Help Create Memories With Us.

Every agency offers tools and resources, but the culture and community behind those tools can make all the difference. At Trolley Lane Travel®, we focus on creating a supportive environment where independent travel advisors can grow their businesses while being part of a collaborative and encouraging community.

• Accessible Leadership
  Advisors affiliated with Trolley Lane Travel® have the opportunity to connect directly with the agency owners and benefit from a collaborative advisor community where questions, ideas, and experiences are shared openly.

• Education & Professional Development
  Advisors have access to both foundational education and ongoing professional development opportunities designed to support their growth as independent travel professionals.

• Community Over Competition
  Our agency culture focuses on collaboration rather than competition. Advisors are encouraged to support one another, share knowledge, and celebrate each other’s successes.

• Resources to Support Business Growth
  Trolley Lane Travel® provides tools, resources, and shared expertise designed to help advisors grow and manage their independent travel businesses.

• A Positive, Supportive Culture
  We take our work seriously, but we also believe that building a travel business should be enjoyable. We strive to maintain a friendly, welcoming environment where advisors feel supported and encouraged along the way.

And yes... we think we’re pretty fun to work with too. 😁

Yes. Many independent travel advisors begin their travel businesses on a part-time basis while maintaining other professional or personal commitments.

Because advisors operate their own businesses, they determine their own schedules and the amount of time they dedicate to their travel business. However, building a successful travel business does require consistency, responsiveness to clients, and ongoing effort over time.

Advisors who treat their travel business with the same level of professionalism and dedication as any small business often see the most growth.

Previous experience working in the travel industry is not required.

Many successful travel advisors begin with strong personal travel experience and a passion for helping others plan meaningful vacations. Advisors continue expanding their knowledge through supplier education, industry resources, and personal travel experiences.

A willingness to learn, strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to excellent client service are often more important than prior industry experience.

We are currently exploring Independent Contractor relationships with individuals who demonstrate the following:

Travel Experience
Personal travel experience is important. We look for individuals who have taken at least five trips to destinations such as Disney destinations, cruises, or all-inclusive resorts within the past seven years.

Destination Knowledge
Strong knowledge in at least one travel specialty or destination area, along with a willingness to continue learning and expanding that expertise.

Time Commitment
Operating a successful travel business requires time and dedication. Individuals should have the availability and flexibility to consistently dedicate time to growing and managing their travel business.

Communication Skills
Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential for building relationships with clients and travel partners.

Comfort with Technology
Confidence using technology, including social media platforms, online systems, and digital communication tools.

Organization & Self-Motivation
Successful advisors are organized, detail-oriented, proactive, and comfortable managing their own schedules and responsibilities.

Business Equipment
Independent contractors should have access to their own computer with reliable high-speed internet, antivirus protection, and basic office software.

Independent travel advisors affiliated with Trolley Lane Travel® often share many of the following qualities:

• Passion for Travel
  A genuine love of travel and personal experience visiting the destinations you plan to specialize in.

  Destination Knowledge
  For those interested in specializing in Disney Destinations, familiarity with Walt Disney World® and Disneyland® planning tools, in-park strategies, My Disney Experience, Lightning Lanes, and overall trip planning logistics is extremely helpful.

  Professionalism
  Highly organized, self-motivated, and committed to providing a professional client experience.

  Strong Communication Skills
  Clear and professional written and verbal communication skills are essential when working with clients and travel partners.

  Client-Focused Mindset
  A natural ability to build relationships and make clients feel supported, valued, and confident in their travel plans.

  Detail-Oriented Problem Solver
  Comfortable managing details, solving challenges, and navigating time-sensitive travel planning situations.

  Commitment to Growing Your Business
  A willingness to consistently dedicate time and effort toward building and growing your independent travel business.

  Comfort with Technology
  Confidence using technology tools, social media platforms, and online booking systems.

  Marketing & Business Development
  Comfortable promoting your services, building relationships, and developing your own client base. Prior sales or marketing experience can be helpful but is not required.

  Collaborative Spirit
  Friendly, supportive, and collaborative. Trolley Lane Travel® values a community-oriented environment where advisors support and encourage one another rather than compete.

  Lifelong Learner
  A desire to continually expand destination knowledge and stay current with supplier updates, industry education, and travel trends.

