Working Remotely For A Travel Company: A Guide

Working remotely for a travel company is an increasingly popular career choice. The COVID-19 pandemic has allowed people to reassess their working lives, and the travel industry is no exception. There are a variety of job opportunities that allow you to work for a travel company from home, including travel agent, travel consultant, travel advisor, travel manager, and travel coordinator.

The average salary for a travel agent in the US is $46,825 per year, while travel consultants can earn $55,000 - $60,000 per year. Travel advisors can expect to make between $20.00 and $28.85 an hour, and travel managers can earn up to $60,490 per year.

To get started in this field, it is helpful to have prior experience in the travel industry or customer service. It is also beneficial to have strong administrative skills, be self-motivated, and have the ability to work independently. Many remote travel jobs also require a certain level of internet speed and a separate phone line.

There are many companies that hire remote travel agents, including ADTRAV Travel Management, AllTrails, AvantStay, and American Express. FlexJobs is a great resource for finding remote work in the travel industry, and Host Agency Reviews can help you understand the different structures of travel agencies.

Choose a niche: Specialise in a type of travel or destination to establish your brand and create a strong foundation for your business

Choosing a niche is an important step in starting your own travel agency. It will help you establish your brand, create your travel agency name, and allow you to focus your energies. It is also much easier to grow your agency and make more money if you have a niche.

Your niche can be broad (e.g. luxury travel) or narrow (e.g. educational tours for ESL students). You can specialise in a certain demographic, a type of travel, or a destination. For example, you could be like Andres Zuleta, who specialises in Japan tours, or Deb Fogarty, who specialises in cruising.

When deciding on a niche, it is important to consider your passions, strengths, and personal networks. Ask yourself: What am I passionate about? What do I have in-depth knowledge of? What am I good at? What do I do in my free time? Do I have any existing networks that I can tap into?

You should also consider your favourite destinations and the types of travel you enjoy. For example, do you prefer adventure, all-inclusive, tours, or groups?

Once you have identified a few potential niches, you can start to narrow it down by considering your existing networks and how easy it will be to find clients. You can also mix and match different elements to create your unique travel niche.

Remember, your niche doesn't have to be complicated or rare. The most important thing is to choose something that you are passionate about and that you believe in.

Develop a personal brand: Create a brand that distinguishes you from other agents and corporate agencies

Developing a personal brand is crucial to standing out in the travel industry. Here are some tips to help you create a brand that sets you apart from other agents and corporate agencies:

Find Your Niche:

Firstly, identify your travel niche. This could be a specific destination or type of travel that you're passionate about and have expertise in. For example, you might specialize in Japan tours, cruising, or destination weddings and honeymoons. Combining different travel specialties, such as scuba and cruise ship trips, can also create a unique niche. Knowing your niche will help you establish your brand and focus your marketing efforts.

Authenticity:

Being authentic is essential when marketing your travel business. Show your desire to help people make their travel dreams come true. Be true to who you are and what you can offer your clients. Share your experiences and local recommendations to build trust with potential customers.

Choose the Right Social Media Platforms:

Select the social media platforms that best suit your travel agency. Facebook is a popular choice for many travel advisors, and TikTok is quickly gaining popularity with younger travelers. However, consider your target audience and choose the platforms they are most likely to use. For example, if you cater to business travelers, LinkedIn might be a better option.

Consistency:

Consistency is key when it comes to social media marketing. Post regularly and use similar content across multiple platforms to reach a wider audience. Use social media management tools like Hootsuite or Buffer to help with scheduling and monitoring your posts.

Positive Content:

Focus on posting positive information and avoiding negative developments in travel. Your goal is to build trust with potential clients, so showcase your ability to plan amazing trips and provide solutions, rather than highlighting negative travel experiences.

Engage with Social Media Groups:

Join and actively participate in Facebook groups and other online communities to expand your reach. This allows you to connect with travelers who are interested in the specific type of travel or niche that you offer.

Remember, your personal brand should reflect your unique strengths and what sets you apart as a travel agent. It's important to be yourself and showcase your expertise and passion for travel.

Consider a host agency: Collaborate with a host agency to access tools and benefits such as web development, customer relationship management software, and commission management tools

Collaborating with a host agency is a great way to access tools and benefits that will support your work-from-home travel business. A host agency is a company that provides support and resources to travel advisors, helping them to run their business effectively. Here are some key advantages of working with a host agency:

Comprehensive Training

The best host agencies provide comprehensive training programs that cover everything from booking hotels to advanced itinerary planning. This is especially beneficial for newcomers to the industry, as it allows them to gain the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed. Ongoing training is also important, as it helps advisors stay up-to-date with industry developments and learn about new destinations.

Preferred Partnerships

Host agencies often have preferred partnerships with reputable suppliers, such as destination management companies and hotel groups. These partnerships allow advisors to offer their clients a variety of travel perks and benefits, such as room upgrades and spa credits. Preferred partnerships can also lead to increased commissions, resulting in higher earnings for advisors.

