How to Become a Travel Agent: Your Guide to Getting Started

Disneyland Resort - Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse holding hands in front of the castle. Learn how to become a travel agent today.

Are you considering whether to take your love of travel a step further by becoming a travel agent? Wondering what’s involved in that process? Then you’ve come to the right place!

We’ll help you understand what a Boardwalk travel agent does, how you are paid, what types of trips you can book, how to choose the best host agency to sign up with, and a whole lot more!

Did you ever think that your passion for travel could be more than just a hobby? Have you dreamed of assisting others in designing their ideal getaways while earning travel discounts, perks, and even extra income for yourself? If so, then you may be wondering how to become a travel agent!

Our simple guide will provide you with everything you need to know about becoming a Boardwalk travel agent, from the steps you need to take to start your journey, to the benefits you can expect once you’ve joined.

7 Reasons Why You Should Become a Travel Agent

Minnie Mouse hugging a family at dinner

If you are thinking about becoming a travel agent, here are 7 reasons why we think Boardwalk Travel Agency is the best home for you:

  1. Training and Support. Boardwalk Travel Agency is one of the fastest-growing agencies in the country, due in large part to our fantastic agent training program. Our agents receive full onboarding support, including the opportunity to book one-on-one calls with our agent trainers and access to our private social media groups where you can ask questions and share answers with other Boardwalk agents.
  2. Top Travel Partners. You’ll have extensive access to special Disney travel agent deals (including Disneyland, Walt Disney World Resort, Disney cruises, and Disney hotels), Universal Studios, Expedia, Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line, and more.
  3. Work from Home. One of the significant advantages of becoming a travel agent is the ability to create your own business on your own terms–you work when you want, when you want. It’s perfect for balancing a business with your personal commitments.
  4. No Experience Required. If you’re wondering how to become a travel agent without experience, you have nothing to worry about. Our program helps you learn what you need to know in order to get off the ground quickly and with almost no cost.
  5. Exclusive Travel Opportunities. Boardwalk hosts regular “FAM” trips (short for “Familiarization”) each year. These trips usually give agents big discounts to amazing locations, including Disneyland Resort, Disney World, and Universal Studios. And because of our relationships, you’ll get the VIP treatment during your stay, with exclusive dinners, behind-the-scenes tours, and more.
  6. Affordable. Some agencies charge high sign-up fees or recurring membership fees. With Boardwalk Travel Agency, you’ll get highly personalized support and access to the top travel providers, at a much lower rate. And no recurring fees or subscriptions required.
  7. Enjoy What You Do! Boardwalk has worked hard to create a tight-knit agent community. You’ll feel right at home and have the chance to make friends instantly. And you’ll have the chance to book amazing travel for yourself and others, all while earning extra income. Becoming a travel agent with Boardwalk will be one of the best things you’ve ever experienced!

 

BECOMING A TRAVEL AGENT CAN BE EASY AND AFFORDABLE


Disneyland Star Wars - Chewbacca

You don’t need a background in travel or a significant amount of money to start your journey as a Boardwalk travel agent. All you need is a love for travel, a willingness to learn, and a commitment to delivering great service. As you progress and gain experience, we’ll help you find opportunities to specialize, grow your business, and connect with other agents.

Contrary to common belief, becoming a travel agent doesn’t have to be complex or expensive. A travel agent is an expert in organizing and booking travel for others. They can arrange hotel stays, theme park tickets, cruises, transportation, tours, and more. Agents can also offer advice on destinations, trip itineraries, and help address any travel-related concerns their friends and clients might have. Travel agents often have access to deals, discounts, and benefits not typically available to the general public.

When people think about becoming a travel agent, they often imagine a hefty investment of both time and money. The image that comes to mind is long hours spent studying and a significant financial commitment. However, the reality is often quite different. With the right resources and guidance, the journey to becoming a travel agent can be a straightforward and affordable one.

For those who love travel and have a desire to help others craft their dream vacations, the initial requirements to get started are relatively minimal. In fact, many successful travel agents have begun their journey with little more than a strong passion for travel and a willingness to learn.

