Starting a Travel Agent Business as an LDS Mom: Your Complete Beginner's Guide
So you're thinking about becoming a travel agent? I get it. You're sitting there during sacrament meeting, juggling a toddler and wondering if there's a way to contribute financially without sacrificing your time with your kids or your church callings. Maybe you've seen other LDS moms posting about their "travel agent life" on Instagram and thought, "Could I actually do that?"
Short answer: absolutely yes. And here's the thing—it might be one of the most perfect side hustles for LDS moms out there. No, seriously! Let me walk you through everything you need to know, from picking a host agency to getting your first clients (spoiler: they'll probably be your Relief Society president and your visiting teaching companion)!
Join us here at MainStreet Travel, we offer a Starter Membership ($99) and a Travel Plus Membership ($199)! No minimum booking requirements, no annual fees, a 70/30 commission split, and free training!
Why This Business Just Makes Sense for LDS Moms
Let's be real for a second. As LDS women, we're natural planners. We organize multi-generational family reunions, plan youth conferences, and somehow coordinate three different kids' schedules while still making it to the temple. That skill set? Pure gold in the travel world!
The Flexibility Factor
You can literally work this business around your life. Early morning scripture study? Check. Kids at preschool? That's your power hour for client calls. Awake at 2 AM with a newborn? Perfect time to complete Disney College of Knowledge training. The travel industry doesn't care if you're wearing yoga pants or a Sunday dress—as long as you're helping clients book amazing trips!
Service That Actually Pays
We're taught to serve others, right? Well, imagine getting paid to help families create memories they'll treasure forever. You're not just booking a cruise; you're helping a grandma take her grandkids on their first Disney trip! You're not just reserving a hotel; you're helping a young couple find the perfect honeymoon spot. It feels good, and it pays the bills!
Community Is Built-In
Your first clients are probably sitting in your ward right now. Think about it—missionaries coming home need flights, youth groups need chaperoned trips, families want to do LDS church history tours. Your network is already there. You just need to tap into it!
Understanding How Travel Agents Actually Make Money
Okay, let's cut through the confusion. You don't need to invent the wheel here. Most successful travel agents—especially beginners—work with what's called a host travel agency. Think of it like opening a franchise, but way less complicated!
Host Agency vs. Going Solo
Going independent means getting your own accreditation, insurance, and building relationships with suppliers from scratch. Sounds exhausting, right? That's because it is. A host agency gives you instant credibility, training, booking systems, and established relationships with Disney, Royal Caribbean, and hundreds of other companies. They handle the boring backend stuff; you focus on booking trips and helping people!
The Commission Breakdown
Here's how you actually get paid: when you book a $5,000 Disney vacation, Disney pays a commission (usually 10-16%) to your host agency. The host agency keeps a portion (anywhere from 10% or more) and you get the rest! So on that $5,000 trip, you might pocket $300-600. Not bad for something that took you an hour to plan, right?
Scaling from Side Hustle to Real Income
Most LDS moms start part-time. Maybe you book three trips a month and make an extra $500. That's gas money, piano lessons, or a family temple trip. But here's where it gets exciting—as your kids get older and you have more time, that $500 can become $2,000, then $5,000. Some moms eventually go full-time and replace their spouse's income entirely. The growth is totally up to you and your season of life!
Your First 90 Days: The Exact Roadmap
Let's break this down into bite-sized pieces. No overwhelm, promise.
Days 1-3: Choose Your Host Agency and Get Legal
Research host agencies like you're choosing a new pediatrician. You want someone reputable with great training. Look for agencies with:
Free training programs (not ones charging thousands upfront)
Strong support systems (you want to be able to text someone when you're stuck)
Good commission splits (70/30 or better is solid for beginners)
LDS-friendly communities (some agencies have huge LDS advisor networks)
Top picks for LDS moms: MainStreet Travel and Yeti Travel. Both are LDS owned! They get our unique needs and values!
