Looking for a host agency

can anyone tell me if that have first hand knowledge of Cruises inc?
I know the commission is only 50% which is very low getting started plus the monthly fees, but do they give you business or leads etc?
Does anyone know just how good the program is for actually getting clients to your website??

Hi,
My name is Nellie and I was browsing the forum and I noticed your were concern about the cost of a host agency.

I would like to find out if you have found one. I am also in search of a host agency. I am having a hard time in deciding who to get.

I would like to operate a on line travel agency as a independent contractor. Please let me know who you have chosen and if you are satisfied with them. I would like to hear from you. Thank you.

Nellie

Mae in Summit, New Jersey said: Thanks Laura! Yes could you please send me a link?

Here is a link and info to the business end of it I have been with them for 6 years now also have other GREAT EXCITING things I am checking out in travel THE OPTIONS are AMAZING but before I share the 2nd link I want to verify that I want my name with them so will let you know it if you also want that 2nd link first link is. www.laurainontario.com
Best of blessings always in your search.

nelliegalvano in Woodbridge, Ontario said: Hi,
My name is Nellie and I was browsing the forum and I noticed your were concern about the cost of a host agency.

I would like to find out if you have found one. I am also in search of a host agency. I am having a hard time in deciding who to get.

I would like to operate a on line travel agency as a independent contractor. Please let me know who you have chosen and if you are satisfied with them. I would like to hear from you. Thank you.

Nellie

Nellie
There may be a host agency I can recommend but before I give it I want to make sure that they are a host agency that services Canadian's gotta verify I think they do but have to check it out again next week to see.....
if I do not get back to ya by Wed. next week please re- remind me as I had surgery and need to remember everything I have committed to in helping people....thanks for your understanding and I will get that info or ask me again Wed.

Bye for now.Have a GREAT and BLESSED weekend!!!!!!ENJOY it and create those memories.
Bye for now Laura

Hi, I'm searching for a host agency in Canada as well. I want to specialize in Disney travel (I'm a bit of a Disney addict!) and I'm hoping that someone can point me in the right direction.

Any help would really be greatly appreciated :)

WE ARE A HOST AGENCY AND HAVE AROUND 8 OUTSIDE PEOPLE. WE ARE LOCATED IN GLEN ELLYN ILLINOIS. MY BROTHER IS THE OWNER AND WE HAVE BEEN IN BUSINESS MY OVER 25YRS NOW. THE AGENCY IS CALLED CREATIVE TRAVEL CALL AND ASK FOR FRED. MAYBE WE CAN WORK SOMETHING GREAT OUT FOR YOU.

IR YOUR ARE LOOKING FOR ONE IN THE us WE CAN HELP YOU . OUR AGENCY IS CREATIVE TRAVEL AND LOCATED IN GLEN ELLYN WE HAVE BEEN IN BUSINESS FOR 25 YEARS. CALL FRED HE IS MY BROTHER AND OWNER. WE CAN HELP YOU OUT IF YOUR INTERESTED.

I've been with Montrose Travel for 2 years. I had no experience and am affiliated with them as an Independent Contractor. I can't say enough good things about their support and training. Good luck!

Marlaine in Brevard, North Carolina said: I've been with Montrose Travel for 2 years. I had no experience and am affiliated with them as an Independent Contractor. I can't say enough good things about their support and training. Good luck!

I just looked in Montrose, and I was thinking about joining. Do they pay on time, and are they everything they say they are? Before I pay my hard-earned money I want to be sure. Appreciate you.
Blessings,
Trina

I will get back with you Trina. I am having a meeting next week with my business plan consultant and I will let you know. I don't know much about this company at all. Will research though:) Keep in touch:) Ciao

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!

Hi Richard, i have been looking into the same cruise companies, now that it has been 18 months since your last post. have you made a choice.