 

CHOOSING THE BEST HOST AGENCY TO JOIN

One of the first steps in learning how to become a travel agent is understanding the role of a host agency. A host agency is an established travel organization that offers support and resources to independent travel agents or agencies. They often provide access to coveted industry accreditations, allow you to book through their inventories, and offer training and support that can be crucial for newcomers in the industry.

Choosing the right host agency is an important decision and can significantly influence your success as a travel agent.

Boardwalk Travel Agency has a strong training program that can help you learn the ropes quickly, and we provide ongoing support that will be invaluable when you encounter challenges or have questions. We are your partner – we’re invested in your success and offer the resources you need to achieve your goals. We’re ready to welcome you and help you get started today!

 

MORE THAN JUST TRAVEL DISCOUNTS: CHECK OUT OUR FAM TRIPS!

 

Disneyland hotel - family in a swimming pool

 

Perhaps one of the most enticing aspects of learning how to become a travel agent is the access to benefits that are generally not available to the general public. Travel agents often have access to exclusive deals and discounts, as well as a wealth of knowledge and resources that can make traveling easier and more enjoyable.

Boardwalk travel agents also have the opportunity to participate in familiarization trips, or “FAM trips”. These trips are designed to familiarize our agents with our best destinations, resorts, and tours. They are typically offered at a deeply discounted rate and often include the full VIP treatment, including behind-the-scenes tours of the best parks and attractions, personal connections with top travel partners, and much more. You’ll experience first-hand the destinations you are selling, which helps ensure you can offer the best possible advice to your clients.

Becoming a travel agent also means joining a community. There’s a sense of camaraderie in the travel industry, and many travel agents appreciate the network of fellow professionals they get to work with. This network can be an invaluable resource for advice, industry updates, and support.

 

THE IMPORTANCE OF VARIETY

When looking at how to become a travel agent, it’s important to remember that not all travel agencies are the same. The host travel agency you choose to work with can significantly influence the service you are able to provide to your clients, as well as your own satisfaction.

One key factor to consider when choosing a host travel agency is their relationship with travel suppliers. Agencies that have relationships with a wide variety of suppliers can offer a greater range of products and services, allowing you to cater to a wider range of client needs.

Boardwalk Travel Agency has extensive access to the very best travel partners in the world:

  • Disney (including Disneyland, Walt Disney World Resort, Disney cruises, and Disney hotels)
  • Universal Studios
  • Expedia
  • Royal Caribbean
  • Carnival Cruise Line
  • And more!

Whether your clients are looking for park tickets, luxury resorts, boutique hotels, or budget-friendly family vacation options, working with a multi-supplier host agency can ensure you have the tools you need to create the perfect trip for them. This not only leads to satisfied customers but can also make your experience more interesting and enjoyable.

 

Disney Cruise Line Treasure ship

 

HOW TO BECOME A DISNEY TRAVEL AGENT

People all over the world engage with Disney every day through movies, stories, and theme parks. For many, Disney is more than just entertainment, it’s a way of life. If you’ve ever been captivated by Disney’s enchanting tales or dreamed of new adventures, why not turn that passion into a way to save or make money?

Boardwalk Travel Agency can teach you how to become a Disney travel agent and help you pursue your dream. Learn more about becoming a Disney travel agent with Boardwalk Travel Agency.

 

OTHER PERKS TO CONSIDER

Once you’ve learned how to become a travel agent, you’ll discover that the world is truly at your fingertips. With access to extensive resources and discounts, you’ll have the ability to travel more frequently and to a wider range of destinations than you ever thought possible.

Just as important: As a Boardwalk travel agent, you’ll have the ability to create unforgettable trips for your clients, friends, and family. You’ll be able to share your expertise and passion for travel, and there’s no better feeling than hearing about the amazing trip you helped someone plan.

Whether you’re booking a honeymoon for a newlywed couple, a dream vacation for a family, or a relaxing getaway for a group of friends, being a travel agent allows you to bring joy to people’s lives. And that’s something you can’t put a price on.

 

THE JOURNEY OF BECOMING A TRAVEL AGENT IS WITHIN REACH

 

Walt Disney World Epcot at night

 

Reflecting on the different elements of how to become a travel agent, it’s clear to see that it can be a straightforward and affordable process, especially when you partner with the right host agency. The initial financial outlay can be quite modest when compared with the potential returns, and there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of earning a living while helping others realize their travel dreams.

