Travel Agent Chatter | Starting And Growing Your Travel Agency

In episode 197, Steph Lee hosts and Andavo Travel is our sponsor. (Thanks, Andavo!) Here's a taste of the questions she'll cover! 1. At what point should you LLC (so as to protect your assets), even if your income is not large yet?  — Anonymous2. How does a newbie travel advisor become a sub-agent? And where can a newbie find a mentor? —Diana B.3. I always worry about being considered the Merchant of Record on flights and being on the hook for any refunds that are due the client while waiting on the airline to send the refund. Any thoughts? - Carin BrustRESOURCES:➡️ What are the business structures options for my travel agency and the pros/cons of each?➡️ List of travel industry lawyers and contact information➡️Research reports covering the income growth for travel advisors as they gain experiences➡️Join our industry association: ASTA (American Society of Travel Advisors)➡️Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering! https://hostagencyrevie

In episode 196, our very own Mary Stein co-hosts with the one and only Jenn Lee of Vacation Planners! Here’s the questions they’ll tackle this week! 1. Do you have a good system for organizing all your travel BD contacts and promotional material of properties? I get overwhelmed with paper and business cards and even online and notes I still cannot seem to get a system in place for everything I receive. - Sara2. I am an IC with about 2 years in the business. I'm considering going out on my own because I'm not happy with my situation for many reasons. How do you know it's the right time to make this change? What do you see as the pros and cons of staying an IC and being independent?  - Anonymous3. Hey Guys! I'm wondering, What are some ideas for "Thank You" gifts for my clients that are traveling to All Inclusives? I feel like it's easy to do gifts on cruises, I'm just not quite sure what to do for my land vacations. Any ideas?") - CindyRESOURCES:➡️ Host Agency Review’s Travel Agency Software Profiles

In episode 196, we have a HAR Team special with Shayna Zand and Rita Perez! Here are the questions they’ll cover in this week’s episode! At what point should you LLC (so as to protect your assets), even if your income is not large yet? How do you deal with failure? I feel lost on which course to take. There seems to be the ASTA roadmap, This Accelerator course, and then the TRIPKIT course, which all seem to have rave reviews. But what's the difference?RESOURCES:➡️ Travel Agency Business Structures: How to Choose https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agency-business-structures➡️Previous Friday 15 where Steph and her co-host discussed LLCs and bank accounts: Getting Set Up with LLC, Bank Accts, Etc. – Using Points for Clients? – Host Agencies Outside US? | Host Agency Reviews https://hostagencyreviews.com/friday15/getting-set-up-with-llc-bank-accts-etc-using-points-for-clients-host-agencies-outside-usHost Week Discussion with Stacey Cabell: Breaking Boundaries: How Stepping Out of Your C

In episode 193, Steph cohosts again with Lori Speers of Levarte Travel! Here are the questions they’ll cover!1. How do I deal with a client who is searching while I am researching and I feel like I am in a race to find the best deal or price?  —Pamela C.2. Hey Guys! I'm wondering, What are some ideas for "Thank You" gifts for my clients that are traveling to All Inclusives? I feel like it's easy to do gifts on cruises, I'm just not quite sure what to do for my land vacations. Any ideas?  —Cindy W.3. ​​When changing Host agencies, is it possible to transfer clients and vendor information without doing it individually? As a courtesy, should I tell the agency that I am moving on to another agency?  —Pamela C.RESOURCES:➡️Did you miss Levare’s Host Week interview? What did they answer for their Karaoke question?!?➡️Travel agent guide to charging fees.➡️WATCH: Host Week 2025 EduSpot: Redefining Value Beyond Commissions: The Case for Planning Fees in Travel, Ajanaclair Wise➡️WATCH: Host Week 2025 EduS

In episode 192, Steph cohosts again with Jennifer Dugan of Dugan’s Travels! Here are the questions they’ll cover!1. ​​Hi I’m a new independent travel advisor just getting ramped up and which CRM is recommended for CC payments- I would like my clients to pay directly using a CC or debit card. -Kevin Jordan 2. How in the world can we go through 30 hosts in detail with questions to finally decide 1 to sign on? I have already contacted an attorney to form the LLC before sign up with the host.-Anonymous3. How do you assess how and what to charge for planning fees?-AnonymousRESOURCES:Host Agency Review’s Travel Agency Software Profiles https://hostagencyreviews.com/travel-agency-softwareTravel Agency CRM List (with User Reviews (https://hostagencyreviews.com/travel-agency-software/category/crm)Things to look for in your contract with your host agency (https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/independent-travel-agent-contracts)Advice on how to find the best host agency. (https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/tips-on-how

