travel best llc

• Business Formation Guide
• Start an LLC
• Should I Start an LLC
• Travel Agency

Last Updated: May 10, 2024, 12:30 pm by TRUiC Team

Should I Start an LLC for My Travel Agency?

Starting a limited liability company (LLC) for your travel agency can provide several benefits.

Most importantly, an LLC structure offers limited liability to its owners, which can protect their personal assets from lawsuits and creditors.

For a travel agency, lawsuits can arise from things like a customer’s trip being poorly planned, a customer suffering an injury while at your offices, and complaints that the agency intentionally selected more expensive options.

LLCs are also affordable, highly flexible (from a tax point-of-view), and can make your travel agency seem more credible.

Recommended: Use Northwest to form an LLC for $29 (plus state fees).

Do I Need an LLC for a Travel Agency?

LLCs are a simple and inexpensive way to protect your personal assets and save money on taxes.

You should form an LLC when there's any risk involved in your business and/or when your business could benefit from tax options and increased credibility.

LLC Benefits for a Travel Agency

By starting an LLC for your travel agency, you can:

• Protect your savings, car, and house with limited liability protection
• Have more tax benefits and options
• Increase your business’s credibility

Limited Liability Protection

LLCs provide limited liability protection. This means your personal assets (e.g., car, house, bank account) are protected in the event your business is sued or if it defaults on a debt.

Travel agencies will benefit from liability protection because of the risk of trademark infringement, financial data breaches, and even things like libel. 

Example 1: The airline you selected for a customer’s trip lost their baggage leading to them missing an important meeting. They are attempting to sue you over this. Since your agency is an LLC, your personal assets are protected with limited liability so they could not be taken in the settlement.

Example 2: While going over flight options in your office, a customer trips over a potted plant breaking their nose in the fall. They ask that you pay for the medical expenses. Your personal assets could not be used to pay for this since they are protected with limited liability.

Example 3: A customer is attempting to sue you after finding out their trip could have been cheaper, claiming your agency deliberately picked more expensive options. Should you be found in the wrong by the court, your personal assets would be protected due to limited liability as an LLC.

An LLC will also protect your personal assets in the event of commercial bankruptcy or loan default.

To maintain your LLC's limited liability protection, you must maintain your LLC's corporate veil .

LLC Tax Benefits and Options for a Travel Agency

LLCs, by default, are taxed as a pass-through entity, just like a sole proprietorship or partnership . This means that the business's net income passes through to the owner's individual tax return. 

The business’s net income is then subject to income taxes (based on the owner's tax bracket) and self-employment taxes.

Sole proprietorships and partnerships are taxed in a similar way to LLCs, but they do not offer limited liability protection or other tax options.

S Corp Option for LLCs

An S corporation (S corp) is an IRS tax status that an LLC can elect. S corp status allows business owners to be treated as employees of the business (for tax purposes).

S corp tax status can reduce self-employment taxes and will allow business owners to contribute pre-tax dollars to 401k or health insurance premiums.

The S corp status requires that the business pay the employee-owner(s) a reasonable salary for the work they perform. 

In addition, the business might need to spend more on accounting, bookkeeping, and payroll services. To offset these costs, you'd need to be saving about $2,000 a year on taxes.

We estimate that if a travel agency owner can pay themselves a reasonable salary and at least $10,000 in distributions each year, they could benefit from S corp status.

You can start an S corp when you form your LLC. Our How to Start an S Corp guide will lead you through the process.

Credibility and Consumer Trust

Travel agencies rely on consumer trust. Credibility plays a key role in creating and maintaining any business.

Businesses gain consumer trust simply by forming an LLC.

A growing business can also benefit from the credibility of an LLC when applying for  small business loans ,  grants , and  credit .

Northwest will start an LLC for you for just $29 (plus state fees).

How to Form an LLC

Forming an LLC is easy. There are two options for forming your LLC:

• You can   hire a professional LLC formation   service to set up your LLC for a small fee
• Or, you can choose your state from the list below to start an LLC yourself

Select Your State

• Alabama LLC
• Arizona LLC
• Arkansas LLC
• California LLC
• Colorado LLC
• Connecticut LLC
• Delaware LLC
• Florida LLC
• Georgia LLC
• Illinois LLC
• Indiana LLC
• Kentucky LLC
• Louisiana LLC
• Maryland LLC
• Massachusetts LLC
• Michigan LLC
• Minnesota LLC
• Mississippi LLC
• Missouri LLC
• Montana LLC
• Nebraska LLC
• New Hampshire LLC
• New Jersey LLC
• New Mexico LLC
• New York LLC
• North Carolina LLC
• North Dakota LLC
• Oklahoma LLC
• Pennsylvania LLC
• Rhode Island LLC
• South Carolina LLC
• South Dakota LLC
• Tennessee LLC
• Vermont LLC
• Virginia LLC
• Washington LLC
• Washington D.C. LLC
• West Virginia LLC
• Wisconsin LLC
• Wyoming LLC

For most new business owners, the best state to form an LLC in is the state where you live and where you plan to conduct your business.

Do LLCs Need Insurance?

All businesses need insurance to protect their business assets — even LLCs. This is because the limited liability protection from an LLC protects your personal assets, not your business assets.

Common Situations Business Insurance May Cover for a Travel Agency

Example 1: Going up the steps to your office, a customer trips and fractures their ankle. General liability insurance could cover some or all of the medical expenses for that customer.

Example 2: Backing out of your parking spot after a long day, you fail to check your rear-view mirror and T-bone another car as it passes behind you. The other car’s driver-side door is crushed. The accident occurs on your business’ property, which means that general liability insurance would probably cover some amount of damage to the other driver’s car, as well as any medical payments for which a court found you liable.

Example 3: As you go over itinerary details with a customer in your office, her young child unplugs a computer monitor and pulls it off a desk and onto his head, causing injuries that require medical attention. If found liable, you could probably count on general liability insurance to cover medical expenses or any settlement reached.

