Your questions, answered

How does Travel Counsellors work?

Travel Counsellors is a global travel franchise committed to giving you the tools, technology, and guidance you need to launch and grow your own travel business.

You’ll build strong personal relationships with your clients, understanding their specific preferences and crafting tailor-made trips they’ll love. With our Phenix in-house booking platform, you’ll access a wide network of travel suppliers, including airlines, hotels, and tour operators. Creating unforgettable itineraries for your clients couldn’t be easier.

Simply put, we provide everything you need to run a thriving travel business.

Find out more about becoming a Travel Counsellor today.

What experience do I need to become a Travel Counsellor?

No matter your background, there’s a route to becoming a Travel Counsellor. We offer several options tailored to your experience level:

Leisure: For travel professionals with a minimum of 3-4 years of recent experience in a selling travel.

Find out more about our Leisure route.

Corporate: For those with 3-4 years' experience managing corporate travel.

Learn more about our Corporate Travel opportunities.

Business Development: For individuals with 3-4 years' experience in sales or account management within the corporate travel industry.

Find out more about becoming a Business Development Travel Counsellor.

Travel Academy: For those new to the travel industry but eager to start their own travel business.

Check out our Travel Academy.

Return to Travel: For experienced travel professionals who've taken a break from the industry (12 months or more) but are ready to come back.

Discover our Return to Travel option.

Travel Trade: For professionals who’ve worked in other areas of travel, such as marketing, product, or hospitality, but not directly in holiday sales.

Learn more about our Travel Trade route.

Agency Owner: For those currently running an independent travel agency or franchise.

Find out more about our option for Independent Agency Owners.

Our team is happy to discuss your experience and help you choose the route that works best for you.

What does it cost to become a Travel Counsellor?

Entry fees vary depending on your background and chosen route:

• Leisure, Corporate and Business Development: £295 +VAT
• Return to Travel: £995 +VAT
• Travel Trade: £995 +VAT
• Travel Academy: £5,000 +VAT
• Agency Owners: Pricing is tailored to your specific situation. Contact us for more details.

Monthly fees are £40 + VAT, covering all the tools you need, including system access, support, and branded resources.

Compared to other franchises, our pricing is competitive, and we’re widely regarded as the most supportive travel franchise in the industry.

What are the benefits of becoming a Travel Counsellor?

Joining Travel Counsellors opens up a world of opportunities. Here’s what you’ll enjoy:

• Flexibility: Run your business from home, set your schedule, and work around your lifestyle.
• Supplier access: Gain direct access to trusted airlines, hotels, and tour operators to craft bespoke trips.
• Unmatched support: Our global support team is dedicated to helping you succeed every step of the way.
• Growth opportunities: Access tools and training to continuously develop your travel knowledge and business skills.
• Community: Join a like-minded network that shares your passion for travel. Participate in meetups, events, and fun activities with other Travel Counsellors.

Will you help me market my business?

Absolutely. Our marketing team provides professional, ready-made materials to help promote your business. You’ll also receive tips to create a strong local presence and can discuss bespoke campaigns with our team.

Is there support available outside working hours?

Yes. Our dedicated duty office operates 24/7 to assist you and your clients with any issues, whether pre-departure or in-resort. They monitor global events and provide timely updates, ensuring your clients are always taken care of.

Our systems are also available 24/7, and key teams, including customer support, operate during evenings and weekends to help when needed.

What happens when I go on holiday?

Everyone deserves a break! While you’re away, our buddy system ensures another Travel Counsellor can look after your clients and keep your business running smoothly.

What kind of support is available?

Our comprehensive Travel Counsellors Support Portal is your go-to resource for answers and tools, constantly updated with new material. Need personal help? Our expert support team is just a message away.

Can I still attend educational trips?

Yes! We recognise that first-hand experience is invaluable. Thanks to our strong supplier relationships, you’ll have access to a wide range of educational trips.

Do you provide a client base?

