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Step 1
To become an independent travel agent is very easy. You just need to visit travel agency that host new travel agents and submit application. There is no need for some specific education. You will need to pay accreditation fee and submit your photo for ID card. After that, you will have access to all resources that each travel agent has. In resources area below, you will find the link to the Travel Agency, which host new agents.
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Step 2
When you get the access to database, you can take decisions on your own. There is the agency rules which you need to fulfill, but they are made just to help you. If you become a home-based travel agent just because you would like to get cheaper travel for your family, then you can do nothing except make reservation for your next travel. However, if you would like to be successful and create real business for yourself, then you need to follow the next steps.
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Step 3
You need to order a personalized web site. This is free for you, as agency will cover all hosting expenses. This is the best way how you can represent yourself for next customers. It is very important part, as it shows that you are serious about travel. Next, spend time in agent area of your website, so that you become familiar with all information.
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Step 4
In order to be successful it is very important to start education. Think about your friend as the first customers. What they do the most when they travel? Is it Cruise, Vacations in cities, or maybe they love to spend time in some resorts in Caribbean? The best way is to take some niche and start education in it. If you would like to sell cruise, then the best would be Royal Caribbean University. You will get full information about ships, destinations, selling tips and techniques. It will help you to understand this field. Absolutely must do for every agent is Marriott Hotel Excellence. It will give you the best educational background about travel. In addition, I would like to add that this education is free of charge.
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Step 5
When you finished some first education steps, send your web site link with information to your friends and old colleges. Just say hello to them and introduce you with your new career. Travel is very personal matter and people love to buy it from someone they know the best. In addition, friends will be the best new sales lead providers for you.
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Step 6
When you start to sell some travel and you feel confident in some niche, you can register for Tripology Network. Basically, it is travel exchange where the travelers meet travel agents. It works like this: you establish profile according to your niche and Tripology sends you information about travelers who correspond to your profile. After that, you have a choice to buy this lead or not.
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Step 7
After a while, when you are sure about being a travel agent, you can create another web site. It can be about your hometown or about your niche market, but it should definitely present you as an expert in this field. The Internet is an immeasurable marketplace; you just need to use it.
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Step 8
Finally, when you become a home-based travel agent, you need to use every option to create new sale lead. Take your business cards to cafe's, restaurants or events. Just leave them there. A person who works there also travels, so they will definitely check your website and maybe even buy a next trip. Every person you contact can be a new client for you, so use these opportunities.
Comments
heather70 said
on 7/30/2009 How do you find a Travel Agent that hires at home Travel Agents?
hollyhood314 said
on 5/19/2009 wonderful advice on working from home as a travel agent sounds like something alot of people, especially with busy family lives, would be interested in
johnrapp said
on 5/19/2009 now here we have a bunch of great stuff written in English on how to be a home-based travel agent. well done, 5 stars!
skyedanzer said
on 5/17/2009 Very good ideas for starting your own travel agency. 5* RRR
athome said
on 5/15/2009 I think being a travel agent would be great, and all the discounts too. 5*