travel agency vs travel company

“Travel Company” vs. “Travel Agency”: What’s the Difference?

The difference between “travel company” and “travel agency”

• The main difference between a travel company and a travel agency is that the former provides the actual services, while the latter acts as an intermediary between clients and service providers.
• Travel companies often have more control over the quality of the services they offer, while travel agencies can offer more personalized services to their clients utilizing different service providers.
• Travel companies tend to have a range of options, while travel agencies offer more specialized services tailored to specific needs and interests.

What is the definition of “travel company” and “travel agency”?

• A travel company is a business that provides a range of travel-related services to its customers.
• They usually provide tours and transportation services to their clients.
• Many large travel companies have their own facilities and transportation vehicles.
• A travel agency is a business that specializes in making travel arrangements for individuals and groups.
• They work as a middleman between clients and airplanes, hotels, restaurants, and other facilities.
• Travel agencies often have expertise in specific areas such as adventure travel, luxury travel, or budget travel.

Which is the more popular variant on the Internet?

• The travel company offered a great itinerary for our trip to Thailand.
• I heard that this new travel company is known for its affordable services.
• The travel company's customer service team was very helpful in resolving any issues we had during our trip.
• We found the perfect beach resort thanks to the suggestions from our travel agency.
• The travel agency was able to book our flights, hotel, and excursions all in one convenient package.
• The travel agency provided us with useful travel tips and advice for our trip to Europe.

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Is a travel agent worth it the pros and cons.

Travel experts agree there are several advantages to hiring a vacation planner.

The Pros & Cons of Using a Travel Agent

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A travel agent can save you money and time.

Need to pivot your trip plans but don't want to deal with the extra time, money and hassle of rebooking flights and accommodations on your own? That's just one area where a knowledgeable travel agent (also commonly known as a travel advisor) can help. Read on to discover the other benefits – as well as the downsides – of using a travel agent, so you can confidently decide whether or not a travel agent is worth it for your next trip.

The Pros of Using a Travel Agent

Travel agents can save you money – and get you other perks.

"In some cases, you'll actually get a better  deal by working with a travel agent," says Jackie Steele, travel expert at MagicGuides . "This could be in the form of a cruise onboard credit (free spending money to use on the ship), access to special agency/group rates, or even just learning about a discount you qualify for but weren't aware of." The best agents will even keep an eye on new discounts as they're announced and apply them to your trip even after you've booked, he notes.

Travel agents handle all the details

Hotel room? Booked. Dinner reservations? Made. Tour tickets? Ready to go. A travel agent handles every detail of your vacation itinerary. "The traveler still gets to be involved in the fun part of dreaming up ideas and providing their travel wishes, while we take and perfect them," says Jessica Parker, founder of Trip Whisperer .

Molly McShea, owner and travel advisor at McShea Travel , points out that travel agents can also help with timing logistics. "Travel agents know how many days should be spent in each destination, which tours go together, and how many things you should do in a day," she says, adding that crafting an itinerary can be challenging if it's not something you regularly do. Additionally, travel agents can help you choose the best time to visit your preferred destination(s) based on seasonality and your budget, and sift through travel insurance policies to find the best option for your needs.

Travel agents can provide local expertise

"A travel advisor's industry connections and relationships provide added value to their clients," says Valerie Edman, a luxury travel advisor and agency owner at Cultured Travel LLC. She says when working with a travel agent, travelers gain access to a global network of connections including:

• In-destination specialists who work exclusively with travel advisors and can connect travelers with unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences they wouldn't otherwise know about
• Exclusive experiences not available to the general public

You'll avoid surprise fees

When deciding if a travel agent is worth it for you, remember this: A reputable agent can guarantee you won't encounter any surprise fees on accommodations and activities once your trip is booked.

You'll have someone to troubleshoot unexpected travel issues

A travel advisor is essentially your personal vacation concierge. "Because they've been around for so long, agents really know what to look for," says Christopher Elliott , a consumer advocate and journalist. "Travel agents are among the first to know about flight cancellations and delays , making it easy for them to rebook itineraries right away." 

The Cons of Using a Travel Agent

It might not be your cheapest option.

There are some instances when it makes more sense to plan your own trip. "If you're planning a quick flight from New York City to Los Angeles, it's easy enough to book it yourself online directly or through a third-party booking site," says Elliott. "If you're planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip or bucket list honeymoon , that's when you call the experts."

You'll have less flexibility in your itinerary

The upside of working with a travel agent is having someone plan an epic vacation for you based on industry knowledge and local expertise. But this can also be a downside in the event you discover an activity you'd like to do or a restaurant you'd like to try that isn't on your pre-planned itinerary. If you alter your plans, you risk losing money; plus, the time it takes for you and your travel agent to coordinate your change of plans may not be worth the hassle.

You still have to do some research

It's important to find an agent you can trust, which means you still have to do some of the vacation planning. For this part, Parker recommends picking up the phone. "Lots of people avoid or don't pick up the phone as much anymore," she says. "That's where you get the high-touch service, tone of voice, excitement or concerns to manage." She advises to look for the following red flags:

• No fees: " Travel advisors are charging planning fees more now or increasing them, so the client knows more confidently than ever, we work for them, not the suppliers with the best commissions," Parker explains. "There are a lot of things that are non-commissionable and the advisor's time and expertise shouldn't be given away for free, either. That's the best way to show an advisor takes their business seriously."
• Limited options: If you work with someone who is inexperienced or has an incentive to book you with a certain supplier, they may not be prioritizing your best interests. "It's important to check if they are with a larger consortia, accreditations and network, typically listed on their website and signatures," says Parker. "That level of mindshare doesn't come with a lone advisor unless they have many, many years of experience."
• Slow response times: If communication is delayed, that's a sign they may be too busy to plan your trip – but again, this is something you can avoid by having the right conversations early on.

Edman suggestes starting your search with the American Society of Travel Advisors . "ASTA-verified travel advisors are committed to the highest industry standards and have verifiable industry knowledge so consumers can feel confident in working with them," she says.

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Differences Between Travel Agencies & Travel Services

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Preparing to travel can be stressful and overwhelming due to the preparations needed, including scheduling flights and hotels. Travel agencies and travel services alleviate these stresses by assisting in the planning of a trip. Both entities are used to schedule travel but work in different ways. Travel agencies hire travel agents who work with individuals to schedule a trip from beginning to end. Travel services can be a website or company that assist individuals with one or more aspects of their trip.

Personal Contact

The biggest difference between using a travel agency and using travel services is the personal contact. Travel agencies hire individuals to work with people to schedule trips. When hiring a travel agency, an individual will be able to work with one travel agent. This can be done in person, on the phone or by email. In comparison, travel services work online and an individual can use services just by entering information into a website to plan a trip.

Trip Planning

A second difference is in the planning of a trip. Travel agents are trained to assist individuals in planning a trip from start to finish and to think of all possible issues that may arise with the trip. These individuals typically attend a secondary institution to specialize in these skills. In contrast, travel services are set up to specifically assist individuals in scheduling flights or hotels after a trip location has been picked. Again, travel services can be automated or through a website and there may have been no additional training.

Another difference is in how travel agencies are paid versus fees paid for travel services. Travel agents can be paid in a variety of ways, including set salaries, commissions and fees. Travel agents also receive free trips as bonuses or in order to evaluate potential places to recommend to customers. Travel services usually charge a set fee for booking hotels, flights or rental cars. These fees are standard and are not based on the price of the purchases.

Convenience

A final difference between travel agencies and travel services is the convenience factor. Travel services are convenient in that most are automated or Web-based. They are always available and ready to book trips. Individuals can book a trip at midnight without worrying about trying to reach an individual. In contrast, travel agencies have set hours and may not be available late at night or at the last minute to schedule a flight or trip.

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Travel management company or travel agency: which is best for you?

A form of ‘ revenge travel ’ is ongoing. Individuals and businesses are booking more trips than usual to catch up on lost opportunities while the pandemic rates were high, and restrictions were strict. 

Of course, these days, the travel process is much easier since the entire affair is just about digitalised. Anyone can book trips and plan itineraries from the comfort of their home. However, several occasions call for hiring help , especially when an organisation needs to streamline their travel planning, or a sole traveller needs expert advice on tour and accommodation options. In this regard, not all trips are the same and the clear distinction means that distinct types of help are required.

When it comes to travel, the most popular types of experts include travel agencies and travel management companies. However, these two categories seem way too similar, and many people cannot tell the difference. To whom do you go for which kind of travel? This guide will help you unblur the lines and see which one is best suited for your needs

In this article, we'll take a look at:

What are corporate travel management companies?

Corporate travel management companies (TMCs) specialise in booking business trips and keeping track of travel expenses for companies. Unlike travel agencies, they focus more on larger clients or corporate companies (organisations of various sizes) than individuals and typically offer more options than a traditional travel agency.

Beyond making bookings and keeping records, travel management companies have responsibilities such as creating travel policies, scheduling events and meetings for clients, providing concierge services, customising an online booking tool, and engaging in risk management before and during trips, among others. In these days of technological innovations, many travel management companies even have comprehensive software solutions that they provide to clients to ease business travel planning and ensure flexibility. A travel management company can provide any service that a travel agency can offer; however, the former goes further in its offerings, and that is discussed in the following section. 

What services do corporate travel management companies offer?

• Automation of your company’s travel policy Corporate travel management companies can help your company create and automate a comprehensive travel policy that is incorporated in every business travel, keeping everyone in adherence.
• Integrated booking and travel requests platform : Once business travel is approved, employees can easily book on their own using the same platform. This platform clearly outlines who is allowed to travel, where they can stay, what expenses are covered and what documentation is required. 
• Concierge Services : A concierge service provides 24/7 assistance for booking flights, hotels, meeting rooms, events place and other business travel-related needs as well as helping with last-minute changes to plans to boost efficiency and reduce travel costs. When your employees need assistance while travelling, they can call the customer support team of their corporate travel management company at any time during the day or night to get answers to questions about their itinerary or booking process.
• Travel Data Insights : A corporate travel management company will compile all data related to employee travel so you can easily identify trends that affect your business’s bottom line. Not just that, you can generate a travel risk and safety report depending on the employee’s travel destination.
• Data-driven Budget Tracking and Reports : Make post-travel finance reports easy. With this, the finance team, and even HR can see travel spending real-time and can incorporate their corporate cards safely within the platform. A good corporate travel management company will provide you with data-driven reports that help you understand your spending and identify any improvement areas.
• Corporate travel management system : Corporate travel management software solutions offer various features such as expense tracking, expense management , and reporting capabilities. They also provide centralized booking with a single access point for all employees, eliminating the need for multiple apps or websites to access travel solutions.

