How to Become a Travel Agent: Step-by-Step Guide to Launching Your Dream Career

How to Become a Travel Agent: Turn Your Passion Into a Purpose-Driven Business

Have you ever thought, “I would love to get paid to plan travel?” Maybe you're the go-to person for organizing group trips, romantic getaways, or unforgettable family vacations. If so, you may be sitting on more than just a hobby — you may be sitting on your next big opportunity.

Becoming a travel agent isn’t just a job. It’s a lifestyle shift — one that offers freedom, flexibility, and the ability to build a business you truly love. Whether you’re looking for a fun side hustle, a full-time income, or a passion project that connects you with others, this career can open doors to a life filled with purpose and adventure.

In this guide, I’m sharing the real-world steps you need to take to become a travel agent — even if you have no experience — along with insights from my own journey and how you can get started with the mentorship and tools to succeed.

Ready to explore what this could look like for you?

Let’s dive in.

🌟 “You don’t need experience to start — just passion, purpose, and the courage to say yes.”
– Shelly Steavens, Travel With Shelly

What Does a Travel Agent Actually Do?

Becoming a travel agent isn’t just about booking flights — it’s about creating experiences. A great travel agent is a guide, a planner, a problem-solver, and sometimes even a dream-maker.

Here’s a snapshot of what travel agents really do:

💼 Daily Responsibilities:

• Researching destinations, resorts, cruises, and tour packages

• Booking transportation, accommodations, excursions, and travel insurance

• Building personalized itineraries based on each client’s needs

• Providing expert advice and insider tips

• Managing changes, cancellations, or emergencies when things don’t go as planned

🌎 What Sets a Great Agent Apart:

• Listening to clients’ goals and dreams — not just checking boxes

• Recommending options that match their budget and travel style

• Saving them time, stress, and money with expert knowledge

• Offering peace of mind before, during, and after their trip

In short? You’re not just selling travel — you’re delivering unforgettable moments.

And with today’s tools, training, and support systems, you can do it all from anywhere — even your kitchen table.

Is Becoming a Travel Agent Right for You?

Not everyone is meant to be a travel agent — and that’s a good thing. But if you’ve ever been the one planning the girls’ trip, researching every detail of a vacation, or geeking out over all-inclusive resorts and cruise ports… this might just be your calling.

Ask yourself:

💬 Do You...

• Light up when you talk about travel?

• Get excited helping others plan their dream trips?

• Enjoy organizing details and finding the perfect hotel or itinerary?

• Want a career (or side hustle) that offers freedom and flexibility?

• Crave something that’s yours — not just a job?

If you’re nodding your head, becoming a travel agent might be more than a good idea — it might be the right one.

And the best part?
You don’t need experience, a degree, or a huge investment. Just passion, commitment, and the right support system to show you the ropes (which I happen to provide 😉).

✅ Pro Tip:

Add a link here to your Travel Agent Checklist freebie or segment opt-in:

👉 Want to know if this is really for you?
[Download my free “Is This Career Right for You?” Checklist here!]

How to Become a Travel Agent — Step by Step

You don’t need a fancy degree or years of experience to become a successful travel agent. In fact, most people I mentor start with zero background in the industry — just a passion for travel and a willingness to learn.

Here’s exactly how to get started:

✅ Step 1: Get to Know the Industry

Before diving in, it’s helpful to understand how travel agents make money, who they work with, and what kinds of travel they can specialize in. (Think honeymoons, cruises, family trips, luxury getaways… the list goes on.)

When you join my team, you’ll get access to easy-to-understand training that walks you through everything — no guesswork, no overwhelm.

✅ Step 2: Join a Host Agency With Support (Like Mine!)

One of the best ways to launch quickly and with confidence is by partnering with a host agency — especially one that gives you the tools, supplier access, and mentorship you need to succeed.

When you sign up through Travel With Shelly, here’s what you’ll receive:

• Access to top travel suppliers and commission opportunities

• A booking platform and CRM to organize your client work

• Ongoing mentorship from me (yes — I’ll actually help you!)

