How to Become a Travel Agent (Without Starting From Scratch)

Ever sat at your desk, dreaming about booking someone’s honeymoon, curating the perfect itinerary, or researching tropical hideaways… only to return to your inbox, exhausted and underwhelmed?

Yeah. I get it.

That used to be me — running a busy life, juggling a full-on job in digital marketing, planning trips for friends and family just because I loved it, but never realising that I could turn it into a real income. Not a side hustle that saps your soul. A real business that gives you freedom.

How to Become a Travel Agent

So let’s talk honestly. Here’s how to become a travel agent without having to start from zero, open a shopfront, or spend months getting qualified.

Because if you love travel, helping people, and want something for you… this might be the sign you’ve been looking for.

Step 1: Forget What You Think You Need

Let’s clear something up: you don’t need a travel agent diploma, your own website, or thousands of pounds in start-up costs to get started.

I joined a travel agency brand that already had the partnerships, the systems, and the booking platforms in place. I just had to plug in, learn the ropes, and start sharing what I loved.

And the best part? It’s built to be flexible. I work it around my day job. I show up on my terms. And I make income from bookings and from growing a team of other ambitious, like-minded people.

You can too.

Step 2: Tap into Your Natural Strengths

Let me guess: you’re the go-to person for planning group trips. You know where the best food is. You’ve got an eye for gorgeous hotels and the confidence to say, “this isn’t worth it – but this is.”

That’s all part of the magic.

When I started, I knew marketing. I understood social media. I could spot a brand vibe a mile off. But you don’t need my exact background — you need passion, curiosity, and the drive to learn.

You’ll get full training and support — from booking systems to selling upgrades — plus a network of people who actually want to see you win. (Honestly, the support still blows me away.)

Step 3: Choose Your Niche (and Own It)

There’s no pressure to be all things to all people. In fact, I’ll tell you a secret: the more you focus, the faster you grow.

For me, it’s high-value, once-in-a-lifetime holidays. Think honeymoons, big birthdays, family getaways, and luxe escapes. You could go all in on couples, cruise lovers, group trips, Disney holidays, or foodie tours.

You don’t need to be an expert in everything. Just start with what lights you up. The rest follows.

Step 4: Build a Business That Grows With You

This isn’t just about booking holidays. It’s about building freedom.

Maybe you just want extra income for house renovations (I can relate). Maybe you want to leave your job entirely. Or maybe you want to grow a team, stand on a stage, and earn six figures while helping others do the same.

Whatever your vision looks like, this business can grow with you.

I started with a tiny seed of an idea — “what if I could get paid for doing what I love?” And now? I’m growing a team, building a brand (Monty & Mills, named after my sausage dog and my married name — yes, really), and helping other people do the same.

You don’t need to know it all right now. You just need to start.

Step 5: Say Yes to the Opportunity

I don’t gatekeep. If you’re reading this thinking, “this sounds like something I’d love,” then let’s talk.

I’ll walk you through exactly how it works — no pressure, no cringe. Just the honest details about how you can:

• Start earning from bookings

• Get full training and support

• Plug into a ready-made brand

• Work around your job or family

• Grow a team, if and when you want to

The opportunity is here. It’s simple. And it works — if you do.

Final Thoughts: You Don’t Need to Wait for Permission

I used to think I needed more qualifications, more time, more something.

Then I remembered: I rebuilt my entire life after fracturing my spine 11 years ago. I started from the bottom again and climbed higher than I thought possible.

And now? I’m building something that’s mine.

So if you’ve ever thought, “there must be more than this,” or “I’d love to travel more, earn more, and help others do the same” — come and have a look behind the scenes.

No pressure. Just possibility.

Interested in becoming a travel agent with me?

Drop me a message on Instagram or email me at annie@montyandmills.com to find out more.

Let’s build your freedom — one booking at a time.

Annie x