When is a corporate travel management company good to have?

Engaging a corporate travel management company is the best value option for an organisation with employees who travel for business regularly and need a single solution to manage trips all year round. Such a TMC will work with the organisation’s HR and finance departments to plan travel logistics and ensure that all trips are in line with set policies, strategies, and budgets. Unlike travel agencies, TMCs take over everything from booking flights and hotels to coordinating reservations, providing concierge services, and even helping with reimbursements after the trip is over. 

What are travel agencies?

Travel agencies are companies that offer services to help you plan your business or personal trips. They also help book flights, hotels, car rentals, and other travel-related services. A travel agency’s responsibility is to act as a go-between between travellers and the services they may need. 

They often have access to exclusive deals that are unknown to the public, but which can save their clients a lot of money. This is because travel agencies and agents often have well-established relationships with their local airlines, hotels, tour guides, and more. Individuals and groups planning to travel, for leisure, or some other purpose often go to a travel agency since their needs are limited to bookings and reservations. 

However, a travel management company makes an enormous difference at the corporate level because its services are broader and more integrated into a company’s strategy. Before discussing travel management companies, let’s consider some of the major services travel agencies provide. 

What services do travel agencies provide? 

• Flight booking : Travel agents are experts in booking flights. If you don’t want to spend hours online searching for flights, then a travel agency can help you find the best prices and schedules for flights within your budget. They can advise you on the best times to travel and the availability of seats, as well as help you with any last-minute changes.
• Lodging reservations : Travel agencies can make all sorts of lodging reservations, including booking hotels, motels, and even Airbnbs. If you’re planning a vacation or business trip, the agency can help you find the ideal accommodations at a reasonable price.
• Providing advice on destinations : Travel agents are experts on destinations around the world and are often familiar with local attractions and events going on during your stay. They can provide tips about things to do in various cities.
• Selling tour and vacation packages : Travel agencies often sell all-inclusive tours that include airfare, hotel accommodations and transportation between cities. These packages are convenient because they allow travellers to book everything through one company. 
• Car rentals and local transport : The agency can arrange for car rentals and airport transfers. A travel agency can book car rentals or arrange ground transportation with taxis, buses, or trains. Local bus schedules and train schedules can be obtained from the agency as well.

When are travel agencies good to have?

Travel agencies are great for one-off personal or group trips such as vacations and tours. In such cases, most people only need booking and reservation services to ensure that their stay is comfortable. Such trips also usually take a few days or some weeks. Essentially, a travel agency is a great option for small-scale travelling, and they can offer useful advice and expert consultations. However, as a business leader with employees who need to take several trips representing your organisation, travel agencies cannot cater to those needs. 

Streamline your corporate travel strategy

While travel agencies are great for personal and small group trips, a TMC provides the best value for continual travelling within an organisation. To experience how TruTrip as a travel management company can streamline your corporate travel strategy,   book a demo or sign up for free trial

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The Pros and Cons of Booking Through Online Travel Agencies

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

You’re likely already familiar with online travel agencies, even if you don’t travel often. These companies — such as Priceline , Expedia and Orbitz — act as intermediaries between you and a travel provider.

Booking your travel through an OTA can be a good idea in some circumstances, but you’ll want to be wary of its pitfalls. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of online travel agencies, so you’ll know what to use to book your next vacation.

Pros of booking through online travel agencies

There are certainly advantages booking through online travel agencies, though you’ll find different experiences whether you’re using public OTAs — such as Kayak — or private ones like those offered by your card issuer, such as the Chase's travel portal .

✅ It may be cheaper

When searching for flights online, you may see different prices for the same routes that vary across websites. Although it may be a result of fare type — for example, some search results may not clarify that a fare is basic economy rather than main cabin or economy — other times, the difference comes down to competition for your business.

Online travel services will often offer slightly lower prices on flights in an effort to entice you as a customer. This is true for both hotels and airlines.

» Learn more: Best credit cards for online travel-booking websites

✅ It can earn you more rewards

Have you ever heard of shopping portals ? By logging into a shopping portal, you can earn rewards for purchases made with many online merchants. Some hotel chains, such as Hilton , Marriott and IHG , can be accessed through shopping portals while still booking directly on the hotel website. In this way, you can earn rewards with the hotel directly as well as with the shopping portal.

The same isn’t true for shopping portals and most airline sites. However, many public online travel agencies are accessible through shopping portals, which can then earn you rewards for airfare bookings. By opting to book in this way, you’ll be able to earn points or cash-back rewards through the shopping portal that you’d otherwise miss.

Some card issuers will also reward you heavily when using their online travel services. Clear examples of this can be seen with Capital One and Chase. With the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card , for example, you’ll get 10 miles per dollar spent on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel .

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is similar. With this card, you can get 10 Ultimate Rewards® points per dollar spent on hotels and rental cars booked through Chase's portal.

While these numbers are high, it’s important to remember that there are trade-offs when booking through an OTA rather than directly with a hotel or airline. We’ll get into that a little later.

Online travel agencies offered by your card issuer may not feature the same prices as booking directly; you’ll want to compare these before committing to a purchase.

Some card issuers will go so far as to give your points more value when redeeming through their online travel agencies.

This is true with the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card . When redeeming points on Chase's travel portal, you’ll get 1.25 cents in value per point rather than 1 cent elsewhere.

» Learn more: How much are your airline miles and hotel points worth this year?

Cons of booking through online travel agencies

There are several downsides when it comes to using online travel services for booking travel. It mainly comes down to the fact that travel providers prefer that you book directly with them — and offer more perks to woo your business.

❌ It can be harder to change a booking

Ever needed to change a flight after it's booked? No matter the reason, attempting to alter or otherwise cancel a flight can be a hassle — especially if you’ve booked through a third party.

Generally speaking, rather than offering you direct assistance, both hotels and airlines will recommend you contact the online travel agency you’ve booked with in order to make any changes.

While you may be able to make changes or get refunds with the travel agency, airlines and hotels can — and will — offer much more flexibility when you’ve booked with them directly. You may also be subject to additional fees charged by the online travel agency, which can erase any savings you’ve received.

❌ You may not receive elite benefits

This is the real kicker for anyone wanting elite status. Although airlines will almost always recognize your elite status and allow you to earn miles even for bookings made through an online travel agency, hotels and rental car companies will not.

This is especially important for hotel chains. Earning elite status with hotels generally relies on elite night credits. Although these can be earned in a variety of ways — including having complimentary status by holding certain credit cards — the main method of acquiring elite night credits is by spending nights in hotels. Rooms booked through an online travel agency do not count toward elite status as elite night credits.

Additionally, you will not receive any of the benefits of your existing elite status if your booking is through a third party. This can mean the loss of perks such as room upgrades, complimentary breakfast and even free Wi-Fi.

» Learn more: The best airline and hotel rewards loyalty programs this year

❌ It may be more expensive

Did you know that many hotel chains have best price guarantees? Hyatt, Hilton, Marriott and IHG all have a guarantee that’ll give you either points or a discount if you find a better rate elsewhere.

These guarantees are generous; Hilton, for example, will match the rate and then discount it by a further 25%.

Although you’ll need to file claims for these guarantees and they face limitations — such as a 24-hour window from when you made the booking — you can save a lot of money on your stay if your request is approved.

Online travel agencies can be hit or miss

There are two sides to every coin and this is no different, as there are several benefits and limitations of online travel services. Depending on your needs and loyalty program status, you’ll want to choose whether to book directly with a travel provider or rely on OTAs to do the job for you.

Booking travel through credit card portals from issuers like Chase and Capital One can earn you big rewards. But if you anticipate altering your travel plans or aim to earn elite status instead, booking directly is the way to go.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1.5%-6.5% Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year). After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

$300 Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

on Capital One's website

2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.

75,000 Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

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What is a travel management company (TMC)?

What is a travel management company and why should you use one? Learn about what a TMC is and how it can help your business.

With corporate travel ramping up as we enter “post-pandemic” times and an increased return to travel , the greater the need for travel management solutions. If you’ve noticed the uptick in corporate travel within your own business, you understand just how complicated it can be for you or your employees to coordinate itineraries. That’s where a travel management company, or TMC for short, can add great value to your business, regardless of size, and save you and your employees time, money, and headaches.

What is a TMC and what do they do?

On the most basic level, a travel management company (TMC) is a travel agency that specializes in arranging corporate travel for businesses of all shapes, sizes and needs. TMCs can take care of all the details involved with business travel, including booking flights, handling hotel reservations, supporting with duty of care, and taking care of car rentals, among other services. Through advanced technology and online booking tools (OBT), travel management companies can help your employees find the best deals while also adhering to your company’s corporate travel policy. TMCs can even help your business create a travel expense policy if you don’t have one already. [1]

Is there a difference between an OBT and a TMC? [2]

Yes, there is a difference between an Online Booking Tool and a Travel Management Company. An online booking tool allows employees to track and manage their own business travel. Travel management companies offer more robust support on top of providing their own online booking tool. While OBTs allow your employees to individually search for their own corporate travel options and deals, TMCs typically offer support from experienced travel consultants who specialize in finding the best rates for business travel, while also allowing your employees the flexibility to choose their own flights, hotels, and car rentals .

TMCs like Egencia are experts in handling the ins and outs of corporate travel. They are equipped to handle everything from gathering all the necessary travel paperwork, to providing live support during unforeseen circumstances, like missed flights, to notifying travelers of last-minute updates of travel regulations. With the backing of a TMC, your employees are supported every step of their travel, while helping your business save money and offering deeper travel insights.

