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The Work at Home Wife

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Work-From-Home Travel Agent: 30 Work-at-Home Travel Jobs to Consider

Last Updated: December 21, 2021

Here’s my theory: there are two types of people. One type loves going on vacation and derives the most enjoyment from being on vacation. The other type loves the planning part as much as — if not more than — the vacation itself.

If you’re one of the vacation planning enthusiasts, you might have thought about being a travel agent. Travel agents are one of the more “old school” at-home workers, and it’s a proven industry that just gets more and better suited to remote work as time goes on, internet tools get developed, and even the most remote parts of the world begin to get online.

So, if you’re the person in your family who just revels in putting together the perfect itinerary for your upcoming trip, if you know all the deal sites, travel hacks, and best ways to see the world, then maybe being an at-home travel agent is the perfect job for you! Let’s take a closer look at this gig.

Why Be an At-Home Travel Agent

In addition, the overall industry of at-home travel agent work has a lot of options. You can choose to work for a company in a more traditional employment arrangement, or pick something that’s much more entrepreneurial in nature and take on a lot of the benefits and responsibilities of freelancing.

When I spoke with Andrea Joyce, an independent vacation specialist with Cruises Inc ., I asked her why she wanted to be an at-home travel agent. Here’s what she told me:

My motivation was 15 years ago when I wanted to find a way to help provide for my family and be a stay at home mother. This job has provided me with flexibility to be there for my children when they need me, to travel, to help people put together their dream vacation, as well as providing me with the income I need.”

She really hit the nail on the head for why this type of work-at-home arrangement is so fantastic. You’re making a huge difference in the lives of your clients and customers to help them plan their ideal vacations, and you’re making a huge difference for yourself and your family by bringing in extra income from home.

As you think about becoming an work-from home travel agent, think about how much flexibility you want for your “time on” and how much you’re willing to do your own marketing — greater flexibility often comes with the need for greater marketing efforts. Just remember — marketing is something that can be learned, and most organizations that set you up to be your own independent business will also offer marketing training and resources.

If you’re an enthusiast of a particular type of vacation, or a specific location, you can put your enthusiasm and expertise to work for you. It truly is what you make of it.

Do I Work for Myself or for a Company?

As a travel agent, you can work with an agency, create your own agency, or “go big” and work for a corporation. Many travel agent jobs with major corporations will look a bit more like customer service, with set schedules and whatnot. They might not be as flexible as you’d like, but you also have the benefit of joining a well-established company.

For example, if you want to be a travel planner for a cruise line, you may need to be available by phone for customer service operations. On the other hand, if you’re part of a boutique cruise-planning agency, you might be able to have extreme flexibility as long as you’re able to be response (and take the occasional daytime call when necessary).

You can learn more about host agencies and get a feel for the right approach to you by visiting Host Agency Reviews . This site really gives you a good overview of “the lay of the land” so you can understand a bit more about how travel agencies are structured, and get a feel for where you think you might fit best.

Types of Companies That Hire Remote Agents

If you want to work from home as a travel agent, you’ve got all kinds of options. Quite a few companies and industries are hiring work-at-home travel agents, so with a bit of patience, you can find something absolutely perfect for you. You can also try a few different types of remote travel agent positions over time, once you know the lay of the land a little better.

Some of the most commonly known ways to work from home as a travel agent are with these companies:

• Cruises — Companies like Cruise.com and Cruises Inc. hire at-home agents to help customers book their dream cruises, shore activities, and more.
• American Express Travel Counselors — One of the concierge services that American Express offers its customers is the travel counselor. These at-home agents are available 24/7 to help with booking travel arrangements, event tickets, and more. It’s a high-end service and does require some background in travel agency.
• Red Butler — This opportunity is particularly interesting. Red Butler offers all kinds of virtual services for their customers, and it isn’t a travel-specific agency but it does have a travel-specific arm.
• Various Disney-oriented organizations like Travel with the Magic . Many of these are commission-based, and you receive a portion of the booking fee for every booking you make. If you’re a Disney enthusiast, helping other people plan their dream Disney vacation is a great way to make money online!
• Carnival Cruise Lines
• Working Solutions
• World Travel Holdings
• Alaska Airlines
• American Airlines
• Holland America Line
• Norwegian Cruise Lines
• Princess Cruises
• Shanty Creek Resorts
• Travel Leaders Group
• Best Western
• Hotel Tonight
• Omni Hotels
• Starwood Hotels & Resorts
• ACTIVE Network
• Carlson Wagonlit

How Flexible Are the Hours?

The flexibility you have comes down to which company you join and what type of role you’re taking on. There are two basic approaches to working from home as a travel agent. One is to take a role with a set payment of some sort, like a salary or an hourly rate. These will be a traditional employment model, except you’d be working from home instead of at the office.