• Weekly check-ins, marketing tips, and startup tools

• A community of other passionate travel agents

✨ This is the exact path I used — and now I help others build their dream business too.

👉 Click here to learn more and sign up today

✅ Step 3: Complete Your Training

Don’t worry — it’s not like going back to school. Our training is self-paced and focused on real-world knowledge, not textbook fluff. You'll learn how to:

• Book travel with confidence

• Market your services

• Build a brand you're proud of

• Provide top-tier customer service

Most of my team members start booking clients within the first 30–60 days!

✅ Step 4: Choose a Travel Niche

While you can sell all types of travel, narrowing down your focus can help you stand out. You might love:

• Destination weddings & honeymoons

• Cruises and all-inclusive packages

• Group travel or luxury experiences

• Family adventures and bucket-list trips

We’ll explore what lights you up — and build your brand around it.

✅ Step 5: Launch Your Business

Now the fun begins! With my support, you’ll:

• Set up your travel agent profile

• Start promoting your services

• Get help with branding, social media, and booking tools

• Begin building real income (on your schedule!)

And remember — you don’t have to do this alone. When you join my team, you’re supported every step of the way.

💡 Final Encouragement:

The hardest part is starting. But when you have mentorship, community, and a proven system… you’re already halfway there.

👉 Ready to take the first step? Join me here.

💰How Much Can You Make as a Travel Agent?

Let’s talk about the question on everyone’s mind:
Can you actually make money doing this?
The answer is: Yes. And how much depends on how you work it.

Unlike a traditional 9–5, being a travel agent gives you the freedom to scale your income based on your time, effort, and the types of trips you book.

📊 How Travel Agents Get Paid

Travel agents earn commission from travel suppliers (not the client). That includes:

• Hotels & resorts 🏨

• Cruise lines 🚢

• Tour operators 🗺️

• Excursions & travel insurance ✅

• All-inclusive vacation packages ✈️

Most commissions range from 10%–20%, and you can also earn bonuses and incentives as you grow.

💼 Realistic Income Potential

Type of Agent Time Commitment Typical Monthly Income

Casual / Hobbyist 5–10 hrs/mo $200–$1,000

Side Hustle Agent 10–20 hrs/week $1,000–$3,000+

Full-Time Agent 30–40 hrs/week $3,000–$10,000+

These numbers vary, of course, but many of my team members earn while they learn, booking trips for friends and family as they build.

🏆 What Helps You Earn More (Faster):

• Picking a niche (like destination weddings or luxury travel)

• Building a loyal client base

• Having access to high-paying suppliers

• Leveraging mentorship (that’s where I come in!)

• Staying consistent with marketing & client care

✨ The Bottom Line:

Your income is unlimited — and you’re in control of how far you take it.

You can start part-time, keep your current job, and build at your own pace.

👉 Want to learn how it all works? Let’s talk.

🛠️ Tools & Resources to Succeed as a Travel Agent

Starting a travel business might sound overwhelming — but it doesn’t have to be.

When you join my team, you don’t need to spend hours googling “how to book travel” or guessing which tools to use. You get instant access to the systems and support I’ve already put in place — because no one should have to start from scratch.

🧳 Here Are the Tools I Help You Set Up:

🧭 Booking Platforms

You’ll get access to powerful tools that let you book:

• Cruises

• All-inclusive resorts

• Flights, hotels, transfers, and excursions

• Travel insurance & packages

Everything is in one place — and commissionable.

📅 Client Management & Organization

You’ll learn how to:

• Keep track of bookings and trip stages

• Create beautiful, professional itineraries

• Communicate with clients and follow up like a pro
  (Bonus: I share my personal templates to make this super easy!)

📈 Marketing & Branding Resources

I also help you:

• Build a simple online presence (socials or website — no coding!)