Are travel management companies and travel agencies the same thing? [3]

No. Travel Management Companies and Travel Agencies are not the same thing, although they may share some similarities. While travel agencies can help clients book corporate travel, and occasionally offer lower rates through a limited number of vendors, TMCs focus on exclusively servicing businesses, helping create and adhere to a company’s corporate travel programs, and finding the best rates for maximum savings .

TMCs also provide a wider array of services than traditional travel agencies, like centralization and automation of the travel booking process, data-reporting options, and travel policy creation. Additionally, TMCs have cultivated years-long relationships with vendors and can negotiate lower fares for maximum savings.

7 benefits of using a travel management company

As business travel continues to ramp up, TMCs can offer travel solutions for your employees while keeping the bottom line of your business goals top of mind. Some of the most significant benefits of utilizing a TMC include:

1. TMCs help streamline your travel booking process

By automating the different travel components like lodging, flights, and ground transportation into one online booking platform, it allows the booking process to become more efficient and easier to manage and saves your employees valuable time.

2. Makes it easier to gather data for more informed decision-making

Through partner integrations and APIs, TMCs can offer real-time data gathering that can help analyze travel trends, assess risk management, as well as control budget spending . In turn, this data can help your organization make better, more educated business decisions.

3. TMCs provide travel assistance 24/7

One of the biggest benefits of using a TMC is that you can rely on reaching a travel consultant any time—day or night. Instead of having to keep track of several different vendors, your employees enjoy one point of contact that is reachable through a variety of different channels.

4. Enjoy the perks of concierge service

From handling the most minute details that can range from seat preferences to making sure travel reward points are applied accordingly and everything in between, TMCs elevate the traveler experience of your employees by taking care of all their travel needs.

5. Can help reduce corporate travel costs

Because TMCs specialize in finding and negotiating the best travel deals with enterprise providers and partners, they have access to lower rates on flights, hotel rooms, and transportation—cutting down on overall business travel costs while still offering competitive name-brand selections.

6. Provide traveler safety assistance

Whether unexpected security concerns arise, or travel regulations are updated at the last minute, TMCs keep travelers informed with real-time notifications.

7. Integrate your company’s corporate travel policy for greater compliance

TMCs bridge the gap between employee travel booking best practices and your company’s corporate travel policy . A TMC can filter an employee’s search results to be automatically compliant to your business’ travel policy guidelines, saving them time and providing ease of use. If for whatever reason an itinerary isn’t compliant, it’ll get flagged for further approval.

Choosing a TMC that’s right for your business

While there are a number of different travel management companies to choose from, the right TMC will depend on your business needs and goals. Some must-haves to take into consideration as you shop for a TMC to partner with include: [4]

• Responsiveness
• Comprehensiveness

Choose a TMC that is aligned with your company’s culture . Since you’ll work closely with them to create and organize your employee’s corporate travel, they should align with and uphold your company’s values.

Egencia provides you with corporate travel solutions

Whether you’re just starting a new corporate travel program or are looking to make yours more robust, Egencia provides modern travel management with a single, global, highly configurable platform. You’ll have the power to build integrations that help you automate, connect and simplify your travel and expense management. From small and medium-sized businesses to global corporations, we connect you to over 290 global airlines and 650,000 lodging properties.

Ready to get started?

Request a demo to see what we can do for you.

[1] https://www.cbtravel.com/difference-between-travel-management-company-and-travel-agency/

[2] https://www.travelperk.com/blog/best-business-travel-management-companies/

[3] https://www.cbtravel.com/difference-between-travel-management-company-and-travel-agency/

[4] https://jtbbusinesstravel.com/how-to-choose-a-travel-management-company/

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Online corporate travel agency vs traditional agency: which is better?

How do traditional travel agencies work.

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Travel Agent vs. Travel Advisor: What’s the Difference?

For the past 20 years, travel has continually evolved. As flights, hotels, and travel experiences have become more accessible through the internet, old-school travel agents have become less needed. In their place is the evolved travel agent—the travel advisor. But what makes a travel advisor different than an agent and why do you need one? Let’s discuss.

Travel Agents

In the past, travel agents were “agents” for the airlines and hotels, since consumers couldn’t book travel on their own. They answered calls, booked the trips their clients requested, and essentially served as order-takers.

Travel Advisors

Travel advisors are the evolved version of the travel agent. With the rise of the internet, consumers have almost too much information on the internet. For example, when you Google “Mexico vacation,” you get 328,000,000 results. Who has time to wade through all of that? Travel advisors give you the information you need while saving one of your most valuable resources—time! Doing basic travel research like browsing online travel reviews can take hours. Save time and get the expert advice you need with a travel advisor.

A travel advisor is well-traveled and has key contacts and resources in the industry to make the perfect recommendation for their clients. Through their years of first-hand experience and knowledge, they have improved the travel-planning process by figuring out methods of personalizing the experience for each of their clients.

One of the common myths about travel advisors is that using one makes your trip more expensive. This isn’t true. Actually, using a travel advisor gets you a better price on nearly every booking! Many travel advisors do charge trip-planning fees, since many travel suppliers no longer pay commission. But, getting expert knowledge on your behalf is worth the additional cost. Imagine using a financial advisor without paying them. It doesn’t make sense. A travel advisor does essentially the same thing, including saving you money on your expenses.

Other Benefits of Using a Travel Advisor

· Travel advisors work directly with a hotel’s executive team (whom they often have a personal relationship with!) to personalize your stay. Consumers are all about authentic experiences and extras these days. A travel advisor takes your experience even further by handling your show tickets and restaurant reservations. · Through preferred vendor relationships , most travel advisors can get their clients complimentary perks such as room upgrades, cruise line onboard ship credits, breakfast, wi-fi, early check-in and more. · Advisors know their clients on a personal level so that they can continually suggest new and exciting vacation destinations that fit their preferences. · Travel advisors use personal contacts to make reservations that aren’t available online or through typical booking systems. · Hotels and airlines give travel advisors first-dibs on some of the best travel products and experiences throughout the world.

All in all, travel advisors personalize travel to fit you, rather than fit you into travel. It’s these changes that really take travel to the next level. As a network of independent travel advisors, we focus on creating a greater experience for our clients.

Learn more about Andavo Travel, the host agency, by exploring our website, www.andavotravel.com Or, for consumers looking to find a luxury travel advisor, visit our vacations website, www.andavovacations.com

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Travel MLMs: What You Need to Know

We’re about to get a little bit controversial here and chat up on travel Multi Leveling Marketing (MLM) travel businesses and how they differ from a host agency . Our goal is to make sure that people who want to become travel agents don’t end up hoodwinked by promises of a travel MLM. We want to help agents differentiate between full-service travel companies like host agencies (which support agents to sell travel) and travel MLMs (which tend to emphasize selling memberships).

Every so often an aspiring travel agent stumbles into a travel MLM thinking it functions like a host agency. But that’s just not the case.

Before I launch in, I want to say that this truly is not a “host vs. MLM face-off” or anything of the like. No way. We’re all about peace, puppies, yummy green matcha drinks, and trumpets over in our neck of the woods. If you want to go with a travel MLM and you know what you're getting into, go for it.

Rather, our goal is to educate folks to ensure they fully understand the business model they’re entering into. Every so often an aspiring travel agent stumbles into a travel MLM thinking it functions like a host agency. But that’s just not the case. Host agencies and MLMs are two different types of businesses. I'd say they're like apples and oranges, but it's really more like apples and elephants.

This article discusses those differences. We at HAR want to make sure you’re finding the support that is the right fit for you and your travel agency.

What Is An MLM?

It's very rare that a travel MLM will come out and say, "Hey! We're a travel MLM!" However, there's often some coded language and jargon used that will alert your spidey senses: MLM marketing is also called “network marketing” and “direct sales,” so if you see a website throwing around that terminology, they’re probably talking about an MLM business model.

An MLM expert, Robert FitzPatrick, published a study that covered 10 publicly traded MLMs at its time—including the now-defunct travel MLM, Your Travel Business (YTB). What did he find? In short this: ". . . 99% of all [MLM] participants received less than $10 a week in commissions, before all expenses ." 1

With the exception of YTB, the study takes a broader look at MLMs . . . not just travel MLMs. How do travel MLMs compare? One thing travel MLMs have in common with other conventional MLMs is the high rate of failure. Lets dig in.

What Is A Travel MLM, Specifically?

Many travel MLMs are not required to publicize their income disclosure statement (they're not publicly traded). Those that do share their disclosures (in the name of transparency) present a pretty grim picture when it comes to income potential. 

For example, travel MLM Dream Trips (formerly WorldVentures) reported in 2019 ( the most recent disclosures available from July 2018 to June 2019) that 14.6% of all Representatives earned a commission or a bonus. 85.4% earned nothing or operated at a loss. The average commission/bonus earnings of all reps were $354.31, including the ones who made $0. If you take out the group who made nothing (or operated at a loss), you get an average of $2,425.55 and a median of $50.00. But the annual cost to join Dream Trips is a minimum of $769.89 in its first year ( source for annual fees ). (It may not come as a surprise to our perceptive readers that WorldVentures has declared bankruptcy, attempted an acquisition, and rebranded as Dream Trips, all since 2019.)

MLM's also use their own jargon for their travel agent members. If you're with a host agency, it's 99% likely that they'll refer to you as an "independent contractor," or travel business. They actually use this wording to make their offer more attractive. Be your own boss! Work independently! A travel MLM will more likely refer to its participants with terms like: representatives (PlanNet Marketing), builders (Surge365), referring travel agent (YTB) . . . you get the gist.

In travel MLMs, the dominant revenue stream is from selling memberships to recruits, not commissions from selling travel.

Travel MLMs get real shady when they make more money by recruiting other sales reps into the organization than they do actually selling a product (in this case, travel). This is entering serious pyramid scheme territory. And that’s a major DANGER ZONE folks.

Like any other MLM, travel MLMs have two revenue streams for its members:

• Commissions from selling a product (in this case, travel) directly to clients.
• Commissions, overrides, or kickbacks on membership sales from recruiting others into the organization.

