Travel Advisor Open Mic: Finding the Right Host Agency Fit

This article originally appeared in the October issue of AGENTatHOME magazine. Subscribe here to receive your free copy each month.

Open Mic is a new AGENTatHOME series focused on gathering advice from travel advisors to help you boost your business. This issue puts the spotlight on the benefits carious host agencies provide for their members.

Janel Carnero, Embark Beyond

Entering the travel industry was scary, but my host agency, Embark Beyond, provided the perfect launchpad for my career. The greatest benefit I’ve received is its comprehensive support system, starting with the thorough and in-depth Apprentice Program.

This program, which went hand in hand with mentorship and continued training, ensured I had the foundational knowledge needed to succeed from day one. I was trained from the ground up, learning everything from client relations to business management.

I was also paired with experienced mentors and provided with ongoing daily training sessions. This foundation of learning and support has been instrumental in my success as a new advisor, allowing me to exceed my goal of having $1 million in sales in my first year.

Justin Murphy, Gifted Travel Network

The community has been the most beneficial aspect of VIP Travel Experience’s partnership with Gifted Travel Network (GTN). Running your own business can sometimes feel lonely, but with GTN, you’re never alone. It has created a space that truly prioritizes collaborating over competing, inspiring meaningful connections, leaning on each other for support and even digging into the nuts and bolts of running a business. This community has been invaluable and lets us focus on what we love most: creating unforgettable journeys for our clients.

Katie Lynn Reynolds, Travelmation

I have truly found a home in Travelmation. It may sound cliché, but we are genuinely family-oriented, and I love being part of something bigger than myself. Through Travelmation, I’ve had the privilege of attending and leading incredible fam trips to Italy, France and resorts throughout the Caribbean. Our owner, Adam Duckworth, is remarkable at recognizing advisors’ strengths and encouraging us to grow in areas where we can thrive.

I’ve absolutely loved being on the leadership side of the business this past year, coaching advisors to see how this industry can change their lives. Through our destination wedding certification, which I created in 2024, I’ve now led fams with resort companies such as Sandals Resorts, AIC Hotel Group and Grand Velas.

Lina Sutton, Departure Lounge

In my 7 1/2 years as an advisor, I’ve changed host agencies twice, because, as my business, Go Wander Travel Co., evolved, so did what I needed from a host. As a new advisor, training and marketing resources were most important. With experience, my goals shifted, and I needed a more intimate, luxury-focused host with strong relationships. My most recent change to Departure Lounge came from needing to scale, so a robust tech stack became vital.

I’ve learned that, just as no one host is perfect for all advisors, one host may not be perfect for every phase of your career. My advice? Consider your most immediate business needs, and know that it’s okay if those needs evolve with time.

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