Testimonials

“I’ve known Montrose Travel since the early 1970’s. They were a top travel company then and are even more so today.

Their integrity and entrepreneurial skills have enabled them to build one of the most reputable hosting programs available today.

I would highly recommend MTravel.com for any home based agent looking for a new host."

Tom Ogg
Tom Ogg and Associates, Inc.

I want to thank you so much for letting me join MTravel.com; I’m having the time of my life! There are certainly times when I realize I don’t know a danged thing, but I’m enjoying the learning process immensely. You all make it so fun, easy and accessible. I’ve never had such marvelous support or worked with an organization that treats its independent contractors so well. When you say that you believe your people are your greatest asset, you really mean it. What a wonderful way to be treated!!

I don’t know why I waited 30 years to take the leap, but I am ever so glad I finally did!

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!

Sherry S.
Tartan Travels

I just wanted to take the time to compliment Montrose on providing their agents such a wondering package… I’m very impressed with the website and the information the agent site contains… tons of useful information!!

Thanks!

Darian R.

I came to Montrose from another host agency late in October 2007. My decision to leave that host was because of the RCI issue and their loss of booking privileges… and being a new agent I really didn’t want to have to deal with that and decided to join your organization. And I have not looked back since..

Long story short.. I have been very happy with Montrose for many reasons:

I have a terrific mentor at Montrose
I am constantly kept in the loop of news throughout the travel industry
I have strong support for any question I have.
I am proud to mention that I am affiliated with Montrose Travel
The training through Montrose always keeps me motivated and up-beat (even when I have to “squeeze” it in my schedule)
The training through Montrose has always been excellent and of good quality.information very useful and gives me new ideas

These are only a few of the reasons I am excited and happy to be a HBA with Montrose Travel.

I hate to speak ill of the past, but with my other host I had to dig for information and training was very weak. Our training was presented twice a week with our mentor and one of the days was devoted to “cold” calling from referrals received from a referral company, the second day training was also presented by our mentor and was more a question & answer, maybe some tips.but nothing from the supplier direct (2 hours per week total). I only received travel industry information by signing up with MailPound, Travel Trade, etc (which I also had to discover on my own)… and though they are good resources I still had to dig out info that I felt I could use, nothing from my host agency. I also receive a lot of the trade magazines, but find that I already know some of what is in them because Montrose keeps me so well informed.

I know we are all independent contractors, but being new in an industry such as travel it is a huge help to receive so much information and training. We can all “book travel”, but booking travel and “designing” vacations for someone is much more than “booking travel”. In the beginning I felt a little overwhelmed with so much information, but am now a lot more comfortable and manage the flow of info much better. =)

I just took advantage of the CLIA agent membership and saved $30 because of an email message forwarded to me by Darrell. I had been contemplating joining CLIA for a while, so you can imagine my surprise and delight to see the message from Darrel with the discount.

I especially enjoy seeing articles in trade magazines that speak of Montrose, quote you (Andi) or mention one of Montrose agents. It is so nice to mention my host agency without having to explain why I am with one who cannot book Royal Caribbean, and believe me the cruising public knows the story.

So please feel free to keep on keeping me “overwhelmed”.

Charlene B.
All Dream Vacations

This letter is to let you know that I am very appreciative of and don’t take for granted the hard work of Lori and indeed everyone with whom I have dealt from your accounting department. On almost a daily basis I get assistance from Lori, so it is she in particular about whom I write.

Yesterday after 3 hours of sleep the night before due to cough and congestion, I believe every one of my regular customers was contacting me with challenges. I left my house for 17 minutes at lunchtime to buy medicine. A customer called my personal cell for flight info he needed "right away"- I know he thinks I’m good, but I’ve yet to memorize every airline’s June Sacramento schedule. Stress levels were palpable and I did more than my fair share of accounting mistakes and just confusing invoicing. But Lori was there as always, efficiently, kindly and responsively helping me to un-do this and re-do that.

I still have nightmares about my first job as an agent. Understaffed, constantly bombarded, and any invoicing issues resulted in Accounting making us feel like 2 year olds on a time-out. My last job, our accountant was laid back, a quality I envy for a tropical vacation, but not in a financial district corporate agency. Nothing would get adjusted and a week or month later, the resulting problems arose. Lori is just right!

