5 things to consider if you’re thinking about setting up a travel business

For many people, as the year draws to an end, it’s time to reflect on where their career is going and think about their next steps.

Whether you’re already working in travel (but perhaps dreading the pressure of the upcoming peaks season), or want to branch out into the industry, we can give you the training, tools, and support to help you become a successful travel entrepreneur.

But, is self-employment right for you? To help you decide whether Travel Counsellors is a good fit, we’ve put together a list of five things to consider if you’re thinking about joining our community of over 2,000 business owners around the world.

Do you have the time to commit to running a business?

Unlike some other homeworking companies which allow you to sell travel as a ‘side hustle’, Travel Counsellors is a full-time commitment. This is because to deliver the standards of care that we expect our customers to receive, you need to be available for them, just as you would expect if you were a customer.

However, we do offer complete flexibility. So, while you’ll be working full-time hours, you’re free to set those hours around what works best for you and your customers. If you need to nip out to pick up the kids from school, attend an appointment, or walk the dog, you have the freedom to do so.

Can you afford to give up your current salary?

We recommend that you have a financial safety cushion to see you through the first 6-12 months while your business gets off the ground. Therefore, it’s important to think about whether you can sustain yourself during this time.

Remember that your earnings as a Travel Counsellor are completely uncapped, so there’s no limit on what you can earn once you establish yourself and build up your customer base. You will get out what you put in (another reason we encourage our Travel Counsellors to commit full-time), so think of that financial safety net as an investment into your future.

Will you enjoy working from home?

Although the pandemic led to working from home being the ‘new norm’ for many people, it doesn’t appeal to everyone. You might not have space at home for a dedicated office set-up, or you could miss being around your colleagues in person. But, with our caring community right by your side, you’ll never feel alone.

Although the majority of our business owners do work from home, you’re free to work wherever suits you – whether that’s a local café, a co-working space, or even while on your travels.

Do you have the motivation to succeed?

It takes a certain kind of person to be a Travel Counsellor. That’s why we always make sure that we get to know you and your circumstances throughout the recruitment process, so we can be confident that we’re right for you, and you’re right for us. We look for people who are driven and motivated to succeed while having a caring, customer-focused approach. You’ll also need to be resilient, as well as confident in networking with potential new customers.

Do you have a clear vision?

We ask all budding franchisees to submit a business plan, so it’s important to have an idea of what you want your business to achieve. Start by thinking about your customers – who will refer and recommend you while you build up a loyal customer base? Do you have a particular area of expertise or a market that you’d like to specialise in? As an example, one of our most successful Travel Counsellors’ business is based around organising trips for cheerleading squads.

Think about what would make you feel fulfilled – is it increasing your earnings? Achieving our prestigious Gold status? Being selected to go on a FAM trip? It’s important to figure out the direction in which you want your business to go, so you can work with our support colleagues to achieve your ambitions.

After reading this, do you think you’re ready to become a Travel Counsellor? This festive season, give yourself the gift of an exciting new business venture in 2024.