The recruits are considered the "downline," and travel MLMs will try to entice you with promises that residual (or passive) income will trickle down from the upper echelon of the downline. (*cough* pyramid scheme.) 

You know how in most sales situations, you make the bulk of the commission on the product? Well, with MLMs, the people above you are the ones raking in the dough. (*cough* pyramid scheme).

What makes a travel MLM different from other MLMs (like Amway, LuLaRoe, Herbalife, etc.) is that reps don’t have to buy any product to sell like leggings, makeup or vitamins. ( However, oddly enough, some travel MLMs do also try to push selling vitamins and energy boosters!) In some ways, not having to buy products makes a travel MLM less risky in terms of financial investment (but not without risk).

What travel MLMs do have in common with other conventional MLMs is the high rate of failure.

Yikes. Oh, but there's more. Soooooo much more.

The infographic below magnifies average travel MLM earnings from income disclosure statements. The data based on three travel MLMs that publicized income disclosures. (Unsurprisingly, many travel MLMs do not provide public income disclosure statements.)

As you can see from the infographic, WorldVentures dismal income potential is not the exception, it's the norm. But despite the grim earnings outlook, the disclosures mask comprehensive data that points to even more dismal income potential.

The MLM Hybrid/ MLM-Affiliated Model

[Editor’s note: This section was added Oct. 12, 2018 and updated Oct. 27th, 2023.]

Almost daily people have been writing in asking me about InteleTravel host agency. I’ll admit, I didn’t want to go too deep into InteleTravel when I first wrote this because I knew I’d already be kicking a hornet’s nest. But here I go now, about to take a swing at it.

While InteleTravel is not an MLM, anyone who wants to sign up with them must go through their MLM marketing arm, PlanNet Marketing

While InteleTravel is not an MLM, anyone who wants to sign up with them must go through their MLM marketing arm, PlanNet Marketing, in order to sign on. And this is where it gets a little sticky.

Typical of an MLM, earnings from PlanNet Marketing do not compensate for the level of investment required. You can see the income disclosure in the infographic, but here’s the cliff notes: 76.92% of PlanNet Marketing reps (who may or may not be InteleTravel agents) earned zero—no commissions or overrides. In 2019, the annual average income for a PlanNet Marketing independent representative on the "Rep" level (the entry point) was $140.57. 2 .

When I reached out to InteleTravel's customer service about trying to sign on without going through PlanNet Marketing, here's what they had to say:

Thank you for your interest in InteleTravel.com. Currently, registration to become an Independent InteleTravel Agent is closed. After 25 years in business we are pleased to have reached our optimum size as a travel sales network and are not accepting any more applications. InteleTravel has always been proud of our Agent training & Customer Service standards, so to maintain the highest level of service we are closing our new Agent registration until further notice.

We recommend keeping in touch with the person that told you about our program so you can be notified when it becomes available.

This however is misleading, because people are still able to sign up through PlanNet marketing. PlanNet Marketing is not only the gateway to becoming an agent with InteleTravel. It remains the only way to get signed up with InteleTravel. This is a huge red flag.

If one wants to steer clear of the the MLM and sign up for InteleTravel only, they may be pressured (depending on the rep they purchased their agency through) to also sell ITAs (InteleTravel travel agencies) through PlanNet Marketing. A PlanNet Marketing rep will send you their personal page to sign up.

It looks like this: 

The small print (on the image below) also indicates you can only enroll through the PlanNet Marketing rep account first if you're interested in joining InteleTravel.

Several InteleTravel agents I spoke with (who I will not name for privacy purposes) have reported that an InteleTravel agent is not required to sign up for PlanNet Marketing to sell ITAs . The important thing to know is that when you sign up for InteleTravel, you'll be a part of someone's downline whether you personally participate in the MLM side of things or not. When host agencies rely on these MLM marketing arms, we call them "MLM hybrids."

Though InteleTravel is not technically an MLM,  for us there are red flags with InteleTravel due to their reliance on PlanNet Marketing's MLM branch.  

This might be more information than you ever wanted to know. However, InteleTravel is one of a handful of host agencies that partner with MLM marketing branches in the same way and we want you to be informed! (Archer Travel, who affiliates through Evolution's MLM marketing branch is another.)

Do you know of other travel MLMs or MLM hybrids that are not mentioned in this article or infographic? Drop a comment below!

A Note on Travel MLM Income Disclosures

What can you find out from an income disclosure? If a travel MLM provides an income disclosure, you can typically find out:

• The average earnings for active reps at different tiers (*cough* steps on the pyramid).
• The period in which income was earned.
• The percentage who earned some and/or no income during that period.
• Average estimated hours worked

These income disclosures are in stark opposition to the implications of all the residual income and free trips these travel MLMs focus on for their marketing.

But there's a lot that an income disclosure doesn't tell you. The FTC published a pdf chapter from Jon M. Taylor, PhD 2011 book, "The Case For (and Against) Multi-Level Marketing." Here, Dr. Taylor cautions those interested in MLMs to ask about attrition (dropout) rates. Here's what he says:

" Prospects should ask their recruiter to furnish the company’s attrition (dropout) rate; i.e., the percentage of recruits who sign up only to drop out within a year — and over a five or ten-year period. If they can’t or won’t furnish it, you can assume that it exceeds the minimum of 50% per year . . . Over a five-year period, at least 95% typically have left the company; and usually after ten years, nearly all but those at or near the top of their respective pyramids will have dropped out." Source (pg. 6)

Herein lies the illusion of transparency when it comes to a travel MLM's income disclosure : As bad as the disclosures look already, it gets even worse. The info included does not (and is not required to) offer to a complete picture of earning potential of MLMs, which can further mask losses. 

Many income disclosures will not include information such as: 

• Churn Rate & Attrition:  How quickly reps turnover and leave the MLM. The data may only include the number of reps who are still signed on with them at the end of the disclosure period, and does not account for the number of reps who left within that time frame. 
• Total Number of Distributors at Different Levels of the Organization:  This masks the total number of reps and distributors in general, then further obscures the data by not revealing how many reps sell at what level. How does this affect things? It skews the average income of the typical rep since the income spread between the bottom and top of a pyramid scheme can be significant (hundreds of thousands or even a million).
• How Much Income is from Travel Commissions:  The data also does not disclose what percentage of the income earned is from actual travel commissions (vs. residual income from referrals).
• Definition of "Active" Distributor:  Is active defined as someone that has sales during that period? Or any distributor paying fees? We have no idea. 

And this is really just the tip of the iceberg. There's a ton of other juicy information that many MLMs (not just travel MLMs) conceal in these types of statements. 3

How Did Travel MLMs Start Getting a Bad Rap?

The shady reputation of MLMs certainly is not limited to the travel industry, but when it comes to travel MLMs in particular, it was the rise and fall of YTB (Your Travel Business) that really left a bad taste in the mouth of the travel industry.

Long story short: YTB was modeled after a typical pyramid scheme structure that preyed on hopes of those who were economically vulnerable with promises of get-rich-quick schemes that required little time and relatively low financial investment.

At the time they shut their doors, 85% of YTB’s revenue was from selling memberships and materials for marketing courses to new recruits rather than travel sales. This from a company that had claimed you were a travel agent!

And there’s more … guess how much the average YTB rep earned each year? The average annual commission paid to a YTB rep was $44.29. Sounds bad, right? Well it gets worse, because 81% of all YTB reps earned no money at all, and 4% of YTB reps (those at the top of the upline) received 96% of all commissions paid to the company.

And the travel MLMs' habit of primarily booking personal travel (rather than travel for consumers) is something vendors noticed. Vendors felt that non-professionals were exploiting travel agent benefits (such as FAM trips) for personal gain. So much so, that many travel vendors severed ties with YTB.

TW image sources here , here and here .

YTB was subject to lawsuits from CA, IL, as well as a class-action lawsuit and eventually went bankrupt. But the vestiges of YTB exist today in modern-day travel MLMs. The founder of YTB (J. Lloyd “Coach” Tomer) is now the Chief Visionary Officer for Surge365.

David E. Manning was president of now-defunct Travelworks International, Inc. and is currently the president of Paycation (which now shows up as TraVerus, over which he also presides) and he is also the chairman of XStream travel. All of these are travel MLMs.  4

MLMs will often run strong for a few years, but implode once they get too big to sustain themselves. The MLM will then close its doors and the founders will start a new one, or rebrand and operate under another name. 

Travel MLMs Today

Travel MLMs were something of an uncharted territory for me. So when I started by digging in to the Google-verse, I was surprised to find how little concrete information was provided about joining a travel MLM organization on their site.

Travel MLMs and MLM hybrids offered little to no concrete information about commissions, backend support, Seller of Travel  (which you need if you’re selling travel in certain states), E&O insurance —not even basic information about joining without signing onto their email listserv or participating in a sizzle call. Heck, many of these sites don't even include profiles of people who run the business. So if the only way to get support for your agency is to send an email to an address with no name or employee attached to it, I'd be wary. By and large, they offered a lot of promises without any information to back it up. 

My search for the travel MLM Paycation redirected me to the site TraVerus which included zero information listed above. Instead it has a video that promotes deeply discounted travel in pursuit of a lifestyle that allows for all the time and money you need to travel all you want. And, let’s be honest, who doesn’t want that!? It also promises, “the richest compensation plan in the direct selling industry” without offering any data to back it up. Suspicious, if you ask me.

Travel MLMs have gotten smarter. No longer will they make promises of how much income you can earn in a month (because, according to the FTC, they need to be able to provide support of any income claims 5 ). Rather, they make appeals to lifestyle and promises of free or discounted travel. 

This "Your Travelution" promotional video clip outlines some of the misleading and manipulating marketing strategies travel MLMs will use to try and recruit members:

Halfway through the TraVerus video below, it attempts to sell you on a nutritional supplement (another MLM product), which reps, in turn, would sell to others—verging from its original appeal and trying to woo you with promises of feeling and looking great while you lounge on the beach. 

When I visited the Surge365 site, a travel MLM launched in 2015, you have to attend a “sizzle call” to get any concrete info on joining. When I checked out their Founder’s Circle, only 1 of the 22 founders mentioned any travel agency experience in their bio. The rest had either come from an undisclosed travel company (cough, cough, probably another MLM) or had a non-travel related background. Odd for a company that purports to sell travel.

