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YOUR TRAVEL CONCEPTS TEAM

Chris celorier - sue drew - joy gerber - caryn cantrell - kelly short.

Travel Concepts has a tremendous reputation for quality and service. We partner with the leading travel technology companies in the world which allows us very competitive pricing for ALL of your travel needs. The Travel Concepts Team will help you discover exciting adventures around the world. From Family Vacations to  Adults-Only Vacations , Corporate Incentives, Group Travel , Luxury Cruises , Personalized Itineraries and Corporate and Business Travel throughout the world. Our mission is to make travel an unforgettable experience on all levels.  

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Here's how you start a profitable travel agency.

Embarking on the journey of starting a travel agency can be an exhilarating adventure for those with a love for exploration and a knack for planning unforgettable experiences.

Whether you're a seasoned travel professional aiming to establish your own brand or an enthusiastic globetrotter ready to transform your passion into a thriving business, launching a travel agency requires strategic foresight and commitment.

In this blog post, we'll navigate you through the crucial stages of opening a travel agency, from the early planning phase to the launch of your first curated journey.

How you should prepare to start a travel agency

Market research and concept, choose a concept.

Choosing a concept is one of the first steps in opening a travel agency because it will define the type of travel experiences you curate, the destinations you focus on, and the clientele you attract.

This decision will influence your branding, marketing strategies, partnerships, and the overall direction of your business. A well-defined concept can help your travel agency stand out in a crowded market and draw in travelers who are looking for specific types of experiences.

Think of your concept as the theme of the story your travel agency wants to tell. It's about deciding the narrative you want to weave through the trips and adventures you plan for your customers.

To assist you in choosing the right concept for your travel agency, we have summarized some of the most popular concepts in the table below.

Pick an audience

When launching a travel agency, it's crucial to tailor your services to the specific needs and preferences of your target audience.

For instance, if you're aiming to attract adventure-seeking millennials, you might focus on offering off-the-beaten-path travel experiences, eco-friendly accommodations, and social media-worthy destinations. You'd likely use online platforms and social media to engage with this tech-savvy group.

Conversely, if your ideal clients are retirees looking to explore the world at a more leisurely pace, your travel packages might include luxury cruises, guided tours, and cultural experiences with a high level of comfort and convenience. Your marketing efforts could be more traditional, perhaps through print media and community events.

Understanding your audience is essential because it shapes every aspect of your travel agency, from the travel packages you create to the marketing strategies you employ. It's similar to choosing a gift; you consider the recipient's interests and preferences to ensure they will appreciate it.

Moreover, a deep knowledge of your target market enables you to communicate with them more effectively. If you know who you're catering to, you can determine the best channels and messages to reach them. For example, targeting families might involve advertising in family-oriented publications or online forums.

In our business plan for a travel agency , we have identified various customer segments that could be pertinent to your venture.

To help you envision the potential clientele for your travel agency, we've compiled a summary of typical customer segments below.

Get familiar with the industry trends

As a travel agency, staying abreast of the latest trends in the travel industry is crucial for tailoring your offerings to the evolving preferences of travelers. By aligning your services with these trends, you can attract a broader clientele looking for experiences that resonate with current travel desires.

Trends in the travel industry can range from the types of destinations tourists are interested in, to the style of travel they prefer. For instance, there's a growing interest in sustainable and eco-friendly travel options, as well as personalized experiences that cater to individual interests.

Our business plan for a travel agency is updated biannually to include these new emerging trends, ensuring that you have the insights needed to create a thriving travel business.

For example, many travelers are now seeking immersive cultural experiences, preferring to live like a local rather than just visiting the typical tourist spots. There's also a rise in adventure tourism, where travelers are looking for active experiences like hiking, diving, or wildlife safaris.

Moreover, wellness tourism is on the rise, with travelers looking for trips that focus on their health and well-being, including spa retreats, yoga workshops, and fitness adventures.

With the digital age in full swing, offering virtual tours and augmented reality experiences can also set your agency apart, providing a taste of travel to those who can't physically go.

We have compiled a list of more trends in the table below.

However, there are also some declining trends.

Package tours with rigid itineraries are becoming less popular as travelers seek more flexibility and autonomy in their travel plans.

Additionally, destinations that are perceived as over-touristed or not environmentally conscious are seeing a decline in interest due to the growing awareness of sustainable travel.

Lastly, with the rise of digital and virtual experiences, traditional travel services that don't incorporate technology may find themselves less relevant in the current market.

Choosing the ideal location

Choosing the ideal location for your travel agency is a strategic decision that can significantly influence its success. This decision requires careful consideration of several key factors.

Understanding the local demographics is the first step. A travel agency should cater to the travel preferences and financial capabilities of the surrounding population. If the area has a high concentration of retirees, for example, you might focus on leisure and luxury cruises. In contrast, areas with young adventurers may require a focus on backpacking trips and adventure tourism.

Visibility and accessibility are crucial for a travel agency. A storefront in a high-traffic area, such as a shopping mall or a busy street with other retail businesses, can attract walk-in clients. Proximity to public transportation or main roads is also beneficial, as it makes your agency more accessible to clients who may be passing by.

While you want to avoid areas saturated with travel agencies, a certain level of competition indicates a demand for travel services. Being near complementary businesses, like bookstores or outdoor equipment shops, can also be advantageous as they attract a similar customer base.

Rent costs are a significant factor. Prime locations with high visibility often come with higher rents, so you should weigh the potential for increased client traffic against the overhead costs. A balance must be struck to ensure the rent is manageable based on your projected revenue.

Negotiating favorable lease terms can have a substantial impact on your travel agency's financial well-being. This could include securing a lease with renewal options, negotiating limits on rent increases, or obtaining a reduced rent period initially to offset startup costs.

Consider the growth potential of the neighborhood. Is the area developing in a way that could bring more clients to your agency? The possibility of expanding your premises in the future without relocating can be a significant advantage as your agency grows.

Market research and demographic analysis tools can offer valuable insights into the best locations for your travel agency. These tools can help pinpoint neighborhoods with an ideal customer base for your services.

The choice between a city center and a suburban area depends on your target market and business model. City centers typically offer higher foot traffic but come with steeper rents and increased competition. Suburban areas might provide a loyal local clientele with potentially lower rent but may require additional marketing efforts to establish your presence.

Being situated near event venues, convention centers, or corporate offices can provide a steady stream of potential clients, especially if your agency specializes in corporate travel or group bookings.

It's also important to understand local zoning laws, business regulations, and other legal requirements to ensure that your chosen location is suitable for a travel agency. Compliance with these regulations from the outset can prevent costly legal issues down the line.

Finally, assessing the long-term viability of a location is critical. Consider upcoming developments in the area that could impact your business, either positively by increasing foot traffic or negatively by introducing more competitors or raising rents.

Startup budget and expenses

Calculate how much you need to start.

On average, the initial capital needed to open a travel agency can vary significantly, ranging from as low as $5,000 to $20,000 for a home-based or online operation to $30,000 to $100,000 for a physical storefront in a well-trafficked area .

If you want to know the exact budget you will need for your own travel agency and also get a full detailed list of expenses, you can use the financial plan we have made, tailored to travel agencies . This excel file is actually very user-friendly and it will give you an instant and full detailed analysis of your future project.

The budget can vary the most due to the location of the travel agency. Prime locations in high-traffic areas tend to have higher rental costs, which can significantly increase startup expenses.

The size of the travel agency also plays a crucial role in determining the initial investment. A larger space not only increases rent but also may require more staff and marketing to attract clients, leading to higher operational costs.

The quality of technology and software is another significant factor. High-quality, reliable booking and customer management systems are expensive but can save money in the long run through efficiency and customer satisfaction. Conversely, starting with basic or lower-quality software can reduce initial costs but may lead to inefficiencies or a less professional service offering over time.

If the available capital is limited, it's still possible to open a travel agency, but careful planning and prioritization are crucial. The very minimum budget could be around $5,000 to $10,000 if you choose to operate online, minimize the size of your operation, use cost-effective software solutions, and manage much of the work yourself. This approach requires a hands-on strategy, focusing on a niche travel market to reduce complexity and costs.

To make the most of a limited budget, consider the following tips.

Identify all your expenses

The expenses when starting a travel agency include office space rental, licensing and permits, insurance, marketing and advertising, technology and software, staff training, establishing a customer base, and a reserve for unexpected expenses.

Office space is essential for a travel agency, and costs can vary greatly depending on location and size. On average, you might spend between $500 to $5,000 per month for rent. A well-located office can attract walk-in clients, but some agencies may opt for a home office or shared space to save on costs.

Licenses and permits are necessary for legal operation. Costs vary by location but typically range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. This includes business operation licenses and travel seller registration.

Insurance is critical to protect your business against liability, property damage, and other potential risks. Essential policies include general liability, property insurance, and errors and omissions (E&O) insurance, particularly important in the travel industry. Annual premiums can range from $500 to $3,000 or more, depending on your coverage levels and agency size.

