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Thinking about becoming a travel agent? With the right tools and support, you can confidently launch and grow a successful travel business from day one.
Considering becoming a travel agent? Whether you're dreaming of a career change or turning your passion for travel into a business, today’s path to becoming a successful advisor looks different than it did years ago. From choosing the right host agency to mastering client communication and itinerary building, there’s a lot to learn. But you don’t have to do it alone. Tools like Travefy are here to support you from day one, giving you the professional edge to plan, organize, and grow your travel business with confidence.
Travel agents are more needed and valuable than ever in 2025. With the overwhelming number of booking sites and travel options online, many travelers are turning to professionals to cut through the noise and plan trips that are truly customized to their needs. From complex itineraries and multi-leg journeys to destination weddings and luxury getaways, travel advisors offer expertise, insider knowledge, and peace of mind that no algorithm can match.
In fact, travel agents using Travefy’s platform plan trips for over 2 million travelers each year. Every day, nearly $2 million in travel bookings are authorized through Travefy, adding up to approximately $657 million annually.
Clients today truly want more than just a plane ticket and a hotel. They want curated experiences, VIP perks, and the confidence that every detail is handled. Travel advisors save clients hours of research, troubleshoot unexpected issues, and often have access to exclusive rates and amenities. In a world where personalization and time are both highly valued, having a trusted advisor by your side is a game-changer and is why the role of the travel agent is not only extremely relevant but thriving.
You don’t need a formal degree to become a travel agent, which makes it an appealing path for many aspiring entrepreneurs and travel lovers. However, investing in training can give you a strong foundation and help you stand out in a competitive industry. Certification programs from organizations like CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association), IATA (International Air Transport Association), and The Travel Institute offer valuable education on destinations, industry standards, and business practices. For those just starting out, Travefy’s New Travel Agent Program is designed to help you launch with confidence. Offering guidance, tools, and free certification programs tailored specifically for beginners.
While education and certifications provide important knowledge, the qualities that truly define a great travel advisor go beyond credentials. Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and a genuine passion for travel are essential for building trust and delivering exceptional experiences. If you love helping others, enjoy planning, and can juggle logistics with creativity, you have what it takes to thrive in this rewarding career. With the right tools and support, you can turn your passion into a professional, successful travel business.
Ready to turn your passion for travel into a career? Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started, from choosing the right training to setting up your business and finding your first clients.
One of the first decisions you’ll face as a new travel advisor is whether to work independently or align with a host agency. Going independent gives you full control over your business, branding, and commission structures. However, it also means you’re responsible for setting up supplier relationships, accessing booking tools, and handling every aspect of your operations from scratch. This path can be rewarding for experienced advisors but may be overwhelming for those just starting out.
Partnering with a host agency, on the other hand, offers built-in support, training, and access to booking systems, commission deals, and preferred supplier networks. It’s a popular choice for new advisors who want to hit the ground running with a safety net in place. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your goals, experience level, and how much support you want as you build your business.
As mentioned earlier, formal education isn’t required to become a travel advisor but the right training and certification can make a huge difference in your success. For those looking for a more guided, hands-on approach, Travefy’s New Travel Agent Program is designed specifically for new advisors who want to start strong and build a business with confidence from day one.
The New Travel Agent Program includes more than just education. It’s a full support system. You’ll get training on how to set up and run your travel business, personalized guidance from industry experts, and full access to Travefy’s professional toolkit for itinerary building, client management, marketing and more. Offered at a discounted rate, it’s designed to reduce startup costs and set you up for long-term success.
Defining your travel niche is one of the most effective ways to stand out in a competitive market. Instead of trying to appeal to everyone, focusing on a specific area (like luxury travel, group travel, or FITs) allows you to build deep expertise and become the go-to advisor for that type of trip. A clear niche helps you tailor your marketing, create more compelling content, and speak directly to the needs and interests of your ideal clients.