Your accounting department is what enables me to have this business. I couldn’t do it without you and if there is anything I can ever do or not do on my end to make your jobs easier, please do not hesitate to let me know.

I sure do appreciate Lori’s kindness, responsiveness and excellent help!

I have been in the travel industry for 22 years, and even worked in-house at Montrose Travel for a year. I loved it there, but I am a single mom, and really needed to have a home based business, so I started my own agency…I realized that I wanted a support system behind me, in case I was away on a trip, or needed help negotiating with a cruise line…Montrose Travel was the answer for me.

They are one of the largest agencies in the country… they have a stellar reputation among their preferred suppliers, and that really counts for something… I feel I have a team behind me in everything I do…I am in business FOR myself, but not BY myself. When you look at how much it costs to get your Seller of Travel permit, (not to mention the paperwork) plus E & O insurance, the fee you pay as a Home Based Agent is very reasonable…you have access to every kind of technology you could possibly want, whether it’s Apollo at home, or booking engines for the tour operators…you also have your very own website, which is completely taken care of for you…It’s fun to see my friends and family booking hotels, rental cars, air tickets without me even having to take care of it! They just go to my website!! Montrose Travel also gets top tier commissions and special rates that only a company as large as they can command…and we as Home Based Agents benefit from it.

I researched many companies out there, and I really am happy I made the decision to go with Montrose Travel… I have a wonderful support team that is there for me whenever I need it… (even when I was away on a cruise, they handled a BIG situation for me that arose in Europe!) I feel like I have peace of mind about my business.

Lori P.
Kensington Cruises

Thank you for our picture from the holiday party. I have been meaning to thank you, Darrell, and Andi for including me as an HBA in all the various activities of Montrose Travel. It helps me feel a part of your organization. That connection is one thing that so many other HBA’s say is missing from their host agencies. I also appreciate how quickly I get a response to my many questions.

Again thank you and it was great seeing all the other agents and hearing of all the accolades. My husband was truly impressed over everything he saw (and he’s not easily impressed).

Anne C.

I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for all that you do. Although it was my choice to be an affiliate with Montrose Travel, even though there were many options available to me, I am overwhelmingly excited that I am a member of the MT Family.

I’m proud of my association, but even more proud to be an agent. I just had a messy situation that I caused with a booking with a client. I booked originally with a third party vendor, and had to call the property direct to correct my issue, and just by saying "I’m Chris with Montrose Travel", I was treated with respect and professionalism.

I’ve been a "member-of-the-public" when booking travel and have always been disgusted with the way I was treated. Now as a travel agent, those same corporate entities treat me with much more respect, that it’s a pleasure working with them. The problem was easily rectified and now we have a happy client, a happy agent and a happy reservation!

Your support and guidance are greatly appreciated.

I recently had the opportunity to share my experiences with a friend of mine who also is interested in returning to the travel world via home-based opportunities. She was a MAJOR corporate agent, but took time off to raise her family. She wants back in but with more flexibility and a sense of self. So naturally, I shared this opportunity. If all goes well, she may be joining the MT Family herself. Again, thank you for all that you do, and thank you for accepting me into the family.

Chris R.
Center Stage Travel Agency

My business partner and I have been with Montrose Travel for two years and had very limited work experience prior to that. Everything we know we learned from Montrose - directly on their in-depth Agent Connex Support Site, web-seminars, supplier seminars and their ever-ready support staff.

We find Andi and her staff most supportive, encouraging and patient with us. We appreciate their integrity, work ethics and knowledge. Through their clout with major suppliers and alliance with Ensemble Travel, our clients find our prices extremely competitive, and they are impressed with Montrose Travel’s solidity in the industry.

I think you will be as happy as we are with the Montrose family.

Enid L.
JETravels

I started my search for the perfect host agency the same way many have, searching the internet for options. I was looking for a travel partner not just a host agency; Montrose Travel was that solution. Montrose Travel is a financially secure company with the buying power to give every Home Based Agent the competitive edge needed in the ever-changing travel market. Montrose Travel has a strong history as a national leader in every realm of the travel industry.

The diversity of products offered by Montrose Travel was very influential in my decision, their ability to offer support for nearly any product from corporate travel to honeymoon registries is a very unique ability in such a specialized market. Montrose Travel allows me to specialize in what my customers need, whatever segment of the travel industry that may be.

