These days with so many travel agents/agencies it's best to specialize in a certain area of travel. Could be cruises, All Inclusive resorts, destination weddings, group/family travel - the list goes on. It's fun and rewarding but also a lot of work and you must be detail oriented! All The Best!!
@@ProfMelissa Correct - former TA and one thing I learned dealing with people is their perceptions, preferences & expectations will be different. Difficult clients come with the territory however they make you appreciate great clients that much more. Take Care!
Absolutely. I was definitely taken aback at all the training, and the complicated nature of all the various supplier systems, which is why I tried in the video to emphasize the time factor. Being a TA isn't easy!
I’ve been searching and searching the internet and social media to try and understand how to become a travel agent, this video was so helpful and informative! Thank you ☺️
I'm glad it was helpful. It's SO frustrating to try and figure it out. It took me a good 10 months before I even "got it" all, and even after posting this video and fielding questions (and having to track down the answers), I realize that I'm *still* learning!
We used a travel agent to book our trip to Scotland and England. It was eye-opening to say the least. Our flight from Austin was delayed, first by an hour. Then it was delayed by another hour, so we would have missed our connecting flight from Toronto to Edinburgh. Fortunately, we got in touch with our travel agent, and she was able to cancel our first and second flights to Toronto & Edinburgh. She then found us a different flight that left 2 hours later, following an entirely different path to Newark, then Edinburgh, and putting us in Edinburgh at roughly the same time (within an hour or so) as the original itinerary. She was Magic. I will book through a travel agent whenever we travel now. It was so comforting to know that we wouldn't have to concern ourselves with the stress points of putting together a trip like that. I'd love to be someone's travel hero.
Hey there, wish I would have seen this sooner! I just did the same thing you did. I’m an IT solutions architect who travels all the time so I figured why not get paid for it / help my friends while I’m at it!! I’m still working through all the learning process of getting an LLC set up and all of the training. It’s a nice break from being a full time tech nerd, lol.
I am a Travel Agent as well and highly recommend E&O Insurance. The State I live in requires me to have Insurance. while most host agencies have E&O Insurance they can tell the Insurance company they dont want to proceed on the claim leaving the agent on the hook so, I highly recommend every agent has there own.
This was very informative and I have always wondered about the travel agency industry. My friend is a travel agent and does well. She travels all the time and I love seeing her adventures too. I have no interest right now but maybe later? Thanks for sharing!
Great video! I was a part time cruiseTA about 20 years ago and am looking to try this again in 2025 as I start my semi-retirement. I'll be filling out your interest form by year end!
Love your introduction. What is the different between becoming a travel agent vs going to school & taking a test in February for TAP, & ICTA. Will I still need a host? I'm trying to understand thanks My classes are online
Short notice but there's a great cruise conference next month in Ft Lauderdale Cruiseworld Nov 6 - 10 with great speakers & panels ( two speakers are personal friends, Joanie Ogg (Home Based Travel Agent author) & Alicia Steuart (Carnival) along with Jen Lee (Travel Planners International) and lots of destinations & cruise lines. Ship inspections on the 9th & 10h in FLL and Miami. Have been to one in the past & it was awesome! All The Best!!
I have been in the travel industry for years and have been thinking about this as a retirement type thing but I know it would be to benefit myself as I know there are tons of benefits given to TA's
Hello Melissa! I thought about coming a TA because I have a TH-cam channel about resorts, attractions, restaurants, and this to do in Orlando, Florida. I also recently just started cruising and now I'm starting to incorporate that into my channel. My TH-cam channel is a side hustle because I work full time in healthcare. Could it be lucrative to be a TA in Orlando? I have a small channel so not sure with all the costs and fees if it would be advantageous to be a TA? Any suggestions/feedback?
It could. Orlando is quite the tourist destination, find something that makes you different than the others. If you become a TA through me, you have access to my Travel Agent Squad which provides tons of information and business development advice.
