Like many have already said, I too researched many host agencies before deciding on my top 3. It took me a while to choose but I think the deciding factor was that Travel Quest appeared to be more like a "family" than just an agency. That was my impression based on my brief conversations with the staff. I never felt that they were trying to "sell" themselves, whereas with the other 2 agencies I was considering at the time, I didn't get that "comfortable" feeling I had with TQ. Well, I'm sure I made the right decision! Everyone at TQ is professional, friendly and helpful. When the owner of the agency takes time out of her day to sit down and have a private phone conversation with me to provide insight into the business, that's PROOF that they want their people to succeed! When I see the owner being interviewed in trade publications, that's PROOF that I'm dealing with PROFESSIONAL TRAVEL ADVISORS, not sales people! Travel Quest has made all the difference in the world to me in providing the support and direction I need to keep my passion alive! Thank you, TQ!
Hi David....thank you so much for the kind words, and thank you for the trust you have place in Travel Quest! We truly appreciate you and your business.
Take care...and see you soon,
bonnie
I spent many months researching before starting my business as a home based travel agent. I found this website to be invaluable. After deciding it was best to work with a host agency, we narrowed it down and then called 4 host agencies to "interview". I fell in love with Travel Quest from that first call. Every time I call or email, I am responded to quickly, professionally and in a friendly manner. I am such a people person, that while I wanted a professional support network, I also need one that is friendly and approachable and personable, and Travel Quest has been all of that. It has been just over a year now that I have been officially "open for business" (since Jan 2015) and I am thrilled with the choice to work with Travel Quest. They are easy to work with, even when I mess up (which I have, more than once). There is no one agency right for every person, so do your research. If your research has led Travel Quest to be in that group of 3-5 that you have narrowed it down to, then you will not regret choosing them.
Hi Michelle...thanks so much for your kind words! The motto of our support team is...."To not only support, but teach with every touch."
My personal motto (one of them for certain) "Give a man a fish feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, feed him for a lifetime!"
Have a great day,
Bonnie
I am so thankful that I chose Travel Quest as my host agency. I looked and searched all the different agencies out there and in the end I picked Travel Quest. The reason I picked Travel Quest was the staff and how they helped answer all my questions when I was first looking. If they were going to take that much time on someone that wasn't part of their team yet I knew they would be there when I needed the help. When I went to the firs National Meeting I knew for sure I had made the right decision. There was so much training and networking that I learned in 2 short days. To top it all off the owner Bonnie is so easy to talk to and so very helpful. She goes above and beyond to help you whenever you need it. The staff is great as well and always there to help. I have been with Travel Quest for 6 months.
Julie...thank you so much for your kinds words. I am so happy that we lived up to your expectations!
I am so happy to have found Travel Quest! They are an amazing host agency that truly believes in supporting and educating their agents, either new or seasoned. i have been lucky enough to to attend regional and national meeting as well as a FAM to the Dominican Republic through the generosity of this agency. The information I gathered at all of these events is invaluable to me as an agent. I could not be happier to be part of such an amazing travel family!
LOVE TRAVEL LIVE TRAVEL - TQ
Colleen Kielas
Colleen! Wow...thank you so much for the kind words. I absolutely enjoyed meeting you at our Regional Meeting in Chicago...AND traveling to the Dominican with you and the other TQ Agents. I am truly blessed to have the opportunity in my life to share the world of travel with such so many talented people.
See ya soon!
bonnie
I have been with Travel Quest for seven months. I researched host agencies on this site prior to choosing Travel Quest as my host agency. I had no experience in the travel industry. The support I was given from the first phone call when I was just setting up the business until now was amazing. I have planned several different types of trips for clients with confidence knowing I could call or email the support team with any questions. They are always prompt and accurate with their responses. Each member of the team has been understanding, professional, and always willing to help with any question or concern. The education and training available has been outstanding. All the resources for the agents are easily accessible and include everything from forms that can be used in the office to an agent forum, travel news and preferred suppliers. I would not be where I am today without Travel Quest. I am looking forward to continuing to learn as I move forward and am very grateful for their support.
MaryAnne,
Our host agency would not be where it is without all of the wonderful agents we have. It truly is a honor that you choose us and we get to be part of your journey. I can't wait to see the success the years will bring to your business!