In episode 191, Steph cohosts with Dave Meihoefer of TPI and they’ve got a ton of questions to cover, so make sure and ready up on ‘em in advance! Have a gander: 1. Hi Steph!  I thought I had a rare name, but your podcast is making me feel like just another Stephanie! :). SO many Stephanies!!!  We should start a club!I have gone through the Accelerator Course, just going back and starting the business end of things - after 2 1/2 months of name searching, I feel like I can finally fill in the blanks!  Thanks so much for all of your great podcasts and resources!!This question doesn't really pertain to me now, but when looking to the future, in my successful advisor life, what is the benefit of leaving a host agency and going on my own?  Will I be a host agency lifer?  Or is there a pot of gold on the other side?  Just curious, cheers-Another One of those Stephanies2. Hi Steph, listener & big HAR fan here from Belgium, Europe!Don't know if this has already been asked, but c

In episode 190, Steph Lee and Sheila Folk of Travel Industry Solutions go deep this week with questions on suppliers and seller of travel rules! Here are the questions in their entirely:1. I have signed up with _____ as my host agent. Being very new to travel of this form, I feel I am learning a lot of the marketing. I know it is important but I’m not learning the program for the booking part and am getting frustrated. I must be missing something.Ok sorry for the rant.The question is: is it the suppliers that provide the software on the booking? I am going in the direction of cruises. Let me know.  —Deborah M..2. I have been looking into host agencies and trying to find the right solution for my situation. I am hoping you could provide a little clarity with your expertise. I want to join a host agency with the hope that someday I can live wherever I want for up to 6 months out of the year. I currently live in Ontario, Canada and ideally when I retire I would like to continue my travel sales. I want a por

In episode 189, Steph Lee and April Swales of Uniglobe Travel chat on our first barrage of 2025 questions from all you lovely people! Here's a taste, make sure and tune in on Friday! 1. I plan to continue working at my current job and want to start my travel agency in the new year. Do you have tips on how to juggle two jobs and make sure I get back to my clients quickly when I have another day job? I don’t want to lose any future clients but can’t afford to not work. —Katee R.2. Our family of 3 takes a cruise every winter with 3 other families. I am the organizer. Would it be worth it for me to become a travel agent? What kind of savings can I access and how much would it cost to become a travel agent? —Jen R.RESOURCES:How much do travel agents make? https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/how-much-do-travel-agents-make-travel-agent-salaryHow much does it cost to become a travel agent or start a travel agency?https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/how-much-does-it-cost-become-travel-ageInformation on travel agent

In episode 188, Steph Lee and Jennifer Dugan of Dugan’s Travels cover some great questions this week, including how long it takes to get started as an advisor and how OTAs affect travel advisor business. Here are the queries in detail:  1. Hi, I have been listening to the Friday 15s this month, thank you for all the information. What's the typical timeline from starting as a new advisor to becoming profitable? —Anonymous2. I’m exploring a career as a travel advisor and am seriously thinking about starting my agency in 2025 after Host Week. I’m worried about competing with Booking.com and Expedia. How do those companies affect an agency’s business model and ability to compete? –AnonymousRESOURCES:How much do travel agents make? https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/how-much-do-travel-agents-make-travel-agent-salaryHow much does it cost to become a travel agent or start a travel agency?https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/how-much-does-it-cost-become-travel-ageInformation on travel agent income over time.

