Travel Agent Chatter | Friday 15

Niches? E&O Insurance? Social Media Marketing?

This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming Samantha from Jus Adventures. Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us! I am fairly happy with the Host Agency I am with right now, but I keep hearing recommendations to make sure that the niche you are selling is something that your host specializes in. How do we find out more about this with the individual hosts? For example, I specialize in European Rail and British Isles travel. I don't necessarily need a host that specializes in Caribbean cruising, but it feels like they all do that. Is there someone else I should be looking at? - Melissa If I'm creating FITS in Europe and not really using DMCs - do I need E&O insurance as a tour operator? - Julie How do you face your fear about marketing your travel business on social media if you are an introvert? RESOURCES: All about preferred suppliers in the travel industry. (https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-preferred-supplier) Guide to choosing a travel niche. https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/find-a-travel-niche Do travel agents need errors and omissions (E&O) insurance? https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agents-need-eo-insurance What is a DMC in travel? https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/what-is-dmc-destination-management-company https://hostagencyreviews.com/travelagentchatter/amy-freyder-epic-away-travel

A Travel Agency That Gives Back? Yes, Please. Meet Ashley.

***View the video, transcript, and show notes at: https://har.news/vol37 "She believes she could. So she did." This is what Kentucky-born advisor Ashley Young has tattooed on her arm. While she's new to travel, she's determined to be successful and make an impact in the world with her business. Part of that giving back is finding the right on the ground vendors that will a) give her clients a unique and fabulous experience, and b) keep the money in the local community. In addition to that mission, Ashley also donates 3% of her profits to local communities. Join Shayna as she dives in to how Ashley's business works and how she has woven responsible travel into the fabric of her agency.

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Host Responses? Identification Numbers? Leads?

This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming Jennifer from Dugan’s Travels. Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us! I have submitted 2 applications to host agencies I’d like to join, however they aren’t taking new agents right now. I have another meeting with another host and I’m not sure what to do. I’m new and need to get started. I’ve been waiting to hear back about 4 months now. Do you have any advice? - Sandy Do you really need an Identification number to be seen as a travel agency.. or can I essentially just book someone's trip for them? If I'm being honest I don't necessarily want to find a host, I want to start my own business, but I don't know if that would be beneficial without having a number because I don't know if I would get the best discounts that way. I would love to just book people's trips but I don't want to feel like I'm ripping them off because I cannot get the best discounts...any advice? I’m a relatively new advisor (I started about a year and a half ago) and I am trying to understand the concept of “leads”. My host agency (which I love!) does not have a lead generation program, and I would really like to see how a lead works and practice using my training and skills with a mock lead. Do you know of any programs or practice websites/workbooks for this? Also, in the future how might I generate real leads on my own? RESOURCES: How to find the best host agency https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/tips-on-how-to-find-the-best-travel-host-agency 7DS Course - https://hostagencyreviews.com/7-day-setup-accelerator Resources - https://hostagencyreviews.com/resources What is an IATA https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/iata-number SOT license - https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agent-license-seller-of-travel-license Travel Leads - a complete guide https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-leads Other leads program software - https://hostagencyreviews.com/travel-agency-software

Host v Independent? Planning Fees? Booking Metrics?

This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming Gina from Uniglobe Travel Center. Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us! I am an IC with about 2 years in the business. I'm considering going out on my own because I'm not happy with my situation for many reasons. How do you know it's the right time to make this change? What do you see as the pros and cons of staying an IC and being independent? Do advisors typically split their planning fees with their host agencies? If so, does it follow the commission split? Thank you! For my Friyay! 15 Question, I’m thinking about adding my booking metrics data like the number of booked cruises, flights, and destinations to my website. Do you think this is a good idea? If so, how would an agent go about adding that information to the site? All this to help build a trusting relationship with clients about the services that we provide. - Quincy RESOURCES: Directory - https://hostagencyreviews.com/hosts Top 10 benefits of using a host agency. https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/top-10-benefits-of-using-a-host-agency How Seller of Travel Laws Affect Service Fees. (https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/seller-travel-laws-service-fees) https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agents-guide-to-charging-fees (Travel agent guide to charging fees.) Travel market research report data on travel agent fee charging practices: what they charge for, how much, fee structures and more. https://hostagencyreviews.com/page/travel-advisor-research-reports/ Webinar - https://hostagencyreviews.com/travel-conferences-events/2026/host-agency-reviews-2026-annual-report-reveal Fees - https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agents-guide-to-charging-fees (Travel agent guide to charging fees.) How to make your website -https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/how-to-make-a-website-from-scratch

Host Resources? Expansion? Finding a Niche?

