Explorer Travel opened our doors in 2005 as the first online travel franchise in the UK with just one goal, to provide an affordable and flexible solution for aspiring entrepreneurs wanting to start their own travel businesses and enjoy the ultimate work/life balance.
We provide everything that you need to establish a profitable business from ABTA bonding, to websites to back office systems and much more.
If you’ve ever dreamed of a career in travel or running a successful business from home, but have never taken the plunge, then now you can do both with no experience required. Your passion for travel and your dedication to making dreams come true will be the most important factor for your future success.
Although we do not require any official travel experience, we do look for people that have some customer service or sales background or are comfortable speaking to potential clients. This is a business that is rewarding on many fronts but that passion will be the biggest skill set you will have and use.
As we are online, your location is not important and this is a truly flexible business that can be operated from anywhere.
We are the only travel franchise to be owned by Hays Travel, the largest independent travel agency in the UK and today we have over 100 home-based franchisees operating their own ABTA bonded agencies.
Becoming an Explorer Travel franchisee gives you the flexibility and freedom to live the life you want, while managing your own successful travel business from your home.
All of our franchisees earn high commissions and enjoy exclusive industry perks, including free overseas trips, holidays at heavily discounted rates, booking incentives and places on various travel events through the year.
What is included?
We offer two bespoke packages dependant on your strategy and requirements.
Both packages come with a whole host of features including the ability to book everything from cruises to rail trips, ski and winter sport breaks, adventure and escorted tours, hotels, villas and apartments, UK cottages and coach trips, car hire and transfers, city breaks and much much more.
You will have access to over 400 trade suppliers so if you have a client that wants a Disneyland U.S. holiday or a safari in Kenya we have product for you to sell.
We will also provide you with your bespoke website and the ability to trade with your own name if you should wish. Alternatively, you can utilise our already established Explorer Travel Holidays brand.
We offer leading technology when it comes to our back office systems and you will be selling travel that is financially protected for your clients.
Training and support
This is where we come into our own under the Hays Travel Ltd., umbrella.
You will initially embark on a five day induction training course delivered by a dedicated training department. This department lives and breathes travel and they will impart as much knowledge as they can over this initial period.
You will learn how to use our systems, how our booking processes work, the supplier we work with, marketing strategies, social media and most importantly, how we make money and grow your databases.
Once you have completed our induction training course you are good to go booking travel for your clients but the training and support does not stop there. You will have a dedicated Business Development Support Team (BD) of four people who are in place specifically to support your franchise. You will be on a six week mentoring scheme following the initial course and our whole aim is to get those bookings flowing and your business off the ground.
We also have a whole host of training modules and videos, training events that you can attend (optional) as well as the ability to book specific help sessions with your BD team. Whether you need help attracting new clients, assistance with your social media platforms, you would like to add content to your website or would like a business review, you can book these in at a time to suit.
We work hard to ensure you grow with us and establish a profitable and sustainable business for years to come. And best of all, some of our top earners operate this business around other commitments or lifestyle plans.
Franchise fees
Our packages start from £5,995 plus VAT and we can help with financial support if required. Along with your initial franchise fee, if you are doing this as your main income, you will need working capital for at least six months due to the way in which travel bookings are generated.
However, you will have all the tools and support you need to recoup your initial investment within 6-12 months dependant on your strategy, motivation and dedication to your new venture.
Your monthly management fees will be £99 which includes your system licence fees, indemnity insurance, hosting fees and much more. This business is all about low overheads so there are no other costs charged from our end.
Why choose Explorer Travel?
We honestly believe that we can offer you the best overall travel franchise in the UK. With the backing of Hays Travel, the investment in technology and the overall ability to support our franchisees on a daily basis, we are confident we have the best platform for your success now and in the future.
Being owned by the largest independent travel agency in the country gives us access to some of the best commercial deals with our trade partners. We also get access to exclusive holidays and travel products and don’t forget, that brand value that clients recognise and trust.
On top of that we are all about flexibility. Your work/life balance is important and this is a business that can be operated around your current commitments and lifestyle. Whether you are operating on a part-time basis or looking to go all in, we can 100 per cent guarantee you will be supported through your journey.
And there is no better time to join. Business is booming and our franchisees are more in demand than they ever have been.
Come along to one of our online Discovery sessions to find out more.