Embark On A Life-Changing Career
Start Your Career as a Travel Agent Today
Once Upon A Trip Travel invites motivated professionals to build an independent travel business backed by industry-leading commission structures, robust training, and the credibility of a nationally recognized host agency network.
A Real Business Opportunity, Not a Side Hustle
Becoming an independent travel agent with Once Upon A Trip Travel means stepping into an established, professionally structured business model. You retain the flexibility of running your own agency while operating under the credibility, supplier relationships, and protections of a respected host agency. This is a career path built for people who are organized, personable, and passionate about travel — whether you're transitioning full-time or building a business alongside your current work.
Real Earning Potential
Independent agents with Once Upon A Trip Travel begin at an 80% base commission structure, with the potential to grow to 90% as their business matures.
Built-In Legitimacy
Every agent operates under our Travel Leaders Network membership and is covered by $1MM in errors & omissions insurance, giving clients — and you — genuine peace of mind.
Support From Day One
You are never building alone. Our founder and senior agents provide live coaching, structured onboarding, and ongoing mentorship as you grow your client base.
What's Included When You Join
Every new agent receives the same professionally assembled toolkit — the infrastructure, insurance, and industry access needed to operate a credible travel business from your very first booking.
A complete agency startup package to launch your independent business
80% base commission structure, with the potential to increase to 90% over time
Direct access to 170+ vetted travel suppliers across cruise, resort, tour, and rail categories
Keep 100% of the planning fees you charge your own clients
Full access to the Tern CRM platform to manage leads, itineraries, and client communication
$1MM errors & omissions insurance coverage for professional protection
Membership in the Travel Leaders Network, one of the most established host agencies in the industry
A comprehensive, structured training program covering sales, suppliers, and operations
Guided support toward CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) eligibility
Why Agents Choose to Build Their Business With Us
Beyond the startup package, agents benefit from ongoing support designed to help you grow a sustainable, profitable travel business over the long term.
Live Coaching
Regular live coaching sessions with experienced, working agents help you navigate real bookings, difficult client scenarios, and supplier relationships as they happen.
Extensive Training Resources
A structured library of training modules, supplier certifications, and recorded sessions is available on demand as you build your knowledge base.
Lead Generation Tools
Our Agent Profiler tool helps match incoming client inquiries to your specialties, giving new agents a genuine head start on generating qualified leads.
Exclusive Travel Deals
Agents gain access to supplier-direct promotions, FAM trips, and exclusive rates not available to the general public — valuable for both clients and personal travel.
Strong Commission Potential
With an 80–90% commission structure and 100% of planning fees retained, your income scales directly with the business you build.
Insurance Protection
Operate with confidence knowing every booking is backed by $1MM in errors & omissions coverage through our host agency relationship.
A Training Program Built for Real Careers
Our comprehensive training curriculum takes new agents from onboarding through their first bookings and beyond, combining self-paced modules with live coaching so you're never learning alone. Agents such as Ava, CJ, Chelsie, Dana, Lucas, and Rhonda all began their careers through this same structured program.
Foundations of the Business
Learn agency operations, booking systems, supplier contracts, and the fundamentals of running a compliant, professional travel business.
Client Relationships & Sales
Develop the consultative skills needed to understand client needs, present curated itineraries, and close bookings with confidence.
Certification & CLIA Eligibility
Work toward supplier certifications and CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) eligibility, strengthening your credentials and access to cruise-specific commissions.
Success Stories From Our Agents
Every agent on our team started exactly where you are now — exploring what's possible. Read their individual stories to see how they built their travel businesses with Once Upon A Trip Travel.
What Our Agents Say
We asked current agents to share what it's really like to build a travel business with our team.
"Joining as an independent agent gave me the structure of a real business without losing my flexibility. The commission split and the CRM access alone made the transition worthwhile."
Rhonda M.
Independent Travel Agent
"The live coaching calls were what set this apart for me. I had questions on my very first booking and had real answers within the hour, not a help desk ticket."
Lucas T.
Independent Travel Agent
"Knowing my clients and my business were protected by $1MM in E&O insurance from day one gave me the confidence to market myself as a serious professional."
Dana K.
Independent Travel Agent
Have Questions Before You Apply?
Our team is happy to walk you through the commission structure, training timeline, and what to expect in your first 90 days as an independent agent.
Your Life-Changing Career Starts With One Application
Once Upon A Trip Travel is ready to equip you with the training, technology, insurance, and supplier access needed to build a thriving independent travel business. Take the first step today.