This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming Geoff from KHM Travell Group. Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us! I joined a host agency because I wanted access to support, tools, training and supplier relationships, but sometimes I wonder if I’m actually taking advantage of everything that’s available to me. What are some of the resources you see successful advisors using that other advisors tend to overlook? I’m getting busier and reaching the point where I can’t keep doing everything myself, but I’m nervous about the expense of hiring someone. How do I know when I’m actually ready to bring on help, and what would you recommend outsourcing or hiring for first? I hear a lot about specializing and finding a niche, but I’m nervous about turning away business. Do you really see advisors with a defined niche performing better, and how narrow does that niche actually need to be? RESOURCES: To see what resources are offered - https://hostagencyreviews.com/hosts https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-sub-agent Guide to choosing a travel niche. https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/find-a-travel-niche

Partner vs Solo? Commissions? Group Payments?

This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming Jackie from Nexion Travel Group. Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us! I’m a brand new advisor. I have a friend who I thought would be fantastic at this as I was researching being a travel advisor. When I told her about my business idea, she wanted to partner. We had previously wanted to start a business together but could not generate enough capital for the business we wanted. However, we do have the capital to do this. We would be making equal monetary and time contributions. And while any one of us would only be able to commit 15ish hours a week right now, together we would essentially have one near full time agent and we have pretty different skill sets and strengths (like I have web development experience and she is great at social media). Am I making this harder for myself to succeed by starting with a partner vs going at it solo? - Jenna Why do we have to wait so long to get our commission if the client pays in full. Shouldn’t we be able to get our commission then or a couple of days after that? How does the process work? - Carolyn I am hitting a wall trying to figure out how to bill for group FIT trips. To have each person in the group pay individually for each hotel reservation and activity would cause many foreign transaction fees on their credit cards. It is so much easier to just collect one payment/client and then I could pay it to all of the vendors on my business credit card which has no foreign transaction fees. However, I have heard multiple times that this is not best practice. Any help with this would be greatly appreciated! Appreciate all you do! RESOURCES: 7DS Course to understand different business models - https://hostagencyreviews.com/7-day-setup-accelerator Commission payments - https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/host-agency-commission-plan-comparison-calculator How to grow group bookings webinar with Nexion - https://hostagencyreviews.com/travel-conferences-events/2026/the-group-booking-advantage-how-to-grow-your-group-sales-with-nexion Payment security - https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/tis-q4-2025 FIT in travel - https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/fit-travel-meaning

Marketing? Trust & New Leads? Switching Hosts?

(274) Marketing? Trust & New Leads? Switching Hosts? This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming Chelsea from OASIS Travel Network. Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us! I'm a newbie to the travel industry and I just started my business. I'm getting very close to choosing a host agency and I’m super excited to get started. I have a question about marketing on Facebook. Is it more beneficial to have a company page or group? Or both? I know the FB algorithms can be wonky, so I want to make sure I'm reaching a wide audience. Any advice you can give me is appreciated. HAR has been monumental in me learning this exciting new business. - Shelley I'm just starting out in the business. I'm about three months in and I'm working on setting the foundation of my business. I'm completing trainings, learning about suppliers, listening to podcasts, creating a logo and social media, along with plenty of other items on my to-do! I was even able to complete my first booking for some of my family! With that said, I'm worried that because I don't have more of a legitimate business, it's going to be difficult to complete bookings with any of the leads I get. What do you suggest I do to help build up my business and get potential clients to trust in me as their travel advisor when I'm so new? - Laura How much do you have to say when you want to break up with your host agency? Can it just be as simple as “this is my 30 day notice to end our contract thanks.” ? Recommendations for ways to follow up to make sure you get any owed commission post split? RESOURCES: Verifying your company’s facebook page - https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/verify-business-facebook-page https://hostagencyreviews.com/travelagentchatter/travel-agent-chatter-volume-7-lu-maggiora-travel-by-lu (TAC episode where advisor uses a FB group for her clients) https://youtu.be/jhvwlonYW_s (Jenn’s webinar: How to Create a FB Community That Converts) Travel Leads: Here’s what you need to know. https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-leads What to think about when switching host agencies. (https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/switching-host-agencies-5-things-to-consider)