One of the most attractive and useful tools offered by Montrose Travel is their private labeled website, a website dedicated to each agent allowing customers to book online. This feature allows my clients to book virtually any type of travel online, allowing me to earn commissions 24 hours a day! This feature is beneficial to both the agent and the consumer. Essentially my agency never closes! Montrose Travel is one of the most technologically advanced hosts, allowing for a greater level of organization for home based agents.

When I started looking for a career, I knew I wanted something that offered flexibility in schedule and gave me the ability to change my income based on my needs. Montrose Travel is that answer. With their amazing office staff offering endless support and their strong purchasing power, I have the freedom to choose how my business is run. With a dedicated staff and extensive web support system, answers are at arms length to almost any question. This amount of information paired with the extensive amounts of training available to all agents is one of the reasons that Montrose Travel has been in operation for over 50 years. My partnership with Montrose Travel allows me to run my business today knowing that they will be there to support me tomorrow.

Shelton M.
Moynahan Travel

I’m a firefighter who wants to have a second career for my "retirement". I decided to become a travel agent, took a course, started looking for a host.

I first found host agencies through Googling "travel host agency" and then when I began to receive Travel Trade from my school, I read the host agency ads and such. I picked several to check out based on location, size and ability to work with a new agent. Several that I contacted didn’t bother to call or email back, so they were out. Of those I made contact with, I planned either a phone interview or a live webchat interview. I did this with three agencies. Also, at the Cruise-a-thon in Seattle, I asked everyone who worked as an HBA what they liked or didn’t like about their agency, then took that information to help make my decision.

Some key factors for me were:

History and stability. Because of my lack of experience, I wanted a host agency that had vast experience
A great product. Preferred suppliers were important in my decision. As was a great website and great support
Lastly, that "it" that one can’t describe. (I didn’t think you could get that read on a webchat, but I did.)

Christine D.
CK Travel Options

Our decision to work with Montrose Travel has been a really good one so far. Everything from the amount of information that we’ve received to the help and patience that Darrell has shown us in answering our many questions has been fantastic.

About the closest thing that we’ve encountered to a problem would be on our end. That being in the ability to find or make the time that we need in order to navigate our way through all that Montrose Travel and the website have to offer. As well as having the coordinated time to allow us to take advantage of the training that is made available to us. Otherwise, just the sheer volume of material that’s available is a little overwhelming at times. But we’re exploring a little bit each day.

We’ve been very busy with getting our announcement letter out to friends and family and we’ve been talking things up to just about everyone and our initial feed back has been very positive.

We’ve already had numerous people tell us that they will definitely be calling in the coming months and we even have already received our first couple of calls for research. So I think we’ll have a tiger by the tail before we know it. (I can only hope)

I do want to say that I truly do appreciate the care and concern that you’ve shown us in making sure that we have everything that we need. It’s good to know that there is someone there who cares and wants to make sure that we’re comfortable with our decision.

Thanks again for checking with us and we’ll keep you posted on our progress.

Bill M.
Fun In The Sun Vacations

Andi, this is my second year and I am ready to really build my company and succeed this year. I have learned a lot this year and wanted to let you know how much Montrose Travel has helped me.

I have been approached throughout the year via email by several host agencies and even some local ones. This month I have been dogged by YTB. A friend of mine joined them and started in on me. "A.L. Williams" executives founded this agency and it is just like that, pyramids.

One thing that has meant so much to me is when I call Montrose Travel, I rarely have to give my last name to anyone. I receive personal assistance. I always know that Montrose Travel can help me; no matter what mistake I have made, your team always can help me.

This is something I don’t think another travel agency can offer me. You helped me join Montrose Travel and I have never looked back. You took out your time to help me make my decision and Darrell and your staff have helped me ever since.

Thank you for helping me get started and I hope next year will be more profitable for Montrose Travel and myself.

Kathi J.
No Two Alike Travel

I just wanted to tell you how wonderful our website is! I’ve had occasion to really jump around it tonight. (I’m building a casual-chatty blog format website that will direct everyone to the real MTravel.com website), but I am amazed at how much content we have, and the capabilities of it. I just wanted to take a minute to tell you that I think it’s fantastic!

