Calling all travel aficionados! If you have the travel bug, love interacting with all kinds of people and have a knack for organization, becoming the franchise owner of a travel agency may be your next calling. On the surface, working in the travel industry and being your own boss sounds like a dream come true. While it truly is one of the most fulfilling careers, it’s important to know what you’re signing up for ahead of time – before you start learning how to become a travel agent! Weigh all the pros and cons of being a travel agent before jumping in as a franchise owner.
Pro: You Can Work Anywhere & Set Your Own Hours
Work from your hotel room with a view of the Eiffel tower. Or maybe you prefer to work from a café in Tulum, steps away from the beach. One of the best benefits of owning a travel agency is deciding where your office is. You can book vacations as long as you have a smart device with stable internet connection. You work whenever it feels right for you and your clients. So, if you need to squeeze in a dentist appointment, go for it!
Con: You Can Work Anywhere & Set Your Own Hours
What is a pro for some can be a con for others. While you get to work whenever and wherever you want, you must ensure you still get the job done. If you’re wondering, “Should I buy a travel franchise?” remember that the job is perfect for someone who can hold themselves accountable and stay organized. If you let your schedule get too flexible—or even too rigid—you may miss out on working with a dream client. Many franchise owners find it helpful to create a daily schedule and stick with it as often as possible. Also, limit distractions if possible. Sometimes that may mean working from home rather than that Tulum café!
Pro: You Can Travel the World
Already one of the most affordable franchises, Dream Vacation Franchise Owners can continue to save even more money on their own dream vacations! You’ll have access to all the best travel deals as a franchise owner. We even offer familiarization trips so you can learn about the various vacation products and share your experience with your clients. After all, the best way to sell travel is to experience it yourself firsthand! Plus, it’s your job to talk about the fun things your clients can experience when they travel! So, we consider it as a top pro of the Eight Pros and Cons of Being a Travel Agent Franchise Owner.
Con: You Might Get Calls at All Hours
Emergencies happen, and your clients may turn to you if something goes unplanned while on vacation. Make sure you set aside time for yourself during the week to make up for any unexpected work that may come up. You’re here to make vacations a perfect experience for your clients. Your ability to help solve upsetting situations makes clients even more grateful and happy to work with you.
Pro: No College Degree Required
Dream Vacations Franchise is one of the best franchises for veterans or stay-at-home moms looking to start the next chapter in their lives without having to go back to school. You get to learn and grow your business at your own pace and get plenty of resources to help you succeed. Every step of the way, you have a whole travel community to support you and cheer you on!
Con: You Are in Control
As a franchise owner, you get to own your business and remain in complete control of your success. Depending on your perspective, you may see this as a pro or con of being a franchise owner. You set your hours and tell yourself what to do. Of course, your income will reflect the amount of work you’re willing to put into your business. Again, it’s up to you to put in the elbow grease. But then you reap the rewards, like sipping out of coconuts on the beach.
Pro: High Earning Potential
The sky is the limit when it comes to earning potential. The travel agency franchise cost is a one-time fee when you first begin. After that, you don’t have to worry about budgeting for other fees or commissions afterward! You can offer many different services to your clients, as well as many different vacation packages, from cruises and resorts to tours and safaris. This is a job where you get back what you put in, so if you work harder or smarter than your competition, you’ll see results.
Con: Learning Curve
When you’re first beginning a new career, it can feel overwhelming. Initially, it may seem like you are putting in a lot of hours training and learning about all the different destinations, resorts, cruise lines and more. Keep going! Think of your business as a snowball rolling down a hill, getting larger, and gaining speed. If you put in the hard work and promote yourself and your services, you’ll see it get easier over time.
Join the Dream Vacations Franchise Team!
Every day feels like a holiday while working in the travel industry. Once you’ve analyzed all the pros and cons of being a travel agent, it’s time to take the next step! Dream Vacations Franchise is always looking for new adventurers to join our team. Learn more by signing up for one of our free webinars.