Looking for a host agency

sure there are many host agencies, first know what you will require in a host and then make your plan on the type of host your looking for.

Many host agencies are right in your own area, you will not need to look far. You may also try using the OSSN they are an excellent source for locating a host with fees you can live with.

I personally wanted more out of a host so I had to locate what works for me and since I wanted more stores currently I have over 20 open all over the USA and Canada.

If you need more help just email me at mytravel732@yahoo.com

I see you are looking for a host agency. Would you be intersted in a company that in essance lets you purchase your OWN travel agency? They give you a website that is YOURS that you can refer people to to book their airfare, hotel, car, etc online. They are Similar to Expedia, Travelocity, and so on in they have the best competitive prices, AND you make commision when someone books from your site.

It is a great program. They also offer all inclusives, criuses, tickets to atractions, and much more!

If this sounds like what you are looking for, email me or call me and we can talk. I would love to get you set up with the host site you are looking for.
You can email me at timeawaytravels@yahoo.com, or call me at 314-606-1282.

If you want to see what I am talking about - check out MY host site, where anyone can book travel at GREAT prices. My website is www.timeawaytravels.com

-Jackie

isetours if your serious about finding a host agency you can also go to any Travel Store in a Mall, they are always looking for people to sell from home.

I used to do that, it may cost you it ended up costing me around 5,000.00 but I did not have to come up with the funds right away. I only did it for a 2 years, they charged me yearly fees as well and I soon grew tired of it.

But there is a down side to every job, the benefits were great because I did not have to worry about E&O Insurance they covered me, plus they paid for all my Trips if I went anywhere for training.

Now that I am on my own I have to pay for them myself. I make better money being on my own then being linked to an Agency.

If your just starting out do what works for you, if being linked to an Agency makes you feel better do it until you are ready to get out there on your own.

I want to open a Online Travel Agency. Should I go through a "Host Agency" and If yes, Should I go and get a Diploma or something to allow me to do this?

Do any of you have experience dealing with Expedia Cruise as a host agency?

I don't have any info to give you on Expedia as far as a host because we have not had any agents come to us from that agency but I have not heard anything negative. Be sure to please keep us in mind also when you are comparing. Dugans Travels is our agency name.

Jennifer

I am interested in starting an online travel agency. There is so much conflicting info that I am totally confused. Joining a travel agent host sounds like a painless way to go about it but is it legit? Could anyone recommend one that is viable and affordable. Should I take courses and get certified on my own? Help - what should I do first?
Thanks

If you want more ownership of your business then you need to buy a Franchise.

I have been researching a Cruise Travel Franchises for over a year and have not pulled the trigger yet for obvious reasons ($$$$). This is something my wife and I want to do as I wind my practice down or sell it whichever comes first.

I have looked at them ALL including; Expedia Cruise Ship Centers, Cruise One, Sea Master Cruises, and Cruise Planners (who claims to be American Express). I was impressed by both Cruise Ship Centers and Cruise One. Their homegrown technologies are far superior to anything out there I’ve seen. I loved the professionalism from both organizations and it is getting difficult to choose between the two. The only hang up I have with Cruise Ship Centers is they want me into a Storefront. Again ($$$$). Cruise One seems like the best option for home based as they seem to really offer the support and tools I would need.

What I did not like about the other two was Sea Master Cruises has excessively many fees and I felt their brand was not strong enough, yet. Maybe by-the-time I am ready to make decision I’ll check back with them and see if things have changed. Cruise Planners seems like a bunch of smoking mirrors to me, from their slimy used car sales tactics, and some guy who showed me a picture of his dog during a business webinar. They had NO technology to show me, but promised it was coming in month; this was back in November 2008 when I initially contacted them. I really do not know if they launched it or not so, sorry! I almost bought into the whole American Express thing and read somewhere that anyone can buy an Affiliation from them, I did not see an advantage having it. Then there was the offer. $9900 but if I bought by the 30th they would take . $2000 off and Pay $7900, then in the next few months and only after telling them I was looking at other opportunities, After bashing the competition for 25 minutes; the new offer was $3195 and wo

ha ha ran out of room... continued!

wouldn’t you like to be a part of history as we have a class of 70 new franchises. Picture learning a new business with 70 newbie’s in 5-days; no thank you! I can say that, the immediate price reductions were a flag for me and then it dawned on me to look at the Federal Disclosure Document (FDD) again.

