One of the best parts of being a modern travel advisor is that you get to be a true entrepreneur – running your own business, building your own brand, and working with clients who value your expertise.

Consumers are realizing it’s no longer worth the time, hassle and risk to play ʻDIY travel agent.ʻ They want someone who knows the options, has the connections, and can step in when things go sideways – whether that’s a cancelled flight, a strike, or something much bigger. That’s where you come in.

But being an entrepreneur doesn’t mean going it alone. The savviest advisors use a host agency not as an identity, but as a foundation – a set of tools, resources, and relationships designed to help them scale their own business faster and stronger.

Think of it this way: when you present yourself as Mary Smith, President, Mary Smith Travel, you’re showing clients that they’re working with a business owner who is serious about their craft. When you further define your niche – say, Mary Smith, President, River Cruising Specialists – you instantly stand out as an expert.

At the same time, you can lean on your host for credibility and buying power. A simple line like: “I own my own travel business, and through my affiliation with ABC Travel, a host agency that gives me access to exclusive partnerships, VIP benefits for clients, technology, and resources that help me deliver the best service to my clients.”

That’s the best of both worlds: the personalized service and entrepreneurial drive of a business owner, backed by the strength, scale, and resources of a broader organization.

To maximize this, co-brand everywhere: your website, emails, social media, marketing materials, and especially business cards. Your brand tells the story of who you are, while your host affiliation reassures clients that you have the backing to deliver. And when you meet new connections at a conference, on a flight, or even in your local community, your card immediately communicates both your independence and your professional credibility.

That’s how your entrepreneurial future can thrive – built on your knowledge, skills and aspirations, elevated by the tools and community of your host!