30 Business Ideas For Travel Agents [2024]

Updated: July 24th, 2024

Interested in starting a business as a travel agent in 2024?

If managed well, building a business as a travel agent could be more lucrative than employment. So, which are the best business ideas for Travel Agents?

We put together 30 of some of the best travel agent business ideas you can start in today.

For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other travel agent businesses to help you see what it takes.

Here's the full list:

1. Start a travel company ($276K/month)

As a travel agent, starting a travel company could be a natural extension of your existing expertise in the travel industry. You could leverage your knowledge of transportation, lodging, and entertainment to create comprehensive travel packages tailored to specific niches. This could include organizing trips for adventure seekers, luxury travelers, or special interest groups.

By specializing in particular types of travel experiences, you could distinguish your offerings and potentially command higher premiums. This venture allows you to supplement your income while tapping into your passion for travel, helping you turn your skills into a successful side business or even a full-fledged travel company.

How much you can make: $10,000 — $1,500,000/month

How long does it take to build: 105 days (?)

How We Started A $300K/Month Business Organizing Trips For Young People

Under30Experiences is a travel company for people aged 21-35 that runs small group trips around the world, with over 800 five-star reviews on Facebook, Google, and Yelp combined, and nearly hitting $5M in revenue before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Read by 11,029 founders

2. Start a travel blog ($124K/month)

As a Travel Agent, starting a travel blog could be a smart way to leverage your industry expertise and passion for travel, particularly if you focus on tropical island destinations. You could write about the exotic creatures, clear oceans, palm trees, and various water activities that make these destinations appealing. Sharing insider tips and firsthand experiences could attract a dedicated readership.

You could supplement your income by monetizing your blog through affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, and advertising. This not only provides an additional revenue stream but also positions you as a travel expert, potentially bringing more clients to your primary travel agency business.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $1,600,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $750 (?)

How long does it take to build: 45 days (?)

How I Started A Niche Blog And Quit My 9 to 5 Job

Learn how Jessica started a niche travel blog and quit her 9-5 job, earning a living wage through Instagram advertising, sponsorships, and affiliate income, while traveling 3-4 times a month and increasing her website traffic from 400 to 25k page views in a year with Pinterest and Instagram growth tactics.

Read by 12,595 founders

3. Start a travel products business ($314K/month)

As a travel agent, you could capitalize on your existing knowledge of the travel industry by starting a travel products business. This would allow you to offer customers an array of essential items such as weather-proof backpacks, neck pillows, hand sanitizers, and travel masks, enhancing their travel experience and comfort. Your expertise in travel could help you curate the perfect selection of products that travelers actually need, making your store a go-to destination for practical travel gear.

Additionally, you could leverage your established client base and network to promote your online travel store, ensuring a seamless and convenient shopping experience. By integrating this side business with your travel agency, you could create additional revenue streams and build a comprehensive travel brand that caters to all aspects of your clients' journeys. Embracing this entrepreneurial venture could help you differentiate yourself in the competitive travel market and establish a robust, multi-faceted business.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $1,600,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)

We Built A $720K/Year Travel Activities And Tours Search Engine

TourScanner, a meta-search engine for tours and activities, achieved monthly net revenue of $60k and plans to reach $1M ARR in 2022, utilizing a lightweight business model based on affiliate programs that earned a commission from referrals sent to major travel companies like Viator, GetYourGuide, Musement, and Groupon.

Read by 4,952 founders

4. Start a planner brand ($18.8K/month)

As a travel agent, you could supplement your income by starting a planner brand that caters specifically to travelers. Imagine designing customizable travel planners that help your clients organize their itineraries, packing lists, and travel budgets. These planners could become an essential tool for your customers, ensuring they have seamless and stress-free trips.

Additionally, you could tap into the growing demand for personalized planning tools by offering digital versions, travel-themed stickers, and related accessories. This side business not only diversifies your revenue streams but also keeps you engaged in your passion for travel by creating products that make traveling more enjoyable and efficient for your clients.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $50,000/month

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

How I Started A $12K/Month Business Selling Productivity Planners Online

Chasing Planner Peace is a planner company that has expanded from selling planner inserts on Etsy, to offering a one-stop shop customizable planner experience with over 300 inserts, a planner line, and various other related products, gaining a monthly revenue of around $25,000 at its busiest time of year.