Trina in Berkeley, California said: I just looked in Montrose, and I was thinking about joining. Do they pay on time, and are they everything they say they are? Before I pay my hard-earned money I want to be sure. Appreciate you.
Blessings,
Trina

Hi Trina, Montrose definitely pays on time, and it's direct deposit. They are everything they claim...it's a family owned company and has been around since 1956. I can call or email and ask questions any time. There are typically 3 training webinars a week. Let me know if you have any specific questions. You can also call and speak to Andi Mysza, owner and President of the Home Based Division...she'll be glad to address any concerns you have.

Trina in Berkeley, California said: I just looked in Montrose, and I was thinking about joining. Do they pay on time, and are they everything they say they are? Before I pay my hard-earned money I want to be sure. Appreciate you.
Blessings,
Trina

I should mention that the reason I didn't answer sooner was that I was in Florida attending CLIA's (Cruise Line International Association's) conference and trade show. There were agents from most of the major host agencies in attendance. I'm working toward becoming ACC accredited with CLIA.

do you have any suggestions regarding Cruise Planners, Cruise One, or Expedia Cruise Ship Centers

markm in Soledad, California said: do you have any suggestions regarding Cruise Planners, Cruise One, or Expedia Cruise Ship Centers

I don't know enough about them to give you an informed opinion. I hope someone with more insight into these companies responds to your question. Have you tried contacting groups like NACTA (Nat'l Assoc. of Career Travel Agents)who have lists of the most reliable host agencies in the travel industry?

Marlaine in Brevard, North Carolina said: I don't know enough about them to give you an informed opinion. I hope someone with more insight into these companies responds to your question. Have you tried contacting groups like NACTA (Nat'l Assoc. of Career Travel Agents)who have lists of the most reliable host agencies in the travel industry?

no, but I will now, thank you

well all three are listed on the most reliable list from NACTA, now just to figure out which one to choose. hmmmmmm

markm in Soledad, California said: well all three are listed on the most reliable list from NACTA, now just to figure out which one to choose. hmmmmmm

Do you know anyone already affiliated with one of them? Have you compared costs, commission %, training, etc. I'm guessing that you're interested in selling cruises only? I know there's at least one host that doesn't sell one or two cruise lines...but to my knowledge it isn't any of the ones you named. Good luck!

Marlaine in Brevard, North Carolina said: I've been with Montrose Travel for 2 years. I had no experience and am affiliated with them as an Independent Contractor. I can't say enough good things about their support and training. Good luck!

I have been doing a ton of research regarding becoming a travel agent and saw that you had no experience when you started and seem to be very happy with your decision. I am filled with questions and would be also want to pursue being an independent contractor. My husband and I have been traveling to Mexico and the Carribean for years and finding a great price has become my passion and now I have other people contacting me to book their trips. So I am now really wanting to pursue this as a career. I am not sure how to get started, any and all info would be a great help.
Thank you, Kim

Marlaine in Brevard, North Carolina said: Hi Trina, Montrose definitely pays on time, and it's direct deposit. They are everything they claim...it's a family owned company and has been around since 1956. I can call or email and ask questions any time. There are typically 3 training webinars a week. Let me know if you have any specific questions. You can also call and speak to Andi Mysza, owner and President of the Home Based Division...she'll be glad to address any concerns you have.

Thank you. Much success for your travel biz.

I had always been interested to get into the travel industry but I don't know how and where to start. I know for sure that I can't afford to franchise and I want to have control over my working hours and income. So I guess, being an Independent Contractor selling cruises, packages, airline tickets, and hotel accommodation is the best option.

I am currently living in Ottawa which has many to offer year round: activities, amenities, concerts, historic buildings. I often see bus tours packed with tourists. I have friends who work at the management level of some of the renowned hotels in this town.

Nearby cities (Wakefield, Montreal, Toronto.. etc) are also quite familiar to me as I love to travel. I had experienced first hand, the services of some of the hotels and restaurants on these cities. I guess, it would be a plus factor in dealing with my future clients.

