How to Run a Travel Business From Home

unning your own travel business takes some work, but it can be rewarding and even fun. You can work your own hours, set your own schedule and be your own boss. The question is, though: how do you start and run a successful travel business from home?

Home office

1

Make sure you have a home office. The Internal Revenue Service states that you need to have a work area that you use only for your business, and you need to use it on a regular basis in order for you to take any business deductions. You also need to check with your local county's zoning office to see if there are any regulations about running a business from your home. This also is the time to check to see if you need any county, city or state business licenses for your travel business.

2

Decide what type of home-based travel agent you want to be. If you have very little experience in travel, according to Home Based Business World, you can be a referral agent, which simply refers customers to actual travel agencies. But if you are the type of person who likes to plan trips, and you want to get into the details of the travel business, you may wish to consider becoming a booking and selling agent. As such, you also can specialize in certain areas of travel, such as cruises, "wine country" tours and overseas golf excursions.

3

Educate yourself about travel and travel destinations. There are many suppliers, according to Dugans Travels.com, that offer free travel agent courses. You also may wish to consider learning about as many travel destinations as you can since you will be advising people about many different countries and locations.

4

Using a computer, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, is essential to your travel business because most travel arrangements are made using the Internet or electronic reservations systems. So if you don't already have them, invest in a fast, current computer and Internet connection.

5

Travel, according to Dugan's Travels.com, is always in a state of flux. Knowing this, make sure that you stay up-to-date on the travel industry. You can stay current by reading travel magazines, joining a travel association and developing relationships with suppliers.

6

Find a host agency to work with. By working with an existing agency, you will earn higher commissions because of the combined sales of all the agents at your chosen company, according to Dugan's Travel.com. Another plus: many host agencies provide free training.

How to Fly a Dog Safely in an Airplane's Cargo Section

f your only option is to transport your dog by plane and he is too large to fit under your seat, the only other alternative is the plane's pressurized, temperature-controlled cargo compartment. Although it will likely be stressful for both you and your dog, the following are some important measures to take to help ensure he arrives at his destination as safely and as comfortably as possible.

1

Take your dog to the veterinarian for a checkup within 10 days of departure. Make sure that all vaccinations are current and obtain a health certificate to provide the airline.

2

Purchase a USDA-approved shipping crate that is large enough for your dog to stand up and turn around. Also, test to see if the crate is sturdy enough and the door closes securely. These can be purchased at many pet supply stores and airlines.

3

Line the bottom of the crate with a type of bedding that will absorb accidents. Securely fasten at least one food cup and one water cup to the crate (avoid snap-on ones that have a tendency to come off). Make sure to include your dog's favorite toy.

4

Write the words "Live Animal" in large visible letters on top and every side of the crate, and draw easy to read arrows to indicate the upright position of the crate. Also include your name, address, phone number, your dog's name, destination, and whether or not you will be on the flight (if not, specify who will be picking your pet up). Attach a current photo of your dog to the top of the crate as well, and keep one in your wallet in case your dog escapes.

5

The night before the flight, freeze a small bowl of water to put in the crate (so it won't spill during loading and will melt by the time your dog is thirsty). Also, tape a clear bag of dry food outside the crate, so that airline personnel will be able to feed your dog if it's a long-distance flight, layover or in case of a delay.

6

Check with the airline in advance as to where and when your dog can be picked up once the flight arrives.

7

Make sure your pet is wearing a secure collar with an updated ID tag, and also include destination information. Make sure the collar isn't too tight.

8

When you check your dog in, be sure the door of the crate is unlocked so that airline personnel can open it in case of an emergency.

9

Alert as many airline employees as possible at the terminal and on the plane that your dog is traveling in the cargo hold. Most will appreciate you telling them and be happy to keep an eye out.