Montrose Travel Reviews
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Host Agency Details
- Affiliations:
- Ensemble
- 2011 Sales:
- $100 million+
- Host Type:
- Hybrid (Host & Travel Agency)
- Accepting:
- Beginner Agents, Experienced Agents
- Members Of:
- ARC, ASTA, BBB, CLIA, IATA, NACTA, OSSN, PATH
- # of Contractors:
- 250-499
- GDS:
- Apollo
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About Montrose Travel
Montrose Travel, established in 1956, has been family-owned and operated since 1972. MTravel.com is the hosting division of Montrose Travel, and has been actively supporting independent travel professionals for over 35 years.
In 1990, Andi (McClure) Mysza, her brother Joe McClure and his wife Julie purchased Montrose Travel from their parents, Leora and Joe McClure Sr. With the expansion of our product line, we grew steadily throughout the recession of the early 90’s, the Gulf War and 9/11, difficult times for the industry. We’re now firmly established as a Top 5 Host Agency and Top 50 Travel Management Company nationwide, exceeding $135 million in gross sales with no debt on our balance sheet.
Programs
We offer three program levels depending on a person’s experience, with each including: Our industry leading consumer Private Labeled Website with online booking capabilities and customizable features, Agent Connex support site, a core business development team to provide personalized phone/email support, E&O insurance, our Client Connex powered by ClientBase CRM for email marketing, our award-winning live training program, direct deposit, comprehensive leisure, corporate and group products/programs as well as access to significant airline contracts – all for one low annual fee with no required monthly fees.
The Difference
We’re not just a host but also a retail travel agency with an in-house staff of 150+. With six unique departments offering a complete product line to our independent travel professionals, our agents have the freedom to grow their business in any direction, gleaning from our firsthand experience in Leisure, Corporate, Groups, Romance and other specialty niches.
Also, with our practical experience we can serve as your back-up when you’re on vacation or out sick. Additionally, we offer a complete corporate hosting program and can even assist with the overflow of accounts that are too large for you to handle on your own. Finally, we are wholly committed to developing personal relationships with our agents; we aim to provide the support, incentives and recognition they need to thrive as individual business owners.
Join the Montrose Family
Montrose Travel continues to remain one of the healthiest and respected companies in the travel industry today. We are extremely proud of our growth and our ongoing commitment to our independent contractor base. Our top priorities are to provide you with the quality service, profit potential, and unsurpassed value for your customers that you deserve – and most importantly, to make you feel a part of our family.
Learn More
Meet the Team
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| Andi Mysza - President of MTravel.com | Joe McClure - President of Montrose Travel | Julie McClure - CFO of Montrose Travel |
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I have been with Montrose Travel for over five years. I give it my full 5 star approval! I have over 29 years experience in the travel industry, working for a major cruise line, then selling travel through different agencies throughout the years. In 2000 I started my own agency, Kensington Cruises, and tried to do everything myself. When Mtravel started, I became one of their first agents to sign with them and I haven’t regretted it for a minute. Mtravel is there for you every step of the way! Whether you are a beginning travel agent, or experienced travel professional, they have something to offer you. Their training is superb, and support is unmatched. Montrose Travel is one of the most respected travel agencies in the country, and they have exceptional relationships with all of their preferred suppliers, including all of the major cruise lines. Their commissions are top tier, and you have the opportunity to earn the highest commissions in the industry through them. It was more profitable for me to take a commission split with Montrose Travel than it was for me to try and earn the entire commission by myself.
It feels great knowing you are in business for yourself but not BY yourself; one summer when I was on a cruise, a client had a big problem on a trip they were on. I was unable to be reached, so Montrose Travel handled the problem beautifully for me, rather than let the client suffer. You have a team of professionals behind you, supporting you, recognizing you, training you and inspiring you. As long as I’m in the travel industry, I will be partnering with Montrose Travel!
Questions? You can reach me through my website, http://www.howtosellcruises.com, or http://www.cruisewithlori.com.
Montrose is the host agency of choice for me!
I have recently started a business and partnership with Montrose Travel. I have had a career in the business management, ownership, retail, and marketing fileds for the past 45 years.
Montrose Travel stands out as one of the best in the travel industry after researching the company during their past over 50 years of successful business operations and debit free status.
The company’s concentration on customer service, training associates, and striving always to be the best in the travel industry is second to none.
i would advise anyone who want to make a career in the travel industry to definitely choose Montrose Travel.
Montrose Travel is “ABOVE AND BEYOND THE REST” without a doubt.
I look forward many years of successful business association ,since i know they have our best business interest at heart.
I started with MTravel a little over a year ago with no previous professional experience in the travel industry. After researching for a few months on what the host agencies have to offer, I settled on MTravel, and I have been quite happy with my decision.