Very informative video. To sign up to be an agent costs $30 a month, so if I book my own cruises two or three times a year for me and a couple of friends, does it save me enough in reduced fares and commissions earned to offset the monthly fees?
All that is very objective. Would need to know what commission is for the 2 or 3 times you sail. For reference, You can make about $60-70 on a casino offer. So if you book 2 casino offers, that is roughly 4 months host fee.
We take payment and then submit that to the supplier directly. Travel agents can sometimes get scammed, though, so it's advisable to require clients to complete a credit card authorization form to protect ourselves. Here's what mine looks like: form.jotform.com/242847770469168
Hi Melissa, thanks for everything. I’m in and I will start my training after work today. I just got off of my first cruise and ready to get started with the training. Should I just dive right in or are there prerequisites?
Is Cornerstone travel of lincolin Nebraska your agency? Im curious to know more. I live near Houston, Texas and love cruising. Been on more than 10 so far!!! So, my niche' would probably be in that vein. Travel involves financial planning, air, hotel, etc... is that all covered in the training both by Cornerstone and your help? Im very interested. Looking forward to hearing from you.
Do I need a high school diploma to become a TA? I’m 16 and looking at starting early as an investment for the future. I have travelled the world with my family and believe I am qualified to be a TA.
I don't have any interest in Selling Travel to others. I just want to do my own travel. Do I still have to do the SOT? I am in Florida. The past Host company I was with is based out of Fort Lauderdale and said we do NOT have to do the SOT in Florida so I am confused on this one.
Hey Melissa, I booked my first ever cruise for April 2025 with carnival on the elation and went through a bit of cost with a room change so I'm wondering if it's better to use an agent or use cruise lines web site. Also with a cruise agent would I get more info like you give on TH-cam but in paper to know what's the best places to go and places to stay away from. Looking to book another cruise after the April cruise if all goes well. Thank you.
Just watched your video - it is clear, transparent and informative. I am completely novice on this but want to become Home Based Travel Agency. Could you please let me know what GDS platform (Amadeus, Galileo) your host agency use and will I be able to book for all flights and to any destination? If a book a flight that cost £1000, how do I know what the commission amount is - please advise.
Commission percentage varies based on the supplier or aggregator used. You should be able to book anything, if not, you let the host agency know and they will sign up.
I have done my research and reviews but most host agencies prefer those in usa but now I live in 🇬🇭 Ghana west Africa and with a decade in sales so which cheap host agency will you recommend?
Yes, @themuirite is correct that it's variable. My most recent booking for myself was a Carnival free casino offer which paid me $60. For a regular rate two person room on a basic Carnival cruise it's around $250.
@@ProfMelissa I was thinking when you book what how much of a discount do travel agents get. I wanted to try to figure out if it's worth becoming a travel agent for myself and family or not.
The IATA number you receive is that yours to keep or is it actually owned by the host agency and is only on loan to you as long as you are part of their organization?
But some cruise lines do offer free cruises as long as your agency has done so many bookings with them not you yourself but the agency. As long as u complete their training you’re able to book your cruise. Some make u pay the taxes. ❤
So unlike depending o sub agents to make sales, are you saying that you get $10 a month no matter if you or the sub host makes any sales? That's recurring income just for them signing up? So tecnically if you had 3 people as sub agents they paid for your membership fee? Is that correct?
Agents don't have to make sales. Just pay the host fee which gives you access to all the resources of the host (suppliers, discounts, industry credentials, etc.) Your math would be correct.
Hi! I took the plunge signed up with listing you. But I have not got any info from you. Can you let me know how I join your group! BTW having the best time doing all the trainings.
She's with an MLM folks! RUN!!!!!!Their pay structure is "uni-level" but that doesn't change the fact that she gets paid monthly off of her recruits. IT'S AN MLM IN DISGUISE!!!!