Lori P.
Kensington Cruises

I sent out about 250 e-mails announcing "My new web site"…. and every single person who responded was very impressed with the site! Just thought you could pass that on to your people who do such a wonderful job at it. Again, thanks for everything.

Linda F.
Denlin Travel

…The decision for Direct Access to join forces with Montrose Travel was made in 1991 based on the knowledge that Montrose Travel had established one of the strongest business plans for independent contractors in the industry. Lucrative contracts exist with all of the major vendors allowing for maximum profitability, management support at the highest level to grow and seek new business, incentive goals, a commitment to cutting edge technology, and an ongoing optional program for training and education. There is no other choice except for Montrose Travel for any Independent Contractor who is serious about their livelihood.

Cathy N.
Direct Access Travel

For nearly a year and a half we struggled with the decision of making the move with Montrose Travel. The tools and contract fares available to an agency of their size have made a tremendous difference in the way we do business. Our clients have never saved so much on airfare and we now have the ability to make more money than ever before. My only regret is taking so long to make the move.

Kel M.
Horizon Travel

With a reputation for honesty, quality, and profitability, my decision to join Montrose Travel many years ago was an easy one. With so many travel companies failing to meet the demands of the new travel marketplace, I wanted to be a part of a growing, dynamic company that was looking to the future. With over $110 million in buying power, and over 50 years of reputable service, Montrose Travel was an ideal choice for me and my clientele.

Patricia B
LCF Custom Travel & Tours

I came to Montrose Travel for one main reason…Montrose Travel’s good reputation. I talked to employees, ex-employees and customers and they all had nothing but good things to say about Montrose Travel. I didn’t even realize the opportunities Montrose Travel offered to make money until AFTER I started working with you. After all is said and done, not only am I glad that I came here, I regret not coming here sooner.

Russell S.

I begrudgingly made the move from my office of 11 years as the result of 9/11 and the airline commission cuts. Less than 3 months into my new home, I kept asking myself what took me so long? I was able to make more money, use Montrose Travel’s buying power to better service my clients (primarily legal and entertainment clientele). The clients loved having me be associated with an agency as large as Montrose Travel (#43 in the country makes quite an impact). To be able to go to presentations and provide the potential client with our professional looking materials is very impressive. I know their accounting offices sure love getting those reports which saves them hours of work and expense. I could probably go on and on, but the bottom line – it is the best move I ever made!

Suelin L.
Corporate Travelers Club

I guess since I’m shy of my first full year, I’m an “inexperienced agent!” That does qualify me to comment to anyone considering joining us here at Montrose Travel.

WARNING: I think I must add right about now, that I am NOT being paid to write this, nor am I being forced to do so. I receive no financial compensation or points for my time. I’m NOT part of a sales team or recruitment effort.

Why the warning? Because I already know that I’m going to come off sounding like a major POM POM for Montrose Travel. I really just want you to know I will speak the truth about my experiences and it’s NOT with any hidden motivation for myself. Just the excitement that you are making a GREAT first step by contacting Andi in your search for a Host Agency.

I’m a single Dad with 1 son (who turns 21 this month). I own my own educational theatre company in Southern California, but have a huge passion for travel, and an even bigger passion for helping others travel. Making money is a great benefit as well!

I came to Montrose Travel in January of 2007. I did my research amongst all of the other Host Agencies out there and found out that really, they all offer pretty much the same deal with different price points. I have had previous experience with Montrose Travel over 15 years ago when I first got the idea to be a travel agent. That was around the time when the airlines decided not to offer commissions to agents and the industry looked like it was going to die, so I got out quicker than I had started. So for me, it was almost like coming back home. I was thankful that Montrose was still around and stronger than every, and offered this brilliant concept of Home Based Agents using the power of a Host Agency.

I could not be happier with my choice, nor prouder of my affiliation with Montrose Travel. EVERYONE is oddly generous and giving of their time, talents, knowledge and support. I say oddly generous, because I always thought that travel agents were so competitive. Well if we are, I have never felt it with Montrose. What I HAVE felt is being part of a very large family. A very large, loving family. It is in everyone’s interest at Montrose Travel, including the HBA’s, to have everyone succeed. No one wants a failure in the family, and everyone at Montrose strives to see everyone’s potential achieved and improved upon.

