Looking to Start a Home-Based Travel Agency Business in Canada?

Discover What Makes Vacations Internationale Unique, and Find Out IF Our Company Is the Ideal Host Agency for YOU

Plus, You'll Learn About the 3 Critical Things You Should Consider Before Handing Over Your Hard-Earned Cash to ANY Host Agency. (This information could literally save you thousands, and "saving" has never been more important)

From: Lisa M. Hickey and Eddie Rodriguez
Vacations Internationale

Dear (future) home-based travel entrepreneur:

There's tons of information on this page, so save yourself some time, and continue reading ONLY IF:

You are interested in building a REAL 'travel business'
You are looking at this, NOT just as a hobby, but as an actual way to produce a full-time income.
You are interested in investing the time necessary to really learn the "travel agency business", become a Professional Travel Consultant and ultimately "design" your own profitable "specialty travel business".

Did you answer "YES, YES, and YES"? Ok, then, Read on ... and ...

... meet "Vacations Internationale" [ VI ], perhaps North America's SLOWEST growing host agency:

Vacations Internationale

Actually, the point is NOT whether we're the slowest-growing host agency or not. The point is that, unlike many host agencies you read about on the internet, we're NOT focused on "how many agents we sign up each week".

We are focused on helping entrepreneurs like you realize the dream of building EXACTLY the type of travel business that YOU envision.

So, let's talk about how to run a profitable travel agency business from your home, and about how Vacations Internationale may be the perfect launching pad for your career as a "travel business super star".

I highlight the word "profitable", because - let's face it - most travel agents don't make a lot of money .... so ....

Why are most travel agents struggling and making only

a small fraction of the profits

they should be making?

The vast majority of travel agencies and travel agents settle for a mere fraction of the profits they should be making and there is more than one reason for this.

The sad truth is that MOST TRAVEL AGENTS don't even know what these reasons or PROBLEMS are.

The good news is that we're going to share this list of problems with YOU, so that you can avoid them.

You see? It's NOT just about "starting a home based travel business", it's about starting a home based travel business THE RIGHT WAY.

And that means that you must use the right approach, the right tools and the right strategies so that you can achieve YOUR goals.

Later on, I'm going to list actual PROVEN strategies that we use, and which YOU can use, to avoid the travel agent's BIGGEST mistakes, and to get the financial RESULTS you DO deserve.

According to a report cited by the American Society of Travel Agents:

"In May 2005, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual compensation (for a travel agent) was $30,750"

My question is: why is the "average" soooo low?

How can the average travel agent work so hard all year long to make $30,000.00, when I've had the pleasure to give some of our consultants a $5000.00 and $10,000.00 and even $15,000.00 commission cheque...... for just ONE sale ???!!!!

No "magic pill" here, though ^*. The Vacations Internationale Independent Travel Consultants I'm referring to have achieved extraordinary success by:

Learning how to avoid, and doing their best to avoid the problems or "traps" listed below.

Using the right learning tools, the right approach, the right technology and the strategies we'll be revealing in a second

Major income-reducing problems faced by new and experienced travel agents today:

Sometimes, the best way to get started is by talking about WHAT NOT TO DO. So here's a list of HUGE challenges faced by the majority of travel agents today, and the reasons why travel agents have these problems.

Too much work, not enough money:

This is - in most cases - the direct result of working with OLD INFORMATION. In other words, many travel agents are conducting their business (and every day tasks) using OLD concepts and ideas that "used to work" 10 or 15 years ago but don't anymore.

Another HUGE reason for this is LACK OF FOCUS...ON THE RIGHT THINGS (which can be linked to NOT knowing what "the right things to focus on" are.)

Lack of focus is the #1 reason why many travel agents spend too much time doing tasks (and selling products) they don't really enjoy.

Too much money and efforts WASTED in marketing, not enough customers:

This is caused by using OLD MARKETING STRATEGIES that are NOT compatible with the NEW realities of the 21st century travel industry.

Lack of efficiency and effectiveness ...

... as a result of using OLD TOOLS. In many cases, travel agents are NOT even aware of new tools that help them simplify their daily tasks, marketing campaigns, sales presentations, web marketing, etc

Frustration as a result of relationships that are NOT win-win:

This particularly affects home-based travel agents that have been "trapped' into contracts and investments with "the wrong kind" of host agency.

More frustration...

... caused by lack of "personal attention and guidance" from your agency's manager or (in the case of a home based travel agent) by the host agency. YOU NEED 'dedicated and unique' support to design and build YOUR 'dream travel business'.

Unfortunately, most host agencies do NOT offer 'individualized support'.

So, how do you AVOID those problems? Read on...

We KNOW about the above frustrating problems because WE struggled with them in the past..