Allocating funds for marketing and advertising is crucial for attracting customers. Initially, you might spend between $1,000 to $10,000 on marketing efforts, including social media advertising, traditional advertising, and creating a website. The amount can vary based on your strategy and the competitiveness of your market.

Investing in technology and software for booking systems, customer relationship management (CRM), and accounting software is important. Costs can range from $1,000 to $15,000, depending on the sophistication of the systems you choose. Subscription-based services may have ongoing monthly fees.

There are also training costs for staff and professional development. Setting aside $1,000 to $5,000 for initial training and ongoing professional development can help ensure high-quality service. This also includes any costs for obtaining or maintaining travel industry certifications.

Establishing a customer base is an ongoing expense that involves networking, partnerships, and customer acquisition strategies. Initial efforts can cost between $2,000 to $20,000. Developing relationships with reliable suppliers and considering commission structures can help manage costs.

Finally, setting aside a reserve for unexpected expenses or emergencies is crucial. A good rule of thumb is to have at least three to six months' worth of operating expenses saved. This can cover unforeseen issues, market changes, or shortfalls in cash flow.

Here is a summary table to make it easier to digest. For a full breakdown of expenses, please check our financial plan for travel agencies .

Business plan and financing

Make a solid business plan.

You have probably heard it already but, yes writing a business plan when opening a travel agency is crucial.

Why? Because a business plan serves as a roadmap for your venture, detailing your objectives, strategies to achieve them, and the potential obstacles you might encounter. A well-structured business plan is not only a tool for staying organized and on track but also critical if you're seeking funding from investors or financial institutions, as it shows the feasibility and future profitability of your travel agency.

The key components of a travel agency business plan include market analysis, financial planning, and operational strategy, among others. Market analysis is vital to understand your target market, their travel habits, and the competitive environment. It involves researching trends in the travel industry, pinpointing your main competitors, and discovering a niche or unique value proposition that distinguishes your travel agency from others.

Financial planning is another essential element. This section should detail your expected income, the cost of sales (including travel packages and partnerships with hotels and airlines), labor costs, and other operational expenses. It should also feature projections for profit and loss, cash flow, and a break-even analysis. Financial planning offers you and potential backers a transparent view of your travel agency's fiscal health and expansion prospects. You will find all of this in our financial plan for a travel agency .

While the structure of a travel agency business plan shares commonalities with other business plans, the focus on certain areas may vary.

For instance, a travel agency will emphasize product development (curating unique and attractive travel experiences), supplier relationships (negotiating deals with hotels, airlines, and tour operators), and location analysis (a visible and accessible office can be beneficial, although online presence is increasingly important). Additionally, demonstrating knowledge of travel regulations and the ability to provide exceptional customer service is crucial.

To succeed and create an effective travel agency business plan, you should conduct in-depth research and maintain realistic financial projections and capabilities. Engage with potential clients to understand their travel preferences, desires, and budget. Also, consider the scalability of your business model and how you might grow or diversify your services in the future.

In the case of a travel agency, particular attention should be given to establishing a strong brand identity and marketing strategy that connects with your intended audience. Emphasizing the exclusivity of your travel packages, the expertise of your staff, or the personalized experience you offer can set your agency apart in a competitive industry.

Success depends not only on the quality of your travel offerings but also on meticulous planning, understanding your market, managing finances prudently, and executing your operational strategy with precision.

Remember, a business plan is not a static document but a dynamic one that should be revisited and revised as your travel agency grows and adapts to the changing market.

Get financed

Concerned about how to finance your dream travel agency? There's no need to fret; a variety of financing options are available to help you get started.

Financing for a travel agency can come from multiple sources, including raising capital from investors, securing loans from banks or financial institutions, and obtaining grants or subsidies.

Each financing method has its own set of benefits and things to consider.

Raising capital means finding investors who will provide funds in exchange for equity in your travel agency. This is advantageous because it doesn't require immediate repayment like a loan does.

However, it also means parting with some ownership and possibly some control over your agency's operations.

For a travel agency, this could be a good strategy if you're looking to scale up quickly or if you need substantial initial capital for marketing campaigns or a strategic storefront location. To attract investors, you'll need a robust business plan that shows growth potential, profitability, and a deep understanding of the travel industry.

Another option is to take out a business loan.

This path allows you to maintain complete ownership of your agency but requires you to pay back the borrowed amount with interest. Loans can be used for a variety of purposes, such as securing office space, investing in technology and booking systems, or covering initial marketing expenses.

Banks often ask for a down payment or collateral, which might range from 15% to 25% of the loan amount. It's crucial to balance the proportion of your budget that comes from loans to avoid overwhelming your business with debt. Your travel agency's projected income should be sufficient to cover loan repayments while still allowing for operational costs and growth.

Grants or subsidies are another avenue, though they are less common.

These funds are typically provided by government bodies or non-profit organizations to support small businesses, particularly in niche markets or for innovative services. Grants do not need to be repaid, but they are competitive and often come with specific requirements.

For a travel agency, grants might not be the most reliable primary source of funding but could be used to complement other financing methods for certain initiatives or to adopt sustainable practices.

To effectively secure financing from lenders or investors for your travel agency, you must prove the viability and profitability of your business idea.

This involves crafting a comprehensive business plan that includes market analysis, a clear definition of your target market, detailed financial projections, and an effective marketing strategy. Your business plan should emphasize what makes your travel agency unique, such as specialized travel packages, exceptional customer service, or innovative technology use.

Lenders and investors will judge your travel agency based on criteria like your creditworthiness, industry experience, available collateral, and the strength of your business plan.

They will scrutinize the financial projections of your travel agency to determine if you can generate enough revenue to cover operating costs, repay debts, and turn a profit. Demonstrating a thorough grasp of the travel market, including trends, consumer behavior, and competitive analysis, will bolster your case.

Below is a summary table of the various financing options mentioned for opening a travel agency, along with their advantages, considerations, and potential uses:

Legal and administrative setup

Permits and licenses.

Starting a travel agency involves meticulous planning and compliance with various regulations and requirements to ensure the safety, satisfaction, and protection of your clients and your business.

The specific permits, licenses, industry regulations, inspection schedules, consequences of non-compliance, and insurance policies you'll need can differ based on your location, but there are common standards that are applicable in many regions.

First, you'll need to secure the necessary business permits and licenses.

This often includes a general business license from your city or county, and if you're selling travel insurance or other financial products, you may need a special license for that. For example, in the United States, selling travel insurance typically requires you to be licensed as a seller of travel insurance in the states where your clients reside. Additionally, if you're planning to offer travel packages, you might need to register as a seller of travel in certain states.

It's imperative to consult with your local government and industry-specific agencies to understand the precise requirements for your area.

Regarding industry regulations, travel agencies must comply with consumer protection laws and regulations that govern advertising, disclosures, and the handling of customer funds. This includes being transparent about the terms and conditions of travel packages, accurately representing services, and providing refunds or alternatives if services are not delivered as promised.

Inspections are not typically a part of travel agency regulations, but audits and reviews can be conducted by industry associations or licensing bodies to ensure compliance. The frequency and nature of these reviews can vary, but they are generally less frequent than health inspections for food establishments.

Non-compliance with industry regulations can lead to penalties ranging from fines to revocation of your license or registration, and in severe cases, legal action. It's crucial to understand and adhere to these regulations to maintain a reputable and lawful business.

Insurance is a vital component of safeguarding your travel agency. At the very least, you'll need professional liability insurance (also known as errors and omissions insurance) to cover mistakes or negligence in your services that could lead to client claims.

General liability insurance is also important to protect against accidents or injuries that may occur in your office. If you have employees, you'll likely need workers' compensation insurance to cover any work-related injuries or illnesses. Additionally, considering a commercial property insurance policy is advisable if you own or lease physical office space.

Furthermore, given the nature of the travel industry, you might also want to look into specific travel agency insurance policies that can cover risks like trip cancellations, supplier defaults, and other travel-related contingencies that could affect your clients and, by extension, your business.

Business Structure

The three common structures for opening a travel agency are LLC (Limited Liability Company), partnership, and sole proprietorship. Each has their unique features and implications for your business.

Please note that we are not legal experts (we specialize in business and financial planning) and that your choice should be based on how much risk you're willing to accept, how you prefer to handle taxes, and your plans for growing and possibly selling your travel agency.

In simple terms, a sole proprietorship is simple and straightforward but carries personal liability. A partnership allows for shared responsibility but requires clear agreements to manage risks. An LLC offers a balance of protection and flexibility, making it a strong option for many businesses looking to scale.

Consider your long-term goals, and consult with a financial advisor or attorney to make the best choice for your travel agency.

We’ll make it easier for you, here is a summary table.

Getting started to start a travel agency

Offer development, design and lay out.

Designing and laying out your travel agency for operational efficiency and an enhanced customer experience requires thoughtful consideration and strategic planning.