The other way to be a travel agent is to look for an agency that hires agents on commission. As a commissioned travel agent, you’ll be able to take charge of your work to a much larger extent. You’ll be set up as a contractor and given access to the company’s resources, including things like software and leads.

As a commission-based contractor, your income would be tied to the amount of work you take on. You can work full-time hours 9-5, you can work evenings while your kids are asleep, or you can just book a trip here and there when you want some extra income.

The approach with this type of work-at-home setup looks more like running your own business, which offers you a lot more flexibility but also requires a bit more self-direction. (That said, your agency should offer lots of resources available to you to succeed. You won’t truly be on your own!)

What You’ll Need to Get Started

Some remote travel agent jobs — like the one with American Express — will require prior travel agent experience. Others are completely open to entry-level travel agents, which means you’ve got great opportunities no matter what your experience level is.

It’s extremely helpful to have your own travel experience under your belt so you can understand not only what it’s like to plan a vacation like the ones you’re selling, but also what it’s like to be on one. You can make recommendations based on personal experience, which your clients will find very helpful. I’m not saying you need to start taking mega vacations all the time to be successful as a travel agent — just that it’s helpful if you’ve got your own experiences to lean on.

Logistics-wise, you’ll need to have some sort of home office set up . Some positions will require specific technology (like a certain Internet speed or even a separate phone line), while others will let you conduct your working hours whenever and however you want.

What Are the Resume and Experience Requirements for Being a Travel Agent?

You don’t need special education or a degree to be a travel agent. That’s one of the great things about this line of work! The most important thing you need to be a great travel agent is an enthusiasm for helping people plan great vacations. That said, you might come across some job descriptions with specific requirements and such, like any traditional job description might have.

Most travel-related businesses that are hiring travel agents will be looking for experience either as a customer service representative or in the travel industry. It will also benefit you if you can show experience working from home. If you’ve never had the job title of Customer Service but you’ve had a role that involves dealing with the general public, you can certainly position that experience as relevant.

Many travel agent opportunities, however, will be looking more for your enthusiasm and experience planning trips than they will a specific work history. If you’ve never had a job in your life but you go to Walt Disney World three times a year and you live and breathe “the mouse,” you’ll likely interview well with a Disney-oriented travel agency.

No matter what, you’ll need to be able to demonstrate administrative skills like organization, professional interaction with customers, and the ability to work within a budget. You’ll also need to have the skills and attributes that will make you successful working at home. These include things like being self-motivated (instead of having the presence of a boss to keep you accountable) and the ability to stay organized and meet deadlines. You might, depending on the role, also need to be willing to pull some unconventional hours here and there.

Finding Work-from-Home Travel Agent Work

Depending on what type of work you want to do, the way to find it may vary. One sure-fire thing to do is check the careers pages of the organizations you’re interested in joining.

You can also search the job boards — my favorite is FlexJobs — for remote travel agent work. Keep checking these regularly to see what kinds of opportunities come up and jump on them quickly.

Some at-home travel agent opportunities (like most of the Disney-oriented ones) let you join up any time, because instead of filling an opening like a traditional employee, you’re starting your own small company, almost like an affiliate or a franchise of a larger travel company.

One thing to keep in mind with these opportunities is that there is sometimes a cost to get started. If you’re working for a traditional company, with a traditionally structured job, don’t expect to pay startup fees (aside from getting your home office up and running). But some travel agent companies will require a joining fee and/or fees for the mandatory training you’ll need. It’s commonly said that any work-at-home job that requires you to pay money to join is a scam… and while this is typically true and good advice, some of the at-home travel agent jobs you’ll find will be perfectly legitimate. As always, do your own research.

Are There Any Work-at-Home Travel Agency Scams?

As there are in nearly every profession, there is a common scam going around that tries to trap people looking for at-home work as travel agents. It’s a variation of the all-too-common check-cashing scheme.

Avoid being taken in by scammers by looking for any kind of payment arrangement that involves you receiving legitimate money from your clients and then turning around and sending a portion of that money via wire transfer to someone in another country. That’s a clear red flag that you’re being scammed.

That said, there will be time when start-up fees are required and legitimate. If you’re going to be an employment-based travel agent, your employer will most likely cover the costs of starting up your home office. But if you’re joining an agency that’s hiring you as a contract worker (and you’re therefore technically starting your own business,) you might have some start-up fees for things like insurance and special training (which is common for Disney-focused travel agents in particular).

Have you ever thought about working from home as a travel agent? I think it looks exciting, and it’d be fun to learn about all the different destinations and approaches people want with their vacations.

