Best Travel Companies: Where To Work And Why

Working for a travel company can be an exciting and glamorous career choice, with employees citing perks and benefits as some of the best reasons to join the industry. While there are challenges, such as working holidays and a competitive environment, the opportunity to help create memorable experiences for customers makes it all worthwhile. With that in mind, let's explore and discuss the best travel companies to work for, considering factors such as employee satisfaction, company culture, and benefits packages.

Perks and benefits

Flexible Work Arrangements:

The option to work remotely or have a hybrid work model is a significant advantage for travel industry professionals, allowing them to enjoy the perks of travel without being confined to a traditional office setting.

Competitive Compensation:

High-paying jobs in the travel industry often come with attractive salaries and benefits packages, including performance-based bonuses and incentives.

Travel Benefits:

Employees in the travel industry often enjoy discounted or complimentary travel opportunities, such as flights, accommodations, and vacation packages. This allows them to explore new destinations and gain first-hand experience with the products and services they promote.

Career Growth and Development:

The travel industry offers ample opportunities for professional growth and advancement. Companies often provide training and support to help employees enhance their skills and climb the career ladder, whether within the same organisation or through partnerships with other travel service providers.

Work-Life Balance:

Despite the demanding nature of the industry, some companies prioritise work-life balance by offering flexible schedules, paid time off, and understanding leadership. This helps employees avoid burnout and maintain a healthy lifestyle while pursuing their passion for travel.

Unique Company Culture:

Many successful travel companies foster a unique and engaging company culture that promotes transparency, open communication, and a fun work environment. This can include social events, team-building activities, and a collaborative atmosphere that enhances employee satisfaction and productivity.

Company culture

Orbitz, an online travel agency, has been consistently rated as one of the best companies to work for in the travel industry. With a 4.0 rating out of 5, Orbitz employees highlight the company's unique culture, transparency, and open-door policy as some of its greatest strengths. The company fosters an environment of innovation and creativity, with employees praising their co-workers and senior leaders. CEO Barney Harford received an impressive 86% approval rating, showcasing the strong leadership that contributes to the positive company culture.

Southwest Airlines, a close second to Orbitz, boasts a flexible and employee-centric culture. Employees appreciate the flexible schedules, excellent travel and medical benefits, and salary increases. The company also provides opportunities for career growth and advancement, creating a culture that values and supports its employees.

JetBlue, another highly-rated travel company, has a great culture and nice atmosphere, according to its employees. The company's chief executive, Dave Barger, received an 87% approval rating, indicating strong leadership that aligns with the company's positive culture.

Additionally, luxury hotel chains like the Ritz-Carlton and the Four Seasons offer an upscale and internationally-recognized brand image, along with friends and family discounts. Employees value the workplace environment and appreciate the training and support provided by senior leadership, creating a cohesive and supportive company culture.

These companies demonstrate that a positive company culture can have a significant impact on employee satisfaction and can contribute to a more enjoyable travel industry experience for both employees and customers.

Leadership and management

Southwest Airlines, the second-best travel company to work for, also exemplifies strong leadership and management. Employees appreciate the company's focus on their needs, with bosses who listen and provide flexible schedules, excellent travel and medical benefits, and salary increases throughout their careers. This emphasis on employee satisfaction and growth contributes to a positive work environment.

The Ritz-Carlton, ranked third, showcases effective leadership and management as well. Employees highlight the benefits of working for an upscale, internationally recognised brand, including friends and family discounts. The company also provides a supportive workplace environment and comprehensive training, reflecting the leadership's commitment to employee development and satisfaction.

Another notable mention is JetBlue, with its chief executive, Dave Barger, receiving an 87% approval rating. JetBlue employees praise the company's culture and nice atmosphere, and flight benefits are an added perk.

Overall, effective leadership and management in the travel industry involve creating a positive and supportive work culture, providing competitive benefits and compensation, fostering transparency and open communication, and promoting employee growth and satisfaction. These factors contribute to a positive work environment and enhance employee morale, ultimately reflecting on the quality of service provided to customers.