Let's explore how you can achieve this, focusing on customer engagement, balancing technology with budget, and ensuring privacy and security.

Firstly, envisioning customer engagement is crucial.

Your travel agency's design should welcome customers into a space that inspires travel. From the entrance, guide them through an area that showcases stunning travel imagery and interactive displays. The layout should encourage customers to explore different destinations, with staff positioned to provide information and assistance as needed. Place your most enticing travel packages and offers in areas where customers are likely to pause, such as near seating or refreshment areas.

This setup not only highlights your best offers but also encourages customers to consider additional travel options as they move through the agency.

Regarding the design to facilitate this engagement, consider the layout's ambiance and accessibility.

Open spaces, clear signage, and a logical arrangement of the environment promote easy movement and a sense of adventure. The consultation area should be clearly marked and designed to be inviting, with comfortable seating and privacy screens to ensure confidential discussions. If your travel agency includes a waiting area, ensure it's equipped with engaging travel literature and refreshments to keep customers comfortable and engaged while they wait.

Balancing the need for advanced technology with budget constraints is another challenge.

Start by prioritizing essential technology that directly impacts the customer experience, such as high-resolution displays for showcasing destinations and user-friendly booking systems. These are worth investing in because they are the core of your travel agency's operations. For other items, consider cost-effective solutions like cloud-based software for managing bookings and customer relationships, which can reduce the need for expensive on-site servers.

Additionally, plan for technology that offers scalability and efficiency, like integrated CRM systems or virtual reality experiences, to get the most value for your investment.

Privacy and security in the travel agency layout are paramount. Your design must include private consultation areas where customers can discuss travel plans and personal information without being overheard. Secure storage for sensitive documents and a reliable network security system are essential to protect both customer data and your business.

Specific protocols for handling personal information, secure payment processing, and data storage are crucial for privacy and compliance. Implement a system that ensures all customer information is handled confidentially and stored securely, with access restricted to authorized personnel only.

Train your staff thoroughly in privacy practices, emphasizing the importance of discretion, secure logins, and the proper handling of payment information.

Regularly review and update these protocols to comply with local privacy regulations and best practices.

Craft your offer

Your travel packages and services will be the cornerstone of your travel agency's success (or the reason for its struggles).

To begin, understand the preferences and needs of your target market through direct engagement, such as customer interviews and feedback forms, and indirect research, like analyzing travel trends and studying what successful competitors are offering.

Once you have a clear understanding of your target market's travel desires, you can start to design travel packages that not only meet their needs but also offer something unique.

Incorporating local experiences and off-the-beaten-path destinations into your travel packages is an excellent way to differentiate your offerings and promote sustainable tourism.

This strategy not only supports local communities and minimizes the environmental impact of travel but also ensures that your clients have authentic and memorable experiences. Forge relationships with local tour operators and accommodation providers to understand what unique experiences you can offer throughout the year. This knowledge allows you to plan your travel packages with seasonal activities, offering exclusive experiences that can attract travelers looking for something beyond the typical tourist spots. Seasonal travel packages also create excitement among your clients, as they anticipate new and unique adventures.

To ensure your travel packages are competitive, focus on exclusivity and quality.

This can be achieved by offering bespoke itineraries that cater to niche interests, such as culinary tours, adventure sports, or cultural immersion trips. Sharing the story behind each destination, like its history, culture, or ecological significance, can also add depth to your travel packages.

Ensuring consistency and quality in your travel services involves setting high standards and clear processes.

This can include detailed itineraries with reliable accommodations and transport, thorough training for your travel consultants, and regular checks on customer satisfaction. Consistency is crucial for building trust with your clients, as they will know exactly what to expect when they book a trip with your agency. Invest in partnerships with reputable service providers and don't hesitate to refine your travel packages based on feedback and new opportunities.

Utilizing customer feedback is vital for the ongoing enhancement and development of your travel offerings. Create channels for feedback, such as online reviews, surveys, and social media interactions, to understand what your clients appreciate and where there might be opportunities for improvement.

Be receptive to constructive criticism and ready to adapt based on customer insights. This not only aids in refining your travel packages but also demonstrates to your clients that you value their feedback, encouraging loyalty and repeat business.

Determinate the right pricing

When opening a travel agency, it's crucial to establish a pricing strategy that balances profitability with customer satisfaction. Here's a methodical approach to setting your prices effectively.

Firstly, you must understand your costs thoroughly, which include staff salaries, office expenses, marketing, software systems for booking and customer management, and any other costs associated with providing travel services.

Ensuring your prices cover these costs is fundamental to your agency's profitability.

Next, analyze your competition and the broader travel market to gauge the going rates for similar travel packages and services. While you don't need to mirror these prices, this research provides a valuable reference point.

Understanding the price sensitivity and preferences of your target market is also essential. Gather insights through customer feedback, surveys, or by experimenting with different price points and observing the effect on sales. This will help you find the sweet spot where customers feel they're getting good value without being overcharged.

Psychological pricing strategies can be effective in the travel industry as well.

Charm pricing, such as offering a trip at $999 instead of $1000, can create the illusion of a better deal. This tactic might be particularly useful for budget travel deals or special promotions.

However, you should apply this strategy carefully to maintain the perceived value of your travel packages.

The perceived value is crucial in the travel business.

Enhancing this perception can be achieved by providing exceptional customer service, creating exclusive travel experiences, and ensuring a strong brand presence. For instance, curating unique travel itineraries or providing personalized services can justify higher prices because customers perceive they are receiving more value for their money.

Seasonal pricing strategies can optimize sales by promoting travel packages during peak seasons or offering off-season discounts to stimulate demand.

For example, you might offer early bird specials for summer vacations or exclusive deals for winter getaways to encourage bookings during typically slower periods.

When introducing new travel services, introductory pricing, such as special launch offers or package deals, can entice customers to try them out. Once these services gain popularity, you can adjust the prices based on demand and cost factors.

For online bookings versus in-person consultations, consider the different costs and customer expectations. Online pricing may need to reflect convenience fees or service charges, which could be included in the package price or listed separately. Offering online-exclusive promotions can also drive bookings through your digital platform.

Lastly, the psychological impact of discounting travel services should be considered carefully. While promotions can increase bookings and attract new customers, too much discounting can harm your brand's image and lead to a perception of lower quality. Use discounts strategically, such as for last-minute bookings to fill up unsold inventory, without setting a precedent for constant price reductions.

Manage relationships with your suppliers

Poor relationships with suppliers could jeopardize your travel agency's ability to provide exceptional experiences for your clients.

On the contrary, nurturing strong partnerships with suppliers such as hotels, airlines, and tour operators will ensure access to high-quality travel options and exclusive deals.

Regular communication, prompt payments, and showing appreciation for their products and services can build loyalty and dependability. Be clear about your client's needs and expectations, and whenever possible, experience their services firsthand. This deepens your understanding of their offerings and potential issues, enabling you to collaborate more effectively.

Additionally, consider long-term contracts with key suppliers to secure competitive rates and guarantee availability, but also maintain a network of alternative providers to mitigate risks of unavailability or price surges.

For managing travel packages, inventory management techniques such as dynamic pricing are essential. This approach allows you to adjust prices based on demand and supply, maximizing profits. Regularly monitor booking trends to adjust offerings according to market demand, avoiding overcapacity and maximizing revenue. Implementing a real-time booking system can also be effective, where travel options are sourced and confirmed as needed, though this requires accurate market forecasting.

Technology can significantly improve package management and enhance customer satisfaction in a travel agency.

Implementing a booking management system that integrates with customer relationship management (CRM) systems allows for real-time tracking of reservations and client preferences. This technology can help predict trends more accurately, streamline booking processes, and identify opportunities that can inform package development and promotional strategies.

Additionally, digital tools can facilitate better communication with suppliers, enabling more efficient booking adjustments and collaboration.

Scaling travel agency operations presents challenges such as maintaining service quality, managing increased costs, and ensuring customer satisfaction. Address these challenges by standardizing service protocols, training staff thoroughly, and investing in technology that can increase efficiency without compromising the travel experience.

Scaling up also means more bookings, so negotiate pricing with suppliers for volume deals without sacrificing service quality. Customer satisfaction becomes even more critical as operations grow, requiring consistent delivery of promised travel experiences and more frequent customer feedback collection.

Implementing effective cost control measures involves scrutinizing every aspect of sourcing and providing travel services and packages. Regularly review and negotiate with suppliers to ensure you're getting the best rates without compromising service quality.

Also, consider alternative travel options that may offer cost savings or unique experiences. Utilize technology to track and analyze costs, client feedback, and booking patterns to identify areas for improvement. Reducing unnecessary expenses not only cuts costs but also allows you to offer competitive pricing, appealing to budget-conscious travelers.

Hire the right people

When starting a travel agency, you should be strategic about your hiring process, especially if you're working with a limited budget. Initially, you'll need a core team that can handle travel planning, customer service, and business management.