Very important item in the document is Item 20. The Franchise System Growth That number should be positive in most healthy environments. Cruise Planners brought on 107 Franchises in 2008 and Lost 108 for a net loss of 1. This by far was the worst of any of the companies I looked at and then it all made sense.

Moral of the story is buying a franchise is an investment, don’t be sold by the salesman that is there job to get you in the door. READ the FDD, Make calls to any OWNERS you want listed in the FDD. It is ILLEGAL for a franchise system to STEER you to a group of owners, don’t fall into that trap. Take your time and don’t be pressured.

Richard

What about a hosting site like KHM or Incentive Travel? Wouldn't one of these do the same thing for you without the cost?

wales32 in Mount Laurel, New Jersey said: What about a hosting site like KHM or Incentive Travel? Wouldn't one of these do the same thing for you without the cost?

No...Because you don't get FULL Ownership of your business. And not quite certain how the comission structure is...I'll check it out! Thanks!

I too am looking for a host agency. I am getting ready to graduate from careerquest training, the best online school I could find. (I do have a regular bachelor's degree, but I want to sell travel.)
Here are a few thing's I have picked up:

Your host agency should be affiliated with NACTA, CLIA, ASTA and OSSN. You, too, should go to every one of these professional association websites to learn about the standards of your profession. These are not host agencies, they are the professional assocoations that have info about preferred hosts.

I have just returned from a seminar at sea with NACTA, and a few months ago a conference in Chicago with OSSN with wonderful seminars about building your travel business. Many, many suppliers and host agencies were there to help and answer questions.

The reason I went to an online school is I wanted the support of other students, besides I researched my instructor, Nancy Kist, and she is a well respected leader in the industry. Look carefully at your host site...do they have you pay for classes?

Arlenie in Old Bridge, New Jersey said: sure there are many host agencies, first know what you will require in a host and then make your plan on the type of host your looking for.

Many host agencies are right in your own area, you will not need to look far. You may also try using the OSSN they are an excellent source for locating a host with fees you can live with.

I personally wanted more out of a host so I had to locate what works for me and since I wanted more stores currently I have over 20 open all over the USA and Canada.

If you need more help just email me at mytravel732@yahoo.com

What is a OSSN? I'm looking for a host agency that doesn't have high cost. One wants to charge me $125.00 a month! That's crazy. Anyone? I'm going to be newbe to cruise planning

I was going thru Incentive connection travel, then I moved to Global Travel Inc. I am fairly satisfied. I am learning to sell travel thru Travel Agent Academy, and I earn ECU's and get certificates. Global is about 125.00 a year and you get a web site for your costomers and a web site for you to book from also.

Anyone recommends a host agency in Canada? I don't need a big one coz they usually charge so much...And I have no experience but only a few ideas in mind.

Choosing your host agency can be the biggest part of the battle. One idea is to affiliate with a travel agency, a major one with a good strong reputation, in your city. That way you have their help and support right there.
Or, forgive me, is Montrose travel out of Canada?

Thank you so much. I don't know about Montrose. Will check online. TPI mentioned by a few others here charges so much, > $12000. Seems that they provide pretty good services, but I just can't afford.

ooops. Seems that TC only recruits experienced travel agents. I'm opted out. Keep searching.
Thanks a lot guys.

Me too, been reserching this for a while now but still trying to decide whether I should just join a host agency (less cost) or just buy a franchise (of course higher cost). I am a newbe. Could anyone tell me more about their pros and cons? Thanks.

Richard942 in Silver Lake, North Carolina said: ha ha ran out of room... continued!

wouldn’t you like to be a part of history as we have a class of 70 new franchises. Picture learning a new business with 70 newbie’s in 5-days; no thank you! I can say that, the immediate price reductions were a flag for me and then it dawned on me to look at the Federal Disclosure Document (FDD) again.

Very important item in the document is Item 20. The Franchise System Growth That number should be positive in most healthy environments. Cruise Planners brought on 107 Franchises in 2008 and Lost 108 for a net loss of 1. This by far was the worst of any of the companies I looked at and then it all made sense.

Moral of the story is buying a franchise is an investment, don’t be sold by the salesman that is there job to get you in the door. READ the FDD, Make calls to any OWNERS you want listed in the FDD. It is ILLEGAL for a franchise system to STEER you to a group of owners, don’t fall into that trap. Take your time and don’t be pressured.

