Here’s what you’ll learn after reading this article:
- With a lifelong passion for travel, mother-daughter duo Shirley and Alysha Klein founded a Dream Vacations franchise together in 2019, turning their personal expertise into a thriving business.
- The pair successfully combine their unique professional strengths, including Alysha’s background in television production and Shirley’s outgoing nature from real estate, to strengthen both their business operations and their personal relationship.
- For those researching how to start a family business in the travel industry, choosing a franchise model offers valuable advantages, including extensive corporate training, ongoing marketing support, a network of fellow owners and the ability to build a lasting family legacy.
With a passion for exploring new places, Shirley Klein’s family was always going somewhere during winter break, spring break, summer break—any time they could fit a trip in between work and school schedules. And because of their travel experience, friends and family were always asking for advice.
So, when Shirley’s newly engaged daughter, Alysha, started planning a big group honeymoon, someone quipped that they should become travel agents to make the commission on the trip. While it started as a joke, the idea appealed to the mother-daughter pair more and more, and after Alysha did extensive research into the travel industry and how to start a family business, they spoke with a Dream Vacations representative, where they “immediately felt at home” – deciding to establish a franchise together in 2019. Alas, the 40-person honeymoon was set for March 2020, when the pandemic hit.
“While the honeymoon didn’t happen, the passion for travel persisted. And now, almost six years later, we are having more fun than ever,” said Shirley and Alysha.
Benefits of Owning a Travel Agency
This mother-daughter team from Florida have discovered many benefits of co-owning a travel business.
“We love working together,” Alysha said. “My mom and I have always been best friends, and being business partners has only brought us closer. We can experience some of the most magical destinations and trips together and make memories that will truly last us a lifetime. It’s amazing to have your best friend by your side as you do a ship tour or attend a National Conference. We have the same goals and vision when it comes to our business, and it’s great to have someone to ping-pong ideas with.”
Both bring strengths to the business. Alysha previously worked as a television production manager for various TV shows, such as Military Makeover with Montel Williams and Entrepreneur Elevator Pitch. Shirley is extremely outgoing and works as a residential real estate consultant in addition to her role with the Dream Vacations franchise.
“She can walk into a room and leave knowing every single person,” Alysha said. “While I have a little bit of that, I do sometimes get intimidated by large crowds, so it’s amazing to have her by my side. Owning this business together has truly had a positive impact on our relationship.”
While Shirley and Alysha enjoy the perks of traveling together (often for free or with discounted rates) and becoming closer as a mother-daughter duo, there are many other benefits of owning a travel agency. Some may choose the travel business as a real estate career change, since both career paths require a desire to help clients reach milestones or bucket list items. Shirley continues to sell homes while helping to run the Dream Vacations franchise, which is a great option for those seeking additional income.
Owning a travel agency is also a great way to leave a legacy for your children, by way of family business succession. For example, after successfully growing the business, Alysha will already be set up with a thriving travel agency to continue operating when her mom is ready to retire.
How to Start a Travel Business
As Shirley and Alysha did, the first step to starting a travel agency is doing extensive research to understand the choices available and to decide whether to establish your own business from the ground up or if a franchise option is the right fit for you.
An unparalleled benefit of the latter is the ongoing franchise training and support. For its Franchise Owners, Dream Vacations truly takes the guesswork out of starting a travel business, as Shirley and Alysha can attest: “Our Training Department truly goes above and beyond to ensure we have the most knowledge possible.”
“The support that we’ve had from every single HQ member has been amazing,” they said. “Drew (Dream Vacations’ SVP and General Manager), Debbie (COO) and Brad (CEO) provide so much support and motivation. Our Business Development Managers, Tracee and Chris C., have been fabulous leaders and great for brainstorming ideas. Natalie, Vice President of Sales, has been an incredible leader and friend. Our entire marketing team has truly helped us shine and stand out among our competitors.”
Other staff members “helped us with difficult customers in the most gracious way” while support services have “helped guide us with questions and ensure we are on the right track” and the Payroll Department/Commission Department has helped “reconcile books when needed.”
“The entire HQ network has been amazing,” Shirley and Alysha said. “And we are so lucky to have the guidance, support and encouragement.”
The network’s strengths extend through leadership and support staff to other Franchise Owners.
“They’ve helped guide me with planning trips out of my comfort zone, they have been great agents I can call up for simple questions, insight and have been so welcoming to share information as well,” said Shirley and Alysha, adding that they improve their own business by learning what makes other agents successful and applying similar techniques.
“We cherish the relationships we’ve made, whether it be with HQ members, other franchise owners or even supplier relationships,” they said. “We love the education provided to us in this industry and the ability to learn as much as we’d like about travel. We also love the travel perks that come with the job.
“Owning our franchise has afforded us the ability to take trips we never dreamed of. Because of those trips, we’ve been able to truly narrow in on what we love to sell. We love the lifestyle it’s provided to us as well: the flexibility, the laughter, the fun and truly getting to know some amazing people who have become friends.”
Take the Next Step
If Shirley and Alysha’s story has inspired you to open a travel agency and explore how to start a family business, watch our video tour and take the next step to learn more about becoming a Dream Vacations Franchise Owner!
FAQs
What are the benefits of co-owning a travel business with a family member?
Co-owning a franchise can strengthen personal relationships by bringing family members closer together through shared goals, vision and memorable travel experiences. It also allows partners to balance each other’s strengths like combining one person’s production and organizational skills with another’s outgoing networking abilities. Additionally, it serves as an excellent way to build a legacy through family business succession, ensuring a thriving company is ready for the next generation when one partner retires.
Do I need prior travel industry experience to start a Dream Vacations franchise?
No, prior experience in the travel industry is not required. The first step is conducting thorough research to decide if a franchise model is the right fit for you. Franchise Owners receive extensive support from a dedicated Training Department to build their knowledge, alongside continuous guidance from headquarters members, business development managers and marketing teams to help the business stand out.
What kind of day-to-day support can franchise owners expect?
Franchise Owners receive comprehensive operational support, including assistance with navigating difficult customer situations, guiding general business questions and reconciling financial books through dedicated Payroll and Commission Departments. Beyond the corporate headquarters, owners also benefit from a welcoming network of fellow franchise owners who share insights, travel information, and successful business techniques.