For travel planning, experienced travel agents are essential. They should have a deep knowledge of travel destinations, booking processes, and itinerary planning. A senior travel agent or travel consultant with a strong background in creating customized travel experiences can be a valuable asset to set the standard for your service offerings.

Customer service representatives are crucial for handling client inquiries, bookings, and providing support before, during, and after trips. They should be excellent communicators with a passion for travel and helping others.

For management, you'll need someone who can oversee the agency's operations, manage staff, and handle administrative tasks such as marketing, financial planning, and ensuring compliance with travel industry regulations.

As your travel agency grows, you might consider hiring specialized roles such as marketing experts, IT support for your booking systems, and additional administrative staff. Outsourcing can also be a strategic move for roles like accounting and web development, allowing you to focus on your core business while utilizing external expertise.

When hiring, prioritize candidates with a mix of industry knowledge, experience, and a passion for travel. For travel agents, look for certifications from recognized travel institutions and hands-on experience in the travel industry. Customer service skills are essential for front-line staff, along with the ability to work efficiently under pressure. For managerial roles, seek candidates with experience in travel agency management, a strong understanding of business operations, and leadership qualities.

To ensure a good fit for your travel agency's culture and demands, consider practical assessments such as role-playing customer service scenarios or testing travel destination knowledge during the hiring process.

Look for candidates who demonstrate a genuine passion for travel, customer service, and the ability to adapt to the dynamic nature of the travel industry.

Finding the right candidates can be challenging. Utilize travel industry networks, job boards, social media platforms, and attend travel trade shows to reach potential candidates. Offering internships or apprenticeships can also be a way to connect with emerging talent from travel and tourism programs.

Here is a summary table of the different job positions for your travel agency, and the average gross salary in USD.

Running the operations of your travel agency

Daily operations.

Running a travel agency smoothly requires organization, efficiency, and a keen understanding of your clients' needs. By adopting the right tools and practices, you can ensure a seamless operation and provide exceptional travel experiences.

Firstly, a robust Travel Agency Management System (TAMS) is essential. Look for a system that integrates itinerary planning, booking, customer relationship management (CRM), and financial tracking.

This integration allows you to handle bookings in real-time, maintain client profiles with their travel preferences and history, and manage your finances effectively. Many TAMS platforms also support communication with clients through automated emails and reminders, which can enhance the customer service experience.

For itinerary management, choose software that allows you to create personalized itineraries quickly. The best systems enable you to collaborate with clients and make adjustments on the fly, ensuring their needs are met precisely.

Effective supplier relationship management is also key in the travel industry. Establish clear communication channels with your partners, such as hotels, airlines, and tour operators. Set expectations for response times, service quality, and payment terms. A strong network of reliable suppliers can provide you with competitive rates and availability, giving you an edge in the market.

Investing in your team's well-being and professional development is crucial. Provide regular training on the latest travel trends, destinations, and technology tools. Set clear goals and expectations, and offer constructive feedback. Recognize and reward excellent performance to maintain high morale and encourage a culture of excellence.

Creating memorable travel experiences starts with understanding your clients' desires. Train your staff to be attentive and proactive. Encourage them to build rapport with clients, remembering their past travel experiences and preferences to offer tailored recommendations.

Maintaining a professional and welcoming office environment, with up-to-date travel brochures and a comfortable consultation area, can also enhance the client experience.

Develop customer service policies that reflect the unique nature of travel planning. This might include flexible booking options, transparent cancellation policies, and a commitment to support clients before, during, and after their trips.

Encourage clients to provide feedback through your website, email surveys, or social media. Respond to feedback promptly and constructively, showing that you value their opinions and are dedicated to continuous improvement.

When handling complaints, listen empathetically and offer practical solutions. Whether it's rebooking a flight or providing future travel credits, show your commitment to resolving issues. Turning a challenging situation into a positive outcome can often result in a loyal client who trusts your agency to handle their travel needs.

Revenues and Margins

Know how much you can make.

Understanding the financial workings of a travel agency is crucial for success in the industry.

We have an in-depth article on the profitability of travel agencies that provides extensive details. Below, we'll summarize some key points.

One important metric for travel agencies is the average booking value, which represents the average amount a customer spends on a single travel booking.

The average booking value can vary greatly depending on the type of travel agency and its market focus. For luxury travel agencies, which cater to high-end clients seeking exclusive experiences, the average booking value could be quite high, perhaps between $5,000 and $20,000 .

Conversely, a standard retail travel agency that offers a wide range of travel options to the general public might see a lower average booking value, potentially between $500 and $3,000 .

Niche travel agencies, which specialize in certain types of travel like adventure tours or eco-tourism, might have varying booking values based on the uniqueness and demand for their offerings. We could estimate an average booking value between $1,000 and $5,000 .

When it comes to revenue, this too will differ. You can estimate your travel agency's revenue accurately with our financial plan tailored for travel agencies .

Urban travel agencies might see monthly revenues ranging from $10,000 to over $500,000 , leading to annual revenues between $120,000 and $6 million .

Rural travel agencies may have lower revenue expectations due to a smaller customer base, with annual revenues often between $50,000 and $300,000 .

Startup travel agencies typically experience lower revenues as they work to establish a customer base and brand presence. Initial monthly revenues might not exceed $5,000.

Established travel agencies benefit from repeat business and referrals, which can lead to higher and more consistent revenues.

Luxury travel agencies, while potentially earning higher commissions per booking, may have a smaller customer base due to the exclusive nature of their services. Annual revenues for such agencies might not typically exceed $2 million .

Franchise travel agencies can often achieve higher revenues due to strong brand recognition and marketing support, with annual revenues ranging from $200,000 to $1 million .

Revenue for niche travel agencies is heavily dependent on the popularity and demand for their specialized services, making it challenging to provide an average range.

Travel agencies don't just earn money from booking trips. They have a variety of revenue streams available to them.

If you're looking for inspiration, here's a table that outlines many different ways a travel agency can generate income.

Understand your margins

As with any business, understanding the difference between revenue and profit is crucial for a travel agency. Before we can determine the actual earnings at the end of the year, we must consider the expenses and margins of the travel agency.

Let's delve into the gross and net margins, which are key indicators of a travel agency's profitability.

To calculate your own margins and get a precise figure for your potential profit, you can adjust the assumptions in our financial model designed for travel agencies .

The typical range of gross margins for travel agencies can vary, often ranging from 10% to 30%.

Gross margin is calculated by subtracting the cost of goods sold (COGS), which for a travel agency includes direct costs such as payments to tour operators, airlines, and hotels, from the revenue generated from the sales of travel packages, then dividing this number by the revenue, and finally, multiplying by 100 to get a percentage.

Net margins, however, account for not just the COGS but also all other expenses a travel agency incurs, such as office rent, utilities, marketing expenses, administrative costs, and taxes. This figure is obtained by subtracting all operating expenses from the gross profit.

Net margins offer a more complete view of a travel agency's profitability and are typically lower than gross margins, with industry averages often ranging from 2% to 8%, reflecting the tighter profitability after all costs are considered.

Different types of travel agencies—online, boutique, and full-service—can have varying profit margins due to differences in their business models, operational scale, and target markets. Here is a table to illustrate this.

Margins in a travel agency are significantly influenced by factors such as service mix, pricing strategy, and scale of operations.

A diverse service mix can attract a wider customer base but may also increase complexity and costs. Pricing strategy is critical; prices must be competitive yet sufficient to cover costs and generate profit. Scale of operations can affect cost efficiencies, with larger agencies often benefiting from lower per-unit costs due to higher volume.

Ongoing expenses that impact travel agency margins include payments to service providers, staff salaries, office rent, and marketing costs. Fluctuations in travel demand can affect gross margins. Labor is another significant expense, especially for agencies that provide personalized services. Rent can vary widely by location, and marketing is essential for customer acquisition and retention.

Agencies focusing on niche markets like luxury or adventure travel may see different margin dynamics compared to those with a broader service range. While niche agencies can charge premium prices, they also face higher operational costs and potentially limited market size, impacting the overall margin.

External factors such as economic conditions, travel trends, and seasonality also play a crucial role in travel agency margins. Economic downturns can reduce consumer spending on travel, while peak seasons can significantly boost sales. Staying current with travel trends and adapting service offerings accordingly can help manage these fluctuations.

The challenge of maintaining healthy margins in the face of rising operational costs and intense competition is significant. Travel agencies can mitigate these challenges through efficient cost management, strategic pricing, optimizing operations, and investing in technology for productivity improvements.

Regularly tracking and analyzing financial performance, including gross and net margins, is vital for ensuring the financial health and sustainability of a travel agency (and you can do all of that with our financial model specifically for travel agencies ).

Implement a strong marketing strategy

Marketing for a travel agency can be as exciting as the destinations you're promoting. We understand that you'll be focused on creating unforgettable travel experiences for your clients, so we'll keep our marketing advice straightforward and impactful, just like the strategy we've detailed in our business plan for a travel agency .

