r/travelagents

Looks like it's the end for non Amex agents being able to book Fine Hotels and Resorts, The Hotel Collection, and Cruise Privileges Programs benefits. Just got an e-mail saying effective September 15th, they are discontinuing the program for third-party agents. Benefits will now only be available for booking through Amex Travel. It sucks, but I mean I guess it's their business and they can do whatever they want with it. Luckily don't have many customers who ever used these.

I'm looking at enrolling in a Cert III for Travel to enable a career move.

Are there any recommendations for a course that will significantly improve my employability upon completion? Suzan Johnston, FIT College, or Travel Training Australia (TTA) appear suitable, has anyone had experience with these providers, that can make a recommendation?

I’m in the process of getting set up on the travel-agent side and am planning to complete the Disney training, but I’m still pretty new to Disney and need to get some more first hand experience before I start offering it.

I’m able to take some time off from my main job and could potentially make my way down to Disney November 6–10 to get more familiar with the properties in person. Before I spend the time going through all of the Disney modules, though, I’m trying to figure out whether it makes sense to finish everything now or wait until a later trip.

Would anyone with current access be willing to check whether there’s any TA room-benefit availability during the November 6–10 window?

I’d mainly be looking at Value resorts, especially the All-Stars, but honestly I’m just trying to get a sense of whether anything is showing for those dates at all before I commit the time and money to finishing the setup, especially since I’ve heard November inventory can be pretty limited.

If anyone is able to take a quick look, I’d really appreciate it.

I am looking to work with one of these for booking flights/hotels for our clients? Have you used any of these, whats your experience?

So I started this journey last November but really January because when I joined my host agency it was the start of the holiday season, life got crazy and I didn’t start doing much with it until the beginning of the year. I do this at a stay at home mom for fun money so while I do take it serious I do have the flexibility to not go as hard into it because I necessarily need it to pay the bills. I exclusively book Disney because it’s what I know and love. I know their commission isn’t great and I could be earning more booking other suppliers but I truly enjoy planning Disney so it’s what I’m sticking to, at least for now. I started from zero, no circle who’s really helped me gain any leads, nothing like that, it’s just been me, myself and I grinding on social media. In just 6 months I was able to become one of the top 15 in my small agency of about 175 agents. I’m very proud of myself but I need to set myself a goal. When I have a goal I focus on it and do everything in my power to achieve it.

So my question is, those who exclusively book Disney, what was your sales at the end of year 1? Especially those who started from nothing like me. Out of all my trips I’ve booked only one is a person I know, everyone else was from leads I had come in. I just want to know what is a realistic goal for me to have as we are heading into the last quarter of the year.

Since Royal added the ability for customers to opt-in to allowing agents to see their offers, has anyone actually figured out HOW to see client offers and book them without calling?

The only job aid on Loyal To You is about servicing existing reservations assigned to your agency, not making new bookings.

I'm just getting started on exploring becoming a TA and saw many comments encouraging reading through Host Agency Reviews.

I noticed that many positive/5-star reviews seem to have quite a few "thumbs downs". These reviews do also have some thumbs ups but I'm curious about why there are sooooo many reviews with thumbs downs. Is it because people are looking for more details? Is it because they don't believe the glowing review?

It's just...odd.

Anyway, hoping to learn a lot here on my journey!

Background: traveled to 28+ countries, experience booking and planning itineraries, lived abroad for 3 years, studied abroad, forever learner and enjoy researching travel. I have an LLC for a tiny wellness business I've been building for 2 years that will merge well with travel.

Current situation: I broke into the industry earlier this year as a travel assistant at a local brick and mortar. They sell everything from leisure to corporate. I am on salary (low), but am grateful to have healthcare and gain experience.

Challenges: It is very hard for me to sit in the office 9-5 M-F. The owners are elderly (and conservative with their way of doing things). We currently use Travelport and TRAMS for invoicing. Anyways, we will be booted out and forced to switch to Travelport + at the end of the year. I could def see myself helping those who are not tech savvy with the transition. They book a lot of flights and I hear the headache daily. I want to stay away from being a booking agent with flights, and focus on booking leisure travel.

I plan to ask to transition from this position into an independent affiliate of the host agency in a few months. They already have 4/5 people working as affiliates. I started booking travel for colleagues and family last month. I know it will have its challenges, having to pay for my own health insurance and work on commission based.

Any experience taking the leap?

I was with a host agency that didn't charge a fee, and did pay me out my commissions at first, but that's kind of fallen apart. Get what you pay for I guess.

I'm looking into the other recommended agencies but the fees all seem really big for someone just starting out. $200 just to start and then $50+ a month... I'm in my 20's, I can't really afford to spend all that money and then still have to be finding my own leads (I live in a state where people are always trying to find the best deal, i.e Costco Travel or GAT, of which travel agents usually are not). Last year I managed to book 4 trips, but that's not really enough to even break even with the fees.

Do people really make enough money every single month that the monthly fee isn't just another bill you have to pay? I just can't really hemorrage money at this stage in my life.

Hello everyone, I'm pretty new to the travel industry. So far I've landed my first clients through friends and family and referrals, but now I need a way to consistently and reliably find new customers.

I'm considering running Facebook and Instagram ads but before I spend any money I'd really appreciate some suggestions or better alternatives from you guys

I have been planning girls trip and family trips for 15+ years all around the world. I enjoy travel planning apart from my full time job of project manager (which I also love and plan to continue). People around me already know me as a traveler and planner so I kind of have a brand already but I want to expand beyond people in my network.

As I am reaching 48 and empty nesting phase of life, thinking to build a travel community of 45+ women who enjoy luxury travel and are looking for a community. I want to curate the trips and market it but I am not necessarily interested in managing day to day operations. My goal is not to make lot of money from this but also some money would be motivating. I am thinking to plan only 2 trips per year and let 10 women sign up on first come basis.

Where do I even start? What am I missing? What are the pitfalls that I am not considering? Is it even a good idea? Thanks in advance!