Starting your own business and working from home is difficult, but the support staff at MTravel will help you with every step. They provide training on a wide range of topics to help you get started and to continue the growth of your business. I especially appreciate the Annual Education Conference not only for the learning opportunities and the chance to meet and speak with the suppliers, but also to network with other MTravel home-based agents.
The relationship they have with many suppliers makes me feel confident in my decision to be an affiliate with MTravel. Knowing I was choosing a host agency with a good reputation and stable business made my decision much easier.
I think anyone looking for a host agency would find MTravel a welcome place to call home.
I have been with Montrose Travel for only a few years and have had a wonderful experience working with this organization. They have always been there for me whenever I had a travel question. Great support team and Montrose provide valuable tools for the home-based travel agent to make use of. Their training program is also an important asset to have as well. If you are considering a host agency for your travel business, I highly recommend MTravel.
I have been with Montrose for just short of 4 years and am thoroughly impressed still with the way that Andi Mysza conducts herself, and thus the entire organization with a fantastic blend of professionalism and fun. This is an organization that not only is well respected and does a great job for their ICs, but also fosters a real sense of belonging – truly like a family.
Above all, they keep it real.
If you could use sound advice and help along the way from a host agency then I highly recommend Montrose & the MTravel family.
I just celebrated my first anniversary of my second career with Montrose; I spent 6 months researching my options and in the end it came down to two choices, on paper the other agency was a little more appealing plus they offered a free fam to explore the world every year. It was that undeniable warm and fuzzy “feeling” that has no place on a balance sheet that made choose Montrose Travel. A decision I am grateful for every day of the year. They are highly skilled and knowledgeable and more importantly never hesitate to share that knowledge, the support is fantastic, they answer even the stupidest of questions with grace. They are professional and perhaps most important they exhibit integrity in all business dealings. All the while being more than just a company they are a family without the obnoxious aunt.
I’ve been in the travel business for 18 months now, though I traveled for business for over 30 years. When I decided to become a travel professional, I did a considerable amount of research about Host Agencies, and Montrose kept coming up with high marks. I decide to join them and am glad I did. Their support is outstanding, and they treat everyone as part of their extended family. I’ve been to 2 of their conferences, and both have been outstanding. Their training is very good, and they have great relationships with all of the major travel industry suppliers, so the pricing and commission structure is very good. I am very happy to be part of the Montrose family as they are committed to my success.
I love my job because the walls of my office aren’t windowless off-white pegboard walls. Montrose Travel has allowed me to pursue a career path as a travel professional even though I had no previous experience. They offer technical and educational support, as well as opportunites to learn first-hand. I’ve found that it takes a few years to build repeat and referral client base. But each year adds a stronger sense of confidence in my abilities, thanks to the support I receive from the staff at Montrose.
It goes without saying that every day is different in travel, but being a travel agent is more than just being able to research a trip and book it online. With Montrose, I have access to preferred suppliers and a consortium that allows me to offer my clients competitve pricing, often with amenities that aren’t available to individuals booking their own trips. I enjoy the challenge of busy days and challenging myself on the slow ones. Montrose Travel makes available a wealth of product and destination knowledge. Knowledge is power, and I love speaking to my clients from firsthand experience,as well as from Montrose’s own training programs. Life is too short not to enjoy what you do…and who you do it with! Montrose is a “family” you can trust with your business.
I have been with Montrose for just over 2 years now and I love them! I started with them when I started in the industry but have had such a great experience with them I can’t imagine doing this without them. They are always there when I need support, whether it’s something complicated or a simple request.
I also really value all of the training opportunities that are provided to us and feel that it has really helped me grow as an agent and increase my sales.
One of my favorite things about Montrose is the support team. I am very big on customer service and I love how friendly all of them all. They truly care about my success and do everything in their power to help me succeed.
I love Montrose and am looking forward to a long career with them!
When looking for a host agency for your Home Based business there should be a number factors that come into the equation in your decision making process.
When I shifted to Montrose a number of years back the things that were at the top of my list were technology, customer service, accountability, and professionalism. From my very first conversations with Andi Myza McClure I realized there was something else that one could expect from Mtravel/Montrose which is caring and considerate humans to interact with. Andi exemplifies what a caring, considerate business owner can be.
Montose is a second generation organization built by a family and run with good family values. As a result of the way the Joe and Julie Mclure and Andi Myza McClure run their organization, there is a great camaraderie among all the people you come into contact with.
Montrose has all the major affiliations in the industry and a sterling reputation. The company has many divisions besides the home based travel agent product which gives the home based agent a wealth of resources to help build and run their business including Romance/Honeymoon and corporate.
