If you’re passionate about travel and have a knack for logistics and planning, a career as a travel agent might sound like a perfect fit. But before you jump in, you’ll probably want to know more. What are the pros and cons of being a travel agent or advisor in 2026? Read on to discover the benefits and challenges of being a travel advisor and how to know if it’s the right career path for you.
The pros of being a travel agent
In general, becoming a travel agent is a good career fit for people who are always curious, are passionate about travel, and like working with people. Here are the benefits of becoming a travel agent.
No experience necessary
Unlike other career paths, you don’t need a specific degree or license to become a travel agent in the U.S. The first step is to find a host agency. Host agencies can offer training, industry connections, and an IATA number, which enables you to earn commission on the bookings you make. Many (but not all) host agencies offer training when you join their network. This allows you to learn and grow as you build your career in the travel industry.
At Fora, we offer comprehensive travel agent certification, plus ongoing educational opportunities. Our travel agent training covers everything from booking basics to how to market your travel business like a pro. The entire training program is offered online so you can learn at your own pace.
Flexible career and fully remote
As an independent travel agent, you’re free to run your business largely as you see fit. You can work part- or full-time, or transition between the two at your own pace.
“As an avid traveler who felt trapped in the rigid schedule of a traditional healthcare worker, Fora gives me the opportunity to grow my passion for travel into a business at my own pace while still working full-time and eventually make the leap to travel advising full-time when I'm ready,” Fora Advisor Alexandra Vigilante Chamberlin said.
As an independent travel agent, you’ll be your own boss, too. You can work as much as you want, when you want.
“I needed an agency that could offer me the flexibility to balance my responsibilities, including being a mom and juggling another work gig,” Fora Advisor Timadge Berkhadley said. “Choosing Fora as my host agency was an easy decision. Fora's approach allowed me to seamlessly manage my other responsibilities while still booking dream vacations for my clients.”
Another one of the perks of becoming a travel agent online is that you never have to commit to an office space (unless you want to, of course). As a travel agent, you can work from anywhere.
Income based on how much work
Travel agent earnings vary widely from advisor to advisor, but you get what you put in. Advisors who concentrate on high-end travel or specific niches (weddings, corporate travel, groups) tend to generate greater earnings from higher-volume and higher-value bookings. Many of our Fora X Advisors (agents who’ve surpassed an annual booking minimum) earn well into six figures each year.
Choose your specialty
The ability to control your business also means you get to control the type of travel you sell. There are so many different travel agent niches to explore.
Want to make reservations at glamorous hotels in Dubai for discerning travelers? Perhaps becoming a luxury travel agent is in your wheelhouse. Want to help your clients enjoy the magic of Disney or Universal Studios? How about helping your clients embark on voyages on the high seas to scenic, tropical destinations? It’s entirely up to you. (Learn how to become a Disney travel agent or how to become a cruise travel agent—or both.)
Work with clients who love travel
For many people, being a travel agent is worth it simply because you’re helping clients plan memorable vacations. You get to build a travel business on your own terms, all while helping others relish life’s most special moments. Whether you’re sharing the best places to visit in Spain, the most gorgeous Bahamas resorts, or the top hotels in Downtown NYC, you’re planning trips to amazing destinations around the world, helping to create some of your clients’ fondest memories.
Connect to a network of travel experts
When you work as a travel agent, you’re constantly meeting other industry professionals, forging connections with local hotels and meeting fellow travel advisors.
At Fora, we pride ourselves on our welcoming community. You’ll be able to connect with fellow Fora Advisors online, as well as in-person through conferences, familiarization (FAM) trips, and more.
One of the biggest benefits for my clients of my being a Fora Advisor is that I can tap into the knowledge and expertise of the Fora Advisor network to help me plan the perfect vacation.
Jennifer Lopez
joined June 2023
“I love that I can essentially run my own travel business while also working with so many talented and helpful people,” Fora Advisor Jennifer Lopez said. “As I tell my clients, no one is an expert on all travel destinations. One of the biggest benefits for my clients of my being a Fora Advisor is that I can tap into the knowledge and expertise of the Fora Advisor network to help me plan the perfect vacation.”
Startup costs are minimal at Fora
Just about any independent business is going to have startup costs, whether that’s from equipment, office space, licenses, software, or other business expenses. To become a Fora Advisor, these costs are minimal. Our membership fee is $99 quarterly or $299 annually. Your subscription covers everything you need to run a successful travel agent business, including comprehensive training, best-in-class technology, user-friendly client management tools, an itinerary builder, commission tracking, in-person networking events, and more. Think of Fora as your business in a box.
