How to Become a Travel Agent (The TRUTH)

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  • Опубликовано: 12 дек 2024

Комментарии • 145

  • @moon.lights.ramblings
    @moon.lights.ramblings Месяц назад +4

    I’m a TA and there is SSSSOOOOO much to learn and do and keep up with.

    • @CUTravel1st
      @CUTravel1st Месяц назад +2

      Way more than people think of.

    • @ProfMelissa
      @ProfMelissa  Месяц назад +3

      Absolutely. I was definitely taken aback at all the training, and the complicated nature of all the various supplier systems, which is why I tried in the video to emphasize the time factor. Being a TA isn't easy!

    • @roiijamez33
      @roiijamez33 Месяц назад +2

      The learning never stops!

    • @ProfMelissa
      @ProfMelissa  Месяц назад +1

      Never!

  • @QueenSuperJ
    @QueenSuperJ Месяц назад +1

    I’ve been searching and searching the internet and social media to try and understand how to become a travel agent, this video was so helpful and informative! Thank you ☺️

    • @ProfMelissa
      @ProfMelissa  Месяц назад

      I'm glad it was helpful. It's SO frustrating to try and figure it out. It took me a good 10 months before I even "got it" all, and even after posting this video and fielding questions (and having to track down the answers), I realize that I'm *still* learning!

    • @QueenSuperJ
      @QueenSuperJ Месяц назад

      @@ProfMelissa well I have definitely decided to fill out your form and submit it! I’m looking forward to learning from you!

    • @ProfMelissa
      @ProfMelissa  Месяц назад

      Yay!

  • @susanlee594
    @susanlee594 13 дней назад

    This is such great information! I'm about a year away from pulling the trigger, but I'm excited to start!!!

  • @timmcreynolds2734
    @timmcreynolds2734 Месяц назад +1

    We used a travel agent to book our trip to Scotland and England. It was eye-opening to say the least. Our flight from Austin was delayed, first by an hour. Then it was delayed by another hour, so we would have missed our connecting flight from Toronto to Edinburgh. Fortunately, we got in touch with our travel agent, and she was able to cancel our first and second flights to Toronto & Edinburgh. She then found us a different flight that left 2 hours later, following an entirely different path to Newark, then Edinburgh, and putting us in Edinburgh at roughly the same time (within an hour or so) as the original itinerary. She was Magic.
    I will book through a travel agent whenever we travel now. It was so comforting to know that we wouldn't have to concern ourselves with the stress points of putting together a trip like that. I'd love to be someone's travel hero.

  • @roiijamez33
    @roiijamez33 Месяц назад +5

    These days with so many travel agents/agencies it's best to specialize in a certain area of travel. Could be cruises, All Inclusive resorts, destination weddings, group/family travel - the list goes on. It's fun and rewarding but also a lot of work and you must be detail oriented! All The Best!!

    • @ProfMelissa
      @ProfMelissa  Месяц назад +1

      Detail oriented to say the least and even a little type A.

    • @roiijamez33
      @roiijamez33 Месяц назад +1

      @@ProfMelissa Correct - former TA and one thing I learned dealing with people is their perceptions, preferences & expectations will be different. Difficult clients come with the territory however they make you appreciate great clients that much more. Take Care!

    • @ProfMelissa
      @ProfMelissa  Месяц назад +1

      Being good with people and having a strong customer service background are good qualities to have as well.

    • @roiijamez33
      @roiijamez33 Месяц назад

      @@ProfMelissa True - Brings about those referrals!!☺

    • @ProfMelissa
      @ProfMelissa  Месяц назад

      yes!

  • @SoniaTittle
    @SoniaTittle Месяц назад +1

    I love being a travel agent!This is great information!

    • @ProfMelissa
      @ProfMelissa  Месяц назад

      Thanks! I really like it, too, but it's SO much more work than I ever anticipated!

    • @SoniaTittle
      @SoniaTittle Месяц назад

      @@ProfMelissa I sent you a message on fb. I’m not sure if you seen it.

    • @ProfMelissa
      @ProfMelissa  Месяц назад +1

      I did not see your message. Email me at hello@professormelissa.com

  • @loulaw173
    @loulaw173 3 дня назад

    Hi Melissa, thanks for everything. I’m in and I will start my training after work today. I just got off of my first cruise and ready to get started with the training. Should I just dive right in or are there prerequisites?

