You've done it! You signed up with a host agency, got your credentials, and you're officially a travel agent! The training modules are bookmarked, your business cards are ordered, and your social media profiles are updated. But now you're staring at your empty calendar wondering... where do I find my first client?

Here's the truth nobody tells you upfront: getting that first booking is way harder than booking trip number ten. But it's also the most exciting milestone you'll hit in your new travel business! That first client isn't just a commission check (though that's awesome too). It's proof that you can actually do this. It's the confidence boost you need. And it's the foundation for everything that comes next!

We’ll walk you through exactly how to land your first client, build momentum, and turn those early wins into a thriving travel business. We're talking real strategies, not fluffy motivational quotes. Let's get into it!

If you’re looking for a travel agency to join consider us here at MainStreet Travel! We offer a $99 Starter Membership and free training! We have zero booking requirements and a high 70/30 commission split for all starting agents!

Why Your First Client Matters More Than You Think

Landing your first client does something magical for your business. Sure, you'll earn your first commission, but the real value goes way deeper!

That first booking gives you hands-on experience with your host agency's booking systems. You'll learn how commissions work, how to communicate with suppliers, and what documents your clients actually need. It's like the difference between reading about riding a bike and actually pedaling down the street.

Plus, every first client becomes a potential referral source. Studies show that referrals close three times faster than cold leads. When someone you know personally vouches for your services, their friends and family are already halfway to trusting you. Your first client could easily turn into five more bookings over the next year.

And let's be honest—you need that confidence boost! Imposter syndrome hits hard when you're starting out. That first successful booking proves you're not faking it. You're a real travel agent who just helped someone plan an amazing trip. That feeling? Priceless!

Start With Your Inner Circle (Yes, Really!)

If you're thinking, "I don't want to be that person who bugs friends and family," I get it. But here's the reality: your inner circle is your secret weapon right now. It’s easier to make mistakes and take your time booking with family and friends, they’re more understanding. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t start booking with other people, just take advantage of your agency (if you’re with one) to help you with any questions you might have.

Friends and Family Are Your Practice Clients

Your first few clients should absolutely be people who already know and trust you. Why? Because they'll give you grace when you're figuring things out. They won't judge you for asking "dumb" questions or taking a bit longer to respond.

Think of them as your practice clients. You can test your booking process, work through your host agency's systems, and figure out your communication style—all with people who genuinely want to see you succeed.

And don't underestimate this! A friend's honeymoon booking or your aunt's anniversary cruise is real business. Treat these bookings with the same professionalism you'd give any paying client. Create beautiful itineraries, send follow-up emails, and knock their socks off with your service. They'll remember it and spread the word.

How to Actually Ask for That First Booking

The hardest part? Just opening your mouth and telling people what you do. Here's how to make it natural:

Send a personal text or make a phone call. Don't just post a generic "I'm a travel agent now!" status on Facebook and hope someone bites. That rarely works. Instead, reach out directly to specific people you think might be planning a trip.

Try something like: "Hey! Quick question—are you guys planning any trips this year? I just started working with [your host agency] as a travel advisor and I'd absolutely love to help you plan something amazing. Even if it's just a weekend getaway!"

Keep it casual, but make it clear you're serious about this new career. Most people will be genuinely excited to support you!

Make a List of 100 People

This might sound crazy, but sit down and actually list out 100 people you know. Include coworkers, neighbors, former classmates, gym buddies, your hairdresser, your dentist, people from your church or kids' sports teams—everyone!

Once you have that list, reach out to them personally. Not all at once (please don't), but systematically over a few weeks. Tell them about your new business and ask if they have any upcoming travel plans.

You'll be surprised who's secretly planning a vacation right now! Not even secretly, most people go on at least one trip through-out the year, make sure they know you can book that trip for them while helping them save money, at no extra cost!

Leverage Word-of-Mouth Like a Pro

Once you book that first client, the real magic begins. Word-of-mouth marketing is hands-down the most powerful tool in your arsenal.

Every Client Is a Walking Billboard

When someone has an amazing vacation, they can't stop talking about it. Co-workers hear about it. Friends see the Instagram photos. Family members ask where they should go next.

Your job? Make it ridiculously easy for happy clients to refer people to you.

After your clients return from their trip, follow up with a genuine "Welcome home! How was everything?" message within 3-5 days. This shows you care about more than just the booking—you care about their actual experience.

Then, when the time feels right, simply ask: "I'm so glad everything went well! If you know anyone else planning a trip, I'd love to help them too. Your referrals really mean the world to my business."