Other Types of Coverage Travel Agencies Need

While general liability is the most important type of insurance to have, there are several other forms of coverage you should be aware of. Below are some other types of insurance all travel agencies should obtain.

Professional Liability Insurance

Travel agents don’t simply book flights and cruises. They can organize and book lodging, tourist activities, and more. A travel agent is not immune to error though. Scheduling errors, bad advice, or poor communication can result in negative customer experience.

While many trips are intended to be relaxing vacations, a travel agent can be found liable in the event that their advice or trip management results in damages to the customer. Keep your agency and your employees covered with professional liability insurance , which will cover workers who accidentally ruin business travelers’ trips or cause injury through poor advice.

Business Interruption Insurance

In the event that your storefront is destroyed or severely damaged, usually through forces like fire or tornadoes, business interruption insurance can help your travel agency get back on its feet. This policy covers estimated losses in revenue during a temporary period of commercial inactivity. Additionally, if your business requires a temporary relocation, this policy may cover the expenses accrued from the move. Business interruption insurance can keep your travel agency alive and kicking as it recovers from a major disaster.

Workers' Compensation Insurance

A growing company’s needs will include more agents to handle an increase in customers. Once you employ part-time or full-time workers, it is legally required to carry workers’ compensation insurance . These policies typically include disability and death benefits in the event that an employee is injured or killed at work.

Data Breach Insurance

Much of the modern travel agent’s work includes digital data entry, including customer itineraries, destinations, hotels, and debit or credit card info. In the event that your devices or network are breached, your business could be found liable and be required to compensate for customer losses of any kind.

Hackers and online scammers continue finding cleverer methods of digital theft, and data breach insurance can protect your company from damaging legal action.

Should I Start an LLC FAQ

Which is better for my travel agency — an llc or sole proprietorship.

Choosing the right business structure depends on your business’s unique circumstances and needs. However, unless your business is very low risk (like a hobby), an LLC is likely the better option.

Visit our LLC vs. Sole Proprietorship guide to learn more.

What type of insurance does a travel agency need?

At a minimum, you’ll need general liability insurance .

Read our Travel Agency Business Insurance article for more info.

What are the costs to start and maintain a travel agency?

Some sources suggest you can pay a host agency $400 to $1,200 to get started from home. A host agency takes care of all the regulatory and back office requirements and splits the commission with you as the business owner.

To start your own independent agency may cost you between $1,000 and $10,000, depending on the markets you serve and your existing book of clients.

Visit our How to Start a Travel Agency guide to learn more about the costs of starting and maintaining this business.

What are the ongoing expenses of running a travel agency?

One of the main operating expenses for a travel agency is marketing costs. Rent can be an additional operating expense if your travel agency has an office.

Learn more about running a travel agency .

How do travel agencies make money?

Travel agencies make money by researching, planning, and booking travel itineraries for customers.

Learn more about starting a travel agency .

What is a travel agency and is it lucrative?

The travel industry has changed dramatically over the last few decades. Today, people are able to find almost all the information they need on the internet and even make their own bookings and reservations.

Despite this, there is still some demand for travel agencies. Some people don’t want to spend the time planning their own trips, while others want assistance organizing a specialized itinerary.

Small travel agencies make around $30,000 to $50,000 per year, but specializing in certain services could lead to more revenue.

Related Articles

ZenBusiness LLC Services Review

How Do I Pay Myself From My LLC?

How to Choose a Business Structure

Article sources.

IRS: Limited Liability Company

IRS: S Corporations

SBA: Small Business Guide

SBA: Choose a Business Structure Guide

US Census Bureau: Small Business Statistics

SBA Office of Advocacy: Data on Small Business

FRED: SBA Data for Small Business

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How to Start an LLC for Your Travel Agency

• March 9, 2023

If you’re starting a travel agency, or you already have one, you may be ready to form a limited liability company (LLC). LLCs offer many benefits including personal liability protection, pass-through taxation, and management flexibility.

If you’re currently running your travel agency as a sole proprietorship, the biggest drawback is that you do not have personal liability protection. If, for example, a client sues you due to an issue with their vacation, your personal assets are at risk. That’s why many travel agency owners choose to operate as an LLC. 

But how do you start an LLC? In this article, you’ll find a step-by-step guide to forming an LLC for your travel agency.

Sites like How to Start My LLC also offer many tips, including how to start an LLC for your travel agency in specific states.

Choose Your LLC Name

Your travel agency name is the identity of your business, so choose wisely. You want something unique and easy to remember but that also says what you do. Brainstorm some names and then ask your family and friends what they think. 

Be sure to check your state’s LLC name regulations to make sure your names comply. 

Once you have a few name options, you’ll need to make sure they’re available to use. Start by going to your state’s relevant website, usually the Secretary of State’s website, and do a search for the name. 

Then you’ll want to visit the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office website to find out if the name is trademarked nationally. 

Finally, you’ll need to find out if the domain name that you want is available. You can go to a site like GoDaddy to check. 

Most states will allow you to go ahead and reserve the name to make sure that no one else takes it before you get your LLC formed.

Select a Registered Agent

Nearly all states require that you have a registered agent for your LLC, which is a person or company authorized to accept official correspondence on behalf of your travel agency. You can be your own registered agent, but that requires you to be available during normal business hours at your registered address to accept correspondence in person.

To appoint someone else, you’ll first need to check your state’s registered agent requirements. Generally, a registered agent must be at least 18 years of age and have a physical address in the state, or be a company authorized to do business in the state. 

Many travel agency owners find it beneficial to hire a national registered agent service to act as their registered agent. They can ensure that you’re notified of important correspondence in a timely manner so that you can stay in compliance with any requirements of the state.

Choose a Management Structure

LLCs can be managed in two ways. They can be member-managed, meaning that all members, who are the owners of the LLC, will be involved in the day-to-day operations of the travel agency.

