Selecting the right host agency and training program — one that aligns with your business goals and specialization — can significantly impact your career trajectory as a new travel advisor. But with numerous training programs and host agencies to consider, how do you know if you are making the right decision?
“If you don't know what you want to sell or what you want to specialize in, you might end up choosing a host with a training program that doesn’t align as well with your business,” said Shayna Zand, managing director of Host Agency Reviews, an independent website that connects advisors to industry resources. “For example, some hosts are hyper-niche while others are mainstream. And then there are massive hosts with 5,000 plus advisors in comparison to those who only take on 10 or 12 advisors at a time. Typically, if a host focuses on what you want, their training program will align with your needs.”
Calvenia Woods, owner of Great Destinations Travel in San Diego, recently transitioned into the travel industry and sought education opportunities, despite being an avid traveler in her own right. She contacted several host agencies and, ultimately, determined that Nexion’s Nexstart program best matched her goals.
“As a new travel advisor, I felt it was especially important to understand how the travel industry works to be knowledgeable and best meet my clients’ needs,” Woods said. “From the first introductory meeting to the group sessions and individual coaching, I found Nexstart greatly beneficial. I completed my training in March and have booked seven land tours and three cruises, including two river cruises.”
Similarly, Cruise Planners franchise owners Sue Surat of Travel Trends by Sue and Cheryl Cassie of World to Explore Travel researched training programs that offered the right support systems, including niche alignment, flexibility and technology tools.
“I selected Cruise Planners and STAR University because I knew the importance of having solid technology, community, supplier relationships and mentorship,” Surat said. “And boy, was I right. The resources, education and community have empowered me to continually hone my skills and create a business that works for me and my lifestyle.”
What follows is an overview of some of the top training programs available to new advisors. Keep in mind that navigating this choice requires careful consideration of your individual goals and can later be supplemented with certification programs.
Avoya Travel Network, Avoya Travel Academy
Travel Agent Education Powered by Avoya, offered by the Avoya Travel Academy, allows newbies to work toward Travel Agent Education Certification (TAEC) at their own pace. The program incorporates 40+ hours of online foundational training in marketing, geography, supplier education and business strategy. For $299, the Certification Package covers the TAEC course, exam and complimentary registration for one Avoya regional event. Those who want additional credibility can opt for the $499 Essential Bundle that also includes memberships to American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) and Cruise Line International Association (CLIA).
Brownell Travel, Brownell Mentoring
Advisors must clear their schedules for Brownell Travel’s full-time, year-long training program, Brownell Mentoring. Mentees receive one-on-one coaching, attend a five-day intensive training session at Brownell’s headquarters, participate in virtual partner trainings and receive assistance building a healthy book of business. Both the agency and the program have received accolades from the Virtuoso Global Awards. The application process includes interviews and a business plan review.
One travel advisor shared that she wanted a training program that offered “solid technology, community, supplier relationships and mentorship.”
Credit: 2025 Prostock-studio/stock.adobe.comCruise Planners, STAR University
Want to get certified in a week? Cruise Planners’ six-day STAR University training is held in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, six times a year. The program includes supplier education and in-depth training in sales, marketing, Cruise Planners’ technology tools and more. Participants also attend a large trade show with top industry supplier partners, tour a ship and have the opportunity to earn CLIA certification. STAR University access is granted to all new franchisees upon paying the franchise fee, currently listed at $9,995.
Embark Beyond, Apprentice Program
In addition to an intensive three-month training program, Embark Beyond’s Apprentice Program pairs new advisors with mentors for regular meetings and working sessions. The program is limited to 10 advisors per cohort and offered three times per year. Enrollment costs $6,000, with $1,000 allocated toward trade show attendance or another educational trip. As a bonus, advisors who reach $50,000 in annual sales can be reimbursed up to $4,000 over time.
Never be afraid to ask questions — I guarantee you’re not the first or the last to ask them. These hosts are here to help and support you, and they really do a wonderful job at it.
Fora Travel, Certified Program
Fora Travel, which recently secured $60 million in series B and C funding and celebrated $1 billion in sales, offers its advisors three paths to certification: Certified, Advanced and Pro. Advisors can take Fora’s online courses at their own pace and attend interactive Zoom sessions led by Fora HQ members. Dozens of live training sessions take place each month, and each session is stored in Fora’s searchable training portal. The cost of training is included in Fora’s subscription price ($49 per month or $299 per year), and advisors gain access to the portal upon acceptance.
Nexion Travel Group, Nexstart
Advisors can earn while they learn through Nexion Travel Group’s Nexstart program. The program is split into four modules at $475 each and combines online, instructor-led learning with personalized business development coaching. Participants also receive a one-year student membership to ASTA and registration to Essentials, a five-day foundational training event available virtually or in person at Nexion’s headquarters in Irving, Texas.
Outside Agents, Advanced and Unlimited Memberships
Outside Agents offers comprehensive education and support to new advisors. Membership (ranging from $26-$46 per month) includes access to an onboarding coach to help navigate the initial stages of joining a host agency, mentors to keep participants engaged and on track and access to a Learning Management System to learn the basics of selling travel and go deeper into a specific niche. New advisors are also encouraged to join a five-day Kick Start training at Outside Agents’ Jacksonville office (registration typically costs $250).
SmartFlyer, Takeoff
SmartFlyer onboards new advisors through its annual mentorship program, Takeoff, which includes a two-week foundational course called Smartie School. Cohorts then meet for bi-monthly roundtables with mentors and associates, weekly product and destination trainings and one-on-ones with dedicated mentors. Applications are currently open for the 2026 program; advisors must submit a business plan and resume in order to be considered.
While there are many excellent training programs to choose from, new advisors shouldn’t feel paralyzed by what’s out there. It’s simply a matter of assessing your needs.
“Knowledge is power,” Zand said. “Lean into any of the trainings that are open and available to you. Never be afraid to ask questions — I guarantee you’re not the first or the last to ask them. These hosts are here to help and support you, and they really do a wonderful job at it.”