Some travel MLMs such as WorldVentures (which filed for bankruptcy in Dec. 2020) do not allow their reps to book directly with vendors . Rather, vendors require that travel bookings are made through a designated MLM HQ, where the MLM permanent staff (not any of its members) make the actual booking for agents. This may sound nice but the downside is that you're not in control of your reservation. This is problematic if you sign on believing you’ll be able use vendors’ travel agent portals, call in direct to the travel agent support lines, and build a relationship with the sales reps.

Ultimately, I was just really confused. I was left with more questions than answers. Which I interpreted as “proceed with extreme caution.”

And The Oscar Goes to . . . A Travel MLM Mashup!

Steph put together a great travel MLM mashup video to illustrate exactly how MLMs and their reps operate by preying on vulnerabilities, making big promises with zero info to back them up, and how they eventually become saturated and collapse (yes, it's essentially a more entertaining version of what I just wrote 🙂)

If you're still not convinced, and you want to give MLMs a shot, the FTC has a resource page with some great questions to ask your sponsor before signing on with an MLM. 

How Is a Travel MLM Different from a Host Agency?

We’re pretty host-happy on the site. If you want a refresher on what a host agency is, this article is a good start . From there, I promise you that Pandora’s box of host agency info will be opened. With that in mind, we know that the host agency model is not for everyone. But we do think a it’s a pretty dang good option for new agents to consider.

But how is a travel MLM different from a host? At its most basic, the major difference is what comprises their revenue stream. Host agencies don't earn money unless you sell travel (not so with a travel MLM, that makes more money from membership sales.) This means that hosts are motivated to support you to sell as much travel as possible.

In fact, if you want to become a travel agent with a focus on creating a client base, receiving a constant travel education, building relationships with suppliers, and providing great customer service over recruiting other sellers, I’d steer you (far) away from an MLM and direct you to a host agency.

Is the Travel Organization I'm Considering an MLM?

That's a good question, and we want you to know the answer. So we created a nifty quiz you can take if you're unsure whether or not your travel company has the trappings of a travel MLM:

A Travel Agent Chats On Why He Switched from an MLM to a Host Agency

I spoke with Chris Dowd, independent travel agent and owner of T.O.T.O Vacation , about his experience with

WorldVentures travel MLM and why he decided to go with a host agency in the end.

Chris was with WorldVentures for about a year, and mentioned he joined that MLM, “more for their personal travel program, rather than trying to sell travel.”

Ultimately, Chris was disappointed in the expense and difficulty of booking travel with WorldVentures and decided to switch to a host agency in order to focus on selling travel.

Chris offered some really insightful and balanced reasons why he made the change, and chatted on the pros and cons of the MLM model. Here’s what he had to say (verbatim) about his experience:

The WorldVenture Allure

“They promised travel discounts: they would build packages for places that were off-peak . . . The problem I had with them, they would put out their best stuff on a Tuesday for 30 or 40 days in advance. To try and go to someplace like Costa Rica in 45 days is nearly impossible. So unless you were retired and could drop everything and get out and do it, it was very difficult to take advantage of the discounts.” "

[Editor's Note: Travel MLMs do not have access to exclusive deals and members do not get to travel for free.]

WorldVentures Focus on Membership Sales

“They did push selling memberships to others. It was more of a travel club. WorldVentures provided a lot of backend support for selling more of MLM stuff. So it was definitely focused on the MLM aspect. When you built your downline you got a piece of everything they brought in. You really got much more money just from the money people spent with the travel club. To be perfectly honest, I’m still friends with a couple of guys that have done very well with WorldVentures. They’re not making money selling travel, they’re making money on selling subscriptions. ”

Difficulties with Booking Through WorldVentures

“We booked an Alaskan Cruise through them and were really disappointed. It was very hard to make payments and hard to book it. You have to book through WorldVentures who would then contact the supplier . . . Because it was a cruise, you couldn’t book it through the [WorldVentures] website. There was a small commission of $50 and $60 between the both of us. I really had no control over anything. Now [with a host agency], I can go straight to the supplier and work all those details out. I have a lot more control over the end product and customer service product.”

How Going with a Host Helped Chris Focus on Selling Travel

“I love the training that I get with [my host agency]. They provide hours and hours of video training and online seminars. I have a personal mentor that I can call and ask questions to. They can push me in the right direction. I’ve contacted them on a couple of large speculative opportunities on how to book and how to market it. There’s there a kind of experience there that I can draw upon.

They really want me to succeed, not by getting more agents in but by selling travel. You know what. I really feel they feel their success is contingent on my success. It’s empowering to know that these people really want me to succeed. I’m paying about 20% of what I was paying through WorldVentures.”

What is Your Take on the Travel MLM Model?

Per usual, we’re curious about your thoughts on MLMs! What has been your experience? What surprised you and what more would you like to know? If you sell travel through an MLM, what has been your experience? Give us a holler in the comments below!!

PLUS . . . A very special thanks to John Frenaye for offering his expertise on travel MLMs and to Chris Dowd who was willing to share his story with HAR.

[Editor's Note, this post was originally published in 2017. We updated it and republished it on Jan. 19th, 2021. On May 9th, 2022, we updated the FTC source to its new link.]

• Source: https://www.plannetmarketing.com/en-us/Income-Disclosure ↩
• Source: FTC : ↩

About the Author

Mary Stein has been working as a writer and editor for Host Agency Reviews since 2016. She loves supporting travel advisors on their entrepreneurial journey and is inspired by their passion, tenacity, and creativity. Mary is also a mom, dog lover, fiction writer, hiker, and a Great British Bake Off superfan.

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Starting a Travel Company: Franchise vs. Host Agency Comparison

Initiating a travel agency enterprise can be a thrilling endeavor, but it can also be overwhelming when deciding which path to take. Two popular options are to become a franchise or a host agency. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to weigh them carefully before making a decision.

What Is a Franchise?

A franchise is a business model where the franchisee (you) pays a franchise fee and ongoing royalties to the franchisor (the company) in exchange for the right to use their name, brand, and business model. The franchisor provides training, support, and a proven system, while the franchisee is responsible for running the business.

Benefits of Owning a Franchise

Owning a franchise has significant benefits, such as acquiring a tested and successful business structure. This includes having an established brand, access to promotional resources, and the ability to connect with other franchise owners for guidance and assistance.

Another advantage is that the franchisor will provide training and ongoing support, which can be especially helpful if you are new to the travel industry. You can also benefit from their purchasing power, which may result in lower costs for supplies and equipment.

Downsides of Owning a Franchise

The main disadvantage of owning a franchise is having less flexibility and control over your business. You will be required to adhere to the franchisor's policies and procedures and may have to buy supplies and equipment from approved vendors.

You will also be required to pay ongoing royalties and fees, which can eat into your profits. Additionally, the franchisor may restrict where you can operate and may require you to meet specific performance standards.

What Is a Host Agency?

A host agency is a type of travel agency that provides support and resources to independent travel agents. As a host agency, you can operate your own business under your own name while benefiting from the support and resources of the host agency.

Advantages of Joining a Host Agency

Joining a host agency offers a significant benefit, as it allows you to run your business using your unique brand name. You will have more control and flexibility over your business and can set your own policies and procedures.

Secondly, you can benefit from the resources and support the host agency provides. This can include access to booking platforms, marketing materials, and training and support from experienced travel agents.

Becoming a member of a host agency may be a more economical choice compared to establishing your travel agency from the ground up. You will not have to invest in expensive equipment or marketing materials, and you will not have to pay for ongoing royalties and fees.

Disadvantages of Joining a Host Agency

A primary drawback of partnering with a host agency is the reduced ability to manage your enterprise. You will be required to adhere to the policies and procedures set by the host agency, and you may have to use their booking platform and other resources.

Aside from that, you may be required to pay a fee to join the host agency, as well as ongoing fees for their services. These charges can reduce your earnings and potentially hinder the expansion of your business.

Making a Decision

When deciding whether to become a franchisee or join a host agency, it's important to consider your goals, budget, and experience in the travel industry. If you are new to the industry and want the support and training a franchisor provides, a franchise may be the best option for you.

Conversely, if you are more experienced, want more control over your business, or are looking for a more cost-effective option, joining a host agency may be the best choice. Whichever path you pick, carefully research your options and select a reliable company that has a demonstrated history of accomplishments.

Starting a travel agency company can be a rewarding and lucrative venture. Whether you become a franchisee or join a host agency, it's essential to carefully consider your options and choose the right path for you. With the proper support and resources, you can build a successful travel agency business and help your clients create unforgettable travel experiences.

Join Gateway Travel today and take your travel business to the next level. As an agent-led and agent-minded company, we provide a supportive atmosphere for you to grow your business.

With industry-leading technology, marketing tools, and education, we give you the tools you need for optimum growth. Contact us and become a host travel agency today!

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Tips For Independent Travel Agents On Tax Filing

T here are several tax filing considerations that you as an independent travel agency need to keep in mind. You are considered self-employed, which means you must handle your own taxes, which is one of the most crucial things to keep in mind since, in contrast to conventional workers, you are.

In order to maximize their tax savings and file their taxes, independent contractors like travel agents may run into problems. When selling hotel reservations, vacation packages, and other travel-related goods, many travel agents operate on a project-basis and make money. Because of the possibility of seasonal employment, revenue fluctuations may sometimes occur. The 1099 tax rate and form (and/or a  w2 template  if you find yourself working as an employee with any business), quarterly tax calculator, and self-employment tax calculator are thus essential tools that may assist you in making wise tax choices.

For independent travel agencies paying taxes, consider these suggestions:

1. Learn the tax regulations

In order to file taxes as an independent travel agency, you must first get familiar with the tax regulations that relate to your industry. Read the IRS publication on small enterprises and self-employed persons to learn how to record your income, deductions, and credits.

For independent travel brokers, it’s important to remember the following tax regulations:

-Unless you request an extension, you must submit your yearly tax return by April 15th and pay any taxes that are required.