Most people are happy to recommend you if you just ask!

Set Up a Simple Referral Program

Want to supercharge those referrals? Offer a small incentive.

It doesn't have to be fancy. A $50 gift card or agency credit for every successful referral works great. Some agents even run monthly raffles where both the referrer and the new client get entered to win travel vouchers or prizes.

Here's what makes this work: you're not just hoping people remember to mention you. You're giving them a concrete reason to actively recommend your services.

Make sure to thank clients who send referrals your way! A handwritten note or small gift shows appreciation and keeps those referrals coming.

Ask for Testimonials Early

Reviews and testimonials are social proof gold. They show potential clients that you're legit and that people trust you with their vacations.

The best time to ask? Within a week of your client returning home, while the trip is still fresh in their mind.

Send a friendly email with simple prompts like:

What was the most memorable part of your trip?
How did working with me make your travel planning easier?
Would you recommend my services to friends or family? Why?

Make it super easy to respond—they can just reply to your email or click a link to a simple form.

Use those testimonials everywhere! Add them to your website, social media, email signature, and client proposals.

Master Social Media Without Losing Your Mind

Social media feels overwhelming when you're starting out. Here’s the good news: you don't need to be everywhere, and you don't need to post five times a day! Use technology to make things easier and faster!

Pick One Platform and Own It

Choose the platform where your ideal clients actually hang out. For most travel agents in 2026, that's Instagram or Facebook.

Don't try to dominate TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Pinterest all at once. You'll burn out in two weeks. Pick one, get good at it, and expand later. If you have a blog on your website make sure and use an extension (blog2social etc.) that will auto-post the article on Facebook or any other social media you’re using. It gives you more content without having to make multiple posts over and over!

Post Content That Actually Helps People

Nobody cares about another generic beach sunset photo. People want content that solves problems, answers questions, or inspires their next trip.

Try these ideas:

"3 things I wish everyone knew about visiting [destination]"
"The biggest mistake people make when booking [type of trip]"
"Here's what happened when my client..."
Behind-the-scenes content showing you working on itineraries
Quick tips about travel documents, packing, or money-saving tricks

Mix educational content with personal stories. Show your face! People book with people, not with faceless businesses. They want to know that you’re a regular person.

Use Hashtags Strategically

Yes, hashtags still work in 2026. Use all 30 that Instagram allows, but be strategic:

10 hashtags about what you do: #travelagent #traveladvisor #vacationplanner
10 hashtags about your niche or destination: #disneytravel #luxurytravel #caribbeanvacations
10 hashtags specific to your post: #travelplanning #vacationtips #wanderlust

Mix popular hashtags with less competitive ones so your content actually gets seen.

Tell Everyone What You Do

This is huge: post about being a travel agent at least once a week. Put it in your bio. Create a highlight reel about your services. Add it to your Stories regularly.

Why? Because people need to see something multiple times before they remember it. Just because you posted once that you're a travel agent doesn't mean everyone who follows you saw it or remembers it.

Be the person who consistently shows up talking about travel. Eventually, when someone needs to book a trip, you'll be the first person they think of. I personally mention it my doctor appointments, restaurants, and any other place I’ll be coming back to regularly. Some places might even let you leave flyers at their front desk!

Build Your Email List From Day One

If you take away one thing from this guide, let it be this: start building your email list immediately! Like, today! Use it to send out information and also to receive feedback!

Why Email Beats Social Media Every Time

Here's the hard truth: you don't own your social media followers. Instagram could shut down tomorrow (okay, unlikely, but you get the point), or they could change their algorithm and suddenly your posts reach 5% of your audience instead of 50%.

But your email list? That's yours. Forever. Nobody can take it away!

Plus, email marketing has an insane ROI, studies show $36 in return for every dollar spent. And when someone opts into your email list, they're literally asking you to stay in touch. That's powerful!

How to Actually Collect Emails

Start with lead magnets, something valuable you give away in exchange for an email address.

Create a simple freebie like:

A destination packing list
"Top 10 Things to Do in [Popular Destination]"
A travel planning checklist
A budgeting worksheet for vacation planning

Make it in Canva (super easy!) or use a template from your host agency if they provide them.

Then promote that freebie everywhere: your Instagram bio, your Facebook profile, in your social media posts, at local networking events, even on printed cards you can hand out. If you have a website this is where a blog will really come in handy! Post daily with any new travel information, tips, and guides. Use a pop-up that asks visitors to sign-up for your weekly or monthly newsletter. Encourage visitors to comment, comments can lead to clients!

