09-26-2025 Travel Advisor Resource Center (TARC)
If you’re starting your own business or working as an independent advisor, chances are that you’ll end up saving a lot of tax dollars and covering your assets by setting up a corporation. The question comes down to which legal entity and corporate structure is right for you?
We always recommend speaking to a CPA, and probably even an attorney, to ensure you’re setting your business up right. A CPA can help guide you through the pros and cons of setting up a corporation. An attorney will help ensure you have all of your legal documents in order and can even help you file your business properly, according to federal, state, and local laws.
Our advice?
Do a little research and try to obtain a basic understanding of incorporating a business. You can easily search Google for basic information, but the CPA is going to be the person who walks you through your personal and professional asset allocation and explains the differences between incorporating your business or running it under your own name.
We don’t expect you to get a business degree, but you should at least understand these terms—
It is also wise to try working with a CPA and/or attorney who has an understanding of your local and state laws, along with travel/tourism law. You can always Google those professionals, ask a colleague for a recommendation, or find a list of some well-known travel industry attorneys on our complimentary Travel Supplier Directory.
Whether zip-lining through a rainforest, learning about ancient civilizations, or lounging on a beach, clients look to you to plan that perfect vacation. Being a travel expert promises many thrills for potential clients. Sadly, it can also come with some hiccups along the way. As a travel advisor, you are going to work with so many different people, each one having their own set of demands, diverse choices, preferences, personalities, and expectations. There will certainly be times when you make mistakes and other times when you've done everything right, but someone is still unhappy with something related to your travel services, and it's up to you to figure out how to best resolve that issue for them.This is where customer service comes in!
As a travel agent, you're always on the go, juggling a multitude of tasks and responsibilities. It's important to have a system in place that ensures your business can continue running smoothly, even
Success as a travel agent requires a combination of skills, knowledge, and mindset. Here are 25 keys to success as a new travel agent:Know the industry: Stay up-to-date on the latest trends, destinations, and products in the travel industry.Build relationships: Develop strong relationships with suppliers, clients, and other travel agents.Be organized: Keep track of important dates, itineraries, and client information in a system that works for you.Be a problem solver: Be able to think on your feet and handle unexpected issues that may arise during the travel planning process.Build a network: Join industry organizations, attend events, and participate in travel agent communities to build your network.Utilize technology: Familiarize yourself with the latest travel agent software and tools to streamline your work and offer the best service to your clients.Be knowledgeable about destinations: Have a deep understanding of popular travel destinations and what they have to offer.Offer value-added services: Find ways to offer added value to your clients, such as travel insurance, airport transfers, or tours/excursions.Build a personal brand: Establish yourself as a knowledgeable and trustworthy travel agent by building a strong personal brand.Communicate effectively: Be able to clearly and effectively communicate with clients, suppliers, and other travel agents.Be adaptable: Be open to change and be able to adapt to new developments and trends in the industry.Be a good listener: Listen to your clients' needs and preferences, and use that information to create the best possible travel experiences for them.Be proactive: Anticipate your clients' needs by being an expert, and take action to meet them before they even ask.Follow up: Make sure to follow up with clients after their trips to ensure their satisfaction and gather feedback for future vacations.Be passionate: Have a genuine love for travel and be enthusiastic about helping others experience the joys of travel.Be knowledgeable about visas and passport requirements: Stay informed about visa and passport requirements for various destinations to ensure that your clients are prepared for their trips.Offer a wide range of products: Offer a diverse range of travel products, such as tours, cruises, and airfare, to meet your clients' varied travel needs.Stay up-to-date on current events: Keep informed about current events, such as natural disasters, health alerts, and travel warnings, that may impact your clients' travel plans.Be available: Be available to your clients when they need you, whether it's during regular business hours or after hours.Be a good negotiator: Be able to negotiate the best possible deals for your clients with suppliers and airlines.Be confident: Have confidence in your abilities and knowledge as a travel agent, and be able to convey that confidence to your clients.Keep learning: Continuously seek out new information and opportunities to learn and grow in your career as a travel agent.Be flexible: Be willing to go the extra mile for your clients and be flexible in your approach to finding solutions to their travel needs.Build trust: Build trust with your clients by being transparent and honest in all of your dealings with them.Embrace change: Embrace change and be open to new ideas and ways of doing things in order to stay ahead in the constantly evolving travel industry.
When it comes to client gifting, many travel advisors get stuck wondering what is appropriate, what is essential, and what is considered going overboard. Client gifting is an easy way to build and maintain strong relationships between travel advisors and their clients. The act of giving gifts shows appreciation, fosters loyalty, and can lead to repeat business. Whether it is for a special occasion or just to say thank you, a well-thought-out gift can make a big impact on your clients and their perception of your business.