Retirement doesn't have to mean slowing down, especially if you've got a passport full of stamps and a love for adventure! Picture this: You're waking up without an alarm, planning dream vacations for excited clients, earning money while exploring the world, and doing it all from your couch or a beachside café. Sounds pretty incredible, right?

If you're a retiree who's always been the go-to person for vacation recommendations among your friends, becoming a travel agent might just be your perfect second act! But before you jump in, let's talk real talk about whether this career move makes sense for your retirement years. We're diving deep into everything, the good, the challenging, and the downright exciting parts of being a travel agent in your golden years!

You can launch a travel business for less than a vacation costs! Here at MainStreet Travel we offer two affordable (one-time cost) memberships (Starter and Travel Plus)! You get extensive free training, zero minimum booking requirements, and a supportive family of an agents that have your back! All of this from the comfort of your own home!

Why Retirees Are Crushing It in the Travel Industry

Here’s something that might surprise you: The travel industry is seeing a massive wave of retirees entering the field, and they’re absolutely thriving. Why? Because you’ve got something younger agents don’t—decades of life experience, established networks, and the wisdom that comes from actually living life.

Think about it. You’ve probably planned family vacations, navigated travel mishaps, dealt with demanding customers in previous careers, and built relationships that took years to cultivate. Those aren’t just random skills—they’re gold in the travel business!

The Perfect Storm of Timing

The travel industry has been experiencing significant labor shortages, creating tons of opportunities for folks over 50. Hotels, airlines, and travel companies are actively recruiting older workers because you're more likely to show up for your shift and stick with the job. Reports show that about 65% of new hires at many hotels since the pandemic have been retirees or people over 50. A lot of different factors go into that I’m sure, dependability, job type, pay etc.

Here’s What You Can Actually Earn?

Let’s cut to the chase because this matters. Nobody wants to work for peanuts in retirement, even if you love what you’re doing! Some people like to have extra money for emergencies, travel, or to spoil their grandkids! Either way, here’s a breakdown of the kind of money you’re looking to earn as a Travel Advisor.

Income Reality Check

Part-time travel agents typically earn between $20,000 and $45,000 annually, depending on how many hours you dedicate and how well you develop your client base. The average part-time travel agent makes around $42,936 per year, with hourly rates ranging from $17 to $30.

But here’s where it gets interesting—your income potential is basically limitless. Some experienced agents earn well into six figures by focusing on luxury travel, group bookings, or specific niches. One agent shared booking $28,000 worth of trips in just one week from former colleagues!

How Travel Advisor Commissions Work

You’ll earn money primarily through commissions from suppliers—hotels, cruise lines, tour operators, and resorts. Here’s the breakdown:

Hotels: 5-10% commission (luxury properties often pay more)
Cruises: 10-16% base commission, up to 20% with volume bonuses
Tour packages: 10-15% commission
Disney vacations: Flat 10% commission rate

Some travel agents also charge planning fees, typically $250 per week of travel planned which provides upfront income while you’re building itineraries. This helps with cash flow since commission payments usually come 30-60 days after your clients travel.

However, we try and tell our agents not to charge unless the booking is particularly large or really complicated. The reason being, it tends to turn people off from using an agent and instead book it themselves online. A lot of agents like to use, “no fees” as part of their advertising!

The Commission Payment Reality

Here’s something important to know: You don’t get paid until after your clients travel. Some cruise lines pay commissions 120 days before departure, but most suppliers pay within 30-60 days after the trip is completed. This means if you’re booking a cruise for next fall, you won’t see that money until well into next year.

For retirees, this delayed payment structure means you’ll need some financial cushion when starting out. You can’t quit your day job and expect immediate income, it definitely takes time to build up that pipeline. But once you start booking and receiving money, if you’re constant than your flow of income should also be constant.

The Startup Costs Nobody Talks About

Good news! Becoming a travel agent won’t drain your retirement savings. Starting as an independent contractor with a host agency is incredibly affordable compared to most business ventures! In fact most cost will come from other things outside the agency cost, depending on the agency you join.

What You’ll Actually Spend

Working with a host agency: $0-$500 to get started
Host agency fees: Monthly fees ranging from $0-$100 or commission splits (typically 70/30 or 80/20)
Business registration: $25-$200 depending on your state
Basic equipment: Computer, phone, internet connection (you probably already have these!)

Some host agencies don’t charge upfront fees at all, they simply take a percentage of your commissions. This makes it super low-risk for retirees testing the waters. Those agencies usually take a larger percentage of your commission, so just make sure you do your homework when choosing an agency!

