When you start a home based travel business, you get the best of all possible worlds. First of all, you can make a high income. Secondly, you can work full time or part time in the comfort of home. Thirdly, there is the fun part.
If you like to travel, this is the right business to be in. Why not spend a bajatraveler.net in Cagliaria, Sardenia enjoying the warm evenings in the open air Caffè degli Spiriti? Cool off in the refreshingly cool Roman baths of Szechenyi in Budapest. Or, island hop between Jamaica, Martinique, and St. Lucia. Plus, when you are not traveling, you can work from home in comfort.
How to Get Started.
When setting up your work from home business, it is important to check out your state and local laws. You may have to register as a seller of travel. Be sure to open two bank accounts. One is a checking account for your business. The second is a trust account to hold your clients’ money in escrow.
As an independent travel agent, you may want to work with a host agency. This is a travel agency that works solely with independent travel agencies. They do not sell travel to the public. The host agency is the middleman between the supplier such as the airlines or cruise lines and you, the independent travel agent. The host agency can help you get on your feet.
There are a number of first-rate travel agent associations to join. They offer support, education, training, certification, resources, networking with other professionals, and trade fairs. Here are a few of the best:
* The American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) is the largest association of travel agents in the world. They offer education, training, and jobs.
* The National Association of Commissioned Travel Agents (NACTA) offer their members seminars-at-sea. Here is where you learn while on the job.
* The International Air Transport Association (IATA) provides you with accreditation and a useful ITAN Travel Agent ID card.
* The Outside Sales Support Network (OSSN) has many great benefits.
Clients like to see credentials. Your membership in a big travel association such as ASTA, as well as the Chamber of Commerce, and the Better Business Bureau builds confidence.
How to Make Money.
You can make a lot of money in the luxury travel business. This can include around-the-world cruises, leisurely first-class train trips through several countries, an African safari, or 5-star stays in big cities of the world.