The world of travel has advanced so far in such a short amount of time – over the past hundred years alone, human ingenuity has transformed the way we experience the world. Just as widespread access to fast, safe and convenient global movement paved the way for the emergence of the travel industry, widespread access to the internet has made possible the shift from brick-and-mortar travel agencies to working as a luxury travel advisor from the comfort of your own home.
The term “travel agent” was popularized after World War II, when global travel became more accessible and more desirable. With the emergence of jet airliners in the late 1950s, and the beginnings of the leisure cruise industry in the late ‘60s and early ‘70s, the public’s idea of travel shifted toward exploration and relaxation. With the huge variety of destination choices and experiences, a potential traveler needs someone to help with booking multiple tickets and hotels – the travel agent.
The Rise of the Travel Advisor
As the world of travel has become infinitely more complex, travelers want more authentic experiences and off-the-beaten-path excursions. Travelers wanting to capture a certain feeling—adventure, luxury, immersion—need the expertise and advice of a seasoned professional. They also benefit immensely from the support of a knowledgeable agent to guide and plan their travel experiences.
In 2018, the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) recognized this industry shift and changed the organization’s name to the American Society of Travel Advisors. The idea behind the shift was summed up as: “ASTA’s new name more accurately describes the value our members provide to consumers and is a distinct declaration of who we work for: the traveling public.”
Indeed, as travel evolves, so has the role of the travel advisor!
Is Becoming a Luxury Travel Advisor Right for You?
Imagine being the person that plans dream vacations. A honeymoon to Bali? A family cruise to Alaska? Maybe the safari trip of a lifetime? As a travel advisor, you’ll be able to help clients discover their ideal getaway. Plus, as part of the Dream Vacations Advisor program, you’ll be at the forefront of the ever-growing travel industry, with access to the latest resources and information to plan your clients’ spectacular adventures.
There are many benefits of being a travel agent, including the ability to work from anywhere in the world, the flexibility of being your own boss, and the joy of making money doing something that makes people happy. Plus, you can access travel discounts and insider information to plan your own travels!
As a home based travel agent with Dream Vacations, you’ll have full access to our top-of-the-line training – as well as the invaluable support of our headquarters staff and wider community. From the start, you’re partnered with a mentor who is already established in the business. You’ll learn about marketing, types of travel, destinations, and so much more. You’ll also learn how to become a part-time travel agent and still get all the benefits and flexibility of working full-time in the travel industry.
At this point, you’re probably wondering, “How much does it cost to become a travel agent?” Luckily, becoming a Dream Vacations Advisor is one of the most cost-effective ways to begin earning money as a remote independent contractor. You pay a small monthly fee to access:
- Support from your mentor, our dedicated corporate team and passionate community of fellow advisors.
- 24/7 access to more than 1,500 on-demand eLearning modules. Start learning the basics and progress at your own pace.
- Automated marketing programs such as social media posts, email marketing, videos and more.
- A personalized client-facing booking website maintained by headquarters.
- Weekly marketing and promotional emails sent on your behalf.
- Access to free or reduced rate travel with our travel suppliers.
- Access to our Business Center intranet and to Cruise Control, our online CRM, reservation and financial system.
Start your journey as an independent travel agent today by signing up for our next free webinar. We can’t wait for you to join the Dream Vacations community!