Fora Advisor Swaylah Faroqi
An independent travel agent (also called a travel advisor) is a self-employed entrepreneur who earns income by planning and booking travel experiences for clients. As an independent travel advisor, you control your own business, working either part time or full time. Many successful travel agents start as part-timers before transitioning to full-time careers.
Unlike traditional travel agency employees, independent agents usually work with a host agency but keep their own brand and business identity. This partnership gives agents access to infrastructure and industry connections, without the costs of building these resources on their own.
Step-by-step guide to becoming an independent travel Agent
1. Choose the right host agency
Even independent travel agents need to work with a host agency. For instance, in order to receive commission on your bookings (the primary way travel agents make money), you need an IATA number, an industry-wide stamp of approval that’s difficult to obtain as an individual. When evaluating host agencies, consider:
Commission structure and splits
Technology platforms and booking tools
Supplier partnerships
Training programs for new advisors
Marketing support and resources
Community and mentorship opportunities
The best host agencies help streamline commission processing and payment systems, ensuring you get paid as quickly as possible. Commission structures in the travel industry are notoriously antiquated. Some agents must invoice hotels themselves, endlessly follow up, and, all too often, end up forgoing commission payouts altogether. Fora manages everything about commissions for you, largely via our streamlined technology, so you can focus on planning incredible trips, not dealing with clunky payment systems.
When you join a host agency, you also benefit from their partner relationships and preferred programs. Fora is part of every major preferred partner program—like Virtuoso, Four Seasons Preferred, and Rosewood Elite, for example. That means your clients get exclusive perks and you get priority treatment—and, in many cases, enhanced commission. (Fora’s in-house partner program, Fora Reserve, has increased commission and speedy payouts baked into the agreement.)
2. Complete professional training
While you don’t need formal education to be a travel agent, comprehensive training can help you be more successful. Quality travel agent training should cover:
Industry terminology and systems
Booking procedures and best practices
Supplier relationships
Business operations and client management
Marketing and sales strategies
Luckily, Fora provides all of the above (and more) via our integrated platform. Access over 500 pre-recorded lessons, whenever works best for you. You also can sit in on over 20 hours of live training each week.
"Fora's self-paced training program was a game-changer," said Fora Advisor Timadge Berkhadley. “Juggling other commitments, I could learn at my own speed, yet the content was rich and comprehensive. This empowered me to confidently navigate my client calls."
Ongoing education is equally important. At Fora, successful travel agents continually update their knowledge through our:
Weekly destination trainings
Social media how-to’s
Supplier deep-dives (cruises, DMCs, flights, etc.)
Client-acquisition courses
3. Establish your business foundation
Setting up your travel business requires several key steps:
Obtain proper licensing: Depending on where you live, specific certifications may be necessary for setting up your business. Fora makes this process seamless and stress-free. Even better, when you join us, you can start booking on day one—no need to navigate bureaucratic hurdles and uncertainty. We have all that dialed in so you don’t have to stress.
Establish a commission-tracking system: At Fora, that’s baked into our integrated platform. All you need to do is tell us your preferred bank account for commission payments, and we’ll deposit your earnings automatically.
Set a regular schedule: Determine when, and for how long, you want to work each week. Maybe you want to plan trips after you get home from your full-time job. Maybe the weekends are ideal. Maybe you want to transition away from your current role and pursue travel advising full time. You can do any and all of the above at Fora. You get to set your own schedule.
4. Book your first clients
You’ve set your foundation, obtained licensing, and trained up. Now you’re ready to book. Start with your personal network of friends and family, and use straightforward bookings to build confidence—hotel reservations are ideal first bookings. Focus on destinations you know well, and document your process for future reference.
Follow up diligently with clients before and after travel (Fora can show you how, complete with scripts), and request testimonials. Fora’s reviews feature within our platform makes requesting testimonials easy. These testimonials are then uploaded to a dedicated profile page our team creates for you on foratravel.com, establishing trust with both new and existing clients.
