World Travel Holdings: An Amazing Place To Work

World Travel Holdings is a company that has been selling dream vacations to millions of customers for over 25 years. They own over 18 brands, including CruisesOnly, Cruise411, and Vacation Outlet, and run travel programs for more than 21 major partner brands, such as Priceline, Orbitz, and JetBlue. The company has been named one of Forbes' Best Midsized Employers and is recognized as an industry leader in work-at-home employment, with more than 80% of its employees working remotely. Reviews from employees are mixed, with some praising the supportive and relaxed work environment and others criticizing the low pay and unprofessional management.

Work-life balance

World Travel Holdings has been named one of Forbes' Best Midsized Employers, and it's recognised as an industry leader in work-at-home employment. More than 80% of its employees work from home, and the company is consistently recognised as an industry leader in remote employment.

The company provides a robust support team, and employees have described their colleagues as a second family. The company's robust technology allows employees to stay connected and get the support they need from their coworkers, managers, and the company. Employees can jump on a video call or use live chat or intranet platforms, and every employee has a direct line of communication with peers and upper management.

World Travel Holdings offers as much schedule flexibility as possible, allowing employees to establish a healthy work/life balance. The company also provides competitive benefits and paid time off.

However, some employees have complained about low pay, poor upper management, and a lack of work-life balance. One employee said: "The hours definitely altered personal lifestyle. Current director and operations manager very poor. HR did not investigate allegations." Another said: "You never get out on time."

Pay and benefits

World Travel Holdings offers a robust benefits package to its employees, including travel discounts, a 401(k) match, and an employee emergency support fund. The company also provides health benefit options and flexible time-off plans to ensure employees can take time away from work to relax and recharge.

One of the most notable perks of working for World Travel Holdings is the access to a wide range of travel discounts, including cruises, hotel rooms, villas, rental cars, and theme park admissions. Employees can take advantage of these discounts to explore new places and create memorable vacation experiences.

In addition to the standard benefits, World Travel Holdings has a STARS program that recognizes and rewards employees for their contributions. Through this program, employees can earn points and redeem them for gift cards, merchandise, travel vouchers, and company swag. This is a great way for the company to show their appreciation for their employees' hard work.

The company also prioritizes transparency and keeps its employees informed about financial and company performance updates throughout the year. This open communication ensures that employees understand the company's goals and can align their efforts accordingly.

While the company offers these benefits, there are some reviews from employees who mention that the pay could be better, especially for customer service representatives and sales agents. The starting pay is $15 per hour, with small increases at 6 months and 1 year. Some employees feel that the pay does not adequately compensate for the stress and demands of the job, particularly during the slow season when commissions may be lower.

Overall, World Travel Holdings aims to provide a comprehensive benefits package that includes not only competitive salaries and health benefits but also unique perks like travel discounts and employee recognition programs.

Management

Some reviews have highlighted the helpfulness of management, with one employee stating that they "empower you with as much flexibility as possible". The company also offers employees the opportunity to lead projects, work cross-functionally, and seek promotions from within. Additionally, employees are provided with a personal growth plan that may include coaching, conferences, and webinars.

However, other reviews have criticised management for being unaccommodating of employees with medical issues and limitations, with one former employee stating that they were required to work beyond their scheduled shift without overtime pay. There are also complaints about management being overly focused on sales and money, with one review stating that they were "constantly pressured by the training agents".

Overall, the management at World Travel Holdings seems to be a mixed bag, with some employees praising the support and opportunities provided, while others have been left feeling disappointed and frustrated by their experiences.

Company culture

Work Hard, Travel Hard

World Travel Holdings (WTH) is a company that believes in working hard while not taking themselves too seriously. They are a group of fun, passionate, and dedicated people who work together to provide remarkable experiences for their customers. WTH has a diverse, vibrant, and fun atmosphere that encourages employees to be themselves and embrace the company's core values of Passion, Pride, Teamwork, and Velocity.

Transparency and Community

Transparency is a key part of WTH's culture, with an open environment where employees are encouraged to share their thoughts and opinions. The Executive team provides regular financial and company performance updates to ensure everyone is aligned with company goals. WTH is also committed to giving back to the community. They provide employees with a paid Volunteer Day each year and support charities like Make-A-Wish®.

Remote Work and Flexibility

WTH has been a pioneer in remote work, with many employees working from home for over 20 years. They offer flexibility and have robust technology to stay connected and support each other. For their virtual call center employees, they have an innovative credit system called The Marketplace, which allows for schedule adjustments.

Perks and Benefits

One of the most unique perks of working at WTH is the access to a wide range of travel discounts, including cruises, hotel rooms, villas, rental cars, and theme park admissions. They also offer a robust benefits program, including 401(k) matching, an employee emergency support fund, health benefits, and time-off plans. Additionally, WTH provides ongoing education and paid training, as well as free or discounted trips to experience their products firsthand.

Supportive Environment

WTH fosters a supportive and inclusive work environment, with employees describing their colleagues as "amazingly nice and helpful." The company encourages personal growth and development, with opportunities to lead projects, work across different teams, and seek promotions from within. However, some reviews mention issues with upper management, particularly regarding poor communication and a lack of investigation into allegations.

Overall Work-Life Balance

WTH has a work wellbeing score of 72 out of 100, indicating an above-average rating in this area. Employees appreciate the flexibility of working from home and the ability to choose their schedules. However, some reviews mention long hours, a stressful work environment, and challenges with work-life balance, especially regarding the pressure to meet sales targets.

Training

World Travel Holdings provides paid training and ongoing education to ensure employees are well-prepared and up-to-date with industry knowledge. The training programs are designed to be fast-paced and intensive, typically lasting for six weeks. During this period, employees receive a fixed salary, allowing them to focus on their learning without financial concerns. The training covers various aspects of the travel industry, including sales, customer service, and specific travel products such as cruises and vacation packages.

The training is structured to provide a solid foundation for future job roles. The first five weeks of the training program are dedicated to classroom-style learning, where trainees receive instructions and gain essential knowledge. The final week of training is spent on the phones, providing a practical, hands-on experience. This approach ensures that employees are not only well-versed in the theoretical aspects but also gain confidence in applying their skills in real-world scenarios.

World Travel Holdings recognises the importance of support during the training process. Trainees are encouraged to connect with their peers, creating a network of support and knowledge-sharing. The company also provides a dedicated team to manage professional development opportunities. This team curates a vast library of industry-specific resources, ensuring that employees have access to the latest information and tools even after their initial training is complete.

The training programs are typically conducted virtually, allowing employees to participate remotely. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for those who work from home or are located in different geographical areas.

While many employees have appreciated the training provided by World Travel Holdings, some reviews indicate room for improvement. Some former employees have mentioned that the training could be more comprehensive, especially in preparing for the challenges of the job. Others have noted that the training programs could be better structured to cover a wider range of topics and provide more practical guidance.

Overall, World Travel Holdings prioritises training and professional development, offering a range of resources and support to help employees succeed in their roles and adapt to the dynamic nature of the travel industry.

Frequently asked questions