Travel Agent Chatter | Starting And Growing Your Travel Agency

This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming Samantha from Jus Adventures! Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us! Hi!! I am a new agent (8 months) working on planning my first group trip and I want to build a girls trip to New Orleans and offer a package price and then clients can sign up to go. I have checked with Traveljoy and it appears that I am able to take payment through Traveljoy, for them to hold and then I can pay each supplier with a virtual card instead of charging the client 10 different transactions. Traveljoy would then the merchant of record and I feel this is safe. I tried getting a quote from a DMC and it's just not working out how I want and I feel like I don't have much control, so I really would rather piece it together myself since it's domestic anyway. I just feel like this would be so much more seamless for the client. Is this okay to do? Any tips or advice would be very much appreciated. (Feel free to cut/paraphrase if you decide to air this!)

This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming Katy from Explore Worldwide! Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us! A lot of us hear ‘tour operator’ and ‘DMC’ used interchangeably, and it can be hard to know who to go to for what. From your perspective, how should advisors think about working with an adventure tour operator versus going direct to a DMC?For advisors who are trying to grow their business, what are some of the biggest opportunities you see when it comes to selling adventure travel? Are there simple ways newer advisors can start incorporating it without overhauling their entire business?Adventure travel can mean a lot of different things, from soft adventure to more physically demanding trips. How can advisors make sure they’re matching the right client to the right trip, especially when they’re still learning how to qualify clients properly?RESOURCES:What is a DMC? https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/what-is-dmc-destination-management-companyWhat is a Tour O

This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming Bill from KHM Travel! Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us! I'm a new-ish agent, under 3 years experience, and I have been entertaining the idea of venturing out on my own. I am currently with a host agency. I am curious about how this would work with suppliers and if this is a good idea.Do agents typically manage their workflow with their host agency provided CRM program only, or are there other project management platforms that are popular with travel agents?I keep hearing everyone talk about FIT. So what is it and how does someone specialize in it?RESOURCES:https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-preferred-supplierhttps://hostagencyreviews.com/travel-agency-softwarehttps://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/fit-travel-meaning

This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming Jennifer from Dugan’s Travels! Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us! What I'm still not clear on are things like this: how do I present options and prices to a client, and give them time to make a decision? Am I supposed to reserve all of the options first to guarantee the price, and then cancel the discarded options afterward? Or do you just present it and hope the prices don't change in the meantime? Are there other good places to find tips or suggestions for effective booking practices? I keep noticing offers from my host agency/consortia/vendors that would provide perks for my clients and bonus commissions for me.. after it is too late to claim them. How do other agents manage the flood of consumer and agent incentives so they can make recommendations that are good for their clients and good for them? - VinceI am looking for a host agency and I have never had one before. I have compared a tonne on your site and I am

This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming Jenn from HAR! A huge thank you to Avoya Travel for sponsoring this episode. Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us! How important is it to get a client to decline insurance or purchase insurance? If I send out a form to a client to decline insurance or confirm that they already purchased insurance and they don’t fill it out, is the email confirmation enough that I offered them the insurance and made them aware of the consequences of not having? Am I protected by that?I have a client who I’ve sent the email to a few times and they just will not accept or decline, I don’t know why. I spoke to them numerous times and they said they would do it, but they just will not do it so I just wanna make sure that I am protected. - Travel Dad MattI struggle with knowing when it’s time to raise my prices or start charging fees, how did you approach that in your business, and what helped you feel confident doing it?I’m in my first 30 days

****** Transcript + Show Notes: https://har.news/vol35Special thanks to today’s sponsor: Uniglobe Travel CenterToday’s guest took a life-changing leap, selling her home, putting everything in storage, and moving her family to Japan. What started as a bold personal decision quickly turned into something much bigger.Since becoming a travel advisor in 2019, Amy has grown her business to over $2 million in annual sales, all as a solo advisor.What makes Amy’s journey particularly powerful is how it’s rooted in lived experience. From fully immersing her family in life in Osaka to traveling throughout Japan and Southeast Asia, she built her business from the ground up based on real-world travel and a deep understanding of what clients truly want. Her children loved the experience so much, they even asked to stay longer.From the outside, her success might look like a smooth, upward climb. But behind the scenes, Amy has been navigating personal challenges while continuing to show up for her business and her clients.In

This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming Betsy from Uniglobe Travel Center! Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us! I just started as a travel agent this past September. And I do have quite a few sales, more than I expected. However, There’s been a few instances lately, where people have reached out to me and seemed eager to work together, and I’ll respond back to them to try and set up a quick phone call or video chat to get a vision for their trip, and before I can even really provide them with a proposal, they’ve kind of moved on. Do you think there’s something else I can try and to do to progress the conversation and get closer to a sale? Am I missing something? - Travel Dad MattHello! I'm trying to figure out best practices for situations where the client does not pay for everything outright.How would you recommend handling payments done in installments (either paying a deposit and balance due, or using a tool that breaks up the payments even further)? Do you