I had lived in the Arctic Region of Canada as well for almost a year and had developed a network of people who work in different sectors of the government and private industries. I know many of them who love to travel and go on cruises each year almost. Also, the northern part of Canada has a lot to offer as well, especially to the nature lovers.

I had travelled and/or lived in some parts of Asia.

Can anybody suggest a host agency, that will hopefully provide guidance and training as well? I just can't find one here in Canada, they seem to charge so much.

Thanks in advance

JayJay in Ottawa, Ontario said: I had always been interested to get into the travel industry but I don't know how and where to start. I know for sure that I can't afford to franchise and I want to have control over my working hours and income. So I guess, being an Independent Contractor selling cruises, packages, airline tickets, and hotel accommodation is the best option.

I am currently living in Ottawa which has many to offer year round: activities, amenities, concerts, historic buildings. I often see bus tours packed with tourists. I have friends who work at the management level of some of the renowned hotels in this town.

Nearby cities (Wakefield, Montreal, Toronto.. etc) are also quite familiar to me as I love to travel. I had experienced first hand, the services of some of the hotels and restaurants on these cities. I guess, it would be a plus factor in dealing with my future clients.

I had lived in the Arctic Region of Canada as well for almost a year and had developed a network of people who work in different sectors of the government and private industries. I know many of them who love to travel and go on cruises each year almost. Also, the northern part of Canada has a lot to offer as well, especially to the nature lovers.

I had travelled and/or lived in some parts of Asia.

Can anybody suggest a host agency, that will hopefully provide guidance and training as well? I just can't find one here in Canada, they seem to charge so much.

Thanks in advance

You can look on the NACTA website to find all of the screened travel agencies to find a host. Good luck

I am trying to research Cruise Planners vs. Cruise One....I keep going back & forth & find it difficult to get unbiased info....I was leaning towards Cruise One until I started searching for contact info on the franchisees' individual websites...no emails listed & all looked exactly the same. The CP individual websites were much more appealing and most listed direct email contact info & I received prompt responses almost immediately. Alternatively, my initial experience with CP is that they are pushy & offer a very "canned" sales pitch trying to get you to buy a franchise....now I'm reading some input here where CP repeatedly reduced their franchise fee when they find out you are doing your homework...does anyone have any recent info on either of these companies?

tina in West Palm Beach, Florida said: I am trying to research Cruise Planners vs. Cruise One....I keep going back & forth & find it difficult to get unbiased info....I was leaning towards Cruise One until I started searching for contact info on the franchisees' individual websites...no emails listed & all looked exactly the same. The CP individual websites were much m/ore appealing and most listed direct email contact info & I received prompt responses almost immediately. Alternatively, my initial experience with CP is that they are pushy & offer a very "canned" sales pitch trying to get you to buy a franchise....now I'm reading some input here where CP repeatedly reduced their franchise fee when they find out you are doing your homework...does anyone have any recent info on either of these companies?

I owned a Cruise One franchise and LOVED it. The training is incredible and support is always there. They are honest people. They go by zip code so if there is already a franchise in your zip, you will not be able to buy one.
I say owned because we were doing well until 9/11. We had just started 9 months before and were making money so we had enough to get by, but then the cruise lines did not raise their prices for a long time. Also, remember, you get your commission at the final payment, so there may be a long wait for the initial checks.
Cruises Only-virtual, Cruises Inc.-independent contractor, and Cruise One-franchise ownership are owned by World Travel Holdings and are able to secure about 70% of the berths avaliable on cruise ships. That is power. I am now looking at Cruises Inc. part time as I cannot quit my day job right now.
Also know, when you own a franchise, you cannot leave your business alot the first year, so if you want to travel alot, this may not be for you. But when you do travel, getting a Disney Cruise for an inexpensive price is great. Of course dependent upon avalabilty.