About Angie Nelson

Angie Nelson began working from home in 2007 when she figured out how to take her future into her own hands and escape the corporate cubicle farm. Angie’s goal is sharing her passion for home business, personal finance, telecommuting, and entrepreneurship, and her work has been featured on Recruiter, FlexJobs and Business News Daily..

Angie Nelson began working from home in 2007 when she figured out how to take her future into her own hands and escape the corporate cubicle farm. Angie’s goal is sharing her passion for home business, personal finance, telecommuting, and entrepreneurship, and her work has been featured on Recruiter, FlexJobs and Business News Daily.

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10 Highest-Paying Hourly Jobs If You Want To Work In Retirement

O pting to work post-retirement is a decision embraced by many seniors, typically motivated by various factors. But embracing part-time retirement side gigs doesn’t necessarily mean meager earnings and dull tasks. With the appropriate education and qualifications, you could potentially shift into a well-paying and gratifying role.

Explore More: Passive Income Expert: I Make $27,000 Every Week — Here’s How

Find Out: How To Get $340 Per Year in Cash Back on Gas and Other Things You Already Buy

Here’s a selection of opportunities for retirees , per Indeed and Insider Monkey .

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1. Freelance Consultant – $27.52 Hourly

Consulting responsibilities encompass client meetings, offering tailored solutions to address specific requirements, conducting data analysis, and devising effective solutions. These professionals are found in virtually every industry.

Discover More: Make Yourself Money Smart: 20 ChatGPT Prompts To Increase Your Wealth

Freelance consulting can be a great career choice for retirees because it allows them to draw upon a wealth of experience while maintaining complete schedule flexibility.

2. Real Estate Agent – $42.20 Hourly

Real estate agents actively cultivate new business through networking, advertising and guiding customers, offering insights into the buying or selling journey. Their income primarily stems from commissions earned through successful home sales. Personable and active seniors can do very well as real estate agents.

3. Community College Instructor – $22.40 Hourly

One of the most rewarding part-time positions for people over 65 — retirees who become instructors have the opportunity to interact with students and foster learning within a nurturing and inclusive setting. 

4. Paralegal – $23.81 Hourly

A great part-time job tailored for seniors who can use their skills and experience in legal research, document preparation, and case management.

5. Personal Chef – $24.39 Hourly

This allows a flexible work schedule where retirees can showcase their culinary skills. Personal chefs need excellent organizational skills to manage meal planning, grocery shopping, and kitchen operations efficiently. 

6. Group Fitness Instructor – $24.91 Hourly

For seniors who enjoy staying active and would like to make an income at the same time. Instructors should have a strong understanding of fitness principles, exercise physiology, and different workout modalities such as cardio, strength training, yoga, or dance.

7. Virtual Travel Agent – $26.13 Hourly

Travel agents have strong communication skills and in-depth knowledge of various travel destinations, airlines, hotels, tour operators, and travel packages to help clients make informed decisions. If you’re a senior with a serious travel bug, this could be the career for you.

8. Librarian – $26.82 Hourly

Part-time librarian roles are frequently open at community libraries, educational establishments, and even through virtual platforms. Librarian skills include effectively managing library resources, assisting patrons, and maintaining the library’s functions. Ideal for seniors who share a love of books and research.

9. Nutritionist – $27.23 Hourly

This is a low-stress job for fitness-conscious retirees who can provide clients with valuable expertise by creating personalized meal plans, offering dietary guides and promoting healthy lifestyles.

10. Executive Administrative Assistant – $30.84 Hourly

Executive administrative assistants should have strong organizational and time management skills and the ability to manage complex calendars, schedules, and appointments, ensuring that executives are well-prepared and on time for meetings and events. Retirees with a great deal of life experience under their belt could excel in these sorts of positions.

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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com : 10 Highest-Paying Hourly Jobs If You Want To Work In Retirement

Ukraine war latest: Situation in Kharkiv 'dire' - after world took 'eye off the ball' on Ukraine

The UN says it is "deeply concerned" about the situation in northeastern Ukraine, as Russia claims advances in the region. Defence secretary Grant Shapps has criticised the world for delays in getting support to Kyiv. Submit your question on the war for our experts to answer below.

Tuesday 14 May 2024 14:17, UK

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• Blinken arrives in Kyiv on unannounced trip
• Parts of Vovchansk fall to Russia - reports
• Shapps: World took its 'eye off the ball' with Ukraine
• Dozens of homes damaged in Belgorod attack
• Big picture: Everything you need to know about the war this week
• Analysis:  Putin's 'baffling' reshuffle explained
• Who is Andrei Belousov, Putin's new pick for defence minister?

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Scroll down to catch up on the latest developments in the conflict today.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy will travel to Spain on Friday for a meeting with King Felipe in Madrid, according to a royal palace statement.

