How to Create an Online Travel Agency

Do you daydream about earning money from the comfort of your own home, setting your own hours, and being part of an exciting and dynamic field? Then perhaps you should create your own online travel agency. You can become a work at home travel agent for as little as $100.

Things You'll Need

• Telephone
• Computer
• Internet Connection
• IATAN number if you plan to work directly with suppliers

Instructions

1. 

   Develop a business plan outlining what your goals are and what your budget is. The amount of money you make with your own travel agency depends on how much work, time, and effort you put into it.

2. 

   Do your research. Read as much as you can about the different home based travel agency options, determine if certification or registration is required in your state and what educational opportunities are available. While there is not a required educational course to become a travel agent per se, if you are not familiar with the business a course may be beneficial to you.

3. 

   Obtain an IATAN (International Airlines Travel Agent Network) ID card. This is your documentation that you are a credible travel agent. This travel agent ID card will also allow you to work with commercial suppliers.

4. 

   Determine if you need to work with a host agency or if you will have your own. Some states that require registration or that travel agents be bonded to run a host agency can cause costs to become very high. If you do decide to work as an independent contractor with a host agency, be sure that they are established and reputable. This may be the most important step in starting your online travel agency.

5. 

   Find a niche! Decide what type of travel you want to sell, such as cruises or Disney packages. It helps to be familiar with your product. For example, if you have traveled to Europe many times, you would be knowledgeable in planning a vacation there. You will be more successful if you focus on a particular area of travel.

Tips & Warnings

• Even if your state does not require certification, many suppliers will not work with you unless you have some formal education, are bonded, and/or are certified through one of the industry's professional associations.

• Join a social networking group of professional home based travel agents.

• Hawaii. California, Nevada, Ohio, Florida and Oregon require travel agents to register with the state.

• Beware of aggressive recruiters trying to sell you a book of host agencies, you can find that information for free.

Resources

• International Airlines Travel Agent Network