Starting a Travel Business

Every March, we celebrate Women’s History Month and the women who shape our communities, industries, and businesses. At Cruise Planners, women are at the heart of our network. Many of our franchise owners are women who chose to build a business that fits their lives while helping others explore the world.

Travelers can book almost anything online. Cruises, resorts, flights, tours, and vacation packages are all available with a few clicks. But even with all of that convenience, demand for travel agents remains strong. In fact, total travel agency sales are projected to reach $141.3 billion by 2026, as more travelers move away from DIY booking in favor of professional expertise.

A travel website only creates business if travelers can find it. Every day, travelers search online for destinations, travel advisors, cruise specialists, and vacation planning services. Search engines decide which websites appear in those results, and most travelers never go beyond the first page.

Travel planning has changed significantly in recent years. While referrals and personal recommendations still influence many decisions, most travelers now begin their journey online. They search destinations, compare experiences, read reviews, and explore travel options long before contacting a travel advisor. For travel businesses, this shift has created both opportunity and competition.

Travel advisors have long built successful businesses through referrals, repeat clients, and personal relationships. Those channels remain extremely valuable. However, today, many travelers begin their planning process online, researching destinations, comparing advisors, and evaluating options before contacting an advisor.

Entrepreneurship creates opportunity, independence, and long-term impact. At Cruise Planners, we are proud to support a diverse network of travel franchise owners who are building successful, independently owned travel businesses across the country.