This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming Erwing from Oasis Travel Network! Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us! New advisor here, just starting out-I’m wondering if it’s possible to be successful in getting leads through online marketing only, and not tap into friends and family or local community?I am a new home-based travel agent and I am curious as to which online payment gateway host you recommend? I will be using this payment gateway only for my fee. All other payments go directly to the vendors. Any help is appreciated, thanks!Is there an actual hierarchy to the travel business? I understand we're all dependent on one another, but how would it look on a traditional organization chart? For example, do host agencies depend on suppliers, or are the suppliers what makes it possible to form a host agency? Just trying to understand the big picture of this industry!RESOURCES:Getting leads - https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-leadsGreat article about paymen

This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming Katie from Tern! Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us! I’m just getting started and trying to wrap my head around using a CRM, but I’m honestly not sure what I should actually be tracking in it day-to-day. Right now, I have client emails, trip details, and notes kind of scattered across different places. What are the most important things a travel advisor should be tracking in a CRM to stay organized and not let things fall through the cracks?There are so many tools out there, and I feel like every time I turn around there’s something new I “should” be using. How do I actually evaluate whether a tool is solving a real problem in my business versus just adding another layer of complexity or something else to manage?I feel like there’s a lot of pressure to use all the latest tech as a travel advisor, especially when I’m seeing what others are doing online. From your perspective, what’s something advisors often think they nee

This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming Samantha from Jus Adventures! Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us!I continue to see it recommended that we get copies of our client's ID's. However, I am unsure of a process to do this that is secure? Or does it need to be secure? Can they just text or email me a photo? I'd love your perspective on this. - ErinCan you talk about the practice of DMCs presenting quotes in gross vs net commission, and is it preferred or acceptable to request one over the other? - CarrieLove the podcast! I'm just over a year in as a part time agent and have been focusing on training (supplier and host agency training), building a website, and branding. Now I'm stuck on how to build a client base. I work full time in recruitment so I know that your close network isn't always going to become your client, but I've stalled out and need some inspiration. My focus is luxury leaning travellers interested in cruising with Virgin Voyages or going on s

This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming Jennifer from Dugan’s Travels! Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us! I love your podcasts and have been a loyal listener for over 3 years. In 2023, I trained and started working as a Corporate Travel Advisor for a small agency, remotely. I took the job because thought I needed training in GDS platforms but my true desire is to run my own leisure travel agency. I work full time, have great benefits and have mastered two platforms. My question is, is there a conflict in joining a host agency to start a leisure business, while still working with a corporate agency? I spoke with one of the host agencies on HAR and got pretty far but was then told since I would have 2 IATA numbers, I couldn’t move forward. My employee handbook at work does not cover anything about other work in the travel business and I can sign up for my own personal IATA since I am an employee. I still really want my own leisure business but need the security

This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming Fora! Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us! I am working on creating more automated processes and was wondering if there is a general "checklist" of things an agent should do before each trip? I feel like I am forgetting something and just want to be able to check things off (virtually). Things like "gather personal info", "make airline booking" "make hotel/resort booking" "confirm car rental" "email hotel 2 weeks prior to confirm reservation was received" "deposit due" "final payment due" "call hotel 1 week prior to confirm reservation was received and add special requests" and so on and so on. I am wondering what other agents might have included in their processes that would be a good idea to implement. - MelissaI've had a hard time summing up my niche into one word, as I'm new to the industry. My goal is to provide travel to the curious mind that is leisure, but can also include giving back to the community/land/culture

This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming GTN! Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us! Hi! I am looking forward to starting this next great adventure. I have a background as a paralegal that I think will serve me well in the administrative side of things as well as problem solving. I am thinking of specializing in accessible travel. Is this a good idea at the start or would it be better to get to know the business before specializing? - PattiAre you allowed to have your own landing page or website that can link to the website that your host agency has provided for you? How customizable are the host agency websites? - AmyI keep hearing everyone talk about FIT. So what is it and how does someone specialize in it? - HelenRESOURCES:Finding a travel niche - https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/find-a-travel-nicheComplete guide to agency website options - https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agency-websitesWhat is FIT and what does it mean in travel - ​​https://ho

This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming Dugan’s Travels! Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us! How common is it for a Host Agency to take a commission on the planning/consulting/concierge/other fees I charge my clients? Is it even okay to charge commission on my planning fee given that I am an IC? For this question, I'm not asking about a payment processing fee if you use the Host payment processor. Rather, I'm talking about applying the same commission split to both sales and any fees I generate. Obviously, this would significantly impact my total profit if I have to give my HA 20 or 30% of my fees.What do you think is the most valuable certification? Travel Institute offers the CTA, CLIA has certifications as well as my Consortium Travel Leaders offers Leisure Travel and Luxury travel certificates. - ReginaI'm a newbie to the travel industry and I just started my business. I'm getting very close to choosing a host agency and I’m super excited to get starte