Tricia in Texas in Humble, Texas said: I owned a Cruise One franchise and LOVED it. The training is incredible and support is always there. They are honest people. They go by zip code so if there is already a franchise in your zip, you will not be able to buy one.
I say owned because we were doing well until 9/11. We had just started 9 months before and were making money so we had enough to get by, but then the cruise lines did not raise their prices for a long time. Also, remember, you get your commission at the final payment, so there may be a long wait for the initial checks.
Cruises Only-virtual, Cruises Inc.-independent contractor, and Cruise One-franchise ownership are owned by World Travel Holdings and are able to secure about 70% of the berths avaliable on cruise ships. That is power. I am now looking at Cruises Inc. part time as I cannot quit my day job right now.
Also know, when you own a franchise, you cannot leave your business alot the first year, so if you want to travel alot, this may not be for you. But when you do travel, getting a Disney Cruise for an inexpensive price is great. Of course dependent upon avalabilty.

Thanks Tricia, I appreciate the info...I don't intend to sound naive, but I dont really understand why you "can't leave your business alot in the first year"....why can't you access what you need via phone & web pretty much anywhere?...so if I understand it, is Cruises, Inc. where you would be pretty much independent, selling on your own & getting commissions but you would not have the support that you get from a Franchise? Is this right? You also wouldn't have the investment & operating costs of the franchise, right? Just trying to be sure I understand, thanks!

ramidon in West Palm Beach, Florida said: Thanks Tricia, I appreciate the info...I don't intend to sound naive, but I dont really understand why you "can't leave your business alot in the first year"....why can't you access what you need via phone & web pretty much anywhere?...so if I understand it, is Cruises, Inc. where you would be pretty much independent, selling on your own & getting commissions but you would not have the support that you get from a Franchise? Is this right? You also wouldn't have the investment & operating costs of the franchise, right? Just trying to be sure I understand, thanks!

Yes, you are right with a contract position. Give them a call. They are very nice and not pushy. And with this company you get alot of support. When I said you can't leave the business in your 1st year, I meant mentally(I know the job is fun, but even then you need R&R). Yes, you can take a laptop, smart phone, etc. but you will be working. Now, if you are the sole provider, remember you will not see the fruits of your labors for 3-6 months( the commissions come with final payment). Also, of course, being contract there are no benefits as far as medical, dental, etc.

Is the work alot of fun? YES. Is it extremely hard sometimes. YES! Can it even get mundane at times? Of course, it is a job. But if you have backup cash, and a way to have benefits, it is rewarding.
I will be starting part-time and see how it goes. I have a well paying job right now, and this time I will go into this more slowly. But I know I can be successful again.

I'm fairly new to the business type, but I've been travel back and forth to Asia a lot. Each time I did all the work myself, so I know quite a bit about seaching for good deal and stuff. I'm interested in being an agent who primarily sell international air tickets. My target clients are Asian in the area and hopefully it'll grow from there. Any suggestion for a host agency that will be great for this?? Thanks in advance for any response.

JC in Albany, New York said: I'm fairly new to the business type, but I've been travel back and forth to Asia a lot. Each time I did all the work myself, so I know quite a bit about seaching for good deal and stuff. I'm interested in being an agent who primarily sell international air tickets. My target clients are Asian in the area and hopefully it'll grow from there. Any suggestion for a host agency that will be great for this?? Thanks in advance for any response.

Hey there Albany,I have also been in the travel business for over six years now,and PERSONALLY what I have found is this....

(I am sharing this because I hope it HELPS ALL of you looking for HOST AGENCIES....)

I first off want EVERYONE to follow their DREAMS and not GIVE UP if YOU REALLY want to work with a host agency continue your journey till you REALLY find what you want....

HOWEVER since 9/11 alot of the airfare commissions and stuff you usually could do o.k. on went out the window...so airfare and focousing on it only in my HUMBLE opion my not be the BEST thing for you if you want to ''HELP PEOPLE'' and make some $$$$ while you do so.

Also in my PERSONAL EXPERIANCE I have found host agencies to really only CARE MOSTLY about themselves...again my PERSONAL EXPERIANCE.