In episode 187, Steph Lee and Jennifer Dugan of Dugan’s Travels discuss a variety of topics this week, including E&O Insurance and when it’s a good idea to get your own IATA number! Here are the questions in all their glory: 1. I would like to hear the Pros and Cons and the best strategy on choosing a supplier for E&O insurance. –Diane D.2. Hello! I came across a blog and wanted to reach out as I am becoming more and more confused as I search. I am a 1099 contractor under a company with an IATA # I've been using to sell travel for approx 10 years. But my main business is wedding planning. I would like to earn commission on my hotel room blocks at 100%. For many reasons, but most hotels are capped at 7% so I am not gaining anything with my current travel partners volume. I do still want to sell travel under his IATA for Sandals, and most other trips that I book with TOs and benefit from higher commissions due to volume I would not have on my own.I do not sell air. Can I/ Should I get my own IATA #

In episode 186 Steph cohosts with Kendra Tainsh of Travel Edge. Here are the questions these expert ladies will cover for you all! 1. I have been away from the corporate travel industry for over 20+ years and I would like to revisit being a corporate travel advisor. I used Sabre when I was an agent and I've been seeing so many jobs I could possibly qualify for but you need at least 2 years of corporate travel experience domestic and international.I would like to know the best Sabre course/refresher I could take to once again be Sabre efficient and qualified to apply for these positions. I was told once you know Sabre it's like riding a bike you don't forget how to navigate it. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.  ---Robin B. 2. Hi! Thank you for your super helpful website and podcast!I've signed up with a host agency, and done the online education, but I am still pretty confused about how to create FIT trips through the host. For years I have run my own trips and ha

Transcript + Show Notes: https://har.news/vol31 Special thanks to today’s sponsor: KHM Travel GroupToday's guests prove that sometimes the best partnerships start at home. Lauren Pronger launched Well Inspired Travels in 2011, inspired by witnessing travel's transformative power when her father used it to complement his cancer treatment. When her husband Chris, NHL Hall of Famer and Triple Gold Cup winner, joined the business in 2018, they discovered they were more powerful together.What makes this power couple unique isn't just their high-profile clientele of professional athletes and executives—it's their holistic approach to travel planning and firm "no asshole policy." The Prongers have built a luxury agency that perfectly balances Lauren's creative vision with Chris's business development expertise. They've mastered the art of strategic outsourcing through their host agency, allowing them to be the face of the business while having strong back-office support.Lauren brings her expertise as a wel

In episode 185 Steph cohosts with Jennifer Dugan of Dugan’s Travels. Don’t miss this great episode chock full of helpful wisdom, covering the questions you will find below: 1. What is the best way to contact a resort to do a site inspection (email, phone call), especially if the resort is out of the country?Thanks, Jenn B.2. After organizing group tours as a volunteer for my club, I am now transitioning to become a professional. I love your podcast and website - thank you.  I'll be doing the 7-day series soon.I do group tours that are customized for a special interest.  Numerous times, I have tried to book a block of rooms with a hotel and the pricing they quote is more expensive than what I can get from Booking.com or Agoda.com.  In the most recent example, it was 133 room nights and the savings by leaving the rooms on Booking.com was over $15,000.  Additionally, the in-house contract usually requires up front deposits and has much worse cancellation policies.  I really want to

In episode 184 Steph cohosts with David Meihoefer of TPI! Steph and Dave have some really substantive questions to dig into, so make sure you don’t miss it! Here are the questions: 1. Hi Steph and Guest. Our host agency was just hit with fraud and they sent a notice that we’ll be responsible for any fraudulent bookings. Is this common? I’m new and I’m worried I will make a fraudulent booking and not know it. It would be helpful if we knew what to look out and how to avoid bad bookings. —Anonymous2. I am curious about the industry practice regarding changing from one commission split level to another within a host agency. Is it customary to be paid on a booking based on what your split is when you entered the booking into your host’s commission tracking system? Rather than what your split is at the time of travel?Thanks for any insight!—Anonymous3. Do you recommend new travel advisors have a marketing budget from Day 1? I know you need to spend money to make money. However, I’m unclear how much to spend a

In episode 183 Steph cohosts with Kendra Tainsh of Travel Edge. They’re gonna have a go at the questions below, and give you plenty to learn about in the process!  1. Hi, I am just joining a Travel Agent as part of her independent Agency starting in December but I do need to establish myself as an LLC as well as set up a business bank account which I will do at the bank that I have been using for my personal banking. Do you have any suggestions as to the best Credit card for TA's? Thank you, Robin R2. Are there any arrangements where a customer can still earn points with a hotel chain or airline while purchasing through a travel agency? I hate having friends and family make an effort to work with me, pay the same as they would pay on their own & lose their points. –Jenn T.3. Hi Steph, are there any host agencies that work with international new advisors outside the USA and Canada? Thank you! –Meseret G.RESOURCES:Setting Up Your Travel Agency’s Financials(https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/settin

