I want you to reach back in your minds to your 🏫 high school English classes.  It’s time to take a test.  The topic is Shakespeare.  The play in question is Hamlet.  You’ve tried your best to read and understand the play.  You’ve studied the Cliff’s Notes.  You’ve watched a couple of movie adaptations.  You are READY for anything the test throws at you.  👍👍 

Here is the first question.

1. In Hamlet’s soliloquy that begins, “To be or not to be, that is the question,” what is Hamlet debating in his mind?  

If you answered, “Whether or not to become an independent travel agent,” you are correct!  A+  ⭐

Clearly it’s a question that people have pondered 🤔 for centuries.  Is it better to begin your life as a travel agent by working in an existing agency, or should you create your own independent travel business?  And what about host companies?  How do they factor in?  

As Hamlet knew, there were pros and cons of working as an independent travel agent to be wrestled with before leaping into action.  Sharing resources in an agency?  Pro.  Sharing 💲 profit?  Con.  Setting your own hours as an independent agent?  Pro.  Being at your customers’ beck and call 📱 at all times because there’s no one else for them to contact?  Con.  And so on.  

The best thing I can tell you is to listen to experienced, expert travel professionals who have been where you are and can make sure you are looking at all sides of the decision.  And I know just the person to talk you through it…  me!  

Please check out my video, “Pros and Cons of Working As An Independent Travel Agent (To Be Independent Or Not To Be)” linked below.  I go over the pros and cons that you may have thought of and some that you have not.  I also give you my thoughts on the role that host companies play so you can be sure that’s factored into your decision.  

Be sure you are comfortable with your understanding of the pros and cons of working as an independent travel agent before you sign with an agency or host company.  It’s important to make an informed decision on your future in the travel business so you can start out on the right foot.  You don’t want to do anything rash like stabbing Polonius through the curtains.  Nobody wants that.  Alas.  

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