  Integrity & Trustworthiness
  Building trust with clients through honesty, professionalism, and reliability, which leads to lasting client relationships and referrals.

While every advisor’s journey is different, many of the most successful advisors affiliated with Trolley Lane Travel® share several common traits.

• A Genuine Passion for Travel
  They love exploring destinations, learning about new places, and helping others experience the joy of travel.

• A Relationship-Focused Mindset
  Successful advisors enjoy building meaningful relationships with their clients and take pride in helping families, couples, and travelers create memorable experiences.

• A Long-Term Business Mindset
  They approach their travel business with patience and consistency, understanding that growth happens over time through excellent service and referrals.

• Curiosity and a Desire to Keep Learning
  The travel industry is always evolving. Successful advisors stay curious and continue learning about destinations, suppliers, and travel trends.

• Strong Attention to Detail
  Travel planning requires organization, careful planning, and the ability to manage many details at once.

• A Collaborative Spirit
  Advisors at Trolley Lane Travel® value a supportive community where knowledge is shared and advisors encourage one another rather than compete.

• A Commitment to Exceptional Client Experiences
  Above all, successful advisors care deeply about providing thoughtful service and helping their clients enjoy unforgettable travel experiences.

While many people love the idea of working in travel, operating a successful independent travel business requires dedication, initiative, and a strong commitment to client service. An Independent Contractor relationship with Trolley Lane Travel® may not be the right fit for individuals who:

Are looking for a traditional job.
Independent travel advisors affiliated with Trolley Lane Travel® operate their own businesses and are not employees of the agency.

Are not comfortable building their own client base.
Success as a travel advisor comes from building relationships and growing a personal network of clients.

Are looking for a quick or easy source of income.
Like any small business, building a successful travel business takes time, consistency, and patience.

Are not willing to continue learning.
The travel industry changes frequently, and successful advisors stay current with destinations, suppliers, and industry trends.

Prefer a highly structured or supervised environment.
Independent advisors set their own schedules and manage their own workflow, while utilizing the resources and support available through the agency.

Are not comfortable with technology.
Modern travel planning relies heavily on online systems, digital communication, and social media tools.

A Note from Trolley Lane Travel®

Our goal is to build a supportive community of independent travel advisors who are passionate about travel, committed to providing excellent client experiences, and excited about growing their own travel businesses.

We believe the right fit benefits everyone...our advisors, our clients, and the Trolley Lane Travel® community as a whole

Independent travel advisors affiliated with Trolley Lane Travel® often choose to focus on destinations and travel experiences that align with their personal travel experience, interests, and expertise. While many advisors begin with one or two specialties, most continue expanding their knowledge over time.

Advisors are encouraged to focus on destinations they know well and are passionate about, as personal travel experience often helps create the best client experiences.

Common areas of specialization within the Trolley Lane Travel® community include:

• Disney Destinations
  Planning vacations to destinations such as Walt Disney World® Resort, Disneyland® Resort, Disney Cruise Line®, and other Disney experiences, with a focus on helping families create memorable and magical vacations.

• Cruises
  Working with many of the major cruise lines to help clients plan ocean and river cruise vacations to destinations around the world.

• All-Inclusive Resorts
  Helping clients plan relaxing getaways to all-inclusive resorts in destinations such as the Caribbean and Mexico.

• International Travel
  Designing custom international itineraries that may include multi-city travel, guided tours, cultural experiences, and unique destinations around the world.

Over time, many advisors expand their specialties to include additional destinations and travel experiences as their knowledge and client base grow.

Independent travel advisors affiliated with Trolley Lane Travel® build and grow their own client base over time, much like any small business owner. Most advisors begin by working with their existing personal network and gradually expand through referrals, marketing, and relationship building.

• Building Your Client Base
  Many advisors begin by connecting with friends, family, coworkers, and their broader personal network. As your business grows and clients have great travel experiences, referrals often become one of the most valuable sources of new clients.

• Marketing & Lead Generation
  Successful advisors typically develop their own marketing approach based on their strengths and interests. This may include social media, community networking, referral programs, or other relationship-based strategies. Education programs and advisor discussions within the agency community often include conversations about different ways advisors can attract and grow their client base.

• Agency Website Inquiries
  Occasionally, proposal requests come through the Trolley Lane Travel® website without a preferred advisor selected. These inquiries may be shared with advisors within the agency. While these opportunities can be helpful, they are not intended to be the primary source of business and are distributed among advisors.

