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7 Home-Based Travel Job Opportunities

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7 Home-Based TRAVEL JOB OpportunitiesBy Holly Reisem Hanna

One of the most frequent questions that I receive from readers is … “What home-based job opportunities are available in the travel industry?”

And of course, the most popular job in the travel industry is the Home-Based Travel Agent. But for those who do not have special certification or accreditation, the opportunities become unclear and muddled. Luckily, there are many different routes to take and not all of them require that you have your certification or accreditation license.

Here are the seven different ways in which you can work-at-home in the travel industry.

1. Cruise Planner

Do you love the cruising lifestyle? There are a few different options for being a Cruise Consultant, but the one that I’m most familiar with and that is affiliated with American Express is called, Cruise Planners. It is a home-based franchise opportunity that gives you all of the tools you’ll need to run a successful cruise planning business from your home – from an extensive six-day training session in Florida to tech tools, award winning marketing programs and special American Express benefits. With this franchise, you'll build accreditation towards your Cruise Lines International Association, Inc. (CLIA) certification – which is needed to work with suppliers. Startup costs will run around $9,995, plus 3% royalty.

What it Pays: According to Franchise Business Review, Cruise Planners make a commission ranging from 14 – 21%. Because you're also a full-service travel agent, you also make commissions on land tours, hotels, shore excursions, travel insurance, and rental cars. For example, say you have a customer that is going to spend $3,500 on a cruise vacation, that would make your commission anywhere between $490 – $735 for one booking.

2. Travel Writer

Do you love to explore and research? Travel Writers are generally freelance writers or independent contractors, who write articles and reviews for magazines, newspapers, websites, and travel guides. Topics can range from food and nightlife to specific travel niches like eco-tourism, adventure travel or family-friendly travel.

What it Pays: According to this article on Wise Bread, the average Travel Writer makes only $6,000 a year. According to PayScale.com, the average Freelance Writer earns $38,000 a year. Some factors that you will need to factor in are things like experience, skills, background education, and training and whether you’ll be freelancing or working as a salaried employee. While it might not pay a lot, one perk is the free travel and accommodations that you'll receive.

3. Travel Blogger

Do you love to share information about your travels? Travel Bloggers share all sort of travel information via a personal travel blog. Many bloggers will choose a specific travel niche, such as traveling for singles, couples, families or by interest island, mountain or luxury travel. To make money, bloggers will use various techniques such as direct ad sales, ad networks, affiliate marketing, or by creating their own informational travel products.

What it Pays: According to PayScale.com the median salary for a Blogger with one year of experience is $30,000. From much of the research that I have read, most Bloggers are making much less. Check out this post to see what some real-life Bloggers are pulling in. I think one of the perks of being a Travel Blogger is that you will often get to review free hotels, trips, restaurants, and activities – so you’ll want to factor that into your salary.

4. Work-at-Home Travel Agent

Do you love to plan, organize, and travel? Home-Based Travel Agents assist clients with planning, organizing and booking travel accommodations. So how does one become a Home-Based Travel Agent? There are a different few routes in which you can take to becoming a Home-Based Travel Agent, from purchasing an existing travel agency, buying a travel franchise, to opening up your own travel agency or partnering with a host agency. The tricky part is that to work with suppliers; you must have an International Airlines Travel Agent Network (IATAN), Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) or an Airline Reporting Corporation (ARC) number. Sound confusing? Luckily, there are some great places that offer affordable education and training options to get you started.

What it Pays: According to PayScale.com the median salary for a Travel Agent is $28,000. One pro when going this route is the discounted travel deals you’ll receive.

7 Home-Based TRAVEL JOB Opportunities

5. Disney Travel Planner

Do you know Disney inside and out? The Travel the with Magic Program is an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner that specializes in Disney destination vacations. Through this program you’ll work as an Outside Sales Consultant planning, organizing, and booking Disney travel vacations. Travel with the Magic is both CLIA and IATA accredited, and all consultants attend the College of Disney Knowledge. I wasn’t able to find how much it cost to join this business opportunity, or how much Sales Consultants can make – but it’s free to request information if you’re interested.

For more registered Disney Travel Planner Programs, check out this post.

6. Social Media Manager Specializing in the Travel Industry

Are you a social butterfly? Take your love of social media and travel and combine them into one exciting and fabulous career. There are a couple of different routes you can take with this option, one you can open up your own Social Media Consulting company specializing in the travel industry, or you can search for travel organizations and see if there are any openings for Social Media Managers. Of course, you will not only need to have a love for travel, but you'll need to prove your expertise in the social media realm.

What it Pays: According to PayScale.com the median income for a Social Media Manager with one year of experience is $35,000. This number will vary greatly depending on your experience, skills, background education and whether you decide to work as an independent contractor or as an employee.