Read by 64,178 founders

5. Start a junk removal business ($69.2K/month)

As a travel agent, you could supplement your income by starting a junk removal business, capitalizing on the consistent demand for services that help households and businesses clear out unwanted items. Whether it's broken furniture, trash, or foreclosed properties, people and companies need reliable junk removal services.

Starting this type of business could be an excellent fit if you are entrepreneurial-minded and enjoy working hands-on. With a box truck, some market research, regulatory permits, and a strong marketing strategy, you can establish a profitable side business while maintaining your career in travel.

This venture can offer flexibility, allowing you to balance both roles effectively and ensure a steady income stream, even during off-peak travel seasons. Building a website and promoting your services can quickly get your junk removal business off the ground and reach a broader customer base.

How much you can make: $4,000 — $230,000/month

How long does it take to build: 55 days (?)

How I Started A $18K/Month Junk Removal Company Before Graduating From College

23-year-old Sam Evans founded You Call We Haul Junk Removal which brings in around $20,000 in revenue per month with a profit of 65% per job, servicing any individuals who have unneeded junk, and aims to franchise the business in the long-term.

Read by 50,707 founders

6. Start a tree maintenance business

As a travel agent, you could diversify your income by starting a tree maintenance business. Homeowners and commercial property owners consistently require services like pruning, branch trimming, tree removal, and stump grinding, which means there is always a demand for tree services.

With your existing entrepreneurial mindset, you could tap into this market by acquiring the necessary climbing and rigging skills to offer comprehensive tree care. This side business could provide a steady stream of additional revenue, especially during your travel agency's off-peak seasons.

How much does it cost to start: $8,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

7. Start a leave management business

Starting a leave management business could be an excellent side venture for you as a Travel Agent. With your expertise in organizing and managing travel itineraries, you could leverage these skills to offer services that assist companies in managing employee leaves and vacations. Since managing leaves require meticulous planning and tracking, your existing skills in scheduling and coordination would be highly valuable.

Additionally, you could offer specialized vacation packages as part of the leave management service, thus combining your travel expertise with employee leave planning. This dual offering could make your leave management business unique and highly sought-after, providing companies with a seamless solution for both managing employee time off and enhancing employee satisfaction through curated travel experiences.

8. Start a men's sunglasses business

As a travel agent, you could leverage your expertise and network to start a men’s sunglasses business, offering stylish and protective eyewear to your clients. With your knowledge of travel destinations and climates, you could curate and recommend sunglasses that are ideal for specific regions, enhancing your clients' travel experience.

Additionally, you could promote your sunglasses through your existing channels, such as your travel agency website, social media, or even in-person consultations. By bundling sunglass recommendations with travel packages, you could provide added value to your clients while generating extra income.

9. Start an interview coaching business ($12.5K/month)

As a Travel Agent, you could leverage your well-honed people skills and industry insights to start an interview coaching business. Your expertise in communicating effectively with diverse clients and understanding their needs can translate seamlessly into helping individuals prepare for job interviews.

With a focus on personalized guidance and practical advice, you could assist clients in improving their communication skills, refining their resumes, and building confidence. The relatively low startup cost and the potential for personal satisfaction make this a viable and rewarding side business. Whether you're looking to supplement your income or create an entirely new venture, interview coaching offers a meaningful way to impact careers while utilizing your existing talents.

How much you can make: $10,000 — $15,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $80 (?)

How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)

Left My 7-Figure Job At Apple To Start My Career Consultation Business [$10K/Month]

instamentor is a job interview coaching platform launched in Jan 2021 with $120K annual revenue, helping young professionals and fresh college graduates break into the tech industry by offering 1:1 paid coaching sessions with experienced industry mentors and career consulting.

Read by 2,970 founders

10. Start a call cards and data bundles selling business

As a travel agent, you could tap into the needs of your tech-savvy, on-the-go clients by starting a call cards and data bundles selling business. Travelers constantly seek reliable communication options, especially when they are abroad, making this an ideal supplementary income stream that aligns with your existing client base.

