Why Confidence, Not Experience, Sells Holidays
Why Confidence, Not Experience, Sells Holidays

In a world where inspiration drives travel choices, selling holidays isn’t about reciting facts and figures—it’s about telling stories, building trust, and radiating confidence. When it comes to marketing your travel business, many new consultants worry they lack the years of experience that seasoned agents boast. But here’s the truth: confidence is the real currency in travel sales. And at The Independent Travel Consultants, we’re helping people from all backgrounds build bold, authentic, and successful travel brands that start with belief in themselves.
Confidence vs. Experience: What Really Matters?
Let’s be clear: experience is valuable. But experience without the confidence to connect, communicate, and convert doesn’t close sales. Meanwhile, confident consultants who may be new to the industry often outperform long-time agents because they know how to:
- Ask great questions
- Listen to what matters most to the client
- Present solutions with energy and excitement
- Reassure clients about protection and flexibility
Customers aren’t just buying flights or hotels. They’re buying the feeling that they’re in safe hands. And confidence delivers that feeling far more than a lengthy CV.
Marketing Your Travel Business with Confidence
If you want to grow your travel business, your marketing strategy should start with self-belief. Here’s how to show up with confidence, even if you’re still learning the ropes:
1. Own Your Story
Don’t shy away from your background. Whether you’re a teacher, PA, parent, or former chef, your life experiences shape your unique value. Talk about your passion for travel and what led you here—people buy from people they relate to.
2. Be Visible Online
Use your social media to show the world who you are. Confidence doesn’t mean having all the answers—it means being consistent, showing up, and sharing your excitement for destinations and experiences.
3. Practice, Not Perfection
Every call, enquiry, and booking builds your confidence. The more you speak about travel, the more natural it feels. Rehearse, roleplay with other consultants, and get support from mentors.
4. Learn the Basics Well
Confidence comes from preparation. At The Independent Travel Consultants, we offer structured, supportive training to help you master the fundamentals and feel ready to serve clients.
WeTravel: Best Sales Techniques – A helpful resource on how confidence influences travel sales.
Jamie Says:
"I’ve seen complete newcomers outsell industry veterans simply because they believed in themselves and cared deeply about their clients. Confidence is the spark that lights up your travel business."
Why Our Approach Works
We’re not interested in charging huge fees for training courses or labelling everyone an expert overnight. Our approach to homeworking is built on mentorship, honesty, and helping our consultants grow at their pace. Every member of our team receives:
- One-to-one onboarding
- Ongoing training
- Supplier introductions
- Real support from a growing community
We’re not here to fit you into a mould. We’re here to help you shape the business you want—with support that evolves as you do.
Confidence Converts: Real Examples
We’ve seen consultants with zero retail travel background:
- Build strong niche followings (from Disney lovers to solo travellers)
- Launch full-time businesses in under 6 months
- Receive glowing client reviews by simply being themselves
What made the difference? Confidence.
We’re Doing Things Differently
At The Independent Travel Consultants, we believe the travel industry needs a fresh approach—one that puts people before profit. As a new homeworking division of Jamie Wake Travel, we’re committed to doing things differently. That’s why we don’t charge joining fees or ask for costly start-up packages. Instead, we offer support, flexibility, and the chance to be part of something that’s still growing.
We want our consultants to help shape the future of our business, not just fit into it. This is your opportunity to build your travel career your way—with a team that’s ready to grow with you, not above you.
A POLITE Note to the Critics
We know that there’s a belief in some corners of the industry that newcomers aren’t ‘real’ travel agents. We challenge that. Today’s clients value empathy, flexibility, and personalisation more than a decade in a shop. When supported properly, new agents bring enthusiasm and innovation that benefit the entire industry.
We believe the industry can evolve without losing its standards. And that starts by giving confident, capable people the opportunity to thrive.
Final Thoughts: Build With Us
If you’re ready to market your travel business and lead with confidence, we’re here to back you every step of the way. You don’t need to have all the answers. You just need the courage to start.
Let’s grow something brilliant together.
About Jamie Wake
Jamie is the founder of The Independent Travel Consultants and a passionate advocate for empowering others to succeed in the travel industry through honesty, training, and community. He brings decades of travel experience, a focus on doing things differently, and a strong commitment to supporting UK-based homeworkers.