What Does It Cost to Become a Home-Based Travel Agent in the UK? (2026 Guide)

Most home-based travel agents in the UK operate under a host agency model, rather than setting up a travel agency independently.

Under this model, you run your own business as an independent travel agent, while working within the structure, systems, and regulatory framework of an established host agency.

In 2026, the core costs are structured as follows.

This is a one-time fee paid when you join, and it covers everything you need to get started as an independent travel agent working from home.

This includes:

• • Complete training and certification support
• • Access to booking systems and supplier relationships
• • A personalised booking URL provided by the host agency
• • Marketing materials and business tools
• • Ongoing mentorship and access to a supportive community

This start-up fee removes the need to invest separately in licences, systems, or infrastructure, which would otherwise cost significantly more if set up independently.

In addition to the start-up fee, there is an ongoing monthly membership cost.

This covers:

• • Continued access to professional booking platforms
• • Hosting and maintenance of your personalised booking link
• • Regular training updates and live webinars
• • Team support and community events
• • Ongoing professional development resources

This monthly cost ensures you remain compliant, supported, and up to date as you build your business as a home-based independent travel agent.

It is important to be transparent about how support works.

When someone chooses to join as an independent travel agent through Join My Travel Team, we receive a small support payment for onboarding and ongoing guidance.

As of January 2026, this consists of:

• • A one-time payment of $50, approximately £37, when you join
• • An ongoing monthly payment of $4, approximately £3

These payments are not linked to your sales performance or earnings. In return, we commit to supporting you as you get started, including onboarding guidance, training direction, and help navigating the early stages of building your travel business.

One of the key advantages of becoming a home-based travel agent under a host agency model is what is already included.

You do not need to:

• • Apply for your own ABTA or ATOL licences
• • Pay separately for booking systems
• • Set up supplier contracts independently
• • Build essential infrastructure from scratch

The regulatory framework, core systems, and personalised booking tools are already in place, allowing independent travel agents to focus on clients rather than compliance.

While the core costs are clear and fixed, there are a few practical considerations.

You will need:

• • A laptop or computer
• • A smartphone
• • Reliable internet access

When you join, you receive a personalised booking URL from the host agency. Many home-based travel agents are happy to use this alone.

Others choose to create their own website to showcase their personal brand, share content, or highlight the types of holidays they specialise in. This is optional and entirely down to personal preference.

Some independent travel agents choose to invest in additional marketing tools as their business develops. These may include:

• • Printed flyers or brochures
• • Business cards
• • Paid events where you can showcase your services, such as wedding fairs or local exhibitions
• • Optional marketing or design tools

These are not required to get started and are not mandatory at any stage. Many people begin without them and add extras gradually if and when it feels appropriate for their goals.

Compared with starting a traditional travel agency, which can cost tens of thousands of pounds, the entry cost for becoming a home-based independent travel agent is relatively low.

However, it is still a business and it does require:

• • Time
• • Effort
• • Willingness to learn

There are no guarantees of income. Results vary depending on individual circumstances, activity level, and goals.

Many people start this alongside full-time employment, caring responsibilities, or other commitments.

The costs are designed to be manageable while you learn, build confidence, and decide how far you want to take it.

Some people aim simply to cover their monthly membership through occasional bookings. Others gradually build a more substantial income over time. Both approaches are valid.

Understanding the costs involved is an important part of deciding whether becoming a home-based and independent travel agent is right for you.

In 2026, this model offers a low barrier, supported way to explore a flexible travel business without the financial risk of setting up independently. The key is understanding what you are paying for, what is included, and how it fits with your own lifestyle and goals.

If you would like to talk through the costs, ask questions, or understand how this could work in your own circumstances, you are very welcome to get in touch for an informal, no-pressure conversation.