By providing call cards and data bundles, you could address a critical component of travel convenience, enhancing your service offering and client satisfaction. This side business not only taps into the essential needs of frequent travelers but also allows you to leverage your established network and expertise in the travel industry for additional revenue.

11. Start an online gift shop business ($122K/month)

As a travel agent, you could leverage your expertise and connections to start an online gift shop. You could curate unique, travel-themed gifts such as artisanal souvenirs, personalized travel keepsakes, and exotic items from destinations you frequently book for your clients. This would allow you to supplement your income by offering your travel clients the convenience of purchasing memorable gifts directly.

This business model offers great flexibility, letting you work from home and manage inventory without the hassle of a physical location. You could take advantage of your established network of local artisans and global suppliers to create a diverse and attractive inventory. Additionally, the knowledge you have about popular travel destinations could make your gift selection stand out.

Marketing your online gift shop could be a natural extension of your existing outreach efforts. You could utilize social media platforms, email newsletters, and influencer collaborations to drive traffic to your store. This venture could appeal to your entrepreneurial spirit by allowing you to explore new revenue streams while enriching your clients' travel experiences.

How much you can make: $550 — $800,000/month

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

How I Started A $500K/Month Stuffed Animal Care Packages Ecommerce Brand

Meet Tyler Macke, the 21-year-old founder of SendAFriend, an e-commerce brand that sells stuffed animal care packages, which began with $50k in revenue in 2019 and is now on track to make $5M in revenue this year, while donating 10% of revenue to children's hospitals throughout the United States.

Read by 18,014 founders

12. Start a midway rides and games business

As a travel agent, you could leverage your expertise in event coordination to start a midway rides and games business. This venture could complement your travel services by providing entertainment options for local events, fairs, and festivals, all of which are destinations your clients may be interested in.

Additionally, your established network and marketing skills can help you promote these events effectively. By diversifying your income through a midway rides and games business, you could capitalize on your organizational skills, enhance client relationships, and boost your overall revenue.

13. Start a video communication platform

By starting a video communication platform, you could create a tailored service that connects travelers with local guides and experts around the world, enhancing their travel experiences through personalized virtual tours and consultations. This platform could also facilitate pre-trip planning sessions, where you offer detailed itineraries, exclusive travel tips, and live Q&A sessions to address all your clients' questions and concerns.

Additionally, you could monetize this platform by offering premium subscriptions, exclusive access to destination-specific content, and partnering with local businesses for virtual experiences. This approach could not only supplement your income but also establish your brand as a tech-savvy, innovative travel agency, differentiating you from competitors.

14. Start a corporate uniforms

As a travel agent, you could leverage your extensive network of business clients and corporate contacts to start a corporate uniforms business on the side. Many companies need well-designed, professional uniforms for their employees, and your existing relationships could make it easier to market and sell these products.

Since you're already skilled at organizing travel itineraries and understanding client preferences, you could seamlessly translate these skills into curating and sourcing high-quality corporate uniforms. Not to mention, your keen eye for detail and client service skills would be invaluable in ensuring customer satisfaction and repeat business.

How much you can make: $300,000/month

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

How We Built A $3.4M/Year Custom Uniforms Manufacturing Business

Case study on the transformation of a D2C menswear brand into a successful B2B uniform provider for hospitality industry giants, achieving revenue growth from $700k in 2019 to $3.4M in 2023, through strategic collaborations, product expansion, and community-driven initiatives during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Read by 607 founders

15. Start an aprons business

As a Travel Agent, starting an aprons business could offer you an exciting side venture to supplement your income. Imagine designing and selling aprons tailored for different audiences—chefs, home cooks, artists, or gardeners—while utilizing your unique flair for design and creativity. With manageable startup costs, you could leverage online sales platforms like Etsy or your e-commerce site to reach customers, employing your marketing skills to increase visibility.

The tactile nature of creating aprons allows you to see tangible results of your hard work, giving you a satisfying balance of creativity and functionality. Plus, with the growing trend of personalized items, you could carve out a niche by offering custom-designed aprons that blend practicality and fashion, appealing to a wide audience. This venture not only provides a creative outlet but also a potential source of steady income, making it a compelling option for entrepreneurial-minded travel professionals.

