Independent Travel Agent - FAQs 2 - I am new - how do I get started?

In all honesty it is very rare for me to meet someone who has never ever booked a holiday themselves. So you already know how it works.... you already have some of the skills you are going to need as an Independent TravelAgent.   Guess what? They are exactly the same as you use when you book your own travel arrangements. Except you are booking it for someone else.   

You’ll use exactly the same planning process. You’ll find out where they want to go, when and for how long. How many people are travelling...will there be children and how old they are. You’ll ask them what is important to them and what the like doing on holiday and get an idea of their budget.   

We have extensive on line resources, how to guides and training materials that are going to help you on your way. Most of the materials are on line and are delivered as webinars and videos. You will also be invited to regular on line live training events by our suppliers. In the U.K. you have to complete mandatory regulatory ABTA training and take a short exam before you are allowed to sell any travel. All that training is free and included in your fees. Yes , really....no extra costs.  

The company also runs weekly meetings across the US and several times a year have conferences and events all over the world that anyone can attend for a small fee. There are events in the U.K. too.   

You may have a particular passion that you want to extend into your travel business. Some people like to specialise.... and that’s fine. It’s your company and you decide how you want to run it. So if you want to specialise in a particular destination or type of holiday you can. There are agents that just sell cruises, or Disney or weddings & honeymoons, others specialise in lone parents or solos holidays, some people choose just to book sports trips. The training is there and a lot of it is carried out by our suppliers and you receive a certificate at the end of it.  

So how do you get started? You ask me for a sign up link - you choose your business name and personalise your website you may also like to set up a business email address. You may want to post on your social media pages to let your friends know about your new business venture. Whilst you are waiting for that first booking you can start your training.  

If you are part of my team I will give you guidance on where to get started and be available to answer any of the hundred and one questions you will have. Yes, you will have questions we were all started where you are starting and now how daunting it can be.  

Our team also have access to additional training materials to help you make your business great. Everything from planning, social media marketing and mindset are covered in addition to the basics like...how do I do a quote? How do I book a holiday? How do I take a payment? Everything you need to learn is available along with the support as you take your first steps as a new Agent.   

If you make the decision today and ask me for the sign up link you could be telling people you are a Travel Agent today.   Email me at dreamdestinationswithsandy@outlook.com or send me a message for more information.