What Exactly IS a Host Agency?

Think of a host agency as your business partner and support system rolled into one. They provide:

Industry credentials (CLIA, IATA numbers) so you can book travel legally
Access to supplier relationships and negotiated commission rates
Booking platforms and technology
Training programs
Marketing materials
Back-office support for payments and accounting
Errors and omissions insurance

You operate as an independent contractor under their umbrella, which means low startup costs but still running your own business. Popular host agencies include MainStreet Travel Agency, Yeti Travel, Dream Vacations, and many others!

The Amazing Perks That’ll Make Your Friends Jealous

Okay, this is where being a travel agent gets really fun!

FAM Trips: Getting Paid to Travel

Familiarization trips—or FAM trips—are heavily discounted or even FREE vacations that suppliers offer so you can experience their properties firsthand. We’re talking all-inclusive resorts for as little as $100, cruises for $35 per day, and discounts of 40-80% off regular prices.

These aren’t just vacations—they’re business expenses you can potentially write off on your taxes. You’ll visit resorts, sail on cruise ships, and experience destinations so you can authentically recommend them to clients.

Travel Agent Discounts Galore

Once you obtain a CLIA or IATAN card (typically requiring $5,000 in annual commissions), you’ll unlock additional discounts:

50% off standard rates at select hotels
Free hotel room upgrades
Complimentary theme park tickets annually
Discounts on car rentals, museums, airport parking, and attractions
Reduced rates on cruises and tours

Some tour operators offer 50% off for agents who complete their training, plus 25% off for a companion. These perks alone can save you thousands on personal travel!

Work on YOUR Terms

This is huge for retirees. You set your own schedule—work mornings, evenings, weekends, or whenever suits your lifestyle.

Want to take three months off to visit the grandkids? Do it. Feel like working 15 hours a week instead of 40? That’s your call. Need to schedule around doctor’s appointments or caregiving responsibilities? No problem.

Many successful agents work part-time alongside other retirement activities or gradually transition from full-time work. You can start small while still collecting pension or Social Security benefits, then scale up as you build your client base.

The Remote Work Advantage

Every single thing you do as a travel agent can be done remotely with a reliable internet connection! Work from your home office, the local coffee shop, or even from that beach resort you’re visiting. There’s no commute, no dress code (hello, pajama pants!), and no office politics!

The Opposition You’ll Face

Let’s be real—no job is perfect, even one that involves planning dream vacations. Here’s what you need to know about the challenges.

It Takes Time to Build Your Business

Don’t expect overnight success. Most agents say it takes 6-12 months before they’re seeing regular commission checks, and closer to a year before those checks are substantial enough to live on. One agent shared it took about a year of constant hustling—networking, marketing, and giving out business cards everywhere—before referrals started coming in steadily.

The Learning Curve Is Real

The travel industry changes constantly. New destinations emerge, regulations shift, technology evolves, and you’ll need to stay on top of it all. You’ll spend significant time learning about destinations, mastering booking systems, understanding supplier policies, and completing certifications.

Some retirees find the technology aspect challenging, especially if you’re not super comfortable with computers. You’ll be using customer relationship management (CRM) systems, booking platforms, social media for marketing, and various supplier portals.

You’re Essentially Running a Small Business

This means handling customer service issues (sometimes at 2 AM when a client’s flight is canceled), chasing down commission payments, doing your own marketing, managing taxes as an independent contractor, and being available when clients need you—including during their actual trips.

Dealing with Difficult Situations

Sometimes clients will take your carefully crafted itinerary and book it themselves to save money. Flights get canceled. Hotels mess up reservations. Natural disasters happen. You’ll be the one fielding panicked calls and fixing problems, often during what should be your relaxing retirement years!

Do You Need a Degree or Certification?

Here’s great news: No college degree required!

In the United States, there are no mandatory educational requirements or licenses to become a travel agent. You don’t need a specific degree, certification, or prior experience to get started.

That said, certifications can boost your credibility and potentially increase your earning power. Popular certifications include:

Travel Agent Proficiency (TAP): Entry-level certification that provides foundational knowledge
Certified Travel Associate (CTA): Requires 12 months experience or passing the TAP exam with 80%+
Certified Travel Counselor (CTC): Advanced designation requiring 5 years experience
CLIA Cruise Certifications: Specialized certifications for cruise specialists (CCC, ACC, MCC, ECC)

Most host agencies provide free training when you join, and suppliers like Disney offer their own College of Knowledge training programs at no cost. You can literally start learning and booking right away while you complete training at your own pace! Don’t feel rushed, and make sure you take plenty of breaks!