By narrowing your focus, you are not only differentiating yourself from other advisors but also attracting clients who are looking for exactly what you offer. People want to work with someone who understands their travel style and can recommend experiences they won’t find on generic booking sites. Whether you’re passionate about cruises, family travel, or food-focused itineraries, choosing a niche you love makes it easier to connect authentically with clients and build a loyal following.
Once you’ve decided to become a travel advisor, the next step is setting up your business. This includes choosing a business name, registering it with your state, and determining your business structure (like sole proprietorship or LLC). Depending on where you live, you may also need to secure a seller of travel license or other local permits. Taking care of these foundational steps early ensures you're legally compliant and ready to operate professionally.
With the legal groundwork in place, it's time to establish your brand. Creating a website, setting up social media profiles, and designing a simple logo or brand aesthetic helps you present a polished, trustworthy presence to potential clients. Travefy’s website builder makes it easy to launch a professional-looking site quickly—complete with your branding, services, and contact info—so you can start attracting clients right away. Even if you start small, consistent branding makes it easier for people to find you, understand your niche, and feel confident booking with you.
When you're just starting out as a travel advisor, your first clients often come from the people you already know. Start by reaching out to friends, family, and acquaintances to let them know you’ve launched your business and are ready to help with their next trip. Word-of-mouth referrals can go a long way, especially when paired with excellent service and follow-up.
Social media is another powerful tool for finding clients and showcasing your travel expertise. Share destination tips, trip inspiration, and behind-the-scenes looks at how you plan unforgettable experiences. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and even LinkedIn can help you connect with your target audience and build trust over time. The more visible and helpful you are, the more likely people are to think of you when they’re ready to book their next adventure.
Now that we understand the basics of how to become a travel agent, the next step is equipping yourself with the right tools to run and grow your business. The right systems not only save you time and keep you organized but can also help you keep overhead costs low as you grow and scale.
A good CRM (customer relationship management) system is essential for keeping track of leads, clients, and bookings—all in one place. Travefy’s built-in CRM makes it easy to organize client details, track conversations, and manage trip histories so you can deliver a more personalized service. Whether you're following up on a new inquiry or preparing for a repeat client's next adventure, everything you need is at your fingertips.
Proposal and quoting tools help you present trip ideas clearly and professionally, making it easy for clients to review options and get excited about their journey. Travefy’s proposal builder lets you create stunning, interactive proposals with photos, pricing, and day-by-day details, all in one shareable link. It’s a powerful way to impress clients, speed up approvals, and close bookings faster.
Itinerary management software helps you deliver seamless, organized travel plans your clients can easily access on the go. With Travefy’s itinerary builder, you can create beautiful itineraries utilizing the hundreds of supplier integrations to make the process not only quick but stunning for clients. Clients can view their plans online or through the free mobile app, keeping everything at their fingertips while on the go.
Having a professional online presence is essential for attracting new clients and building trust. Travefy’s website builder makes it easy to launch a branded, travel-focused website. No tech skills required. You can showcase your services, highlight your niche, and start generating leads with built-in contact forms and marketing tools.
Whether or not you need a license to become a travel agent depends on where you live. Some U.S. states—like California, Florida, and Washington require a Seller of Travel license to operate legally. It’s important to research your local regulations to ensure you're compliant before booking travel for clients.
You don’t need prior travel industry experience to become a travel advisor. With the right training, tools, and support, you can quickly learn the ins and outs of the business. Programs like Travefy’s New Travel Agent Program are designed to guide beginners every step of the way.
Starting independently means building your travel business entirely on your own—handling supplier relationships, booking systems, and marketing from the ground up. A host agency provides support, training, access to booking tools, and often better commission rates, making it easier to get started. Many new advisors choose to work with a host agency for the structure and resources it provides.
Travefy’s New Travel Agent Program includes all the tools available in a standard subscription such as the page builder, CRM, proposal and itinerary builder, mobile apps, and more. Plus, it also comes with a custom domain, website, and email all for just $25/month when billed annually (compared to the standard $39/month).
