If you’ve ever wondered whether you can run a part-time travel agent business while keeping your day job, the answer is a resounding yes. Thousands of people in the UK already manage thriving travel ventures in their spare time. From parents juggling school runs to professionals looking for a fulfilling side hustle, travel homeworking offers a unique way to earn money doing something you genuinely love.
The key lies in working smart, not just hard — choosing the right support network, building systems that fit your schedule, and staying motivated through the early stages.
This guide walks you through exactly how to start and succeed in a part-time travel business, step by step.
Why a Part-Time Travel Business Works
A part-time travel agent business offers flexibility that few industries can match. You can build it around your current commitments while gaining valuable experience, supplier knowledge, and a client base that grows with you.
Here’s why it makes so much sense:
- Low start-up costs – No need for retail premises or large overheads.
- Built-in flexibility – Choose your own hours and work from anywhere.
- Personal rewards – You’ll help others plan incredible trips — and earn from it.
- Scalability – You can begin part-time and later grow into a full-time career.
Most people begin with a few evenings and weekends, then expand as their confidence and client base develop.
Step 1: Define Your Time, Goals & Motivation
Before diving in, clarify what success means to you. Is your part-time travel agent business a creative outlet, a side income, or the start of a long-term career?
Set yourself up with:
- Defined hours — Be realistic about when you’ll be available for clients.
- Clear goals — e.g. “book my first three clients by month three” or “replace 25% of my current income within a year.”
- Motivating milestones — Celebrate each step, whether that’s a first booking, repeat client, or supplier training completed.
Your time is limited, so structure it like a professional — even if you’re only working a few hours each week.
Step 2: Choose the Right Host Agency or Partner
The biggest difference between success and frustration for most part-time travel agents is the support system behind them.
A trusted host agency (like The Independent Travel Consultants) provides:
- ATOL protection and financial compliance
- Access to leading travel suppliers and systems
- Ongoing training and mentorship
- Marketing materials and business templates
- Peer community support
When comparing potential partners, avoid long-term contracts or high monthly fees. Look instead for flexibility, transparent commission structures, and a focus on helping homeworkers grow sustainably.
Jamie Says:
“Starting part-time doesn’t make you any less of a travel professional — it simply makes you realistic. The key is finding a host that supports your lifestyle, gives you access to great suppliers, and helps you build confidence at your own pace. Every successful travel homeworker started somewhere — the trick is to just start.”
Step 3: Create a Professional Setup (Even from Home)
Even if you’re part-time, your business should feel full-time professional. That means having:
- A
dedicated workspace — A tidy, well-organised area keeps you focused.
- A
clear brand identity — Use consistent colours, fonts, and a logo that represents your personality.
- A
simple website or landing page — Include your story, services, contact form, and a few inspirational images.
- Branded email address — Clients trust you more with a professional domain (e.g. yourname@yourtravelbrand.co.uk).
- Automated tools — Schedule social media posts, store client details, and track quotes efficiently.
Your clients should feel they’re working with a professional travel planner — not someone “dabbling” on the side.
Step 4: Manage Your Time Like a Pro
When running a part-time travel agent business, smart time management makes all the difference.
Here’s what works for successful travel homeworkers:
- Batch tasks: Set specific days for admin, marketing, and client communication.
- Automate: Use scheduling tools like Metricool or Buffer for social media posts.
- Communicate boundaries: Let clients know your availability in advance.
- Use templates: Save time with reusable quote and itinerary designs.
- Stay organised: Use a calendar or CRM to track leads, bookings, and payments.
Many homeworkers find that just 10 focused hours per week can be enough to get started — especially once systems are in place.
Step 5: Find and Keep Your First Clients
You don’t need a massive audience to start — just the right few clients who trust you.
Here are proven ways to grow a client base part-time:
- Start local: Offer to plan holidays for friends, family, and co-workers.
- Leverage social media: Share your travel experiences, supplier news, and offers.
- Build an email list: Send travel tips or exclusive deals to stay top of mind.
- Ask for referrals: Happy clients love to share a great experience.
- Network online: Join Facebook groups or LinkedIn communities for travellers.
- Show your niche: Whether it’s Disney, adventure, cruises, or luxury, specialising helps you stand out.
Consistency is more powerful than volume. Even a few social posts a week keep your audience warm and aware of your expertise.
Step 6: Deliver Remarkable Service
Great customer service turns a part-time project into a long-term business.
That means:
- Being transparent about your working hours
- Responding promptly (even if just to acknowledge messages)
- Going above and beyond with suggestions and advice
- Following up post-holiday to ask how the trip went
- Sending thank-you notes or small surprises to regular clients
These small gestures make a big impact and are often the reason clients return year after year.
Step 7: Handle Challenges Like a Pro
It’s important to recognise the challenges of part-time travel homeworking — and plan ahead:
- Time clashes: Schedule key client tasks around your main job and be upfront about availability.
- Cash flow: Remember, commission is usually paid when the suppliers have been paid — plan ahead or budget for delays.
- Boundaries: Avoid burnout by setting clear “work-free” times.
- Imposter syndrome: You don’t need to know everything. The Independent Travel Consultants provides full support and guidance when you need it.
These obstacles are temporary — most successful agents faced them too.
Step 8: Know When It’s Time to Go Full Time
You’ll know you’re ready to transition when:
- You’re turning down enquiries due to time limits
- Your part-time income equals or surpasses your main job
- You’re passionate enough to want to grow it further
- When that happens, review your finances, discuss timing with your host agency, and set realistic next steps.
- It’s perfectly okay to remain part-time indefinitely — but for many, this side hustle becomes their dream career.
The Future of Part-Time Travel Homeworking
The travel landscape has evolved dramatically since 2020. Remote technology, digital marketing, and host agency support now make part-time travel homeworking easier than ever.
Clients increasingly prefer personalised service, and flexible agents can fill that gap — offering care and expertise the big online brands can’t match.
The real secret? Consistency, empathy, and relationships.
When you genuinely care about your clients’ holidays, you’ll never struggle for repeat business.
Jamie Says:
“I started as a part-time travel consultant myself — balancing other responsibilities while building my brand. What matters most isn’t the number of hours you put in, but how you use them. If you focus on building relationships, delivering value, and learning from each booking, you’ll soon find your part-time travel business growing faster than you expected.”
Ready to Start Your Part-Time Travel Agent Business?
Becoming a travel homeworker isn’t about giving up your current lifestyle — it’s about enhancing it. Whether you dream of earning extra income, exploring the world, or eventually going full time, there’s a flexible pathway waiting for you.
At The Independent Travel Consultants, we provide everything you need to succeed — from expert mentoring and industry connections to marketing tools and financial protection.
You bring the passion, and we’ll provide the platform.
Speak to us today to find out how you can start your own part-time travel agent business and turn your love of travel into something truly rewarding.
Call us now or
complete our short online enquiry form — your travel business could be just one conversation away.