The HBA program affords you with every tool necessary for success and an unprecedented support team whose only objective is to see its agents flourish.

It’s like I tell my kidsâ€¦you only get out of something, what you put in. If you’re willing to take the education from the team at Montrose and apply it to yourself and your new agency, then you will be rewarded with something more valuable than an incomeâ€¦enjoying a new, successful career that you actually enjoy. Oh yeah, and tons of respect. And NOT just from the internals of Montrose Travel. With pride, I contact our vendors and I still haven’t gotten over the immense privilege of saying.”Hi Princess Cruises, this is Chris with Montrose Travel.” Our vendors acknowledge my affiliation with Montrose and open doors for me I doubt you can get with many of the Host Agencies out there. It’s amazing!

Chris R.
Center Stage Travel Agency

Chris R. was put in touch with a new prospective agent who wanted a referral. This was his response to her questions:

How did you get started?
What specific steps did you take to prepare and then start your own travel business? I was introduced to the concept of Home Based Agencies from some friends of mine working with another Host Agency (for the record, I believe my friends are now switching from their Host Agency to Montrose!) So, much like yourself, I began to research my options. Like I said earlier, most Host Agencies offer pretty much the same details as far as commission and promises of support. I have to admit, it was a daunting experience trying to weigh the pros and cons of each Host Agency. What really led me to Montrose was previous experience. Montrose Travel has attained and maintained a reputation as one of the Best Travel Agencies in the United States. I believe we are in the Top 50 in the industry. In addition, unlike other brick and mortar agencies, Montrose has continued to grow and expand from one small building in Montrose, California, to over several buildings to accommodate their growth and expansion. I believe we’re up to 4 physical buildings housing everything from Leisure, Groups, Honeymoon/Weddings, Corporate, Business Administration and more. This type of growth is physical proof of the sustaining power and upward mobility of this company. Most of the Host Agencies out there are just that…Host Agencies and run out of one office building. What that says to me is that they don’t have the 1) reputation Montrose has, nor 2) the buying power that Montrose has. A major component to travel is the leverage your Host Agency has with the vendors it serves (ie., Princess, American Airlines, Pleasant Holidays, etc.). Montrose is a Top Producing Agency with most of the major suppliers and we as IC’s benefit from their relationship. So the choice for me was clear…Montrose Travel had the reputation, connections and support all available for me to try. A VERY IMPORTANT THOUGHT OF MINE was…”Hey, it’s only $299 for a one year investment. If Montrose was NOT a fit for me, I was only out $299…a minimal risk for such a promising venture. .

What has your experience been like with Montrose? Pros/Cons?
Again, I’m going to sound like a Pom Pom Cheerleader. PROS all the way. We have a dedicated Montrose Travel Specialist whose sole concern is with the HBA’s. His name is Darrell. He is available to service any and all needs and questions. If he comes across a situation he is not personally familiar with, he researches other Montrose Staffers as resources and THEY call you and walk you through issues you may have. An added plus for me is the “hands-on” approach of Andi. She is one of the “Powers That Be” with Montrose Travel. The Big Wig. Yet she always makes time to make sure we HBA’s are happy and productive. It’s very rare to have the founders of the company get involved with us “independents.”

I’ve worked for other companies as outside sales, and I’ve always felt like a NUMBER instead of a member of the team. But not so with Montrose. Not to stray, but when I started with Montrose, they assigned me an IC number. I freaked out! I thought, “Oh No…I AM just another number to them.” But I quickly learned, that number was more for accounting purposes. Just last Friday, October 5, 2007, I dropped by the Montrose Offices (I have the privilege of living in close proximity) and the lady at the front desk inquired as to my name and whom I was there to see. When I told her my name, she got REALLY excited…”Oh, YOU’RE Chris R! I know you! I send you all of your faxes and documents! It’s a pleasure to put a face to the IC Number!” We ended up having a great conversation, as she was genuinely interested in how I was doing and how much I enjoyed my new business. So let’s see…Great support, Great vendor relations, GREAT online training, both in-house and with vendors who present specifically to the HBA’s at Montrose Travel. Now let me think. There has to be a CON or two?!? Hmmm…when I think of one, I’ll let you know! .

