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.
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!
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!
Exceptional Host Company!
I’ve had an incredible experience with Pickles Travel Network. Their training and collaborative environment are truly outstanding. The team, led by Allison, Brittany, and Tabitha, consists of some of the most genuine and thoughtful agents and leaders in the industry. Stephanie and Baz, the owners, are equally fantastic. I’ve always felt welcomed, cared for, and appreciated. Pickles has been an amazing host company! 🌟
Thank you, Jessica, it has been a pleasure! We are so happy to have you as a PTN member!
I have been so happy with Pickles as my host agency as a new agent. They offer so many resources to training and to support the agent's business needs. There are so many tools included that agents at other agencies have to pay out of pocket for and the fees are very low. I highly recommend Pickles!
Thank you, Anne, for your excellent review! We are honored to be able to support our amazing agents!
As a new travel advisor, partnering with Pickles Travel Network has been one of the best decisions. The level of support and resources they provide is simply unparalleled. From day one, I felt welcomed and valued as part of the team. They are patient to teach us and willing to put in what it takes to get us to whatever level we each want to be at.
The training programs are comprehensive and tailored to ensure we have the latest knowledge and skills. Whether it's destination expertise, booking systems, or customer service techniques. The ongoing development opportunities keep me ahead of industry trends and best practices as they keep adding more!
Pickles Travel Network provides the latest technology that makes my job so much easier. The booking platforms are intuitive and efficient, and the marketing tools help me reach and engage clients effortlessly. Their investment in technology shows their commitment to our success.
The agency’s extensive network of travel suppliers and partners opens up incredible opportunities for exclusive deals and experiences for my clients. Being a part of Virtuoso also enhances my credibility and ability to deliver exceptional service.
The sense of community among advisors is like a family all supporting each other. The collaborative environment fosters sharing of ideas and experiences, making us all better at what we do.
I highly recommend Pickles Travel Network to any travel advisor looking to elevate their career. Their exceptional support, innovative tools, and industry expertise make them the ideal partner for success. I couldn’t be happier with my decision to join this incredible agency!
Thank you, Janelle, for your excellent review! We are honored to be able to support our amazing agents!
Being a part of Pickles Travel Network has been great! They offer many training opportunities, both live and recorded. The recordings often work best for my schedule, and this has helped me grow my business and better serve my clients. The quick response time from their team is outstanding. Whenever I have a question or need assistance, they are there to help.
I also love being a part of their group Facebook page, where I can connect with other members, share tips and advice, and stay updated on industry news and events. It's a great community to be a part of and has really enhanced my experience as a travel agent.
Overall, I highly recommend Pickles Travel Network as a host agency to anyone in the travel industry. They truly go above and beyond to support their agents and help us succeed. 5 stars all the way!
Thank you, Lanie, for the awesome review! We are happy you chose PTN as your host!!
Pickles Travel Network offers AMAZING ongoing training, resources and support. As a new agent, the training offered to expand my knowledge and growth is priceless! If you’re looking for a host Pickles is definitely worth it!
The best decision I have made as a travel agent was signing up with Pickles Travel Network. I am so grateful that I found the PTN community :)
Thank you, Jodie, for the awesome review! We are happy you chose PTN as your host!!