Alternatively, the LLC can be manager-managed, which means that not all members are involved in the management of the LLC and/or that an outside manager who is not a member will manage the LLC.

Some states require that you specify your management structure when you officially form your LLC with the state.

File Your LLC Document with Your State

In most states, the document you file to officially form your LLC is called the articles of organization, but in other states, it’s called a certificate of organization or a certificate of formation.

In almost all states, you can file this document online, usually on your Secretary of State’s website.

The information required on the document varies by state, but at the very least, it will require your travel agency’s LLC name and address and your registered agent’s information.

Some states also require member or manager names and addresses.

Fees for filing the document vary by state and range from $40 to $500. 

Create an Operating Agreement

A handful of states require that you have an operating agreement for your LLC, but most do not. However, it’s a very important document that defines the ownership percentages of the LLC, and how profits and losses are distributed, as well as the roles and responsibilities of the members or managers.

It also contains important provisions about how decisions are made, how member disputes are settled, and how ownership of the LLC can be transferred.

If you own your travel agency with partners, you can see how important it is to have this document in place. 

You can find operating agreement templates online or obtain one from an online service like ZenBusiness for a modest fee, but it’s often best to have an attorney’s help when drafting your operating agreement. You’ll want to ensure that all members’ interests are protected.

Choose Your Tax Status

One of the great things about an LLC is that you can choose how your LLC will be taxed. By default, if you are the sole member of the LLC, your travel agency is taxed as a sole proprietorship. This means that the business itself is not taxed. All profits or losses are passed through to you to be reported on your personal tax return. 

If your travel agency has multiple owners, the LLC is taxed as a partnership, which again, means the LLC is not taxed, and all profits and losses are passed through to the members based on their ownership percentages.

However, at some point, it may be beneficial for you to have your LLC taxed as an S-Corporation or a C-Corporation. The most common selection is an S-Corporation, which still offers pass-through taxation. The advantage of an S-Corp status is that profits from the LLC are not subject to self-employment taxes. 

If your LLC is taxed as a sole proprietorship or partnership, on the other hand, profits are subject to self-employment taxes.

S-Corp status, however, requires that managing members be paid a salary, which brings added administrative costs. Generally, this means that an S-Corp status will only be beneficial when your travel agency reaches a level of income that makes the self-employment tax savings higher than the additional administrative costs.

The decision on tax status is best made with the help of your tax advisor.

Apply for an EIN

Finally, you’ll need to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) for your LLC. You’re required to have one if your travel agency has employees or if your LLC has more than one member. The EIN allows the IRS to identify your business for tax purposes. 

You can easily apply for an EIN for free on the IRS website . 

Starting an LLC for your travel agency has many benefits, most importantly, the personal liability protection that it offers. Forming an LLC with your state is not difficult, but be sure to follow all the steps so that you don’t run into any issues that could affect the success of your travel agency. If you need help, consult with your attorney and tax advisor so that you get your business off on the right foot. 

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Travel Agency Business Structures: How to Choose

Let me be brutally honest: there’s no silver bullet regarding which travel agency business structures are best. Really, the best person for you to chat with on this is your tax person or travel attorney . But … while you’re waiting for them to call back (cue elevator muzak), I’ve got some pretty handy information for you. 😊

Here’s how this is gonna go down:

• Call/email your tax person to set up a time to chat on the best business structure for your situation. Don’t have one? You’ll want to find one. A great tax person is invaluable to your new travel agency and can help you save moola on your taxes .
• We’ll chat on the different types of travel agency business structures available and the pros/cons of each.
• You’re going to do a Happy Dance (and I’ll do the background singing… it’s gonna be so great!!).

First Things First: Laying The Foundation

Before we even get our hands dirty with travel agency business structures, let's do a quick primer:

1. DBA (Doing Business As):

While DBA is not a type of business structure, it’s worth reviewing because I’ll be throwing around this acronym a lot. Why? Because most Sole Proprietors will need to file a DBA, and with the other business structures you’ll need to file a DBA when using any business name other than the legal business name.

Most Sole Proprietors will need to file a DBA, and with the other business structures you’ll need to file a DBA when using a business name other than the legal business name.

To understand the purpose of a DBA, we have to step back a bit. Let’s look at this scenario: I’m Steph Lee, owner of Host Agency Reviews. When my advertisers pay me, they don’t make the check out to Steph Lee, they make it out to Host Agency Reviews. When I go to cash those checks, the bank has to somehow know Steph Lee and Host Agency Reviews are the same, right? (And the government wants to know the person behind the business for obvious reasons.) A DBA lets 'em know that I'm the wizard behind the curtain.

That’s where our handy dandy DBA filing comes in! When you open your business bank account, you will likely be required to provide a DBA to prove that you’re the person the money should be going to.

The other thing to know is that the DBA is called different things in different places. In Canada, O/A (Operating As) or T/A (Trading As) are DBA's equivalents. In the US, "trade name," "assumed business name," and "fictitious business name" are all are just synonyms for DBA. *Sigh.* Bureaucracy. 🙂

2. FEIN: 

Federal Employee Identification Number (sometimes referred to as an "EIN") is a 9-digit number Uncle Sam uses to identify businesses in the US. For a Sole Proprietor, you don’t technically need a FEIN  unless the IRS’ says so . But here’s a little secret . . . get one anyway! Here’s why:

• If you don’t have an FEIN, you’ll be using your social security number. Now, you don’t want your social security number floating all over, do you?
• Many host agencies require that you have a FEIN number in order to sign up.

The FEIN application doesn’t take long to fill out and—this is one thing the IRS is quick about— your brand spankin' new FEIN is issued immediately on the site! Plus, it’s free! So why the heck not?! 

3. Tax Professionals Are Your Friend: 

I'm serious. Go get one right now. Finding a good one is like dating. Ask your friends to set you up with a good one. You might run into some doozies, but you'll find love soon enough. 