Richard

Coincidently I am also considering CruiseOne and pretty impressed with what they can offer. Thanks for your alert on the FDD. Gladly their Item 20 looks pretty good. But I am still trying to decide in between joining a host agency or buying a franchise. I am new to this. Do you know the pros and cons? Thanks.

The answer lies in the fact, that ..when buying a franchise you
purchase a Ready -made..BRAND..however, if you want to Build your own brand..then shy away from the franchise route!
IN any event, neither guarantee's success!! you have to achieve that your self, or you might consider a joint venture, if you can find a like-minded person. Good Luck!!

1ncentives in Southport, United Kingdom said: The answer lies in the fact, that ..when buying a franchise you
purchase a Ready -made..BRAND..however, if you want to Build your own brand..then shy away from the franchise route!
IN any event, neither guarantee's success!! you have to achieve that your self, or you might consider a joint venture, if you can find a like-minded person. Good Luck!!

Thanks for the input! I know, but I thought since I am a newbe, it may be better off just to become an agent first and get some experience. Then when I am ready to buy a franchise later maybe they won't charge me $10K since I would be an experienced agent by then. Just thought it might be a way to get away from the high cost and meanwhile gain some hands-on experience.

You're right, either way I have to build my own client base. I guess the trade off for working as an agent or joinging a host agency is that I can't take my client base with me when I decide to leave since it's not my own business, is that right? Another down side is I probably will make less than owning a franchise since the host agency will take certain percentage of my commission. But the franchisor will take away 3% royalty as well, how much difference is there?

YES.. its true you cannot buy experience!! That said at some point
you have to jump in the Deep-End! with lets say 5 years experience under your belt, the water might not look so Cold!! LOL
On the other hand, even as a newbie, with no experience i bet you could comfortably Price, lets say a Family Vacation for 4 to Disneyland..Try it ! just as an exercise!! then price against a
Tour Operator, or get a Quote from a working Travel Agent..See how
you stack -up..NO harm in testings the waters..Good Luck..

Corey in Las Vegas, Nevada said: I was going thru Incentive connection travel, then I moved to Global Travel Inc. I am fairly satisfied. I am learning to sell travel thru Travel Agent Academy, and I earn ECU's and get certificates. Global is about 125.00 a year and you get a web site for your costomers and a web site for you to book from also.

Now that you have been with them for a few months, how do you like them? Do they give you support with your site with updates and such and marketing?

I want to know which gds system is the best to use.
is there a difference, do some get better contracts than others or are they all pretty much the same???

Mae in Piscataway, New Jersey said: Me too, been reserching this for a while now but still trying to decide whether I should just join a host agency (less cost) or just buy a franchise (of course higher cost). I am a newbe. Could anyone tell me more about their pros and cons? Thanks.

You may want to check out Coastal Vacations,not a host agency HOWEVER if travel is something you want to do commissions to there packages are great.
If you need more detailed info email,I can send you a link.
P.S.They cost less than a franchise.But it is packages you sell.

Laura in Kincardine, Ontario said: You may want to check out Coastal Vacations,not a host agency HOWEVER if travel is something you want to do commissions to there packages are great.
If you need more detailed info email,I can send you a link.
P.S.They cost less than a franchise.But it is packages you sell.

Thanks Laura! Yes could you please send me a link?

wales32 in Mount Laurel, New Jersey said: I am interested in starting an online travel agency. There is so much conflicting info that I am totally confused. Joining a travel agent host sounds like a painless way to go about it but is it legit? Could anyone recommend one that is viable and affordable. Should I take courses and get certified on my own? Help - what should I do first?
Thanks

You can become an independant contractor for a travel company.or start your own biz....franshizing HUGE HUGE expence yes you have the name however you also need to sell a TON to make it worth your time.
Some TIPS I learned along the way in finding my PASSION...ASK YOURSELF THESE QUESTIONS
#1.....What amount of money do I have to invest?

#2.....What is my passion,if it is travel you are in the right place at the right time,travel is growing 23a travel agentnd more faster than our global economy

#3......Do I want small commisions and focus on small amounts or do I want to help people create memories and serve them with both VALUE AND SAVINGS????
Also would I rather have larger commions while pursueing my PASSION?????