Use a tool like Mailchimp (free for under 500 subscribers) or Flodesk to collect and manage your list.

What to Actually Send

Once you have email addresses, don't let them sit there! Send a newsletter at least once a month.

Share:

Travel tips and destination highlights
Seasonal deals and promotions
Personal travel stories
Client testimonials and trip recaps
Helpful resources (visa info, packing tips, etc.)

Keep it conversational and valuable. If you know them really well send them a rough trip estimate with any promotion or discount added so they can see the cost! You're not just selling, you're building relationships and staying top-of-mind.

Choose Your Niche (But Don't Stress About It)

Everyone says "pick a niche!" but that can feel paralyzing when you're brand new. Here's the real deal: you don't have to have it all figured out right now. Start with your family and friends, find out what where they enjoy traveling and start becoming knowledgeable in those areas.

When you feel like you’ve got things down start branching off into different areas of travel. So your family might just enjoy going to Disneyland so you’ll learn everything about Disneyland travel. Then start learning about Disney World, then Tokyo Disneyland, Disneyland Paris, and so on. Once you’ve got all the Parks down learn about Disney Cruise Line or Disney Adventures.

Whatever area you’re studying find any and all free courses or posts on that subject. Look for supplier courses (Disney College of Knowledge, Princess Cruise Lines, etc) through google, you can almost always find information through them. Don’t be afraid to email their travel agent contact and ask questions, they’re always more than happy to answer any question or point you in the right direction!

Why Specializing Actually Helps You Get Clients

When you try to be everything to everyone, you end up being memorable to no one. Think about it: would you rather hire a general doctor or a heart specialist when you have a heart problem?

The same goes for travel. Clients looking for a Disney vacation want someone who knows Disney inside and out. Couples planning a luxury honeymoon want an expert in romance travel, not someone who mostly books budget backpacking trips. Keep in mind though when you’re first starting off you’re new to everything, which means you’re not going to have all the answers at first, but if you push yourself you’ll start finding those answers and yourself growing!

Specializing helps you:

Stand out in a crowded market
Charge higher planning fees
Build deeper knowledge faster
Get invited to supplier FAM trips
Attract your ideal clients more easily

How to Pick Your Niche

We recommend playing Eeny, meeny, miny, moe….just kidding! Start with these questions:

What destinations have you personally visited and loved?
What type of travel gets you genuinely excited?
Who do you naturally connect with? (Families? Couples? Solo travelers?)
What do your friends always ask you about?

Your niche doesn't have to be super narrow right away. "Family travel" or "cruises" or "all-inclusive resorts" is specific enough to start but also has some wiggle room.

As you gain experience, you can narrow even further. Maybe you start with "Disney travel" and eventually specialize in "Disney travel for multi-generational families with young kids." That's totally fine! And don’t feel like once you’ve become knowledgeable in one area that you’re stuck there forever, you can always start learning a new niche anytime!

Popular Niches for 2026

Some niches are consistently profitable and growing:

Luxury travel (high-end clients, better commissions)
Honeymoons and romance travel
Group travel (destination weddings, corporate retreats)
Cruises (reliable commissions, lots of options)
Wellness and retreat travel
Adventure and bucket-list travel (safaris, Antarctica)
Disney and theme parks
All-inclusive resorts

Pick something that aligns with your interests and the type of clients you actually want to work with! Pick one and start researching the top places in that niche and ways of travel to get there. You want to know the most popular, exclusive, family friendly spots in that area so you can tell someone right then and there where they should go. Make sure you’re always keeping up to date with special offers and discounts as well!

Network in Real Life (It Still Works!)

Don't sleep on old-school networking! In-person connections convert like crazy because you're building real relationships, not just collecting business cards. You might have to get outside your comfort zone a bit in order to gain new clients, but it’s absolutely worth it! Don’t think BIG at first, start small and work your way up.

Where to Find Your People

Join local business groups:

Chamber of Commerce meetups
BNI (Business Networking International) groups
Local women's networking organizations
Industry-specific groups (like wedding vendor meetups if you're targeting honeymoons)
Find local community boards at coffee shops, gyms, and city buildings to hang flyers
Check local Facebook groups that allow you to post job opportunities

These groups are full of business owners who travel regularly for conferences and vacations—and they love referring people within their network! People are constantly looking for jobs, you’ve got to find ways to reach them. Start with the people closest to you, friends and family, then make a post on your socials so all your online friends can see. After that think a bit bigger, ways to reach your community, go to job fairs, events, get-togethers with flyers to hand out. With just those tactics you can start building a great base of clients, and from there word of mouth will help you gain even more!