Building a brand for your travel agency is essential. Your brand is the identity that customers connect with and remember. It's more than just your logo or the images you use; it's the promise of adventure, relaxation, and memories that you deliver. Your brand should encapsulate the essence of your travel services, whether that's luxury getaways, eco-tours, or family-friendly vacations. A strong brand will help you stand out in the competitive travel market and cultivate a dedicated clientele.

Begin your marketing plan by identifying your target audience. Who are your ideal clients? What do they seek in their travels? Are they after exotic adventures, cultural immersion, budget-friendly trips, or high-end luxury experiences? Knowing your audience will shape your branding and marketing efforts.

For promotion, social media and online marketing are invaluable for travel agencies. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest are ideal for showcasing stunning travel destinations and sharing customer testimonials.

Engage your audience with travel tips, destination highlights, and interactive content like polls or quizzes about their dream vacations. Share stories and photos from happy clients to illustrate the amazing experiences your agency provides.

Content strategies that resonate with travel agencies include highlighting unique travel packages, sharing travel guides for different destinations, and promoting special deals or seasonal trips. Collaborating with travel influencers or local businesses in the tourism industry can also increase your visibility.

Not every marketing tactic will suit your travel agency. For instance, if your focus is on luxury travel, budget travel forums are not the right place for your marketing efforts. Similarly, if you specialize in cruises, content about backpacking adventures might not align with your brand.

Even with a modest budget, there are clever ways to attract new clients.

First, consider attending travel expos or local community events to showcase your services. This can lead to direct bookings and enhance your agency's profile.

You can also offer travel webinars or information sessions to share your expertise and entice potential customers.

Forming partnerships with local businesses, like upscale restaurants or retail stores, can help you reach a broader audience.

Implementing a referral program can motivate your existing clients to recommend your agency to others. Simple incentives or discounts on future travel can be very effective.

Lastly, never underestimate the power of word-of-mouth marketing. Encourage your satisfied travelers to share their experiences and offer them perks for bringing new clients to your door.

Grow and expand

We want you to thrive with your travel agency. We trust that the insights provided here will aid you in reaching new heights.

Imagine you're at the helm of a flourishing travel agency, with robust margins and a strong cash flow. Now is the moment to contemplate how to scale and broaden your enterprise.

There's always potential for greater success, and we're here to show you the path to attain it.

Also, please note that there is a 5-year development plan tailored for a travel agency in our business plan template .

Successful travel agency owners often exhibit qualities like resilience, adaptability, a profound knowledge of the travel industry, and the ability to connect with and understand their clientele. These attributes are essential as they steer the growth of their business.

Before expanding a travel agency's service offerings, consider the existing market demand, the compatibility of new services with your current portfolio, and how these additions will impact your operations.

Market research is critical in this decision-making process. By examining customer preferences, travel trends, and the success of similar services in the market, you can make informed choices that are in line with your agency's capabilities and customer expectations.

Evaluating the success of current operations involves analyzing sales trends, customer feedback, and operational efficiency. If your agency consistently hits or surpasses sales targets, receives positive feedback, and operates efficiently, it might be ripe for expansion.

Opening additional branches should be grounded in solid evidence of demand, a deep understanding of the target market, and the financial robustness of your current operation.

Franchising can be a way to expand with lower capital risk, tapping into the entrepreneurial spirit of franchisees. However, it demands a strong brand, proven operational systems, and the capacity to support franchisees. Opening owned branches gives more control over operations and customer experience but requires more capital and direct management. Each model has its pros and cons, and the choice depends on your business objectives, resources, and preferred growth strategy.

Digital channels, including online booking platforms and social media marketing, can significantly increase a travel agency's reach and sales. Establishing an online presence allows you to cater to clients beyond your immediate geographic location, adapting to the increasing demand for digital convenience.

This strategy necessitates an understanding of digital marketing, logistics for travel arrangements, and maintaining service quality.

Branding is vital as it sets your travel agency apart in a competitive market. A strong, consistent brand identity across all branches and platforms can enhance customer loyalty and attract new business. Strengthen your brand by ensuring that every customer interaction reflects your agency's values, professionalism, and quality.

Maintaining consistency across multiple branches is challenging but crucial. This can be achieved through detailed operational manuals, training programs, and quality control systems.

Regular visits and audits, along with fostering a strong, shared culture, help ensure each branch upholds the standards that contributed to your original location's success.

Financial metrics and business benchmarks indicating readiness for expansion include consistent profitability, a strong cash flow, and meeting or exceeding sales projections over a significant period.

Additionally, having a scalable business model and the operational capacity to support growth is essential.

Partnerships with other businesses and participation in travel expos can introduce your agency to new customers and markets. These opportunities allow for creative collaboration, community engagement, and brand visibility, contributing to your agency's growth.

Scaling services to meet increased demand involves logistical considerations such as technology upgrades, efficient staff management, and possibly expanding your office space. Ensuring that your team can handle the increased volume without sacrificing service quality is key.

Finally, it's crucial that your expansion efforts remain aligned with your travel agency's core values and long-term objectives. Growth should not compromise the essence of what made your agency successful in the first place.

Regularly revisiting your business plan and values can help ensure that your expansion strategies are in harmony with your vision and mission, preserving the core of your travel agency as it grows.

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About Travel Concepts

In Hawaiian culture, the pineapple symbolizes  welcome, happiness, and the relaxed hospitality that the islands are well known for. At Travel Concepts, we strive to keep that pineapple state of mind in all we do.

Travel Concepts, Inc. is a private, woman-owned travel consulting and management company located in Kansas City.   We opened our doors to clients in 1996 with the collective belief that exceeding clients’ expectations and designing bucket list worthy travel packages would be our number one priority as individuals and as a team.  We serve our clients with undeniable integrity and offer elite levels of personal service to each and every customer.

Travel Concepts KC is a recognized brand and name within the travel industry for the last 26 years. We approach our clients with the heart to serve, with passion, creativity and out-of-the-box thinking.  These facets, along with the focused effort of hiring associates whose areas of expertise complement one another, have led to a prestigious reputation among top leaders in our industry.

Our claim to fame and one of our proudest accomplishments is inventing the Celebra-cation® (both the word and the experience!) A Celebra-cation ® is a period of time when an individual or family goes on a dream vacation with the purpose of celebrating a particular day or event!   One of our biggest pleasures is designing a luxury and inclusive experience for our clients that will allow them to fully celebrate the most important life events through a vacation that we have curated to meet their wildest dreams!  

We are proud members of Travel Leaders, ASTA and IATAN. 

Our mission is simple and it is our goal that you feel it through every touchpoint with Travel Concepts: we are passionate about our clients, their dreams and their travel experiences.  We pride ourselves on being customer service experts who anticipate our clients’ every need to deliver streamlined and perfected travel experiences. 

If you can dream it, we can take you there!

Why Travel Concepts?

Accredited/full-service travel agency

Extensive product and destination experience , unmatched knowledge of the industry, professional specialists attentive to your unique needs, ability to tailor luxury adventures to your personal budget, complete management of your trip from start to finish, passionate about providing a memorable experience, spectacular customer service, meet the travel concepts team.

Travel Concepts has expanded our team to include 10+ Travel Specialists throughout the United States.  With over 70 combined years in the travel industry, we possess unmatched destination and product knowledge that we deliver to our customers through elite and over-the-top customer service.

As industry leaders, the team at Travel Concepts is committed to designing and delivering opulent and innovative concepts, destinations and experiences.  We hold expert certification with numerous destinations and resort partners globally and we take great satisfaction in building and maintaining solid relationships with our partners worldwide.

At Travel Concepts, our job does not stop after the booking process.  No matter where you are traveling, we are by your side virtually as you take off or set sail until the moment that you arrive home safely.  We are with you through every step to help you through any unforeseen travel situations that you may need assistance navigating.  You are our number one priority from consultation through the completion of your trip.  As your personal travel concierge, we remain at your side with white-glove service!

Denise Canon

I believe to my core that it is a beautiful thing when career and passion come together.  That is just what happened for me when I officially opened the doors to Travel Concepts in April of 1996.  As the President and CEO, I manage and oversee the general operations of the company, maintain impeccable relationships with our partners and vendors and mentor our immediate team of two, as well as a group of ten independent sales associates. As the heartbeat of Travel Concepts, it is my first priority to make sure the individuals around me, both employees and clients, are well-served and satisfied.

One of the biggest joys of Travel Concepts is our Celebra-cation ® , an experience (and word!) that we proudly invented! My favorite part of working with clients is designing this unique experience together.  I picture it like a blurry canvas at the start, but after an initial consultation where the client shares their anticipated travel dreams and experiences, the entire trip starts to come into focus.  We work together through proposals and design plans until their dream trip develops into the beautiful and brilliant experience that they have been anticipating.  I love facilitating this process and watching clients light up with excitement around the trips of their dreams.