... and that's why we've made it our mission to help individuals like you launch SUCCESSFUL, profitable home based travel agency businesses while AVOIDING the headaches and 'financial losses' that result from NOT knowing how to deal with those problems.

Where does our experience come from?

For 16 years we have been experimenting with, testing, re-testing, testing again, changing, researching and tracking what works and what doesn't work in the travel agency business

We've been "turning vacation dreams into reality" for 16 years.

At the same time, we have been working ON our business (not just in it), constantly researching and looking for the right technology and strategic tools to enable each and every one of our consultants to become EXTRAORDINARY business people.

We have NEVER accepted the notion that by being a travel agent you're "doomed" to make not much more than 20, 25, or 40 thousand dollars per year...

The travel industry, like any other industry, will always have individuals who achieve "average" results and individuals who achieve SUPER results.

So, we've always asked ourselves:

what are the super-achievers doing right?

By asking ourselves "quality questions", we found some "high quality answers" which we will share with YOU.

During all these years, we've seen great times and we've also faced extremely negative situations (such as the tragic events of Sep. 11, 2001, natural disasters and other factors that heavily affect the travel industry).

However, - no matter what - we've always kept track of what works and what doesn't, and when things have changed (for example: the role of travel web sites), we have taken note, and IMMEDIATELY began to look for the NEW way of dealing with the NEW challenges.

Our team members (independent travel consultants) have played a key role in developing and fine-tuning the success strategies we use and teach today:

Brenda and Vince could write a book about how to succeed with niche travel marketing

Brenda and Vince have been Vacations Internationale Independent Travel Consultants for a few years now.

Not too long after starting their home based travel business, they realized that planning "specialized group tours" had HUGE income potential.

They immediately started to implement some of the 'group sales strategies' discussed in our training, and they achieved - in a few months - revenue (income) results that 'average' travel agents can only dream of.

Because of their ability to pin-point opportunities (niche travel markets) and put together extraordinary value for their clients, Brenda and Vince's "successes" are now used as actual 'case studies' from which participants of our mentoring program have learned A LOT.

Sue is constantly raising the bar for what planning a Destination Wedding should be

Shortly after Sue joined Vacations Internationale, she focused on IMPLEMENTING the most powerful strategy that a travel consultant (or any entrepreneur for that matter) could use to exponentially explode their sales revenue:

She focused on ONE specialty, and that specialty is something she's PASSIONATE about: making destination wedding dreams come true!

Today, Sue is a sought after Destination Wedding expert, with satisfied clients from all over North America.

The overwhelming success of her business has produced amazing "best practices" that have been incorporated into our seminars and workshops.

Claire is ...."Your Vegas Contact"

I will never forget how I felt the first time I went to Las Vegas.

We were on a road trip to visit Los Angeles, the Grand Canyon and we planned to spend, maximum, ONE day in Las Vegas. As we were entering the city, I could not believe what my eyes were seeing. There were people everywhere, and you could already feel the excitement going on all around you. It was late afternoon and the sun was setting on all these huge hotels and there was activity everywhere - I mean EVERYWHERE you looked.

But the bottom line is: I love travelling to Las Vegas and I have been visiting this amazing city at least once a year for the last 15 years...... and, with Vacations Internationale, I've been able to build a travel business around MY favourite destination.

And if you read the 'case study' for each of Vacations Internationale's Independent Travel Consultant, you would find the following common "success factors":

They all focus on "niche markets", which makes it easier for them to do effective marketing

They all provide "personalized travel consulting services" to their clients

They all focus on "group travel", which leads to larger profits

and last, but not least:

They each have a home-based travel business that they really enjoy, and which truly matches their own personal goals.

All that first-hand experience along with our constant research about industry trends, emerging tools and new marketing strategies are key components of our Host Agency Services and our Advanced Travel Consultant Mentoring Program.

Frequently Asked Questions about becoming a home based travel agent (how to start a home based travel agency)

The following are a few of the most frequently asked questions about our company, our services and about "starting a home based travel agency business" in general.

What are the first two steps that

anyone considering becoming a

home based travel agent should take

(to avoid wasting time and money)?

The first step you should take before you spend any time and money starting your home based travel agency is ... asking yourself the following questions:

	Do I really love (to) travel? (Regardless of whether you HAVE traveled a lot or not)
	Would I really enjoy having a business which consists of helping others turn their vacations dreams into reality?
	Do I really want to run my own travel business?

There are many other important questions to consider (and we'll share them with you later), but IF YOU ANSWER "NO" to at least one the above, you should probably stop reading this web page right now.

If you answered "YES", then you're ready to move to step two.

The second step you should take is:

To research and join a reputable Host Agency that can provide the support YOU need to get your home-based travel business off the ground.

What is a Host Agency?

A "host travel agency" is a company whose main purpose is to "host" the businesses of their independent travel consultants.

