If you’re wondering how to get travel clients when you’re brand new to the industry, you’re not alone. Every successful travel consultant — no matter how established they look now — started with zero clients, zero bookings, and a lot of uncertainty.
For new travel homeworkers, the challenge isn’t lack of ability or passion. It’s knowing where to start, what actually works, and what to ignore. The internet is full of advice that assumes you already have an audience, years of experience, or endless time. That’s not reality for most people starting travel homeworking.
This beginner’s guide strips everything back to the fundamentals. No gimmicks. No pressure tactics. Just realistic, proven ways to attract your first travel clients and build momentum from scratch.
First: Reset Your Expectations (This Matters More Than Tactics)
Before looking at marketing strategies, it’s important to understand one truth:
Getting travel clients is not instant — but it is predictable.
Many new travel homeworkers quit too early because they expect quick wins. In reality, client attraction follows a pattern:
- Visibility
- Familiarity
- Trust
- Enquiry
- Booking
If you focus only on bookings, you’ll miss the steps that make bookings inevitable.
Your early goal is not “selling holidays”. Your goal is being remembered when someone needs one.
Why People Don’t Book From New Travel Agents (And How to Fix It)
Most beginners assume people won’t book because they’re new. That’s not actually the issue.
People hesitate because:
- They don’t understand what you do
- They don’t see how you’re different
- They don’t trust the process yet
- They don’t feel ready to travel today
- Your job is not to convince them — it’s to remove uncertainty.
That’s good news, because uncertainty can be solved with clarity and consistency.
Step One: Start With People You Already Know (Yes, Really)
One of the biggest myths in travel homeworking is that friends and family “won’t support you”. The real issue is usually how you approach them.
You are not asking for favours.
You are letting people know what you do.
A simple, confident announcement works better than a sales pitch:
- What you’re doing
- Who you help
- What types of trips you specialise in
- How people can contact you
Many first bookings come not from close friends — but from their friends, colleagues, and family once the word spreads.
Visibility starts closer than you think.
Step Two: Be Specific About the Travel You Help With
If you say you “book all types of holidays”, you sound forgettable.
If you say:
- “I help couples plan stress-free cruises”
- “I specialise in family-friendly all-inclusive holidays”
- “I help first-time travellers feel confident booking”
You become memorable.
This doesn’t lock you into one niche forever. It simply gives people a mental hook. You can (and will) expand later.
Specific beats generic every time.
Step Three: Use Social Media as a Trust Tool, Not a Sales Tool
Social media is one of the most powerful ways to get travel clients — but only when used correctly.
New travel homeworkers often make two mistakes:
- Posting only deals
- Posting inconsistently, then disappearing
- Instead, think of social media as your digital shop window.
What works best early on:
- Explaining how booking works
- Sharing learning moments
- Talking through common travel questions
- Showing your personality and values
- Demonstrating how you help, not just what you sell
People book when they feel they know you.
Step Four: Talk About Travel Even When You’re Not Booking Yet
A major confidence blocker for beginners is thinking:
“I can’t talk about travel until I’ve booked something.”
That’s not true.
You can:
- Share destination research
- Explain booking timelines
- Talk about common mistakes travellers make
- Share industry insights you’re learning
- Reassure people about protection and planning
This positions you as someone in the industry, not someone hoping to be taken seriously.
Confidence grows through action, not waiting.
Step Five: Make It Easy for People to Enquire
Many new travel homeworkers accidentally hide their business.
Make sure people can easily see:
- That you are a travel consultant
- What types of trips you help with
- How to contact you
This sounds obvious, but it’s often overlooked.
Your enquiry process doesn’t need to be perfect. It just needs to exist.
Offline Still Works (Especially for Beginners)
Not all travel clients come from social media.
Simple offline strategies still work brilliantly:
- Telling colleagues what you do
- Mentioning your business in everyday conversations
- Local community groups
- Networking naturally, not formally
- Being helpful when travel comes up
People trust people they meet.
What Not to Do When You’re Starting Out
Avoid these common traps:
- Buying leads before you understand enquiries
- Copying influencers with huge audiences
- Underpricing to “win” clients
- Apologising for being new
- Waiting until everything feels perfect
Progress comes from doing, not polishing.
Jamie Says:
“Every successful travel consultant started with no clients. The difference between those who succeed and those who quit isn’t talent — it’s consistency. Show up, be visible, be helpful, and trust that momentum builds faster than you think.”
Turning Your First Clients Into Long-Term Growth
Your first few clients matter — not because of commission, but because of confidence.
Each enquiry teaches you something.
Each booking builds belief.
Each conversation sharpens your skills.
Travel homeworking is not about overnight success. It’s about building something sustainable that grows year after year.
If you stay visible, stay consistent, and stay patient, clients will come.
Ready to Build Your Travel Business the Right Way?
Learning how to get travel clients is easier when you’re not doing it alone. Structure, guidance, and support make a real difference — especially in your first year.
At The Independent Travel Consultants, we help new and aspiring travel homeworkers understand the industry, build confidence, and attract clients without pressure or gimmicks. Whether you’re starting from zero or looking to reset your approach, we’ll help you build a business you’re proud of.
If you’re ready to stop guessing and start building properly,
get in touch and let’s talk about your next steps in travel.