– You are required to record all revenue you get from your travel agency, including 1099-style payments.

– Self-employment taxes, also known as Social Security and Medicare taxes, are due by self-employed people and now represent 15.3% of their net income. These taxes cover both the employer and employee components of Social Security and Medicare.

2. Recurring business costs should be monitored

Being a self-employed travel agent has several advantages, including the ability to deduct numerous company expenditures from taxable income, which may reduce your tax burden. You may write off certain costs, such as:

– Costs associated with running an office, such as rent, utilities, and supplies.

– Costs associated with traveling, such as lodging and rental vehicles.

– Marketing expenditures, including web hosting and advertising.

– The cost of your phone, camera, and computer equipment.

Maintaining precise records of all your company expenditures is crucial to ensure you don’t overlook any deductible costs. This is especially important because these agencies are exempt from some taxes, and you can  learn more about the tour operators margin scheme  if you live in Britain, for example. You may maintain a record of your expenditures in a spreadsheet or notepad, or you can use accounting software to manage your costs automatically.

3. Calculate the tax rate on your 1099 form

You get 1099 forms from your customers when you work as a self-employed travel agent, which implies that taxes are not deducted from your salary. Taxes on your income must be paid by you instead. Using a 1099 tax rate calculator is a fantastic idea to make sure you are allocating the right amount of money for taxes.

Based on your income and deductible costs, the calculator will help you establish your tax obligation. In order to assist you avoid underpayment penalties, it will also figure out the projected tax owed for each quarter.

4. Calculate the self-employment taxes

The self-employment taxes, which include Social Security and Medicare taxes, must be paid by self-employed people, as was previously noted. Use a self-employment tax calculator to get a rough idea of your taxes for being self-employed.

With the help of the tool, you can determine how much money you’ll need to put aside for self-employment taxes and an estimate of your tax liabilities depending on your net income. Remember that the self-employment tax rate is presently 15.3%, which includes 12.4% for Social Security and 2.9% for Medicare.

5. Maintain your tax payments on time each quarter

Quarterly anticipated tax payments are necessary if you anticipate owing more than $1,000 in taxes for the whole year. Penalties and interest fees may be assessed if these payments are not made.

Using a quarterly tax calculator to calculate your estimated tax bill for each quarter is crucial to ensuring that you pay your taxes on time and avoiding underpayment penalties. When the time comes to submit your taxes, this will help you prevent any surprises.

For independent travel brokers, handling taxes may be a huge hassle. But you can reduce the stress and increase your tax savings by being informed with tax laws, keeping track of your company spending, utilizing a 1099 tax rate calculator, calculating self-employment taxes, finding tax deductions and staying on top of quarterly tax payments. You can make sure you are remaining in compliance and choosing wisely when it comes to taxes for your travel company by heeding the advice in this guide.

The post Tips For Independent Travel Agents On Tax Filing appeared first on Mom and More .

to submit an obituary

For information on submitting an obituary, please contact Reading Eagle by phone at 610-371-5018, or email at [email protected] or fax at 610-371-5193.

Most obituaries published in the Reading Eagle are submitted through funeral homes and cremation services, but we will accept submissions from families. Obituaries can be emailed to [email protected] .

In addition to the text of the obituary, any photographs that you wish to include can be attached to this email. Please put the text of the obituary in a Word document, a Google document or in the body of the email. The Reading Eagle also requires a way to verify the death, so please include either the phone number of the funeral home or cremation service that is in charge of the deceased's care or a photo of his/her death certificate. We also request that your full name, phone number and address are all included in this email.

All payments by families must be made with a credit card. We will send a proof of the completed obituary before we require payment. The obituary cannot run, however, until we receive payment in full.

Obituaries can be submitted for any future date, but they must be received no later than 3:00 p.m. the day prior to its running for it to be published.

Please call the obituary desk, at 610-371-5018, for information on pricing.

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Corporate Travel Companies Are Bulking Up: ‘Getting Bigger Is Critical’

Justin Bachman, Skift

April 10th, 2024 at 10:06 AM EDT

Pressure from travel suppliers who want better merchandising tools and lower costs are compelling travel management companies to consolidate.

The big players in the world of managing corporate travel are gearing up to get bigger: Amex GBT’s $570 million bid for CWT and the sale of Direct Travel to an investor consortium are two of the latest examples of the race to bulk up through mergers. 

The trend is driven largely by two factors: Travel suppliers – primarily airlines – seeking greater efficiencies in their distribution channels and the enormous capital required to invest in the technology to sell to and service travelers around the world.

“I think fundamentally customer needs are driving consolidation in the industry,” Amex GBT CEO Paul Abbott told Skift. “I think supplier needs are also changing. Suppliers want their distribution channels to deliver a modern retailing experience,” he said.

For example, airlines are moving a growing share of their fares from the traditional global distribution system model to a direct NDC (New Distribution Capability) platform. And agencies are under pressure to adopt it. 

CWT merging into Amex GBT is “a perfect example of how it’s really only the big players that have the capital to do it,” Mike McCormick, a travel consultant and former head of the Global Business Travel Association, said on April 1 on the Travel Again podcast.

The largest corporate firms, such as Amex GBT, BCD Travel and Navan, have been forced “to really make big investments in technology and continued investments” given the aggressive push by American and others, McCormick noted. 

Navan, for example, last month touted its deeper integration with United Airlines to support that carrier’s pricing strategy for fares, along with other self-serve tools and more personalization for travelers.

“Getting bigger is critical in terms of  a lot of the airline changes and negotiation, and always pressure on earnings and commissions and business in general,” McCormick said.

Investing For the Next-Generation of Travel

Investor Steve Singh, the founder and former CEO of Concur, is managing director of Madrona, the Seattle-based venture capital firm that is among the four investment firms that acquired Direct Travel Inc. on April 2. 

Singh told Skift the investor group is keen to create a “next-generation” travel management company that would offer a seamless connected trip in which all of a traveler’s airline, hotel, meeting, ground transport, and appointment bookings would be integrated, allowing for far simpler itinerary changes. For now, it’s an aspirational goal, one the industry has long wanted but that has proven tough to attain. 

Travel management companies sell multiple technology platforms to serve customers and “the result is that it is very expensive to build and run a TMC,” Singh wrote in a blog post explaining the investor group’s view of how the managed-travel industry should evolve. 

“The fact that these legacy solutions are built on GDS platforms that are not open and not extensible makes the goal of delivering an incredible client experience at a better value proposition even more challenging.”

“As someone who has logged tens of millions of flight miles, I would love a system that allows me to reserve a hotel from the time I arrive in a town to the time I need to leave, not from 3 p.m. to noon,” Singh wrote in his post.

What’s Next for Travelers

Amex GBT customers may see a greater focus on particular industry verticals, such as energy, U.S. government, mining and marine industries for CWT. Those areas tend to present greater complexity and transaction value, along with higher customer retention rates, Amex GBT told investors March 25 explaining the CWT deal.

Abbott said successful travel-management companies will increasingly need both software and services — not just one — that are married effectively.

“You have to have the best technology and the best people, you have to integrate it better than anyone else, and you have to deliver that consistently on a global basis,” he said. “And that’s hard and it requires significant investment and significant expertise.”

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Travel Insurance vs. Travel Medical Insurance

You're planning a big trip you've been dreaming of for months or years. Whether that's a week on the beach or hiking to Everest Base Camp, having the right insurance can help protect you from unexpected expenses in case the worst happens. While travel insurance vs travel medical insurance sounds similar they offer different protections. 

Understanding how travel insurance and travel medical insurance work can help ensure you've got the protection you need. Read on to understand travel insurance vs. travel medical so you don't get them confused before your next big trip.

What is Travel Insurance?

• What Does Travel Insurance Cover? 
• What Isn't Covered? 

How Much Does It Cost?

Pros and cons, what is travel medical insurance.

• What Does Travel Medical Insurance Cover? 
• Compare the Top Travel Insurance and Medical Insurance from Benzinga's Best Providers

Do You Need Travel Insurance?

• Frequently Asked Questions 

Travel insurance is used to cover unforeseen losses or expenses incurred while traveling. Travel insurance can cover domestic or international travel or may be limited to a specific trip or destination. Travel insurance covers cancellations due to injury or sickness, lost luggage or belongings and last-minute cancellations. Sometimes called comprehensive travel insurance, this type of plan rolls many unexpected problems into one comprehensive plan.  

Travel insurance may cover medical expenses while traveling abroad that your normal health insurance doesn't cover, as well as emergency evacuation. However, since many people and even insurance providers use the two terms travel insurance and travel health insurance interchangeably, you should check if your travel insurance includes medical expenses and any limitations.  

Travel insurance can be especially useful if your luggage is lost or stolen. If the airline loses your bags, getting them to pay for the lost luggage can be difficult. While in the United States, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) requires airlines to compensate fliers up to $3,300 for lost baggage; for International trips, the maximum is often $1,750. To get those amounts, you must provide receipts proving the value of the bags and contents. 

Travel insurance can help cover the cost of the bags and contents. In addition, travel insurance may cover valuables like a high-quality camera, computer or other equipment you bring on your trip. 

While nobody wants to cancel a tip at the last minute, travel insurance can help you recoup your costs if you can't go. For example, most resorts or cruise lines won’t give you a full refund in the event of a cancellation, and some won't offer any refund at all. 

Most resorts will charge a cancellation fee, and many cruise lines might only give you a small refund or partial credit for another cruise. Unforeseen circumstances happen, and they rarely happen months beforehand. If you're forced to forfeit the vacation, you should be able to get the money back with the help of travel insurance. 

Even if you have a credit card that provides limited travel insurance coverage for cancellations or interruptions, travel insurance can offer an additional backup, including travel medical insurance. You can start researching options with the best cheap travel insurance or the best credit cards with travel insurance included. 

What Does Travel Insurance Cover? 