How much you can make: $100,000/month

How We Launched A Notebook For Chefs That Went Viral On Kickstarter

Cookbook designers, Stefan Johnson and Eliot Dudik launched a Kickstarter campaign in 2018 hitting its funding target in 24 hours, thus kickstarting the business that has 6 new products, a monthly revenue of around $40,000, and over 45,000 products sold with plans to double its turnover by 2020 by expanding product line and corporate offering.

Read by 7,312 founders

16. Start a gadgets update website

As a travel agent, starting a gadgets update website could be an exciting way to supplement your income and leverage your passion for travel-friendly tech. Travel agents are always on the lookout for the latest gadgets that can make travel easier and more enjoyable, from innovative luggage solutions to the latest in portable technology. By providing reviews and updates on these gadgets, you could become a trusted resource for both fellow travel enthusiasts and your existing clients.

Imagine becoming the go-to source for your audience, delivering dependable and timely information on the latest smartphones and smart home devices, along with content that is particularly relevant for travelers. Your website could feature detailed blogs, comparison articles, and even video reviews to engage your audience. Regularly researching and testing new gadgets would not only keep your content fresh but also offer potential opportunities to negotiate with tech companies for early access.

By combining your travel expertise with a knack for tech exploration and content creation, you could build a loyal readership base that relies on your trusted updates to make informed purchasing decisions. This business venture offers a unique blend of technology and travel, making it a perfect side business or even a main business for entrepreneurial-minded travel agents.

17. Start a maid service software

As a travel agent, you could diversify your income and tap into the growing market demand by starting a maid service software business. With consumer demand for maid services increasing due to the rise in households and disposable income, there are ample opportunities to build a platform that connects customers with domestic workers.

You don't need to be a programmer to get started; you could hire freelance developers from platforms like Upwork or purchase a ready-made software and customize it. This venture would leverage your organizational skills and customer service expertise, offering a tech-based solution to a high-demand market, ultimately complementing your travel agency business and broadening your entrepreneurial portfolio.

How much you can make: $120,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 80 days (?)

How We Validated And Grew A SaaS For Maid Services To $500K/Year

Amar Ghose co-founded ZenMaid, a software company servicing the house cleaning industry, which has now passed the half a million dollar yearly mark and intends to break the one million dollar a year barrier in late-2020, using paid advertising as a lead magnet and extensive email marketing funnel.

Read by 13,949 founders

18. Make a celebrity contact information

As a travel agent, you could leverage your existing network and organizational skills to dive into the celebrity contact information business. By compiling and verifying the contact details of actors, musicians, and influencers, you would offer a valuable service to media agencies, brands, and marketing firms seeking endorsements and collaborations. This venture could become a lucrative side business or even develop into a full-time endeavor, given the constant demand for authentic celebrity engagements.

Imagine maintaining a secure and trusted database that ensures both the accuracy and privacy of your contacts. This service could enable you to charge a subscription or one-time access fee, generating consistent revenue. By prioritizing data security and leveraging relationships with industry insiders, you could position yourself as a key resource in the entertainment and marketing industries.

How much you can make: $30,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $100 (?)

How I Turned My Teenage Hobby Into A 6-Figure Full-Time Business

Contact Any Celebrity founder Jordan McAuley shares how he turned his teenage hobby into a six-figure full-time business with a membership site and print directory of over 59,000 celebrity contacts, and his marketing strategies including an affiliate program, Google AdWords, and free trials.

Read by 11,360 founders

19. Start an afterdeath services business

As a travel agent, you could leverage your expertise in logistics and planning to start an afterdeath services business. This could include offering services such as organizing memorial trips, managing travel arrangements for funeral attendees, or planning destination funerals. Your skills in coordinating with multiple parties and crafting seamless travel experiences could be easily transferred to this sensitive and meaningful new niche.

Additionally, your existing network of travel industry contacts could be valuable in securing deals and unique packages for clients. This side business not only supplements your income but also allows you to provide a compassionate service that helps families navigate challenging times.