It’s affiliate marketing. Which I’m totally fine with. She *should* get referral fees. Just like Amazon affiliate marketing if you help guide someone to a valuable purchase you get a kickback. I love these things that can help small business owners! MLMs are very different and screw over those in the bottom.
Google can be your friend Dr. Newman has a BBA in Marketing from the University of Kentucky, MBA from Morehead State University, and an MA in Higher Education and a PhD in Educational Leadership from the University of Louisville. She has nearly two decades of experience in leadership within both the higher education and nonprofit sectors. She is a recipient of the Cincinnati Business Courier's Forty Under 40 award, LEAD's Women in Leadership award, the Michael Dean EXCEL Award in Undergraduate Teaching, and the Grilliot Award for Excellence in Faculty Advising.
I like your video. been running a call center for one of the cruise lines for 3 years but would like to expand out. Drop me a line so I can start a dialog with you.
@@lanceretterbush still trying to see some of the beauty here before we move and retire. My wife needs three more years for health insurance. Doing business here in California is for the birds.
At your agency, the host gets 20%, you get 80% and the agent who recruited you gets 10%. Wait.....That's 110% of the commission.
These days with so many travel agents/agencies it's best to specialize in a certain area of travel. Could be cruises, All Inclusive resorts, destination weddings, group/family travel - the list goes on. It's fun and rewarding but also a lot of work and you must be detail oriented! All The Best!!
Detail oriented to say the least and even a little type A.
@@ProfMelissa Correct - former TA and one thing I learned dealing with people is their perceptions, preferences & expectations will be different. Difficult clients come with the territory however they make you appreciate great clients that much more. Take Care!
Being good with people and having a strong customer service background are good qualities to have as well.
@@ProfMelissa True - Brings about those referrals!!☺
yes!
I’m a TA and there is SSSSOOOOO much to learn and do and keep up with.
Way more than people think of.
Absolutely. I was definitely taken aback at all the training, and the complicated nature of all the various supplier systems, which is why I tried in the video to emphasize the time factor. Being a TA isn't easy!
The learning never stops!
Never!
I’ve been searching and searching the internet and social media to try and understand how to become a travel agent, this video was so helpful and informative! Thank you ☺️
I'm glad it was helpful. It's SO frustrating to try and figure it out. It took me a good 10 months before I even "got it" all, and even after posting this video and fielding questions (and having to track down the answers), I realize that I'm *still* learning!
@@ProfMelissa well I have definitely decided to fill out your form and submit it! I’m looking forward to learning from you!
Yay!
We used a travel agent to book our trip to Scotland and England. It was eye-opening to say the least. Our flight from Austin was delayed, first by an hour. Then it was delayed by another hour, so we would have missed our connecting flight from Toronto to Edinburgh. Fortunately, we got in touch with our travel agent, and she was able to cancel our first and second flights to Toronto & Edinburgh. She then found us a different flight that left 2 hours later, following an entirely different path to Newark, then Edinburgh, and putting us in Edinburgh at roughly the same time (within an hour or so) as the original itinerary. She was Magic.
I will book through a travel agent whenever we travel now. It was so comforting to know that we wouldn't have to concern ourselves with the stress points of putting together a trip like that. I'd love to be someone's travel hero.
You can join the squad!
You never mention the name of your host agency so we can research it before signing up. What is the name of the host agency? Thanks.
I love being a travel agent!This is great information!
Thanks! I really like it, too, but it's SO much more work than I ever anticipated!
@@ProfMelissa I sent you a message on fb. I’m not sure if you seen it.
I did not see your message. Email me at hello@professormelissa.com
This is such great information! I'm about a year away from pulling the trigger, but I'm excited to start!!!
Why wait?
Hey there, wish I would have seen this sooner! I just did the same thing you did. I’m an IT solutions architect who travels all the time so I figured why not get paid for it / help my friends while I’m at it!! I’m still working through all the learning process of getting an LLC set up and all of the training. It’s a nice break from being a full time tech nerd, lol.
That sounds pretty cool actually! What does it entail?