Set up your business legally. This sounds scary but it's not. Most moms start as sole proprietors (just file a DBA—"doing business as"—with your state). Costs like $50. Keep track of everything for taxes. Your home office, internet, phone, even that Disneyland trip you take for "research" can be deductions.
Days 3-10: Training Time
This is where the magic happens. Your host agency will have required training, but you'll also want to dive into:
Disney College of Knowledge (free, online, takes about 8-12 hours). This is non-negotiable if you want to book Disney trips. The commission on Disney is excellent, and LDS families LOVE Disney. Plus, once you're certified, you can get free park tickets. Yes, FREE!
Supplier certifications from cruise lines (Royal Caribbean, Carnival), all-inclusive resorts (Sandals, Beaches), and tour companies. These are usually free and take 1-3 hours each. They make you look legit and often give you booking perks.
The Travel Institute's TAP test (Travel Agent Proficiency). Many host agencies include this. It's like getting your merit badge in travel—it shows you know your stuff.
Days 10+: Get Your First Clients
Start with your "warm market"—friends, family, ward members. Post on your personal Facebook: "Hey everyone! I'm officially a travel agent now! Who's planning a trip this year?" You'll be shocked how many people respond!
Pro tip: Offer to plan a group cruise for your Relief Society or youth group. Group bookings = higher commissions and you only have to plan one trip for 20 people. Make sure they know you can book all different kinds of trips at no extra cost to them!
Finding Your Niche
Here's a secret: the most successful travel agents specialize. And as an LDS mom, you have some unique niches built right in.
The Disney Mom
This is the golden ticket. LDS families are OBSESSED with Disney. They go for spring break, summer vacation, and sometimes just because they need a dose of magic. Become THE Disney expert in your stake. Know which resorts have the best family suites, how to navigate Genie+, and which character dining experiences are actually worth it. Your knowledge becomes your superpower.
LDS Church History Tours
Remember Morris Murdock Escorted Tours? They pioneered LDS faith-based travel. You can do this too! Plan trips to Palmyra, Nauvoo, and Church history sites. Partner with your ward and stake to organize youth conferences or adult trips. These are meaningful AND profitable!
Missionary Travel
Missionaries need flights, and parents want the best deals. Become the go-to agent for missionary travel in your area. You'll book hundreds of flights, and while the commission per ticket is small, the volume adds up fast!
Family Reunion Specialist
LDS families are huge. Like, converge-on-a-beach-resort-with-50-people huge. Master group bookings and you'll never want for clients. All-inclusive resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean are perfect for this!
Marketing That Doesn't Feel Icky
Nobody wants to be that person sliding into DMs with "Hey girl! Want to book a trip?" Here's how to market authentically:
Word-of-Mouth on Steroids
Your network is your net worth in this business. Every time you help someone book an amazing trip, ask for a review and a referral. Post their vacation photos (with permission) on your business page. Real testimonials beat any ad.
Social Media That Actually Works
Don't just post travel deals. Share:
Your own family trips (with all the real moments, not just the Instagram-perfect ones)
Tips for traveling with kids
Behind-the-scenes of your training
Testimonials from happy clients
Fun facts about destinations
Instagram Reels and TikTok are goldmines for travel agents. Quick videos like "3 Disney World Mistakes That'll Ruin Your Trip" get tons of shares.
Leverage Church Connections (Tastefully)
Offer to do a "travel night" at Relief Society—share tips for planning family vacations, mission trips, or girls' camp travel. Bring snacks. Make it fun! People will remember you when they're ready to book. We’ve all had friends that wanted to sell Mary Kay or Do Terra, it’s similar to that only you’re offering to book their vacation for them! It’s a win win!
The Real Talk on Costs and Income
Let's get honest about money, because that's what you're really wondering about, right?
