Owning a travel business has its perks! Take a look at what some of our Travel Agents are saying about the YTB Travel Program…

Extra income has meant a lot

We have received a travel commission all but two months since March of 2007. Since August of 2009, only one of the months had a commission less than $100, and the last year and a half has been particularly lucrative with 8 months where the travel commissions have exceeded $1,000. The extra income has meant a lot to our family. In these tough economic times, it takes the stress away, and allows us to do some things for our kids. We work hard in getting the word out about our travel business and following up with all of our customers to make them happy! - Brooke L.

I’m glad I made the decision to go with YTB

I've been with YTB for 6 years now. I got into YTB because of the travel. In the beginning I mostly worked on mine and my family’s travel. Then, I put together my first group and within 2 weeks, I received 2 more groups. I had no choice but to pull up my sleeves and learn Carnival Cruise Lines inside and out. I have been managing groups for about 3 or 4 years now and I receive most of them through referrals. I have earned several accreditations through education, including my Master Cruise Counselor with CLIA. Education is definitely a priority in managing my groups. I love the travel industry, and I’m so happy I was given this opportunity! I’m glad I made the decision to go with YTB and actually stick with them! I am looking forward to many more great years! - Christina S.

I am now ACC certified with CLIA

I have always loved to travel and decided to join YTB when encouraged by a neighbor in 2004. With the help of the YTB training classes, courses at various vendors, FAM trips, and research on the Internet for customers, I have learned and grown tremendously in my travel knowledge. I am now ACC certified with CLIA, a Commodore with Princess Cruises, and a Travel Agent with YTB at their top commission contract.

Although I have booked several individual vacations, hotels and airfare, my main focus is group cruises and escorted tours. They not only produce the most income, but they also generate referrals, which are a surefire way to produce more income. My third group cruise in 3 years sails in March with 40 passengers. I have received 19 commission checks over the last 23 months. Although they range between a low of $10 to a high of $6,650, this income has paid my travel costs and allowed me to sock away money for future trips. I am retired and on a fixed income, and in this economy, this additional income helps my husband and I take the dream trips we have planned for our retirement.

In June 2011, I celebrated my 50th High School reunion with 32 classmates and friends on a 12-day cruise tour to Alaska. I set up the cruise and then put it on the YTB groups booking engine. Each person booked their cruise through my website. Everyone said it was very simple and they loved it. We even had a couple join us that we didn’t know. They found it through another YTB RTA. The YTB support personnel worked with me throughout the process to be sure I didn’t miss a cutoff date and that my clients were satisfied. - Diane K.

I wanted a complete change in careers

I retired from the federal government after 37 years of service, which included positions such as a tax auditor, revenue agent, and tax law specialist. I wanted a complete change in careers during this phase of my life and had acquired a love of travel as part of my former work life. It just made sense to turn that passion into a home-based business with YTB. I had no prior experience in the travel industry as a professional but lots of experience as a traveler within the United States. I love to cruise, so this aspect of the travel business attracted my attention. As a former revenue agent, I immediately went to work to develop forms, procedures, and documents to make my cruise business more efficient! I felt lost without a form! My team developed several documents, which made it easier for us to manage customer information and bookings. They call me the "Cruise Queen" because my team has booked so many cruises in the 7 years I have been with YTB. Even during hard economic times, we were still busy but focused more on 3-day cruise getaways. I love first time cruisers and the excitement in their faces from that first cruise.

Training to facilitate better service to your clients is important. I spent many hours listening to Ann Sedgewick and Jeanie Sharpless talk about cruising and travel before I attempted my first group booking. I have now completed my CLIA ACC certification, and I’m only two cruises away from the MCC certification! I’ve shared what I‘ve learned in workshops conducted in my area and at our annual convention. I am so grateful that YTB provides help and training, but you must also do some self development. There are so many free training options available in whatever area you wish to pursue.

Treat this like a real business, and it will pay you well. I think that retirement money, such as a pension is just survivor money and not money to LIVE after retirement. The income from YTB has allowed me to spoil my grandchildren, travel the world, and make extra money to enjoy retirement, not just survive. I wake up every day excited about life and my business. It is true that if you make your passion your work, then you never feel like you’re working. Thank You YTB! - Mary C.

