We get it. Starting your own travel agency can seem intimidating. Maybe you're passionate about travel but hesitant to invest the time and money in launching your own agency. But you can still turn a travel for passion into a career or lucrative hobby!

Becoming a travel sub agent can strike a perfect balance between the independence of entrepreneurship and the security of working with a travel agency that already has a track record.

Curious? If so, our comprehensive guide will help you understand what a travel sub agent does, whether it's the right fit for you, and how to get started. Here's what we'll cover:

⭐️ HAR's ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS! ⭐️

1. What Is a Travel Sub Agent?
2. Who Should Consider Becoming a Travel Sub Agent?
3. Examples of types of travel sub agents
4. Pros and Cons of Becoming a Travel Sub Agent
5. Understanding the Financial Structure of Travel Sub Agents
6. Startup Costs for Travel Sub Agents
7. A List of Host Agencies that Accept Travel Sub Agents
8. Alternatives to Becoming a Travel Sub Agent
9. FAQs

What Is a Travel Sub Agent?

You might think that the definition of a travel sub agent is pretty straightforward: A travel sub agent is an independent contractor who works under the umbrella of a "lead" or "managing" travel agent ra ther than working directly with a host agency.

Still not sure? Here are the telltale signs of a travel sub agent:

1. They are not an employee 
2. They do not have their own travel accreditation 
3. They are contracted with the managing advisor/agency (not host agency) 
4. They receive a 1099 from the managing advisor/agency (not host agency)
5. They have a commission split with the managing advisor/agency (above and beyond the agency's split with the host)

The travel sub agent role offers a unique middle gro

und in the travel industry for professionals who want the flexibility and independence of entrepreneurship without the full responsibility

of building a business from scratch. Think of it as having one foot in each world: becoming a travel sub agent can offer the freedom of self-employment with the stability of an established business structure.

From there, how travel sub agents operate becomes nuanced. Well, that's what we're here for! Read on to see if the travel sub agent model might be right for you, the pros and cons, and how to become one!

Who Should Consider Becoming a Travel Sub Agent?

The ideal prospective sub agent is passionate about selling travel experiences and want the independence and flexibility without the financial risks and operational challenges that come with starting a travel agency from scratch.

The ideal prospective sub agent is passionate about selling travel experiences and want the independence and flexibility without the financial risks and operational challenges that come with starting a travel agency from scratch.Is it right for you?

Here's a few indicators that becoming a sub agent might be a good fit for you:

• You want to sell travel without employee constraints or full business ownership responsibilities
• You're seeking a low-risk entry into the travel industry before committing completely
• You value direct mentorship from experienced agents over self-guided learning
• You prefer focusing on bookings and clients rather than backend business operations

Becoming a travel sub agent offers an opportunity for prospective travel advisors to learn on the job and/or to offer a specific expertise or skillset to help offset an agency's current workload, without the responsibility of running a business.

Here's what that looks like on the ground.

Travel Sub Agents in the Wild

While travel sub agents share certain commonalities — they receive commission splits, work as 1099 contractors, and have contracts with their managing advisors — the day-to-day operations and working relationships are nuanced. 

Here are a few different examples of what a travel sub agent's role could look like:

1. The Overflow Specialist - Who handles the growing demand when an agency is thriving. They step in to ensure no client gets turned away during busy periods, maintaining the agency's high service standards while helping it scale.
2. The Niche Expert - Who brings specialized expertise to expand an agency's offerings. For example, a cruise specialist joining an agency that primarily handles custom land tours, allowing the agency to serve a broader client base.
3. The Client Care Partner - Who manages booking logistics and administrative tasks, freeing the primary advisor to focus on deepening client relationships and business development. (This role can be particularly valuable in high-touch luxury agencies where relationship building is key.)

These are just examples! There are endless possibilities for the role of the travel sub agent. If you are interested in becoming a travel sub, you'll want to be sure the agency you align with is strategic about your role within the agency!

Pros and Cons of Becoming a Travel Sub Agent

Becoming a travel sub agent is one option among myriad pathways into the travel industry! Here are some of the pros and cons of going the travel sub agent route.

Advantages

•  Lower start-up costs and overhead compared to becoming an independent agent
•  Access to direct mentorship, coaching, and training from experienced agents 
•  Reduced administrative responsibilities
•  Access to established supplier relationships
•  Less financial risk
•  Walking into a book of business (essentially skipping client attraction!)

 Disadvantages

• Lower commission splits than independent agents 
• Dependence on the main advisor/agency for payment
• Limited brand independence ¹
• Restricted control over business operations
• Less or no recognition from parent host agency and/or suppliers when it comes to awards, rewards, FAMs, overrides etc.

Understanding the Financial Structure of Travel Sub Agents

If you want to enter into a travel sub agent contract, it's important to know how this will be different for you compared to a straight-up hosted advisor. Here's the lowdown.

Commission Structures for Travel Sub Agents

The key question for a prospective sub agent: Does the mentorship, support, and reduced overhead justify this additional commission reduction?

