How to become a travel agent

For millions of travelers around the world, the value of the modern travel agent is huge. They are curators of unforgettable experiences, problem-solvers, and trusted advisors who make dreams a reality.

If you're reading this, you’ve already taken the first exciting step towards learning how to start your own travel agency and embarking on a rewarding career.

This guide will walk you through the essential stages of becoming a travel agent. We’ll cover everything from defining your niche to getting certified, and crucially, show you how Expedia TAAP can help you get started fast and grow your business. Let’s dive right in.

To stand out and build expertise, you’ll need to choose and define your niche. Specializing allows you to become the go-to expert in a specific area, driving both your reputation and growth.

Start by thinking about what excites you most about travel and use that to pick the area you want to focus on.

Popular niches include:

• Cruise travel: From ocean liners to river cruises


• Luxury travel: Bespoke, high-end experiences


• Adventure travel: Thrilling expeditions and unique destinations


• Romantic travel: Crafting perfect getaways and honeymoons for couples


• Family travel: Tailoring trips for multi-generational groups


• Group travel: Organizing tours for clubs, schools, or events

Once you’ve chosen, start increasing your knowledge of your specialist area through research, attending events, and connecting with other experts.

When it comes to being a travel agent, there are two ways forward: Work independently for yourself or join a host agency.

• The Independent Path: For those who value complete autonomy and want to manage all aspects of their business, being independent offers full control over branding and operations. However, it means handling everything on your own, from marketing through to finances.


• Joining a Host Agency: Many agents, especially those looking to become a travel agent from home, find immense value in host agencies. These agencies provide crucial support like accreditation, marketing tools, and commission processing. Expedia TAAP often cooperates with host agencies, offering their agents access to our vast inventory, powerful booking tools, and competitive commission tiers.

Before you choose, make sure to research both options carefully to decide which is best for you.

Trade associations are industry groups made up of travel professionals and organizations. They offer guidance, assistance, and even financial protection to their members while also lobbying governments for better travel policies.

Joining an association offers credibility, networking opportunities, and access to educational resources. Consider organizations like: 

While not always mandatory, formal training and certifications can significantly benefit your career as a travel advisor. They demonstrate your commitment to professionalism and equip you with essential knowledge and skills. Some valuable certifications include:

• ASTA Verified: a recognition of your professionalism and adherence to industry best practices


• The Travel Institute – Certified Travel Associate (CTA): a foundational certification for travel professionals


• IATA Membership: an IATA number that allows you to book directly with suppliers and earn commissions.


• Certified Cruise Counselor (CCC) via CLIA: shows your expertise in cruise travel

These credentials can help you build client trust and open doors to better supplier relationships.

Now that you understand the steps on how to become a travel agent, let’s talk about how Expedia TAAP can empower you to take your passion for travel to the next level.

For a travel agent just starting out, Expedia TAAP offers unparalleled benefits:

• Vast inventory: Gain access to millions of accommodation options, along with flights, car rentals, and activities worldwide through a single platform, giving your clients endless options.


• Competitive commissions: Earn attractive commissions on every booking, helping you quickly build profitability.


• Powerful tools: Utilize an intuitive, user-friendly booking platform designed to save you time and streamline your workflow.


• Dedicated support: Access resources and support to help you manage bookings and resolve issues, allowing you to focus on your clients.


• No setup fees: Getting started with Expedia TAAP is free, so you can start booking and earning commission in just a few clicks with no initial investment.

But Expedia TAAP is more than just a booking tool. For over 15 years, we’ve earned the trust of tens of thousands of travel agents around the world by investing in their success. We currently have over 160k travel agents booking on Expedia TAAP across 35 markets, all making over 35M searches each month.

We empower you to deliver exceptional value to your clients, manage bookings efficiently, and scale your agency with confidence.

Start your own travel agency journey today and discover the difference Expedia TAAP can make.