Limited budgets? Multiple Bookings? Group Contracts?

This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming Samantha from Jus Adventures. Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us! How do you work with clients who have a limited budget but expect a five-star luxury experience? What strategies do you use to set realistic expectations without losing the client, and when do you know it’s time to politely decline the booking? - Sandy How do I keep clients coming back and turn one trip into multiple bookings throughout the year without feeling like I’m constantly trying to sell to them? - Marjorie I'm working on my first group and trying to wrap my brain around contracts. Is there a contract between you (the travel advisor) and the supplier, and another contract between you and the client, or is it all one contract? Is this in addition to the usual terms and conditions form used when booking FIT travel? Last, are there any red flags to watch out for or items to be sure to include when signing these contracts with suppliers? Thank you for all you do! - Molly RESOURCES: Our guide to qualifying clients: https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/how-to-qualify-clients-travel-agent Brand-new HAR to Heart from Jenn Myers on having boundaries with your clients: https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/boundaries-for-advisors-who-care-too-much-a-practical-playbook-for-protecting-your-time-without-sacrificing-service Travel Agent Booking Basics: https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agent-booking-basics Researching and qualifying suppliers: https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agent-advisor-guide-researching-qualifying-suppliers E & O Insurance: https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agents-need-eo-insurance Travel Agency Software Profile - search for “templates”: https://hostagencyreviews.com/travel-agency-software

Busy vs Productive? Next Trip? Higher-end Trips?

This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming Jennifer from Dugan’s Travels. Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us! I feel like I’m busy all the time, but I’m not necessarily making more money. How do I figure out what I should actually be spending my time on? How far in advance should I be talking to clients about their next trip? I feel like I’m always waiting for them to come back to me. How do you sell higher-end trips when you don’t personally travel that way or haven’t stayed at those types of hotels yourself? RESOURCES: Travel Agents, Here’s How to Qualify Clients https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/how-to-qualify-clients-travel-agent

Leads? Planning Fees? Training vs Selling?

This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming Carolyn from KHM Travel Group. Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us! I’m still pretty new and don’t have a huge client list yet. What would you focus on first to actually start getting consistent leads? How do you get comfortable charging planning fees when you’re a newer advisor and still feel like you’re learning? How much time should a newer advisor actually be spending on training versus trying to find and sell to clients? I feel like I could take supplier trainings forever! RESOURCES: Travel Leads: Here’s what you need to know. https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-leads https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agents-guide-to-charging-fees (Travel agent guide to charging fees.) Training and education options for travel agents. (https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agent-training-travel-agent-education)

Follow-ups? Groups? Clients?

This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming Josh from Global Travel Collection. Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us! How do you follow up with a potential client without feeling like you’re annoying them? How many follow-ups is too many? I’d love to start selling groups, but honestly, they intimidate me. What’s the best way to get started with groups without getting in over my head? And if I want to put together my own group trip, should I get people interested first or actually have the trip planned before I start promoting it? When you’re new, is it better to focus on getting ANY bookings you can, or should you be more selective about the types of clients and trips you take on? RESOURCES: Great article with email templates for typical follow-ups you should be doing - https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/5-emails-every-travel-advisor-sends-twice-a-week-and-how-to-stop-retyping-them Travel Leads: Here’s what you need to know. https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-leads

Net Rates? Facebook Groups? Marketing on Social?