No. Instead, you’ll create your own client base through your personal network and referrals. This ensures higher-quality leads and relationships with clients who genuinely value your services. We support you every step of the way, with resources to help you build and retain loyal customers.

Can I employ my own staff?

Of course. Some Travel Counsellors choose to hire their own team. We encourage this where appropriate but recommend considering the financial responsibilities of managing a team.

Is there an IATA licence and ATOL protection?

Yes, we offer both. Airline bookings are processed through our central team, and we also provide competitive consolidated airfares. Additionally, our holidays come with ATOL protection, and our Travel Counsellors Trust Fund ensures all customer money is 100% protected.

How much can I earn as a Travel Counsellor?

The average Travel Counsellor earns £32,000 annually, which is £6,000 more than the typical high-street travel agent. High achievers, such as Gold or Corporate Counsellors, often earn £100,000+ each year. Earnings are uncapped—the more you put in, the more you’ll get out.

What is the commission split?

Our commission model is a 60/40 split, with you keeping 60% of the profit. Phenix, our in-house booking system, lets you control margins for maximum profitability. Many of our Travel Counsellors find the 60/40 split to be excellent value, given the level of support they receive.

For Business Development Counsellors, the commission split is customised and discussed during onboarding.

What sets Travel Counsellors apart?

Our Travel Counsellors excel by building genuine relationships with clients and providing unmatched personal service. By crafting fully customised itineraries, you’ll give clients unique, one-of-a-kind trips they can’t find elsewhere. Many clients come back year after year as loyal customers.

We’re also proud to be rated 4.9/5 stars on Trustpilot, building trust and credibility with clients worldwide.

Can I choose my own hours?

Yes, absolutely! You run the show. However, it’s important to dedicate enough time to grow your business and nurture your client relationships. Our most successful Counsellors are also the hardest working.

The flexibility of being your own boss is one of the many reasons our team loves what they do.

Do I have to be home-based?

Not at all! While most of our Travel Counsellors choose to work from home, it’s not a requirement. If you’d prefer, you can rent a non-retail office space and work from there instead.

Many of our Travel Counsellors also work on the go—as long as you have a secure internet connection, the world truly is your office.

I've heard homeworking can be lonely. What support is available?

You’re never alone when you’re part of the Travel Counsellors family. With over 2,000 Travel Counsellors working across the globe, there’s always someone to talk to, whether via our webcams, message boards, or TCTV broadcasts.

But it doesn’t stop there. You’ll have plenty of in-person opportunities to connect with colleagues and make friends, from your initial training to celebration days, workshops, and our prestigious events.

Many Travel Counsellors also enjoy meeting up locally for coffee or catch-ups, and you may even receive an invite to the next meetup in your area!

We also offer additional support, including access to a qualified personal counsellor, trained mental health first aiders, and regular check-ins with your business development coach.

When you’re part of Travel Counsellors, you’ll always feel supported and connected.

How long does it take to get set up?

If you're moving from a current employer, your notice period will affect your start date. Additionally, you’ll need to allow a couple of weeks for your Travel Counsellors phone line to be installed.

How long is the initial training?

Our training programmes cater to a variety of travel sales experience levels. No matter your background, you’ll begin with a 10-day virtual learning programme led by our experienced training team.

After your initial training, you’ll receive tailored, self-guided learning that aligns with your prior travel industry experience to ensure you’re set up for success.

Is there a minimum sales target?

No, we don’t enforce specific sales targets. However, we do recommend you aim for a minimum of £200,000 in sales during your first 12 months.

This goal benefits your financial success and ensures your business starts off on the right foot. With full commitment and by following our best practices, this target is achievable.

When do I get paid?

You’ll receive monthly payments via bank transfer. Commissions are paid approximately six weeks before your customer’s travel date.

Are you ready to become a Travel Counsellor?

We understand this is a big career decision, and we’re here to help every step of the way. Speak with one of our experts today and explore how you can take control of your career while doing what you love.

Find out more about becoming a Travel Counsellor today.