It is our goal at Travel Concepts to exceed our clients’ every expectation, no matter their destination.  We are there every step of the way from the initial consultation, to planning and prepping, to navigating hiccups or unexpected travel situations.  Until they land home safely from their trip, we are virtually by their side.  Our loyalty is unmatched and this is why Travel Concepts has become a recognizable brand within the travel industry during the last 26 years.

What I love most about Travel Concepts is that what once was my dream is now a reality.  I have always possessed an entrepreneurial spirit and a desire to travel. To be able to merge these two ideas together into a career that I love, while having the opportunity to make a difference for my clients, employees and independent travel associates is my dream come true. When you meet me, you will know that I live by the Golden Rule of treating others how I wish to be treated, and everyone who crosses my path is treated with kindness and compassion.

Outside of work, I live in Lenexa, KS with my husband of 34 years.  I love travel, whether it is exploring familiar places and spaces or discovering new destinations. I enjoy unique culinary experiences and I’m a wine enthusiast at heart!  You can find me gardening, exercising and cultivating the positive energy that comes from both of those activities.  My husband and I have been blessed with three children and three grandchildren that we are so grateful to have in our lives.

Get to know Denise:

• Your superpower: Positivity and Partnerships/Relationships
• Zodiac sign: Pisces
• The most inspiring part of your job: Making a difference for our customers and designing amazing Celebra-cations® !
• One destination that everyone should travel: French Polynesia: Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, Huahine
• Favorite snack: Ruffles Sour Cream Cheddar Chips
• On my days off, you’ll find me: Gardening and sharing time with my family
• I’ve never: been sky-diving!
• My go-to karaoke song is: Dancing Queen by ABBA
• If I could live inside a movie, it would be: The Secret: Law of Attraction/Manifestation

Ashley Jessee

General Manager

I have been with Travel Concepts for five years as the General Manager of the company.  I have the honor of being Denise’s right-hand girl, booking trips, managing our groups and helping to run the company day-to-day.  Honestly, whatever needs to be done to serve our clients and help our team move forward collectively, I jump in and do it!

My favorite part of my job is helping to make people’s travel dreams come true.  It’s the absolute best not only when someone is so excited for a trip that we have helped them plan, but when they come back having experienced the greatness that is out there in the world.  When clients take a Travel Concepts Celebra-cation ™ and literally have the time of their lives, THAT is the feeling that brings passion to my job for me!

I understand that no single approach to travel is right for everyone and I will always work and plan with the client’s individual needs as my focus.  I am an organized leader with strong problem solving skills, and it is my number one priority to assure that our Travel Concepts clients are happily served the vacation that they are dreaming to take.

Outside of work, I am a wife of eight years, as well as a mom to a beautiful little girl!  My husband and I love to golf together, hang out with our little one, and of course, travel as much as possible!  If our destination has champagne and tacos, we are happy!

Get to know Ashley:

• Your superpower: being a mommy! (trust me, it’s a superpower!)
• Zodiac sign: Gemini
• The most inspiring part of your job: creating dream trips!
• One destination that everyone should travel: Greece
• Favorite snack: a tie between chips and french fries
• On my days off, you’ll find me: golfing and going to Target
• I’ve never: gotten a tattoo
• My go-to karaoke song is: anything by Shania Twain
• If I could live inside a movie, it would be: any Hallmark Christmas movie

Annika Linin

Rock Star Administrative Assistant

I have worked at Travel Concepts since the summer of 2021 as Denise and Ashley’s Rockstar Administrative Assistant!  (Yes, that’s my official job title!)  I love working at Travel Concepts because the three of us make an amazing, efficient team.

While I don’t work directly with clients through my job, I do have the privilege of preparing client proposals and arranging cool tours and trips for them to enjoy!  I am passionate about what I do because I am a hard worker who has always loved helping people.  It’s a great feeling to know that I get to play a part in someone’s Celebra-cation ®   that they will remember forever!  I also love running the Travel Concepts social media pages where you can find a lot of great info and fun content from all of us!

If we ever have the chance to meet, you will see that I am honest, loyal, motivated and efficient.  Outside of working at Travel Concepts, I attend school at Mid-America Nazarene University and I’m an Elementary Education major.  When I am not working or taking classes, I love to watch movies, listen to music and spend time with my friends!

Get to know Annika:

• Your superpower: I’m a child whisperer!
• Zodiac sign: Aries
• The most inspiring part of your job: getting to work with an amazing team that encourages and supports me!
• One destination that everyone should travel: Los Cabos
• Favorite snack: french fries and ranch dressing
• On my days off, you’ll find me: hanging out with friends and family
• I’ve never: been to Las Vegas
• My go-to karaoke song is: You Belong with Me by Taylor Swift
• If I could live inside a movie, it would be: Encanto so that I could have magical powers!

Kelsi Kernicky

Rock Star Executive Assistant

I started with Travel Concepts in April this year and to say I haven’t loved every minute of it would be an understatement! My favorite thing about my role as the Rock Star Executive Assistant is being able to take your dreams and turn them into your dream Celebra-cation®! I love that I get to research the countless destinations clients can travel to and that I have the opportunity to curate experiences tailor-made for you! Knowing that each of our travelers is going to have the best time is satisfaction enough.

A fun fact about me is that I am a state-licensed Esthetician. I enjoy doing makeup for friends in my free time. Makeup is about expression, and I love helping others do that. I am at the core a mother to the sweetest, most kindhearted beautiful girl! We enjoy coffee dates and going to the library together. I have found myself getting lost in quite a few really great books recently. Outside of work, I love spending time with my family, especially my sister and niece, and soon-to-be nephew! Target and Scheels are a couple of places you will find us most frequently. I love mom and auntie life and being able to spoil the babies.

Get to know Kelsi:

• Your superpower: Organizing and being able to fold fitted sheets, yes it can be done!
• The most inspiring part of your job: Finalizing documents knowing our clients are going to have an unforgettable Celebra-cation®
• One destination that everyone should travel: The Maldives of course!
• Favorite snack: chips and dip, any type of chip/dip combo
• On my days off, you’ll find me: Trying a new coffee place! My favorite though is still Blackdog Coffee!
• I’ve never: Tried sushi
• My go-to karaoke song is: Say You Won’t Let Go by James Arthur
• If I could live inside a movie, it would be: The Great Gatsby

Let's start planning...

Business Travel

Incentives, meetings, and events- Travel Concepts can make planning easy and straightforward.

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Leave the hard work to us and enjoy time with your special someone.

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Stress-free honeymoon travel planning to a variety of destinations.

Destination Weddings

White glove treatment from our destination wedding specialists.

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Family, friends, reunions, clubs, colleagues, groups, and more can book with Travel Concepts.

5-Star consultative approach to all travel

Key Alliances and Accreditations allow us to offer guaranteed lowest pricing in the industry

Resorts & Hotels

An array of options offered to meet your wants and needs.

Testimonials

Just wanted to say how great Patricia and Marlena were at helping me get my daughter booked on a flight. Under time constraints and already looking into flights myself I called Global Concepts. Patricia and Marlena both started working to find the perfect flight to get my daughter to New Orleans for an audition. They even stayed after hours to get it done. Such wonderful and caring people. Thank you Patricia and Marlena. Global Concepts should consider themselves very fortunate to have you two working with them. I know I'm very lucky you both were there for me and my daughter. Thanks again, Kathy

I’m in love with this company

My representative Jasmine Nealy was an excellent help.She has always given me great service and is always able to book me vacations and hotels for the best prices. I found this company in 2013 and since then they have been fantastic. Thanks Global Concepts.

Best Travel Ever

I can't say enough good things about Global Concepts. This was my first time working with them and did so as a relative of an account holder with them. I worked with Marlena and she went above and beyond to help my family and I book our Christmas flights this year. She worked past closing to ensure that our flights were booked, because it was so time-sensitive. I'm excited to continue working with this company in the future.

Featured Resorts

Bespoke Travel Concepts llc is "The Tailored Travel Agency for You"

Our passion is providing a tailored personal touch beyond just making your reservations. We focus on promoting and being part of more environmentally responsible, locally sustainable and universally accessible tourism.  We believe your travel enjoyment is enhanced when we support policies that drive inclusive development and environmental sustainability of the places you visit. Bespoke Travel Concepts llc is fully licensed and insured.  We can work with your travel miles and Frequent flyer or travel programs.  Now offering up to 12 months financing paid before or after your trip with no penalties for early pay off. 

Contact us today to learn more about all our services and specials.

Travel Made Personal

Our services.

Comprehensive Trip Planning

We collaborate with you to create custom itineraries and comprehensive travel details.  we combine our experience and research with your wants and needs in order to offer suggestions and solutions, making every trip, the trip of a lifetime..., preferred travel & tourism partners, with so many choices in the travel industry, we carefully curate the hotels, resorts, cruise lines and tours that will exceed your expectations by working with our preferred travel and tourism partners. , corporate meeting &, team building travel, we have the experience planning meeting, events and team building travel.  we can work together with your companies "in-house" travel coordinator to ease the process and create effective meeting and team building events., we specialize in culture, culinary, wellness & active  , travel throughout europe and north america.

