Travel Agency Startup Costs: What to Budget in 2026
Planning your travel agency startup costs? See realistic ranges for host fees, insurance, software, and marketing—and how little you need to get going.
Travel agency startup costs are lower than most people think. You can launch for $1,500–2,500 on a minimal budget, or invest $4,000–6,000 in your first year to set up properly. Here’s what that money goes toward and how to plan.
Quick overview: Where the money goes
| Category | Typical first-year range |
|---|---|
| Host agency fees | $0–3,000 |
| E&O insurance | $300–800 |
| Website & branding | $150–800 |
| CRM / itinerary software | $0–600 |
| Marketing (email, etc.) | $0–200 |
| Training (beyond free) | $0–500 |
| FAM / research travel | $500–3,000 |
| Networking / conferences | $300–2,000 |
Minimal first year: about $1,500–2,500
Comfortable first year: about $4,000–6,000
You don’t need a storefront, big ad spend, or expensive gear—a laptop and internet are enough to start. Many hosts use commission splits (e.g. 80/20) so you pay little or no monthly fee until you earn.
The essentials
- Host agency – Gives you credentials, supplier access, and often training and tools. Budget $300–3,000 per year depending on fee structure and support level. See what to look for in a host.
- E&O insurance – Usually required; often $300–800/year for new agents. Some hosts include or discount it.
- Basic presence – A simple site and optional logo. $150–500 DIY is enough at first; skip big branding until you have revenue.
What you can skip at first
- Fancy office or coworking
- Premium software before you have steady bookings
- Heavy paid ads (focus on organic and referrals)
- Every paid course (use free supplier training first)
Full breakdown
For a line-by-line breakdown of travel agency startup costs—host options, insurance, software, marketing, FAM trips, and sample budgets at minimal, moderate, and premium levels—see our detailed guide: The Real Cost of Starting a Travel Agent Business.
Bottom line
Travel agency startup costs are manageable: low compared to many businesses and often recoverable with a handful of solid bookings. Start with the essentials, add tools as you grow, and reinvest commissions into the business.
Ready to start with clear costs and strong support? Explore Travelovin for advisors—training, tools, and a community built for new and independent agents.
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