In episode 182 Steph cohosts with Jennnifer Dugan of Dugan’s Travels! Here’s a taste of the questions! 1. Hello, HAR team. Thank you for your very informative article series on booking group travel.  I'm working on my first group and trying to wrap my brain around contracts. Is there a contract between you (the travel advisor) and the supplier, and another contract between you and the client, or is it all one contract? Is this in addition to the usual terms and conditions form used when booking FIT travel? Last, are there any red flags to watch out for or items to be sure to include when signing these contracts with suppliers? Thank you for all you do!  --Molly C. 2.Do advisors typically split their planning fees with their host agencies? If so, does it follow the commission split? Thank you! --Anonymous3. I'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

In episode 181 Steph cohosts with a longtime Friday 15 friend, April Swales of Uniglobe Travel! Here's a taste of the topics they'll tackle -- via your questions! 1. I'm a new advisor and the host agency's booking platform is soooo complicated! I'm still trying to make it through the training. Thinking about switching to another host. Are booking platforms so complicated in general? How can you find out?  —Marsha G.2. Hi Steph, I've been a long-time listener and am now a regular caller—love the show!For my Friyay! 15 Question, I’m thinking about adding my booking metrics data like the number of booked cruises, flights, and destinations to my website. Do you think this is a good idea? If so, how would an agent go about adding that information to the site?All this to help build a trusting relationship with clients about the services that we provide.Thanks for your insights! I’ll hang up and listen now.

(180) What Computer Should I Buy? Discounts in Host Agency Choice. Dual-Ownership of Agency and HAs? In episode 180 Steph welcomes Kendra Tainsh of Travel Edge Network as a co-host. They'll cover the following topics in this week's Friday 15! 1. As I move into setting up my own Travel Advisor business, I'm thinking about what computer to get. As a teacher, I've been provided a MacBook Pro, which I love, but I know no different! Laptop? PC? Apple?  —Stephanie B.2. I am in the process of researching which host agency to join. Which ones offer discounts to tickets (concerts/sporting events/day tours/activities/etc.)? Evolution Travel offers those discounts, but am unsure whether the MLM model is the right choice for me. I haven't been able to find this level of detail when doing my search. Ideally, 'm looking for a host agency with a GDS, part of consortia, no minimum sales requirement and have discounts to tickets. Thank you so much! :)  —Cecily M.  3. Most resources we come across

In episode 179 Steph is co-hosting with David Meihoefer of TPI! Here’s a taste of the subjects they’ll tackle: 1. I'm still debating which host agency to choose, do you suggest I wait until host week to choose?  Also do you think I should have my website set up before choosing a host? -Thanks, Jenn2. I am still just doing lots of reading, and trying to better understand the travel advisor landscape a bit better.  One question I am wondering if you can answer for me is the relationship between the host agency and the consortium.  When I talked to a host, it sounds like they select their suppliers directly. They have a team that does that. However, it also seems like their suppliers have to come from the consortium, or at least they have to maintain a certain ratio there. So if someone wanted to be a supplier to that host, would they also have to be a supplier to the consortium? Just trying to understand who really maintains that relationship between the suppliers? Is it both, or m

In episode 178 Steph is co-hosting with Jennifer Dugan of Dugan’s Travels! Here are the questions for this week! 1. I loved the HAR CRM and Itinerary article. My head is spinning: I've looked at so many, Planiteasy, Travefy, Traveljoy, Unmapped, Axus, Tess, Tern. Which one can I either forward the email confirmation from hotels/air/car and it will input all the details not just the confirmation, dates... like prices, room type and cancel policies, or do they all make you enter this again to create the client itinerary once finished booking the reservation? Which let you import confirmations directly from suppliers and help create itineraries?So yes I want a unicorn, a central repository for all my client's profiles and their bookings, plus the ability to create and send itineraries...that are of course beautiful.   Haha.-Janette 2. Does anyone have a place that they can recommend to track expenses?  I'm using an excel spreadsheet and honestly I'm not a fan of it. -Dina3. Hi there! I have a