Beach Getaways by Land or Sea

Dreaming of escaping the cold and relaxing with some island vibes. Get in touch with Bespoke Travel Concepts to learn about our exclusive Beach Getaways by land or by sea. We are excited to set you off on one of the best trips of your life.  Relax, rejuvenate and explore areas that are rich in culture, history and kissed by the sun.  Don’t forget to send us a postcard!

City Breaks

Let us Tailor a city trip that allows you to experience a destination more in-depth, including local culture.  We specialize in working with you to create an itinerary that has structure and flexibility to take you off the beaten path and explore.  Shopping, History, Arts, Entertainment and more, let's   create your Bespoke Travel Concept.  Make sure to send a photo from your favorite experience or location.

Culinary Tours

Get ready to create some unforgettable memories through tastes and culture! Get in touch with Bespoke Travel Concepts to learn about our exclusive Culinary Tours. We specialize in Culinary Tours in Europe, Mexico and the United States.  Pack you suitcase and your palate and please don’t forget to send us your favorite meal!

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Travel Agency

A travel agent is a person who has full knowledge of tourist product – destinations, modes of travel, climate, accommodation, and other areas of the service sector. He acts on the behalf of product providers/principles and in return gets a commission. Technically, a travel agent is an owner or manage r of an agency, but other employees are responsible for advising tourists and selling packages tours/individual components of travel products.

A travel agent may be an individual /firm or corporation which is commonly known as a travel agency . An agency means the office of travel agent or organization where all travel goods and services are assembled and coordinated for the smooth conduct of travel agency business.

Travel agency is one of the most important organizations in the tourism private sector which plays a significant and crucial role in the entire process of developing and promoting tourism in the country or at a destination. It is a travel agency which packages and processes all the attractions, accesses, amenities and ancillary services of a country and present them to tourists. That’s why travel agency is known as ‘ image builder ‘ of a country.

A prospective travel agency is one which makes arrangements of travel tickets (air, rail, road, and sea); travel documents (passports, visa and other documents required to travel); accommodation, entertainment, and other travel-related services from principle suppliers. It may also secure travel insurance, foreign currency for traveling people.

History of Travel Agency

The first Travel Agency of the world was established by Thomas Cook in 1845 in England. The use of the term travel trade dates back from the early years of the 19th century, but this should not obscure the fact that what we today describe as travel trade (travel agency and tour operation business) was taking place much earlier in history.

Throughout history, there was travel middleman who helped the merchants traveling for trade and others who traveled for religious purposes.

In 1841 a fortunate day comes in the history of travel trade when Thomas Cook , as secretary of South Midland Temperance Association, organized a trip by a train for 570 members for his association to the distance of 22 miles. He bought railway tickets in bulk to sell them to people.

The experiment was successful and everybody was exultant. Mr. Cook had done his job on a no-profit basis. But, incidentally, It gave him a new idea and turned it into a tour business.

Four years later in 1845 , he set up a ‘ World’s First Travel Agency ‘ to organize excursions.  Due to this innovative approach, Mr. Thomas Cook is known as the Father of Travel Agency Business . He co-ordinated railway and steamship excursions throughout England, Scotland and Europe.

However, the railways only gave him a 5% commission which was not enough to meet his overheads, so he decided to diversify this business into tour operation .

In 1855 Mr. Cook started operating package tours . He conducted the world’s first international tour from England to Paris.

Types of Travel Agency

Travel agencies are basically categorized into two types-: Retail Travel Agenc y and Wholesale Travel Agency .

Retail Travel Agency

A retail travel agency sells tourists products directly to the public on the behalf of the products suppliers and in return get commissions. Some package tour is sold in two ways i.e., on a commission basis and mark up the price.

When a travel agency sells a tour on the marked-up price it means that first, it markup the cost of the tour and then sell it at a higher rate. The markup price is the difference between retail price and wholesale cost.

Definitions of Retail Travel Agency

According to Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC) a retail travel agency is defined as ” a business that performs the following functions: quotes fares, rates, make reservations, arrange travel tickets and accommodation, arrange travel insurance, foreign currency, documents and accepts payments.”

According to SARC (1967), ” retail travel agency business consists of the activities involved in selling tourism products/services directly to the tourists and performs normal functions such as issuing air tickets, making accommodation and transportation reservation, providing specialized services, and accepting and making payments.”

The main source of the revenue for the travel agency is the commission received from the vendors. However, the rate of the commission differs from organization to organization an travel component to the travel component.

A travel agency receives appx. 95% of their revenue from the commission, and the remaining 5% from consultancy services and others.

Wholesale Travel Agency

These agencies are specialized in organizing package tours, which are marketed to the customers/tourists through the network of a retail travel agency or directly to the prospective clients ( if wholesale travel agency has a retail division). A wholesale travel agency purchases tourists’ product components in the bulk and designs tour packages.

Sometimes, a wholesale travel agency buys travel components from the vendor in bulk and resell them to other travel business originations.

Wholesale travel agencies assemble package holidays and sell them to clients through retail travel agencies. A typical package tour includes – air tickets, accommodation, and something other services may also be included in it such as entertainment, sightseeing, and sports activities, etc.

These packages are referred to as ‘package tours’ most of these tours include the services of escorts but a few are sold to people who wish to travel independently.

Now a question arises – How a wholesale travel agency generates profits?

Generally, a wholesaler receives volume discounts from the principal suppliers because a wholesaler might agree to purchase a large number of seats from a particular airline or reserve a large number of rooms at a particular hotel or resort.

Practically, a wholesaler who sells package vacations/tours is called a Tour Operator .  However, technically there is a difference between a wholesaler and a tour operator. A wholesaler who sells tourists products individually without assembling them into a package tour is called a Consolidator .

Mostly, these are specialized in particular product components such as air tickets, accommodation, and conferences, and conventions, etc.

Difference between Wholesale Travel Agencies and Tour operators

The wholesale travel agencies may offer or operate the package tours or may specialize in developing tours for inbound as well as outbound travelers. They are often referred to as tour operators , but these two essentially different:

• Wholesale travel agency does not sell directly to the public, while tour operators do sell directly to clients.
• A wholesale travel agency usually combines, assembles and contacts for existing travel services to formulate a new travel product she has his own one or more components of travel product i.e. ‘ inclusive tours.’
• Wholesale travel agencies are less inclined than tour operators to perform ground services i.e. handling agency or ground operators.
• A wholesale travel agency may deal with one component of travel product while a tour operator offers a variety of tour programmes.
• The size of the business is large in the case of tour operators in comparison to a wholesale travel agency.

Features and Importance of the Travel Agency

Travel agency plays an important role in the travel sector business. Some most important features and importance of the travel agency business are following as:-

• An important link between the clients and principal suppliers.
• Image-Builder.
• Ensures rapid travel services.
• Provider of authentic and reliable travel information.
• A social a continuous process.
• Establishes a good relationship with clients and vendors.

These are the most important features of the Travel Agency Business.

Functions and Services of Travel Agency

Today, Travel Agencies have been recognized as a vital component of travel and tourism and have become an integral part of the travel and tourism industry at globally. They account for more than 90% of international and 70% of domestic tourist traffic

Further, more than 60%  of all travel agency revenues are derived from business travel. Most travel agencies sell both commercial and leisure travel but there are many travel agencies that only specialized in one sector or the other.

The operation of each travel agency is based on the scope of its activities and organizational size. Here we discuss the functions of a large scale travel agency that performs all types of activities such as Retail travel agency, wholesaling and tour operations, etc. The main function of a large-scale travel agency are:

Travel Information

Whatever the size of a travel agency, it has to provide necessary travel information to tourists. A travel agency must give up-to-date, accurate, and timely information regarding destinations mode of travel, accommodation, sight-seeing, shopping, immigration, passport, visa, customs clearance and procedure, health and security rules, and various permits required to travel in particular areas, etc.

Itinerary Preparation

The term tourists itinerary is used to identify the origin, destination and all the stopping points in a traveler’s tours. It is a composition of various elements and designed after a detailed study of the market. Travel agencies prepare an itinerary for tour packages.

Airline Ticketing and Reservation

A travel agency sells a variety of tourism products. Airline ticketing and reservation is still a major source of revenue. Travel agencies perform a function of airline ticketing and reservation on behalf of various airlines.

Tour Packaging and Costing

Travel agencies prepare a tour package and sell them to tourists. The coasting and pricing of tour packages depend to a large extent on the ability of travel agents as to how effectively he is able to negotiate with the principal suppliers.

Reservation

It is a very important function of all types of travel agencies. A travel agency consistently makes linkage with the accommodation sector, transport sector and other entertainment organizations to reserve rooms, and seats in the cultural programs and transportation.

Travel Insurance

Some large-scale travel agencies perform additional functions to serve their clients. Travel insurance protects travelers against the person as well as baggage losses resulting from a wide range of travel-related happenings and problems.