7. Local Coordinator for Exchange Students

Local Coordinators are independent contractors who go out into the community visiting schools, churches, and various youth programs in search of families who are interested in hosting foreign exchange students. Besides finding safe hosting families for students, you also act as a point of contact and mentor to the students while there are here in the U.S. This is basically a recruitment type position where you get paid a stipend for each successful placement. Most of the opportunities I found offer financial compensation, incentives, travel bonuses, and opportunities for advancement.

Check out this article for companies that hire Local Coordinators.

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Comments

  1. Maritza Garcia-Delcid says

    March 15, 2016 at 9:31 am

    Hi there,
    I am interested in being a travel agent and also being in the Disney field. I love to travel internationally and have planned my Disney vcations for years now. I am a full time student and I also work, but I want to get into the travel industry part-time as that is what I love.

    What do you recommend I do? I saw your Disney page as I clicked on the link, very interested in joining your team. Can you explain a little more on how the works? Costs?

    Thank you,
    Maritza

    Reply

  2. Holiday Planner says

    January 3, 2016 at 4:00 am

    We need freelance travel agent for inbound travel agency. We can give commission basis business as they can do with us.

    Thanks
    Ajantha

    Reply

  3. Abhishek says

    December 25, 2015 at 3:42 am

    Hi Holly,

    Your article is indeed a very interesting and detailed compilation of some of the travel companies offering work from home opportunities.

    The objective of my writing this email to you is to introduce our travel business “Tripmart.com” which also offer work from home opportunity to housewives, students and senior citizens with handsome profit sharing. Tripmart.com is one of the top Global Hotel Wholesalers and have recently started work from home vertical whereby work from home partners sell hotel and other travel product reservations at their leasure and convenience. We also offer white-label solutions to partners.

    I would request you if you could spare some time in visiting our website and include our travel company in your updated list of travel companies offering work from home opportunities.

    – http://partner.tripmart.com/agent/login.aspx

    Thanks for your time.

    With warm personal regards,

    Abhishek
    Founder & CEO
    Tripmart.com

    Reply

    • Sharon says

      January 7, 2016 at 10:45 am

      Hello Abhishek,

      I would like to participate in the work from home partner opportunity.
      I tried using link provided, but was unable to access. How can I get on board?

      Reply

  4. Sonali says

    December 4, 2015 at 12:42 am

    Hi there!!!! this is very informative website. I am interested to work at home as a travel agent.But i don’t know how would i find travel agency who are hiring for a position? Second thing is that i am less experienced in this field. So still i can get the job? I would be thankful to u if you can suggest me.

    Thank You.

    Sonali.

    Reply

  5. Rubina says

    September 18, 2015 at 8:25 am

    Hi, I am also interested in knowing how can we find travel agencies, who have provide work from home option???

    Thanks!!!!

    Reply

  6. Morgan says

    September 12, 2015 at 2:20 pm

    Very helpful info!! Question about at home travel agents, how do I find travel agencies that hire for this position?

    Thanks!! Love your posts :D

    Reply

  7. Cherilyn says

    May 23, 2015 at 9:44 pm

    Hi, I am interested in working from home, but it is extremely hard to know what is a scam and what is not. I have a daughter that is almost two and a son that just turned a month old, my husband has multiple sclerosis and can’t do to much so an at home job is something I really need to find. I have dealt with customer services but that’s pretty much it, I have great computer skills and can type really fast, I am just not sure what is out there for me. I could really use some help if possible, any is very appreciated.
    Thank You,
    Cherilyn

    Reply

  8. Lena says

    February 16, 2015 at 7:01 am

    Hi there, I am also looking to work from home or online as I have a 10 month old baby girl who I miss to death while im slaving away at the office from 8-5 mon to fri. I currently work at a travel agency as a travel consultant. My biggest dilemma is that I live in Namibia and it is extremely difficult to find an online job from here. I have thought about starting my own travel business at home but do not have the resources and companies such as travel counsellors do not offer employment in Namibia.

    Reply

      • LaVetta McBride says

        April 18, 2015 at 11:49 pm

        Paycation offers you the opportunity to become a certified travel agent while also giving you the opportunity to have residual income that is earned weekly and paid monthly. The business allows you to make money from home or anywhere using your computer, tablet and even a smartphone. Information is on the website. Click “Opportunity” for information and “Join Us” to start earning extra income. Contact information is on the website

        Reply

  10. Christina says

    November 12, 2012 at 12:46 pm

    I found this blog very interesting to read. I know working from home is in a high demand for mothers. making convenient to spend time with her children and making it possible for her to make an income. One thing I have noticed was the job listings found on Granted.com they have a wide range of job postings.

    Reply

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