While coverage may vary by insurance company, travel insurance usually covers:

• Lost, stolen, damaged, or delayed baggage
• Emergency medical expenses, such as the cost of treatment away from home
• Emergency medical evacuation or repatriation  
• Costs of canceling or delaying your trip
• Lost or stolen passports, travel documents or money
• Travel or accommodation cancellations
• Delayed flights
• Missed departures 
• Cutting your trip short for reasons outside your control
• Disruptions to travel or accommodation, such as delays and cancellations
• Legal costs, in case you’re sued for damaging property or causing injury
• Personal liability if you cause an accident or injure someone 
• Equipment like cameras and computers or high-risk activities for additional cost 

What Isn’t Covered? 

While policies vary, most travel insurance policies won't cover:

• Pre-existing medical conditions
• High-risk sports and adventure activities without an additional rider
• Travel to certain high-risk destinations 
• Changing your mind about traveling
• Incidents arising from alcohol or drug use

The costs of travel insurance vary by the coverage amount, deductibles and additional riders. Most policies cost between 4% and 10% of the trip’s prepaid, non-refundable expenses. 

For example, if you've prepaid hotel accommodations and flights that total $1,800, you can expect to pay $72 to $180 for travel insurance. However, adding a high-risk activity rider, traveling to certain destinations or the age and health of the travelers may also affect the final costs. 

Suppose Kate and Sam are a healthy couple planning a European vacation in the summer of 2025. They book tickets and hotels for a total of $4,400. The hotels will refund up to 50% of the $2,200 cost as long as they cancel at least a month in advance. But the airline tickets are non-refundable. Kate and Sam decide they don't want to risk that major dream vacation expense. They purchase travel insurance for $220 with a 100% refund policy if forced to cancel their trip. 

There are various pros and cons to travel insurance. The pros can include:

• Peace of mind around trip planning
• Financial protection in case of delays, cancellations or other unforeseen events beyond your control 
• The cost of a hotel in case of an overnight delayed flight
• Lost baggage protection policies better than most airline policies 

Before buying travel insurance, consider the possible cons:

• 4% to 10% of your total non-refundable trip cost can add up. If you have a few trips a year, you could spend $500 to $1,000-plus in travel insurance.
• Travel insurance doesn't cover every scenario, leaving you unprotected in certain cases, even with travel insurance. 
• Most travel insurance doesn't cover voluntary cancellation if you change your mind. 

Travel medical insurance covers the cost of medical care while you travel. In most cases, you'll only need travel medical insurance if you travel internationally. However, if your primary medical insurance is limited to your state or certain local providers, getting travel medical insurance could be necessary for domestic travel. 

Travel medical insurance is designed to reimburse you for medical bills arising from illness or injury while traveling. It usually has a start and end date around a specific trip. Coverage depends on your policy and provider and may include a deductible or other limitations. Travel medical insurance also typically covers the cost of repatriation or medical airlift but may not cover certain high-risk activities without a specialized rider. 

Travel medical insurance covers the cost of medical care during travel, from an ear infection to an X-ray for a possible broken ankle to more serious treatments or surgeries. If your appendix ruptures on vacation, you don't want to have to worry about how you'll pay the hospital bill — travel medical insurance should cover it. 

What Does Travel Medical Insurance Cover? 

The possible coverage for standard travel medical insurance includes:

• Emergency medical care
• Medications due to new conditions while traveling such as antibiotics
• Medical transportation or airlift
• Necessary treatments and standard diagnosis processes, including x-rays, MRIs or other medically necessary tests 
• Repatriation to your home country in case of an accident or death

Standard travel medical insurance doesn't cover pre-existing conditions or regular prescription medicines. Travel medical insurance also may not cover:

• Injury or illness due to high-risk sports and adventure activities, including skiing or hiking above certain altitudes without an additional rider
• Travel to certain high-risk destinations
• Regular prescriptions or medical care for pre-existing medical conditions, although this varies by provider

The costs of travel medical insurance are affected by your age, health, destination and length of the trip, as well as coverage limit and deductibles. It could cost as little as $0.50 a day or anywhere from $4 to $100 for a week-long trip. 

For travel medical insurance, age and overall health play a major role in costs. A healthy 30-year-old could get travel health insurance for under $20, while a person who is 70-plus might have to pay $100 to $150 for the same coverage. 

Many plans let you choose coverage amounts from $100,000 to $1 million or more. You can also choose a deductible from $100 to $1,000 or more. Choosing lower total coverage or a higher deductible can help reduce total costs. However, if you need to add high-risk sport riders or high-risk destination coverage, your total costs could increase significantly. 

For travel medical insurance, the pros significantly outweigh the cons. Pros include:

• Peace of mind knowing you can get the medical care you need at your destination.
• It can cover medical care for minor illnesses or injuries to major medical treatments.
• Offers a plan or coverage amount relative to your destination and individual needs.
• Get transportation, airlift or other expensive medical treatments covered with travel health insurance. 

Here are the cons of travel health insurance:

• The extra costs can add to the total trip costs.
• If you're young and healthy, the probability of needing travel health insurance is low, but costs still add up.
• Your primary medical insurance may already offer travel health insurance, making it redundant.
• Medical care is often so inexpensive in certain destinations (such as Southeast Asia or Latin America) that you might not need insurance to cover costs for healthcare. 

While these cons basically say, "it costs something, and you might not need it," that is the definition of insurance. You hope you never need it, but when you do, that extra layer of protection means you can focus on healing. For that reason, there aren't cons to medical travel insurance. The relatively small cost to ensure your health is protected is worth it. 

Compare the Top Travel Insurance and Medical Insurance from Benzinga’s Best Providers

Find the top travel insurance or medical travel insurance here, from trusted providers. Be sure to compare coverage limits, deductibles and other factors before choosing the best policy for you. 

This provides a broad overview of your policy provisions and does not revise or amend the policy. Insurance coverages are underwritten by Arch Insurance Company, NAIC #11150, under policy series LTP 2013 and amendments thereto. Plans are offered and disseminated by registered travel retailers on behalf of Arch Insurance Solutions Inc., a licensed travel insurance producer* (CA License #0I18111, TX License #1787195). Both the travel insurance producer and the underwriter referenced above may be reached at 1-844-872-4163. Your policy is the contract that specifically and fully describes your coverage. Certain terms, conditions, restrictions and exclusions apply and coverages may vary in certain states. Please refer to your policy for detailed terms and conditions. Consumer Disclosures can be found at: https://www.roamright.com/disclosures/. Privacy policy can be found at: https://www.roamright.com/roamright-website-privacy-policy/ *Plans are solicited by licensed producers in NY and HI. 

If you're taking a weekend road trip two hours away, you might not need travel insurance. But if the trip is costly, with one or more non-refundable bookings, travel insurance can give you peace of mind. And any time you travel beyond the coverage area of your primary health insurance, medical insurance can give you not only peace of mind but ensure you get healthcare when you need it. 

Fortunately, there are many options to choose from. You can check out some of the best travel insurance companies to get the best travel health insuranc e or specialized policies. Find the best travel insurance for seniors . If you're traveling abroad, you can also find the best international travel insurance . 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Do i need both travel insurance and travel medical insurance for my trip.

Whether you need travel insurance and travel medical insurance will depend on the type of policy. Some policies offer comprehensive coverage that includes both travel insurance and travel health insurance, while others are limited, so you may need separate policies.

Can I purchase travel medical insurance separately from travel insurance?

Yes, you can usually purchase travel medical insurance separately from travel insurance.

Are pre-existing conditions covered by travel medical insurance?

Normally, travel medical insurance doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions. However, you could sometimes obtain a pre-existing condition exclusion add-on to coverage.

About Alison Plaut

Alison Kimberly is a freelance content writer with a Sustainable MBA, uniquely qualified to help individuals and businesses achieve the triple bottom line of environmental, social, and financial profitability. She has been writing for various non-profit organizations for 15+ years. When not writing, you will find her promoting education and meditation in the developing world, or hiking and enjoying nature.

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Live updates, american airlines changes passenger rules for earning miles — and travel agencies are pissed.

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American Airlines has multiple travel advisors up in arms after it announced plans to restrict AAdvantage Miles earnings for certain booking agencies.

The airline behemoth  announced  in February that flyers hoping to earn AAdvantage miles for their flights will have to do so directly through American, their airline partners, or preferred travel agencies recognized by the company.

The change will take effect on May 1, but American has yet to reveal which agencies will be included in its “preferred agencies.”

The change comes as part of the airline’s effort to minimize costs for agencies using older technology booking systems.

The airline has tried to convince agencies using the older booking systems to upgrade to newer platforms like the one American uses on its website.

While American  announced  a list would be shared in “late April,” agencies unsure if they’ll make the cut are expressing their distaste for the major change.

The American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA), Association of Canadian Travel Agencies and Advisors (ACTA), Foro Latinoamericano de Turismo (FOLATUR), and World Travel Agents Associations Alliance (WTAA) emphasized that any plans to restrict their clients’ earning miles could be detrimental to their agencies.

“It’s clear from the consensus among WTAAA, ACTA and FOLATUR, representing travel professionals around the world, the detriment that American’s decision will have on the travel industry globally,” President and CEO of ASTA, Zane Kerby, told  Travel and Tour World .

Kerby called out American for “operating in bad faith” and was “looking to pad its bottom line at the expense of our valued clients and the millions of consumers who rely on their trusted travel advisor.”

Henry Harteveldt, president of the travel industry market research firm Atmosphere Research Group, told  Fodor’s Travel  the move is a “very inward-looking” perspective on American Airlines.

“It’s not a very consumer-friendly approach, and American is being a bit of a bully here,” Harteveldt explained — adding the move will put loyalty airline members in the crossfire of the company’s dispute with agencies.

Harteveldt believes the move is also being monitored by the company’s competitors, who may adopt the change if it’s a success or whose sales teams may swoop in to poach any American flyers unpleased with the new method.

“As risky as American’s actions are, a lot of airlines are watching to see if it works out well for them, because if it does, I would not be surprised to see United and Delta copy it in certain ways,” he told the outlet.

While the airline is deadset on the change, Brett Snyder — author of the popular travel industry blog Crankyflier and CEO of the travel assistance service Cranky Concierge — said the move could cause “confusion” for the company’s flyers who already are trying to navigate their “frequent changes.”

“The biggest impact will likely be on business travelers who may not have a choice of where to book depending upon company policy,” Snyder told the outlet.

