For many people considering a career in travel, there’s one question that sparks instant curiosity — how to get fam trips. You’ll see travel agents posting photos from exotic destinations, insider hotel tours, and private excursions that look more like a dream holiday than work. But what are fam trips really, how do they work, and how do you get invited?
If you’re a travel homeworker or thinking about joining The Independent Travel Consultants, understanding how fam trips fit into your professional growth is key. They’re not just perks — they’re one of the best training tools in the travel industry.
What Exactly Are Fam Trips?
The word ‘fam’ stands for familiarisation, and that’s exactly what these trips are designed to do — help travel agents familiarise themselves with destinations, hotels, and experiences so they can confidently sell them to clients.
A fam trip might last just a few days or span over a week. It’s often hosted by a tour operator, tourist board, or hotel group, and it combines training with hands-on exploration. Agents are invited to experience everything from room inspections and resort tours to local excursions and cultural dinners.
The goal is simple — when you’ve seen it, tasted it, and walked through it yourself, you can sell it far more effectively.
Who Organises Fam Trips?
Fam trips are usually arranged by the key players who benefit from travel agents’ expertise:
- Tour operators and suppliers who want agents to promote their packages
- Hotel chains and resort groups launching new properties or updates
- Tourism boards looking to increase destination awareness
- Cruise lines eager for first-hand feedback from agents
These organisations invite travel professionals who actively sell holidays, build client relationships, and represent trusted agencies or homeworking networks — exactly like those within The Independent Travel Consultants.
Why Fam Trips Matter More Than You Think
It’s easy to think of fam trips as free holidays — but that’s not how serious travel professionals see them. For a travel homeworker, a fam trip is your classroom, your content studio, and your credibility builder all rolled into one.
Here’s why they matter:
- Hands-on learning: You gain personal experience to help clients choose confidently.
- Networking: You meet suppliers, reps, and fellow consultants — relationships that open doors.
- Marketing content: You return home with authentic photos and stories that boost your social media and email campaigns.
- Product knowledge: Seeing a hotel in person is far more powerful than reading a brochure.
- Sales growth: When you can say “I’ve stayed there myself,” clients listen.
Fam trips turn knowledge into trust — and trust drives bookings.
The Truth About How to Get Fam Trips
Here’s the part everyone wants to know — how do you actually get invited?
Fam trips are selective, but they’re not out of reach. In fact, most travel homeworkers within strong networks find themselves invited once they’ve demonstrated commitment and professionalism.
Here’s how to improve your chances:
- Join a reputable homeworking network – Being part of a trusted organisation like The Independent Travel Consultants immediately raises your profile with tour operators.
- Engage with suppliers – Attend webinars, complete online training, and stay visible. Many hosts invite those who show consistent interest in their brand.
- Show your sales focus – Fam trips often go to agents who are actively booking. Even small volumes show intent.
- Be proactive – Don’t wait for invitations. Reach out to supplier reps, express your enthusiasm for specific destinations, and ask to be considered for future trips.
- Build your personal brand – Suppliers love working with agents who share high-quality content on social media and represent the industry well.
Think of it this way — fam trips reward effort, not entitlement. The more visible, engaged, and professional you are, the more likely you’ll be noticed.
Common Types of Fam Trips You’ll Encounter
Not all fam trips are the same. As a travel homeworker, you might come across several variations:
- Hosted fam trips: Fully organised by a supplier or tourist board — often partially or fully funded.
- Self-funded fams: You pay a discounted rate to join, covering flights or accommodation at cost.
- Virtual fams: Online versions that include live hotel tours, destination Q&As, or training sessions.
- Exclusive network trips: Offered through your travel homeworking company to a select group of consultants.
Each type has its place. Even a self-funded fam can offer exceptional return on investment when it leads to multiple future bookings.
How Fam Trips Fit into Travel Homeworking
In a traditional agency, fam trips might go to the top-selling in-store agents. But in the world of travel homeworking, the playing field is different — and often fairer.
When you operate as an independent travel consultant, your success is personal. You control your learning, your bookings, and your visibility. That means fam trips become part of your individual development plan, not just a company perk.
Many of our consultants at The Independent Travel Consultants have joined fams to destinations like Dubai, the Caribbean, and the Greek Islands within their first year. Why? Because they actively engage with supplier partners and approach their role as professionals, not hobbyists.
What Happens on a Fam Trip?
A typical day on a fam trip might start with a hotel site inspection, followed by a destination tour and dinner with the host team. You’ll be expected to take notes, ask questions, and share your impressions.