I am a Travel Agent as well and highly recommend E&O Insurance. The State I live in requires me to have Insurance. while most host agencies have E&O Insurance they can tell the Insurance company they dont want to proceed on the claim leaving the agent on the hook so, I highly recommend every agent has there own.
Exactly - some hosts offer E&O at no additional cost but some may charge to be on their E&O.
Which CRM does your host use?
TESS
@@ProfMelissa I’m with OA and don’t care for Tess. Hopefully it will be updated soon!! Love your content!
Not a big TESS fan either! It's clunky.
But....If you are getting free cruises from the casino....Where is the commission?
This was very informative and I have always wondered about the travel agency industry. My friend is a travel agent and does well. She travels all the time and I love seeing her adventures too. I have no interest right now but maybe later? Thanks for sharing!
You're welcome, I am glad you were able to get something from this.
Great video! I was a part time cruiseTA about 20 years ago and am looking to try this again in 2025 as I start my semi-retirement. I'll be filling out your interest form by year end!
Can't wait to have ya on my team!
Love your introduction. What is the different between becoming a travel agent vs going to school & taking a test in February for TAP, & ICTA. Will I still need a host? I'm trying to understand thanks
My classes are online
You can actually start a travel agency without a host agency but if you're just starting out then you're likely less vetted with the Vendors/Suppliers
Short notice but there's a great cruise conference next month in Ft Lauderdale Cruiseworld Nov 6 - 10 with great speakers & panels ( two speakers are personal friends, Joanie Ogg (Home Based Travel Agent author) & Alicia Steuart (Carnival) along with Jen Lee (Travel Planners International) and lots of destinations & cruise lines. Ship inspections on the 9th & 10h in FLL and Miami. Have been to one in the past & it was awesome! All The Best!!
Are you looking for speakers?
@@ProfMelissa No - judging from their website there's a lot of great speakers listed! Have a good one!
You too!
I have been in the travel industry for years and have been thinking about this as a retirement type thing but I know it would be to benefit myself as I know there are tons of benefits given to TA's
It's great for a side gig!
I’ll definitely be contacting you!! I just happen to be on a transatlantic cruise at the moment 🤣🤣🤣love your content!!
That's the best excuse!
IATA is only available if you sign up with a host?
Does a travel host company assist with travel agent certification?
A lot of information for thought. 🤔 Thank you.😊
Glad you found it helpful!
Hello Melissa! I thought about coming a TA because I have a TH-cam channel about resorts, attractions, restaurants, and this to do in Orlando, Florida. I also recently just started cruising and now I'm starting to incorporate that into my channel. My TH-cam channel is a side hustle because I work full time in healthcare. Could it be lucrative to be a TA in Orlando? I have a small channel so not sure with all the costs and fees if it would be advantageous to be a TA? Any suggestions/feedback?
It could. Orlando is quite the tourist destination, find something that makes you different than the others. If you become a TA through me, you have access to my Travel Agent Squad which provides tons of information and business development advice.
@@ProfMelissa thank you! I need to figure out how I would market myself different from other TAs in the area.
Million dollar question!
@@ProfMelissa yes!!
Can you help me?
Very informative video. To sign up to be an agent costs $30 a month, so if I book my own cruises two or three times a year for me and a couple of friends, does it save me enough in reduced fares and commissions earned to offset the monthly fees?
All that is very objective. Would need to know what commission is for the 2 or 3 times you sail. For reference, You can make about $60-70 on a casino offer. So if you book 2 casino offers, that is roughly 4 months host fee.
is there residual pay? bonus pay when you hit certain tiers with your agency host, FYI I just signed up with you
A question I thought of. How do your clients pay? Do you set up a payment processing account (sqaure, etc)?