“The fact that American still hasn’t told everyone who is or is not preferred adds more to the confusion.”

As the airline industry waits to hear who American will list as their “preferred agencies,” occasional travelers may also feel the weight of the change, Snyder explained.

He worries that some agencies may not disclose that to their customers during the booking process.

Also, the move could affect cruise lines that book airfares as part of their packages, who may opt against using certain agencies not listed as one of American’s preferred agencies.

The changes will only affect travelers who collect AAdvantage Miles for their flights on American.

Flyers using corporate accounts with American will continue to earn miles for their flights no matter which booking channel they use unless they book a Basic Economy fare.

Travelers collecting miles from other Oneworld partners—the global airline alliance American is a member of with 13 other Airlines, such as British Airways, Qatar Airways, and Malaysia Airlines—will continue to earn miles for American Airlines flights regardless of booking channel.

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USAID worker killed in Israel, agency says

From CNN's Jennifer Hansler

A staff member with United States Agency for International Development (USAID) died Friday in the Israeli port city of Jaffa, the agency announced.

The male staffer was with USAID’s West Bank and Gaza mission, the agency said in a brief statement.

USAID did not provide details on the circumstances around his death or his identity or citizenship.

“He was a dedicated member of our team for more than two decades, and our thoughts are with his family, friends, and colleagues,” USAID said.

USAID is working with the US Embassy to work out details about the fatal incident and its follow-up investigation, it said.

US expects Iran to carry out direct strikes against targets inside Israel, sources say

From CNN's MJ Lee and Natasha Bertrand

The United States currently expects Iran will carry out strikes against multiple targets inside Israel and that Iranian proxies could also be involved in carrying out the attacks, according to a senior administration official and a source familiar with the intelligence.  

The targets would likely be both inside Israel and around the region.

The beginning of a state-on-state conflict between Iran and Israel would mark a serious escalation in the region that the US has hoped to avoid.

US sees Iran moving military assets including drones and cruise missiles, sources say

From Natasha Bertrand and Oren Liebermann

The US observed Iran moving military assets around internally, including drones and cruise missiles, signaling that it is possibly preparing to attack Israeli targets from inside its own territory, according to two people familiar with US intelligence. 

It is not clear whether Iran is preparing to strike from its soil as part of an initial attack, or if it is posturing to try to deter Israel or the US from conducting a possible counter strike on its territory. 

One of the people said the US had observed Iran readying as many as 100 cruise missiles.

Some context: The Iranians want their retaliatory strike on Israel — a response to the Israeli strike on an Iranian consulate last week in Damascus — to be "significant," one of the people familiar with the intelligence said. But they also want to avoid getting embroiled in a direct war with Israel and the US, CNN has reported, which is why US intelligence has assessed that Iran may use its proxy forces to launch the first attack.

Israeli settlers storm village in West Bank and kill at least 1 Palestinian. Here's what you should know

From CNN staff

Hundreds of armed Israeli settlers stormed a village in the occupied West Bank on Friday, setting fire to several homes and cars — and leaving at least one Palestinian dead — in one of the largest attacks by settlers this year, according to Palestinian officials. 

The settlers attacked Al-Mughayyir village, east of Ramallah, raided homes and fired gunshots at residents, according to Amin Abu-Alia, the head of the village council. Videos obtained by CNN show parts of the village burning, with smoke billowing over several buildings and settlers lobbing rocks. Houses and cars are seen completely burnt up, with sounds of gunfire and clashes heard in the background.

Here are other headlines you should know:

• More Israeli attacks: An Israeli airstrike early Friday killed at least 29 people and injured dozens more after troops targeted a house belonging to the well-known Al-Tabatibi family in eastern Gaza City, according to a local health official. Israeli forces also surrounded and attacked the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza, wounding several journalists and at least one other person. And in the occupied West Bank, troops killed two Hamas members in a raid on the city of Tubas, according to Israeli and Palestinian officials.
• Hezbollah-Israel clashes: Around 40 rockets were fired from Lebanon on Friday evening, according to the Israeli military. Some were intercepted and the rest fell in open areas, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement. Israeli warplanes also carried out several airstrikes on Friday, targeting "military buildings" used by Hezbollah fighters in parts of southern Lebanon, the IDF said.
• Iranian threats: US President Joe Biden told reporters Friday he expects an attack from Iran will happen “sooner than later," with the White House adding that there is a "very credible" threat of Iranian retaliatory strikes against Israel. Additionally, the US Defense Department is moving additional assets to the Middle East region, a defense official told CNN, as the US and Israel brace for the potential attack . Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and US Central Command Commander Gen. Erik Kurilla on Friday discussed preparations for the  potential attack .
• Warnings amid Iranian threats: France , Germany, Canada and the United States are among countries that are warning their citizens not to travel to the region due to the threat of an Iranian attack against Israel.
• Humanitarian aid: The Israeli military does not understand how humanitarian operations work, a top United Nations official said Friday, maintaining there is a "degree of mistrust" that needs to be resolved between the IDF and nongovernmental organizations on the ground in Gaza.
• Sanctions: The European Council has  adopted sanctions  against three Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad entities , in light of "their responsibilities in the brutal and indiscriminate terrorist attacks" that occurred across Israel on October 7. The US is also sanctioning four leaders of Hamas’ cyber and drone operations based in Gaza and Lebanon, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller announced on Friday. 

US will attempt to intercept launches at Israel if feasible, US officials say

From CNN's Oren Liebermann and Natasha Bertrand

The US will attempt to intercept any weapons launched at Israel if it’s feasible to do so, two US officials told CNN, in an indication of the level of ongoing cooperation between the two militaries before an anticipated Iranian attack .

US Navy forces in the Red Sea have previously intercepted long-range missiles launched from the Houthis in Yemen toward Israel. US forces in Iraq and Syria could also potentially intercept drones and rockets targeting northern Israel, depending on the location from which they’re launched.

Gen. Erik Kurilla, the commander of US Central Command, has been in Israel meeting with the country’s security leadership. On Friday, the Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, met with Kurilla.

There have been a number of conversations where US officials have urged Israel not to escalate the situation in retaliating against Iran, according to one of the US officials. 

Remember: An Iranian attack is expected in response to Israel’s deadly strike of Tehran's consulate in Damascus, Syria, last week.

The Damascus attack was the latest incident to stoke fears of a wider regional conflict breaking out in the Middle East during Israel's campaign in Gaza.

Diplomatic efforts: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has held a slew of calls to foreign counterparts aimed at pressuring Iran not to attack Israel.

The top US diplomat spoke with Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi on Friday, according to a readout from State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller.

Blinken also spoke with the Turkish, Chinese and Saudi foreign ministers in recent days, Miller said.

Israeli settlers kill at least 1 Palestinian while storming West Bank village

From CNN’s Kareem Khadder and Zeena Saifi in Jerusalem and CNN’s Benjamin Brown in London

Hundreds of armed Israeli settlers stormed a village in the occupied West Bank on Friday, setting fire to several homes and cars in one of the largest attacks by settlers this year, according to Palestinian officials. 

At least one Palestinian man was killed when shots were fired by Israeli settlers in the village of Al-Mughayyir, east of Ramallah, according to the head of the village council Amin Abu-Alia. He said he identified the killed Palestinian as his 26-year-old relative named Jihad Abu-Alia, who was meant to get married this summer.

At least 25 others were injured in the rampage, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Ramallah, the scale of which has not been seen since hundreds of settlers stormed through the villages of  Turmusayya  and  Huwara  in two separate incidents last year. 

Between 1,000 and 1,200 settlers surrounded the village, and around 500 stormed it just after midday local time on Friday, blocking all the roads in the area, Abu-Alia told CNN.

He added that Israeli security forces informed Palestinian officials that the settlers were looking for a 14-year-old Israeli boy who had gone missing earlier in the day.

They attacked the village, raided homes and fired gunshots at residents, Abu-Alia said. Videos obtained by CNN show parts of the village burning, with smoke billowing over several buildings and settlers lobbing rocks. Houses and cars are seen completely burnt up, with sounds of gunfire and clashes heard in the background.

According to Abu-Alia, the Israeli military arrived at the scene at around 3 p.m. and didn’t stop the settlers from attacking the village. Israeli soldiers allowed them to raid homes, prevented Palestinian residents from moving around and blocked ambulances from reaching the injured, he added.  

Abu-Alia told CNN settlers stole approximately 70 sheep from the Palestinian village.

In response to a question by CNN, the IDF said “violent riots were instigated in multiple locations in the area” following the search for the boy.

Israel says airstrikes targeted Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon

Israeli warplanes carried out several airstrikes on Friday, targeting "military buildings" used by Hezbollah fighters in parts of southern Lebanon, according to the Israel Defense Forces.

The areas include the Aita al-Shaab and the Taybeh in southern Lebanon, said Avichay Adraee, I DF spokesperson for Arab media,  in a post on X.

"During the day, several shells were fired from Lebanon towards the Upper Galilee region, without causing any casualties. IDF forces attacked the sources of fire," Adraee added. 

The Israeli airstrikes were before the 40 rockets that were launched from Lebanon toward northern Israel Friday evening and claimed by Hezbollah.

Biden expects an attack from Iran will happen "sooner than later"

From CNN's Samantha Waldenberg

US President Joe Biden expects an attack from Iran will happen “sooner than later," he told reporters at the White House Friday.

“I don’t want to get into secure information but my expectation is sooner than later,” Biden said when asked how imminent an attack on Israel was.

Asked what his message to Tehran is right now, the president said “Don’t.”

In response to more shouted questions from reporters asking if American troops were at risk, Biden returned to the podium and said that the United States is "devoted” to the defense of Israel. 

“We will support Israel. We will help defend Israel and Iran will not succeed,” Biden said.

Remember: The United States says it is on high alert for a significant Iranian retaliatory attack following Israel's deadly strike on Tehran's consulate in Damascus last week, raising fears of a wider regional war. There remains a “real,” “credible” and “viable” threat of Iran launching strikes, the White House said earlier Friday, following Israel’s attack on  a diplomatic compound in Syria that killed three Iranian generals.

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