Embarking on a career as a travel advisor is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. Between learning booking systems, understanding how commissions work, and building your client base, the first few months can be a whirlwind. That’s why your first 100 days are so important. They set your foundation for a successful, sustainable business.

With the right guidance and tools, like those offered by KHM Travel Group, you don’t have to navigate this time alone. Through education for new agents and a supportive community, KHM Travel Group gives you everything you need to hit the ground running.

First Up: Education

Your priority for your first weeks as a travel agent should be education. Before you think of making a booking, you’ll need to understand the basics. Learn how to qualify clients, choose suppliers, and work with research tools first. 

KHM Travel Group offers a comprehensive online education program with on-demand courses that explain all the travel agent essentials. Once you complete basic education from your host agency, you can branch out to a few (keyword: few!) suppliers. Don’t over-extend your learning at the beginning. 

The key is to take your time. Don’t just skip through the lessons or videos to say you’ve completed them. Take notes. Absorb the info. And go back to review if needed.

If your learning style is more hands-on vs. online, look for in-person opportunities available to you. KHM Travel Group’s Boot Camp 1.0 event has been a gamechanger for new agents in setting a solid foundation of knowledge and confidence. 

Ready to Launch

Once you feel you have enough information to book travel, it’s time to think about announcing your new business. Now is when you need to start building your client list. You may start slow, just relying on your holiday card list or family/friends. Don’t get discouraged in your first months if you don’t have a long list. As people start booking with you, and more people hear about what you do, you’ll see your lead list grow.

Marketing is an intimidating task for many travel agents. Stay focused and try not to get distracted by all the possibilities. Pick one task to accomplish, whether that’s setting up your Facebook page, drafting ideas for an email newsletter, or ordering your business cards. KHM Travel Group Agents have access to an entire marketing suite of templates for emails, social media, and print. We also provide checklists to help you stay on track. And our team is here to help all along the way!

Your fundamental marketing should focus on free or low-cost options. Think about your local connections and community involvement. Networking early will help set up relationships. They may not book right away, but they will have you in mind for future trips. 

During this period, you may make your first booking. If you haven’t booked any travel outside your own yet, don’t get discouraged! Refer to the education you have access to and try suggested strategies for finding clients and closing the sale.

Lean on the Support Available

Throughout your first three months (and long beyond this time), you’ll want to have a support system in place. Get involved with your host agency and take advantage of the opportunities to meet other travel agents. Look for upcoming live events like regional supplier gatherings, industry conferences, or a live event from your host agency. Mark your calendar and keep an eye out for registration information. Sometimes it takes hearing something in person for it to “click.”

Support is the number one resource you have at KHM Travel Group. We offer unlimited Agent Support through phone, live chat, and email – six days a week, including evenings. We also offer one-on-one coaching where our experts offer guidance or help you evaluate what’s working and what’s not. As an award-winning host travel agency, we pride ourselves on our 64:1 travel agent to staff ratio. Having more team members means faster, better support when you need it most.

Your first months will be exciting. Give yourself grace and work based on your own timeline. The most profitable travel agents will tell you that success doesn’t happen overnight. Just remember to stick with it, ask questions, and leverage your resources. By doing so, you’ll be laying the foundation for a thriving travel business.

You Belong with an Award-Winning Host Agency!

Learn more about becoming a travel agent with KHM Travel Group by visiting KHMTravel.com or calling our team at 888-611-1220.