We take payment and then submit that to the supplier directly. Travel agents can sometimes get scammed, though, so it's advisable to require clients to complete a credit card authorization form to protect ourselves. Here's what mine looks like: form.jotform.com/242847770469168
Hi Melissa, thanks for everything. I’m in and I will start my training after work today. I just got off of my first cruise and ready to get started with the training. Should I just dive right in or are there prerequisites?
Is Cornerstone travel of lincolin Nebraska your agency? Im curious to know more. I live near Houston, Texas and love cruising. Been on more than 10 so far!!! So, my niche' would probably be in that vein. Travel involves financial planning, air, hotel, etc... is that all covered in the training both by Cornerstone and your help? Im very interested. Looking forward to hearing from you.
Do I need a high school diploma to become a TA? I’m 16 and looking at starting early as an investment for the future. I have travelled the world with my family and believe I am qualified to be a TA.
I don't have any interest in Selling Travel to others. I just want to do my own travel. Do I still have to do the SOT? I am in Florida.
The past Host company I was with is based out of Fort Lauderdale and said we do NOT have to do the SOT in Florida so I am confused on this one.
Hey Melissa, I booked my first ever cruise for April 2025 with carnival on the elation and went through a bit of cost with a room change so I'm wondering if it's better to use an agent or use cruise lines web site.
Also with a cruise agent would I get more info like you give on TH-cam but in paper to know what's the best places to go and places to stay away from. Looking to book another cruise after the April cruise if all goes well. Thank you.
Depend son your wants and needs really. If you want to sail Carnival I am hosting a cruise on Carnival Jubilee in April.
Just watched your video - it is clear, transparent and informative. I am completely novice on this but want to become Home Based Travel Agency. Could you please let me know what GDS platform (Amadeus, Galileo) your host agency use and will I be able to book for all flights and to any destination? If a book a flight that cost £1000, how do I know what the commission amount is - please advise.
Commission percentage varies based on the supplier or aggregator used. You should be able to book anything, if not, you let the host agency know and they will sign up.
I have done my research and reviews but most host agencies prefer those in usa but now I live in 🇬🇭 Ghana west Africa and with a decade in sales so which cheap host agency will you recommend?
your link will not open in Chrome or Safari - any suggestions?
I am upgrading my site this weekend. What info can I send you?
@@ProfMelissa thanks for the reply - I am looking for info on becoming a TA
www.profmelissa.com/travelagent
www.profmelissa.com/travelagent
I have been looking into this as an extra money venture. I am retired, so I am not looking for anything full time.
It's great for side income, but it DOES require quite a bit of online training to do it well.
Great job, where is the link ? Thank you. Have a blessed day
www.professormelissa.com/travelagent
So how much money per cruise, or (how many cruises would i need to go on myself) to justify cost? Thanks 😁
Every line has different commissions and promotions.
Yes, @themuirite is correct that it's variable. My most recent booking for myself was a Carnival free casino offer which paid me $60. For a regular rate two person room on a basic Carnival cruise it's around $250.
Is there a CRM software for travel agency?
How many trips do you need to book before you can take your own commission on the next trip?
I started earning commission on my first ever booking I did for myself.
I understand it will probably vary from host to host but what kind of discount do you get on average for cruise travel ?
Discount as in a discount when you book or commission? Both do vary.
@@ProfMelissa I was thinking when you book what how much of a discount do travel agents get. I wanted to try to figure out if it's worth becoming a travel agent for myself and family or not.
It varies but you can get free agent cruises.
Does the agency give CLIA approval right away or is there a waiting period.
Host agency has their CLIA. If you want one you will have to do it during enrollment period.
The IATA number you receive is that yours to keep or is it actually owned by the host agency and is only on loan to you as long as you are part of their organization?
The host agency has one, you have to apply if you want your own. Applications open soon.
You can lnly become a travel agent under a host ?
But some cruise lines do offer free cruises as long as your agency has done so many bookings with them not you yourself but the agency. As long as u complete their training you’re able to book your cruise. Some make u pay the taxes. ❤
This is true
If I book a cruise and then the TA doesn’t work out and I become inactive. Do I still get that commission?