How satisfied are you with their customer and IC service?
Couldn’t be happier! Again, the customer support is great and more importantly, personal. The tools they offer us are incredible from the private labeled website, to great departments who are very much interested in your success.

What about their training?
Training is awesome! Every month they offer multiple sessions from basic topics to more detailed advanced issues. The best thing is, these courses are in a rotation, so if you miss one, you’ll be sure to catch it another time. And due to Montrose Travel’s Top Producer Status with many of the vendors, the vendors prepare special training sessions geared specifically to us - the HBA’s. In addition, our affiliation with Montrose allows us to train independently with the vendors directly. So far I’ve trained with Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises (I almost have my FREE CRUISE!), Marriott Hotels, Hyatt Hotels, Almond Resorts, Disney Vacations, just to name a few. And I ain’t about to stop now. I’m also enrolled to receive my travel accreditation through the Travel Institute/Academy. Soon I’ll receive my ACC with CLIA. Then if that wasn’t great enough, they “record” training sessions and they are available for us to view or RE-view online at a time convenient for us…and for me, that’s usually around 2am! Training is exceptional!

What kind of training do you recommend?
I know nothing about this industry. In the beginning, any training is great training, or rather ALL Training is great training. Later on as you get familiar with the industry and your clients, you may wish to focus in on what they call “niche” travel…servicing a specific population of clients. As for me…I want it all and don’t want to limit myself. This may prove too demanding, so I’m focusing my efforts on Cruises and Group Travel. However, I still offer my clients full service travel. With every new client and travel option, I learn VALUABLE information. Currently I have a Cruise Group of 40 passengers that I created and there is NO training better than doing it yourself. I also have another group planning a destination wedding for 75 to the Caribbean. Again, by doing, I learn more. And the staff at Montrose has stepped in on several occasions, bending over backward to help me. Let’s see…Weddings and Honeymoons emailed me and called me personally to offer samples of print materials, strategies to establish successful client/agent relationships. And while Montrose offers MANY in-house training opportunities, it’s always great to get training directly from the vendors and travel academies. I thought about doing an online educational series that will certify me as a Certified Travel Consultant (CTC) but I on’t have time with all my clients I’m juggling! I still may do it, if I can find the time!

With so many people booking on their own and airlines and now some cruise lines are getting rid of air commission, is this still a profitable industry?
There is SO MUCH MORE to travel than just your flight to and from a destination. Hotels, rental Cars, sightseeing, train travel, cruises, escorted tours, all-inclusive resorts, packaged travel…the list goes on. OH WAIT…what about a Bridal Registry?!?! Yup…a prospective Bride and Groom can establish a Bridal Registry with you to create their DREAM DESTINATION for their Honeymoon let’s say…they pick every amenity and excursion they want…regardless of the price. Then the guests can go through you to purchase a “portion of their trip!” When all is said and done, your clients, the Bride and Groom, are off on a vacation Honeymoon of a lifetime…and they don’t even pay for it!!!! But I’m getting off track to your question. Basically, the question is…Why You/Agent versus why don’t they buy it online themselves. The answer is quite simple and profound. CUSTOMER SERVICE. You can buy a ticket online, but if you have a problem while on vacation…who are you going to call? Travelocity? Someone unfamiliar with your itinerary? Desires? Preferences?!? As a travel agent, we offer clients something they CANNOT PURCHASE. Personalized service and peace of mind. Example: One of my clients booked a trip to Hawaii through me. They were hesitant because they always book it themselves online. They went through me to “help me out!” On their third day, they had a major issue with their rental car. They first tried to deal with it themselves and then someone got the smart idea to call me. They called and within 5 minutes, I was able to contact the vendor and correct their issue. These clients have vowed never to book online again. Then I have other clients who hate to travel because they hate searching for bargains…so they let me search for them, and when I find potential matches to their wishes, I email them or call them and then they can decide. It’s like having a personal assistant that handles your travel concerns. Sure we don’t get air commissions, BUT we get commissions on everything else they need to surround their air travel.

Where do you see this industry going?
I was recently at a training seminar for Royal Caribbean. They have poured, literally, millions of dollars into a new reservations system SPECIFICALLY TAILORED TO TRAVEL AGENTS. Vendors are hugely invested in their “Travel Partners” and appreciate our efforts to direct clients to their services. Where do I see it going? UP UP and AWAY!!!!

