Can you be a travel agent as a side job?


Can you be a travel agent as a side job? If you have a flexible schedule, can provide excellent service to your clients, and are willing to dedicate the necessary time and effort, then being a travel agent as a side hustle can be a rewarding experience.


What qualifies you as a travel agent?

Most travel agents require at least a high school diploma, but some college education can help you gain essential knowledge in areas such as tourism, best business practices, international affairs, travel insurance, strategy, finances and marketing.


How are you paid as a travel agent?

Travel agents, including Fora Advisors, are paid in commissions. A commission is a percentage of the cost of a travel experience (such as a hotel stay). Some agents also charge planning fees for additional services (more on that below).


Can you make money at home as a travel agent?

Some home-based travel agents earn a small amount of commission from each booking, while others earn a base salary with commission. On average, home-based travel agents can earn an average of $37,000 or more per year, with the potential to earn more if they have a high volume of sales and repeat clients.


Do travel agents make money off flights?

In addition to air, corporate travel agencies earn commissions from booking cars and hotels for business travelers. Corporate travel agencies make money mainly from service fees, net/private fares, and from airline commissions.


Is it hard to make money as a travel agent?

How much money do travel agents make? This comes down to certain factors such as the type of clients, level of expertise and the ability to offer specialized services. According to Indeed, the average salary of a travel agent in the US is $49,608 but there are many making up to six-figure incomes.


Is it worth signing up to become a travel agent?

If you're looking to earn some money, being a travel agent can be a good way to do so. Note that travel agents operate in a customer-facing role, so you'll also need to be able to build client relationships and be comfortable with sales.


Do travel agents have a future?

A 2023 consumer research survey from ASTA (the American Society of Travel Advisors) found that 50% of travelers are more likely to use a travel advisor post-pandemic. (This is a 7-point increase from 2022.) Here are the crib notes: There's no better time to become a travel agent.


Why are travel agents high risk?

Find a Credit Card Processor But travel agencies also typically fall under “high risk.” One reason for that is the higher-than-average chargeback rates that can come from bookings for a future trip that a client later wants to cancel. Not to worry.


How do I become a freelance travel agent?

How to Start a Successful Independent Travel Agency
  1. Connect with a Host Agency. ...
  2. Make Sure You Get the Necessary Training. ...
  3. Develop a Niche Market. ...
  4. Become the Expert. ...
  5. Give Your Customers the Service You Want for Yourself.


What percentage of a trip does a travel agent get?

The commission percentage agencies earn depends on numerous factors, the most important one being which private contracts you have access to. Here's a general rule of thumb on the airline ticket commission range you can expect as a travel advisor: Domestic: 0-5% International: 10-22%


How do I start a work from home travel agency?

  1. 10 Steps to Starting Your Travel Agency From Home. ...
  2. Find a Travel Agency Niche. ...
  3. Choose Your Travel Agency's Name. ...
  4. Choose a Travel Agency Business Structure. ...
  5. Create Your Travel Agency Business Plan. ...
  6. Register Your Travel Agency with the State. ...
  7. Get an FEIN (Optional, but Recommended) ...
  8. Set Up Your Travel Agency Financials.


Is a travel agent high risk?

But travel agencies also typically fall under “high risk.” One reason for that is the higher-than-average chargeback rates that can come from bookings for a future trip that a client later wants to cancel.


Do travel agents work long hours?

Work Schedules Most travel agents work full time, although part-time work is common. Some work additional hours during peak travel times or when they must accommodate clients' schedule changes and last-minute needs.


Do travel agents make their own hours?

The most attractive part of starting your own independent travel agency is the freedom to work for yourself, on your own hours, with your own clients, in your own home.


What is the daily life of a travel agent?

Travel agents spend most of their time at their desks, and the majority of these hours are spent dealing with clients, whether in person or over the phone. The travel agency's hours accommodate its clientele, so most agents work more than forty hours per week in a variety of shifts.


What are the disadvantages of being a travel agent?

  • Low average salaries. One of the biggest drawbacks of the field is the pay travel agents receive. ...
  • It can be a demanding job. Travel agents with clients traveling worldwide often have to be on call pretty much 24/7 due to the vast time differences. ...
  • Online booking/job security.


What is the highest salary for a travel agent?

Highest paying cities for Travel Agents near United States
  • Queens, NY. $23.05 per hour. 11 salaries reported.
  • Jacksonville, FL. $22.75 per hour. 8 salaries reported.
  • Denver, CO. $19.41 per hour. 13 salaries reported.
  • Orlando, FL. $18.63 per hour. 12 salaries reported.
  • Las Vegas, NV. $18.37 per hour. ...
  • Show more nearby cities.


How to make 6 figures as a travel agent?

Getting to a Million: Top Travel Agents Share Tips for Six-Figure Sales
  1. Set goals. ...
  2. Education is key. ...
  3. Be in it to win it. ...
  4. Find a mentor. ...
  5. Choose your clients rather than vice versa. ...
  6. Mingle where the high rollers go. ...
  7. Consider working for someone else first, so you can start a business with a book of travel in hand.


How can I make money on the side travel?

How to make money while traveling:
  1. Freelancing online. Fancy adopting a 'digital nomad' lifestyle? ...
  2. Language tuition. ...
  3. Teach other people your skills. ...
  4. Make things to sell. ...
  5. Offer your services at hostels. ...
  6. Sell your photos. ...
  7. Street performances. ...
  8. Seasonal work.


Is a travel agent a good side hustle?

Approach it as a side hustle with the potential for growth. Being a travel agent can be a great way to make extra cash, especially if you already have other businesses or entrepreneurial ventures. If you're a serial entrepreneur, juggling multiple ventures might come naturally to you.