The path to becoming a travel agent in Michigan is straightforward. No formal license or certification is required, and with the right host agency support, you can launch your business in a matter of weeks. Here's everything you need to know to begin your journey.
What does a travel agent do?
Travel agents, also called travel advisors, plan and book travel for clients—everything from flights and hotels to activities and ground transportation. For clients that want personalized itineraries, travel advisors go further, designing experiences based on their expertise and the clients’ needs, whether that's a family vacation, a honeymoon, or a corporate retreat.
Legal requirements for becoming a travel agent in Michigan
Do I need a license to become a travel agent in Michigan?
No. Michigan doesn't require a formal travel agent license, Certified Travel Associate designation, or college degree to start your business. However, training with a reputable host agency (like Fora) establishes a strong foundation for your travel business.
Do I need an IATA number to be a travel agent?
You will need access to an IATA number—a unique identifier that allows you to book travel and earn commissions. Most independent travel agents work with a host agency that provides this access. At Fora, an IATA number is included as part of your subscription.
3 steps to become a travel agent in Michigan
Step 1: Understand the role
As a travel agent in Michigan, you'll craft trips for travelers heading to far-flung destinations, as well as clients planning domestic travel or even a staycation. You can leverage your local knowledge to plan trips to Michigan—history tours of Detroit, visits to the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation. As you grow your business, you may develop a specialty, like luxury hotels, adventure travel, cruises, or full-service itinerary planning. The beauty of this career is that you can define your niche, leaning into a specific type of travel that fits your expertise.
Step 2: Choose a host agency
Most independent travel agents partner with a host agency for support and resources. A strong host agency provides access to booking systems, industry partnerships, commission management, training programs, and marketing tools. Fora offers all of this in one platform—everything you need to launch and grow your business.
Step 3: Complete your training
Once you join a host agency, invest in comprehensive training. Fora's Certified Advisor program includes 40+ hours of live, small-group training covering everything from customer service fundamentals to the technical details of booking travel. You'll also have access to ongoing education through advanced certifications, partner training, and destination deep-dives.
How travel agents make money
Commission earnings
Travel partners—hotels, cruise lines, tour operators—pay agents commissions for bookings, typically ranging from 5% to 10% of the total trip cost. Fora Advisors earn 12% on average. You can book any type of travel, though many advisors focus on three-star and higher hotels, villas, cruises, and tour operators where commission rates are strongest.
Planning fees
Many travel advisors also charge planning fees for their time and expertise, particularly for complex itineraries or full-service trip planning. Advisors can invoice their clients directly from Fora’s platform.
Earn industry-leading commission
You already have a network of potential clients all around you. With our partnerships, you’ll unlock some of the best commissions in the industry—ensuring you earn more on every booking.
Your colleague’s spring break
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Your split
Your friend’s hotel stay
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Your neighbor’s safari
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Your parents' cruise
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Your colleague’s spring break
Trip price
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Your split
Your friend’s hotel stay
Trip price
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Your split
Your neighbor’s safari
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Your split
Your parents' cruise
Trip price
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Your split
How to grow your travel agent business in Michigan
Build your client base
Start with your personal network—friends, family, and colleagues who trust your travel recommendations. From there, word of mouth and referrals can be a powerful way to find new clients. You can also leverage social media and email marketing to showcase your expertise. Fora provides marketing training and tools, including a personalized Fora profile that functions as your website, plus social media and email templates to help you attract clients.
Network with other advisors
Connect with other travel professionals through industry events, seminars, and conferences. You’ll share strategies with your fellow advisors and build relationships with industry suppliers. Fora offers both virtual and in-person networking opportunities, including Live Forum (our annual conference) and local chapter groups in London and select cities throughout the U.S.
FAQs about becoming a travel agent
Can I become a travel agent from home?
Yes. Fora Advisors can work and attend virtual training from anywhere—you just need WiFi. As an independent contractor, you set up your business hours according to what works best for your life.
What kind of travel can I book as a Fora Advisor?
You can book all types of travel. Hotels, villas, cruises, yacht charters, vacation packages, all-inclusives, car rentals, travel insurance, private aviation, and room blocks for events like destination weddings. Some advisors focus exclusively on hotels; others offer full-service itinerary planning with activities, tours, and ground transportation.
What destinations do travel agents book?
Everywhere. Italy, Costa Rica, Montana, the Caribbean, Australia—even Antarctica. Our training library and live webinars cover global destinations and all types of trips, from hotels to cruise lines to safaris.
What travel partnerships does Fora have?
Fora has relationships with more than 7200+ hotels, giving our advisors access to exclusive upgrades and perks at top properties worldwide. You can book from over 175,000+ hotels through our integrated platform (called Portal). Our preferred partnerships include Virtuoso, Four Seasons, Rosewood, and other prestigious collections, spanning both high-end luxury and lifestyle boutique properties.
How do Fora Advisors get paid?
Unlike other agencies where advisors chase their own commissions, Fora handles all back end commission tracking and management for you, updating your advisor dashboard in our Portal. You can read more about our approach in this TravelAge West article featuring Fora Advisor Amna Ismail.
What resources are available to travel agents in Michigan?
Fora provides community, training, partnerships, marketing tools, technology, and commissions support—everything you need in one place. Through our community app, Forum, you can stay current on travel trends and get answers to your questions. We also have local chapters in select cities where advisors can connect in person for networking, in-person learning, and hotel site visits.
How much does Fora cost?
Fora charges a quarterly ($99) or annual ($299) subscription fee, which includes access to our all-in-one platform, live and recorded training, administrative support, and community app. We set you up with everything you need to succeed, from your first booking onward.
How do I get started?
Click on Get Started and enter your email to begin your application. You'll complete a short survey about your travel style and experience, and we'll follow up with next steps.