You don’t need a background in travel or a significant amount of money to start your journey in this industry. All you need is a love for travel, a willingness to learn, and a commitment to delivering great service. As you progress and gain experience, you’ll find opportunities to specialize, grow your business, and perhaps even hire other agents.

The world of travel is ever-evolving, and as a Boardwalk travel agent, you’ll be at the forefront of it. You’ll have the opportunity to learn about new destinations, meet people from different cultures, and stay updated with the latest trends and developments in the industry. In other words, becoming a travel agent is more than a job – it’s a passport to a fulfilling and exciting career.

 

BECOME A TRAVEL AGENT – GET STARTED TODAY!

Whether you’re a busy parent seeking an additional source of income that fits around your family life, someone looking for a career change that offers excitement and fulfillment, or simply wanting a good way to secure travel discounts and benefits for yourself, becoming a travel agent is the perfect solution.

After understanding the ins and outs of how to become a travel agent, you might feel ready to embark on this exciting journey. The life of a travel agent is as varied and exciting as the destinations they recommend.

As a travel agent, you’ll have the chance to shape not only your future but also the travel experiences of your clients. Each itinerary you create is a story waiting to be told. Whether it’s a couple’s first trip abroad, a family’s dream Disney vacation, or a solo traveler’s adventure of a lifetime, you’ll play a vital role in creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Embarking on the journey to become a travel agent isn’t just about starting a new job – it’s about chasing a dream. It’s about turning your passion for travel into a true source of income that offers flexibility, fulfillment, and endless opportunities for growth. If this resonates with you, why wait? The world is full of places to discover, and your adventure as a travel agent awaits!

By now, you’ve gotten a comprehensive look at how to become a travel agent. You’ve discovered that it’s an easy and inexpensive path to follow, offering numerous benefits and opportunities. All that’s left is for you to take the leap and start your journey.

Joining Boardwalk Travel Agency is easy, affordable, and fun. And joining the world of travel agents means joining a global community of individuals who are passionate about travel. It means having an experience that never gets old, filled with exciting new trends, destinations, and opportunities, all while sharing your love for travel with others.

So, are you ready to turn your passion for travel into something bigger? Are you ready to help others explore the world, one trip at a time? If so, then there’s no better time than now to start your journey. Remember, the world is a book, and as a travel agent, you have the chance to write the stories. Let’s start crafting those tales today!

 

Comments are closed.

WE'RE HOST AGENCY FOR ALL

Starting in mid-2025, most EU countries will require foreign travelers to apply for ETIAS before traveling to Europe. In the past, most travelers with a valid passport did not require any kind of VISA to travel to EU countries. While this remains true, they will need to apply for ETIAS before traveling. Here’s everything you need to know about this new program and how you can help your clients apply before they travel.

What is ETIAS?

The European Travel Information and Authorization System or ETIAS is a new travel documentation system that the EU is implementing for passport holders of 59 countries including the U.S.A. Most countries in the EU will require travelers to apply for ETIAS before visiting.

How do I apply for ETIAS?

You will apply for ETIAS on their main website. Note that they are currently not requiring travelers to submit applications at this time. Anyone traveling closer to mid 2025 should check their website for updates.

What’s required to apply for ETIAS?

Your clients will need to provide a valid passport (with at least 3 months of validity left and traveling before it expires). They will also need to pay a €7 application fee per person.

What type of travel requires ETIAS?

Your clients will need to apply for ETIAS if they are flying into a country that requires it or plan to step foot in a country that requires it. This includes guided travel, cruises and river cruises. The supplier will provide more information about ETIAS and what is required of the client before or after the booking.

Do my clients have to apply for ETIAS everytime they travel to EU countries?

No. ETIAS is valid for 3 years or until your clients passports expire; whichever comes first. If your clients renew their passport, they will then need to reapply for ETIAS before visiting most EU countries.

How can I apply for ETIAS on behalf of my clients?

