How to Become a Travel Agent (The TRUTH)

People always ask if I'm a travel agent, and the answer is... I am, and I became one initially for the sole purpose of booking my own travel, especially since I cruise monthly. As I researched becoming an agent and went through the process, I was surprised by how frustrating and confusing the whole process was, so I set out to demystify the industry. In this episode, I cover these travel agent FAQ's:

00:00 Why I became a travel agent and benefits of being a travel agent.
02:40 How do I become a travel agent?
05:06 How do I become a travel agent without joining an MLM?
09:04 Can I become a travel agent without experience?
11:24 How much does it cost to become a travel agent?
12:38 Can I write off becoming a travel agent on my taxes?
13:33 Can I become a travel agent to get discounts?
15:33 Can I work from home as a travel agent?
16:36 Can I quit my job and become a full-time travel agent?
18:37 If I join, what's in it for you and what's in it for me?
20:55 Do I have to sign a contract or is there some obligation?
21:31 Are there any other costs besides the monthly hosting fee?
23:12 Can I still become a travel agent if I don't live in the US?
23:38 What if I live in a state that requires an SOT (CA, FL, HI, and WA)?
24:41 I'm ready to sign up to become a travel agent; what's next?

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[moon.lights.ramblings]

I’m a TA and there is much to learn and do and keep up with.

[QueenSuperJ]

I’ve been searching and searching the internet and social media to try and understand how to become a travel agent, this video was so helpful and informative! Thank you ☺️

[susanlee]

This is such great information! I'm about a year away from pulling the trigger, but I'm excited to start!!!

[timmcreynolds]

We used a travel agent to book our trip to Scotland and England. It was eye-opening to say the least. Our flight from Austin was delayed, first by an hour. Then it was delayed by another hour, so we would have missed our connecting flight from Toronto to Edinburgh. Fortunately, we got in touch with our travel agent, and she was able to cancel our first and second flights to Toronto & Edinburgh. She then found us a different flight that left 2 hours later, following an entirely different path to Newark, then Edinburgh, and putting us in Edinburgh at roughly the same time (within an hour or so) as the original itinerary. She was Magic.
I will book through a travel agent whenever we travel now. It was so comforting to know that we wouldn't have to concern ourselves with the stress points of putting together a trip like that. I'd love to be someone's travel hero.

[roiijamez]

These days with so many travel agents/agencies it's best to specialize in a certain area of travel. Could be cruises, All Inclusive resorts, destination weddings, group/family travel - the list goes on. It's fun and rewarding but also a lot of work and you must be detail oriented! All The Best!!

[SoniaTittle]

I love being a travel agent!This is great information!

[travelling-solutions-architect]

Hey there, wish I would have seen this sooner! I just did the same thing you did. I’m an IT solutions architect who travels all the time so I figured why not get paid for it / help my friends while I’m at it!! I’m still working through all the learning process of getting an LLC set up and all of the training. It’s a nice break from being a full time tech nerd, lol.

[Plantsonpurpose]

This was very informative and I have always wondered about the travel agency industry. My friend is a travel agent and does well. She travels all the time and I love seeing her adventures too. I have no interest right now but maybe later? Thanks for sharing!

[commonsentstravel]

I am a Travel Agent as well and highly recommend E&O Insurance. The State I live in requires me to have Insurance. while most host agencies have E&O Insurance they can tell the Insurance company they dont want to proceed on the claim leaving the agent on the hook so, I highly recommend every agent has there own.

[hresulas]

A lot of information for thought. 🤔 Thank you.😊

[ingrid]

I’ll definitely be contacting you!! I just happen to be on a transatlantic cruise at the moment 🤣🤣🤣love your content!!

[MrJPackerFan]

Great video! I was a part time cruiseTA about 20 years ago and am looking to try this again in 2025 as I start my semi-retirement. I'll be filling out your interest form by year end!

[loulaw]

Hi Melissa, thanks for everything. I’m in and I will start my training after work today. I just got off of my first cruise and ready to get started with the training. Should I just dive right in or are there prerequisites?

[roiijamez]

Short notice but there's a great cruise conference next month in Ft Lauderdale Cruiseworld Nov 6 - 10 with great speakers & panels ( two speakers are personal friends, Joanie Ogg (Home Based Travel Agent author) & Alicia Steuart (Carnival) along with Jen Lee (Travel Planners International) and lots of destinations & cruise lines. Ship inspections on the 9th & 10h in FLL and Miami. Have been to one in the past & it was awesome! All The Best!!

[aroundcentralfloridawithshalay]

Hello Melissa! I thought about coming a TA because I have a YouTube channel about resorts, attractions, restaurants, and this to do in Orlando, Florida. I also recently just started cruising and now I'm starting to incorporate that into my channel. My YouTube channel is a side hustle because I work full time in healthcare. Could it be lucrative to be a TA in Orlando? I have a small channel so not sure with all the costs and fees if it would be advantageous to be a TA? Any suggestions/feedback?

[deborah_]

your link will not open in Chrome or Safari - any suggestions?

[charleshensley]

I have been in the travel industry for years and have been thinking about this as a retirement type thing but I know it would be to benefit myself as I know there are tons of benefits given to TA's

[VanhitlikeaminiVan]

is there residual pay? bonus pay when you hit certain tiers with your agency host, FYI I just signed up with you

[christiangeorge]

You never mention the name of your host agency so we can research it before signing up. What is the name of the host agency? Thanks.

[borntocruisemichaelmerritt]

Great job, where is the link ? Thank you. Have a blessed day