This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming Uniglobe Travel Center! Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us!I have several corporate clients that pay with the same card throughout the year. Can I have them sign a cc authorization form at the beginning of the year and how often do you suggest I renew it? They are extremely busy people and I cannot ask them to complete the form for each and every flight they need.I would love continued conversations about how to execute charging fees when different trips take such a different amount of time. Some people know what they want - some don't. I've been experimenting and every person I've told an hourly fee (I've tested it at $75 and $100 and gave my estimated timeline, they've passed on my services.) So I haven't gotten any fees in the 6 months I've been working on this. I've had some great success, but I have also wasted a ton of time with people shopping me and then taking my itinerary and booking it elsewhere to save $20. (

This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming NEST Plus with April! Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us!When choosing a supplier to work with, what are some questions to ask them about their support given to you and your clients. Same question for host agencies. It gets expensive trying so many only to discover the fit is not right. Thanks - BarbaraHi!!! I have basically been binge listening to the podcast for about a month now and I've enjoyed everything thus far!!I am a (fairly) new advisor. I've been under my host since November 2024 but I wasn't taking my business as serious as I wanted. I've rebranded and now I've launched with more confidence and have been showing up more now that I feel like my new business aligns with what I'm trying to do. My question is, since I've rebranded I know I want to add to my specialization or niche is cruising (small ships, river, ocean) BUT i am unsure of how to add this to my marketing when ny current focus is on slow travel. Wh

This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming Travel Leaders Market Square with Kelly and Rochelle! Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us! How do I decide what reasonable travel fees are to charge my clients? I'm a newbie. Can you talk about how to determine the host agency preferred suppliers both before joining and once you’re a member? It’s very difficult to find suppliers on your own. Following up on the seminar at sea question. My host does not allow new advisors to attend these. The host is not being asked to pay (by the supplier or the IC) and the latest invitation came as a mass email to all the advisors. The ICs were encouraged to come by the supplier. Host has set a high sales threshold in order to participate. They have set this threshold for other things as well: access to consortium marketing supplies. It seems like gatekeeping.RESOURCES:Our guide to charging fees and different types of fees - https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agents-guide-to-charg

This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming Sava Travel and Byrd! Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us! How can travel advisors protect ourselves against fraudulent chargebacks? I have terms and conditions in my TravelJoy that the clients have to sign when they pay a deposit and make payments. I had a client sign for a non-refundable deposit, They submitted a charge back for the deposit to their bank. What can I do?How do you start a partnership with someone? Someone wants to "get into" travel with me. I specialize in cruises. She has done a lot of all Inclusives, been to several destination weddings so that would be hers. What's your thoughts on this? - DeniseDo most host agencies allow new advisors to attend Seminar at Sea and other Fam trips? My host is forbidding new advisors to participate in fam trips or national level conferences. Is this standard?RESOURCES:We have a great article that Travel Industry Solutions wrote for us on your best defense against fraud

This week for the Friday 15, we're opening 2026 with OASIS Travel Network and Chelsea! Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us! I have been listening to past Friday15’s and someone mentions that they send an email to prospective clients to explain HOW she is paid (commissions, fees etc). I'm communicating that I will be charging fees in my business, but while I am in my 1st year of business (currently), I am waiving those fees. But I want to have something that explains that to clients right away. What would you suggest including. - MelissaCan or should a new Travel Advisor Niche or Focus on Short Break Itineraries/Travel. 2-4-6 day trips. Why or why not? - DianaWhat I'm still not clear on are things like this: how do I present options and prices to a client, and give them time to make a decision? Am I supposed to reserve all of the options first to guarantee the price, and then cancel the discarded options afterward? Or do you just present it and hope the prices

This week for the Friday 15, we've got a final in-house HAR special with the entire HAR crew, Shayna Zand, Abbey von Gohren, Rita Perez and Jenn Myers! So much to catch up on, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us! What are a few things that families care about when they travel (other than the cost) that advisors can typically overlook or forget about?Having been a franchise owner, if you were advising a brand-new IC today, what would you tell them to focus on in their first year and what should they ignore? For a newer advisor, what’s one marketing activity that actually works and one that’s a waste of time early on?RESOURCES:➡️https://hostagencyreviews.com/travel-conferences-events/2024/trends-in-the-family-travel-market-in-2024➡️https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/top-travel-agency-marketing-tools➡️https://hostagencyreviews.com/travel-agency-software/packy➡️https://hostagencyreviews.com/7-day-setup-accelerator➡️https://hostagencyreviews.com/travel-market-research-reports➡️Finding