What advice would you give someone like me? What are the pitfalls? What are the successes?
My advice to you? What have you got to lose?!? It’s like going to school. You can study the textbook all you want, but until you put your knowledge to practical use, the research is of no value to you. Personally, I reiterate…at just $299 to get started if you’re inexperienced…you really have nothing to lose! When I started, I said, “Well, I’m going to dedicate myself until A) I make my initial investment back, or B) I hit my one year mark and then I’ll re-evaluate. Let’s just say, I made my initial investment back (two fold) within my very first two months…needless to say, I’m here to stay! WARNING: Montrose is GREAT, but the tool is only as good as the USER. If you dedicate yourself to this as a serious business choice, then ONLY success will follow. EVERYONE TRAVELS. Even if it’s only to a motel in the next city…that’s still 10% commission to you and me! And more priceless are the thanks and gratitude my clients have for me taking part in assuring their vacation was memorable and attainable.

I have been in the travel industry for over 24 years, and can’t say enough about Montrose. I’ve worked both in-house with them, and as a HBA - so I know all the staff, and how they do business. They are truly professional and dedicated to your success.

There are training calls and webinars available every week to help you grow as an agent. There is always someone available to help whether it is group travel, air tickets, that special hotel in Rome…you name it, I’ve always gotten support whenever I’ve needed it.

The website alone is worth the cost of your yearly membership. Your website is as powerful as Expedia or Travelocity, and it is with your own domain! I always book my rental cars, etc. on my own website, and get amazing rates!

I can’t say enough about Montrose as a host agency…here you are a ‘person’, not just one of the thousands of hopeful agents that sign up with a host agent… I think that is very important to consider as you begin your new career…

Oh, and the best advice I can give a new travel agent…..TRAVEL! as much as you can… so you can give your clients advice!

Lori P.
Kensington Cruises

I came to Montrose Travel because in this climate of competition, no small agency can stay in business on their own. Montrose Travel’s volume and expertise in automation it makes it possible for us to survive.

Hannah O.
O’Callaghan Travel

I came to Montrose Travel in the mid 1990’s because I knew Montrose Travel was a large company - with great buying power and a strong management. I actually followed Glendale Travel because she was here and already very satisfied!

Paula R.

I chose Montrose Travel because I wanted to go with an agency that would help promote our business. When I came here over 20 years ago, I wanted to do a newsletter and block group space…you had the resources to help me with it. My business has grown quite large as a result and I appreciate the moral support.

Chris K.
CK Travel Saver

Being an IC at Montrose Travel allows me the autonomy to run my own business, and still enjoy the benefits of the large support system Montrose provides.

Ann J.
Harcourt Travel

Respectability. Reliability. Responsibility. Re-flexibility. Marketability.

Respectability - I felt that IC’s had a voice that would be listened too.
Reliability - What I received from your Management Team, that their word could be reliable and straight.
Responsibility - If you are a responsible person, then you could get support from MTravel.com.
Re-flexibility - People at MTravel.com bend if necessary.
Marketability – MTravel.com helps you market yourself as well as your business.

Ruby S.
RU Trippin’

“BEST OF ALL WORLDS!!!”

Sandy V.
Worldlink

“I’m an IC with Montrose Travel because I’m home-based and you offer great back up.”

Maria M.
Valencia Corporate Travel

I just wanted to say thanks for running such a great HBA program! I tried another host agency very briefly and they were totally unresponsive and essentially useless. Even though I had no experience as a travel agent, Montrose (and particularly you) were warm and welcoming. You provided all the tools, training, and materials I needed to get up and running. I sold a couple small things in my first few months, but today I sold my first "big cruise" — an $8,000 Oceania cruise. My marketing is finally beginning to pay off, but none of it would have been possible had I not found the right agency, and Montrose is a GREAT agency for HBAs!

Jennifer C.
Cain Travel

I wanted to let you know how much I appreciated your help with the two cruise bookings on Princess. Your efforts to secure an upgrade where mine had failed shows the kind of relationship Montrose Travel has with the suppliers. These clients are now very happy!

Wendy M.
Travel Gal

Would you like to be one of these happy home based travel agents?