How I Chose My Host Agency (And What You Should Know Before Choosing Yours)
When I first decided to become a Travel Agent, I immediately knew the host agency I wanted to sign up with - the same one my previous travel agent used.
So I went to their website, filled out an application, booked a phone call and heard what they had to say. I decided to hold off until after the holidays and later schedule a second call. That’s when I realized I needed to pump the break and do some more research.
I quickly discovered there are many agencies to choose from. The more I researched, the more I realized how much there was to consider. I had to take time to think about what was important to me and what values I wanted in an agency I was investing in.
After many Google searches, several phone calls and emails, and lengthy conversations with ChatGPT, I decided to change course and partner with KHM Travel Group.
But before I explain why, let me break down some important topics to consider when partnering with a host agency.
A) Suppliers -
These are the companies thatcagents actually book trips through. Most agencies work with hundred of suppliers. Non-agents (consumers) oftend ont know about suppliers because they usually book their own travel through third-party online travel agencies.
B) Commission -
Depending on the agency you will make between 65% - 95% commission. The amount of commission you get, depends on the “supplier” you book through.
For example:
If I book a $200 hotel room and the supplier pays 20% commission, that equals $40. If my split is 80%, I earn $32 and the agency receives the remaining portion.
Clear as mud? Perfect 🤣
C) Sales Requirements or Quotas-
Yes — some agencies have them and may remove agents who don’t meet minimum production levels.
D) Perks -
Personal travel commission: Some agencies allow you to earn a portion — or even 100% — of your own travel bookings.
Familiarization “Fam” trips: These are discounted, educational trips designed to help agents experience destinations firsthand (and honestly, they sound amazing).
E) Payout Timing-
Some agencies pay weekly, some monthly. But here’s the part many people don’t realize — suppliers typically don’t release commission until after the client has completed their trip.
F) MLM Style Agencies-
Some agencies lean more toward a multi-level-marketing structure & place a stronger focus on recruitment. Not necessarily a bad things, but just something to understand.
G) Errors & Omission Insurance -
As an agent in the travel industry, stuff happens. Every agent should have this insurance. Some agencies include it while others require you to purchase your own policy.
H) Membership Pricing -
Every agency charges some type of startup or membership fee, typically ranging from $150 to $1,000+. Since this is an investment, it’s important to understand what you’re receiving in return.
I) Education & Training-
Most agencies offer training, but the quality and structure can vary a lot. Some provide guided classes and coaching, while others rely heavily on self-paced learning.
J) Tools and Technology-
Some agencies are very modern and provide agent profile websites, digital authorization forms, and marketing tools. Others are more traditional and leave itthose decisions up to the agent.
I know that was a lot to take in but I do hope it’s helpful.
Now, here’s why I chose KHM.
What really stood out to me was how accessible and forth coming they were when I spoke to them. I felt like they explained things in a way I understood and then they followed it up with an email for clarity.
Their commission structure was competitive, and they offered strong training, coaching, and even in-person learning opportunities — which gave me a lot of reassurance as someone starting out.
But the moment that really sealed it for me was when I shared my vision of helping families with disabled children and adults to travel more accessibly. Their response was, “W have a couple suppliers whose main focus is accessible travel.”
That part really touched my heart and I knew at that moment they were the right choice.
Other things I appreciated:
• Coverage under their $2 million E&O policy
• No sales quotas (huge relief)
• 100% commission on personal travel
• Weekly commission payouts instead of monthly
If you’re curious to learn more, here’s a short video that explains things further: : https://youtu.be/sbhGB1cFmpA?si=BJyCgi2y2Fd94oaP
Thank you for taking the time to read this. If you’re considering becoming a travel agent, I hope this helped make things feel a little less overwhelming. And if you have questions — or want to chat about the process — I’m always happy to connect.
If you do decide to apply with KHM and found this post helpful, you’re welcome to list my name as the referring agent. It truly helps support me, and I would be so grateful.
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor, catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." — Mark Twain