An easy way to understand what a "host travel agency" does is to compare it to (because it's "similar to) a "franchise chain":

The host agency would be the "franchisor" and you (as a home based travel agent) would be the "franchisee".

The main benefit (for YOU) to join a Host Agency (as opposed to being "completely independent") is that you get immediate access to:

a complete business infrastructure (turn-key solution)

travel agency tools (reservation systems, etc.)

and - VERY IMPORTANT: commission agreements/levels with travel suppliers.

If you were to start a home based travel agency completely on your own, you'd have to spend months to "set up your business" and perhaps years to climb up the commission ladder with your travel suppliers.

Therefore, joining a "host agency" saves you TONS of time and a lot of headaches.

In addition, establishing a 'contract or agreement' with a host agency is, in some cases, the only way to sell travel LEGALLY ... because you'll be operating under the host agency's "master Seller of Travel license" and provincial /state registration.

Joining a host agency is something we always recommend - not just because we are a host agency, but because of all the time and money you save by not having to start from scratch.

Besides, in some jurisdictions, such as in Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia, Canada - it is absolutely necessary, because - in order to say that you are and act as a travel agent in these Canadian provinces - you MUST have a written agreement with a Registered travel agency.

Of course, you don't have to join a host agency, and you can always open your own travel store - But if (for example) you are in Ontario, Canada ... be ready to invest $10,000.00 (bond) + $2750.00 (TICO registration Fee) ....

..... and that's just to get started. You still need to be approved, lease a retail office and pay rent and other office expenses month after month.

So, in this day and age, we all the advances in technology and with the flexibility offered by existing host agencies ... why burden yourself with the headaches of your own brick and mortar travel agency? (even if you can afford it).

Please, take the "legal" part of things seriously. Often, the Travel Industry Council of Ontario (Canada) reports cases of individuals who are convicted for "presenting themselves as travel agents or travel counsellors" WITHOUT the required Provincial registration.

Which Host Agency should I join?

I guess I'm expected to answer this question by saying: "you must join OUR host agency".

However, here's the answer that's really going to help YOU:

You must join a host agency whose business model, vision and goals are compatible with YOUR goals and the type of home based travel agency business that YOU wish to start.

For example, if all you wanted to do was to "sell a few trips every year" to your friends, relatives and a few other personal contacts, then joining Vacations Internationale would NOT be the right thing to do, as we cater to individuals that wish to build lucrative travel businesses (which requires a larger commitment and a lot more dedication than if you want to start a "hobby".)

So, which host agency YOU join is, in part, determined by YOUR goals.

Warning: Do your homework. Keep your goals in front of you at all times as you research different host agencies and different ways to start your home based travel agency.

A good reason to do your homework is to avoid wasting money:

Some host agencies charge as much as $20,000.00 to sign you up as an 'independent travel agent'. Doesn't it make sense to know your options before you dish out $20,000.00 bucks and "trap" yourself into a contract that might or might not work for you?

On the other hand you have those host agencies that charge "nothing" to sign you up. In this case ask yourself: Would McDonalds or Starbucks or Tim Hortons be able to offer their amazing training and advertising resources, etc. to their 'franchisees' if they charged zero to open one of their stores???

Of course NOT.

OK, so ... let's say that you are interested in building a lucrative travel business, that you are serious about this ... and that you want to find out IF our company, Vacations Internationale, is the right host agency for you ...

Your first question probably is :

What services do you offer?

(or .... How Can You Help Me?)

When you choose Vacations Internationale as your host agency, you will enjoy two main services:

Host Agency Services: As a "Host Travel Agency", our company provides individuals like you with the "business framework", state-of-the-art tools and systems you need to run your own home based travel business.

There's no need for you to start your travel business from scratch.

By joining our Independent Travel Consultant network, you can take advantage of all the tools, training, resources and supplier relationships (including commission contracts) that we have developed over the years.

We also offer various Travel Consultant Mentoring Programs. (Training)

These programs are offered on an "a la carte" basis" so you can choose based on:

your industry experience and
your business goals.

Through various hands-on workshops and one-on-one mentoring, our program participants learn how to plan, start and promote their very own Specialty Travel Agency Businesses... using the SAME marketing principles, tools and strategies used by Vacations Internationale Consultants who have achieved, in a few months, the type of results that most travel agents take years to achieve.

More details about our "Travel Consultant Mentoring Programs" in a moment...

Now, here's a question we get asked quite often:

How is Vacations Internationale different from other travel agencies?

We are different from the average travel agency because we SPECIALIZE in supporting home-based travel agents.

If you are serious about starting a home based travel business, then you MUST affiliate yourself with a “Host Agency”. A “host agency” is a company (like ours) that is set up to PROPERLY provide service, training, tools and support to independent or “outside” agents.

