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Questions About How to Start a Travel Agency Answered

We know you may have some questions about how to open a travel agency online, so we’ve put together a list of frequently asked questions about franchising in the travel industry.


What do I get in return for my investment in a franchise travel business?

  • Franchise license
  • Seller of travel license for required states
  • Ownership of clients and database
  • Initial franchise training with the choice of attending in-person at our world headquarters or virtually from the comfort of your home.
  • Ongoing and continuous education available 24/7 on-demand and via live webinars or in-person conferences
  • Award-winning and turn-key marketing, 95% of which is offered FREE. This includes websites, social media, videos, email, direct mail, and more!
  • Web-based technology, including a customer relationship management, reservations, financial and reporting system, as well as email and a virtual business center intranet
  • Support from a dedicated corporate team available six days-a-week via phone, email, or instant chat
  • Consumer-facing websites with a live booking engine
  • $2+ Million in fully funded promotions spent on behalf of all our travel franchise owners
  • $2 Million in marketing, lead generation, and brand awareness programs spent on behalf of all our travel franchise owners
  • Affiliation with World Travel Holdings, providing you buying power, preferred pricing in the marketplace and 100% of the industry’s highest-paid commissions, which are paid weekly
  • CLIA (Cruise Line International Association) membership
  • Ability to buy a travel franchise and grow your business with unlimited associates

How long does it take to recoup my initial investment and how much can I expect to make in a franchise travel business?

This is a question we are asked quite often. You earn commission on your sales from a wide variety of vacations, travel insurance, excursions and more. Your dedicated Business Development Manager will work with you to set goals and establish a business plan. Franchising is regulated by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC); by law, we cannot give earnings claims or the average travel agency revenue. You may consider contacting existing Dream Vacations franchise owners and ask them, you are also welcomed to review our Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) which can give you some insight into our company financials.

Are there travel benefits and discounts to me when I buy a travel franchise?

Yes! Travel the world – it’s one of the best parts of becoming a home-based travel franchise owner. You’ll be offered free or significantly reduced travel rates to you so you can experience the products you are selling first-hand and share your experiences with your clients. Plus, since all our technology is web-based, when you open a travel agency online you can operate your business from anywhere in the world with an internet connection. So, go ahead and travel the world while selling dream vacations to your clients, it’s all part of the fun!

Do you offer discounts to Veterans?

Yes. In addition to the freedom and flexibility of owning one of the top travel franchises, veterans are offered 30% off the initial franchise fee.

How do I get customers for my franchise travel business? What marketing support do you provide?

There are many ways to obtain customers. We’ll guide you through this process and share best practices from our most successful franchise owners. Our marketing, public relations, business development, and hands-on training and support teams are available to support you. We have a large variety of award-winning marketing programs, and 95% of our professionally produced marketing programs are offered FREE to you. You’ll find what works for you and your business, but some ideas include:

  • Referrals from friends and family
  • Auto-social program with image and videos posted to your pages
  • Direct mail
  • Email marketing
  • In-person events and trade shows
  • Print advertisements
  • Networking groups
  • Public relations
  • Websites and landing pages
  • Vacation sweepstakes for lead generation
  • Professionally produced videos

Do you get exclusive territories when you open a travel agency online?

No. We believe territories are not necessary because you can book vacations for clients who live all over the world. Generally, our contracts with cruise lines allow for us to book U.S. and Canadian residents. However, some cruise lines also allow bookings to anyone internationally. At this time, bookings cannot be made for anyone from the following countries: Cuba, Iran, Syria, Sudan and North Korea.

How long is the Dream Vacations franchise travel business contract for and is the initial fee a one-time fee?

The initial fee is one-time only and your contract is a five-year term. Should you choose to renew after the five-year term, you will NOT be required to pay the initial fee again.

Can I have a partner in my travel agency franchise, and can my partner come to training about how to start a travel agency?

Yes, you can have a business partner for a $495 fee. You are also allowed unlimited associates and we offer them virtual training. Associates are $495 each; however, we do have a program in place where your first U.S. Veterans or Military Spouse associate is free of charge, and all others are 50% off.

How do I compete with the rest of the internet when I open a travel agency online?

Clients come to you because of the personalized unbiased service you provide them. As a travel professional, you represent ALL travel products and not just a specific brand, so you can help ensure the client’s vacations preferences and overall experience are met and exceeded. Plus, as a franchise owner, your clients will have confidence in knowing you will provide them with the best price and the best promotions than what they can find elsewhere. Not to mention, a client will know they will always talk to the same person when booking a vacation through your travel franchise – you!

What’s the difference between CruiseOne and Dream Vacations?

Dream Vacations is part of the CruiseOne brand and is not a separate company, but rather a separate trademark. As a franchise owner, you have the choice of which brand is the best fit for your business. Either way, you’ll receive the same marketing programs, technology, and corporate support. When you buy a travel franchise with us, choose either Dream Vacations, a brand that speaks to experiences, all vacations (including the ultimate dream vacations –cruising), and all customers, or CruiseOne, a brand that speaks to the ultimate Dream Vacation, cruising. The CruiseOne brand launched in 1992. In 2016, we launched the Dream Vacations brand and since then nearly 85% of our franchise owners operate under the Dream Vacations brand, and 100% of all new franchise owners joining our franchise are choosing to go to market under the Dream Vacations brand.

Eddie Diaz

The Best Way to Be in Business for Yourself

“Research the product, compare and evaluate. Learn about the company’s founders, understand their vision and culture. There is nothing wrong with asking questions and more questions until you feel comfortable. Owning a franchise is a big commitment and one has to be certain of the choice. In the end it has to feel right, and you need to want it.”

EDDIE DIAZ
Franchise Owner since 2013

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