What I have found MUCH better to do is join with a company that is GREAT and market Travel Memberships this I have found to be a WIN WIN for my clients PLUS positive $$$ wise while I assist them.

Again if you do want the host agency thing I WISH YOU the BEST FINDING what you want,if you are OPEN to info on the Travel Membership Programs I have found helpful and other travel agents have found helpful please reply and ask for info and I will send it to your personal email if you want....
To Your Success Laura Streicher

I own a medium sized travel agency that does corporate and leisure business.I am always interested in expanding business.Being aligned with major airlines has been rewarding.I would be interested in having a discussion depending on how much business we are talking about.Business Class fares and First Class fares can generate some good commission depending on what type of clients you have.

Hi Laura,

I am considering getting into the business and would love more info you were talking about. At this point I have no training. I am a school teacher that cannot find a job so I am looking at getting into TA business as I love travel and booking my own trips and feel I am very good at finding the best deals out there so feel this would be helpful to many people who are on a budge. Also, I am trying to find a job that is flexible or home-based.

Thanks,
Laura

JayJay in Ottawa, Ontario said: I had always been interested to get into the travel industry but I don't know how and where to start. I know for sure that I can't afford to franchise and I want to have control over my working hours and income. So I guess, being an Independent Contractor selling cruises, packages, airline tickets, and hotel accommodation is the best option.

I am currently living in Ottawa which has many to offer year round: activities, amenities, concerts, historic buildings. I often see bus tours packed with tourists. I have friends who work at the management level of some of the renowned hotels in this town.

Nearby cities (Wakefield, Montreal, Toronto.. etc) are also quite familiar to me as I love to travel. I had experienced first hand, the services of some of the hotels and restaurants on these cities. I guess, it would be a plus factor in dealing with my future clients.

I had lived in the Arctic Region of Canada as well for almost a year and had developed a network of people who work in different sectors of the government and private industries. I know many of them who love to travel and go on cruises each year almost. Also, the northern part of Canada has a lot to offer as well, especially to the nature lovers.

I had travelled and/or lived in some parts of Asia.

Can anybody suggest a host agency, that will hopefully provide guidance and training as well? I just can't find one here in Canada, they seem to charge so much.

Thanks in advance

Hello Jay Jay,
Have you found a host agency in Canada, and started your travel business yet?

We are travel & tour agent located in Kathmandu, Nepal
We are looking for agency/partner to promote Nepal tour.

Interested parties can contact with us at:
marvelloustravel@gmail.com

VOA in Ottawa, Ontario said: Hello Jay Jay,
Have you found a host agency in Canada, and started your travel business yet?

I am just graduating from an online travel agent training program and have been looking for a host company as well. I was wondering id Host companies in the US are able to operate in Canada or if I can use them as host companies? Besides TPI and Travel only who both charge large amounts of money are there any other host companies in CAnada/ Ontario ?

nelliegalvano in Woodbridge, Ontario said: Hi,
My name is Nellie and I was browsing the forum and I noticed your were concern about the cost of a host agency.

I would like to find out if you have found one. I am also in search of a host agency. I am having a hard time in deciding who to get.

I would like to operate a on line travel agency as a independent contractor. Please let me know who you have chosen and if you are satisfied with them. I would like to hear from you. Thank you.

Nellie

I went with Net Travel Ease, all their agents are independent contractors and operate on line, they have friendly support staff and a lot of training, hope this helps you.

For Canada as far as I can see this is the situation for host agencies:
TPI - charge $9000-$13000
Travelonly - charge around $10 000
Fare connect - owned by TPI

Pretty dismal selestion and largout outlay. All others seem to be US companies.
There might be smaller private companies around but difficult to find

If you're interested in seeing a comprehensive host agency list, my site, Host Agency Reviews has a list of over 80 host travel agencies throughout the US and Canada.

We list information like how many agents, sales figures, consortia, contact information, a little about their program, and more. You can find the list at hostagencyreviews.com/host-agency-list