20. Start a crematorium business

As a travel agent, you could consider starting a crematorium business to supplement your income or diversify your entrepreneurial ventures. Your experience in handling logistics, coordinating services, and managing sensitive client relationships could be highly transferable to the funeral and cremation industry.

This venture allows you to tap into the growing demand for more economical and environmentally friendly end-of-life services. Additionally, by leveraging your skills in planning and customer service, you could provide personalized and compassionate experiences for families during a difficult time, creating an additional revenue stream while also providing a meaningful service to the community.

21. Start a sausage making business

As a travel agent, you could leverage your extensive knowledge of diverse culinary cultures to start a sausage making business, offering unique and globally-inspired flavors. Your experience in exploring different regions allows you to infuse your sausages with authentic tastes that stand out in the market.

Additionally, this venture could fit well as a side business, utilizing your downtime between travel planning tasks to produce and market your products. By promoting your sausage making business to your existing client base, you could create additional revenue streams and further engage with your audience, enriching their travel experiences with a taste of their destinations.

22. Start a catering service business

As a travel agent, you could supplement your income by starting a catering service business that taps into your existing network and organizational skills. Given your expertise in coordinating complex travel itineraries and managing client expectations, you are well-suited to handle the logistics of event catering. This business involves preparing and delivering food for a range of events, from weddings and corporate meetings to intimate family gatherings.

You could leverage your client base to introduce your catering services, especially targeting travelers who might prefer in-room dining or special event catering at their destination. With your knack for culinary creativity and superior organizational skills, you’ll find it rewarding to design diverse menus and ensure timely delivery. This flexible business model allows you to scale according to your ambitions, offering a fantastic way to make extra money or even transition into a full-fledged venture.

How much you can make: $200,000/month

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

How Starting The New York Food Truck Association Resulted In A $200K/Month Business

How a former food truck owner founded the successful New York Food Truck Association which generated over $1M in its first year of business, providing local vendors with high-margin ancillary revenue streams, and saw consistent growth of 50% YoY.

Read by 8,517 founders

23. Organize a baking competition

As a travel agent, you could seamlessly integrate a baking competition into your repertoire of offerings to diversify your income and attract a new customer base. Organizing a baking competition leverages your event-planning skills and expertise in creating memorable experiences, which are crucial in your current career. Such an event could be marketed to travelers and locals, potentially combining the competition with culinary-themed travel packages.

By hosting a baking competition, you might tap into the growing interest in culinary tourism, offering participants a unique, immersive experience that could enhance your brand's visibility and appeal. Additionally, this venture could open up opportunities for partnerships with local businesses, restaurants, and bakeries, further establishing your agency as a multifaceted service provider.

24. Start a board game business ($54.4K/month)

As a travel agent, starting a board game business could be a rewarding way to supplement your income and share your passion for travel in a unique way. You could design travel-themed board games that educate and entertain people about different cultures, destinations, and itineraries. This creative venture would allow you to leverage your industry knowledge and insights to develop engaging content that resonates with travel enthusiasts.

Developing a board game doesn’t require extensive resources and can be done from home with basic programming knowledge and a few hours of practice. By integrating your understanding of travel trends and customer preferences, you could create a product that stands out in the market. Plus, as a travel expert, you already understand what makes a compelling journey, which could translate seamlessly into an exciting and profitable board game.

How much you can make: $1,500 — $250,000/month

How long does it take to build: 61 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 10 hours/week

How I Built A Successful Business Out Of My Passion For Board Games

Facade Games has raised over $1 million on Kickstarter and sold about 80,000 copies of their board games around the world, with the goal to publish one new game a year on Kickstarter and build on their line of games in books as well as a new party game line in the near future.

Read by 10,501 founders

25. Start a summer camp

As a travel agent, starting a summer camp could provide you with a lucrative side business that leverages your skills in planning, organizing, and destination management. You could utilize your expertise to ensure that the camp offers a variety of enriching activities such as sports, crafts, and nature hikes, thereby creating memorable and educational experiences for children and young adults.

With the summer camp industry generating over $15 billion annually and continually growing, this venture presents a significant opportunity for supplemental income. Additionally, your marketing and advertising skills could effectively attract potential campers and their families, bolstering your business's success.