Because of the volume of business that Mtravel/Montrose does with the suppliers and providers the pricing to your clients and the commission paid on those sales are some of the best in the industry.
The technology running both to the consumer and the back office is continually being advanced and this year the company rolled out a proprietary CRM system for client management that is truly amazing.
If you might be looking toward a career in the industry or perhaps a new host I recommend giving the Mtravel Montrose Travel team a call.
I’ve been with Montrose for a year and a half. I worked for a “brick and mortar” store a number of years ago and wanted to get back into the industry. My husband and I researched the host agencies thoroughly before selecting Montrose. We’re thrilled with our choice. Montrose is never content to rest on its laurels. Andi and her team are constantly updating technology and training. It’s the best of both worlds. We have the advantage and power of a huge company, but the personal attention one would only expect of a small company. I highly recommend Montrose as a host agency.
I have been with Montrose since March. I am new to the industry and honestly say that Montrose has great training and are very supportive.
I would recommend Montrose to anyone interested in a new host agency. They are very helpful, supportive and responsive to questions.
I love working with Montrose.
I’ve been affiliated with MTravel since April and couldn’t be happier with my decision to join the Montrose Travel family. Their online training, frequent webinars, and support staff have been truly incredible. Whenever I have a question, someone is always available to help me. My home-based travel business continues to flourish and I’m loving my new career helping people find the vacation of their dreams.
I have been with Montrose for about 6 months coming from another host. I have to say it was a great business decision. The technology Montrose has to run my business is amazing and my clients tell me my consumer booking site is very attractive compared to those “other” sites. The staff is very patient with me when I have to ask the same question twice and they offer tons of training. If you need a refresher, the training is archived for you to view again. They make running a travel business fun. Montrose is a close knit family of travel agents who help each other succeed. No other host agency comes close.
I have been an IC with Montrose for almost two months and prior to that I was booking my own travel through online travel sites. I chose Montrose as my Host Agency after reading reviews and having booked business travel through them a few years back.
As a newbie to booking travel for others I appreciate the training that Montrose offers. If I miss a live session I can easily access training archives. If I have questions I can phone them or email my questions in.
There is a ton of information available to their agents that it can be a bit overwhelming but Support is available even on Saturdays to answer questions. I am happy I chose Montrose Travel.
I have worked for Montrose for only two years. Before that I worked for two of the largest travel companies out there at the time and Montrose is right up top in how well they support me and my business and provide training opportunities. They strive to help their agents become client focused, knowledgeable, organized, and efficient top sellers. They do not stop at ‘good enough’ and continue to accept the challenge of being a top host agency.
After 7 years in the business with a different host I decided I wanted a host that was moving ahead with current trends and technology. I’ve been with Montrose now for a little over a year and am very happy I made the switch. They really offer pretty much what an agent with any level of experience could want.
I have been with Montrose Travel now for two years and love them. They are always there when I have a question or just need some help. The entire staff is friendly and so supportive. I also feel that their fees are very reasonable for what I get back in return. I couldn’t be happier with my choice!
I have been with Montrose Travel since I entered into the Travel Industry 4 years ago and I have grown so much because of the attention, support, and confidence that I have gained from being apart of their organization.
I don’t feel lost within the numbers because I am on the East Coast and they are on the West Coast. I feel so close to them. I have the feeling of being a part of their family.
They are supportive. They provide excellent training. I don’t think I can ask for anything more. I am happy with my host agency. I love them. They mean so much to me.
It is more than business, to me, with them….they feel like my family.
I have been affiliated with Montrose Travel for six years now. I first received my CTC 20 years ago but opted out of the travel business when my son was born as back then the option to work from home was nonexistent. As my child and the world of technology grew I began to explore the idea of “telecommuting to work” those explorations brought me to Montrose.
Before signing up I “interviewed” many host agencies and franchises before making my final decision. Probably the defining factor of my selecting MT was Andi. She is direct, upfront and does not try to put a spin on things. I am very comfortable telling her exactly how I feel about situations and don’t feel like she dismisses any of my concerns. Andi is a “hands on” executive who is very approachable which is important to me.
Working with MT is very easy; they allow you to keep full control of your business while supporting you along the way. Having a strong support system is essential.
Two recent examples come to mind that exemplify the commitment Montrose has to their outside agents. First,I was recently out of the country and a client of mine needed to be medically evacuated from a cruise ship. I was able to keep in contact with the client while on my vacation as well as with the support team at Montrose. They made sure that she knew they were there for her in the event I could not be reached. Knowing you have coverage is a wonderful thing! The second example was in regards to an issue I had with a supplier. Montrose was able to step in and help resolve it expediently. This included my having a meeting with the CEO of the company which I am certain would never have taken place if I was just a travel agent working on my own. Having a powerhouse behind me helps level the playing field allowing me to “play with the big boys”.