• Create your brand look (colors, vibe, content ideas)

• Learn how to promote your business authentically (without being salesy)

• Use Canva and other tools to look polished and professional from day one

👩‍🏫 Plus: Personalized Mentorship from Me

The biggest resource you’ll get?
Me in your corner.

I offer:

• Step-by-step guidance

• Weekly support calls or check-ins

• A community of other agents you can learn with and lean on

• Motivation and accountability when you need it most

You might be working for yourself — but you’ll never be working by yourself.

👉 Want to see everything that’s included? Click here to learn more.

⚖️The Pros and Cons of Being a Travel Agent

Like any business or career path, being a travel agent has its ups and downs. The key is knowing what to expect — and having the right support system to guide you.

Here’s a real-world look at what you can expect:

✅ The Perks (a.k.a. Why We Love It)

✈️ Freedom to Work From Anywhere

Whether you’re at home, on the road, or beachside with a Wi-Fi connection — your business moves with you.

🧳 Travel Perks & Industry Access

You’ll unlock access to exclusive agent rates, discounted trips, FAMs (familiarization trips), and travel insider communities.

💖 You Get to Help People Create Joy

You’re not just booking a trip — you’re helping someone celebrate a honeymoon, a reunion, a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

💼 Be Your Own Boss

Set your schedule, build your brand, and grow your business the way you want to — full-time, part-time, or side hustle.

🤝 Community & Mentorship

When you join my team, you're never alone. We collaborate, celebrate wins, and support each other every step of the way.

🚧 The Challenges (and How We Solve Them)

❌ It’s Not Instant Income

It takes time to build momentum. That’s why I give you strategies to start earning while you grow your brand.

❌ It’s Commission-Based

You don’t get paid hourly — but you do earn recurring and scalable income over time. I teach you how to maximize earnings and build consistent bookings.

❌ It Takes Initiative

You’re building your own business. That means self-motivation is key — but you’ll have training, templates, and weekly guidance to keep you moving forward.

🌟 The Truth?

This isn’t for everyone. But if you’re passionate, people-focused, and ready to build something of your own — it might just be perfect for you.

👉 Want to talk it through? Schedule a free travel webinar

FAQs About Becoming a Travel Agent”

This section clears common objections and helps readers feel confident taking the next step with you.

💬 Do I need experience to become a travel agent?

Nope! Most people I mentor start with zero experience in the travel industry. All you need is a willingness to learn, a love of travel, and a desire to help others. I’ll teach you everything else.

💬 Is this a real business or just a hobby?

It’s 100% a real business, with real income potential. Some people use it as a side hustle, while others (like me!) grow it into a full-time, flexible career. You get to choose how far you take it.

💬 Do I have to book travel for strangers?

Not at all. In fact, most new agents start by helping friends, family, coworkers, or people in their local community. That’s how I started — and it’s a great way to build confidence while learning.

💬 Can I do this part-time or while working another job?

Yes! Many of my team members start while working full-time, raising families, or growing another business. This opportunity is flexible and can adapt to your schedule.

👉 Still have questions? FAQ

Click here to schedule a free travel workshop

🚀 Ready to Get Started?

If you’ve made it this far, you’re probably feeling that spark — the one that says:
“Maybe I really can do this.”

And I’m here to tell you: you absolutely can.

You don’t need years of experience.
You don’t need to figure it out alone.
You just need to take that first step — and I’ll walk with you every step after that.

💼 When You Join Our Travel Team, You’ll Get:

✅ Step-by-step training to get started fast
✅ All the tools you need to book and earn
✅ Travel agent perks and insider access
✅ Ongoing support from someone who’s done it (me and a large travel agent community)
✅ A community that cheers you on as you grow

🎯 Your Next Step:

Click the link below to learn more about joining my team and becoming a travel agent today.

👉 Yes! I Want to Become a Travel Agent

You don’t have to wait for the “perfect time.”
You just have to decide: Is it your time?

Let’s build something amazing together.

– Shelly Steavens 💙
Travel With Shelly