CAUTION: Most travel agencies out there would gladly sign you up as an ‘outside’ agent, BUT…it won’t take you long to realize that the average travel agency doesn’t have the tools and infrastructure REQUIRED to support YOUR independent travel business.

..... we know this, because we've been supporting HOME-BASED travel agents ...well... since the last century!

OK, so…

**how is Vacations Internationale different from other “Host Agencies”?**

Drum roll please….

Unlike most “host agencies”, who sign up anybody who wants to become a “regular travel agent”… we select individuals with an 'entrepreneurial mindset', and help them build Specialty Travel Businesses.

The keyword in the above sentence is “Specialty”. (I’ll explain in a moment)

So, if you wish to discover "the right way" to start and run a home-based travel agency, (and AVOID the huge problems listed above) read on … (the secret is very simple, but VERY powerful).

You see?, the travel industry has changed tremendously in the past few years. ( I’m sure you’ve heard about……the INTERNET !!! ).

However, most travel agents out there have NOT changed.

On the contrary, every time I go to one of those “travel agent conferences or trade shows”, I hear them always complaining and whining about how the internet has taken over, etc., etc., etc..

At Vacations Internationale, on the other hand, we have been quick to adapt, introducing cutting-edge technology and marketing tools.

BUT, BUT, BUT most importantly, we have carefully researched the NEW role of the travel counsellor in the 21st century.

We have not “created” this new role, we have ‘DISCOVERED’ it.

How?

By listening to consumers who – more than ever before – are begging for EXPERT TRAVEL CONSULTANTS (real professionals) who can help them realize their vacation dreams.

So… with that in mind… we have made it our mission, to help individuals like YOU set up SPECIALTY travel businesses that bring to consumers the professional EXPERTISE they demand, deserve …. and are willing to pay big bucks for.

It’s a win-win!

As common sense would tell you, though, ONLY by focusing on a couple of good SPECIALTIES will you be able to accumulate the knowledge and experience required to deliver that EXPERTISE.

Ask yourself:

If I’m a travel agent and the information I have and offer my potential clients is the same (or less) than what they can find on the internet by themselves … why would anyone need my services?

The super evident reason to specialize can be summarized with this
question:

What travel agent could possibly become AN EXPERT (a real expert that is) AT EVERYTHING, EVERY DESTINATION, EVERY COUNTRY, EVERY CRUISE LINE, EVERY RESORT?

The thing is, 10 YEARS AGO THIS WAS NOT A BIG ISSUE because travel agents monopolized travel-related info.

If you wanted to travel, you HAD TO go see a travel agent. But, today, any 14-year old can book a cruise while chatting on MSN and downloading MP3's.

So, (you’d think that) these days,

the need for travel agents to specialize

is common sense, right?

Well, it IS, but, it’s NOT common practice.

And that’s why some of our consultants (armed with the secret “specialization” weapon) can achieve – in a few months – the financial results that “regular” travel agents take YEARS to achieve.

It’s no secret that average travel agents don’t make a lot of money – BUT, that doesn’t mean there’s no money to be made in the travel industry).

The same thing happens in every industry … there are STARVING real estate agents and real estate agents who make MILLIONS .... and so on.

If you haven't done so yet .... take a moment to listen to a conversation where we expand on this topic of "specializing as a way to make big bucks as a travel agent":

As Bob Proctor, one of the stars of the movie "The Secret " says:

“You don’t get rich
by doing certain
things. You get rich
by doing things in a
certain way.”

When you start a home-based travel agency, it's UP TO YOU to decide whether you want to be with the losers or the winners (SUCCESS IS A CHOICE you need to make!!)

Of course, as with anything else, in order to reap above-average rewards, you need:

the right ‘guidance’,

the right plan

the right environment

the right approach

and the right ‘tools’,

.... and that’s where our Host Agency Services and our "Travel Consultant Mentoring Programs" come in.

So, you understand why - in order

to succeed as a home based travel agent -

it's CRUCIAL to become a "specialized

travel consultant". Now, you need the answers to these key questions:

	What factors do I have to consider when choosing my specialty?
	Which travel specialties make more business sense?
	Are there specialties that offer more 'income potential'? Which ones?
	*Do I need to focus only on ONE* specialty?** Quick answer to this one: NO

How can I profit from selling "products/services" outside of my specialty WITHOUT losing focus (and effectiveness)?

	What's the right MARKETING approach for promoting a 'specialty travel business' in the 21st century?
	Where can I quickly and easily get ideas for marketing strategies that I can use right away to promote my travel business?
	How can I effectively promote my 'specialty travel business' on the internet?
	How can I use the internet to profit from selling travel products?
	What new technology / tools can I use to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of my travel business?

RELAX!

Our Travel Consultant Mentoring Programs provides the right answers to those and to many other questions.

