May 18, 2007, Newsletter Issue #108: Become Your Own Travel Agent

Tip of the Week

Entrepreneur.com Tip: Enjoy travel and helping people? You could satisfy these interests by being a home-based travel agent. You have the flexibility of working full time or part time, and you can fit your work schedule around your personal needs. There is a wealth of information available online to help you get started.

What it’s All About
There are two types of travel agents: referral agents and booking agents. A referral agent refers business to travel agencies, who do the actual booking of flights, cruises, and hotels. The referral agent receives a percentage of the sale. To be a referral agent, you don’t have to have an extensive background in travel to do the work.

A booking agent, as you’ve guessed, is more involved in helping vacationers plan out their travel and making arrangements. The commission for a booking agent is much higher than that of a referral agent, just by the level of work put in.

Relationships with Agencies
In order to get the best travel deals for your customer, you need to have strong relationships with travel agencies and suppliers. You may be able to do this the old fashioned way (free) or you may be required to pay a fee in order to work with a particular agency or supplier. Sometimes agencies compete to offer you the “best deals” in the hopes that you will refer lots of business to them.

Scams
Just like anything, some things are too good to be true. Look out for any travel business opportunity that claims to offer free or discounted travel or a reward program if you recruit people to the program. Do your research on any company you plan to work with.

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