How to Network Without Being Awkward

Forget the pushy salesperson vibe. Your goal is to connect, not sell. If you start off by pushing your job it could scare them off, so have a good conversation first, get to know the person, then when you feel comfortable just mention that your a travel agent and you’d be happy to help them book any future trips for them!

Here’s a real world example: When someone asks what you do, have a clear, friendly answer ready: "I'm a travel advisor! I help [your ideal client] plan [your specialty] so they can have amazing vacations without the stress of researching everything themselves."

Then ask about them! "Do you travel much for work or pleasure?" Most people love talking about their vacations, and you'll naturally uncover opportunities.

Always follow up after an event. Connect on LinkedIn, send a friendly email, or add them to your social media. Reference something you talked about to jog their memory and let them know you were listening: "It was great chatting with you about that Italy trip you're planning!" That little remark can go a long way!

Bring Business Cards (and Something More)

Yes, business cards still matter at in-person events. But take it up a notch: bring a QR code people can scan to download your free lead magnet and join your email list. I personally have a bunch of flyers that explain all the benefits of using a travel advisor and then I have a QR code at the bottom for them to scan that takes them to my website or social media page. You can make free QR codes with Canva or a quick google search will give you some other free options!

This gives you a reason to stay in touch beyond that one interaction. It can also be a reminder to them when they come across it again.

Understand and Communicate Your Value

Here's where new agents struggle: explaining why someone should book with you instead of just doing it themselves online.

What You're Actually Selling

You're not selling plane tickets or hotel rooms. Anyone can find those online. What you're really selling is:

Your time, expertise, and knowledge
Peace of mind and stress-free planning
Insider connections and VIP treatment
Someone who's got their back when things go wrong
Personalized service that's impossible to get from a website

Make this crystal clear in every conversation!

How to Explain It to Skeptics

When someone says, "Can't I just book that online?" here's what to say:

"You absolutely could! But here's the difference: when you book online, you're on your own if your flight gets canceled or your hotel room has issues. When you book with me, you have someone in your corner handling problems and making sure you get VIP treatment. Plus, I have access to exclusive deals and amenities you won't find on Expedia."

Then give a specific example of how you helped a client (or could help them): "For example, when one of my clients' flights got cancelled, I immediately rebooked them on a better route and got them upgraded—all while they were sleeping. They woke up to a solved problem instead of a stressful morning at the airport."

Tackle Your Confidence Issues Head-On

Let's talk about the elephant in the room: imposter syndrome. Every new travel agent deals with it.

You're Not Faking It

That voice in your head saying "Who am I to call myself a travel agent?" is lying to you. Here's the truth:

You don't have to have visited every destination on earth. You don't need 20 years of experience. What you need is a willingness to learn, the ability to research, and genuine care for your clients' experiences.

Your expertise isn't about knowing everything—it's about knowing your clients. You're an expert in understanding what they want, asking the right questions, and matching them with the perfect trip.

Build Confidence Through Action

The only way to get over imposter syndrome is to do the thing you're scared of. Book that first client. Send that first proposal. Make those networking calls.

Every action you take builds confidence. Your tenth booking will feel 100 times easier than your first. Promise!

Track your wins in a journal. Every time a client says "thank you," a booking goes smoothly, or someone refers you—write it down. On hard days, read through those wins and remember: you're not an imposter. You're a travel agent building a business.

Lean on Your Host Agency and Community

You're not alone! Your host agency exists to support you. Use them!

Ask questions in Facebook groups. Join host agency training sessions. Connect with other agents in your network. The travel industry is incredibly collaborative—most agents are happy to help newbies.

When you don't know something, it's not a failure. It's an opportunity to learn and get better.

Take Advantage of Host Agency Resources

Your host agency is your secret weapon. Seriously, use everything they offer! Here’s what we recommend:

Training and Certifications

Most host agencies provide free or discounted training through platforms like Travel Institute, CLIA, or supplier-specific programs.

Take advantage of every training you can access. Learn about booking systems, destinations, and sales techniques. Many agencies even offer certifications that boost your credibility with clients.

The more you know, the more confident you'll feel—and confidence sells!

Supplier Relationships and FAM Trips

Your host agency has established relationships with hotels, cruise lines, tour operators, and tourism boards. These relationships give you access to:

Better commission rates
Exclusive perks and amenities for clients
Insider contacts when issues arise
FAM trips (familiarization trips)

FAM trips are gold! They're heavily discounted or free trips where you experience destinations and properties firsthand so you can sell them better.