I am very pleased with my private label website- MT is continually fine tuning and updating it to keep up with the competition. The fees are reasonable and they have an assortment of commission structures to select from. Montrose also has an extensive amount of training available for Novice and Experienced travel professionals with webinars running all time. I am very pleased with my decision to sign with Montrose and expect to be with them for quite a long time.
Montrose Travel has been the answer to what I was looking for in a Host Agency about 3 years ago. I can count on them to help me, guide me and teach me. With Montrose I am never alone, but still have complete control over my own “company” When I spoke to Andi the first time I knew I had joined the right “family”
After 26 years in corporate America I “retired” but was not quite ready to be done working being only 50 years old. Having traveled extensively both for business and pleasure and loving planning my travel almost as much as I enjoyed traveling, I decided that starting a home-based travel business would be just the right fit for me. After extensive research on the options out there for me (franchise vs affiliation) I chose Montrose.
I have been with Montrose for just 3 months, but if things continue as they have been thus far, I expect to be with them for a long time to come. In making my decision to go with Montrose I was impressed with the look and feel of the personalized website and the options provided therein that I get with my affiliation. I was also happy with the low up-front cost for signing on with Montrose with no nickel and diming for additional pieces and parts.
I realize that I might not be making as much in commissions up front, but it was a great way to get into the business with little up front expenditure, providing me with the opportunity to test the waters, knowing that if I was successful, my commission base would grow with the company. The commission rate is well worth it when you think about what you get in the way of your personalized website as well as the great support and training that Montrose provides.
I have to say that almost from day one of signing on with Montrose I have felt like a member of the Montrose family. They have a great staff who never make you feel stupid for asking a question and they also provide a great variety of trainings, both live and pre-recorded, to help you learn the business. And, on top of all that, I am very excited to work with the new CRM (customer relationship management) system they have just implemented that will help me market to my client base easily on an ongoing basis.
What else can I say? If you are new to the industry, you are going to be overwhelmed by the amount of travel options and resources that are out there. If you are looking for a great company to help you work through the process and help you grow your business, Montrose would be a great choice!
I have been a licensed TA for 19 years now & earned my CTA with the Travel Institute so I joined Montrose as an experienced agent. I mostly moved around from retail and call centers due to my husband’s job, he is a Marine and we moved a lot. We retired and moved to New England and I worked for a major travel company. After a few years, I wanted to work from home, be my own boss, do my own thing without the hassle of a very large corporation telling me how to sell. I researched for just under a year before making my decision to move to Montrose. My first interaction was with Andi. My conversations with her were welcoming and inviting and what stood out the most, her sincerity. I instantly felt trust with this company. Through the process I met a lot of wonderful people and my move from a retail store to a host agency became less scary & worrisome because of the strong relationship that was building with the people of Montrose. I had a lot of fears moving and building my own business. My first year, I made a lot of typical new business decisions that now looking back, there is a few things I would do differently in start up but because of the support staffs guidance & direction (& sense of humor) my second full year with Montrose is rocking. All the support staff is amazing. From Dominique who answers their phones, to Support, Accounting, IT, Marketing, Training..they are all great. You start to get to know the people on a first name basis and they know you on a first name basis. They have tools you need to build your business are there for you 24/7. I use GDS and it is simple and easy to remote in to Apollo. Tech support is quick to turn around a problem if there happens to be one. They’ve been around a long, long time and their technology keeps growing stronger and stronger. The tools are there, at your disposal, anytime. The best way to sum this up is that It’s Family. Annual Conference for all agents, if you are on the west coast, they have cool family involved parties because it’s not about the number, its about the person, you will never be a just a number. October will mark my 3rd year and I couldnt be happier. Lisa D Fitzgerald, CTA Mojo Travel
I have been hosted with MTravel (Montrose) for a little over a year now and highly recommend them – especially if you need a little hand-holding! They do a fantastic job of fostering a “family” feel among all the home-based agents across the country. Support is great…some of the technology-based stuff is a little “off” but they are working on those issues. All-in-all,I am very pleased and enjoy working all the staff – a great, solid and well-run company!
Since I posted this in May, we have completely updated the CRM system and fixed most of the bugs in the hotel booking engine! Still very happy with Montrose and the great folks at MTravel.com! You guys rock!
I have been with Mtravel for one year.
I started with no experience in the travel industry…aside from booking my own family vacations.
Mtravel understands that some agents will need more helps then others. You can call or email them with any questions you have. They have online training, which is very convenient. Mtravel also has a yearly training that you can attend. Where you can meet other agents, take classes, and do site tours.
I love my new career! I enjoy helping people plan their “dream vacations”.