How Do I Become a Franchise Owner? An Owner’s Story

dad, mom, son with a cruise ship behind them

Have you ever asked yourself, “How do I become a franchise owner?” The Dream Vacations team can help you start your journey if you aim to own a travel business. 

When you become a Dream Vacations Franchise Owner, you gain access to a proven toolkit for success, regardless of your background or prior experience. Our franchise owners come from diverse backgrounds and enjoy the ability to work from anywhere. 

Dream Vacations franchises are particularly appealing to women because of the flexibility and opportunity to thrive in the travel industry. Melissa Cohn, a Dream Vacations franchise owner in Dix Hills, NY, explains how our company empowers franchise owners like her to chart their courses as fully remote travel advisors and independent business proprietors. 

How to Become a Travel Agent 

Melissa is the owner of Melissa Cohn – Dream Vacations. She’s been a travel advisor for more than 10 years, starting her career as an independent contractor with the organization in February 2014.  

“Three years later, I was consistently the top-selling independent contractor travel agent through 2021,” Melissa says. 

In 2022, Melissa was presented with a few options: Work for another franchise as an independent contractor or start her own business. She decided to “take the plunge” and become a franchise owner in February 2022. 

Establishing a Travel Agency 

Before she was a travel advisor, Melissa was a deputy county attorney for Nassau County in New York. Though she maintains her license to practice law in New York and New Jersey, Melissa’s full-time job is now to run her Dream Vacations franchise. 

“I truly love that I get to help clients plan their dream vacations,” Melissa said. 

Owning a Dream Vacations business allows Melissa to be there for her family. Melissa is married, and she and her husband are proud parents to a 9-year-old son and a Shih Tzu. Melissa loves having the freedom to schedule her client calls around soccer games, PTA meetings and classroom events.  

“Being my own boss and having a successful business while balancing it with family is beyond rewarding. Our family loves to travel and has been to so many wonderful places,” she said. 

How to Build a Travel Agency Business 

Melissa personally works with every one of her clients. Because of this link, many of her customers have become her friends – Melissa loves that she can tailor trips to clients’ wishes and recommend options for those with dietary or other special needs.  

“I get excited for every guest who travels, and they know I will not send them somewhere that I will not travel to myself,” Melissa said. 

Since the inception of her Dream Vacations franchise, Melissa has been consistently part of the Circle of Excellence for her network, which represents the top 1-2% of the company’s travel franchises.  

“This recognition is a testament to my hard work and dedication. I am proud to be a franchise owner with Dream Vacations,” she said. 

Tourism Franchise Opportunities 

As a Dream Vacations Franchise Owner, your clients depend on your knowledge and expertise to transform their travel experiences from ordinary to extraordinary. Business owners like Melissa consistently go above and beyond to ensure their clients enjoy the best possible trips designed for their preferences. 

As you explore setting up a travel franchise, remember that while you’ll have your own business, Dream Vacations will support you throughout the process. We can begin by helping you answer the question, “How do I become a franchise owner?” 

Sign up for our webinar or contact the Dream Vacations team today at 800-892-3928 to gain the freedom to operate from any location worldwide and embrace the role of an authentic entrepreneur running your own venture.