By offering promotions or discounts, you could easily fill your camp, especially given the high demand for quality summer experiences. This venture not only diversifies your professional portfolio but also allows you to create lifelong memories and positively impact children's lives.

26. Become a blog content promoter ($37.5K/month)

As a travel agent, starting a blog content promoter side business could open up new revenue streams while leveraging your existing expertise. By promoting travel-related blog content through social media marketing, email campaigns, and paid ads, you could help travel bloggers, tourism boards, and travel-related businesses increase their visibility and engagement online. Your knowledge of the travel industry and existing contacts can set you apart by providing tailored promotional strategies.

In addition, staying updated with digital marketing trends and employing analytics to measure campaign success could maximize your clients' reach, driving more traffic to their blogs. Collaborating with other travel industry businesses and influencers can further amplify promotional efforts, positioning you as a valuable partner in the travel content ecosystem.

How much you can make: $15,000 — $60,000/month

How long does it take to build: 105 days (?)

We Took Our Agency From Zero To $720K/Year In 3.5 Years

Find out how a creative content marketing agency grew from a team of two with only €500 in the bank, to a 10+ person team generating €720k a year, by prioritizing a niche market, providing excellent service, word of mouth, and consistent quality work.

Read by 4,881 founders

27. Start a charter school business

As a travel agent, starting a charter school business could present a unique and fulfilling opportunity to supplement your income. You could leverage your extensive knowledge of different cultures, geographical regions, and travel logistics to create a curriculum that offers students a global perspective, emphasizing international studies and travel education.

In addition, your expertise in planning and organizing travel could be invaluable in coordinating educational trips and excursions, setting your charter school apart from traditional institutions. This venture not only opens a new revenue stream but also allows you to inspire the next generation of global citizens through immersive travel experiences.

28. Dog Massage Therapy

As a travel agent with an entrepreneurial mindset, venturing into dog massage therapy could be a unique and profitable side business. This rapidly growing field offers numerous opportunities to capitalize on the increasing demand for specialized pet care services. By offering dog massage therapy, you could help dog owners alleviate conditions such as arthritis, mobility issues, and stress in their pets, enhancing the emotional well-being of these beloved companions.

Given your experience in customer service and coordination, you could effectively utilize your skills to manage appointments and build a loyal clientele base. Additionally, you might leverage your network to partner with pet-friendly hotels or vacation resorts, offering on-site dog massage services as an added perk for travelers and their pets. This diversification not only supplements your income but also elevates your career by expanding into the booming pet care industry.

29. Start a nanosponges production business

As a travel agent, you could diversify your income by starting a nanosponges production business. Nanosponges are revolutionary in the cleaning industry due to their efficiency in trapping and removing dirt at a microscopic level, making them highly sought after in both consumer and commercial markets.

Leveraging your network and marketing skills from your travel career, you could easily promote this innovative product to hotels, resorts, and travel accommodation providers who could greatly benefit from advanced cleaning solutions. This side business could provide a steady income stream and potentially grow into a full-time venture.

30. Start a stock trading business ($57.2K/month)

As a Travel Agent, you could diversify your income by starting a stock trading business. Stock trading allows you to profit by strategically buying and selling securities, and you can get started with as little as $500. This is a flexible option, meaning you could engage in trading during your downtime, gradually building your portfolio as you earn and save more money.

By leveraging your understanding of market dynamics and strategic risk management, you could increase your financial returns. Timing and a good grasp of market movements are crucial, and your existing skill set in meticulous planning and attention to detail could serve you well in this arena. This additional stream of income could serve as a financial safety net or evolve into a full-fledged business venture.

How much you can make: $4,000 — $160,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 150 days (?)

How I Started A $3K/Month Website Focused On Educating Traders

Camelbacktrading founder Paul Asmar has found success in the volatile trading business by offering affordable and personalized education and training to traders of all ages, and has grown his voice channel trading room from 0 to 130 traders in just three months.

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meet the author
Pat Walls

I'm Pat Walls and I created Starter Story - a website dedicated to helping people start businesses. We interview entrepreneurs from around the world about how they started and grew their businesses.