Unlock travel perks for yourself
There are many travel opportunities for successful agents, including exclusive events, conferences, and familiarization (FAM) trips, which allow you to get acquainted with certain hotels, destinations, and other experiences.
Disney, for example, offers free tickets and other incentives to travel agents who reach certain milestones, like selling a specified number of family vacations. Some expenses you incur can be written off as business expenses, too, since you’re traveling in a professional capacity.
The cons of being a travel agent
In our opinion, the pros of being a travel agent far outweigh the cons. But you should know what you’re getting into, and there are some challenges to recognize before diving into any new career. Here are some of the cons of becoming a travel advisor.
Steep learning curve
When you’re just getting started as a travel advisor, there’s a lot to learn. There’s a whole side to the travel industry you might never have heard of (for example, understanding industry lingo like what a destination management company is). But with each trip you book, you’ll gain confidence and speed. Over time, working as a travel advisor will become second nature. Fora is here to support you every step of the way on your journey.
“I had never booked travel before, so the certification trainings from Fora were invaluable,” Fora Advisor Timadge Berkhadley said. “It gave me the jumpstart and confidence I needed to dive right in and begin booking. The destination trainings were particularly helpful, as they gave me insights into countries I hadn't visited before.”
Start-up costs
While starting your own business often comes with startup costs, many traditional jobs don’t. It can be hard to spend money on a business when you’re just getting started. Costs vary with different host agencies and training programs (Fora charges a monthly or annual subscription fee).
Another startup cost is time. Building a business is hard work. At Fora, we’re with you every step of the way, but it takes time to learn the ropes and shape your new career.
Challenging or high-maintenance clients
Travel planning is a customer-facing role, and clients expect attentiveness and professionalism. As in any customer service–based job, travel advisors have to deal with all kinds of personalities and situations from clients. You will have to be patient as a travel advisor, and prioritize extending the white-glove service. The good news is that most clients simply want to work with a friendly advisor who takes their needs and goals seriously. A good portion of travel planning is listening, then matching you client’s travel goals to destinations, properties, and activities.
Commission-based income
Most travel agents earn their income from commissions and planning fees, which is a big change if you’re used to a consistent, twice-monthly paycheck. It’s worth considering the financial implications of becoming a travel advisor before you dive in. As an independent contractor, you’re forgoing a traditional salary. This is the trade-off for being your own boss and setting your own schedule. On the flip side, this also means your earning potential is unlimited. A good travel advisor is an excellent salesperson and knows how to transform this “con” into a “pro.”
Non-traditional work hours (including holidays)
Your clients will often expect you to be available in case something goes wront—even if they’re on the other side of the world, in a completely different time zone. And since so many people travel during holidays, you may find yourself busy during your own celebrations. As with any trip, life happens, and you’ll have to navigate cancellations and some mishaps along the way. Fora offers plenty of training and support to help you navigate difficult situations if something does go sideways, but you still need to be prepared for the possibility.
Personal travel might turn into work trips
More than a few advisors have taken detours on our vacations so that we can check out a hotel property on our bucket list. As travel agents, we love our jobs, and we admit it can be hard to separate business from pleasure. This isn’t necessarily a con, though, and many Fora Advisors love this aspect of the business.
Standing out as a travel agent can be difficult
Like any business, it can be difficult to break through and earn clients. Travel agents compete with other travel agents, direct bookers, and online travel agencies, such as Booking.com. Of course, travel agents offer more value than the latter two, and Fora fosters a cooperative community. We also provide tools you need to stand out. That said, any new business is going to face competition to carve out a market share. Restaurant owners, HVAC technicians, freelance accountants, and any other new business owner have to put in effort to build a book of business.
Is being a travel agent worth it?
With the rise of online travel agencies and nearly every ticket and experience being bookable on the internet, you might question if being a travel agent is still worth it in 2026. But if you’re up for hard work and you’re passionate, being a travel agent is worth it many times over. Travel advisors still offer more value, attention, and customization than online travel agencies and direct bookers. (And aren’t necessarily more expensive for customers!)
Being a travel agent is a career path where you get to set your own schedule, make people happy, live out your passion for travel, and make a living. It does take effort and commitment, but the work is fun and rewarding in so many ways.
“I had never booked travel for anyone other than myself before joining the Fora community,” Fora Advisor Alexandra Vigilante Chamberlin said. “I had been dreaming about a career pivot for a while but always felt stuck on how to make it happen. It never occurred to me that travel advising could be my calling until I stumbled across Fora. And I’m so glad I did.”
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