Plus.. we don't just give you the answers, we actually work with you in the IMPLEMENTATION of ideas and strategies for YOUR business. (I'm not aware of any other host agency that would do this for its 'independent consultants')

The key is to know how to set up your travel business so that you don't end up wasting time and booking boring things such as car rentals and domestic flights.

The biggest mistake people make in life is not
making a living at doing what they most enjoy.
- Malcolm S. Forbes (1919-1990)

With our Travel Consultant Mentoring Programs and the resources available in our members-only intranet we will help you set up a business that is as enjoyable to YOU as it is to your clients.....

...and that could be anything YOU LOVE, be it planning:

dream tropical weddings, or

exotic wine tours, or

quilting trips or

marketing seminars at sea for entrepreneurs, or

private jet-tours of the Wonders of the World, or

shopping trips, or

exclusive diving packages, or

trips to experience car racing events, or

unforgettable family get-togethers at Mick Jagger's private vacation villa,

or _________________________ (fill in the blank with your favourite type of travel or destination) ......

UNLIKE many host agencies that focus on recruiting as many ‘outside’ agents as possible......

We work with a small group of individuals ( our program only accepts 5 new applicants at a time - which is why sometimes we offer a 'waiting list').

This allows us to give you and your business MAXIMUM attention.

In addition, we have DEDICATED mentors that provide ONE-ON-ONE personalized support to plan and set-up YOUR unique business.

Working with YOUR mentor, by the time the initial training and planning phase is completed, YOU WILL have a specialty travel business which is ready to be marketed !!

After the initial stage, your dedicated mentor becomes your dedicated mentor AND sales manager, and he or she will focus on helping YOU implement strategies for LONG-TERM success.

And even if you and other Vacations Internationale Consultants share a common specialty (such as Destination Weddings), we do not simply “duplicate” from a template; we invest the necessary time and resources to ensure that YOUR business reflects YOU!

So, there you have it.

Those are some of the main reasons why we are VERY different from your average host agency, and why our Mentoring Program is the training solution travel professionals have been waiting for.

Please, do yourself a favour:

be aware of and do your best to avoid

"generic" travel agent training

Many "host agencies" out there will sign you up as an "independent travel agent", then provide you with a few hours of "generic training" about:

(not much more than) the travel industry in general,

the host agency's suppliers and the reservation tools they use.

After the initial "cookie-cutter training sessions" are completed, you are left to figure out on your own how to make your new home-based travel agency work .. or .. you are given a number of "articles and tips" that will supposedly help you succeed.

Unfortunately, many of those so-called "helpful articles and tips" are based on practices that no longer work.

Another HUGE PROBLEM with "generic, one-size-fits-all travel agent training" is that it doesn't normally take into account YOUR individual strengths and personal interests.

With this approach, you will soon find yourself doing many routine and sales tasks that you DON'T necessarily enjoy.

Sadly, generic travel agent training will ensure that you become... well... a "generic" travel agent who uses the same approach to building his or her business as thousands of other struggling, unsuccessful travel agents.

On the other hand, OUR PROGRAMS offer:

Individualized support / One-on-one coaching and training

Focus on designing YOUR business so that it caters to the needs of TODAY's traveler. (Remember what we said above about the need to specialize?)

Are the Travel Consultant Mentoring Programs delivered as "group training"?

No.

..... although some times we do work with very small groups which allows you to benefit from a rich exchange of ideas.

Once you are accepted into the program, you will be working with a dedicated consultant / mentor. (very FEW host agencies offer this great benefit...and we're very proud to do so!)

Because you have an experienced consultant, a DEDICATED MENTOR looking over your shoulder and guiding you step by step, YOU WILL SAVE LOTS OF TIME AND ACHIEVE THE RESULTS YOU WANT A LOT FASTER ... as long as you are doing YOUR part.

Let me give you some examples of the rewards you can expect from working with your Vacations Internationale mentor:

Using state-of-the-art technology, your VI mentor will guide you through the process of making your first reservations, until you become comfortable with using the reservation tools and communicating with suppliers. (I mention this first, because I know this is a big concern for new consultants)

Get ideas for your new home-based travel business. Even if you don't have any ideas about how to turn your travel business into YOUR dream travel business, your mentor will help you take that first step. He or she can guide you in choosing specialties that fit with your interests and your talents. Your mentor can help you figure out what your business ideas are "worth" (their potential for profit in the "real" world)... and can help you develop a solid business and marketing plan.

Get more done in less time. When you work alone or when you're new to the industry, your lack of experience can cause you to waste time on certain areas of your business.

Your mentor can help you identify tasks (or ideas, or projects, or clients, or products) that are eating up your precious time, and show you proven strategies and tactics so that you are working ON your business and not just IN your business.

Get informed, honest advice. When you are "president" AND "sole employee" of your home-based travel agency, it's hard sometimes to know if you're on the right track.

Relying on your friends or relatives for business advice can be risky if they're not well-informed. (Everybody has an opinion, but.....)