  • @travelling-solutions-architect
    @travelling-solutions-architect Месяц назад +1

    Hey there, wish I would have seen this sooner! I just did the same thing you did. I’m an IT solutions architect who travels all the time so I figured why not get paid for it / help my friends while I’m at it!! I’m still working through all the learning process of getting an LLC set up and all of the training. It’s a nice break from being a full time tech nerd, lol.

    • @ProfMelissa
      @ProfMelissa  Месяц назад

      That sounds pretty cool actually! What does it entail?

  • @smokinnuke7026
    @smokinnuke7026 7 дней назад

    Signed up last night!

  • @aroundcentralfloridawithshalay
    @aroundcentralfloridawithshalay Месяц назад +3

    Hello Melissa! I thought about coming a TA because I have a RUclips channel about resorts, attractions, restaurants, and this to do in Orlando, Florida. I also recently just started cruising and now I'm starting to incorporate that into my channel. My RUclips channel is a side hustle because I work full time in healthcare. Could it be lucrative to be a TA in Orlando? I have a small channel so not sure with all the costs and fees if it would be advantageous to be a TA? Any suggestions/feedback?

    • @ProfMelissa
      @ProfMelissa  Месяц назад +3

      It could. Orlando is quite the tourist destination, find something that makes you different than the others. If you become a TA through me, you have access to my Travel Agent Squad which provides tons of information and business development advice.

    • @aroundcentralfloridawithshalay
      @aroundcentralfloridawithshalay Месяц назад +1

      @@ProfMelissa thank you! I need to figure out how I would market myself different from other TAs in the area.

    • @ProfMelissa
      @ProfMelissa  Месяц назад +1

      Million dollar question!

    • @aroundcentralfloridawithshalay
      @aroundcentralfloridawithshalay Месяц назад

      @@ProfMelissa yes!!

    • @loulaw173
      @loulaw173 8 дней назад

      Can you help me?

  • @hresulas4446
    @hresulas4446 Месяц назад

    A lot of information for thought. 🤔 Thank you.😊

  • @VanhitlikeaminiVan
    @VanhitlikeaminiVan Месяц назад

    is there residual pay? bonus pay when you hit certain tiers with your agency host, FYI I just signed up with you

  • @Plantsonpurpose
    @Plantsonpurpose Месяц назад

    This was very informative and I have always wondered about the travel agency industry. My friend is a travel agent and does well. She travels all the time and I love seeing her adventures too. I have no interest right now but maybe later? Thanks for sharing!

    • @ProfMelissa
      @ProfMelissa  Месяц назад

      You're welcome, I am glad you were able to get something from this.

  • @commonsentstravel
    @commonsentstravel Месяц назад +2

    I am a Travel Agent as well and highly recommend E&O Insurance. The State I live in requires me to have Insurance. while most host agencies have E&O Insurance they can tell the Insurance company they dont want to proceed on the claim leaving the agent on the hook so, I highly recommend every agent has there own.

    • @roiijamez33
      @roiijamez33 Месяц назад

      Exactly - some hosts offer E&O at no additional cost but some may charge to be on their E&O.

    • @HangingWithTheHoards
      @HangingWithTheHoards Месяц назад

      Which CRM does your host use?

    • @ProfMelissa
      @ProfMelissa  Месяц назад +2

      TESS

    • @HangingWithTheHoards
      @HangingWithTheHoards Месяц назад

      @@ProfMelissa I’m with OA and don’t care for Tess. Hopefully it will be updated soon!! Love your content!

    • @ProfMelissa
      @ProfMelissa  Месяц назад +1

      Not a big TESS fan either! It's clunky.

  • @ingrid5177
    @ingrid5177 Месяц назад

    I’ll definitely be contacting you!! I just happen to be on a transatlantic cruise at the moment 🤣🤣🤣love your content!!

  • @MrJPackerFan
    @MrJPackerFan Месяц назад

    Great video! I was a part time cruiseTA about 20 years ago and am looking to try this again in 2025 as I start my semi-retirement. I'll be filling out your interest form by year end!

    • @ProfMelissa
      @ProfMelissa  Месяц назад +1

      Can't wait to have ya on my team!

  • @sg2464
    @sg2464 14 дней назад

    Just watched your video - it is clear, transparent and informative. I am completely novice on this but want to become Home Based Travel Agency. Could you please let me know what GDS platform (Amadeus, Galileo) your host agency use and will I be able to book for all flights and to any destination? If a book a flight that cost £1000, how do I know what the commission amount is - please advise.

