Imagine you’re a mom with a serious travel bug. You’ve got the Pinterest boards, the perfect itineraries in your head, and a phone full of vacation photos you love showing off. But you’ve also got little kids who need rides to piano and soccer, callings to fulfill, and a very real desire to be present at home.

If you’re an LDS mom who feels torn between your love of travel and your family-centered life, here’s the thing: you don’t have to choose! Much like the Secret Lives of Mormon Lives, you can do it all!

The modern travel industry has become one of the most flexible, family-friendly, and surprisingly profitable career paths for moms—especially moms in Utah and in the wider Latter-day Saint community! LDS moms are quietly building real home-based travel businesses, booking Disney trips, cruises, and family adventures, all while staying rooted in their values and daily routines!

Our guide walks you through exactly how they’re doing it: what the work looks like, how much it can realistically pay, what training you actually need, and how to get started step by step!

Be sure to check us out here at MainStreet Travel Agency, we offer a Starter Membership and a Travel Plus Membership for only $99 and $199 (one-time fee)! There’s no minimum booking requirements, annual or monthly fees! We offer free training as well!

Why Travel Careers Work So Well for LDS Moms

Values that line up with your life

Travel planning, at its core, is about families spending time together, creating memories, and strengthening relationships. That already fits right in with gospel-centered priorities.

Instead of clocking in at a 9–5, you’re:

Helping families plan reunions, Disney trips, cruises, and temple-adjacent getaways.
Encouraging time together away from screens and day-to-day stress.
Supporting experiences that can deepen testimonies, family bonds, and gratitude.

You’re not just “selling vacations.” You’re helping people design experiences they’ll talk about for years.

And because you usually work from home and set your own hours, you can still:

Be there for scripture study, carpool, and bedtime.
Keep Sunday and temple days protected.
Say “yes” to callings and service opportunities without begging a boss for time off.

Real income, not just “fun money”

Let’s talk money without fluff.

Travel advisors/agents are typically paid by commission from suppliers like cruise lines, resorts, and tour companies. That means:

Clients usually don’t pay you directly (unless you add a planning fee).
You get a percentage of what the client books.

Typical commission ranges:

Cruises: around 10–16% of the cruise fare.
Package tours: often 10–20% depending on the company.
Hotels: usually 5–10%, more for luxury properties.
Travel insurance: often up to 40% of the premium.

So if a Utah family books a $5,000 Disney trip with you, your commission might be $500–$800 once it pays out. A $4,000 cruise can put $400–$600 in your pocket. A solid month of mixed bookings can add up quickly.

Some LDS moms keep it as a side gig and earn:

Around $500–$1,500 a month booking a handful of trips.

Others treat it like a serious business and eventually reach:

$50,000–$100,000+ per year once they’ve built a client base and a strong niche.

Is it instant? No. But it’s real.

Flexibility that actually feels flexible

“Flexible” is a word that gets abused in job listings. For travel careers, it’s actually true, because:

You can work during nap time, school hours, or late at night.
You can pause for a season or dial back during busy family times.
You aren’t tied to a physical office or shift schedule.

You might answer emails in the evening or hop on a quick call, but you’re choosing when that happens. As your kids grow and life shifts, you can scale your business up or down.

How the Travel Agent Job Really Works

Let’s “un-mystify” what a home-based LDS travel advisor actually does.

On a normal week, you might:

Answer DMs and emails from people wanting quotes for Disney, cruises, or national parks.
Research resorts, itineraries, or cruise lines based on a client’s budget and preferences.
Price out options in booking systems your host agency or suppliers give you.
Confirm bookings, follow up on payments, and send reminders before travel.
Check in on clients during or after their trip.

It’s a lot of:

Communication
Organization
Problem-solving
Relationship building

If you’re the “planner friend” in your circle, that skill set already lives in your brain!

Do You Need Certifications or a Degree?

Short answer: you don’t need a travel degree or a professional license to start as a travel advisor in Utah or most U.S. states.

