How to Find the Best Host Travel Agency

Many folks becoming a travel agent have one question on their mind when looking for a host agency, “Who is the best host travel agency?”

Host Agency Reviews as a site was built to help those interested in selling travel have the resources to find the best host agency for you. In fact, every year we award the best host agencies from our ever-growing list of host agency profiles.

Since finding the best host for you is so subjective, we consider factors such travel advisor ratings, advisor engagement and more, and at the end of the day there are so many great host agencies out there that it's simply tough to choose.

But don't worry. This blog is going equip you with the resources to determine which host agency will meet your business needs. So while we we're not host-advisor matchmakers, we are great at giving you the research and detective skills to come to the best conclusion for you!

How to Find the Best Host Travel Agency in 5 Steps

Here's a summarized list of steps to find the right host agency for you.

1. Big PIcture: Finding the Best Host Travel Agency: Finding a host isn't a 10min. Google search. It takes time, research and sometimes even heartache. It's important to manage your expectations in terms of timeline. Take a look at our webinar that offers an overview of what it takes to find the best host travel agency.
2. Download HAR's Host Agency Comparison Sheet: Download our free spreadsheet and keep it handy. You'll use it later to determine which host agencies are up to snuff for what you need.
3. Ask yourself what you're looking for in a host travel agency. Before you take a deep dive into research, make sure you know what you're looking for! Here's a list of 6 questions to ask yourself to help determine what type of host agency is right for you!
4. Narrow Down Your Host Travel Agency Options: Use the host agency filter feature on HAR's profiles to narrow down your options. With over 200 host agencies listed on HAR's, it's tough to know where to start. HAR's filter feature will help you create your long list. HAR's filter will help you get your comparison spreadsheet filled out.
5. Research the Best Host Travel Agency : And by research, I mean research, research, research. With host agency comparison sheet downloaded, and a clearer of idea of what kind of host travel agency is best for you

1. Big Picture of Finding a Host Travel Agency

Prepare yourself mentally that finding the best host travel agency requires research, lots of it.

Sadly, finding the best host agency isn't as simple as a Google search. Finding a good fit takes a lot of work. Prepare yourself mentally that finding the best host travel agency requires research, lots of it.

You’ll probably get frustrated along the way as you hit information overload. Maybe you'll run into analysis paralysis. But don't worry, it's normal.

Going in with realistic expectations will save you a lot of heartache. Not only that, it will set you up to make the best decision for you for right now. And THIS will save you the future of heartache of trying to work with a host that's not a good fit (yes, even if it's a reputable host!)

If the idea of a host agency is new to you and you're not sure what it entails or what questions to ask, watch this video to get a picture look at what it takes!

2. Download HAR's Host Travel Agency Comparison Spreadsheet

To help you along, download our comparison chart to help you track your host research process!

With this spreadsheet, you can easily document information about what you learn about the different hosts in your interview to help you compare. (Don't worry, we'll give you tips on how to narrow down your options, so read on after you download!)

Here's a look before you download it!

Once you download your spreadsheet, you'll see if filled with (somewhat comical!) "dummy info" to offer examples of how to use it. It is not pre-filled with our hosts! Rather it's a tool for you to focus on comparing only the host agencies that are a good fit for you!

Not sure where to start in filling it out? Next we'll chat on questions to ask yourself to see what kind of host you want, then talk through (via the magic of video!) how to use HAR's filter feature to get your spreadsheet filled out!

Which Host Agency Is Best for You: 6 Questions to Ask [+Video Guides]

Home-based travel agents frequently ask me who I recommend as a host agency, and I rarely answer. This is because there are different hosts for different folks. I believe that you, the agency owner, are the best qualified to answer that question.

Since you’re new to the travel host agency business, you may not think you know what you need, or even what to expect from a host. But trust me, you do. You just need a little help getting started with your brainstorming. Here are some questions you can yourself to see what might be the best host agency.

Here are some questions to ask yourself to get you started!

1. Large or small host travel agency?

Hosts agencies range dramatically in size. Some have one or two independent contractors, and some have thousands. One isn't inherently better than the other. It's all about what's a good fit for YOU.

To help you decide which is a better fit for you, consider whether you want the host you work with to have a smaller company feel or larger company culture? You can easily find out the size of a host agency on our profiles! And don't forget, our spreadsheet of Host Agency Questions will help you compare host size alongside other qualities you value in a host agency so you can easily see which host checks more of your boxes!

Here's a little more detail on that!

2. Is it important to you that your host agency is local?

With the ability to do everything remotely, location doesn't play as strong of a factor as it used to. But, there are unique benefits of a local host travel agency that may be extremely important to you. Examples include getting more face time with your host, potential education and supplier advantages, and access to BDMs (Business Development Managers). Figure out how much weight location will have in your decision-making process.

Here's a little more detail on how hosts (near and far) can support advisor/BDM relationships!

3. What type of training do you need/expect?

Do you need step-by-step directions or do you learn better if given the tools and left to explore on your own? Be honest in your assessment of what you need since training is going to be a key part of your success. The best host agency is the one that offers training to fit your learning style.

Here's (yet another) Friday 15 clip where I discussed host agency training (in addition to other travel agent education options).

We also just happen to have a comprehensive article on host agency education, travel schools, and certification programs that is a must-read if you're looking for travel agent training options.

4. What marketing support do you need/expect?

Your phone isn't going to ring by itself, so think about how you're going to get clients. Many hosts have strong marketing programs including direct mail pieces, websites, mobile apps for your clients, and more. Ask them what they have and what most of their new agents use.