Getting to Know the Types of Travel Agency Business Structures:  

Okay, let’s start from the ground up. What types of legal travel agency business structures are out there for your new biz? There’s a few options here in the United States and Canada:

• Sole Proprietor
• LLC (Limited Liability Corporation)
• Partnership
• Corporation (S. Corp) 

Let’s start with the least expensive and simplest to implement, then we’ll work our way up. 

1. SOLE PROPRIETOR

A Sole Proprietor is the easiest business structure to set up and has a sole owner . . . you! It’s easy to implement because you don't have to mess with the legal paperwork that comes with setting up a separate business entity. You and your business are like conjoined twins. SCORE!

There’s a dark side to that, of course (beyond sharing organs). Because you and your business are one and the same in the eyes of the government, that translates to two potential downers for you:

• You’re held responsible for any debt of your company. (Bankruptcy!!! Oh no!) 
• If someone names your company in a lawsuit—bad news—that means they’re also suing you as an individual. 

Quick reminder:  Sole Prop. requirements vary by location so check out NOLO.com’s state-by-state guide to setting up a Sole Proprietor for specifics on what you need to get set up in your state. And remember, you're probably going to need that DBA we talked about earlier.

Tax Note: As a Sole Proprietor, while you and your business are seen as one entity, you’re still a business and that has certain responsibilities . . . Like filing quarterly estimated taxes ! You aren’t paying income tax, but you do pay self-employment tax (those are your estimated taxes).

2. LIMITED LIABILITY CORPORATION  (LLC)

Now we’re getting into the big time—we’ve added the word Corporation to our business structure! YAY!

Sadly, with the word Corporation, comes big(ger) price tags. The cost of an LLC filing is typically around $100-200 but states like California charge an additional $800 tax on top of the filing fee. But here's an olive branch! You’re getting personal liability protection! But, more sad news—I hate to put you on a roller coaster ride here—you'll pay a price for that personal liability protection with more paperwork and higher administrative costs.

Some things you should prepare to do to set up your travel agency's LLC:

• Set up a FEIN
• File your Articles of Incorporation (don’t be scared, it’s super easy)
• Create an Operating Agreement (I can’t lie; this one is not as fun)
• Publish a public notice (only for some states)

NOLO.com has a fabulous state-by-state guide on how to form an LLC you’ll definitely want to take a gander at it. It has pricing, the exact steps to file your Article of Incorporation, and tells you whether your state has any publication requirements, and loads more! I heart it. 

For most of the readers of our site, if you started as a Sole Proprietor/Partnership and your agency is successful, chances are you’ll be transitioning to an LLC down the road so bookmark this article!

Two Quick Tips:

1. An LLC provides personal liability protection, but not if you use your social security number or personal financial information to obtain financing or credit.

2. LLC owners do not need to be US citizens or permanent residents because an LLC travel agency business structure does not have residency requirements. This is something for folks who don’t have a permanent US residency or citizenship will want to note!  

Yet Another Tax Note:

Your business income and expenses are reported on your personal tax return. If you’re a single-member LLC, you are viewed as a “disregarded” entity. This means that when tax time comes, you report the LLC’s income/expenses in a Schedule C ─the same schedule used by Sole Proprietors.

3. PARTNERSHIP

A Partnership actually isn't a business structure, it's more of a business type. Anytime you have two or more business partners, you're going to be looking at a partnership.

If you have a Sole Proprietor set up with more than one owner, it's called a General Partnership. Weird. I know. Like a Sole Proprietorship, a General Partnership is easy to set up. Again, the downside is that the law views you and your business as the same entity so you are both held personally liable for any debts of your company. So if your partner makes bad choices, that will come back to you.

An LLP not only limits your personal liability for the debts of the business, but it also limits your liability for any wrongdoings of your partners.

Now, what if you don't quite want to be an LLC, but you want more personal protection than what you'd find with a General Partnership? That's where the Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) comes in. Not all states have this option but it essentially limits your personal liability. And what's important here is that an LLP not only limits your personal liability for the debts of the business, but it also limits your liability for any wrongdoings of your partners.

When you're looking at an LLC structure but have more than one owner, you've now entered the territory of an LLC with the tax classification of a Partnership.

Let’s go verbatim with the IRS site here, “A Partnership must file an annual information return to report the income, deductions, gains, losses, etc., from its operations, but it does not pay income tax.” 1 The profits/loss of your company will “pass-through” to your personal tax return and you pay those pesky estimated taxes  in lieu of income tax.

If setting up a partnership, I’d recommend talking to other entrepreneurs that have experience with partnerships and ask them what they wished they’d known going in. If you don’t know anyone involved in a partnership, check out this Entrepreneur article . Or, Google has all sorts of advice just waiting for you. 😊

Also, I highly, highly encourage you to spend the money on a travel attorney and have them write up a partnership agreement . Like a marriage, taking a business partner should not be taken lightly! Your attorney can also help walk you through the process and offer some sage advice!

4. S. CORPORATION  & C. Corporation

Because only ~.00001% of readers on the site might find this useful, I'm going to breeze through, offering a little background info for S. Corp. business models.

"S. Corp" refers to, "the provisions allotting S status to companies are enumerated in Subchapter S of Chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code." 2 Wow, that really clarifies things, doesn't it? Here's what you really need to know about an S. Corp . . . it's not really a business structure, it's a tax designation

I'm not trying to pull one over on you by including info on S. Corp in an article dedicated to travel agency business structures. The benefit to some agencies of an S Corp taxation status is that the company only pays self-employment taxes on the owner’s salary . With S Corps, any profits left in the business or distributed to shareholders are not subject to the 15.3% self-employment taxes. That adds up!

Sounds dreamy eh? Well just remember that you'll need to factor in additional costs of unemployment insurance, payroll administration fees, more complicated taxes and in some states, and additional fees for being an S Corp.