As a Travel Professional you can apply for ETIAS on behalf of your clients. You will go through the same application process as anyone except there will be an extra step where both the client(s) and yourself will sign a declaration of representation stating that that all parties understand you are filing on their behalf and will do so correctly.

In some cases it may be easier to have your clients apply themselves with you walking them through the steps of doing so.

When should I apply for ETIAS?

You should apply for ETIAS BEFORE you purchase tickets or make reservations.

Most applications will be processed within minutes and at the latest within 96 hours. However, some applicants may be asked to provide additional information or documentation or to participate in an interview with national authorities, which may take up to additional 30 days.

my disney experience logo

Prepare for Your Walt Disney World Vacation

Take action now to prepare for your upcoming Walt Disney World® vacation! Link your reservation and tickets to stay informed about important next steps and key planning dates, including important Know Before You Go resources.
Follow these simple steps to get started:

Register or Sign In to Start Your DisneyExperience.com

This will take you to the My Disney Experience website. Sign in using your Disney Account or create one. Then, create your Family and Friends list for your travel party. You'll need this to assign Tickets to them and to make Theme Park reservations.

Link your reservation

Once you're signed in to My Disney Experience, enter your Resort Confirmation number provided by your Travel Professional.

Please note: You'll need to verify the names of everyone on this reservation. If you need to make any modifications, we recommend you contact your Travel Professional before you link your reservation.

Link your Walt Disney World Ticket or Pass

To prepare for making Theme Park reservations, each Guest ages 3+ in your travel party must have a valid ticket linked for each day they wish to visit the Disney Parks.

Please note: If you have a room and ticket package for a select Walt Disney World Resort hotel, your tickets will be included when you link your Disney Resort reservation and you can skip Step 3.

Make your Theme Park Reservation in the Disney Park Pass System

Choose the date and Theme Park that you'd like to visit from the available reservations in the Disney Park Pass system via My Disney Experience. Please note that dates and Theme Park selections are limited and subject to availability. Remember, to enter a Walt Disney World Theme Park, each Guest ages 3+ in your travel party must have both a valid ticket for admission and a Theme Park Reservation for the same Park on the same date, for each day they wish to visit.

Review and Confirm Your Plans

Carefully review and confirm your selected park and date. Once confirmed, your reservation will appear in My Plans on the My Disney Experience website.

DOLLYWOOD

Reservations:

Agents must call to book: 1-800-DOLLYWOOD (1-800-365-5996).

Group Bookings:

865-428-6789 or [email protected]

Schedule:

Mon-Sat 7:30am - 8:00pm ET, Sun 8:00am - 7:00pm ET

Booking Platform:

Phone call with reservation center.

Private Location:

N/A

Transfer:

No

Commission Rate:

10%

Customer Service:

1-800-365-5996

Travel Insurance:

Use Allianz

FAQs:

- Agents must call in for reservations and use Boardwalk’s CLIA number (00039054).
- No commission on tickets, only on the hotel stay.
- Email invoice to [email protected]
- Submit for commission request on our website after you send in the invoice
- Commission only on DreamMore Resort and Spa, and Heartsong Lodge and Resort (10%)
- Commission paid only on Regular, AAA and AARP rates

List of places with resident sales restrictions (we cannot sell to people living in these places):

  • Cuba
  • North Korea
  • Iran
  • Syria
  • Crimea (region of Ukraine)
  • Russia
  • Belarus
  • Donetsk (region of Ukraine)
  • Luhansk (region of Ukraine)
  • Kherson (region of Ukraine)
  • Zaporizhzhia (region of Ukraine)

Boardwalk Travel agents should always offer travel insurance to each client. It will protect their travel and limit the risk of losing a customer because they were never offered a travel protection plan. Let the client be the one to reject, but every agent should offer it to every client.

7 Reasons to Buy Travel Insurance

Travel insurance isn’t just for expensive vacations. Travel insurance isn’t just for trips overseas. And travel insurance isn’t just for long journeys.

It’s essential to buy travel insurance for every trip, because you never know what might happen when you’re far from home! Every year, 55 million Americans purchase Allianz Travel Insurance to protect them against the most common travel mishaps.

Not sure if you need to insure your trip? Here are the top seven reasons to buy travel insurance.