What Should You Specialize In?

Here’s a secret: Trying to be everything to everyone rarely works. The most successful agents specialize in specific niches where they can become the go-to expert. It’s a lot to try and juggle different ways of travel, not saying it can’t be done, but when you focus on one area you tend to do a lot better and get more clients. You can find an agency that focuses on just Disney or Cruises if you want, or a lot of agencies cover everything and let you choose!

Hot Niches for Retirees

Senior and Multigenerational Travel: You understand the unique needs of mature travelers and families traveling with grandparents

Cruises: Consistently profitable with generous commissions and tons of FAM trip opportunities

Disney and Theme Parks: Huge market with passionate customers and clear training paths

Luxury Travel: Higher commissions and often more appreciative clients

Wellness and Spa Retreats: Growing market focused on health and relaxation

River Cruises: Popular with retirees and offering excellent commissions

All-Inclusive Resorts: Straightforward to book and popular with clients

Faith-Based Travel: Pilgrimages and missionary trips for religious communities

Adventure Travel: Hiking, safaris, and active vacations for active retirees

One agent found massive success specializing in senior travel by building relationships with continuing care communities and retirement homes! He’s even invited to health and wellness fairs as the only travel representative because these communities recognize that enriching travel experiences contribute to long-term health and wellness!

Travel also encourages moving around more which can lead to a healthier life! Don’t be afraid to visit your local retirement home and ask about leaving some handouts or possibly handing them out yourself to residents. This can actually get you more leads through the family members of the residents!

How to Actually Get Clients (Without Being Pushy)

This is the million-dollar question, right? How do you find people who’ll actually book with you?

Start with Your Warm Network

Your friends, family, former colleagues, neighbors, and social connections are your goldmine. These people already know and trust you—that’s halfway to a sale right there!

Make an announcement on social media about your new business. Call your mom. Text your best friend. Mention it at your book club or golf outing. You’d be surprised how many people are planning trips at any given moment.

Ask for Referrals (And Make It Easy)

Once you’ve helped a few clients, ask them to spread the word. One bride planning a destination wedding probably knows other engaged friends. A client booking a luxury safari likely knows other affluent travelers.

Send a simple email to your favorite clients thanking them and letting them know you’re looking for more clients like them. Most people are happy to help a small business thrive!

Real-Life Marketing Still Works

In a digital world, person-to-person connection stands out. Join local business networks, attend community events, sponsor local organizations, or set up a table at health fairs. Print business cards and hand them out everywhere.

One retired nurse became a travel agent and built her entire business through connections from her 26 years in education and personal networks. Real relationships beat social media algorithms every time.

Digital Marketing Basics

You don’t need to become a social media influencer, but having an online presence helps. Choose one or two platforms where your ideal clients hang out and focus there. Share valuable content about destinations you know well, travel tips, and client success stories. If you have a website, make posts and then share them on your media platforms. There’s extensions that will auto post your blog posts for you if you get the right one!

Email marketing is highly effective and lands directly in inboxes without fighting algorithms. Build an email list and send regular newsletters with travel inspiration and special offers. Keeping your clients informed about deals can lead to more bookings!

The Tax Benefits of Working from Home

Here’s a retirement bonus: Running a home-based travel business comes with legitimate tax deductions that can reduce your tax bill.

Potential Deductions

Home office deduction: $5 per square foot up to $1,500, or calculate the actual percentage of your home used exclusively for business

Business travel: Your FAM trips and educational travel can potentially be deducted

Equipment and technology: Computer, phone, internet service, software subscriptions

Marketing expenses: Business cards, website hosting, advertising costs

Professional development: Training courses, certifications, industry conferences

Mileage: Business-related driving at the standard IRS rate

Always consult with a CPA or tax professional familiar with home-based businesses to maximize your deductions legally. Keeping meticulous records and receipts is essential.

Social Security and Working in Retirement

If you’re collecting Social Security benefits while working as a travel agent, here’s what you need to know.

Before Full Retirement Age

If you’re younger than full retirement age (FRA—typically 66-67 depending on your birth year), Social Security will temporarily reduce your benefits if you earn more than the annual limit. In 2025, the limit is $23,400 per year. For every $2 you earn above this limit, Social Security withholds $1 in benefits.