Wondering if it makes financial sense to change from being taxed as a single-member LLC to being taxed as an S Corp? Or do you have 100+ shareholders and need to think about a C. Corp? If that’s you, stop reading right now and call an attorney pronto to make sure it’s done correctly (ahem, not consulting me 🙂). So, let’s not waste any more time on this!

Deciding on a Travel Agency Business Structure: Questions to Ask

A Sole Proprietor will be the best fit for most of our readers because it’s a nice stepping stone into the world of entrepreneurship. That said, maybe you want to explore it more. What’s the difference between the business structures? I think the easiest way to look at it is to keep in mind that structures differ by:

• how much personal liability protection do they offer you?
• how much they’re going to cost?
• how much work they are to start/upkeep?
• how they’re viewed by Uncle Sam?

So, which business structure is right for your travel agency? Let’s dig a little deeper into a few of the questions to help you narrow it down.

Question #1 Personal Liability Protection: What do I have to lose? 

No, seriously. If you’ve got a lot of personal assets (think: nice car, amazing stamp collection, boat, private island, etc.), you’ll probably want to consider a travel agency business structure like an LLC to protect your assets.

If you’ve got a lot of personal assets (think: nice car, amazing stamp collection, boat, private island, etc.), you’ll probably want to consider a travel agency business structure like an LLC

With an LLC, the law sees you (as a person) separate from your company. This means if your travel agency is named in a lawsuit or your agency files bankruptcy, your personal assets are not fair game.

Another thing to consider is that higher-profile travel agencies are more likely to need greater legal protection since they have a bigger target on their back. An LLC structure is a good bet.

Of course, because your personal assets are protected, that means more paperwork, which means you can expect it to cost a bit more.

Question #2: What is my level of risk tolerance?  

The way I look at it, your level of risk tolerance comes down to 4 things:

1. How much you’re worth

2. How much you’ve invested

3. How much your travel agency makes/is expected to make

4. How much risk you’re comfortable with

If you’re starting up your travel agency, don’t have a ton of cash, and plan on booking only friends and family, let's be honest . . . your risk of going bankrupt or being sued are pretty slim. So to start, you might feel comfortable with a Sole Proprietor structure that is easier to implement, costs less, but doesn’t protect your personal assets.

However, if you’ve got a private island and have pet dolphins, you may not want to risk it. In this case, I’ll assume you’d be more than happy to pony up the cash for a business structure that protects Flipper and her pod.

For a more realistic scenario—come back down to Earth, Steph— if you’re opening a storefront, hiring employees, or taking out a business loan, then you’ve got a lot on the line and probably want to go with a business structure that protects your personal assets in case things head south.

Question #3: How much do I want to spend?  

Starting up a travel agency can be stressful for most entrepreneurs. As you’re getting set up, you’re putting money out and nothing is coming back!

Filing as a Sole Proprietor can be done in most states for less than $100. Contrast that with the cost of an LLC ($100-$200 in most states + higher tax preparer costs due to more forms + legal fees of getting setup + higher administrative costs).

Remember, you can always start as a Sole Proprietor and change your travel agency’s business structure at a later date.

Need a Boost to Get Your Travel Agency Going? We Can Help.

If you want some more one on one support, our 7 Day Setup Accelerator is a huge asset. It will help you save time getting going so you can start booking travel and get those commissions coming in, stat!

The course is written and taught by yours truly and Bridget Lee professional educator with deep roots in the travel industry. Maybe you notice a last name similarity? We're sisters and we both came up in a family that is deeply rooted in the industry. Check it out !

OMG, We’re Done … Happy Dance!

No, no, no . . . I did NOT forget about the Happy Dance part. So, I’m going to throwback to one of my old school favorites. N’Sync’s Bye, Bye, Bye.

Ahem, here’s your dance part (compliments of Darren’s Dance Grooves, a VHS (what!?!?!) I really did purchase to learn the Bye, Bye, Bye dance):

And if you need a refresher on the part I’ll be singing, here’s the music video for you:

[Editor's Note: This article was originally published in Aug. 2020. We updated it with all the latest and greatest info and republished it on the post date above! We made a very important correction to clarify that groups of dolphins are regarded as "pods". . . not a clan, posse, or entourage. ]

• Source: IRS site ↩
• Source: Corporate Finance Institute ↩

About the Author

Steph grew up in the travel industry, helping on and off with her mom's homebased travel agency. She has worked with thousands of agents in her role as a former host agency director before leaving in 2012 to start HAR. She's insatiably curious, loves her pups Fennec and Orion, and -- in case you haven't noticed -- is pretty quirky and free-spirited.

If you’re looking for Steph, she leaves a trace where ever she goes! You can find her on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn (her fav) and Pinterest as 'iamstephly'. 🙂 You can also catch her on her Substack, Bumblin' Around, where she writes on things outside the world of HAR.

• Business Tips
• Starting Up
• Travel Agent Basics
• Travel Industry Basics

One of the main advantages of cruising is the relaxation it offers. Picture yourself lounging on a deck chair, feeling the gentle ocean breeze caress your skin, and soaking in the breathtaking views of the open sea. On a cruise, relaxation is taken to a whole new level. Whether you choose to unwind by the pool, pamper yourself at the onboard spa, or simply enjoy a leisurely stroll along the ship's promenade, you'll find that cruising is the epitome of relaxation. Find out More

"Escape to paradise with our all-inclusive resorts! Enjoy unlimited drinks, gourmet meals, and endless activities. Book now for the ultimate vacation experience!"

All-inclusive resorts offer several benefits that make them attractive to travelers looking for a hassle-free vacation experience.

 With meals, drinks, activities, and sometimes even flights included in the package, all-inclusive resorts can be a cost-effective option compared to paying for each component separately.

Since most expenses are paid upfront, there are no unexpected costs during your stay, allowing you to stick to your budget more easily.

Overall, all-inclusive resorts provide a convenient and stress-free vacation option, allowing guests to relax and enjoy their time away without worrying about the details.