Laura in Kincardine, Ontario said: #4......Franshies are a tough one,LOTS AND LOTS of investment....and small commions.....educate yourself very well and go with you intuition on all things you check out.

#5.....What is my purpose I am trying to accomplish with my very own biz????
Is it just working at home or is it time freedom and money freedom and spending time with your children????
What are you really determind to accomplish?????
Write it down ,because no matter what way you go you ALWAYS have some bad days it does not matter what biz. you do,it is not ALWAYS ROSES AND SUNSHINE....so write down your purpose of WHY YOU are choosing this road then on those not PERFECT DAYS it will get you through till your next check or vacation or sale gets closed and sent to your door.
Hope that helps that is some of the things that have helped me the last 5 years and more in my travel biz.To your dreams

mymile in Toronto, Ontario said: ooops. Seems that TC only recruits experienced travel agents. I'm opted out. Keep searching.
Thanks a lot guys.

Are you looking for only a host agency or are you open to travel period?????
Because there may be an option of selling travel packages for ya if you want more info let me know and I will pass it along.
Laura

Thank you Laura. I just wanna find a host that enables me mostly to sell international air tickets. If you happen to know any host in Ontario that gets commission from selling air tickets, please pass my info along.

The fee charged by hosts in Ontario is skyhigh compared to those in the USA. Don't know why.

Richard942 in Silver Lake, North Carolina said: No...Because you don't get FULL Ownership of your business. And not quite certain how the comission structure is...I'll check it out! Thanks!

You don't get full ownership with Cruise One either, They will not let you put Franchise Owner on your business card. You have to put Cruise Specialist because you are not an owner in their eyes - check them out fully. I'm not saying they are not a good direction to go in, but if it's ownership you are looking for Cruise One might not work.

Momomo in Las Vegas, Nevada said: I want to know which gds system is the best to use.
is there a difference, do some get better contracts than others or are they all pretty much the same???

If you're an entry level travel agent, don't bother with GDS. There is no money in booking flights and rental cars. Learn tour and cruise products if you want to make a living in this industry.

Jeff Marlow, Compatriot Travel in Charleston, South Carolina said: If you're an entry level travel agent, don't bother with GDS. There is no money in booking flights and rental cars. Learn tour and cruise products if you want to make a living in this industry.

hey Jeff,

I wouldnt know how to market tours and cruises effectively, any suggestions?

Thanks a lot, Laura. I'll go and have a look.

mymile in Toronto, Ontario said: Thanks a lot, Laura. I'll go and have a look.

No Problem I hope it helps you with your FUTURE she really is a GREAT gal,wish you the best and let me know if it was what you were looking for then I will stop keeping an eye out for you,all the BEST GIRL hope it is an answer you were looking for have a GREAT NIGHT!!!!!

Yeah. It's so nice of you. I'll check it out tmrw. Have a a good night.

Hi can anyone tell me how to promote my experience of trips i have put together in Belize Ca.I live there most of the year but want to start promoting what we do from canada in the off season.

No Prob...anytime I can help that is after all my TRUE PURPOSE ....FIRST helping people were and when I can.Best of Blessings.

Bryan Tomkins in Winnipeg, Manitoba said: Hi can anyone tell me how to promote my experience of trips i have put together in Belize Ca.I live there most of the year but want to start promoting what we do from canada in the off season.

What are you trying to accomplish??????Selling something or what is the goal....I may be able to help more once i understand more what you are trying to accomplish???
So more details would be great.

Hi Laura, seems that this one is again a host in US whild I think I need to find one that is TICO certified (or whatever),a TICO member. Thanks a lot.

OOOOPPPPPPSPSSS there is a Canadian working it from Windsor for a while now she has been getting her commisions on international flights?????