Evenings often include hosted networking events or cultural experiences — and yes, there’s usually some downtime to enjoy the destination. But professionalism is always key. Fam trips are business trips with a generous side of sunshine.
You’re representing your business, your host agency, and your suppliers. The more engaged and curious you are, the better the impression you’ll leave.
How to Prepare for Your First Fam Trip
Preparation is the difference between a good fam and a great one. Here’s how to make the most of it:
- Research before you go: Learn about the destination, weather, local customs, and must-see sights.
- Plan your questions: Suppliers love agents who show genuine curiosity.
- Take practical gear: Comfortable shoes, a notebook, and a portable charger are essentials.
- Document everything: Capture content for your social channels, newsletters, and blog posts.
- Follow up afterwards: Tag the hosts, thank them publicly, and share your learnings with clients.
Every detail you gather on a fam trip becomes a future sales tool.
How to Use Fam Trips to Grow Your Business
The most successful travel homeworkers treat fam trips as marketing gold. After all, you’ve got something that can’t be replicated — first-hand experience.
Use it to your advantage by:
- Writing short destination blogs for your clients
- Posting daily updates on social media while on the trip
- Sharing insights in your next client newsletter
- Hosting a themed “destination evening” online or in person
- Recording short videos reviewing hotels or excursions
Your goal isn’t just to show off your travels — it’s to show how those experiences help your clients make better choices.
Fam trips build authority. They remind clients that booking through a real travel professional gives them insight they can’t find on Google.
What Suppliers Look for When Selecting Agents
Suppliers don’t just pick names at random. They want to invest their time and resources into agents who will make a difference. Here’s what they value most:
- Professionalism – Agents who are punctual, engaged, and brand-safe.
- Enthusiasm – A passion for travel and learning that’s genuine and infectious.
- Activity levels – Regular bookings and supplier engagement.
- Social presence – Agents who share responsibly and promote destinations positively.
If you’re part of The Independent Travel Consultants, you’re already starting from a position of trust. Our partners know that our consultants represent the brand with integrity, professionalism, and energy.
The Reality: Not Every Fam Trip Is Free
It’s important to set realistic expectations. Some fam trips are fully funded, while others require a contribution — especially for flights or optional excursions.
But even with a partial cost, fam trips are extraordinary value. You’re gaining insider access, expert guidance, and promotional material that can directly translate into bookings. Think of it as professional development that pays for itself.
Jamie Says:
“Fam trips are one of the biggest misconceptions about working in travel. People see the photos and assume they’re free holidays — but they’re so much more than that. They’re where confidence is built, relationships are formed, and ideas come alive.
When you’re standing in the lobby of a resort you’ve only ever seen online, talking to the staff and feeling the atmosphere for yourself — that’s when you become the kind of agent clients trust. And the best part? The opportunities are open to anyone who’s willing to learn, engage, and take their business seriously.”
The Future of Fam Trips in a Changing Industry
Fam trips are evolving. Suppliers are becoming more selective, and digital platforms are giving rise to virtual fams — live-streamed property tours and interactive Q&A sessions that anyone can join.
For travel homeworkers, this means more accessibility than ever. You can gain first-hand destination insight without leaving your home office — and when you’re ready, in-person fams give you that next level of expertise.
The line between education and experience is blurring, and for proactive consultants, that’s a major advantage.
Why The Independent Travel Consultants Is the Perfect Platform for Fam Trip Opportunities
When you join The Independent Travel Consultants, you don’t just get access to tools, suppliers, and training — you become part of a network that’s trusted across the travel industry.
Our consultants regularly receive fam invitations because suppliers know we invest in professionalism and development. You’ll also have a dedicated support team helping you understand how to position yourself, engage with hosts, and make the most of every opportunity.
For many of our members, their first fam trip is the moment everything clicks — the confidence boost that turns curiosity into career.
Ready to Start Earning (and Learning) as You Travel?
Fam trips aren’t about luck — they’re about commitment, connection, and credibility. If you’re serious about building your travel business, they can become a natural part of your growth journey.
So, if you’ve ever wondered how to get fam trips or how to turn your love of travel into a professional career, now’s the time to take that step.
Discover Your Future with The Independent Travel Consultants
Becoming a travel homeworker gives you the flexibility to work from anywhere, the independence to build your own brand, and the support of a network that truly invests in your success.
Whether your dream is to join your first fam trip or build a thriving travel business from home, we’ll help you make it happen.
📞 Speak to our team today or 💻 fill out our quick
enquiry form to learn how The Independent Travel Consultantscan help you start your journey in travel homeworking — and get you closer to those all-important fam trip invitations.