As you can see, being a Travel Agent is very rewarding. Not only is it a great opportunity, but customers will truly appreciate you, too! Just take a look at what some of our customers are saying about their Travel Agent…

Our cruise exceeded all our expectations

Our cruise exceeded all our expectations. Having never cruised before, our YTB Travel Agent took a lot of the "unknown" away and communicated everything very clearly. My family had a fantastic time and this has now become our new form of vacationing! - Jean & Bob

Can't wait to book our next cruise

Our cruise was wonderful! Our YTB Travel Agent made sure we had no worries. From the food, to our cabin, to all the kid's activities, we felt very confident and completely supported throughout the whole experience. We were prepared from the moment we booked with our agent. She answered all of our questions so completely and thoroughly, that we had nothing but joy and anticipation awaiting our cruise, and then nothing but fun while we were on the cruise. It was the best family vacation ever! We can't wait to book our next cruise with her! - Doug & Kelly

Our YTB Travel Agent made everything so easy

Our YTB Travel Agent made everything so easy, affordable and hassle-free. Taking payments, keeping us updated, giving us insights on the destination and tons of great tips to allow us to cruise like pros! The first cruise we went on we knew lots of families, and the kids had such a great time they were begging to go again. We have a 9-year-old and a 14-year-old and both "love" our Travel Agent’s cruises - those can be tough customers. That cruise was out of Tampa and was close to home, which was nice our first time, and everything went smoothly, especially with our agent preparing us for all the things newbies wouldn't know. - Cyndee & Jack

It was both a pleasure and an honor

Our YTB Travel Agent coordinated the Alaskan cruise/land trip that about 30 of us (many were H.S. friends, some were friends of my agent, friends of friends, etc) took this past June. She did a splendid job of 1) helping us plan our trip early, so we were well-prepared and minimized the "unexpected", 2) she sent multiple emails or called many times in explaining the intricacies of the trip, how to maximize our enjoyment on the trip, as with planning side-trips, what to pack, what to expect, etc., 3) while on the trip, my agent and her husband, worked hard to maximize our trip enjoyment, and they both participated in all the events, activities, and free time that was available, and 4) when one person became ill, she was very thorough in making sure the person was taken care of and able to eventually continue with the trip. Furthermore, her booking website is easy to use, and it helps with many of the travel issues that need covered. So, besides our agent being very considerate, helpful, bright, and willing to "always be there" attitude, her personality is superb in helping make a trip a success and for the traveler to look forward to future trips.

Thanks for letting me comment on my Travel Agent and her skills as a travel agent, as it was both a pleasure and an honor. - Bill B.

I could simply sit back and enjoy my vacation

In January 2010, I went on a cruise for the first time with the help of my YTB Travel Agent. I must say, I didn't really know what to expect; but my agent was able to walk me through what I needed to know step-by-step. She informed me of the choice of a passport or a birth certificate, to pay for tips in advance, to thinking about bringing Dramamine, also what happens going through customs, how to sign up for excursions...the list went on & on. Being someone who always prepares for the "what if" scenarios, it was comforting to know that all my questions were answered way in advance, so I could simply sit back and enjoy my vacation without questions or worrying. I had an absolutely wonderful time and I know that had a lot to do with the coordination efforts of my agent. She's professional, informative and seems to simply LOVE what she does! I know for sure that I will work with her in the future when I take my next cruise...and I can't wait! - Lenora H.

I really felt special

My dream vacation was to take an Alaskan cruise. I called my agent to ask for help and did she ever help! She picked the best itinerary based on her research and what we wanted. The suggestions she made created a full service experience for me and resulted in a trip of a lifetime. Some of the other travelers didn’t know about the meal plan or the transfers! When they compared what I got and what they didn’t get, I really felt special! From the beginning to the end the whole trip was perfect. - Francis A.

We’re ready for the next one

My husband was returning from active duty overseas and wanted to go on a cruise. We had never cruised before so I had plenty of questions and concerns. My agent answered all my questions, suggested the right cruise, sent us videos of cruise life onboard, got us a great military discount, and even called us when we first got onboard to make sure we were ok. We had an awesome time! My husband was so relaxed and loved it. We’re ready for the next one, except longer this time! - Lois D.

We were able to have a seven-night Florida vacation

My family of eight wanted to take a vacation to Florida at an affordable rate. My agent was able to suggest a two-bedroom condo that sleeps 10! We had a ball! All the sisters were able to stay in one condo and fix meals together. Breakfast was free! She arranged to book air flights for all of us by monitoring the rates and calling us when the rate was great, so we all booked them together. We were able to have a seven-night Florida vacation including air and stay well within our budget thanks to our YTB Travel Agent! - Delores B.