    • @ProfMelissa
      @ProfMelissa  12 дней назад

      Commission percentage varies based on the supplier or aggregator used. You should be able to book anything, if not, you let the host agency know and they will sign up.

  • @borntocruisemichaelmerritt
    @borntocruisemichaelmerritt Месяц назад

    Great job, where is the link ? Thank you. Have a blessed day

    • @ProfMelissa
      @ProfMelissa  Месяц назад

      www.professormelissa.com/travelagent

  • @charleshensley9503
    @charleshensley9503 Месяц назад

    I have been in the travel industry for years and have been thinking about this as a retirement type thing but I know it would be to benefit myself as I know there are tons of benefits given to TA's

  • @webjammer1
    @webjammer1 24 дня назад

    Very informative video. To sign up to be an agent costs $30 a month, so if I book my own cruises two or three times a year for me and a couple of friends, does it save me enough in reduced fares and commissions earned to offset the monthly fees?

    • @ProfMelissa
      @ProfMelissa  23 дня назад

      All that is very objective. Would need to know what commission is for the 2 or 3 times you sail. For reference, You can make about $60-70 on a casino offer. So if you book 2 casino offers, that is roughly 4 months host fee.

  • @normantremblay6462
    @normantremblay6462 Месяц назад

    Hey Melissa, I booked my first ever cruise for April 2025 with carnival on the elation and went through a bit of cost with a room change so I'm wondering if it's better to use an agent or use cruise lines web site.
    Also with a cruise agent would I get more info like you give on RUclips but in paper to know what's the best places to go and places to stay away from. Looking to book another cruise after the April cruise if all goes well. Thank you.

    • @ProfMelissa
      @ProfMelissa  Месяц назад +2

      Depend son your wants and needs really. If you want to sail Carnival I am hosting a cruise on Carnival Jubilee in April.

  • @DidusTheDodo
    @DidusTheDodo 7 дней назад +1

    Do I need a high school diploma to become a TA? I’m 16 and looking at starting early as an investment for the future. I have travelled the world with my family and believe I am qualified to be a TA.

  • @roiijamez33
    @roiijamez33 Месяц назад

    Short notice but there's a great cruise conference next month in Ft Lauderdale Cruiseworld Nov 6 - 10 with great speakers & panels ( two speakers are personal friends, Joanie Ogg (Home Based Travel Agent author) & Alicia Steuart (Carnival) along with Jen Lee (Travel Planners International) and lots of destinations & cruise lines. Ship inspections on the 9th & 10h in FLL and Miami. Have been to one in the past & it was awesome! All The Best!!

    • @ProfMelissa
      @ProfMelissa  Месяц назад +1

      Are you looking for speakers?

    • @roiijamez33
      @roiijamez33 Месяц назад

      @@ProfMelissa No - judging from their website there's a lot of great speakers listed! Have a good one!

    • @ProfMelissa
      @ProfMelissa  Месяц назад

      You too!

  • @deborah_2025
    @deborah_2025 26 дней назад +2

    your link will not open in Chrome or Safari - any suggestions?

    • @ProfMelissa
      @ProfMelissa  26 дней назад

      I am upgrading my site this weekend. What info can I send you?

    • @deborah_2025
      @deborah_2025 24 дня назад

      @@ProfMelissa thanks for the reply - I am looking for info on becoming a TA

    • @ProfMelissa
      @ProfMelissa  24 дня назад

      www.profmelissa.com/travelagent

    • @ProfMelissa
      @ProfMelissa  24 дня назад

      www.profmelissa.com/travelagent

  • @heathersquires3870
    @heathersquires3870 7 дней назад

    Is your affiliated host agency and the trainings etc relevant in Canada?

    • @heathersquires3870
      @heathersquires3870 7 дней назад

      Can you suggest hosting agencies in Canada, or how to find such?

  • @whitneybates168
    @whitneybates168 Месяц назад +1

    How do you find clients?

    • @ProfMelissa
      @ProfMelissa  Месяц назад

      Everyone is a potential client.

  • @janetmchale5128
    @janetmchale5128 Месяц назад

    A question I thought of. How do your clients pay? Do you set up a payment processing account (sqaure, etc)?