You might not qualify for every FAM trip as a brand-new agent, but once you start booking with certain suppliers, invitations will come. These trips give you incredible firsthand knowledge you can't get anywhere else.

Travel Advisor Marketing Materials and Tech Tools

Many host agencies provide:

Pre-made social media graphics and captions
Email templates
Itinerary builders (like Axus or Travefy)
CRM systems to track leads and clients
Booking platforms

Use these tools! They save you tons of time and make you look professional right out of the gate.

Set Up Systems That Make Life Easier

Don't wing it—systems save time and prevent mistakes.

Client Onboarding Process

Create a standard process for new clients:

Initial inquiry (form or email)
Discovery call or questionnaire (learn what they want)
Proposal with pricing and options
Contract and planning fee
Booking and deposit
Regular check-ins leading up to the trip
Final documents and prep call
Post-trip follow-up

Having a clear system means you never forget important steps and clients feel taken care of from start to finish.

Use a Simple CRM

Even as a brand-new agent, tracking your leads and clients is crucial. You don't need anything fancy.

Free or affordable options:

HubSpot CRM (free forever plan)
Zoho CRM (free for up to 3 users)
Google Sheets or Airtable (if you're really bootstrapping)

Track basic info like:

Contact details
Trip preferences and budget
Communication history
Booking status
Follow-up reminders

This prevents people from falling through the cracks and helps you stay organized as you grow.

Create Email Templates

Stop rewriting the same emails over and over! Create templates for:

Initial inquiry responses
Proposal emails
Booking confirmations
Pre-trip reminders
Post-trip follow-ups
Referral requests

Personalize them for each client, but having a template saves you hours every week.

Follow Up Like a Boss

Most new agents nail the booking process but drop the ball after the trip. Don't be that agent!

During the Trip

If appropriate, check in once during their trip (especially for longer vacations or complex itineraries). A simple "Hope you're having an amazing time!" text or email shows you care.

This is also your chance to catch any issues while they're still on the trip and can be fixed.

After the Trip

Follow up within 3-5 days of their return:

"Welcome home! I'd love to hear all about your trip. How did everything go?"

This opens the door for feedback (both good and constructive), gives you a chance to address any issues, and keeps the relationship warm.

Use their feedback to improve future bookings and gather testimonials for your website and social media!

Stay in Touch Long-Term

Don't let clients forget about you between trips! Send:

Monthly newsletters with travel tips and deals
Birthday or anniversary messages
Personalized travel ideas based on their interests
Relevant promotions when you notice good deals to their favorite destinations

Space out your communication so you're not annoying, but stay visible enough that when they're ready to book again, you're top of mind.

Avoid Common First-Client Mistakes

Learn from others' mistakes so you don't have to make them yourself!

Mistake #1: Not Charging Fees

We covered this, but it bears repeating: don't work for free! Your time has value, even when you're brand new.

Mistake #2: Trying to Be Everything to Everyone

You can't specialize in luxury Antarctica expeditions AND budget backpacking through Southeast Asia AND Disney cruises AND destination weddings. Pick a lane!

Mistake #3: Poor Communication

Respond to client messages within 24 hours (during business hours). Set clear expectations about your availability. Don't ghost clients, even when you're busy.

Mistake #4: Not Using Contracts

Always use a contract or travel services agreement that outlines your fees, services, responsibilities, and cancellation policies. This protects both you and your client.

Mistake #5: Neglecting Marketing

"If I just do great work, clients will find me" is a myth. You need to actively market yourself—every single week—to build a sustainable business.

Mistake #6: Going It Alone

Connect with other agents! Join Facebook groups, attend host agency events, and build relationships with industry professionals. You'll learn faster and feel less isolated.

Your First 90 Days to Success

Here's what to expect in your first three months:

Days 1-30: Set Up and Learn

Complete host agency training
Set up your business systems (CRM, email, social media)
Create your lead magnet and email opt-in
Tell your inner circle about your new business
Book your first client (ideally!)
Learn the booking process inside and out

Days 31-60: Build Momentum

Continue networking and telling people what you do
Post consistently on social media
Book 2-3 more clients
Attend local networking events
Request testimonials from happy clients
Join relevant Facebook groups and engage

Days 61-90: Establish Consistency

Develop a regular marketing routine
Send your first email newsletter
Follow up with past clients and referral sources
Set quarterly goals for bookings and income
Evaluate what's working and adjust your strategy
Celebrate your wins!