But there are optional certifications and trainings that make you better and help with credibility.

Useful starter certifications and trainings

You’ll see a few common names pop up:

TAP (Travel Agent Proficiency)
A beginner-level exam that tests industry basics. Some training programs bundle it in, and it helps you feel legit and confident with basics.
CTA (Certified Travel Associate)
A more advanced credential you often pursue after some experience. It focuses on client service, selling, and professional skills.
Disney College of Knowledge
Disney’s own free training for travel advisors. If you want to be a Disney specialist—a huge niche for LDS and Utah families—this is almost a must.

On top of that, almost every major cruise line, tour company, and resort brand offers free online training modules. Those are gold.

You don’t need to earn all the letters after your name on day one. Most LDS moms:

Join a host agency that has training built in.
Complete a basic “travel advisor 101” course.
Add Disney, cruises, or other specialty training shortly after.

Host Agency vs. Going Independent: What’s the Difference?

When you start, you have two main choices:

Join a host agency as an independent contractor.
Build your own fully independent travel agency from the ground up.

What’s a host agency?

Think of a host agency like a “parent company” you partner with. You’re still running your own mini-business, but you:

Use the host agency’s industry credentials and relationships.
Get access to their booking systems and sometimes a website.
Often get built-in training, community, and mentorship.

Pros:

WAY cheaper and faster to start.
Someone else deals with legal, supplier contracts, and most paperwork.
You usually get better commission rates from day one than you’d get alone.

Cons:

You share commissions (commonly 70–90% to you, the rest to the host).
You follow their general policies and sometimes their branding.

What about going fully independent?

Going independent means:

You apply for your own IATA/CLIA/ARC numbers.
You negotiate your own supplier relationships.
You pay for your own tech, website, insurance, and legal structure.

Pros:

You keep 100% of your commissions.
You have total control over your brand and systems.
Easier to build a large agency and bring other agents under you long term.

Cons:

Startup costs can easily land in the $5,000–$15,000+ range.
It’s slower; you’ll spend months just setting things up.
You’re responsible for all compliance, insurance, and policy headaches.

For 99% of LDS moms just starting—especially in Utah—joining a host agency is usually the smarter first move. You can always go independent later once you’ve built volume and experience!

What It Really Costs to Start a Home Travel Business

You don’t need a fancy office or thousands in equipment. Joining an agency doesn’t cost much these days but starting as an independent agent is very costly! Here’s the breakdown:

Typical host agency route

Host agency fees: roughly $200–$600 a year, depending on the agency. Here at MainStreet Travel we offer a FREE Membership and a Travel Plus Membership for only $99! No monthly or yearly fees and no minimum booking requirements! We also have free training!
Training: usually included, sometimes an extra $0–$500 depending on the program.
Computer and internet: you likely already have them.
Basic office tools (Google Drive, email, etc.): usually free or low cost.

Many moms launch for a couple hundred dollars or less, especially if they choose a beginner-friendly host that bundles training and software!

Independent agency route

If you try to DIY from scratch, expect:

Licensing, credentials, and insurance.
Custom website and booking tech.
Legal and accounting help.

That can easily stack up to $5,000–$15,000+ just to get going!

It’s absolutely possible, but it’s overkill for most beginners. If you’re a Utah mom just testing the waters, you really don’t need to start that big!

Why Utah (and LDS Culture) Is a Secret Superpower

Being in Utah—or simply inside LDS circles—actually gives you a built-in advantage!

You’re surrounded by people who travel

Think about it:

There are constant family reunions, often in cool destinations.
Mission homecomings and temple trips often turn into bigger vacations.
Youth temple trips, couples’ getaways, and girls’ trips are common.

All of those need planning. All of those could be booked through you.

Natural travel niches that fit LDS families

Some of the most profitable and in-demand niches line up perfectly with your world:

Disney specialist: Perfect for families that love clean, wholesome entertainment and magical experiences.
Cruise specialist: Great for multigenerational trips and structured, safe family travel.
Family adventure travel: National parks (Zion, Bryce, Arches, Moab), Alaska, Hawaii, etc.
Group travel: Family reunions, youth trips, and group cruises.