Your VI mentor, on the other hand, has the advantage of years of experience and access to "the right kind of information" about the industry.

Develop accountability and motivation. When you're getting started as a home-based travel agent, it's easy to procrastinate because you're not seeing any "big commissions" yet. Your VI Mentor will help you set and achieve realistic milestones (and give you examples of goals that other "real" people are successfully achieving). You will enjoy the motivating and inspiring sense of accomplishment that comes with meeting your goals, even before you start to see your income increase.

Shorten the learning curve and avoid costly mistakes. With the guidance of your VI mentor, you can skip the learning curve in several areas - NOT because you won't study them, but because your mentor will show you what's already been proven to work.

You can also avoid costly mistakes ... and trust me: ALL mistakes in this industry cost money.

Make more money. It's been our experience that travel consultants that work closely with their mentors and are open to exploring new ways of doing things, new technologies, etc. are consistently more successful than those who don't. The reason for this is probably the fact that your mentor's main goal is to make YOU more effective, more knowledgeable and ultimately more profitable than the "average" travel agent.

How are the "Travel Consultant Mentoring Programs" delivered?

That's a great question too, because we actually help individuals who are currently running their home based travel agencies from various places across Canada.

Some of our programs, such as the "Resort Specialist Program" and the "Cruise Specialist Program" require that you come to our head office in Niagara for intensive in-house training ( the idea is to provide you with what you need - in a focused environment - so that you're ready to sell travel and make money by the end of your first week )

In addition, you will receive ongoing training, personalized consulting and coaching through a combination of tele-conferences, web-based seminars and workshops.

New technology allows you to enjoy "hands on" training from the comfort of your own home office.

We also provide optional private label access to industry-approved online courses.

Many of our "tele-training sessions" are permanently available as "audio/video files" which you can download to your computer to listen and learn when it's most convenient for you. Is that cool or what?

We know that there are other important things in your life, and we strive to implement training and business systems that offer maximum flexibility.

Your mentor will also provide guidance to help you take advantage of and maximize the benefits you get from participating in industry events such as "product launches", conferences, supplier seminars, etc.

Once I join Vacations Internationale as an Independent Travel Consultant, what do I get?

If you wish to establish a working relationship with our host agency (and why wouldn't you?), we simply set-up a written agreement or contract (which you'll be able to review at your leisure) and...

you get access to a TON of benefits listed below !!!

The main general benefit you get from launching your home based travel agency in affiliation with an already-established and progressive travel company is that you will substantially cut down on your start up costs.

Our Host Agency Services puts in your hands a turn-key solution which enables you to start promoting and selling travel products and services in a very short period of time ...

... without having to setup a full retail infrastructure (office lease, etc.) or having to get your own IATA or TICO registration, or having to start relationships with suppliers from scratch (which would mean lower commissions ... which, in turn, means you wouldn't be price-competitive).

When YOU become a Vacations Internationale Independent Travel Consultant, based on which options you choose, you will receive many benefits, including:

	State-of-the-art vacation package reservation systems
	Cruise reservation system
	State-of-the-art flight reservation systems
	Access to Suppliers’ travel-agent-only booking websites

PLUS...

	Email Marketing Systems
	Auto-responders /newsletter systems for your web sites
	Thousands of "blocked cruise cabins"
	Your own web-based Virtual Office
	Marketing database (ClientBase CRM software)
	Optional Sabre GDS
	Training Conference Calls with Industry Experts
	VI University - special rates for online travel courses
	Access to Marketing centre to order brochures
	Access to *The Beach, our own agent-only intranet*

Your 'Beach Pass'

gives you access to valuable

business resources such as:

	A "searchable" knowledge database: premium business articles, tips and how-to information on a wide variety of topics
	On-line tutorials (training on demand): learn how to use travel technology at your own pace
	Forms, policies, procedures, supplier information: easily find the information and tools you need to run your business
	Downloadable audio product training sessions: listen and learn when it's more convenient for you.

PLUS ... various optional resources, such as:

Your own Specialized "direct marketing" Travel Web Site

Once you have developed your basic marketing plan, with the help of your mentor, we will help you build YOUR own specialized "direct marketing" web site(s) to promote your business.

To the "untrained eye" your "direct marketing website may look like a collection of simple web pages, HOWEVER (as you'll find out in our program), these special type of sites are loaded with the latest behind-the-scenes tools - We don't list those tools here for obvious competitive reasons.

PLUS...

Oh, yes. Should you be interested (and should YOUR personal marketing plan require it) you also get "generic travel sites" with "standard" and/or "optional" booking engines so that your clients can book vacation packages, last-minute deals, flights, etc.

Once you start selling "group travel" (by the way, that's where the money is) we will help you design and host "special websites" to promote YOUR group travel marketing initiatives:

PLUS...

