Thinking about launching your own travel business? You’re not alone. Every year, September is one of the busiest months for new entrepreneurs entering the industry. The end of summer, the back-to-school reset, and fresh travel inspiration combine to create the perfect launchpad. If you’ve been waiting for the right moment, here’s why you should start a travel business in September and how to make the most of the opportunity.
The September Reset Effect
September has always carried a sense of new beginnings. For many, it feels like a “second New Year.” Schools restart, routines return, and people naturally begin planning for the months ahead.
For travel consultants, this means:
- Clients are thinking about their next trip. With summer holidays over, many families start researching winter sun or 2025 adventures.
- You have momentum. Summer reflections often spark career changes, making September the month of fresh starts.
- Less distraction. Unlike December or July, September isn’t dominated by peak holiday periods, giving you focus and time to build.
In short: it’s a moment of clarity when both you and your potential clients are ready for something new.
Why Starting in September Gives You an Edge
Many successful consultants will tell you the same thing — their decision to launch in September gave them a head start. Here’s why:
- Seasonal demand works in your favour. Clients are booking half-term breaks, Christmas markets, New Year getaways, and even next summer’s holidays.
- Supplier offers peak. Tour operators and cruise lines launch early-bird deals in September to capture next year’s bookings.
- Time to learn before January. By starting now, you’ll be confident and ready for the travel industry’s busiest month: January.
- Networking opportunities. Autumn business events, wedding fairs, and local expos provide fresh lead sources.
When you start a travel business in September, you position yourself perfectly to benefit from both short-term sales and long-term growth.
Step 1: Clarify Your Motivation
Before diving in, ask yourself: Why do I want to run a travel business?
- More flexibility?
- A love of helping people travel?
- The chance to build something of your own?
Having clarity will keep you motivated during the early months when you’re learning and growing.
Step 2: Choose the Right Partner
Going it alone is tough. Aligning with a supportive host agency or network is vital. At The Independent Travel Consultants, we provide:
- Full ATOL protection and PTS membership.
- Training tailored to new starters.
- Marketing tools and client support.
- An 80–85% commission structure that rewards your effort.
This means you can focus on building your business while we take care of the regulatory framework.
Step 3: Build Your First Client List
September is the perfect time to reach out. Start with:
- Friends and family: They’re booking autumn city breaks and Christmas markets now.
- Community groups: Schools, sports clubs, and local networks often plan half-term or group trips.
- Social media: Share your new venture with authenticity and excitement.
One or two bookings in your first month build confidence — and word of mouth spreads quickly.
Step 4: Market With the Season in Mind
Your messaging in September should match the mood of your clients. Think:
- “Get your festive city break booked now.”
- “Secure your early-bird summer 2025 holiday deals.”
- “Plan your winter sun escape while the best offers last.”
Seasonal marketing resonates — and it establishes you as someone who understands client timing.
Step 5: Train While It’s Quieter
Unlike January, September gives you breathing room. You can:
- Learn booking systems without pressure.
- Complete training modules at your own pace.
- Shadow experienced consultants in the community.
By the time peak season hits, you’ll be confident and ready.
Step 6: Tap Into September’s Event Calendar
From back-to-school fairs to wedding exhibitions, September is packed with community events where you can gather leads. Bring:
- Flyers or business cards.
- A prize draw to capture data.
- A friendly, approachable smile — people buy from people.
Face-to-face leads often become your most loyal clients.
Jamie Says:
“I’ve seen it time and again — September starters have the advantage. They get a few months to learn, pick up early bookings, and by the time January comes, they’re confident, motivated, and ready for the busiest period of the year. If you’re serious about travel, there’s no better time to begin.”
Step 7: Create Seasonal Offers and Packages
As a new consultant, differentiation matters. Consider putting together:
- A “Christmas Market Breaks” mini-brochure.
- A curated list of “Winter Sun Escapes under £1,000.”
- Early-bird promotions for 2025 family holidays.
This kind of proactive approach shows clients you’re ready to help, even before they ask.
Step 8: Focus on Relationship Building
Your first few months aren’t just about sales — they’re about reputation. Use September to:
- Ask every client for feedback.
- Share testimonials on social media.
- Follow up with personal touches like birthday messages.
A relationship-driven approach means your early clients will rebook and refer others.
Step 9: Balance Short-Term Wins with Long-Term Vision
September is just the start. As you grow, you’ll find a rhythm:
- Quick wins: festive breaks, city trips, family holidays.
- Long-term growth: honeymoons, cruises, multi-generational travel.
By planting seeds in September, you’ll harvest results for years.
Why September Works Better Than January
It’s tempting to wait until January, but that’s a mistake.
- In January, demand is high — but so is competition.
- Starting then means learning during the busiest period.
- September gives you a softer runway to practice and build.
By January, you won’t just be starting out — you’ll already have bookings, testimonials, and confidence.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been waiting for the right time, stop waiting. Start a travel business in September and you’ll be aligning with both client demand and your own fresh-start energy.
With training, support, and protection through The Independent Travel Consultants, you’ll have everything you need to make your business a success — not just this September, but for many Septembers to come.
Ready to take the leap? At The Independent Travel Consultants, we’ll guide you step by step through setting up, finding your first clients, and building a business that grows year after year.
Speak to us today — let’s make this September the month you finally start your travel business.
