How much does it cost to become a travel agent?

So, you’re a big fan of Mickey, Universal, or maybe sailing with Royal Caribbean. Now you want nothing more than to share that passion with guests from all over the world, selling trips and giving families tips so they can also have the time of their lives. To do that, you need to become a travel agent.

Now, do you actually need to pay anything to become a travel agent?

The answer is… it depends. Yeah, I know, that’s a pretty common answer when we’re talking about travel agents, but I’ll do my best to explain it in detail.

The thing is, you can choose to become an independent travel agent or join a host agency. If you plan to go fully independent and not join a host agency, expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $2,000 annually for certifications and setup. You'll also need to start from scratch and build your empire from there. Can this work out in the end? Sure, but it’s a steep hill to climb.

You can also choose to join a host agency, and then you typically don’t need to spend money on credentials. That’s one of the big perks of VacationLab, for example. You don’t need to pay extra costs, and we don’t charge any hidden fees. Yes, all our training is free. On top of that, we offer dedicated support and hundreds of new guides, not just about how to become a travel agent, but also ride reviews and planning tips on our sister site, Famvia.

Do keep in mind that some host agencies charge monthly fees when you join. That cost usually covers access to their booking platforms and training. VacationLab, however, has zero fees or extra charges, and we never will. We think it’s a little unfair to charge travel agents, especially when they’re just starting out. Building a steady client base takes time, and adding extra costs on top of that can feel like a heavy weight on your shoulders.

Most travel suppliers also offer training programs that you need to complete before you can start selling. These programs are basically free, but you often need certifications to access them, usually provided by a host agency. There are also host agencies or specialized websites that sell general training programs for an extra cost. Again, we at Famvia offer all our training courses for free.

So, there you have it. If you don’t plan on joining a host agency, expect to pay around $2,000 per year for certifications and setup. If you do join a host agency, most will provide the certifications you need, though some may also charge monthly or annual fees. You know what that means, right? Join one that has your back and won’t hit you with extra charges. Yep, we’re talking about VacationLab. Until next time!