In addition to all the benefits we've listed so far - you will also receive:

Administration Support - which allows you to "sell and enjoy travel", while leaving most of the administration function to someone else

You have a "business", so you will still need to track transactions and complete a few "after the sale" tasks, but MUCH of the administration work travel agencies do is taken care of by our in-house administration department.

PLUS...(last, but NOT least)

Opportunity to travel at agent reduced rates, and agent familiarization trips.

Top commission rates from suppliers, which allows you to be competitive and profitable.

We have worked hard over the past few years, establishing great relationships (and maintaining sales levels) with great travel suppliers. Therefore, YOU do not need to "work your way up the commission ladder", which could take you YEARS if you were to open a new travel agency on your own.

Top commission rates for YOU: Our commission program enables you keep up to 80% of the total commission or revenue earned on each travel reservation you complete.

I know what you are thinking:

Wow!

That's a lot of benefits!

So ... the question now is:

Can we help YOU become a successful home-based travel agent and achieve above-average results in record time?

Maybe.

And this is your opportunity to find out because, for a limited time, we are accepting applications from individuals who wish to build super home-based travel agency businesses with our team's help.

Not everyone wanting to become a travel agent will qualify for our Mentoring Programs and for joining Vacations Internationale.

In fact, we expect to turn down quite a few applications. We need to carefully select who we work with because, if you qualify...

... not only will you gain access to our company's learning and business resources (including a dedicated business coach), but you'll also be establishing a long-term business relationship with our host agency...and SUCCESSFUL, win-win business relationships are only possible between parties that share principles, a vision and a desire to succeed.

Do I need travel industry experience in order to qualify to become a Vacations Internationale Independent (home-based) Travel Consultant?

No.

... But you MUST be self-motivated, dedicated,
and willing to invest in your own success!

It doesn't matter to us whether you have travel industry experience or not.

Obviously, if you DO have verifiable experience as a travel agent, you will be able to join our company with a minimal investment (and you'll even be able to earn it back based on your sales results during your first year)

If you are an experienced travel agent, you are NOT required to buy any of our basic mentoring programs - Over the next few months, you'll be able to explore and decide - at your own pace - if some of our more advanced programs are right for you.

Industry experience could help (if it's the right type of experience - there's a lot a 'bad experience' out there), but for the most part our program breaks with the old ways of doing things in the travel industry.

Now, personal travel experience (having traveled extensively) definitely helps, BUT we find that success is mostly determined by:

	your "entrepreneurial" skills and mindset
	your ability to promote yourself and your services
	your ability to create and deliver unrivalled service to your clients
	your ability and interest in upgrading your knowledge and skills
	your willingness to embrace and master technology
	your desire to "stop being busy making a living and start designing the life you want"

Before you read any further or complete the Application and request the FREE CONSULTATION, ask yourself these questions:

	Do I really love (to) travel?
	Would I really enjoy having a business which consists of helping others turn their vacations dreams into reality?
	Do I really want to run my own travel business?
	Do I really want the benefits of working from home?
	Do I really wish to decide when & how much to work?
	Do I have what it takes to provide superior service to my clients?
	Am I willing to invest time learning about how to become a top-producing, top-earning entrepreneur?
	Am I willing to invest time learning about the travel industry and Vacations Internationale's unique business model?

If you answered NO to at least one of the above questions, we can confidently say that running your own home-based travel business is not for you. (at least, NOT in affiliation with our company)

We want to make sure you understand that - due to our team's high level of involvement with participants during our training programs, we can't afford to waste time dealing with individuals who might end up just whining and finding excuses such as:

I don't have time right now to complete assignments.

My CD player is broken. I can't listen to the marketing CDs.

It's too hard.

Etc., etc., etc., etc.

As I said, an entrepreneurial mindset is KEY, and we want to work with people who already have an entrepreneurial mindset.

May be I should quickly explain what I mean by "entrepreneurial mindset":

We want to work with individuals who understand that running their own businesses is a LOT different than being someone else's employee.

An entrepreneur is the C.E.O. of their business, that is, Chief Entrepreneurial Officer.

CEO Profile: A person that is highly energized, determined to achieve results, fluent in selecting highest priorities, disciplined to accomplish required tasks, and has the patience to nurture their business...

(...) An entrepreneur is a person who undertakes and operates a new enterprise or venture, and assumes some accountability for the inherent risks (...)

(...) Business entrepreneurs often have strong beliefs about a market opportunity and are willing to accept a high level of personal, professional, or financial risk to pursue that opportunity.

Why is this important?

Because with our Travel Consultant Mentoring Programs we will help you START A HOME BASED TRAVEL BUSINESS...

... and that is a LOT different from what most 'host agencies' will help you do, which is: "just become one of their home based sales reps".