Destinations start Here

Are you dreaming of the perfect European getaway? Picture yourself strolling through charming cobblestone streets, savoring delectable cuisine, and immersing yourself in centuries of rich history and culture. Europe is a continent that promises to fulfill every traveler's wanderlust, with its diverse landscapes, iconic landmarks, and vibrant cities. As a seasoned travel advisor, it is my pleasure to guide you through the best vacations in Europe, offering expert insights and recommendations to help you plan an unforgettable journey.

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Theme parks galore! Universal Studios, Disney World and Disneyland, and adventure and thrill parks, too

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Whatever you desire for a perfect destination wedding from 5-star

luxury, gourmet experiences to beachfront private villas with swim-

up pools and butler service, we can help you decide which piece of

paradise is perfect for you. We are your travel concierge, providing

you with the best rooms and exclusive amenities only available

through our agents. 

Find out   MORE

THE CONSULTATION - set up a 20-30 minute call with me!

I want to get to know you! your likes, dislikes, preferences, etc. everything when it comes to this upcoming trip! I will need all the details of your travel preferences so we can determine if we are going to be a good fit!

After collecting information, you'll have time to ask any questions you'd like ! If we determine we are a good fit, I will share my planning fee(s) (If Applicable)  with you before moving forward, they vary depending on overall trip complexity and will be discussed during our consultation

THE PLANNING - let the research begin!

This is where, based on our initial consultation I will really get to work crafting your perfect itinerary.

I will reach out to my phenomenal group of exclusive travel partners and suppliers to design an unforgettable one-of-a-kind experience while maximizing your budget.

You will receive at least 2 custom designed itineraries that fit within your budget. However, we can make adjustments as needed until you cannot physically wait any longer to get there!

THE COUNTDOWN - T-minus how many hours?

Once a finalized itinerary is determined and signed off on, I will get to work booking every last component for you and keep organized track of all the details for you.

This includes, but is not limited to: booking flights, accommodations, transfers, excursions, activities, vehicles, entertainment, tours, insurance etc.

Additionally, i will make sure you are aware of all of relevant information regarding visas, health & safety, passports and other requirements that you as the traveler will need to complete.

Every last detail will be managed for you, so you don't need to worry about missing a thing.  

My primary specialty lies in All- Inclusive Resorts, Cruises and Hawaii destinations. My expertise extends beyond just honeymoons and destination weddings. If you're seeking a cruise experience that combines relaxation, adventure, and world-class entertainment, I will guide you towards the perfect voyage. As an authorized agent for Carnival Cruise Line and Celebrity Cruises, I have firsthand knowledge of the exceptional amenities and services they offer. From Caribbean cruises to European excursions, I will curate a cruise itinerary that caters to your specific interests and preferences. In addition to cruises, I specialize in planning resort vacations and trips to Universal Parks & Resorts. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly resort with endless activities or a luxurious retreat for a romantic getaway, I will find the perfect destination to suit your needs. With my expertise in Universal Parks & Resorts, I can create a vacation that combines thrilling rides, immersive experiences, and unforgettable memories. When it comes to travel, I understand the importance of working with trusted suppliers and partners. That's why I have established strong relationships with reputable companies such as Carnival Cruise Line, Universal Studios, Southwest Airlines Vacations, United Vacations, and VAX Vacation Access. These partnerships allow me to provide you with exclusive access to the best rates, amenities, and experiences available. So, if you're ready to embark on a journey of unforgettable experiences, contact me today. Let's create the honeymoon or destination wedding of your dreams, or plan a cruise or resort vacation that exceeds your expectations. With my expertise and attention to detail, your travel experience will be nothing short of exceptional.

CLIENT REVIEWS

Rating: 5 Stars

Date: 1/29/24 1:10 PM

Title: Best Orlando Vacay EVER!!

Reviewer Nickname: Sally   Mentor, OH                    

Kathy was AMAZING and helped me plan the BEST Orlando trip!! She went above & beyond while we were there to help us upgrade our room to a suite (the original was great, we just realized we’d like more space since we were going to be there for almost 2 weeks!!). She really listened to what WE wanted, and recommended a couple extras that we wouldn’t have thought of! We just got back and I’m already thinking about another trip (maybe a cruise to somewhere warm - LOL!!). Kathy really listens to her clients and works hard to put together a package that will give them the trip they really want!! Thanks Kathy!! I’ll be in touch about that cruise soon!! 😁

Reviewed By Megan - Melbourne, Florida | Traveled to Las Vegas ~ Nevada ~ USA

Working with Kathy was a wonderful experience! She made everything about my trip enjoyable from planning to actually going! I cannot say enough good things and 100% recommend her!

✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.

Fun Family Trip

Reviewed By Taylor - Mentor, Ohio | Traveled to Myrtle Beach ~ South Carolina ~ USA

Kathryn was very knowledgeable and did a great job helping us plan our trip!

Great cruise!

Reviewed By Jessica - Mentor, OH | Traveled to Bahamas ~ Caribbean

Kathy helped me book my cruise and find things to do in Orlando while I’m in town!

Wonderful trip!

Reviewed By Jo - Willoughby, Ohio | Traveled to Las Vegas ~ Nevada ~ USA

Kathryn set up a trip and she did a great job. Very helpful.

Wonderful trip

Kathryn did a great job setting up my trip

Kathryn Blau responded

"It was a pleasure working with you"

✓ I would recommend this agent to my family and friends

Best trip to Orlando, Florida

Reviewed By Katelyn P - Conway, SC | Traveled to Orlando ~ Florida ~ USA

This was our second time traveling to the Orlando area and from our previous experience without a travel agent, I knew I wasn’t making that mistake again. Kathy had amazing advice and expert tips on activities and accommodations that made our second trip exactly what we wanted! We won’t plan another vacation without expert tips for her again!

"I am so happy to hear I made your trip less stressful and more enjoyable. Can not wait to work with you again."