Commission structures are different for hosted travel agents compared to travel sub agents. Here's how the "trickle down" commission splits work at its most basic:

1. Host agencies negotiate a premium commission split directly with the supplier. (Read about commission to learn why hosts can negotiate higher rates.)
2. The supplier pays the host agency the commission for each booking at their negotiated rate. 
3. The hosted travel agency (not the sub agent!) reports their booking to their host agency so they can get their moolah. 
4. The host agency pays the hosted advisor their commission according to their negotiated commission split. 

For example: A supplier pays a $1,000 commission on a booking. With an 80/20 split, the host agency keeps $200 (20%) and the hosted advisor receives $800 (80%) of that commission.

Now if it's a travel sub agent who made that booking, there is yet another layer added to the payout!

When a sub agent makes a booking, the managing agency first receives their $800 from the host, then applies the sub agent's commission split. With a 70/30 split, the sub agent receives $560 (70% of $800), while the managing agency keeps $240 (30% of $800).

The key question for a prospective sub agent: Does the mentorship, support, and reduced overhead justify this additional commission reduction? (Continue reading to learn how the sub agent model saves you money in other ways.)

Startup Costs for Travel Sub Agents

Lower startup costs and little to no overhead offers potentially significant savings for sub travel agents. While we don't have startup cost data for travel sub agents (YET!), the most common startup cost for a new hosted advisor was $500 according to our 2024 Hosted Travel Agent report. 

Below you can look at the latest startup costs diced every which way:

Here's why the startup costs for travel sub agents are typically lower:

Why sub agents enjoy lower startup costs:

• Reduced annual fees (example: $150/year vs. $195/year for primary agents)
• Managing agencies often cover these fees as a business investment
• Minimal overhead with administrative, marketing, and backend expenses handled for you

Of course, there are always exceptions! Be sure you're clear what you're responsible for financially, how that weighs against your commission split, and if that aligns with the value you're hoping to receive from becoming a travel sub agent! 

Read more about travel agency startup costs and earnings!

The Joy of Taxes

Now I'm really venturing into killjoy territory, bringing up the issue of taxes. But it's critical to be aware that even if you're travel sub agent, you are an independent business in the eyes of the IRS. 

This means that while you may be spared the administrative headache of day-to-day travel agency operations, you will get to experience the joys of

• paying quarterly estimated taxes
• registering your travel agency business
• figuring out what travel expenses you can (and can’t) write off

A List of Host Agencies that Accept Travel Sub Agents

Becoming a sub travel agent is very similar to becoming a hosted advisor, except instead of searching for a host agency, you're searching for a parent travel agency to partner with! 

If you don't already have your sights set on a travel agency to sub with, here's a way of going about finding a dynamic agency to partner with!

1. Research Host Travel Agencies with Travel Sub Agent Programs

It may seem odd to look at host agencies if you don't want to directly align with one. But this is a great start for someone who doesn't have an agency in mind they want to partner with. Why? Because that host agency or franchise is going to power the agency you work with.

All you need to do is go through finding the best host, limiting it to hosts that offer sub travel agent programs. Here's a list of our highlighted hosts and franchises that allow travel sub agents:

• Andavo Travel
• Avoya Travel
• Cruise Planners
• Cruise & Travel Experts
• Fora Travel
• Gifted Travel Network
• KHM Travel Group
• Montecito Village Travel
• Nexion Travel Group
• Outside Agents
• PTN Travel
• Travel Planners International
• Uniglobe Travel Center
• WorldVia Travel Network

Keep in mind, these are only the highlighted hosts! For a complete list of host agencies and franchises that allow travel sub agents, use HAR's host agency filter to peruse even more hosts with travel sub agent programs. 

Worried about info overload? Fast track your research by using HAR’s filter, then going through our resource on how to choose the best host agency. 

2. Ask Hosts About Travel Sub Agent Opportunities

Once you have a working list of host agencies that meet your minimum requirements, reach out either via email or HAR's Q&A to ask about their sub agent program. 

Here's how:

1. Copy this question: "Hi there! I'm interested in becoming a travel advisor as a sub-agent. Does [your company] facilitate matching qualified sub-agents with established agencies?"

2. Go to the Q&As section on host profiles and submit it to your favorite (maybe top 5-10) host agencies. 

This will be a great way to start your research, gauging which hosts have robust sub agent programs and their willingness to pair you. 

Don't be offended if a host isn't willing to pair you (they may wait for a current advisor to initiate that conversation). Hopefully they'll be able to offer more info on their program. 

Remember, the host agency will not ultimately be your main line of support. This is just a step to get some introductions to agencies that are looking for subs!

3. Get Conversations on the Books with Agencies

Hopefully, hosts will offer a few options and you'll be able to schedule some conversations with agencies who are excited and ready to take on subs. 

Here's a list of questions you might ask agencies:

These are just a few things to consider! 

Agencies should have a clear idea of how they would use and support a sub agent. If they don't know the answer or are not interested in finding an answer to these questions, it might be a good indicator for you to move on.