Therefore, how could we possibly help you start and run a successful BUSINESS without you having an entrepreneurial (business) mindset?

Applying to become an Independent (home-based) Travel Consultant with Vacations Internationale is as simple as 1, 2, that's it!

Once you submit your application, we will contact you to set up your FREE CONSULTATION.

During this first telephone interview, we'll ask you a lot of questions ... We'll send you the list in advance, so you'll be ready.

Once your application is received, we'll call you to talk about your personal goals and needs, strengths and weaknesses...

We'll discuss your travel industry experience and/or personal travel experience.

You'll also have the opportunity to ask us as many questions as you wish, so that we can decide together whether or not our Host Agency and our Advanced Travel Consultant Mentoring Program are right for you.

Here are a couple of examples of the questions we will ask you during the telephone interview...

Why are you interested in becoming a home-based travel agent?

What areas of the travel industry would you like to specialize in?

What computer programs are you familiar with?

How much time are you willing to invest, on a weekly basis, to learning and growing your travel business?

What sort of income would you like to earn from running your travel agency business?

If you are an experienced travel agent, we'd like to hear your vision for this new phase of your travel career. What are you planning to do different? What are you hoping VI will help you accomplish?

... And that's just for starters!

We're going to have a TON of questions for you -- and there are no right or wrong answers. We just need to have an accurate picture of where YOU are starting from -- and where you want to go -- so we can custom-tailor our "Travel Consultant Mentoring Programs" to match your goals and interests.

How you can apply and qualify for Step #2 (the phone interview):

Applying to become a Vacations Internationale Independent Travel Consultant and/or to participate in our Travel Consultant Mentoring Program(s) is easy.

Click here to complete a our brief application form (only very basic information is required so that we can contact you and set up the free consultation / interview). - Make sure you send your application today, as we use your application date to determine your position in the queue of applicants waiting to joing VI).

That's it.

Thank your interest in our company and for applying to become a member of our "Advanced Mentoring Team."

Sincerely,

PS: Just in case you're still hesitating and wondering whether you should apply and find out more, let us help you evaluate your options:

Option # 1: You could choose to do absolutely nothing. If you are new to the industry and just want to start a new hobby and get discounts (which means you're not looking to build a super-travel business) this option probably makes sense. If you are an "experienced agent" and you just like things the way they are at your current company (or if you are not interested either in getting above-average results), this may be a good option for you, too. But, let's face it, you probably wouldn't have read this far, now would you?

Option # 2: You could invest time AND money with another host agency because they offer training and business arrangements that "sound and look like what a travel agency should be"....In this case, just remember our "warning" about the dangers of "generic travel agent training"...and remember.... "to succeed in the travel agency business in the 21st century", you must BREAK WITH the "old ways" of running a travel agency.

Option # 3: You can take LESS THAN A MINUTE to complete the application form, request the FREE CONSULTATION and give yourself the chance to learn about the actual tools and strategies our existing consultants use to build and run travel businesses ....the right way. If you don't give yourself this opportunity, you may spend the rest of your life wondering "what if". Time for you to choose...

Which option makes the most sense to you? Thought so. Click here to complete the application and take the first step to build your future as a successful entrepreneur

Looking to Start a Home-Based Travel Agency Business in Canada?

Discover What Makes Vacations Internationale Unique, and Find Out IF Our Company Is the Ideal Host Agency for YOU

Plus, You'll Learn About the 3 Critical Things You Should Consider Before Handing Over Your Hard-Earned Cash to ANY Host Agency. (This information could literally save you thousands, and "saving" has never been more important)

Why are most travel agents struggling and making only

a small fraction of the profits

they should be making?

Our team members (independent travel consultants) have played a key role in developing and fine-tuning the success strategies we use and teach today:

Frequently Asked Questions about becoming a home based travel agent (how to start a home based travel agency)

What are the first two steps that

anyone considering becoming a

home based travel agent should take

(to avoid wasting time and money)?

Which Host Agency should I join?

What services do you offer?

(or .... How Can You Help Me?)

How is Vacations Internationale different from other travel agencies?

OK, so…

how is Vacations Internationale different from other “Host Agencies”?

So, (you’d think that) these days,

the need for travel agents to specialize

is common sense, right?

So, you understand why - in order

to succeed as a home based travel agent -

it's CRUCIAL to become a "specialized

travel consultant". Now, you need the answers to these key questions:

The key is to know how to set up your travel business so that you don't end up wasting time and booking boring things such as car rentals and domestic flights.

Please, do yourself a favour:

be aware of and do your best to avoid

"generic" travel agent training

Once I join Vacations Internationale as an Independent Travel Consultant, what do I get?

Once you submit your application, we will contact you to set up your FREE CONSULTATION.

How you can apply and qualify for Step #2 (the phone interview):

**how is Vacations Internationale different from other “Host Agencies”?**