Pays after the travel has taken place.
How do you find clients?
Everyone is a potential client.
Is it scammy if they ask for money? Like 140$ per month to be a travel agent?
So unlike depending o sub agents to make sales, are you saying that you get $10 a month no matter if you or the sub host makes any sales? That's recurring income just for them signing up? So tecnically if you had 3 people as sub agents they paid for your membership fee? Is that correct?
Agents don't have to make sales. Just pay the host fee which gives you access to all the resources of the host (suppliers, discounts, industry credentials, etc.) Your math would be correct.
Can you please send me the link for that website to become a travel agent. Please and thank you 😊
www.professormelissa.com/travelagent
www.professormelissa.com/travelagent
Is your affiliated host agency and the trainings etc relevant in Canada?
Can you suggest hosting agencies in Canada, or how to find such?
Expedia cruises is a great one
Is there any charge for training 🤔
No, just your host fee. Learn at your own pace.
Signed up last night!
Tell me how it goes!!
@@leeaunnawilliams5394 It was smooth signing up. Just working through all the suppliers' "education."
Hi! I took the plunge signed up with listing you. But I have not got any info from you. Can you let me know how I join your group! BTW having the best time doing all the trainings.
Hi! Email me at hello@professormelissa.com if you have questions.
I’m not seeing the interest link
She's with an MLM folks! RUN!!!!!!Their pay structure is "uni-level" but that doesn't change the fact that she gets paid monthly off of her recruits. IT'S AN MLM IN DISGUISE!!!!
It’s affiliate marketing. Which I’m totally fine with. She *should* get referral fees. Just like Amazon affiliate marketing if you help guide someone to a valuable purchase you get a kickback. I love these things that can help small business owners! MLMs are very different and screw over those in the bottom.
What is the name of your host agency?
Cornerstone
My agency is zero fees, period. And 70/30 split.
Oh yeah?
What Agency?
ICT?
@@ProfMelissamagical enchanted vacations
@@IslandHopperEscapesmagical enchanted vacations
What are you a professor of?
Management specializing in nonprofits 🙂
Google can be your friend Dr. Newman has a BBA in Marketing from the University of Kentucky, MBA from Morehead State University, and an MA in Higher Education and a PhD in Educational Leadership from the University of Louisville. She has nearly two decades of experience in leadership within both the higher education and nonprofit sectors. She is a recipient of the Cincinnati Business Courier's Forty Under 40 award, LEAD's Women in Leadership award, the Michael Dean EXCEL Award in Undergraduate Teaching, and the Grilliot Award for Excellence in Faculty Advising.
@@charleshensley9503 👍 , condescending prick
What is MLM?
multi-level marketing
What is the travel host name pm me ...i m trying to do my research first before i join any
Email me at hello@professormelissa.com
So this is only for US based people...
Excellent video! We need to chat.
By the way… after watching your entire video, I find myself asking, “How does one become a host agency?”
Click the link above and you'll have access to all the details.
who is your host agent
cornerstone
I like your video. been running a call center for one of the cruise lines for 3 years but would like to expand out. Drop me a line so I can start a dialog with you.
You can should be able to connect with me via any of the links above or www.professormelissa.com/travelagent
If you’re in California, I strongly suggest you don’t do an LLC. It is the worst situation with no protection.
www.professormelissa.com/travelagent
Why u still in Commiefornia???
@@lanceretterbush still trying to see some of the beauty here before we move and retire. My wife needs three more years for health insurance.
Doing business here in California is for the birds.
How many trips do you need to book before you can take your own commission on the next trip?
You should be able to on your first booking.
@@ProfMelissa so did you just book yourself on more trips without commission.
@@ProfMelissa so did you just book yourself on more trips without commission.
You can make commission on casino offers if that is what you are asking.
@@ProfMelissa no that’s not it. You said you booked yourself many trips to get used to the Host. So did they just take the commission??