Most memorable trip

Reviewed By KSB - Willoughby, Ohio | Traveled to Las Vegas ~ Nevada ~ USA

Me and my husband had the best time in Vegas. Kathy set us up with dinner reservations every night even finding the best dinner show The Rat Pack is Back. everything was perfect from our driver from the airport to our luxury suite at Wynn. Definitely will use Kathy to plan our next trip.

"Glad to hear you both had a great time. Looking forward to working with you again."

Schedule your Free Consultation Call or Zoom Meeting Today!

Call or Text (856) 421-0034     [email protected]

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This is my second year with AV Best…

This is my second year with AV Best Travel LLC . Really the team was amazing. Im always dealing with Jumail who is providing his services around the clock even if I need to change something in my program he can act easily and if its difficult, he will tell you exactly its not possible. I cannot close this comment without mention Ms Anika(CEO) she is the leader and really she is leading her team to success.

Date of experience : February 17, 2024

Snowy expedition

Our family trip to Armenia was fantastic! Special thanks to Arnika & Sona for their help and support, being available and getting in touch till the last minute. Our driver Arham was a good guy but spoke limited English. Hotel was comfortable and clean. Armenia is truly amazing with snow- draped peaks,diverse landscapes and vibrant culture. People there, are very friendly and helpful. We even got to experience the Christmas Tree lighting along with fireworks @ Republic Square on 19th Dec. I highly recommend A V BEST travels & thank you for customizing our tour.

Date of experience : December 21, 2023

Excellent experience with AVBest Trav

We recently traveled to Azerbaijan and had the most amazing experience with AV Best travel agency. From the moment we arrived, everything was taken care of and our coordinator (Jamil) went above and beyond to ensure that we had the best trip possible. Our tour driver & guide, Bayram, was an absolute gem. Not only was he incredibly friendly and kind, but he was also very honest and trustworthy. He took us to all the major attractions and even some hidden gems that we would have missed without him. We cannot express enough how happy I am with the service provided by AV Best travel agency and specifically Bayram. We would give them a 5-star review without hesitation and would highly recommend them to anyone looking to travel to Azerbaijan. Thank you for an unforgettable experience!

Date of experience : December 28, 2023

We did our first international family…

We did our first international family trip to Armenia via Best travels and had some wonderful, memorable experiences , enjoyed our holidays to the fullest as planned . The tour guide was co-operative,well trained and professional.Room was okay, an average one . We were offered complimentary lunch which we enjoyed and tasted Armenian cuisine . Car was ok as you will only see 90s model car lot there . Overall worth for money,time and we highly recommend Best travels to our friends and colleagues. A special mention for Mr.Joy and Ms Anika for their outstanding support . Wish them all the best in future.

Date of experience : August 11, 2022

"Heaven is under our feet as well as…

"Heaven is under our feet as well as over our heads" AV Best Travel is "The Best" to visit **Armenia**. Our trip was wonderful - lots of great memories were made. We thank your team (Anika, Jumail, George(lots of LOVE), Nazeli...) whole heartedly and would want to rate your company on for putting the trip together : 1. Recommendations 2. Tips & guidance 3. Responds very promptly to requests 4. Airport Transfer & Tours 5. Best Hotel Services Armenia is mesmerizing with its climate and nature.... Amala & Sharan...

Date of experience : May 26, 2022

The AV Best team has arranged a well…

The AV Best team has arranged a well organised trip for us last Dec 14-17. Jumail is very helpful and supporting at anytime (even after their duty hours). Trip was customised by us they are fkexible on it. The driver (Karen ) who took us through the journey in Armenia is amazing. He is well speak in english and act as a proper guide.

Date of experience : December 13, 2022

Armenia Beautiful Place and Nice…

Armenia Beautiful Place and Nice Hotels. Loved the place and Hotels. Some staff needs to be trained with good Hospitality. Rooms were clean. Tour guide was very helpful, Polite and spoken English. I would definitely want to visit Armenia again. Beautiful Weather, Fresh Fruits, Nice food.

Date of experience : July 27, 2022

Pleasant trip to Armenia!!❤️

Thank you Anika, Sumaiya and Nazeli for organizing an unforgettable trip to Armenia. Everything was well arranged from sightseeing, hotel stay along with complimentary lunch. Appreciate your quick reply whenever needed.. Would surely recommend Best Travels to family and friends

Date of experience : May 05, 2022

Perfect family vacation

Thank you so much Best travel for the best trip in Georgia Tbilisi,We really had fun,it's a perfect vacation specially we are in a private tour good during this pandemic time.Ms.Anika thank you for being such a great person,your always there to answer all my questions and you book for us a good places to enjoy.Highly recommended.Great job👍

Date of experience : January 25, 2022

The great Georgia

Awesome experience! Thank you best travel agency for all the great exp . It was my first time trying to travel through this agency from dubai to Georgia and I am very happy to recommend this agency to all my friends and family ! Specifically Thanks to Anika for assisting us and and she make sure we had all the documents ready until we left to Georgia she is a big help indeed ! We will Definitely get back to you soon with more journeys because I am sure that it will be worth .

Date of experience : April 18, 2022

Had a great experience in Armenia with AV Best Travel.

My 3 friends and I visited Armenia with AV Best travel in May 2022. Summarizing my experience here… - From Tour plan till the last day, the team was always there to handle the queries. - My first choice was other UAE’s leading holiday team, they failed to provide quotes nor a response to my email due to the eid holidays. - I accidentally hit AV Best travel, but their response time was awesome. The team has to do a little bit more in marketing in UAE and they will be a great player. - Anika is a great listener and a soul with much patience. - Detail what you like and dislike about the places and Anika will draft the perfect tour plan for you. - They can ensure the price quote will be the best in the market.