This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming Jenn from Travel Planners International and Vacation Planners. Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us! When advisors quote net rates, where does the markup actually get calculated? The picture I keep getting is a spreadsheet open next to whatever tool built the itinerary, and I'm curious whether that is most people or just the ones who talk about it. I am not sure if this is something you can answer, but I mainly focus on cruises and business has been pretty good lately. I started a Facebook group for a sailing that I am going on and I was wondering if you had any tips for engaging with people in the group without them knowing I am travel agent so it doesn't sound like I am trying to sell them anything. I was thinking after all of my engagement posts and the cruise is complete maybe there is a way to announce that I am an agent and would love to help them book their next trip if they enjoyed my posts. Is that something agents do? I am stuck on what type of posts to make though. I've made some with some tips on the ports we are visiting, but do I need to further? Any help would be appreciated. - Travel Dad Matt How do you face your fear about marketing your travel business on social media if you are an introvert?

Which host? Start-up? FIT?

This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming Gina from Uniglobe Travel Center. Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us! While I have years of experience building my own travel plans for business, and leisure, I want to become a travel agent. The number of hosting agencies is overwhelming. Which one do you suggest, and why? - Chris Hi! I've done some domestic travel and love it. I am interested in working as a part-time travel agent. I see start up fees are around $500. Are there any other fees? What all does start up entail? - Christina I keep hearing everyone talk about FIT. So what is it and how does someone specialize in it? - Helen RESOURCES: Host agency directories - https://hostagencyreviews.com/hosts 7DS Course - https://hostagencyreviews.com/7-day-setup-accelerator Lawyer List - https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-lawyers What does FIT mean in travel? https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/fit-travel-meaning

Larger hosts? BDMs? Time?

This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming Laura from WorldVia Travel Network! Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us! I'm currently researching host agencies, and one thing I keep coming back to is whether I'll actually get the support I need at a larger host. I love that larger hosts often have more resources and training, but I also worry that I'll just be another number, especially as someone who's still fairly new. How do you make sure advisors feel supported and don't get lost in the crowd as they build their business? As a newer travel advisor, I know building relationships with suppliers and BDMs is important, but honestly, it feels a little intimidating. Sometimes I don't know who I should be reaching out to, what questions I should be asking, or even when it's appropriate to introduce myself. What's the best way for a new advisor to start building those relationships without feeling like they're bothering people? I know everyone says it takes time to build a successful travel business, and I completely understand that it's different for everyone. But it can be hard not to compare myself to other advisors who seem to be doing really well. From your experience, how long does it realistically take for most advisors to build a sustainable business, and what milestones should new advisors expect to hit along the way so they know they're on the right track? RESOURCES: How much do travel agents make? https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/how-much-do-travel-agents-make-travel-agent-salary How much does it cost to become a travel agent or start a travel agency? https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/how-much-does-it-cost-become-travel-agent

Airfare? Beyond Commission? Expansion?

This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming Amy from KHM Travel! Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us! With airfare remaining one of the biggest travel expenses, what are some legitimate ways travel advisors can maximize value for their clients? Are there particular consolidators, supplier partnerships, or booking strategies you recommend? If you were building a travel business today focused on Europe, Middle East and Asia, which host agency features would you prioritize beyond commission splits? I am a travel agent (since 2012) and own my own agency (since 2016). I am thinking of bringing on another agent and need to fully understand the differences and implications to both me as well as to the agent between me having this agent as an (a) employee, (b) and independent contractor, or (c) me being a host agency and them being a host agent. RESOURCES: https://hostagencyreviews.com/travelagentchatter/lary-neron-airfare-consultant (Podcast episode with an advisor who books air only and charges $50-500 fees per ticket.) Great article about top 10 things you should be asking your host /considerations when picking your host - https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/ytc-q3-2023 What is a sub agent - https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-sub-agent

Find Clients? Luxury Clients? Habits?