Currency Services

Approved travel agency authorized by Govt. body provides currency exchange services to tourists.

Organization of Conference/Conventions

Large-scale travel agencies offer a complete convention/conference package which includes registration of the participants at the venue to be picked up for dropped to the airport/hotel, overhead projectors, slide projectors, TV, VCR, information counter, sightseeing, etc.

Travel Agency Linkages and Integration

Basically, a travel agency serves two types of clients: business travelers and leisure travelers. Incidentally, the requirements of these tourists are different and an agency has to assemble or purchase-related components from the principal suppliers to cater to their needs.

Essentially, travel agencies maintain close ties with Airlines, hotels, car rentals, banks, insurance companies, railways, government, trade associations, foreign tour operators and travel agents, ground operators, cruise companies, and tourism educational institutes.

Claudia Looi

Touring the Top 10 Moscow Metro Stations

By Claudia Looi 2 Comments

Komsomolskaya metro station looks like a museum. It has vaulted ceilings and baroque decor.

Hidden underground, in the heart of Moscow, are historical and architectural treasures of Russia. These are Soviet-era creations – the metro stations of Moscow.

Our guide Maria introduced these elaborate metro stations as “the palaces for the people.” Built between 1937 and 1955, each station holds its own history and stories. Stalin had the idea of building beautiful underground spaces that the masses could enjoy. They would look like museums, art centers, concert halls, palaces and churches. Each would have a different theme. None would be alike.

The two-hour private tour was with a former Intourist tour guide named Maria. Maria lived in Moscow all her life and through the communist era of 60s to 90s. She has been a tour guide for more than 30 years. Being in her 60s, she moved rather quickly for her age. We traveled and crammed with Maria and other Muscovites on the metro to visit 10 different metro stations.

Arrow showing the direction of metro line 1 and 2

Moscow subways are very clean

To Maria, every street, metro and building told a story. I couldn’t keep up with her stories. I don’t remember most of what she said because I was just thrilled being in Moscow.   Added to that, she spilled out so many Russian words and names, which to one who can’t read Cyrillic, sounded so foreign and could be easily forgotten.

The metro tour was the first part of our all day tour of Moscow with Maria. Here are the stations we visited:

1. Komsomolskaya Metro Station  is the most beautiful of them all. Painted yellow and decorated with chandeliers, gold leaves and semi precious stones, the station looks like a stately museum. And possibly decorated like a palace. I saw Komsomolskaya first, before the rest of the stations upon arrival in Moscow by train from St. Petersburg.

2. Revolution Square Metro Station (Ploshchad Revolyutsii) has marble arches and 72 bronze sculptures designed by Alexey Dushkin. The marble arches are flanked by the bronze sculptures. If you look closely you will see passersby touching the bronze dog's nose. Legend has it that good luck comes to those who touch the dog's nose.

Touch the dog's nose for good luck. At the Revolution Square station

Revolution Square Metro Station

3. Arbatskaya Metro Station served as a shelter during the Soviet-era. It is one of the largest and the deepest metro stations in Moscow.

Arbatskaya Metro Station

4. Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station was built in 1935 and named after the Russian State Library. It is located near the library and has a big mosaic portrait of Lenin and yellow ceramic tiles on the track walls.

Lenin's portrait at the Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station

5. Kievskaya Metro Station was one of the first to be completed in Moscow. Named after the capital city of Ukraine by Kiev-born, Nikita Khruschev, Stalin's successor.

Kievskaya Metro Station

6. Novoslobodskaya Metro Station  was built in 1952. It has 32 stained glass murals with brass borders.

Novoslobodskaya metro station

7. Kurskaya Metro Station was one of the first few to be built in Moscow in 1938. It has ceiling panels and artwork showing Soviet leadership, Soviet lifestyle and political power. It has a dome with patriotic slogans decorated with red stars representing the Soviet's World War II Hall of Fame. Kurskaya Metro Station is a must-visit station in Moscow.

Ceiling panel and artworks at Kurskaya Metro Station

8. Mayakovskaya Metro Station built in 1938. It was named after Russian poet Vladmir Mayakovsky. This is one of the most beautiful metro stations in the world with 34 mosaics painted by Alexander Deyneka.

Mayakovskaya station

One of the over 30 ceiling mosaics in Mayakovskaya metro station

9. Belorusskaya Metro Station is named after the people of Belarus. In the picture below, there are statues of 3 members of the Partisan Resistance in Belarus during World War II. The statues were sculpted by Sergei Orlov, S. Rabinovich and I. Slonim.

10. Teatralnaya Metro Station (Theatre Metro Station) is located near the Bolshoi Theatre.

Teatralnaya Metro Station decorated with porcelain figures .

Taking the metro's escalator at the end of the tour with Maria the tour guide.

Have you visited the Moscow Metro? Leave your comment below.

January 15, 2017 at 8:17 am

An excellent read! Thanks for much for sharing the Russian metro system with us. We're heading to Moscow in April and exploring the metro stations were on our list and after reading your post, I'm even more excited to go visit them. Thanks again 🙂

December 6, 2017 at 10:45 pm

Hi, do you remember which tour company you contacted for this tour?

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NASA Picks 3 Companies to Help Astronauts Drive Around the Moon

The agency’s future moon buggies will reach speeds of 9.3 miles per hour and will be capable of self-driving.

By Kenneth Chang

NASA will be renting some cool wheels to drive around the moon.

Space agency officials announced on Wednesday that they have hired three companies to come up with preliminary designs for vehicles to take NASA astronauts around the lunar south polar region in the coming years. After the astronauts return to Earth, these vehicles would be able to self-drive around as robotic explorers, similar to NASA’s rovers on Mars.

The self-driving capability would also allow the vehicle to meet the next astronaut mission at a different location.

“Where it will go, there are no roads,” Jacob Bleacher, the chief exploration scientist at NASA, said at a news conference on Wednesday. “Its mobility will fundamentally change our view of the moon.”

The companies are Intuitive Machines of Houston, which in February successfully landed a robotic spacecraft on the moon ; Lunar Outpost of Golden, Colo.; and Venturi Astrolab of Hawthorne, Calif. Only one of the three will actually build a vehicle for NASA and send it to the moon.

NASA had asked for proposals of what it called the lunar terrain vehicle, or L.T.V., that could drive at speeds up to 9.3 miles per hour, travel a dozen miles on a single charge and allow astronauts to drive around for eight hours.

The agency will work with the three companies for a year to further develop their designs. Then NASA will choose one of them for the demonstration phase.

The L.T.V. will not be ready in time for the astronauts of Artemis III, the first landing in NASA’s return-to-the-moon program , which is currently scheduled for 2026 .

The plan is for the L.T.V. to be on the lunar surface ahead of Artemis V, the third astronaut landing that is expected in 2030, said Lara Kearney, manager of the extravehicular activity and human surface mobility program at the NASA Johnson Space Center.

“If they can get there earlier, we’ll take it earlier,” Ms. Kearney said.

The L.T.V. contract will be worth up to $4.6 billion over the next 15 years — five years of development and then a decade of operations on the moon, most of it going to the winner of this competition. But Ms. Kearney said the contracts allow NASA to later finance the development of additional rovers, or allow other companies to compete in the future.

The contract follows NASA’s recent strategy of purchasing services rather than hardware.

In the past, NASA paid aerospace companies to build vehicles that it then owned and operated. That included the Saturn V rocket, the space shuttles and the lunar roving vehicles — popularly known as moon buggies — that astronauts drove on the moon during the last three Apollo missions in 1971 and 1972.

The new approach has proved successful and less expensive for the transportation of cargo and astronauts to the International Space Station. NASA now pays companies, notably Elon Musk’s SpaceX, fixed fees for those services, more akin to plane tickets or FedEx shipments.

For the company chosen to build the L.T.V., the vehicle will remain its property, and that company will be able to rent it to other customers when it is not needed by NASA.

“It’s commercially available for us as a commercial business to sell capacity on that rover,” said Steve Altemus, the chief executive of Intuitive Machines, “and do that for international partners and for other commercial companies and space agencies around the world.”

The competition created alliances between small startups and larger, more established aerospace companies, as well as car companies. The Intuitive Machines team includes Boeing, Northrop Grumman and Michelin, the tire maker. Lunar Outpost added to its team Lockheed Martin, Goodyear and General Motors, which had helped design the Apollo moon buggies.

Astrolab is working with Axiom Space of Houston, which has sent private astronauts to the space station and is building a commercial module to the International Space Station. Astrolab announced last year that it had signed an agreement to send one of its rovers to the moon on a SpaceX Starship rocket as early as 2026. That mission is independent of whether it is selected by NASA, a company spokesman said.

While Lunar Outpost is competing with Intuitive Machines on this contract, it plans to work with the company separately, sending smaller robotic rovers to the moon on the company’s lunar landers.

Kenneth Chang , a science reporter at The Times, covers NASA and the solar system, and research closer to Earth. More about Kenneth Chang

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