Top Review
Quite honestly, if I could give Pickles Travel Network more than a 5 star review I would! I am still a relatively new agent, however I started my journey as a TA with a host agency that was not supportive at all and did not care that I had no idea what I was doing. As a Type A, perfectionist - that was so difficult for me. But it led me to really researching and looking into who my second host agency would be - because I wanted that to be my final host agency.
I interviewed a few different hosts, and though they were all lovely, I was almost immediately in awe of PTN. Right away you can tell their dedication to their ICs and how much they care about your success.
Once you start with PTN you immediately feel like family! Their entire staff is so incredible and they just CARE so much. On top of that, all of their staff are TAs themselves, so when you are going to them for help/guidance they actually know what they’re talking about. When they give you their opinion/guidance/advice they are doing so from firsthand knowledge, and not knowledge from years ago - but from weeks or months ago!
Their agent portal is SO user friendly and it’s like they thought of EVERYTHING when they were building it out. Inside of the portal you are able to find so much information and resources. Something that I think is really cool about PTN and helps them stand out is that every single week (except for holidays of course) they have multiple live training sessions available for you to attend. These are a mix between training with the PTN staff to ask questions (they have an awesome New Agent Training they do regularly), training that focuses on a specific niche or area/destination, AND regular training with the suppliers that they partner with. What I also love is that if you’re unable to attend these training sessions for whatever reason you don’t have to worry. They have an impeccable upload schedule each week so if you miss a training you were hoping to attend, you’ll know exactly when it will be available to you.
And the big question - commission split. PTN provides you with the option to choose which commission split you want, and the lowest option available is 70%. I was floored when I recently learned that there are hosts who require you to start at 50%. I like that they give you the option to choose your split because it allows you to feel empowered, knowing the split you are receiving is a choice you made.
Whether you're looking for a host for the first time or you're looking to find a new host who will actually support you, I really believe that PTN is the perfect choice.
I have been with Pickles Travel Network for just over a year. I would be lost without them. They are constantly updating and tweaking to ensure their TA's have the best in what is available. They are always in contact with TA's, allowing us to voice our concerns and input. The owners are open and available should we need them. But since the staff at PTN is so amazing we really don't. Love you Stephanie and Baz. Open forums and training are there for the taking in the monthly calendars and suppliers are updated after being vetted for our own piece of mind. Could not ask for more from a host.
Thank you, Kathleen, it has been a pleasure! We are so happy to be able to support your business!
Pickles Travel Network is a wonderful host agency to work for. I have been with them a little over a year. I have sold way more than I ever expected to in my first year of being a travel agent. I just signed up for another year and hoping to great things in 2025 and exceed my sales in my next year. Thank You
Thank you, Jennifer, for the awesome review! We are so happy you chose PTN as your host!!
I chose Pickles Travel Network to be my host agency in the summer of 2022, I was a brand new travel advisor and I am so thankful I chose them.
My commission split is amazing, 90/10, their commissions with the suppliers I love and use most often are high and the weekly trainings and support is seemingly endless. They have weekly live trainings that are always recorded for you to watch on your own time as well. Supplier trainings, best practices, marketing, even mindset. Any time I have submitted a support ticket for any reason I have a response quickly and my issue is solved. They also provide so many of the software tools like Travefy etc needed to be successful.
Virtuoso being Pickles consortia is the cherry on top. If you want to sell luxury travel, Virtuoso can't be matched.
Everyone at Pickles is always willing to help, offer advice as well as other advisors helping each other. I also love that they encourage charging planning fees and do not take a cut of them. You run your business the way you choose. They don't have weird things in your contract, no red flags here. I am thankful to have gotten it right the first time in selecting my host agency, they are worth it and so are you.
Thank you, Tiffany, for your excellent review! We are honored to be able to support you and your business.
I have been a travel advisor for nearly 2 years and love every educational minute and of course traveling. I choose Pickles Travel Network in the beginning after speaking to the owner, Stephanie. There are so many things to learn and not knowing much, I took the leap of faith. The employees of PTN, whom are also TA's are super helpful. It does take a learning curve when one owns and operates 2 other hospitality businesses, but luckily I don't give up easy. Thank you PTN for always striving to offer us, the TA's, the best in travel options. Brenda
Thank you, Brenda, for your excellent review! We are honored to be able to support our amazing agents!
Pickles was very little help in general. The first year there was not training available from Pickles except all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean. After they added some for other areas but it was very sparse. High fees and exceptionally targeted towards new agents that were from Careers on Vacation. COV steered many agents there as well. Very little support to fees just to have an account with Virtuoso because they accept all new agents. No phone line for support. I moved and have been amazed at the difference. Two stars only because some of the staff were really great. Owners and some of the senior staff acted like you were from Mars with some basic questions and situations. I am so glad I found another host agency that is very supportive, trains, and is in good standing with Virtuoso. There were so many changes within a year that were so hard as they recommended one platform and then said it was bad and instituted another within 1 1/2 years. It was a crazy ride. I am glad I am done with it now.
