Five Things to Know About Buying a Travel Agency

Dream Vacations travel advisors smiling for a picture

With the demand for travel professionals higher than ever, you might be thinking about buying a travel agency. There is a seemingly endless amount of info online, and the process of booking vacations requires so much research and attention to detail. It’s only natural that more and more travelers are looking for the help of a trusted travel advisor. 

So, if you’re thinking about opening a travel agency, but you are looking for the right place to start, we’re happy to provide some pertinent information. Buying a travel agency is simpler than you might think – and with franchising, it’s easier than ever before! Here’s what you need to know: 

1. How Do Travel Agents Make Money?

Any time you start a new career venture, you need to understand how you’ll be paid. Luckily, owning your own travel agency can be lucrative. You’ll earn commission off each travel booking you sell — whether that’s a cruise ticket, resort stay, guided tour or anything else. For example, if you help a traveler book at a specific all-inclusive resort, that resort would pay your commission. 

The amount of your commission will depend on how much your client pays for their reservation and the commission rules in place at that specific organization (the cruise line, tour company, etc.). 

Working with an established agency that has great relationships throughout the travel industry and strong sales allows you to earn the highest tier of commission offered by most travel suppliers. For example, Dream Vacations Franchise Owners have access to the highest rates for cruise commissions as part of one of the world’s largest sellers of cruise reservations. 

2. Travel Agency Startup Costs

Like with most businesses, there are some up-front costs associated with Dream Vacations, but they provide an incredible value for your investment. One of the greatest advantages to buying a travel agency franchise with Dream vacations is that the low cost includes just about everything you need to hit the ground running. 

Dream Vacations is considered a top low-cost franchise on the market, and new franchisees can get started for as little as $3,500 down. We also offer discounts for veterans, existing travel professionals, first responders, medical professionals, military immediate family, and educators.

3. How Much Do Franchise Owners Make

This answer, in large part, depends on you! 

The sky is the limit for a Dream Vacations Franchise Owner There’s no “maximum” amount of commission you can earn. To reach that potential, it’s important to build a business plan, provide great customer service, and take advantage of all the educational resources you can. 

For someone who is passionate about travel, great with people, and strategic about their business and marketing, buying a travel agency can be extremely lucrative.

4. Buying a Travel Agency Gives You Both Stability and Flexibility

Travel demand is high, and more Americans view travel as a necessity. You can feel confident that demand for your services as a travel professional will remain high. Alongside that stability also comes the flexibility to work as little or as much as you want. This is your business, after all. You can choose a full-time route, or you can work a few hours a week within the outlines of your schedule. The choice is yours. 

You can also work from anywhere in the world with an internet connection. For travel franchisees, location flexibility is often a favorite perk! 

5. Dream Vacations is a Great Option for Buying a Travel Agency 

When you buy into an established franchise model, you benefit from a recognized brand name within the industry. This makes getting new clients easier — along with many other perks. 

Dream Vacations offers extensive franchisee support, so you are in business for yourself, but never by yourself. You’ll be paired with a Franchise Business Development Manager to help you build a plan for long-term business success.

Plus, if you’re looking for travel agent training for beginners, Dream Vacations gives franchisees access to more than 1,500 training online modules. With that much education at your fingertips, you’ll run a successful travel agency in no time.  

Become a Part of the Dream Vacations Family

If you’re ready to fulfill your dreams of buying a travel agency — and enjoy a profitable, fun new career — reach out to us today! Register for one of our next webinars, or give us a call at 1-800-892-3928.