If you’ve ever searched for ways to earn extra income from home while still being present for your children, you’re definitely not alone. As a homeschool mom, I understand how difficult it can be to find something that allows you to contribute financially without sacrificing the flexibility that homeschooling provides.
Like many moms, I wanted to help my family financially while still being available for field trips, appointments, family vacations, and all of the little moments that make homeschooling so special. A traditional job outside the home wasn’t something I wanted, but I also knew that I wanted an income stream that could continue to grow over time.
At the time, I was already running my blog and creating content from home. While blogging can be incredibly rewarding, the income can fluctuate from month to month. Some months are great, while others can be slower. I wanted something that would complement my blog income, fit naturally into my lifestyle, and allow me to continue doing something I genuinely enjoyed.
What I didn’t realize then was that becoming a travel agent would eventually become one of the best decisions I’ve made for both my family and my future.
Why I Started Looking for a Work-From-Home Business
My goal wasn’t to build a huge business overnight or become wealthy as quickly as possible. I simply wanted something flexible that could grow alongside my family and our busy schedule.
When I started looking at different opportunities, I knew there were a few things that were non-negotiable for me:
- A work from home job.
- Flexibility around our homeschool schedule.
- A business I could build at my own pace.
- To continue being present with my children.
- To work in the travel industry that I genuinely enjoy.
Travel had always been a huge part of our lives. Whether it was Disney vacations, road trips, weekend getaways, or researching future destinations, I was constantly planning trips and helping other people do the same. Then I would write all about them on my blog here to help others plan the same trips on their own. But why stop there when I can also plan it for them?!
The more I thought about it, the more I realized I was already spending hours researching hotels, comparing resorts, creating itineraries, answering travel questions, and helping friends and family plan vacations along with all of my readers here on The Walking Mermaid. The only difference was that I wasn’t getting paid to plan them.
How I Found the Travel Industry
Ironically, my journey into becoming a travel agent actually started when I booked a trip through another travel advisor. We planned a full family trip to Walt Disney World for the summer and saw that my travel agent worked from home with an agency. I thought it was pretty cool to have a job like hers.
I seriously considered joining the company they were affiliated with. However, before making any decisions, I spent a lot of time researching the travel industry, different host agencies, available trainings, and company reputations.
I wanted to go with a company that booked beyond just amusement parks. I searched and found InteleTravel which allowed me to book cruises, all-inclusive resorts, flights, transportations, and so much more.
Eventually, I found the company I’m still with today. What stood out to me was their longevity, reputation, training, and relationships within the travel industry. They have been around for more than 30 years and work with many of the biggest travel suppliers in the world. Knowing I would have access to training, support, supplier relationships, and industry credentials gave me confidence that I was building my business on a solid foundation.
Looking back, I’m grateful that I took the time to do my homework instead of rushing into the first opportunity I found. The company I was originally looking into is now facing many legal disputes and haven’t been around for as long as InteleTravel. I can definitely say that I am proud of the decision I’ve made and the team I have joined with. They are truly amazing and feel like a second family.
The Conversation That Changed Everything
Even after finding the company, I was still hesitant. I mean, who wouldn’t be. It’s a big decision to make when choosing to start a travel agent business with the right company.
The funny thing is that the person who finally convinced me to take the leap wasn’t another travel agent… It was my husband.
At the time, we were already visiting Disney frequently and traveling whenever we had the opportunity. One day he looked at me and asked a question that completely changed my perspective:
“You’re already helping people plan trips. Why not get paid for it?”
Honestly, he had a point! Why not turn what I was already doing into a business and get paid for it. I was already spending countless hours researching destinations, comparing resorts, finding the best options for families, and sharing travel advice through my blog and social media channels. Travel wasn’t just something I enjoyed; it was already a significant part of my everyday life.
That simple conversation was the push I needed to stop overthinking and finally get started.
My First Booking Wasn’t What I Expected
When I first became a travel agent, I assumed my first booking would be a Disney vacation. After all, Disney was one of the destinations I knew best and talked about most often online. Instead, my very first bookings came through my brother’s wedding.
Several family members needed hotel accommodations, and I ended up helping coordinate and book multiple hotel rooms for wedding guests. The commissions weren’t huge, but that first experience taught me something important: every booking matters. Those reservations gave me the opportunity to learn the systems, understand how commissions worked, communicate with clients, and become more comfortable with the entire booking process… and more importantly, it gave me confidence!
Sometimes we assume our first client needs to be a huge booking or some incredible vacation package. The reality is that every successful travel agent starts somewhere, and those first few bookings are often where the most valuable lessons are learned.
Why This Business Works So Well for Homeschool Moms
One of the biggest concerns I hear from moms is whether they actually have enough time to build a travel business. The truth is that I built my business around homeschooling, not the other way around. Like most homeschool moms, my days are already full. Between teaching lessons, preparing meals, managing a household, running errands, and raising three children, there certainly aren’t dozens of extra hours sitting around unused.
What makes this business different is the flexibility. I can…
- Answer emails before the kids wake up.
- Work during independent study time.
- Spend an hour or two in the evenings after everyone goes to bed.
- Take my laptop on vacation to keep up with work if needed.
- Adjust my schedule when life happens.
For me, some of the biggest benefits have been:
- Being available for homeschool field trips.
- Creating my own schedule.
- Having the flexibility to travel with my family.
- Building something for myself while still making my children my priority.
- Earning additional income without leaving home.
- Growing a business at my own pace.