Startup Costs: Can Be $0
Many host agencies are free to join. Seriously. They make money when you make money, so they don't charge upfront fees. You'll pay for:
Business license ($50)
Website (some hosts provide free ones)
Marketing materials (business cards, maybe $50)
Fam trips (discounted travel for training)
Realistic Income Expectations
Year 1: Most LDS moms make $500-2,000/month part-time. You're learning, building clientele.
Year 2: $2,000-4,000/month as you get repeat clients and referrals.
Year 3+: $4,000-8,000+ if you go full-time or build a team.
Important: This is a commission-based business. You might book a trip in January but not get paid until after your client travels in June. Cash flow takes some planning.
Tax Deductions Are Your Friend
Your home office, internet, phone, professional development, travel for "research," even that Disney+ subscription (for staying current on Disney content) can be deductions. Keep receipts for everything. Get a separate business credit card.
Work-Life Balance: Making It Actually Work
You're already juggling Primary presidency, soccer practice, and dinner on the table by 6. How do you add a business?
Set Boundaries Like Your Sanity Depends On It (Because It Does)
Designate work hours (even if it's just nap time)
Use a separate business phone number (Google Voice is free)
Don't answer client texts at 10 PM unless it's a true emergency
It's okay to say "Let me get back to you tomorrow"
Involve Your Family
Make it a family business. Kids can help you learn about destinations (hello, homeschool geography lesson). Your husband can be your "IT department." Turn fam trips into family vacations. When you're excited, they're excited.
The Seasonal Reality
Summer and holidays are bananas in the travel world. That's also when your kids are home. Plan ahead. Batch content in May before school gets out. Set auto-responders on email. Give yourself grace.
Questions Every LDS Mom Asks
Q: Do I need to be a travel expert already?
A: Nope! The training teaches you everything. Your life experience as a mom who plans vacations is already more than most people have. You just need to be willing to learn.
Q: What if I can only work 5-10 hours a week?
A: Perfect. That's how most LDS moms start. Book one trip a week and you're making $300-600 extra. As your kids get older, you can scale up.
Q: Are there LDS-specific host agencies?
A: While there aren't agencies exclusively for LDS advisors, many have huge LDS communities. InteleTravel and Fora Travel have Facebook groups with thousands of LDS advisors supporting each other. It's like a virtual Relief Society for travel agents.
Q: Can I really get free Disney tickets?
A: Yes, but there's a catch. Once Disney Travel Agent certified, you can get deeply discounted or free tickets for educational purposes. You need to complete the training and book a certain amount of Disney trips first. Consider it a goal to work toward!
Q: What about tithing on commission income?
A: Treat it like any other income. Many LDS travel agents pay tithing on their gross commissions. It's a personal decision, but remember—this business can be a way to increase your tithes and offerings while doing something you love.
Q: How do I handle clients who want to book things that don't align with LDS values?
A: Most host agencies let you specialize in what you're comfortable with. If you don't want to book certain destinations or activities, you don't have to. Many LDS agents focus exclusively on family-friendly destinations.
Q: Will my husband and family be supportive?
A: Show them the numbers. When you start bringing in real income that pays for family trips, piano lessons, or date nights, they'll become your biggest cheerleaders. Some husbands even join the business!
Q: What if I fail?
A: What's the worst that happens? You're out $50 for a business license and some time. But what if you succeed? You gain financial independence, create amazing memories for families, and show your kids what's possible. Worth the risk, right?
Start Your Exciting Career Today
Stop overthinking it. The perfect time doesn't exist. Your kids will always need you. Your calling will always take time. Life will always be busy. But here's what I know: LDS moms are some of the most capable, organized, and service-oriented people on the planet. Those traits? They're literally the job description of a successful travel agent!
Pick one host agency. Join them today if it feels right! Trust your gut—it's probably the Spirit telling you this is your path!
The travel industry is exploding right now. Families are desperate for help planning vacations after years of being stuck at home. They want someone they trust, someone who gets their values, someone like you!
You've got this!
Now go change the world, one vacation at a time. And maybe use some of that commission to take your own family to Hawaii. You've earned it!