1. Because you don’t want to lose all your money if you have to cancel your trip.

Even the best-planned trips sometimes have to be canceled. But many travel providers—such as tour operators, cruise lines and airlines—offer minimal or no refunds for last-minute cancellations. If this happens, can you afford to lose all the money you’ve spent on your trip?

One of the best reasons to buy travel insurance is having the protection of trip cancellation benefits. These can reimburse you for prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs when you must cancel for a covered reason. When you get your money back, you can book your vacation for another, brighter day.

What if you need to cancel for a reason that’s not covered? If you think that’s a possibility, consider buying the Cancel Anytime upgrade. Available on our most popular plans, OneTrip Prime and OneTrip Premier, Cancel Anytime can reimburse 80% of your lost non-refundable trip costs if you cancel your trip for almost any unforeseeable reason your plan does not already cover. That way, you can travel with confidence.

2. Because accidents can—and do—happen while traveling.

Healthy travelers often think they don’t need emergency medical insurance. The truth is, no one’s immune from illness and injury. We receive thousands of calls each year from American Allianz Travel Insurance customers who are experiencing a medical crisis during their trip, such as trauma, broken bones, heart attacks, and strokes. When you have travel insurance, you can contact 24-hour assistance for help in an emergency. Our team of experts can get you the help you need and may even be able to arrange payment in advance for covered emergency medical care.

3. Because your health insurance probably won’t work overseas.

If you get seriously sick or hurt in another country, don’t expect your health insurance card to help. “Many foreign medical facilities and providers require cash payment up front and do not accept U.S. insurance plans. Medicare does not provide coverage outside of the United States,” the U.S. Department of State warns.1 When you have travel insurance with emergency medical and dental benefits, it can pay for losses due to covered medical and dental emergencies that occur during your trip.

4. Because medical evacuations can be really expensive.

If you get seriously sick or badly hurt while traveling overseas, and you need to be taken via helicopter to the nearest high-quality hospital, the cost can be enormous. In some parts of the world, a medical evacuation can potentially cost six figures—and that doesn’t even include the expense of getting you home again.

Travel insurance with emergency medical transportation benefits can pay for you to be transported to the nearest appropriate facility if you suffer a covered illness or injury during your trip and our medical assistance team determines that the local medical facilities are unable to provide appropriate treatment. It can also pay for specialized transportation to bring you home, once your condition is stable.

5. Because travel delays are inevitable.

Airlines’ on-time stats rise and fall from year to year, but on average, around 18% of domestic flights are delayed.3 That’s not even counting the flights that are canceled! That’s why you need travel insurance with travel delay benefits, which can reimburse you for additional accommodation, meals or travel expenses and lost prepaid expenses due to a covered departure delay. You’ll be much happier if you have insurance that can reimburse you for your airport lunch or unexpected extra night in the hotel.

Here’s some even better news: You can get paid $100 per insured person, per day for a covered travel or baggage delay if you have SmartBenefits® (included with the OneTrip Prime and OneTrip Premier plans). You don’t need to provide any receipts—just proof of the delay!

6. Because a missing bag can ruin your trip.

In a recent survey, more than half of travelers said an airline had lost their luggage in the past. Just 34% of them ever got their missing bags back, and 72% said they’d lost an irreplaceable item.

When your suitcase goes AWOL, travel insurance can save the day. Baggage delay benefits can reimburse you for the reasonable additional purchase of essential items during your trip if your baggage is delayed or misdirected by a common carrier for 24 hours or more. Baggage loss/damage benefits can reimburse you for the actual price, actual cash value, repair or replacement of your lost/damaged items—whichever is less—based on the limits in your insurance policy’s letter of confirmation. Just remember: The best place for truly irreplaceable items is in your carry-on luggage, or at home.

7. Because sometimes, even expert travelers need a little help. 

One of the best reasons to buy travel insurance is the peace of mind you get from knowing help’s just a phone call away. When you face a crisis while traveling—a medical emergency, a lost passport, a stolen wallet, a natural disaster, etc.—you can always contact 24-hour assistance. Our U.S.-based team of travel experts will do everything in their power to take care of you and help make things right.