Top 10 Reasons to Start a Home Based Travel Business
Are you looking for a legitimate home based business to launch?
Here are ten reasons why you should include a home based travel business in
your research.
As large Corporations begin to outsource, automate and
streamline their operations, many Americans are faced with the startling
realization that company loyalty and seniority may not guarantee them the job
security and retirement benefits they desire. Despite the economy, the travel
industry continues to grow, with online travel making up the fastest growing
sector of this industry.
Top 10 Reasons To
Consider A Home Based Travel Business:
- The Industry – Travel is a seven
trillion dollar a year business, and is expected to double to fourteen
trillion within the next decade. Despite current economic conditions, the
travel industry continues to grow, and is growing 23% faster than the
Global economy.
- The Timing – A key factor in the
growth of the travel industry in the upcoming decade is the “Baby Boomer”
generation. This is a key demographic for the travel industry, for two
reasons. The first reason is that
the Baby Boomer generation is seventy eight million strong. Baby Boomers
are retiring at a rate of one every eight seconds, and will continue to do
so for the next twenty years. The second reason that this demographic will
drive the growth of the travel industry is because Baby boomers consider
travel a necessity, not a luxury, and they have indicated travel as the
number thing they intend to do when they retire.
- The Technology – 52% of all travel
booked in 2007 and 2008 was booked online, and is expected to grow to over
90% by the year 2010. In 2007 alone, over 19 billion in travel and related
services was booked through online booking engines. More travel was booked
online than offline with traditional brick and mortar travel agencies.
Source: phocuswright.com
- The Investment – True to the home
based business model, home based travel businesses have very low overhead.
The majority of your investment will be in training and licensing.
Training and certification costs will depend upon which travel business
opportunity you decide is right for you, based of course, on your due
diligence research.
- The Flexibility – The flexibility
of a home based business makes a home travel business perfect for stay at
home moms, stay at home dads, those looking for part time income, and
retirees. This opportunity is not limited to that particular niche
however. Many individuals have left their full time jobs after starting a
home travel business, simply because their part time income surpassed
their full time job earnings. The ability to set your own hours and to be
your own boss is a very attractive advantage to working from home.
- The Business Models Available –
Several traditional brick and mortar companies now see the value of
bringing on travel agents who work from home, but this option is still
considered an “Employer – Employee” arrangement. There are other attractive
options available that offer the business owner a travel booking engine,
and the ability to become a Certified Travel agent for a small investment,
and a monthly web hosting fee. Companies that offer this business model
include Traverus Travel Network, World Ventures, Global Resorts Network,
and YTB .
- The Benefits – The benefits of
becoming a home travel business are many. The travel industry has a
reputation for taking care of travel professionals by making it extremely
affordable to travel. Travel agents save up to 80% on travel, can receive
complimentary upgrades on flights, hotels and car rentals. In addition,
many companies offer perks such as member trips and the ability to build
an organization to maximize earnings.
- The FAM Trips - also known as
familiarization trips. Suppliers will offer access to their facilities at
substantial discounts so that travel agents will have first hand knowledge
of what their clients will experience when they travel to the suppliers
destination. The travel agent will then be able to make recommendations
and book travel for their clients based on their personal knowledge.
Travel suppliers will roll out the red carpet for the travel agent to
ensure the travel professional has an outstanding time.
- Say Goodbye To Traffic and Commuting –
The true beauty of any work from home business is the fact that when
you wake up, you are at work, when you are ready to work. Just to be sure to pace yourself, and if
possible, have a designated area for your work. That way, when you close the door, and
turn out the light, you’re really off of work for the day.
- The Tax Benefits - There are also
tax benefits for individuals who chose to do this profession as an
independent travel agent, working from home. You should consult with your
CPA or tax professional for more information regarding this benefit.
