Starting a Travel Business

Thinking about starting a home-based travel business in Texas? Whether you're looking for a flexible side hustle or a full-time career helping others explore the world, becoming a travel advisor is more accessible than ever, especially with the rise of home-based franchise opportunities.

At Cruise Planners, we pride ourselves on empowering travel advisors to rise above the norm — and no one illustrates this better than our own Chief Strategy Officer, Scott Koepf, . In his recent feature in Travel Professional NEWS, Scott highlights seven key traits revealed by a Harvard Business School study that consistently mark the top performers in sales — and they’re directly relevant to travel advisors aiming for excellence.

Who says the holiday cheer has to wait until December? At Cruise Planners, we believe there’s never a wrong time to cue the carols, unwrap a little joy, and say yes to magic, and there’s no better way to do it than with a Disney twist. Christmas in July is the perfect excuse to infuse a little Disney Magic into your summer travel plans. Whether you’re dreaming of festive fun at the parks or looking to set sail with a sprinkle of holiday spirit, Disney delivers joy all year long, and July is no exception.

In a competitive travel market, standing out as a cruise expert requires more than enthusiasm; it requires credentials, connections and continuous growth. That’s where Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)steps in. For advisors who want to take their cruise business to the next level, CLIA is now essential.

When it comes to selling river cruises, there’s one piece of advice that rings true time and time again: you have to experience it to sell it. There’s something uniquely magical about river cruising—the intimacy, the cultural immersion, the luxury—that simply can’t be fully understood until you’ve sailed one yourself. For new travel advisors, river cruising might seem scary, but it holds massive potential for building a loyal, high-value clientele. So, how do you go from zero experience to elite river cruise seller? The answer lies in a combination of first-hand experience, expert training, and knowing your clients needs.

Cruise Planners Franchise Owner Carmen Palogruto (aka "Captain Carmen") poses beside Pluto on Main Street.