It's a two-way street. An agency looking for a sub agent will also see it as a business partnership. They'll have questions for you and likely be looking for someone who can learn and thrive without the need for constant support.

Alternatives to Becoming a Travel Sub Agent

You hopefully have a clear idea of what a travel sub agent is and what to consider when pursuing that avenue. 

If you're thinking that becoming a travel sub agent is overkill in solving a smaller, more centralized problem you'd like to solve, it's good to know that there are other solutions to such issues.

Here are a few alternatives to becoming a sub travel agent. (If you're sold on becoming a travel sub agent, move along to the section on how to become a travel sub agent!)

1. Going Direct with a travel Host Agency

If your primary concern is learning the ropes and getting hands-on experience booking travel, one option is to invest in a host agency with direct support. 

What it offers: This includes host agencies that have robust and dedicated programs for onboarding new advisors from the ground up. 

Benefits: Direct commission splits, access to backend booking platforms, and a track record of onboarding and training new advisors

Look for: Hosts with a dedicated programs for onboarding new advisors from the ground up. (e.g. Larger travel host agencies with formal training or smaller hosts with hands-on leadership.)

Fine print: Not all hosts offer these services! Make sure you find the best host agency for you!

2. Using a Lead Program

If your primary concern is finding clients, there are loads and loads of travel lead programs (with host agencies or third-party platforms) that can help get your agency off the ground. Use HAR's filter to find host agencies or consortia that offer lead programs.

What it offers: Established channels for finding new clients to expedite building a client base in the early stages of your agency

Look for: Host agencies with lead distribution systems and/or travel advisor directories such as:

• ASTA’s VeriVacation
• CLIA’s travel agent finder
• Virtuoso’s advisor catalog

Fine print: Travel agent lead programs are typically best for supplementing your client base and may come at a cost (either up-front cost, or a lower commission split). Learn more about travel agent lead programs

3. Mentorship and Coaching

If your primary concern is wanting dedicated support to get started (e.g., you want to leverage the experience as a runway into eventually owning your own travel agency), you might consider investing in a travel agent mentorship or coaching program.

What it offers: Dedicated support while maintaining independence and higher commissions splits

Look for: Travel agent education programs such as:

• Host agency coaching to mentorship opportunities
• Peer communities
• Business development coaching

Fine print: Travel agent lead programs are typically best for supplementing your client base and may come at a cost (either up-front cost, or a lower commission split). Learn more about travel agent lead programs

Yes, this may require more cost up front, but a good program will make you profitable faster. In an expanding industry, mentorship and coaching is becoming a more popular education option for future advisors. There are loads of 3rd-party education programs, host agency education programs, peer communities, and business development programs that can offer this type of mentorship if you just want a little more hand-holding until you hit your stride.

4. Becoming a Travel Agent Employee 

If your primary concern is on-the-job training or flexible work hours/location, don't rule out becoming an employee. In an evolving industry, travel agency employee options have been met with increasing flexibility when it comes to work hours, work location, and job roles.

Benefits: Income stability, on-the-job training

What it offers: Increasing flexibility in hours and location

Current landscape: Many agencies hiring and training candidates without experience

Fine print: Travel agent lead programs are typically best for supplementing your client base and may come at a cost (either up-front cost, or a lower commission split)

Travel agencies are looking to hire and many are willing to train great candidates to meet demand even if you don't have a track record of selling travel. 

Check out HAR’s job board to see what’s out there and if it’s a viable option for you!

Keep in mind, many of these solutions (besides becoming an employee) will require you run and operate a business, and many will also come at a higher startup cost up front. However, if your primary concerns are client attraction, and/or mentorship opportunities, or flexible work schedule, these are other viable alternatives to becoming a travel sub agent that may be more profitable for you in the long run. 

Want to Become a Travel Sub Agent? HAR's Travel Agent Course Can Help!

Becoming a travel sub agent is an excellent entry point into the travel for the right person, partnering with the right agency! While it comes with certain limitations, the reduced risk and built-in support structure make it an attractive option for those looking to start a flexible travel career without the hassle of managing a business. 

But becoming a travel sub agent isn't without in-depth research, financial and legal considerations, and a commitment to professional growth. 

Is becoming a travel sub agent right for you? HAR's 7-Day Travel Agency Setup gives you the insider knowledge to make a confident decision and positions you as a top-tier candidate as a travel sub agent!

Thank You!

A very special thank you to April Swales, Director of Marketing & Sales for Uniglobe Travel Center, Robert Siamon, President at Incentive Connection Travel, and Jennifer Dugan, Chief Family Officer, Dugan's Travels LLC. These three industry experts let me pick their massive brains to make sure you're getting the best info out there on travel sub agents!

Still have questions? Submit your question to Friday15 or reach out to Hello@HostAgencyReviews.com!

Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Travel Sub Agent

Footnotes

1. Note that while you can create your own brand as a travel sub agent, the rewards of becoming a travel sub agent diminish significantly. ↩