What is a home-based travel business?

At TravelVroom, an independent travel advisor works to sell cruises from home, as well as resorts and tour vacations, among other exciting travel experiences. This is a remote position, which means you’ll often hear the term “Home-Based Travel Business, or Home-Based Travel Advisor” referenced as well. You earn commission from the sales of your vacations while you’re selling incredible vacations to your customers. You’re hosted via the mentorship of a TravelVroom.

The corporate headquarters team at TravelVroom provides you with robust tools to help set you up for success – tools such as the ITA portal, marketing programs, training opportunities, training videos, ongoing support, Business Development Managers, and more. You are a contractor with a TravelVroom who hosts you within their agency. The Business Development Managers are experienced Home-Based Travel Business Owners who guide you in developing the required skills to sell vacations and understand the travel industry. You’ll participate in training, covering how to book vacations, find clients and service your customer’s vacations.

How do I establish my own home-based travel business?

Many people who become Independent Travel Advisors with their own Home-Based Travel Businesses have no prior travel industry experience. Many have a day job but also love to travel and enjoy planning vacations for themselves, friends, and family. Perhaps you have been looking for opportunities for fun, flexible full or part-time jobs or side hustles that also help you make money selling vacation packages.

We recommend a few steps to take to start your journey toward becoming an independent travel advisor with a TravelVroom Membership:

1. If you have not already done so, you’ll complete the next steps form to get on board.

2. During your discovery process, we recommend that you look into important aspects such as commissions, schedule flexibility, marketing tools, and training opportunities, which are important factors in helping to set you up for success.

3. Keep in mind that this is an independent business opportunity – you’ll receive a wide range of tools such as training, marketing programs, and more – so you’ll need to invest time and some money to get started. You can become a TravelVroom Member and start your very own Home-Based Travel Business for $99 annually, with options to VroomBoost, or upgrade your commission up to 95%.
   

What are the perks of being a travel agent?

Have you ever wondered how can I make money while traveling? As an Independent Travel Advisor with your Home-Based Business, you have the chance to take familiarization trips at significantly reduced rates so that you can learn first-hand about new cruise ships, destinations, and resorts — and then pass that knowledge on to customers!

One of the other exceptional perks of having your own Home-Based Business with TravelVroom is the ability to work from the comfort of your own home. That means that if you have internet connectivity, a tablet, laptop, or smartphone, you can work from anywhere. You can set your hours and work around your family’s schedule. You can work at your own pace and be your own boss.

What is a host agency?

Host agency is a term used in the travel industry and is a business that affiliates with home-based travel agents in an independent contractor agreement. As an Independent Travel Advisor with your own Home-Based Business with TravelVroom, you are working closely with an experienced Business Development Manager who will assist you with your training and understanding of the key tactics to sell vacations. You are not an employee but an independent contractor earning commission on your sales. You are also offered a wide range of tools, programs, training, and support from the corporate headquarters team at TravelVroom.

Will I be an Independent Contractor?

Yes, you are not an employee; you are an independent contractor. TravelVroom is a host angency model. So, you are considered an independent contractor that is part of a host agency business model.

How does the program work?

Once you decide to join TravelVroom as an independent travel advisor, you’ll be offered training and access to our booking system. The Business Development manager you’re partnered with can help set up your business and answer your questions. You’ll be partnered with a TravelVroom Business Development Manager who will mentor you and assist you in developing your business.

You will obtain specific training and learn about the operational part of the industry and the right marketing tools to promote your business and have good lead generation. This program aims to give you the expertise and guidance to help you create vacations for your clients and help your business succeed.

For each sale you make, you earn at least 50% (OPTIONAL VROOMBOOST UP TO 95%) of the supplier commission. You can sell to friends, family, and anybody who loves to travel and is looking for their next vacation gateway. You are your own boss, so you set the pace and decide how much to sell and when.

What do I get for my annual administrative fee?

There is an annual administrative fee, and you get great value for your investment:

• Support from a dedicated corporate team and a passionate community of fellow advisors.

• Individual Business Development Manager to mentor and help grow your business.

• Access to on-demand eLearning modules. Start learning the basics and continue with ongoing weekly refresher courses on your schedule.

• Brand awareness programs, plus customizable marketing material that will fit your local market and your clientele.

• Booking website maintained by Headquarters.

• Access to optional Cruise Line International Association (CLIA) EMBARK ID Card.

• Weekly supplier marketing and promotional emails.

• Private Facebook group support from your peers.

• Access to free or reduced-rate travel with our travel suppliers.

• .Maintenance of all required industry memberships and certifications on your behalf, as well as errors and omissions liability insurance.

How much money can I make?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average earnings for a travel agent in 2023 was $46,400 and as high as $64,100. How much you earn depends on your time and effort. You’ll earn a 50% commission on each sale, which includes various vacations such as cruises, resorts, tours, theme parks, villas, excursions, and more. With VroomBoosting, TraveVroom offers travel advisors the industry’s highest-paid commissions!

You can earn extra commissions by offering travel protection, shore excursions, hotel stays, and other optional cruise features. You can choose to sell any travel experience, such as cruises, all-inclusive resort stays, tours, travel insurance, and more.

Do I have to sell a certain amount?

TravelVroom does not have any sales requirements. You sell as little or as much as you want. We recommend you set your own realistic goals and work with your BDM to create a plan and reach those goals. Ultimately, your total amount is entirely up to you – since this is a transactional business, the more you sell, the more you earn.

How do I get paid commissions that I earn?

TravelVroom processes incoming commission checks to our ITAs bi-monthly upon receipt of the commission from the cruise line or other vacation vendor, which is generally when the final payment is received or after the client checks out of the resort or hotel. TravelVroom makes all payments directly to the ITA.

Are there opportunities to earn extra income?

You can earn commissions by offering travel protection, shore excursions, pre-and-post hotels, and other optional features, such as VroomBoosting. Plus, sales are not restricted to cruise vacations. You can also sell hotels, all-inclusive resorts, land vacations, independent tours, escorted tours, travel insurance, and more.

Will I be an employee of TravelVroom?

No. You will be an independent contractor receiving a commission on your sales.

What if I need help and assistance?

TravelVroom wants you to become an expert in selling vacations, and that’s why we provide you with a broad built-in support system. Your primary support will be your Business Development Manager, also known as a BDM, who will act as your mentor. Alongside, the TravelVroom headquarters– you’ll have learning courses and much more wealth of knowledge, training, and support at your fingertips.

Can I deduct my expenses from my earnings?

Please see your tax advisor and discuss what applicable business expenses may be deducted, such as the cost of equipment purchases and certain educational expenses, including traveling to discover new products and destinations, as well as claiming a home office deduction.

Are there any territory restrictions?

No. You may book vacations for customers all over the country and the world. Generally, our contracts with cruise lines and resorts allow us to book U.S. residents. Note that bookings cannot be made for anyone from the following states: California, Florida, Hawaii, and Washington. Also, please note that due to business opportunity laws in specific states, the Travelvroom Independent Travel Advisor opportunity is not available for residents of the following states: California, Florida, Hawaii, and Washington.

What kind of equipment do I need?

The great thing is that your office can be anywhere – your home, the beach, or on a hiking trail – if you have an internet connection, you can sell vacations.