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts. While we’re sorry to hear that your experience didn’t meet your expectations, we’d like to clarify a few points for others who might read this review.
Over the past few years, we’ve worked hard to enhance our training offerings, refine our support systems, and better align with the diverse needs of our travel advisors. While change can be challenging, we make updates with the long-term benefit of our members in mind.
PTN offers extensive training that goes far beyond just all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean. We have consistently provided several training sessions per week tailored to both new and experienced advisors, covering a diverse range of topics and destinations. Additionally, our fees are among the most competitive for Virtuoso agencies and include valuable tools like Travefy and Sion, which many advisors find essential to their success.
Regarding support, we do have a phone line, and advisors can schedule calls to ensure we connect at a time that works best for their schedule. This approach allows us to provide personalized and timely assistance.
That said, this review doesn’t align with the feedback we received from you while you were an active member. While we’re always looking for ways to improve, we’re proud of the comprehensive resources, training, and support we offer our advisors. We remain committed to their success and wish you all the best in your future endeavors.
I wanted to take a moment to express my appreciation for the outstanding support and training that Pickles has consistently provided to their agents. From the very beginning, Pickles has been incredibly attentive to the needs of their agents, always taking the time to listen and respond to any concerns or feedback we have. It’s clear that they value their agents and understand the importance of providing the right tools and resources for success.
The training programs offered by Pickles are comprehensive and tailored to ensure agents are well-prepared to handle any situation. They go beyond just basic knowledge and offer real-world applications, making it easier to grasp concepts and apply them in our day-to-day roles. Whether it’s onboarding or advanced training, Pickles has been committed to ensuring we’re equipped with the skills necessary to thrive.
What I’ve also found invaluable is the open-door policy when it comes to asking questions. At Pickles, there’s always a sense of support, and no question is too big or small. Whenever I’ve had a query, the team has always been quick to provide clear, helpful answers. This level of support has created a positive and encouraging environment, where I feel confident reaching out and continuing to grow as an agent.
In addition to the excellent training, the consistent follow-up and ongoing support from Pickles have made a significant difference in my experience. It’s rare to find a company that is so proactive in ensuring its agents have everything they need to succeed and feel supported throughout their journey. I truly appreciate how Pickles has prioritized agent development and consistently shown a commitment to their well-being and success.
Overall, I couldn’t be more satisfied with the support, training, and open communication that Pickles offers. I feel well-equipped, valued, and confident in my role, and I look forward to continuing to grow with the company.
Thank you, Anthony, for your excellent review! We are honored to be able to support you and your business.
I am a new advisor in 2024 and after much research, I selected PTN as my host agency. My experience with PTN has been fantastic. They are very supportive, have an extensive network of suppliers, and are affiliated with Virtuoso. The team at PTN is always looking for the best resources to enable our success. I am very happy!
Thank you, Jennifer, it has been a pleasure! We are so happy to have you as a PTN member!
I decided to start my travel agency business with Pickles Travel Network due to several factors! One of the main things I liked was the personal touch added to enrolling. The discovery call with them is what really sealed the deal for me! Ever since then they have been there to support and answer questions.
Thank you, Curtis, for the awesome review! We are so happy you chose PTN as your host!!
I am so glad that I made the choice of starting my career off right with Pickles Travel Network! Everything from support, to commissions and everything in between has been wonderful. I still consider myself a fairly new agent that makes mistakes and not once have I not gotten support from someone on the PTN team.
The guidance that is given by everyone is so comforting. They give me the confidence to move passed the not so fun things, letting me know that everything will be ok. And giving out the Kudos when they are deserved.
PTN is always looking towards the future and providing information and trainings on a daily basis that keeps everyone “in the know”.
If you are looking for a host company I would choose Pickles Travel Network over anyone else!
Thank you, Keri, for your excellent review! We are honored to be able to support our amazing agents!
If you're looking for a host agency that feels like family, look no further than Pickles Travel Network. The support here is outstanding, with several knowledgeable coaches actively involved in the Facebook community, providing quick and helpful responses. The training programs are fantastic, covering everything from supplier trainings to coaching sessions on marketing, Disney planning, Cruises, and FITs, best practices, etc
What sets Pickles Travel Network apart is the genuine care and accessibility of everyone, from the owner, Stephanie Pickles to all the coaches, and the back office support. They are face-to-face with you every step of the way, ensuring you have the tools and support needed to succeed. This network truly makes you feel valued and supported, making it an invaluable resource for any travel advisor.
Thank you, Kim, for your excellent review! We are honored to be able to support our amazing agents!