This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming Simon from Global Travel Collection! Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us! I don't have a big network of friends and family to sell to. Where do successful new advisors actually find their first paying clients? How do you attract luxury clients if your current audience isn't necessarily affluent? Is it a marketing challenge, a networking challenge, or something else? What are some habits or routines you've seen your most successful advisors develop that newer advisors could start doing today? RESOURCES: https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/gtn-q2-2023 - becoming a successful luxury advisor

Mistakes? New Tech? Switching Hosts?

This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming Chelsea Martinez from OASIS Travel Network! Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us! If I join a host agency today, what are the biggest mistakes you see new advisors make in their first six months that slow down their success and what would you encourage them to focus on instead? There seems to be a new travel technology platform launching every month. How do you evaluate whether a new tool is actually worth adopting versus just another shiny object that could end up costing me time and money? I've heard advisors say that switching host agencies can be difficult. What should I be thinking about before joining my first host so I'm making a decision that's right for me long-term and not just for where I am today? RESOURCES: What to think about when switching host agencies. (https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/switching-host-agencies-5-things-to-consider) https://hostagencyreviews.com/travel-agency-software

Host v Franchise? Tech? Questions to ask?

This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming Jenn Lee from TPI and Vacation Planners! Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us! I'm trying to decide between joining a host agency or a franchise. They both seem to offer training, support, and supplier relationships, so what are the biggest differences that someone new to the industry should really understand before making that decision? How much technology should I expect my host agency to provide versus what I should expect to purchase myself? I'd love to know what's typically included and what's considered part of running my own business. When I look at host agency websites, almost everyone talks about community, training, and support. Beyond those things, what are some questions I should be asking that many new advisors don't think to ask before signing a contract? RESOURCES: https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agency-franchise-or-host-agency https://hostagencyreviews.com/travel-agency-software https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agency-back-office-front-office-software https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/independent-travel-agent-contracts https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-lawyers

Commission Changes? Terms & Conditions? Travel in Advance?

This week’s Friday 15, Steph Lee is back! She’ll be cohosting with Jenn Lee of TPI and Vacation Planners. C'mon over and dip in to these great questions with these awesome ladies of industry. I never knew my agency had a commission scale. [percentage increased as income increased] I asked to see it once i learnt about it and noticed I had met the goal in 2025 for a 5% increase in commission. They agreed and said the increase would start now. Shouldn't they do end of year reviews and increase or decrease? Why should it be the agents responsibility when we don't have access to accurate accounting? Also shouldn't they pay for in arrears for the last 5 months? -Thanks from a frustrated IC I'm not sure that this question has been asked before but I am not always sure whether I should show a client my Terms & Conditions or those of my suppliers. I usually show both but I wanted to make sure this is correct. I get them to sign mine when the itinerary is accepted and with a paid deposit and at the same time those of the supplier are shown which is attached to the itinerary. —Marc C I have one set of clients who are not traveling until spring 2027 but I am not always sure what to send clients who travel in advance when everything is done with signatures and paid deposits. They are on my email list and I send my list newsletters with updates frequently but I want to make it more personal. —Marc RESOURCES: https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/independent-travel-agent-contracts https://hostagencyreviews.com/7-day-setup-accelerator https://hostagencyreviews.com/travel-agency-software https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-waivers-protect-your-travel-agency Selltravelyourway.com

Luxury Market? Use of AI? Need Inspiration!

This week’s Friday 15, Steph Lee is back! She’ll be cohosting with Andrea of Outside Agents! Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us! 1. How does an agent who doesn’t travel in luxury themselves, break into the luxury market? I’m not understanding how I can visit the properties and know about them if I’ve never traveled there. —anonymous 2. I’m interested in hearing HAR’s and the co-host’s views on how to use AI as a travel advisor. Is there a certain area where AI should be used and another where it’s not? – Cindy 3. Thanks so much for taking my question. It’s less of a question and more I need some inspiration. Would love to hear an inspirational story of an advisor who made it and what they did to make that happen. — Kenya RESOURCES: https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/what-is-dmc-destination-management-company https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agent-training-travel-agent-education https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/find-a-travel-niche https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agent-fam-trip https://hostagencyreviews.com/travel-conferences-events https://hostagencyreviews.com/har-wired https://hostagencyreviews.com/travelagentchatter