By day 90, you should have a handful of bookings under your belt, a growing email list, and way more confidence than you started with.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get your first client as a travel agent?

This varies wildly, but most agents book their first client within their first month if they're actively marketing and reaching out to their network. Some book within days (usually friends or family), while others take 2-3 months to land their first booking. The key is consistent action—telling people what you do, posting on social media, and asking for business.

Do I need to visit destinations before I can sell them?

No! While firsthand experience is valuable, it's not required to book travel. You can leverage FAM trip experiences, supplier training, online resources, and reviews to build destination knowledge. What matters most is asking the right questions to understand your client's needs and matching them with the perfect trip. As you grow, you'll gain more travel experience through personal trips and FAMs.

How much should I charge for planning fees?

For simple trips (domestic, all-inclusive resorts): $100-250
For international trips: $250-500
For complex luxury itineraries: $500-1,500+

You can also charge per person ($50-100/traveler) or use a "plan-to-go" fee that's refunded if they book with you. Start with flat fees—they're easier to communicate and less intimidating for new agents.

Should I work for free to get experience?

Never work completely for free! While you might charge lower fees initially or waive fees for very close friends/family, always establish that your time has value. Even a modest $100 planning fee for your first few bookings sets the expectation that you're a professional, not a hobby.

What if my clients know more about the destination than I do?

This happens! Remember: you're not selling destinations—you're selling your expertise in planning, your supplier relationships, your ability to handle problems, and the peace of mind you provide. You're an expert in your client, not necessarily every destination. If you don't know something, say "Great question! Let me research that and get back to you." Then follow through!

How do I compete with online booking sites?

You're not competing on price—you're competing on value and service. Online sites can't offer personalized recommendations, VIP treatment, someone to call at 2am when flights are canceled, or insider knowledge of destinations. Emphasize what makes you different: expertise, relationships, and that human touch that algorithms can't replicate.

What's the difference between a travel agent and travel consultant?

The terms are often used interchangeably, but "travel consultant" or "travel advisor" positions you as an expert who provides strategic advice, not just someone who processes bookings. Many agents prefer "advisor" or "consultant" because it sounds more professional and emphasizes the consultative aspect of what you do. Use whatever feels right for your brand!

How do I handle rejection or people who don't want to use me?

Not everyone will book with you, and that's okay! Some people genuinely prefer to book themselves, have other connections, or aren't planning travel right now. Don't take it personally. Thank them for considering you and ask them to keep you in mind for future trips or referrals. Focus on the people who DO want your help—they're out there!

Do I need a website right away?

A website helps, but it's not mandatory on day one. Many successful agents start with just social media profiles and an email address. As you grow, invest in a simple website with your services, testimonials, and a contact form. Platforms like Wix, Squarespace, or even Canva make it easy and affordable to create a professional site.

What if I don't make money right away?

Most agents don't earn significant income in their first 3-6 months. Commissions take time to pay out (often after travel is completed), and building a client base doesn't happen overnight. Have realistic expectations and ideally keep another income source while you're getting established. Track your progress in bookings, not just income, during your first year.

Should I specialize in one supplier (like Sandals or Disney)?

Specializing in a specific supplier can be smart, especially as you're building expertise. Some suppliers offer special training, higher commission rates, and exclusive FAM trips for agents who focus on their properties. However, don't limit yourself to just one supplier—you want flexibility to match clients with the best option for their needs. Consider specializing in a type of travel (like all-inclusives) where you work with multiple suppliers.

How do I balance being a new agent with sounding confident?

Fake it 'til you make it—but with integrity! You don't need to pretend you've been doing this for 20 years. Instead, lead with enthusiasm and honesty: "I'm so excited to be working as a travel advisor with [host agency]! I'd love to help you plan an amazing trip." Your fresh perspective and dedication to learning can actually be selling points. Clients appreciate genuine enthusiasm over jaded experience.

Go Get That Client

Landing your first client isn't about luck, it's about taking consistent action. The agents who succeed are the ones who keep showing up, keep learning, and keep asking for business.

Start with just one step today. Text three friends about your new business and post on Instagram about what you do now! Create that lead magnet and join a local business group. Whatever feels doable right now, do that!

Every massive travel business started with one single booking. Your first client is out there right now, probably stressing about planning their next vacation and wishing they had someone to help them. Be that person!

How to Get Your First Client After You Sign Up With a Host Agency