Date of experience : May 21, 2022

We really enjoyed our trip

We really enjoyed our trip. Our special Thanks to Anika who arranged our bookings and to our guide Mr. Karan. They are having really friendly, punctual and patient staffs with them. We really recommend Best travel. Thank you Best travel for a wonderful holiday

Date of experience : January 27, 2022

Excellent services. Book your trip with AV Best Travel

We booked our Armenia tour with AV Best Travel.. The package was consists of airport pick up and drop@Yeravan, Hotel and sightseeing. The hotel was good the pick up at airport was on time with placard.. The driver was there at the airport and for sightseeing on time.. Service was excellent thanks a lot for making our trip so memorable. Special Thanks to Anika.

Date of experience : February 02, 2022

I have known this company since 2016

I have known this company since 2016, my first visit to Armenia. I met the owner and I didn't even know that he is the owner as he was the assigned driver for our tour. He is super nice to everyone and treats everyone as a good friend that's why until now I am in touch with him. 3 years back I booked again with AV Best Travel - Armenia package with my niece and friends. So then now that they have added more country packages to offer I will definitely book with them again and again. They will make sure that they will provide you with what you wanted and very affordable packages. AV Best Travel is really the BEST!

Date of experience : February 21, 2022

Excellent Service!!!

We had such an amazing trip to Armenia. For sure it will be a memorable one. We couldn't have done it without AV Best Travel LLC. Thank you to Ms. Anika, who processed all the bookings and for choosing the superb location of our hotel and for answering our queries. To Mr. George, our handsome and friendly driver, who patiently waited for us even if it too cold to stay outside (even if it is snowing). Again, thank you! Thumbs up to the team. 👍👍👍

Date of experience : March 27, 2022

Our Agent joy is very approachable and…

Our Agent joy is very approachable and professional very fast service and good hotel choices. We traveled Georgia for 4days and 3nights and it was rewarding. Amazing experience.

Date of experience : July 22, 2022

I really thank Mr Jumail for making our…

I really thank Mr Jumail for making our 7 nights tour to Armenia wonderful. We thoroughly enjoyed all the day trips arranged by them. Each n every thing was taken care of.

Date of experience : April 15, 2023

Me and my friend had recently booked an…

Me and my friend had recently booked an holiday tour to Armenia through AV best travels and as the company name defines itself as best it was really a the best experience and the best services given by the agency. I would request everyone to have this wonderful experience like ours by booking your tour through AV best travels LLC

Date of experience : March 09, 2022

Highly recommended

Best travel is not only name but its really best travel.. I would like to share our experience with best travel It was 1st time we book tour with travel agency for celebrating our anniversary.. And best travel make it special and memorable.. All spots was covered as quoted.. Our guide mr.keran was always on time to pick us and also very helpful. Agent anika was very helpful in this tour Always available to answer our crazy questions. Overall we are extremely satisfied with best travel. Thanks best travel for making travel best. Will plan soon Georgia trip with you 😊

Date of experience : April 19, 2022

Very good services

Very good services, good arrangements, as promised we was got everything, they provide us nice hotel and services, we happy to say that we get one good package arranger

Date of experience : August 27, 2022

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Travel + Leisure's First Ever Trends Summit

Join us and Industry Leaders on July 16th & 17th in New York City

This summer, Travel + Leisure 's inaugural World’s Best Summit, curated by Editor-in-Chief Jacqueline Gifford, will be hosted by T+L editors, established voices in the travel field, and celebrity leaders inspired by seeing the world. It will touch on trends across:

Family Travel, Sustainability, AI, Cultural Events, Wellness, Culinary Travel & Hospitality, Access, The Grand Voyage, The Future of Air Travel, and Traveling in the Age of Social Media

Tickets include two days of conversation and lunch at T+L's NYC HQ, and a welcome cocktail party on day one to celebrate the excitement.

Featuring an Intimate Conversation Between T+L Editor-in-Chief Jacqueline Gifford and Hotelier & Beauty Entrepreneur Bobbi Brown

Other guest speakers include ....

• Neil Jacobs: CEO, Six Senses
• Mary Celeste Beall: Proprietor, Blackberry Farm & Blackberry Mountain
• Daniel Skjeldam, CEO, Hurtigruten Group
• Derek Utter: Chief Development Officer, Port Authority of New York & New Jersey
• Sarah Wetenhall: President & Owner, The Colony Palm Beach
• Amina Belouizdad Porter: CEO, P/S
• Juanita Marois: CEO, Métis Crossing
• David Prior: Co-Founder and CEO, PRIOR
• Amanda Kloots: Host, The Talk
• Lorna Courtney: Star of Broadway’s & Juliet
• Temple St. Clair: Creative Director, Temple St Clair Fine Jewelry
• Chef Michael Mina: Chef & Founder of the Mina Group
• Chef Missy Robbins: Chef & Owner, Lilia, Misi, and Misipasta
• Andy Krantz: CEO, Paravel
• Ben Trodd: Chief Operating Officer, AMAN
• Alejandro Bataller: Vice President of SHA Wellness Clinic
• Crystal Vinisse Thomas: Vice President and Global Brand Leader, Lifestyle and Luxury Brands, Hyatt
• Amina Belouizdad Porter: CEO of P/S
• Bertha González Nieves: Co-Founder & CEO of Casa Dragones
• Chris Austin: North America President of Explora Journeys
• Leora Novick: Founder, Persephone Social
• Jack Ezon: Founder and CEO, Embark Beyond
• Mark Lakin: Founder and CEO, The Legacy Untold
• Erina Pindar: COO and Managing Partner, Smart Flyer
• Paul Tumpowsky: Founder and CEO, New Yonder
• Jon Roberts: Chief Innovation Officer, Dotdash Meredith
• Caleb Silver: Editor-in-Chief, Investopedia
• Grace Bastidas: Editor-in-Chief, Parents
• Ray Isle: Executive Wine Editor, Food and Wine/Travel + Leisure

All sales are final. Tickets will not be be replaced , refunded, or exchanged for any reason whatsoever. All events, prices, personalities, performances, venues, dates and times are subject to change without notice.

Please note that we are continuing to add talent to our lineup of events, and this list of panelists is not final.