However, a special rule allows you to receive full benefits for any whole month your earnings don’t exceed $1,950 (in 2025), regardless of your yearly earnings. This helps people who retire mid-year.

After Full Retirement Age

Once you reach FRA, there’s no earnings limit whatsoever! You can earn as much as you want without any reduction to your Social Security benefits. Even better, your additional earnings can increase your future benefits if they replace lower-earning years in your calculation.

You’ll still pay Social Security and Medicare taxes on your wages, but these earnings count toward potentially boosting your monthly benefit amount.

Real Success Stories from Retired Travel Agents

Martha Pearlstone, 59, transitioned from a long advertising career to become a Fora travel advisor after becoming an empty nester. She spent a year seeing if she could gain traction, and warns new agents not to expect to quit their job and support themselves from day one due to the delayed payment structure. But with comprehensive training and community support, she built a successful business doing work she’s passionate about.

Jane, a retired police officer, didn’t initially consider travel as her next career. But after realizing she already planned all her family’s vacations, she wondered why not do it for others and get rewarded? She loves the flexibility—no targets, doing as much or little as she wants. Jane recently made £28,000 in bookings from ex-colleagues in just one week, including a £19,000 Disneyland booking.

MaryAnne Koenigsberg, 66, left a career managing hair salons to become a travel advisor in 1993. She was at a point where she could choose to do whatever she wanted without worrying too much about finances. “I decided to become a travel agent because I love to travel,” she explained simply.

Should YOU Become a Travel Agent in Retirement?

Here’s the bottom line: Becoming a travel agent can be an absolutely fantastic retirement career if you’re the right fit.

You’re a Great Candidate If You:

✅ Genuinely love travel and have personal experience visiting different destinations
✅ Enjoy helping people and have strong customer service skills
✅ Can handle the financial reality of delayed payments and building slowly
✅ Have a network of people who already trust your recommendations
✅ Want flexibility and work-life balance on your terms
✅ Are comfortable with technology or willing to learn
✅ Have attention to detail and strong organizational skills
✅ Don’t mind working evenings or weekends occasionally when clients need you
✅ Can handle the ups and downs of commission-based income
✅ Are patient and willing to invest 1-2 years building your business

This Might Not Be for You If:

❌ You need immediate, substantial income to pay your bills
❌ You don’t have savings to cover the startup period
❌ You hate technology and refuse to learn new systems
❌ You want a completely hands-off retirement with zero work stress
❌ You’re not willing to market yourself and ask for business
❌ You lack patience with demanding or difficult people
❌ You want guaranteed hours and predictable paychecks

Your Plan Laid Out for You

If you’re feeling excited and ready to explore this opportunity, here’s your step-by-step roadmap:

Step 1: Research Host Agencies

Visit Host Agency Reviews (hostagencyreviews.com) to compare different host agencies. Look at commission splits, fees, training programs, support levels, and agent reviews. Popular options for beginners include MainStreet Travel and Yeti Travel.

Step 2: Choose Your Business Structure

Decide if you want to start as an independent contractor with a host agency (lowest cost, fastest start) or eventually open your own independent agency (higher investment, more control).

Step 3: Register Your Business

Obtain any required business licenses in your state. Set up a separate business bank account to keep personal and business finances separate.

Step 4: Complete Training

Take advantage of free training from your host agency and suppliers. Complete any certifications you’re pursuing (TAP, CTA, CLIA). Most training can be completed in 3-6 months while working at your own pace.

Step 5: Choose Your Niche

Pick 1-2 specialties where you have knowledge or interest. Visit destinations in your niche when possible so you can speak from experience.

Step 6: Build Your Marketing Foundation

Create a simple website or use your host agency’s platform. Set up social media profiles on 1-2 platforms. Design business cards and promotional materials.

Step 7: Start with Your Network

Announce your new business to friends and family. Offer to help a few people book trips at a discount or even free to gain experience and testimonials.

Step 8: Keep Learning and Growing

Attend FAM trips when available, they’re so much fun and you get to know other agents who might have different ideas to share with you! Complete supplier training programs. Join travel agent associations and attend industry events.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to retire completely before becoming a travel agent?

Not at all! Many people start as travel agents part-time while still working other jobs. The flexibility allows you to transition gradually. You can work 10-15 hours per week while collecting pension income or working another part-time position.

How is being a travel agent different from a travel advisor?