    • @ProfMelissa
      @ProfMelissa  Месяц назад

      We take payment and then submit that to the supplier directly. Travel agents can sometimes get scammed, though, so it's advisable to require clients to complete a credit card authorization form to protect ourselves. Here's what mine looks like: form.jotform.com/242847770469168

  • @brittanyalburn4886
    @brittanyalburn4886 Месяц назад

    So how much money per cruise, or (how many cruises would i need to go on myself) to justify cost? Thanks 😁

    • @TheMuirite
      @TheMuirite Месяц назад

      Every line has different commissions and promotions.

    • @ProfMelissa
      @ProfMelissa  Месяц назад

      Yes, @themuirite is correct that it's variable. My most recent booking for myself was a Carnival free casino offer which paid me $60. For a regular rate two person room on a basic Carnival cruise it's around $250.

  • @IslandHopperEscapes
    @IslandHopperEscapes Месяц назад

    I don't have any interest in Selling Travel to others. I just want to do my own travel. Do I still have to do the SOT? I am in Florida.
    The past Host company I was with is based out of Fort Lauderdale and said we do NOT have to do the SOT in Florida so I am confused on this one.

  • @johnfisher2952
    @johnfisher2952 Месяц назад

    I understand it will probably vary from host to host but what kind of discount do you get on average for cruise travel ?

    • @ProfMelissa
      @ProfMelissa  Месяц назад

      Discount as in a discount when you book or commission? Both do vary.

    • @johnfisher2952
      @johnfisher2952 Месяц назад

      @@ProfMelissa I was thinking when you book what how much of a discount do travel agents get. I wanted to try to figure out if it's worth becoming a travel agent for myself and family or not.

    • @ProfMelissa
      @ProfMelissa  Месяц назад

      It varies but you can get free agent cruises.

  • @janetmchale5128
    @janetmchale5128 Месяц назад

    I have been looking into this as an extra money venture. I am retired, so I am not looking for anything full time.

    • @ProfMelissa
      @ProfMelissa  Месяц назад

      It's great for side income, but it DOES require quite a bit of online training to do it well.

  • @boarder7496
    @boarder7496 11 дней назад

    If I book a cruise and then the TA doesn’t work out and I become inactive. Do I still get that commission?

    • @ProfMelissa
      @ProfMelissa  10 дней назад

      Pays after the travel has taken place.

  • @allisonstephens9730
    @allisonstephens9730 Месяц назад

    Hi! I took the plunge signed up with listing you. But I have not got any info from you. Can you let me know how I join your group! BTW having the best time doing all the trainings.

    • @ProfMelissa
      @ProfMelissa  Месяц назад

      Hi! Email me at hello@professormelissa.com if you have questions.

  • @michelleweintraub945
    @michelleweintraub945 Месяц назад

    The IATA number you receive is that yours to keep or is it actually owned by the host agency and is only on loan to you as long as you are part of their organization?

    • @ProfMelissa
      @ProfMelissa  Месяц назад

      The host agency has one, you have to apply if you want your own. Applications open soon.

    • @michaelmaignan
      @michaelmaignan 27 дней назад

      You can lnly become a travel agent under a host ?

  • @TheMuirite
    @TheMuirite Месяц назад

    Does the agency give CLIA approval right away or is there a waiting period.

    • @ProfMelissa
      @ProfMelissa  Месяц назад

      Host agency has their CLIA. If you want one you will have to do it during enrollment period.

  • @jacquelinesewart1410
    @jacquelinesewart1410 4 дня назад

    I’m not seeing the interest link

  • @thepjgirl
    @thepjgirl Месяц назад

    But some cruise lines do offer free cruises as long as your agency has done so many bookings with them not you yourself but the agency. As long as u complete their training you’re able to book your cruise. Some make u pay the taxes. ❤

  • @juanurena7702
    @juanurena7702 Месяц назад

    Can you please send me the link for that website to become a travel agent. Please and thank you 😊

    • @ProfMelissa
      @ProfMelissa  Месяц назад

      www.professormelissa.com/travelagent

    • @ProfMelissa
      @ProfMelissa  Месяц назад

      www.professormelissa.com/travelagent

  • @motorcitycandleworks
    @motorcitycandleworks Месяц назад

    Is there any charge for training 🤔

    • @ProfMelissa
      @ProfMelissa  Месяц назад

      No, just your host fee. Learn at your own pace.

  • @CUTravel1st
    @CUTravel1st Месяц назад

    How many trips do you need to book before you can take your own commission on the next trip?

