketing resources at your disposal.
There is a $69.94 monthly membership but compared to other agencies where the fees were higher, $70 doesn’t seem so bad. Fortunately, this fee can be waived if you get a new agent signed up.
Included in membership is the travel agent certification, access to exclusive agent deals, a community of other agents that support and help you grow your business, marketing materials, and more. You can focus your business on getting travel clients, new travel agents, or both. With my host, pay is 2x a month and commission based through suppliers (Disney, Expedia, etc).
But why is being a travel agent the best at home career? Because it’s flexible and in demand. We’re in a better place than we were in previous years, and people are trying to get out as much as possible. The ARC reported that Travel Agency Air Ticket Sales increased by 328% (from 2020), and the numbers are predicted to continue to rise.
With all the things we must do to take care of ourselves and others, flexibility is necessary. By being a travel agent, you can work from anywhere. All you need is a laptop and internet. You can work at your own pace, hours, and days. Most importantly, you are not limited to what kind of service you can provide.
You can offer Disney packages, cruises, luxury experiences, land adventures, group trips, and more. While some people niche, it is not a requirement. It’s up to you to decide who you want as your ideal client.
If you go on any popular social media, you’ll see a variety of people in the travel industry, from single parents to students and people of all ages. Getting certified is simple and learning the industry is very fulfilling.
It’s only my second month, and I’m excited to continue growing in knowledge and connections. If you’d like to learn more about Archer Travel Service and being a consultant, check out my website.
My Luxurious Travel 