All the Best,
Angie Habiger, CTA, Travel Quest Programs Director
I have been working with Travel Quest for the past three and a half years and it has been wonderful! The network of TQ Agents both in the office and the Independent Contractors are incredibly knowledgeable and willing to assist and share their knowledge. Bonnie Lee is an amazingly savvy business woman who has built the TQ Agency from the ground up and leads by example. She surrounds herself with people; employees, friends and family, that compliment the needs of Travel Quest. It has been a pleasure thus far to work with Bonnie and the entire Travel Quest family. I am especially thankful for all the other agents and affiliates of Travel Quest that I am very lucky to now call friends, and I hope to continue to work with all for many years going forward.
LOVE TRAVEL LIVE TRAVEL......TQ's tag that I work hard to honor!
Andrea Dessler
Andrea! Thanks so much for the kind words, and for taking the time a couple weeks ago to head to Punta Cana with TQ for our FAM. I know it takes time out of an agents "selling" day to go into a destination. I do so appreciate you doing just that.
See ya,
b
Just attended the 1st National Travel Quest meeting! It blew me away. The wonderful support the team there has always given me long distance was made so much more meaningful by meeting these wonderful folks in person! What a warm, loving, helpful group they are. I learned more than I could have imagined. The Travel Quest agency goes out of their way to be inclusive and informative. I would rate them five diamonds instead of stars if I could :)
Hello Corporate Agents,
If you're looking for a top-notch, trustworthy, corporate host then look no further than the TQ Team! My TQ experience began in 2008, when I decided to part ways with a sizable corporate agency. As it turns out, it was the best professional decision I have ever made! The past five years with TQ have been amazing; here are two examples of how they have supported me over the years.
#1.Dependable - Support Galore! Just this week I had an issue with voiding an exchange in Travelport. My timing was really bad to ask the office to handle this issue. The owner of the agency Bonnie was hosting a FAM to Jamaica. She and her group had departing flights the same morning I needed help with void. Truthfully, I wasn't nervous about whether the issue would be resolved or not. I have had complete confidence in Bonnie and her team since I joined. Now, with that said, when Bonnie arrived at her hotel in Jamaica, she took time away from her group to help me. Which, in turn, ended up saving my clients an additional $300 in change fees. And, now, they continue to think of me as their travel hero, this is actually because of her efforts not mine! I hope she knows how much I appreciate her!
#2 TQ is Trust-Worthy! Never one time have I had an issue with my commission statements, nor questioned if I was getting paid on all of my sales. I do not even feel the need to track invoices working with TQ. All I do is glance at my online commissions statements to see how much money the agency will be depositing in my bank account. Having this sort of confidence in a host is very important. And, you can trust me, you will find that same sort of confidence when you work start with TQ as well.
I could go on and on about the services I have received from Bonnie and the TQ team but that would take forever. If you have questions about TQ, or would just like to hear about my experience, just contact the office. They have my number if you would like to talk.
Good Luck!
I joined Travel Quest in 2012 and am located in Canada where it is hard to find a good host at a reasonable rate.
Travel Quest and all their staff has gone out of their way to help me with any questions or problems that arose, so far they have been efficient, timely and will do anything to problem solve for you. I am looking forward to having a long time relationship with this company and it's staff.
We started with another Host Agency in 2008, and dealt with poor accounting practices, delayed commission payments, lost commissions, untimely support responses, and antiquated technology. We made the move to Travel Quest two years ago and it was the best move we'd ever made.
The entire Travel Quest team made the move seamless for us, and it has been smooth sailing ever since. They respond to support tickets usually within a day (sometimes the same day). They have a sophisticated commission tracking system that offers transparent accountability. They have a great community discussion forum for their agents to share advice. And, together with their affiliation with Travel Leaders, they carry a lot of recognition and a great reputation in the industry.
It's quite bittersweet that we are parting ways with Travel Quest. We're going out on our own, and we'll miss them dearly - but at the same time, we wouldn't be in the position to take this huge step without their support over the last couple of years. Our previous Host would have never prepared us for this type of move, or put us in a position where our volume has doubled in 2 years.
A Host Agency can make or break your home based business. We learned the hard way that there are Hosts that aren't set up to help you advance in the industry.
Anyone looking to start a Home Based Travel Agency should look no further than Travel Quest. The same goes for anyone wanting to get away from their current Host, as the transition is easy. Bonnie (the Owner) and her crew will provide everything you need to sell any kind of travel to anyone.