{"id":7542,"date":"2021-03-18T15:54:03","date_gmt":"2021-03-18T22:54:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.themeparksforgrownups.com\/?p=7542"},"modified":"2024-03-06T11:59:08","modified_gmt":"2024-03-06T19:59:08","slug":"host-agency-101-for-future-disney-travel-planners","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.themeparksforgrownups.com\/host-agency-101-for-future-disney-travel-planners\/","title":{"rendered":"Host Agency 101 for Future Disney Travel Planners"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

How to Research and Apply for Host Agencies in the Travel Industry<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Thinking about becoming a Disney Travel Planner or Travel Agent?<\/span><\/strong> <\/a>You’ve come to the right place! My mission is to help Disney fans jumpstart their careers in the industry. A Disney Travel Planner helps vacationers plan their dream getaway and I’m here to help you start your dream job!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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All Aboard the Travel Agent Train!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The first (and most important) step to becoming a Disney Travel Planner is to join a Host Agency. <\/strong>Granted, you can also plan vacations by being employed a “Brick or Mortar Agency.” Most Travel Agents choose to use a Host Agency for various reasons. We’ll get to those various reasons in a moment. Let’s go over the basics, how to research agencies, and where you can go to learn more!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Host Agency employs Travel Agents as independent contractors. The agents will not be given full-time or part-time employment status and they won’t receive benefits like medical or a 401K either. The biggest identifier is that Travel Agents under a Host Agency will file as a 1099 contractor when tax season rolls around. <\/strong>(As opposed to a W-4 for regular employees.) <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once signed with a Host Agency, Travel Agents can use the agency’s IATA number to book travel and earn a commission for vacations. <\/strong>Without this special number, you won’t be recognized as a Travel Agent. The Host gives a chance for new Agents to book travel without much experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A Host Agency will invite you to “Be Our Guest!”<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The benefit of a Host Agency<\/span><\/a> is that they are essentially a support system for new Travel Agents. <\/strong>Hence, the use of the word “host.” The Agency is your host and you’re the one calling all the shots. You choose your clients, decide on planning fees, and work your own hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Agency may provide simple marketing tools, training, or administrative support in exchange for a cut of your commission or a fee as well. Let’s learn more about Host Agency benefits, shall we?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

11 Benefits of Becoming a Disney Travel Planner<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Pros and Cons of a Host Agency vs. a Brick and Mortar Travel Agency<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Brick and Mortar Travel Agency<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

“Brick and Mortar<\/strong>” means it\u2019s a traditional Travel Agency based out of an office.<\/strong> This type of Agency dipped in popularity when companies like Expedia came around. Many agencies closed their doors once vacationers had the ability to book flights online. The industry has changed a lot since then!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are some pros and cons of working at a Brick and Mortar Agency.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pros of Working for a Brick and Mortar Agency:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n