Ukraine's defence minister says it is "extremely difficult" for troops to hold ground in Ukraine as they remain outgunned by Russian forces.

Rustem Umerov made a renewed plea for more shells and military supplies as Russia intensifies its offensive in the country's northeast.

"We need more artillery shells as Russia is still many times ahead," he told the Copenhagen Democracy Summit 2024 in an online address.

"Under such conditions it's extremely difficult to hold the ground." 

Russia has put its submarine-launched Bulava intercontinental ballistic missile into service, the TASS state news agency reports.

Russia's state media quoted the missile's chief designer Yuri Solomonov as saying its adoption was announced in a decree on 7 May, the same day that Vladimir Putin began a new six-year term in the Kremlin.

The Bulava was developed under a programme that started in the 1990s, and is designed to be deployed on Russia's Borei-class submarines.

Last November, the defence ministry said one of those submarines had successfully test-launched the Bulava, firing it from an underwater position in the White Sea off northern Russia.

TASS said Russia's Northern and Pacific fleets now include seven Borei submarines and each carries 16 Bulavas.

For context : Vladimir Putin has warned the West since the start of the war in Ukraine that direct intervention by NATO troops there could trigger a nuclear conflict. 

In March he said he did not believe the US was "rushing" towards this, but that Russia's nuclear forces were technically ready.

The world taking its "eye off the ball" led to the position we see in Kharkiv today, defence secretary Grant Shapps has said. 

Speaking at the Sea Power Conference today, the minister reiterated the UK's complete support for Ukraine, saying Russia winning would be "unimaginable and unacceptable".

He said: "I've heard repeatedly, including said to me by [Ukraine's] President Zelenskyy, which is that without Britain, they wonder whether they would still have been in this war at all."

He listed the UK's commitments to Ukraine, and criticised the world for having taken its "eye off the ball" recently.

"The amount of time it's taken to get the rest of the funding through has directly led to the position we see in Kharkiv today," he said.

He added that he did not think the situation was "fatal", however, and said it was "an important lesson to the world not to lose attention about Ukraine".

Ukraine must develop the "strongest possible democracy", Antony Blinken has told officials during a working lunch in a pizzeria in Kyiv.

The US secretary of state said it was "imperative" that fighting corruption in the country continues along with fighting Russian aggression. 

He also said it was important Ukraine developed "the strongest possible democracy" that reflects its citizens and attracts investment.

Mr Blinken's surprise visit follows the approval of a long-delayed foreign assistance package for Ukraine by Congress.

The package sets aside $61bn (£48.1bn) in aid for Ukraine, much of which will go toward replenishing badly depleted artillery and air defence systems.

Russian troops have captured the town of Buhruvatka in Ukraine's Kharkiv region, the defence ministry reports, according to Reuters.

The claim comes hours after Russia's TASS  news agency reported the western and northern parts of Vovchansk in Ukraine's Kharkhiv region had fallen (see post at 9.21am).

Sky News cannot independently verify these battlefield claims.

Russia's supreme court has rejected an appeal by Kremlin critic Vladimir Kara-Murza against his 25-year jail sentence, according to Reuters. 

The prominent Russian opposition figure, who has both Russian and British passports, was arrested near his Moscow home in April 2022 and convicted of treason by a court in April 2023.

He has repeatedly condemned Russia's war in Ukraine, criticised Vladimir Putin, and lobbied for Western sanctions against Moscow.

In his appeal, Mr Kara-Murza had argued that he had committed no crime and was convicted solely for exercising his right to free speech by expressing public opposition to Mr Putin and the war.

"This whole case is based on the denial of the very concepts of law, justice, and legality," he said in a written submission to the court.

"But it is also based on a crude, cynical forgery - an attempt to equate criticism of the authorities with harm to the country; to present opposition activity as 'treason'. But there is nothing new in this, either; it is what every dictatorship does."

Evacuations are under way in the town of Vovchansk, in the northeast Kharkiv region.

Local officials fear that Vovchansk's fate may mirror that of Bakhmut and Avdiivka, Ukrainian cities where fierce fighting forced Ukrainian withdrawals.

The Kremlin's forces are aiming to exploit Ukrainian weaknesses before a big batch of new military aid for Kyiv from the US and European partners arrives on the battlefield, according to analysts.

Six children have been rescued from the Russian-occupied Kherson region, the area's governor Oleksandr Prokudin has said. 

Mr Prokudin said on Telegram the children - one girl and five boys - were "rescued from the camps of the Russian occupiers".

The Save Ukraine organisation worked on the rescue mission, he said.

"It was an extremely difficult rescue mission with delays at roadblocks and intimidation," the governor said.

"Fortunately, all the children are safe now. Doctors and psychologists work with them."

The children were aged between five and 12.

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