Remote working opportunities

ADTRAV Travel Management

ADTRAV Travel Management is a company that specializes in providing innovative and cost-effective corporate, government, and nonprofit travel solutions. They aim to streamline their clients' travel experiences with minimal hassle. Some recent remote travel job opportunities at ADTRAV include Global Implementation Coordinator and Global Lodging Services Associate positions.

AvantStay

AvantStay offers luxury, boutique short-term rental options for groups seeking extraordinary experiences. They provide 24-hour support, cleaning services, and activity planning for a range of events. AvantStay has offered remote positions such as Customer Experience Concierge and Customer Experience Agent in the past.

Evolve Vacation Rental Network

The Evolve Vacation Rental Network simplifies the process of creating rental income for vacation property owners by offering online booking and marketing services. They handle various aspects of vacation marketing, including writing listings and providing an online booking platform. Recent remote job openings at Evolve include Associate People Business Partner and Senior Manager, Guest Experience roles.

Hopper

Hopper is a mobile-only travel agency that leverages big data to analyze and predict airfare and accommodation prices. They notify travelers when prices are at their lowest and offer insights into the best deals. Hopper has hired for remote positions such as Travel Agent – Hotels and Team Lead, Customer Service.

Kemp Travel Group

Kemp Travel Group is a Canada-based tourism company committed to building customer loyalty through integrity, value, and service. Their staff has exclusive industry knowledge and specializes in corporate meetings, group travel, honeymoons, destination weddings, and leisure travel. While the company is based in Canada, they have offered remote job opportunities, including User Experience Researcher and Senior Product Designer positions.

Peek

Peek is an award-winning travel software company that helps travelers discover and book activities to create memorable travel experiences. They provide comprehensive information on unique tours and activities worldwide, catering to travelers' preferences. Peek has posted remote job openings such as User Experience Researcher and Senior Product Designer in the past.

In addition to these companies, it is worth exploring job platforms like FlexJobs, which specializes in connecting job seekers with remote, work-from-home, and flexible career opportunities. These platforms can provide access to a wide range of remote job listings in the travel industry and beyond.

Salary and compensation

Salary Ranges

According to a 2024 report by Forbes, Orbitz, an online travel agency, was rated as the best company to work for in the travel industry. Employees at Orbitz reported good compensation, with one Chicago-based employee highlighting their satisfaction with the salary. Southwest Airlines, which ranked second, offers salary increases throughout employees' careers.

For specific salary examples, we can look at AvantStay, a hospitality management company. AvantStay offers a range of remote positions with varying salaries:

• VP of Customer Experience: $140,000–$200,000 per year
• Senior People Associate: $75,000–$85,000 per year
• Transaction Coordinator: $55,000–$60,000 per year
• Concierge Experience Manager: $55,000–$62,400 per year
• Concierge Experience Specialist: $20–$24 per hour

Marriott Vacations Worldwide, a travel accommodations company, also provides salary insights for remote positions:

Telephone Sales Representative: $53,000 per year

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation packages in the travel industry often include benefits that cater to the nature of the work. These benefits can enhance the overall salary package and improve job satisfaction. For example, employees at Southwest Airlines appreciate their flexible schedules, attractive travel benefits, and medical benefits. Similarly, JetBlue employees benefit from flight benefits and a positive company culture.

At Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons, upscale hotel chains ranked fourth and fifth, employees enjoy friends and family discounts, working for an internationally recognised brand, a supportive workplace environment, and excellent training and leadership.

Additionally, companies like World Travel Holdings offer remote work opportunities and provide up to $250 in refunds for employees' work-from-home setup equipment. This type of compensation recognises the unique needs of remote workers and helps them create a suitable working environment.

Perks of Working in the Travel Industry

Working in the travel industry comes with its own set of perks and advantages. Employees in this sector often enjoy the flexibility to book whatever flight makes the most sense and stay in nice hotels. They may also experience long, multi-course client meals and have the opportunity to travel to various destinations.

However, it is important to consider the potential downsides, such as working on holidays, dealing with tough competition, and navigating political working environments.

Frequently asked questions