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With a year of travel restrictions and being told to stay home, people are itching to start traveling again. Never will they take getting on a plan and going on vacation for granted again.
Once the world gets back to normal, there is going to be a post-pandemic travel boom where everyone will want to check out a new destination and escape for a couple of weeks.
That is why right now is the perfect time to become an independent travel agent. The demand for travel is high and you can help satisfy that demand with a supply of discounted vacations and strategic planning.
Start now while people are thinking about where they would like to go so you can help them plan it for when travel is possible.
What is an Independent Travel Agent?
An independent travel agent is just like a normal travel agent, but they are self-employed. They work from home on their own time to find clients and book travel accommodations and vacations for them.
Independent travel agents can work full or part-time, right from their computer, so it’s the perfect opportunity to make some extra money on the side if you need to.
You’ll receive special prices on resorts, hotels, and transportation for both yourself and your clients, putting you above the competition. Plus, you offer an easy service to book a trip for your clients so they don’t have to think about it.
Unlimited Salary Possibilities
Independent travel agents work on commission. So, they only get paid when a client books a trip with them. However, the higher paying clients you work with, the more commission you’ll make on their trips.
The salary possibility is unlimited! It’s up to you to determine how much time you spend acquiring clients, networking, and booking trips for people.
The average salary of an independent travel agent ranges between $50K and $100K per year. Although you can definitely make more than that!
No Experience Required
You don’t need to have experience to become an independent travel agent. You’ll receive training and attend webinars once you join an agency and learn on the spot. This is perfect for people who are looking for a change but don’t want to go back to school.
It’s Entrepreneurial in Nature
Working for yourself requires an entrepreneurial spirit. Being an independent travel agent requires you to manage a website, build your social media, make sales calls and network with people, and conduct tourism market research to better advertise your services.
It also helps to establish a niche for your business. Whether you choose to only book luxury vacations, bachelorette parties, or business trips, it’s important to narrow down your target market and own it.
Mix Business with Pleasure
A good independent travel agent is experienced and knows what they’re talking about. So, this means you’ll have opportunities to check out the resorts you promote and fly on the airlines you partner with. By gaining firsthand experience, you’ll be able to sell the experience to your clients better.
