How to Start Your Own Online Travel Home-Based Business

A home-based travel agency does business the same as a brick and marter site.

Travel agents assist travelers by helping their clients make the best possible travel arrangements. People want convenience, worry free vacations and travel without the hassle. Setting up a home-based travel agency will fit into the day-to-day operations of a travel agency. The availability of the Internet will assist you in starting this business.

Instructions

1. Decide what type of travel the home-based agency will offer. A travel agent can promote packages for resorts, cruise lines and/or specialty travel groups.

2. Check the state licensing or certification requirements. Some states will require licensing of a company even if it is home-based. Stay within the guidelines and rules.

3. Take continuing education classes with The Travel Institute. The Travel Institute Home-Based TRIPKit offers a range of books and courses geared toward home-based agents.

4. Join the Certified Travel Counselor (CTC) and the Certified Travel Associate (CTA). A travel agent is not certified until this process is completed. Having this certification lets the consumers know that the agency is legit and professional.

5. Purchase or set up a website. There are a few choices in setting up a home-based travel business. A website is essential in the success of the agency. Choose a domain name that is easy to remember and a reflection of what the agency offers. Yahoo! offers web hosting for a nominal fee, or just purchase a travel website that is up for sale. Search the Internet for these listings. Also, some companies will get the agency up and running, but these prices are significantly higher.

References

• The Travel Institute
• Bureau of Labor Statistics