    • @ProfMelissa
      @ProfMelissa  Месяц назад

      I started earning commission on my first ever booking I did for myself.

  • @giftspodcast
    @giftspodcast Месяц назад

    So unlike depending o sub agents to make sales, are you saying that you get $10 a month no matter if you or the sub host makes any sales? That's recurring income just for them signing up? So tecnically if you had 3 people as sub agents they paid for your membership fee? Is that correct?

    • @ProfMelissa
      @ProfMelissa  Месяц назад

      Agents don't have to make sales. Just pay the host fee which gives you access to all the resources of the host (suppliers, discounts, industry credentials, etc.) Your math would be correct.

  • @samtanitravelagency3090
    @samtanitravelagency3090 Месяц назад

    What is the name of your host agency?

  • @bobdollaz3391
    @bobdollaz3391 Месяц назад

    What are you a professor of?

    • @ProfMelissa
      @ProfMelissa  Месяц назад +3

      Management specializing in nonprofits 🙂

    • @charleshensley9503
      @charleshensley9503 Месяц назад +5

      Google can be your friend Dr. Newman has a BBA in Marketing from the University of Kentucky, MBA from Morehead State University, and an MA in Higher Education and a PhD in Educational Leadership from the University of Louisville. She has nearly two decades of experience in leadership within both the higher education and nonprofit sectors. She is a recipient of the Cincinnati Business Courier's Forty Under 40 award, LEAD's Women in Leadership award, the Michael Dean EXCEL Award in Undergraduate Teaching, and the Grilliot Award for Excellence in Faculty Advising.

    • @bobdollaz3391
      @bobdollaz3391 Месяц назад

      @@charleshensley9503 👍 , condescending prick

  • @stacifreeman8231
    @stacifreeman8231 Месяц назад

    What is MLM?

  • @ready4bourbon810
    @ready4bourbon810 Месяц назад

    Excellent video! We need to chat.

    • @ready4bourbon810
      @ready4bourbon810 Месяц назад

      By the way… after watching your entire video, I find myself asking, “How does one become a host agency?”

    • @ProfMelissa
      @ProfMelissa  Месяц назад

      Click the link above and you'll have access to all the details.

  • @thecheaperthebetter5978
    @thecheaperthebetter5978 Месяц назад

    What is the travel host name pm me ...i m trying to do my research first before i join any

    • @ProfMelissa
      @ProfMelissa  Месяц назад

      Email me at hello@professormelissa.com

  • @jessicakleinberg7925
    @jessicakleinberg7925 Месяц назад

    My agency is zero fees, period. And 70/30 split.

  • @johnwooten1210
    @johnwooten1210 Месяц назад

    I like your video. been running a call center for one of the cruise lines for 3 years but would like to expand out. Drop me a line so I can start a dialog with you.

    • @ProfMelissa
      @ProfMelissa  Месяц назад

      You can should be able to connect with me via any of the links above or www.professormelissa.com/travelagent

  • @DonnaEmjasjo
    @DonnaEmjasjo Месяц назад +1

    who is your host agent

  • @CUTravel1st
    @CUTravel1st Месяц назад

    If you’re in California, I strongly suggest you don’t do an LLC. It is the worst situation with no protection.

    • @ProfMelissa
      @ProfMelissa  Месяц назад

      www.professormelissa.com/travelagent

    • @lanceretterbush
      @lanceretterbush Месяц назад +1

      Why u still in Commiefornia???

    • @CUTravel1st
      @CUTravel1st Месяц назад

      @@lanceretterbush still trying to see some of the beauty here before we move and retire. My wife needs three more years for health insurance.
      Doing business here in California is for the birds.

  • @CUTravel1st
    @CUTravel1st Месяц назад

    How many trips do you need to book before you can take your own commission on the next trip?

    • @ProfMelissa
      @ProfMelissa  Месяц назад

      You should be able to on your first booking.

    • @CUTravel1st
      @CUTravel1st Месяц назад

      @@ProfMelissa so did you just book yourself on more trips without commission.

    • @CUTravel1st
      @CUTravel1st Месяц назад

      @@ProfMelissa so did you just book yourself on more trips without commission.

    • @ProfMelissa
      @ProfMelissa  Месяц назад

      You can make commission on casino offers if that is what you are asking.

    • @CUTravel1st
      @CUTravel1st Месяц назад

      @@ProfMelissa no that’s not it. You said you booked yourself many trips to get used to the Host. So did they just take the commission??