Commission Splits and Tracking

When working with a host agency, advisors typically split their commission with the agency. This business model allows advisors to access the resources and infrastructure of a larger organization. While commission splits vary, it's important to consider the host agency's preferred partnership programs, as these can result in higher overall earnings. Additionally, some host agencies offer commission tracking and payment services, saving advisors time and paperwork.

Access to Tools and Resources

Host agencies provide a range of tools and resources to support advisors' day-to-day business operations. These can include an IATA number, which saves legal paperwork, marketing assets, and technology solutions such as accounting software, email marketing tools, and consumer-facing websites. These tools not only save time but also reduce expenses for advisors.

Business Growth Support

The best host agencies are committed to helping their advisors grow their businesses. This may include providing ongoing career development opportunities, mentorship programs, and marketing support to enhance brand visibility and attract new clients.

Inclusive and Collaborative Culture

Working remotely as an independent contractor can be isolating. The best host agencies foster an inclusive and collaborative culture, creating a community where advisors can connect, share tips, and support each other's growth.

When considering a host agency, it's important to evaluate their experience, reputation, size, and the support they offer. It's also crucial to understand their commission structure, the tools they provide, and how well they align with your business goals and lifestyle. By choosing the right host agency, you can access the resources and benefits needed to succeed as a work-from-home travel advisor.

Choose the right host agency: Identify your needs and find a host agency that complements your strengths and compensates for your weaknesses

Choosing the right host agency is crucial when starting your own independent travel agency. Here are some tips to help you identify your needs and find a host agency that complements your strengths and compensates for your weaknesses:

• Identify your strengths and weaknesses: Are you great at connecting with clients but need support with customer management and marketing? Or are you an expert in a specific type of travel, such as group travel or luxury vacations, and want a host agency that specializes in that niche? Knowing your strengths and weaknesses will help you choose a host agency that aligns with your areas of expertise and provides support where you need it.
• Ask for references: Remember that as an independent agent, you are interviewing host agencies. Contact other agents who are working with the host you are considering and ask about their experiences with the host's resources and offerings. This will give you valuable insights into how the host agency can support your business.
• Look beyond the commission split: While commission splits are important, they are just a small part of the equation for success as a home-based travel agent. Consider the overall value that the host agency brings to the table, including marketing support, technology, training, and community-building opportunities.
• Choose a pure host agency: Opt for a host agency that focuses solely on supporting independent travel agents, rather than a retail travel agency that offers a few home-based travel agent jobs with commissions. This avoids any potential conflict of interest and ensures the host agency is dedicated to your success.
• Consider the size of the host agency: Host agencies range from small to large, and the right choice depends on your preferences. Do you want a host agency with a smaller company feel or a larger company culture? Consider what type of relationship you want with your host and how much individual attention you need.
• Evaluate your training needs: Be honest about the type of training and support you need to be successful. Do you prefer step-by-step guidance or having the tools to explore on your own? Choose a host agency that offers training programs that align with your learning style and help you develop the skills you need to thrive as a travel agent.
• Assess your marketing needs: Think about how you plan to attract clients. Do you need help creating a strong personal brand and online presence? Look for host agencies that offer robust marketing programs, including direct mail pieces, websites, mobile apps, and social media marketing tools. Ensure the host agency can support your specific marketing needs and goals.
• Determine your budget: Consider your startup budget and ongoing expenses. While some host agencies charge setup and monthly fees, others may offer more flexible options for new agents. Evaluate the costs associated with training programs, membership renewals, and any other fees to ensure they align with your financial plan.

Remember, the key is to find a host agency that complements your strengths and provides the tools and resources to address your weaknesses, ultimately helping you succeed as an independent travel agent.

Be your own sales team: As an independent agent, you need to learn how to sell your services and create a solid foundation for your business

Being an independent travel agent means that you are your own boss and have the freedom to make all your management decisions. However, it also means that you are responsible for generating your own business. This includes creating your own marketing materials and managing your own operations.

• Find your niche: Finding a travel niche will help you establish your brand, create your travel agency name, and allow you to focus your energies. For example, you could focus on a destination, a type of travel, or corporate travel bookings.
• Build relationships: Understand your clients' needs and offer personalized solutions. Building relationships with potential clients and maintaining communication with existing clients is key to success.
• Offer choices: Provide a variety of travel options from different companies. This can help to establish trust and encourage client retention and referrals.
• Develop your brand: Network, use social media, and get involved in the community to build trust and establish your brand.
• Stay informed: Keep up with the latest industry trends, products, and market trends. This will help you make informed recommendations to your clients.
• Educate your clients: Help clients understand their options and make informed decisions. You can do this by providing clear and concise information about the benefits of each travel option.
• Advertise: Marketing yourself to both travel companies and prospective clients is essential. Online advertising and word-of-mouth recommendations can help you reach a wider audience.

Remember, as an independent agent, you have the freedom to work in a way that feels comfortable to you. You can choose to work from home, set your own hours, and be your own sales team.

Frequently asked questions