5. Develop your marketing strategy
Building a successful travel business requires a clear marketing approach, which Fora helps you with. Our dedicated marketing course teaches you how to:
Define your target audience and ideal clients
Create a professional online presence using social media and your Fora profile page
Develop consistent content that showcases your expertise
Establish a client communication system
Build an email marketing strategy
We also make the above steps simple. Our in-house brand-marketing team creates plug-and-play social media, editorial, and email templates optimized for conversion, so you can market yourself, drive bookings, and do so without spending hours designing something from scratch.
6. Build your client base
New travel agents should focus on strategic client acquisition. Our “Finding Clients” training track goes into this in greater detail, but a few high-level strategies help establish momentum. Most of Fora’s top-earning agents got started by tapping into their personal network of friends and family, and their most successful clients still come via word of mouth.
From there, leverage your online presence to showcase your travel knowledge. Once your Fora profile page has been created, you can submit personal travel guides and trip reports, which our team turns into professional articles that attract clients and encourage bookings. These content pieces increase the likelihood you’ll get found online by potential leads.
Finally, as you’re getting started, consider specializing in a specific type of travel. Determining a niche narrows your expertise and helps you stand out.
Becoming an independent travel agent right for you if…
You want a flexible career
One of the primary advantages of becoming an independent travel agent is complete flexibility. You can work from anywhere, set your own hours, start part time, and build a business that accommodates your lifestyle.
"I had been dreaming about a career pivot for a while but always felt stuck on how to make it happen," Fora Advisor Alexandra Vigilante Chamberlin said. "As an avid traveler who felt trapped in the rigid schedule of a traditional healthcare worker, Fora gave me the opportunity to grow my passion for travel into a business at my own pace."
You want a role with uncapped earnings potential
Independent travel agents earn through commission-based structures, with potential for significant income growth as your client base expands. Fora teaches advisors how to maximize earnings and level up as you grow.
You’re passionate about travel and love sharing that passion with others
For travel enthusiasts, becoming a travel agent transforms your passion into a profession. You get to connect with a community of travel professionals and create memorable experiences for others. Additionally, at Fora, after you’ve fulfilled certain milestones, you’ll be able to attend industry events and familiarization trips—invaluable opportunities to experience destinations firsthand.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need specific certifications to become a travel agent?
While formal certifications aren't legally required to become a travel agent, professional training significantly increases your credibility and effectiveness. Many host agencies, including Fora, offer comprehensive training programs that cover everything from booking procedures to marketing strategies.
How much can I earn as an independent travel agent?
Income varies widely based on commitment level, client base, and specialization. New part-time agents might earn a few thousand dollars annually, while established full-time advisors can generate six-figure incomes. Commission structures typically range from 10% to 16% for hotels and resorts, with varying rates for other travel products.
What’s the difference between a travel agent and a travel consultant?
The terms “travel agent,” “travel advisor,” and “travel consultant” are often used interchangeably. It’s up to the travel expert to choose their official title. Fora uses the term “travel advisor” most frequently. Regardless of the term you choose, each role centers on planning and booking trips, offering expertise and support, and building lasting relationships.
Can I be a travel agent without a host agency?
While technically possible, operating without a host agency presents significant challenges. Independent accreditation requires substantial investment and lacks the support systems, preferred partnerships, and commission advantages that host agencies provide. Most successful independent agents, especially when starting out, partner with established host agencies.
How do I find my first clients as a travel agent?
Most successful travel agents begin with their existing network, including friends and family, colleagues and professional connections, or social groups and community organizations.
Ready to start your journey as a travel agent?
Becoming an independent travel agent offers a flexible, rewarding career path. With the right host agency, training, and business approach, you can build a thriving travel business that aligns with your lifestyle.
When you're ready to take the first step, consider applying to become a Fora Advisor. Fora offers comprehensive support for new travel advisors, including industry-leading training, innovative booking technology, marketing resources, and a supportive community of fellow travel professionals.
Transform your passion for travel into a rewarding business—apply today and join the next generation of independent travel advisors.