That flexibility is something I never wanted to give up, and becoming a travel agent has allowed me to keep it.
What This Business Has Made Possible
When I first started, my goal was simple: create an additional income stream while continuing to homeschool my children.
Over the years, that small goal has grown into something much bigger. I’ve consistently booked travel year after year and have helped families plan vacations all over the world. From Disney vacations and cruises to all-inclusive resorts and family getaways, I’ve had the opportunity to help people create memories they’ll never forget.
One of my favorite specialties has become Puerto Rico travel. Since Puerto Rico is home for me, there is something incredibly rewarding about helping families experience the island and then hearing their stories when they return. I love helping people discover the culture, food, beaches, history, and beauty that make Puerto Rico so special.
Along the way, I also continued growing my online presence. During this journey, I’ve expanded my blogs, launched additional websites, built social media communities, and created multiple income streams that work together.
Most importantly, this business has consistently paid for itself and continued to grow while allowing me to remain present with my family.
What It Costs to Become a Travel Agent
One of the most common questions I receive is about startup costs, so I always try to be transparent.
If you’re interested in becoming a travel agent, the current costs are:
- $179.95 startup fee
- $39.95 per month after your first 30 days
This includes:
- Professional liability coverage
- Your travel agent website
- IATA and CLIA credentials
- Access to preferred travel suppliers
- Training resources
- Booking tools and systems
- Payroll department
- and much more…
Outside of that, I personally have additional business expenses such as websites and marketing tools, but those are completely optional and not required to operate your travel business.
Like any business, there is an investment involved. However, compared to many business opportunities available today, the startup costs are relatively low and provide access to the tools needed to begin building your travel business.
Is Becoming a Travel Agent Right for You?
The reality is that this business isn’t for everyone. If you’re looking for a way to make money without putting in any effort, this probably isn’t the right fit. However, if you enjoy helping people, love travel, enjoy learning new things, and want a flexible business that can grow over time, becoming a travel agent may be worth exploring.
Some people use their travel commissions to:
- Cover a car payment.
- Pay household bills.
- Build an emergency fund.
- Save for vacations.
- Supplement their income.
- Create a full-time career.
There is no one-size-fits-all path. One of the things I love most about this business is that you get to decide what success looks like for you.
How to Become a Travel Agent
If you’ve read this far and you’re thinking, “This sounds like something I’d love to do,” then let’s talk about how to get started.
One thing I appreciate about this business is that you can choose the path that fits your goals. Some people simply want to become travel agents and earn commissions by helping clients book vacations. Others decide they would also like to build a team and mentor other agents along the way.
Neither option is right or wrong. It simply depends on what you’re looking for.
Option 1: Become a Travel Agent
If your goal is to become a travel agent and start booking travel for clients, follow these steps:
- Click my signup link or the button below.
- At the top right, select “Enroll Now.”
- Scroll down to where it says “The Travel Business” under “About Us.”
- Select “Purchase Now.”
- Select “Purchase Now” again to become a travel agent.
- Once inside your Virtual Office, scroll down and click the orange button that says “Purchase Your ITA Now.”
The cost to become a travel agent is:
- $179.95 to get started
- $39.95 per month after your first 30 days
This covers your professional liability insurance, travel agent website, IATA and CLIA credentials, preferred supplier access, and the tools needed to begin booking travel.
Option 2: Become a Travel Agent and Build a Team (Optional)
There is also an optional business side for those interested in mentoring and helping other people get started.
This side of the business allows you to build a team and earn additional income opportunities through team growth and leadership.
If this is something you’d like to explore, follow these steps:
- Click my signup link or the button below.
- Scroll to “Your Business” and click “Learn More.”
- Click “Enroll Now.”
- Click “Enroll Now” again.
- Click “Enroll Now” one final time.
- You do not need the app.
The cost for the sponsor side is:
- $19.95 to get started
- $19.95 per month
Once you’ve completed that step, you’ll still need to sign up for the travel agent side. You’ll have to sign up for the sponsor side first and then the travel agent side.
To do that:
- Sign into your PlanNet Marketing Virtual Office.
- Scroll down and click the orange button that says “Purchase Your ITA Now.”
- Complete your travel agent enrollment.
The travel agent side remains:
- $179.95 startup fee
- $39.95 per month after your first 30 days
After You Sign Up
Once you’ve signed up, please send an email to:
thetravelplanningclub@gmail.com
Include the following information:
- Your first and last name
- The date you signed up
- The email address you used during enrollment
- Whether you signed up as:
- An Independent Travel Agent only
- A Sponsor and Travel Agent
Once I receive your email, I’ll send over my complete welcome packet along with additional resources to help you get started. I’ll also share my direct contact information so you’ll know exactly how to reach me if you have questions throughout the process.
You don’t have to figure everything out on your own. I’ll be here to help guide you through those first steps and point you toward the training and resources that helped me when I was getting started.
Final Thoughts
When I first became a travel agent, I wasn’t trying to build a massive business overnight. I simply wanted a flexible way to earn additional income while continuing to homeschool my children and stay present with my family. Years later, I’m incredibly grateful I took that leap. This business has allowed me to help families create unforgettable memories, continue growing my blogs and online businesses, earn additional income, and build something meaningful around a schedule that works for my family.
If you’re a busy mom looking for a flexible work-from-home opportunity that can grow with you over time, becoming a travel agent may be worth considering. You don’t need to have everything figured out before you begin. Sometimes all it takes is one small step to completely change the direction of your future.
