Imagine exploring the pristine wilderness of Alaska or shooting the rapids of Idaho's "River Highway" or scuba diving Australia's Great Barrier Reef--and getting paid for it! That's the kind of excitement and opportunity that awaits you in the specialty travel industry. So if you love to travel and get a thrill from seeking out the perfect spot for a romantic weekend, a relaxing beach vacation or an adventure like no other, starting a travel business might be right for you.

As the owner of a travel business, your research on exotic destinations to recommend to your clients will take you to all corners of the globe. Learn how to get started in this exciting business and generate income from clients, hotels, airlines, cruise ships, tours and other travel options. This essential guide teaches you everything you need to know, including:

Sample forms, a glossary, additional resources and work sheets combined with invaluable insights from successful industry professionals put you well on the road to travel success.

Add How to Start an e-Business to your order, and learn how to take your business online.

Chapter 1

Once upon a time, travel was only for the wealthy and the adventurous. It took a fair amount of capital, an inordinate amount of time and—unless you were going the luxury trans-Atlantic liner route on a first-class ticket—a willingness to accept discomfort as your due. Today, however, almost everybody travels, from backpack-toting students to briefcase-wielding corporate types to retirees sporting group-tour name badges. Travel is a multibillion-dollar industry that has skyrocketed since the first trans-Atlantic commercial jet took to the air back in 1957.