You know these dynamics. You’ve seen them in your own family or ward. That insight is something generic online agencies just don’t have.

Built-in trust and referrals

People are more likely to trust:

Someone who shares their values.
Someone they’ve seen at church, school pick-up, or in their neighborhood.

That trust turns into bookings. Those bookings turn into referrals. And that’s how LDS moms quietly grow strong travel businesses without blasting ads everywhere!

How Much Can You Actually Make? (Let’s Talk Numbers)

Commission percentages sound nice, but what does that look like in real life?

Example commission scenarios

$4,000 cruise booking
- At 12–16% commission = $480–$640.
$3,500 Disney World package
- At 10–15% commission = $350–$525.
$2,000 hotel + transfers package
- At 10% = $200.

Now imagine you book:

3–5 decent-size trips per month as a part-timer, or
10–20+ as someone treating this more like a full-time business.

Suddenly it’s not just a “cute little side hustle” anymore!

Sample income tiers

These are rough, not guarantees, but they help you get a feel:

Very part-time (5–10 hours/week)
A few bookings each month.
→ Maybe $800–$1,500/month once you’ve built some momentum.
Serious part-time (15–20 hours/week)
Regular bookings and a growing list of repeat clients.
→ Often in the $2,500–$4,500/month range.
Full-time (30+ hours/week)
Strong niche, repeat clients, referrals, group trips.
→ Can hit $4,500–$8,000+/month or more.

There are LDS and Utah-based moms hitting those higher tiers—usually after a year or two of consistent work and good client care!

How to Find Your First Clients Without Feeling Weird

This might be the scariest part for most moms: “Okay, but how do I actually get people to book with me?”

Good news: your first clients usually come from right around you.

Start with people you already know

Tell family, ward members, and friends that you’re now a travel advisor.
Be specific: “I help families plan Disney, cruises, and national park trips.”
Offer to price or help with an upcoming trip they’re already thinking about.

You don’t need to be pushy. You’re just:

Letting them know you exist.
Letting them know it doesn’t cost them extra to use you (and often saves them time and stress).

Use simple social media presence

You don’t need to be a TikTok star.

Try:

A basic Facebook page or Instagram profile with your name + “Travel Advisor” or “Travel Planner.”
Occasional posts: “Here are 3 things I’d do differently next time at Disneyland,” or “2 Utah families I helped book cruises this month.”
Sharing client wins (with their permission): “The Smith family just got upgraded to a balcony cabin!”

Your goal isn’t to “go viral.” It’s to be visible and helpful.

Lean into local/Utah/LDS angles

Share tips for combining St. George or southern Utah trips with California or Disneyland.
Post about planning family reunions in places like Bear Lake, Park City, or national parks—plus cruises or theme parks.
Offer “free 15-minute travel Q&A” to your ward or community Facebook group.

You want people to think, “Oh, I know exactly who to ask about this trip.”

Choosing Your Specialty (And Why That Matters for SEO Too)

Trying to book every type of travel for everyone can burn you out fast. Specializing makes your life easier and your marketing clearer.

Smart specialties for LDS and Utah moms

Disney & theme parks
- Great fit for families and church culture.
- Tons of repeat business as kids grow.
Cruises (especially family and multigenerational)
- High commission, high satisfaction.
- Easy to package with flights and pre/post stays.
Family adventure & national parks
- Especially natural for Utah, where you already understand hiking, weather, and logistics.
Luxury family or faith-friendly travel
- Smaller client pool, bigger commission per booking.

Once you pick a lane, it also helps SEO and discoverability because you can:

Write blog posts or social captions focused on that niche.
Target key phrases like “Utah Disney travel agent,” “LDS family cruise planner,” or “Utah national parks family travel specialist.”

You’re not just “a travel agent.” You’re the go-to person for a very specific type of travel!

