Starting my journey? Questioning my host? Niches?

Starting my journey? Questioning my host? Niches?

Author: Host Agency Reviews October 3, 2025 Duration: 20:43

This week for the Friday 15, Shayna co-hosts with Jenn Lee of Vacation Planners and TPI! This week we’ve got a bunch of great questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us! 

  1. Hello all! I am at the start of my journey to becoming an independent travel advisor who will join a host agency. What are some of the ways that travel advisors obtain health insurance? I did see that ASTA members have access to their insurance partner but that this varies by state. I'm in Indiana if that helps. Thanks so much! I am really finding your podcast helpful. - Cindy
  2. I’ve been with my host for about four months and I’m not loving the experience. I feel like I’m on my own when it comes to marketing, the website they provide is very basic, and the trainings aren’t great. On top of that, I pay a $40 monthly fee, a $180 startup fee, and they take a 70/30 commission split. I do appreciate that I get access to a lot of partners, which is a plus, but overall it feels like I’m paying a lot for very basic tools. My question is: is this experience pretty typical for newer advisors with host agencies, or is it a sign that I may need to start looking elsewhere? (Note: she has come back saying that we flagged to host as an MLM/Hybrid that she’s a part of) - Keeping this Anonymous
  3. Are there Host Agencies that specialize in wellness travel? Are there host agencies that specialize in Faith-based or Religious travel as a main thing or sub- niche, OR at least have options to book through certain faith based suppliers. - Warren and Jason


RESOURCES:


➡️We have a full article about travel MLM’s and what you need to know - https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-mlms

➡️We will also link to our host directories where if the host fills the requirements of being a travel MLM, we ensure it’s clear to you all - https://hostagencyreviews.com/hosts

➡️Still figuring out your Niche? Here’s our step-by-step guide - https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/find-a-travel-niche

➡️In our article on how to find the best host agency, we have a downloadable doc that compares the hosts and in one of the columns we outline the hosts’s Niche/specialty that can help guide you - https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/tips-on-how-to-find-the-best-travel-host-agency

➡️Tech Week! Registration is open for HAR*Wired! | Host Agency Reviews: https://hostagencyreviews.com/page/tech-week

➡️Facebook group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/legacydriventravelpros 

➡️https://hostagencyreviews.com/hosts/vacation-planners

➡️https://vacationplannersfranchise.com/



Hosted by the team at Host Agency Reviews, this audio channel blends two distinct formats into one practical resource. The first is Travel Agent Chatter, a quarterly series of spotlight interviews that dive deep into the experiences of working travel advisors. These longer conversations explore the real stories behind the careers, covering the nuances of building a business, personal client triumphs, and the cultural insights gained from a life in travel. The companion series, Friday 15, operates on a completely different rhythm. Every week, a focused fifteen-minute episode tackles specific questions from the travel industry, offering direct advice and timely insights that are both concise and immediately useful. Together, this podcast creates a balanced mix of inspirational narrative and actionable strategy. Whether you're seeking motivation from peer journeys or need quick answers to pressing professional questions, the channel is designed to support the daily realities of travel entrepreneurs. It’s a resource that understands the industry's blend of passion and pragmatism, delivered through the authentic voices of those who are deeply embedded in this world. Tune in for thoughtful perspectives that are as varied and dynamic as the travel profession itself.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Travel Agent Chatter | Friday 15
Podcast Episodes
FAM trips? Switching Hosts for more support? Name & Niche? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:12
This week for the Friday 15, Shayna co-hosts with Betsy of Uniglobe Travel Center. We’ve got a bunch of great questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us! I'm a disabled travel agent just starting. I'm nervous…
Using Points? New at Booking! Platforms for Booking? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:56
This week for the Friday 15, Shayna co-hosts with Robin and Jennifer of TiqueHQ. We’ve got a bunch of great questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us! 1. I am just starting out but I had a question about cre…
(229) Visibility as new advisor? Fear of Marketing? How to Market? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:36
This week for the Friday 15, Shayna co-hosts with Kelli Hayes Smith of Wanderlust Campus. We’ve got a bunch of great questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us! How to get visibility and to get my first clien…
Supplier network? Where to start? Changing commissions? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:15
This week for the Friday 15, Shayna co-hosts with Sheila Folk of Travel Industry Solutions. We’ve got a bunch of great questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us! I realise that every Host agency has a differ…
Host in home state? Social Media? Best Host Agency? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:10
This week for the Friday 15, Shayna co-hosts with Jackie Friedman of Nexion Travel Group! This week we’ve got a bunch of great questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us! When looking for a host agency is it…
Advertising Tours? Software Overwhelm! Accessible Luxury? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:58
This week for the Friday 15, Shayna co-hosts with Lori Speers of Levarte Travel! This week we’ve got a bunch of great questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us! When I'm a vendor at festivals a few times a y…
Commission Timing? Charging Fees? Switching Hosts? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:54
This week for the Friday 15, Shayna co-hosts with Carolyn Orf of KHM Travel! This week we’ve got a bunch of great questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us! I understand some suppliers don't pay the host unt…
Personal Travel? Accessible Travel? Client and Advisor Perks? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:50
This week for the Friday 15, Shayna co-hosts with April Swales of Uniglobe! This week we’ve got a bunch of great questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us! I am wondering how it works if I book flights and h…
My own brand? Multiple hosts? Choosing the right host? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:06
This week for the Friday 15, Shayna co-hosts with Jennifer Dugan of Dugan’s Travels! This week we’ve got a bunch of great questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST, and you know it’s gonna be good. Join us! I don’t w…