Travel Agencies From Home

A home based travel agency, like any other home business, functions out of a travel agent's home as opposed to an office suite or store front. Home based travel agencies offer agents the convenience of working from their residence and caring for their family while dealing with little or no overhead from the expenses of maintaining an office space. For those wanting to break into the tourism industry while working from a residence, the process is not overly complicated.

There are many online study programs available on the Internet, and some community colleges offer courses in the form of Travel or Tourism Management studies. Others offer travel agent certification. When running a home based travel agency, it is good to have some education. Certification or degrees that one has also looks good to potential clients seeking experienced home based travel agencies. Aspiring agents should be careful about Internet courses. There are expensive scams out there. Also, some "certifications" carry no weight at all in certain circles. The American Society of Travel Agents offers legit online courses, correspondence studies and live seminars.

Self-managed businesses offer the freedom of working from home for stay-at-home moms or people with disabilities. Much of the job only requires an office with a computer, telephone and Internet connection so overhead can be minimal. Agents have the ability to set their own hours and fit work around family life. Unfortunately, working as an independent agent with a home based travel agency offers no company medical benefits, so those running home based travel agencies have to find other means of obtaining medical insurance and other benefits often offered by employers.

To get business started, aspiring agents will want to check the Internet for start-up tips. First-time agents may have some difficulty unless they establish contacts with resorts, airlines, and other tourism related companies. Advertising is always a good investment in the right venues. An ad or listing in the local phone book is a good starting point for any agency. Many agents start with a small number of friends and contacts and expand the business through referrals and word of mouth. Christians should pray about the decision to go into a home business. If you decide to try starting at-home agency, keep in mind that it is hard work. No success comes without effort. All business owners should heed Paul's advice in Romans 12:11 to be "Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord."