Key Takeaways
- You don’t need prior experience to become a travel agent—just the right support and training.
- Many agents start by planning trips for friends and family before turning it into a business.
- Flexibility allows you to grow at your own pace, whether part-time, full-time, or in retirement.
- A strong host agency provides the tools, mentorship, and community needed to succeed.
- What begins as a passion for travel can evolve into a meaningful, income-generating business.
Starting a travel business isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about taking the first step and growing with the right support behind you.
If you’ve ever wondered whether becoming a travel agent is actually worth it, you’re not alone.
One of the most common questions people ask is:
Can you really build a successful business as a travel agent?
The answer is yes—but the path looks different for everyone.
Some people start with zero experience.
Some have been planning trips for friends for years.
Others are simply looking for something meaningful to do in retirement.
Below are three real stories from agents at Boardwalk Travel Agency—each showing a different path into the business.
How do people get started as travel agents?
Most people don’t begin with formal training or industry experience.
Instead, they start with a simple realization: They already love planning travel.
Many successful travel agents begin by helping friends and family plan trips before turning it into a business.
From Nervous First Step to Loving the Work
Sally Rhymer is a Boardwalk Travel agent from Texas. She describes her experience this way:
For me, the planning has always been just as exciting as the trip itself. So when my friend Melissa shared her experience as a Boardwalk agent, I thought it sounded really cool! Taking that first step was a little intimidating but I went for it, and I’m so glad I did. It clicked almost instantly and I quickly realized how much I love helping people bring their dream trips to life.
What surprised me most was the incredible support from Boardwalk Travel. They have been there every step of the way—mentoring me and giving me great opportunities for growing my business. The Boardwalk community is also full of talented, kind agents I learn from every day.
Sally’s story shows that:
– You don’t need to feel “ready” to start
– The learning curve can be faster than expected
– Support and mentorship matter more than prior experience
Can you become a travel agent without experience?
Yes—you can become a travel agent without prior experience.
In fact, many agents start because people around them already trust their travel advice.
You don’t need formal credentials to become a travel agent—you need the right support system and access to suppliers.
Turning “You Should Do This” Into a Real Business
Kenneth Ponder had been helping friends and family book vacations for years before he become a travel agent:
I joined Boardwalk Travel Agency because friends and family kept telling me for years that ‘you should have been a travel advisor’ after coaching them with all their travel. Boardwalk Travel has an easy and fair partner structure. I am not pressured to sell and Boardwalk provides the tools to help me be as busy as I want to be.
What this story shows:
– Many agents start after encouragement from others
– You can grow at your own pace
– A flexible structure is key for long-term success
Is becoming a travel agent a good retirement or side business?
Becoming a travel agent is one of the most flexible business models available!
You can:
– Work part-time or full-time
– Build gradually over time
– Scale based on your goals
Many people become travel agents as a side business or retirement plan and later grow it into a full-time income.
From Retirement Idea to Real Opportunity
Absolutely. Linda Darmanin is a Boardwalk Travel agent from Austin who started her travel agent business with the idea of it becoming a source of income in her retirement.
I decided to join Boardwalk Travel Agency to explore the opportunity of becoming a travel planner in retirement. I loved the idea of turning my passion for travel into something meaningful by helping friends and family create unforgettable experiences. What truly surprised me was the incredible level of support, training, and community within Boardwalk. I quickly realized this wasn’t just a hobby—it is a real opportunity to build a business, grow confidently, and reach clients far beyond my immediate circle.
Linda’s story is a great example that shows:
– Travel advising can start as a passion project
– It can evolve into a real business
– Community and training accelerate growth
What makes a host agency important?
A host travel agency is the foundation of your success as an independent agent.
A host agency provides training, supplier relationships, booking tools, and support so agents can run their own travel business.
Across all three stories, one theme stands out: Support changes everything.
– Mentorship helps you start faster
– Community helps you grow faster
– Structure helps you scale confidently
Is becoming a travel agent worth it?
For the right person, becoming a travel agent offers:
– Flexibility
– Income potential
– A chance to turn passion into purpose
The best travel agents aren’t just booking trips—they’re helping people create experiences that matter.
Ready to Start Your Own Travel Business?
If you’ve ever thought:
– “I love planning trips”
– “People always ask me for travel advice”
– “I want something flexible but meaningful”
Then this might be the opportunity you’ve been looking for.
Learn more about becoming an agent with Boardwalk Travel Agency and take your first step today.