In 2026, people are being more careful when planning trips because travel is getting more expensive. According to the Globetrotter Guide: U.S. International Traveler Outlook 2026, travelers are thinking more about where they go and how much they spend, and they want help they can trust.

Even though apps and websites can show travel options, people still want advice from someone who really knows what they’re talking about. They want to feel sure their money is being used well. Because of this, the way people plan trips is changing, and more people are starting to think about becoming travel agents so they can help others plan better.

The New Cost-Conscious Traveler Mindset in 2026

Cruise Planners franchise owner Summer Bowers, since 2013, highlights the 2026 cost-conscious mindset by showing how travelers can experience Alaska’s glaciers from Anchorage, delivering epic scenery and adventure without the cost of Antarctica.

Off Peak Travel to Reduce Costs

Nearly half of U.S. international travelers are choosing off-peak travel to save money. While the savings can be significant, shifting seasons, weather considerations, and limited availability are increasing the need for professional guidance.

Booking Earlier as a Cost Saving Strategy

More than a third of travelers are booking flights earlier to manage costs, turning travel planning into a long-term strategy. Advisors like Claire Maguire help clients plan major trips years in advance, spreading expenses over time while reducing risk through expert handling of airline policies, cancellations, and schedule changes.

Destination Dupes as Budget Friendly Alternatives

With 32 percent of travelers opting for less expensive destinations, many are choosing destination dupes, affordable alternatives to popular hotspots that offer better value and favorable exchange rates.

Claire Maguire, pictured on the right, has been a Cruise Planners franchise owner since 2017 and checks off a bucket list experience flying in a helicopter over East Antarctica while aboard the Scenic Eclipse II ultra luxury discovery yacht for 28 days.

Why Cost-Conscious Travel Is Fueling Interest in Becoming a Travel Agent

Travel booked through advisors is expected to reach $141.3 billion in the U.S. in 2026, representing 26 percent of the total market, according to the American Society of Travel Advisors.

As trips become more complex, travelers want more than basic bookings. They value real-world experience, strategic planning, and human insight that itinerary chatbots cannot compete with, which is driving interest in how to become a travel agent equipped to meet these evolving needs.

Becoming a travel agent today is about delivering real value by protecting budgets, saving time, and turning complex trips into seamless experiences.

The Real Cost of Becoming a Travel Agent in 2026

One of the biggest questions about becoming a travel agent is cost. A travel agent start up depends on training, host support, and business model, but long-term earning potential matters more than upfront fees. Host-supported options like Cruise Planners are designed to lower risk while providing the tools and supplier access needed to succeed.

Becoming a Travel Agent from Home in a Cost-Sensitive Market

As demand for flexibility grows, more people are exploring how to become a travel agent from home. Choosing to become a travel agent from home offers the ability to work from anywhere with low overhead, aligning with modern travelers who value expertise and convenience over storefronts.

From Advisor to Owner Starting a Travel Agency in 2026

For some advisors, the next logical step is learning how to start a travel agency of their own. The modern travel agency business often begins under a host agency, allowing new owners to build experience before taking full operational responsibility. Understanding how to open a travel agency today means prioritizing systems, supplier relationships, and long-term scalability.

What This Means If You’re Considering Becoming a Travel Agent

Today’s travel industry offers a clear opportunity for professionals considering a career change. As travelers become more selective and budget aware, the role of the advisor is increasingly centered on insight and trust. Choosing to become a travel agent in 2026 means building a career where expertise truly matters.

Tony and Debra, Cruise Planners franchise owners since 2019, explain how real travel experiences built instant client trust.

Exploring Franchise Ownership

A travel agency franchise offers a proven, supported path for those exploring travel as a new career, combining independence with the structure needed to build a scalable travel agency business from day one.