Skip to Content
A vibrant blue ocean

The Ideal Travel
Agency Owner

I Want to Own a Franchise: How to Start a Travel Agency

man and woman smiling for a photo

When we’re young, many of us are lucky enough to be told we can be anything we want to be when we grow up. If your dreams have ever led you to tell yourself, “I want to own a franchise,” or simply, “I want to do something I can be passionate about,” now is the perfect time to explore your options. 

Whether you’re looking to supplement your income in a new and exciting way or are seeking a second act (or third, or fourth, and so on) in life, Dream Vacations franchise ownership may be the answer. Travel lovers will have everything they need at their fingertips to get their first franchise up and running, plus flexibility, constant support and the freedom to travel for work or fun. 

Meet a real Dream Vacations Franchise Owner, Julie Gibson, to discover what embarking on this journey is really like and explore the many benefits you’ll enjoy by launching a travel agency business. 

Julie Gibson

View Hide Transcript

Community & Connection 

There are many different paths to business ownership but, whichever you chose, Dream Vacations is one of the best franchises for first time owners. Julie Gibson, from Groveland, Florida, was inspired to get involved due to a passion for traveling and helping others. Gibson first connected with the brand in 2020 and, while signing up to own a franchise is always an option, she opted to explore the industry and settle in slowly before starting her business. 

“In 2020, a close friend and Franchise Owner invited me to join her franchise as an associate,” Gibson says, “So, I used that time to take a deep dive into Dream Vacations training, as well as supplier training.”  

As a travel agent, Gibson learned the ins and outs of the company and the industry while still enjoying many of the perks of being an owner, including attending the National Conference, an event that she now looks forward to each year. 

Eventually, it was clear that owning a travel agency business was her next logical step. Gibson took the leap in 2024 and has worked hard to develop connections with people in the travel sector, including other travel advisors and agency owners to industry suppliers and executives from the Dream Vacations headquarters.  

“I take great pride in the relationships I have made within the network as well as the industry,” she explains. “I am super grateful for the group of like-minded professionals that I work with every day who have a strong passion for community over competition.” 

Now, she says, attending National Conference feels like a family vacation – one where she gets to see and celebrate many of those connections. 

One of the Best Franchises for First Time Owners 

Conducting research to explore your options is always a good idea, but you won’t have to look far to understand why Dream Vacations has solidified itself as the #1 travel agency franchise opportunity. The benefits abound, placing Franchise Owners in the perfect position for continued development and opportunities. 

Some of the best perks include the flexibility to create your own schedule and work from anywhere in the world. If you have your own phone, computer and an internet connection, you’ll have everything you need. Dream Vacations Franchise Owners also enjoy the freedom to travel. From organized events like the National Conference at sea to research, familiarization trips (FAM trips) and discounted family excursions, you can explore the world more freely while keeping your work on track along the way. 

Additionally, the advantages of buying a franchise vs. starting your own business speak for themselves. You don’t have to start from scratch, as the brand is already respected within the industry. You’ll have access to training while you grow your expertise, and ongoing resources every step of the way, helping you with everything from booking to marketing. You have a built-in network of others who have been where you are and can answer questions and the business model has already been tested, eliminating some of that trial and error that starting your own business can bring. 

Before you know it, you’ll have discovered why Dream Vacations is the best low-cost franchise business on the market. 

Explore the World of Franchise Ownership Today 

When you’ve made up your mind and decided, “I want to own a franchise,” Dream Vacations is here to help. Dream Vacations has a proven track record and all the resources you’ll need to get started on your journey into franchise ownership and, as Gibson mentioned, you’ll be able to build a community that feels like family along the way. 

Reach out and start a conversation with a Dream Vacations professional today to plan your next steps

Award-Winning
Agency Franchise

Entrepreneur - #1 Ranked Travel Agency Franchise 5 years in a row
Franchise Business Review - Top Low Cost Franchises, 2026
Entrepreneur - #1 Ranked Travel Agency Franchise, 2026
Entrepreneur - #4 Ranked Fastest Growing Franchises, 2026
Franchise Business Review - Top Franchise Satisfaction, 2026
U.S. Veterans Magazine - Top Veteran-Friendly Companies

Join a community of 2,000+ owners building successful home-based travel businesses. With the power of national brand recognition behind you, you get the exposure and credibility to stand out, right from the start.