The terms are often used interchangeably, but "travel advisor" suggests a more consultative approach where you advise and design personalized experiences, while "travel agent" can imply a more transactional role of simply booking what clients request. Most professionals prefer "travel advisor" as it better reflects the value they provide.

Can I really make money booking travel from home with no experience?

Yes, but it takes time. Most new agents see their first commission checks within 3-6 months and build to sustainable income within 12-18 months. Your income depends heavily on how much effort you put into learning, marketing, and client development. Starting with a host agency that provides training significantly increases your chances of success.

What happens if I book a trip and the client cancels?

This depends on when the cancellation occurs. If you’ve already been paid commission and the client cancels, you may have to pay back that commission. However, some suppliers have non-refundable policies where your commission is protected. This is why many agents charge non-refundable planning fees upfront.

Will I get free travel as a travel advisor?

Not exactly "free," but you’ll have access to significantly discounted FAM trips, industry rates, and various perks that make travel much more affordable. You typically need to meet certain sales thresholds before qualifying for these benefits. Also, any travel you take for business purposes (like FAM trips) may be tax-deductible.

Do I have to work for Disney to sell Disney vacations?

No! You don’t work for Disney—you work independently or with a host agency and complete Disney’s free College of Knowledge training to become authorized to sell Disney vacations. While some agencies are "EarMarked" Authorized Disney Vacation Planners, you don’t need this designation to book Disney trips.

How much time will I actually spend traveling vs. working at my desk?

Most of your time will be at your desk or computer—researching destinations, communicating with clients, making bookings, and handling administrative tasks. The actual travel component (FAM trips and personal vacations) might account for a few weeks per year, though this increases as you become more established and book more travel.

What if I’m not tech-savvy? Can I still do this?

You’ll need basic computer skills—email, internet browsing, using booking platforms, and possibly social media. Most host agencies provide training on their systems. If you’re willing to learn and practice, you can absolutely develop these skills. However, if you’re completely tech-averse, this career might be frustrating.

Can I specialize in just one destination or type of travel?

Absolutely! Specializing is actually recommended. Many successful agents focus exclusively on cruises, Disney, luxury travel, destination weddings, or specific regions like Europe or the Caribbean. This makes you the go-to expert rather than competing with everyone.

Will this interfere with my Social Security benefits?

It depends on your age and earnings. If you’re under full retirement age and earn more than the annual limit ($23,400 in 2025), your benefits will be temporarily reduced. Once you reach full retirement age (typically 66-67), you can earn unlimited income without any reduction to benefits. Your additional earnings might even increase your future Social Security payments.

How do I handle taxes as an independent contractor?

You’ll receive a 1099-NEC form from your host agency at year-end showing your commission income. You’re responsible for paying self-employment taxes (Social Security and Medicare) on your earnings, typically through quarterly estimated tax payments. You can deduct business expenses like your home office, equipment, training, and business travel. Working with a tax professional experienced with small businesses is highly recommended.

What’s the biggest mistake new travel agents make?

Not understanding the delayed payment structure and running out of money before commissions start flowing in. Other common mistakes include not charging planning fees, trying to be a generalist instead of specializing, underestimating the time required to build a client base, and not actively marketing themselves.

Start Making Money in Retirement

Being a travel agent in retirement can be incredibly rewarding, professionally, financially, and personally. You’ll help people create magical memories, enjoy incredible travel perks, work on your own terms, and earn income doing something you genuinely love!

But it’s not a get-rich-quick scheme or a effortless hobby. It requires commitment, patience, business skills, and the financial cushion to weather that first year while you build momentum.

For retirees who love travel, have decent networks, can handle technology, and want meaningful work with flexibility, this can be the perfect second career. You’re bringing decades of life experience and wisdom into an industry that desperately needs it!

The travel industry isn’t going anywhere—people will always want to explore the world. And they’ll always need knowledgeable, trustworthy advisors to help them navigate the overwhelming options and create those once-in-a-lifetime experiences. That could be you!

So if you’ve been daydreaming about turning your passion for travel into something more, maybe it’s time to stop dreaming and start planning. After all, you’ve spent decades helping others succeed in their careers—isn’t it time to create something amazing for yourself?

Your next great adventure might just be becoming a travel agent. And who knows? This time next year, you could be sipping champagne on a FAM trip to the Caribbean, earning commissions while helping families create memories they’ll treasure forever, all while working in your pajamas from home!

Now that’s what we call a dream retirement gig!

Is Becoming a Travel Agent a Good Job for Retirees Who Love Travel?