Hi,Thanks for the reply.As i mentioned i live most of the year in Belize and while there this past 16 months we registered a company name but never got licensed to operate yet.I am back in Winnipeg and am interested in starting a company which will allow me to promote and sell trips and tours to central and southern Belize where we have researched alternative trips that aren't in the tour brochures.Some of the trips we started are over night camping trips to some of the cayes that the lease holders have allowed me to utilize their facilities for camping and spending time there.We do snorkeling,fishing,spear fishing right from the shore.We also started full moon parties at some of them as well.
I have made alot of contacts with local Maya farmers in the Toledo area and we explore with the farmers Maya ruins that have not been explored or seen by foreigners.As well we also spend time hiking and learning how to live off the land.Medicinal plants,plants that are edible and how they grow and maintain their crops.We also have camping facilities put up on their land where there is a palapa set up to sleep under and meals hiked into us by their families.
We recently baught 2 off road motorcycles which allows us to explore farther in and to remote areas which we also set up camps and are welcomed by the locals that we befriended.
Based from Hopkins Belize in the Stann creek district i have worked extensively with the local fishermen and have arranged some amazing day trips to the cayes for snorkeling and fishing.I have also started working with some of the local lobster fishermen and during the lobster season we have taken out some travelers and showed them how to and even participate in catching lobster,conch and octopus then we go to the fishermens camp on certain cayes where we cook up our catch and enjoy the day.
I want to start a canadian based company for travel to Belize.
Can you help????
Bryan

WOW That sounds AMAZING man,I LOVE IT GREAT IDEA!!!!!!
I believe you WILL have a MARKET for that for sure....at this point I am not sure how to help you first thing I would do if you want to start a Canadian Company is get your Name for it(if you do not already have it)...then I would Register it (to make sure no one else already has that name)after you have it registered I would call and talk to your
''Local Chamber Of Commerce''and make your company Public it costs a couple hundred bucks but what you get for that is usually an article in your local paper plus a ''Official Ribbon Cutting"' at your local Chamber Of Commerce ALL of this helps you get recognized by the local area and as we all know with any biz. getting recognized by the locals in Canada is HUGE HUGE then I would get your WORD out there anyway possible...depends how tight you are on a budget you may want to advertize some were like Kijiji it is FREE even if you have a GREAT budget advertizing there has helped me.
I am not sure if you already knew all of this or if this is new to you to,hope it helped a little at least if I can ever be of more assistance let me know also I WILL now keep my ears open for anyone who may be able to assist you more along your journey,I WISH YOU the best with your endeavor I know once you are out there it WILL BE FANTASIC so NEVER NEVER give up on that DREAM you WILL get there!!!!!!All the best Laura

Julielevin in New Orleans, Louisiana said: I too am looking for a host agency. I am getting ready to graduate from careerquest training, the best online school I could find. (I do have a regular bachelor's degree, but I want to sell travel.)
Here are a few thing's I have picked up:

Your host agency should be affiliated with NACTA, CLIA, ASTA and OSSN. You, too, should go to every one of these professional association websites to learn about the standards of your profession. These are not host agencies, they are the professional assocoations that have info about preferred hosts.

I have just returned from a seminar at sea with NACTA, and a few months ago a conference in Chicago with OSSN with wonderful seminars about building your travel business. Many, many suppliers and host agencies were there to help and answer questions.

The reason I went to an online school is I wanted the support of other students, besides I researched my instructor, Nancy Kist, and she is a well respected leader in the industry. Look carefully at your host site...do they have you pay for classes?

Can you tell me who you decided to go with for your hosting agency??
How long did it take for you to complete the online school?

hi, I'm a newbie seeking a host travel agency where I can learn the business before starting my own business. I love travelling and I thougth this would be a good way to earn some $ on the side. Unfortunately I reside in the Caribbean and I am unable to find any host agencies that accept agents from outside the US or Canada? If any of you know of any such agencies can you please send me a link or give me a name please.

Thanks

isetours in Waltham, Massachusetts said: Hi All,
Can someone recommend a host agency?
I am building a website that will allow users to book their airfare, hotel, car, etc online. I need a host agency that has an option to do that. Just like Expedia.

Can someone help me?

Thanks

we can be your host agency but do you have any calling with you?

JulieL in New Orleans, Louisiana said: Choosing your host agency can be the biggest part of the battle. One idea is to affiliate with a travel agency, a major one with a good strong reputation, in your city. That way you have their help and support right there.
Or, forgive me, is Montrose travel out of Canada?

Do you have any recommendations in chosing a host agency?

I studied that business since the very first days of an e-commerce. (Have MS Admin Science in e-commerce from BU) Put together one of the first the on-line only agencies of the century. Went up and down (especially after 0911) and came back to my starting point. I am building my own host agency. Anyone who would be interested in sharing the journey with me – please don't hesitate to call Member of IATAN, CLIA, ASTA, OSSN. My product is planning to be international land and cruise combos. Would be more than happy to provide detailed information. Alsolooking business for sale (not MLM)