Balancing Mom Life, Faith, and a Growing Business

This is the part that really matters: does this actually work in a real LDS home?

Guard your schedule

Working from home doesn’t mean working nonstop. To keep your sanity:

Set simple work blocks (for example, 9–11 a.m. and 8–9:30 p.m.).
Turn off notifications during dinners, church, and family times.
Use an auto-responder if you’re stepping away: “Got your message! I’ll send options by tomorrow afternoon.”

You’re allowed to run a real business and have boundaries.

Protect Sundays and temple time

You can decide ahead of time:

“I don’t work Sundays.”
“I don’t take client calls on temple days.”

You rarely face actual emergencies, and for those rare moments, your host agency or supplier help desk often has support.

Most clients are fine with, “I’m offline Sunday, but I’ll respond first thing Monday.”

Let your kids see you build something

One unexpected perk: your kids see you:

Learning, growing, and solving problems.
Using your talents and creativity.
Contributing financially in a way that still keeps them front and center.

That sends a powerful message about work, faith, and family all fitting together!

Quick FAQ

Is this just an MLM?

No. Legit travel agencies and host agencies don’t pay you for “recruiting.” You earn money when actual travel is booked and completed. Your income is tied to real services, not signing people up.

Do clients pay more if they use a travel agent?

Usually not. In many cases, the price is the same as if they booked directly, and your expertise can save them money or get them better value. Your cut comes out of the supplier’s marketing budget, not the client’s pocket.

How long before I see real income?

Most new advisors:

Get training and onboarded in the first few days.
Book their first real trip within a couple of weeks.
Start seeing consistent income within a month if they’re consistently talking about what they do.

This builds over time. It’s more like planting seeds than flipping a switch.

Do I have to travel a lot myself?

It helps, but it’s not mandatory. Tons of training, webinars, virtual tours, and supplier resources help you “know” destinations you haven’t visited yet. As you grow and start getting travel perks and discounts, you’ll likely travel more anyway.

Is it okay if I only want a side income?

Yes. You don’t have to want a six-figure agency to be “legit.” Plenty of LDS moms are happy with:

Extra money for kids’ activities.
Paying for their own family trips.
Covering a car payment or some groceries.

It’s your business. You set the goals!

Your Simple 90-Day Action Plan

If this is tugging at you a bit, here’s one way to start without overthinking everything.

Days 1–2

Research 2–3 host agencies that support beginners and moms. We highly recommend MainStreet Travel Agency or Yeti Travel Agency!
Talk to at least one real advisor who’s with them and ask honest questions.
Choose your host and complete the signup.

Days 3–4

Finish the basic new-agent training.
Start Disney or cruise training if that’s your niche.
Tell your immediate circle: “I’m officially booking travel now.”

Week 1-2

Actively offer to help with upcoming trips you hear people mention.
Share simple travel tips once or twice a week on social media.
Aim to book your first 2–3 trips, even if they’re small.

Week 2+

Tighten your niche focus a bit: Disney, cruises, families, etc.
Ask happy clients for referrals.
Map out simple work blocks that fit your family’s rhythm.

You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to start, that’s the hardest part!

Your Travel Story Isn’t “Someday” Anymore

If you’re an LDS mom with a love for travel, a knack for planning, and a longing for more flexibility, this isn’t just a cute idea. It’s a genuine path!

You can:

Stay rooted in your faith and family first.
Build a flexible, home-based travel business that fits around carpool, callings, and temple trips.
Help other families create the kind of memories you dream about for your own.

You don’t have to wait for your kids to grow up to step into something you’re excited about. You don’t have to choose between “good mom” and “fulfilled woman.”

Your first client might be someone in your Utah ward right now, quietly stressed about planning a Disney or cruise vacation and wishing someone would just take it off their plate!

That someone could be you!

And this could be the moment you stop saying, “Maybe someday,” and start saying, “Okay. Let’s actually do this.”!

How LDS Moms Are Turning Travel Passion Into Flexible Careers