My Journey Into the Travel Industry
- Jo-Anne Newell
- Mar 26
- 2 min read
Before I became a travel agent, I spent 25 years building businesses.
I started with 16 years in a corporate manufacturing company, working my way into a leadership role within supply chain finance. That experience gave me a solid understanding of how businesses operate behind the scenes.
I then went on to co-run a multi-million-pound commercial garden furniture business with my husband for 8 years, where I gained hands-on experience in growing and managing a successful company.
Fast forward to now, and I’ve built a thriving business as an independent travel agent combining my business experience with something I’ve always loved: travel.
But what I enjoy most is helping others get started too.
What Does It Actually Mean to Become a Travel Agent?
When people look into how to become a travel agent, they often assume it requires years of experience or formal qualifications.
The reality is very different.
Today, you can start a travel business by partnering with a travel host, which gives you access to:
Booking systems
Supplier connections
Training and support
Commission opportunities
This means you don’t need to build everything from scratch—you can plug into an established system and start learning as you go.
Why Finding the Right Travel Host Matters
One of the most important steps when starting out is to find a travel host that aligns with you.
Not all hosts are the same, and choosing the right one can make a huge difference in:
How quickly you get started
The level of support you receive
Your earning potential
Your overall experience
The right host will guide you step-by-step, give you the tools you need, and help you build confidence as you grow your business.
What Your Travel Business Could Look Like
One of the biggest misconceptions is that this has to be a full-time commitment from day one.
In reality, many people start:
Alongside their current job
As a side income
Around family life
You could be:
Booking holidays for clients and earning commission including on your own
Building a flexible business that fits your lifestyle
Is This Right for You?
Starting a travel business isn’t about being an expert it’s about being willing to learn.
This could be a great fit if:
You love travel
You want more flexibility
You’re open to building something of your own
You’re looking for an additional (or alternative) income stream
How to Get Started
If you’re serious about wanting to become a travel agent and find a travel host, the next step is simple:
Start by learning how the model works and what support is available to you.
That’s exactly why I created a free guide to walk you through everything step-by-step and show you what’s possible.
Ready to Explore This for Yourself?
If you’re curious about starting your own travel business, I’d love to help, contact me via button in header


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