Hosts may offer marketing support in a lot of different ways, whether it be a travel agency website, social media marketing tools, direct mailings, e-mail marketing tools, opportunities to travel to destinations to learn how to market places and/or properties (these are called FAM trips), marketing conferences/events or more. But the thing is, you don't want to pay for what you don't want to use. It's a good idea to get a sense of what type of marketing tools you want/need to use host support, when you want to use a third-party tool, or when you want roll up your sleeves and DIY.

If you're curious about how to get started with grassroots marketing, check out the resources below.

5. What type of travel are you going to sell?

You may want a host agency that specializes in your main niche (e.g. group travel, cruise, luxury travel etc.). Just keep in mind that when you're considering more specific niches (multi-generation SCUBA and watersports trips), you're not going to find a host that is that focused.

Most importantly, if you get a sense of what niche you want and the products you'd like to sell you can ask hosts how they can support you in your focus. Even if they market to your niche, in particular, they might surprise you! In this Friday 15 episode, I chatted a bit on the pros and cons of developing a niche

Want to start out on your own niche odyssey? Check our resources below:

6. What is Your starup Budget?

When choosing a host agency, your budget is critical. How do you ensure your host is offering you the best value for your budget and your hosting needs? Here are a few things to consider:

1. Working out your finances and having a number in mind from the start helps keep you on target. You can always adjust the number, but not having a limit makes things harder on you. Keep in mind the savings a host offers you.
2. One thing to mention; make sure your boundaries are realistic. You are investing in your future. While it would be nice if everything were free, you should expect to put out some money as you start your travel agency. I have heard people say be wary of a host agency that charges you. I say, be wary of the host agency that doesn’t charge. How are they making money and investing in their company?
3. Also, remember that you're starting a business when you figure out your budget—it's more than just the cost of a host agency. While starting a home-based travel agency is inexpensive compared to most businesses, you'll be spending money on registering your name, business cards, talking with your tax advisor/lawyer about your business, marketing, etc. Make sure you're thinking big picture and taking being an entrepreneur seriously!

Below, I chat on whether or not expensive hosts equal better hosts in a Friday 15 episode:

I know that these questions are just the beginning. Check out our Friday 15 series where we answer big questions in a small amount of time!

Narrowing Down the Best Host Travel Agency Options

Using HAR's filter feature alongside the comparison spreadsheet is one of the best tools to turn HAR's massive host profile page into a long list.

But the filter is really best shown in action! Here's a video tutorial that reviews how the filter can be used to help answer some of the questions in the previous step. Here's the rundown!

0:00 Intro to HAR's Host Agency Filters

1:19HAR's Host Agency Locator Map

2:16Accessing the Host Profile Filters

3:36Using the Host Profile Filter

5:19What questions the profile can answer (not the filter!)

Start Researching the Best Host Travel Agency

Even with the reviews, how do you start to narrow your choices down with a number that large?!? Here are some pointers on how to narrow down your list:

1. Read the reviews on Host Agency Reviews for your prospective host agencies

While you need to take some reviews with a grain of salt, it’s safe to say that peer reviews can give you insight into what you can expect. We have a host travel agency list where you can find peer reviews.

2. Check out HAR's Luminary Awards

HAR's Luminary Awards were an invention I came up with back in 2019. They celebrate the host's engagement with advisors on our site. They recognize hosts not only for high reviews but also for being responsive to site users and participating in our survey. The beauty of the Luminary Awards is that any listed host can win one regardless of size.

3. Contact the prospective host agencies

You'll be getting a LOT of information so make sure to download our Host Agency Search Comparison Chart to help you keep track of important information. If you have more than a few host agencies you’re thinking of, they may start blurring together so take careful notes!

Connecting with host agencies can't be easier! You can go directly to their profile to write them via Host Agency Reviews' Q&A feature. The beauty of this is that tons of agents will also get to learn from your question too!

4. Watch our video to help find a host travel agency

You may not think you know what you want, but grab a seat and we'll walk you through how to figure it out in the video below:

5. Join our 7-Day SEtup Facebook Group

HAR's 7-Day Setup Facebook Group is a goldmine when it comes to getting firsthand host experiences directly from advisors. All you need to do is join the 7-Day Setup and search for your hosts of choice in the search box to see what advisors have said about them. Their thoughts are candid and unfiltered, so an endorsement goes a long way.

Need More Help Choosing a Host? We've Got You Covered.

The most important thing you can do to find the best host travel agency? Know what you want before you start looking. You may also find our starting a travel agency or choosing travel agency names articles helpful as you get your home travel business started.

And lastly, it is a big decision but it shouldn't be keeping you up at night if you're doing your due diligence. While you may think there is one best host agency for you, the reality is there are many great host agencies out there. If you do the proper research, chances are there are quite a few host agencies that you'd be very happy with!

If you're wanting more help finding your forever host and getting your agency off the ground, check out our new course, "The Complete Guide to Starting a Travel Agency."

Check out HAR's 3 different 7 Day Setup course options. The courses are written and facilitated by yours truly (Steph!) and Bridget Lee, a professional educator with deep roots in the travel industry. Maybe you notice a last name similarity? We happen to be sisters! We had a blast teaching the course, we think you'll love taking it too. With a free mini course and/or free trial of HAR's Accelerator All-Access Pass, there's a little something for everyone! Check out your options here!

In Closing

I've worked with thousands (honestly, tens of thousands) of people looking for the best host travel agency for their needs, and hope this article has helped shed a little light on things.

If you like what you read, drop by our home-based travel agent resources page for more tips and tricks!