Like any small business, the growth of your travel business will depend largely on your personal effort, consistency, and relationship building.

Building a successful travel business takes time, consistency, and relationship building. Like most small businesses, growth typically happens gradually rather than overnight.

Many advisors begin by working with their personal network and expanding their client base through referrals, repeat clients, and ongoing marketing efforts. As clients have positive travel experiences, word-of-mouth referrals often become one of the most valuable sources of new business.

The timeline for building a travel business can vary widely depending on several factors, including:

• The time and energy you are able to dedicate to your business

• Your personal network and community connections

• Your marketing efforts and consistency

• Your travel experience and destination knowledge

Some advisors begin seeing bookings within their first few months, while others take longer to build momentum. Over time, many advisors find that repeat clients and referrals become the foundation of their business.

Operating a travel business can be incredibly rewarding for those who enjoy travel, relationship building, and helping others create memorable experiences. However, it is best approached with the mindset of building a long-term business rather than expecting immediate income.

Advisors who approach their travel business with patience, consistency, and a genuine passion for helping clients tend to see the most long-term success.

Independent travel advisors affiliated with Trolley Lane Travel® earn income through commissions paid by travel suppliers when clients complete their travel.

• Commission-Based Earnings
  Income is earned through commissions paid by travel suppliers for completed travel bookings. Commission payments are typically issued by the supplier after the client has completed their trip and the supplier has released the commission to the agency.

• Commission Split
  Commissions received from supplier partners are shared between the advisor and Trolley Lane Travel®. Commission amounts vary depending on the supplier, destination, and type of booking. Advisors may have the opportunity to increase their commission percentage as their annual sales grow.

  More details about the commission structure are discussed during the conversation process so advisors can fully understand how commissions are calculated and distributed.

• Commission Processing
  Once commissions are received from suppliers and have cleared the agency account, they are processed weekly. Trolley Lane Travel® distributes commissions to advisors via ACH through QuickBooks.

Commission timelines vary by supplier and may be received several weeks after travel has been completed.

Starting and operating an independent travel business does require an investment in the tools, systems, and resources that support your work with clients. These investments provide the infrastructure needed to operate professionally and deliver exceptional service to your clients.

At Trolley Lane Travel®, we believe in being transparent about the typical costs associated with running an independent travel business. On average, advisors affiliated with Trolley Lane Travel® invest approximately $550 to $1,300 per year in business-related tools and resources. The exact amount can vary depending on individual preferences and any optional services an advisor chooses to use.

Our goal is to keep costs transparent and reasonable while providing the tools and resources advisors need to operate professionally.

More detailed information about these costs is shared during the conversation process so that you can make an informed decision.

Below are some examples of the types of investments commonly associated with operating a travel business affiliated with Trolley Lane Travel®.

Education Program

A one-time fee for the initial orientation and education program that introduces new advisors to the tools, systems, and resources available through Trolley Lane Travel®.

Annual Independent Contractor Technology Fee

This yearly fee supports access to several agency resources designed to help advisors operate their independent travel businesses professionally and efficiently. Resources included in this fee include:

• Errors & Omissions Insurance coverage provided through the agency policy

• Professional Trolley Lane Travel® email address

• Google Workspace access to the advisor resource library, including tools, templates, branding materials, and a shared photo and video content library

• A featured advisor profile on the Trolley Lane Travel® website with a direct client inquiry link

• Opportunities for inclusion in agency marketing and social media features

• Access to the agency’s Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system

The CRM system supports advisors in managing their client relationships and travel bookings and includes features such as:

• Automated client communications

• Secure payment authorization forms

• Commission tracking

• Trip management tools

(Some advisors also choose to carry their own additional Errors & Omissions insurance policies depending on their personal business preferences.)

Additional Optional Business Tools

Many advisors choose to invest in additional tools and marketing resources to support the growth of their businesses. These may include:

• Canva Pro subscription

• Business cards

• Social media advertising

• Referral programs

• Client welcome or thank-you gifts

• Thank-you cards and postage

These items are optional and vary widely depending on each advisor’s individual business approach.

A Note About Your Investment

Operating a travel business is much like running any small business. The level of investment and growth is largely determined by the individual advisor's goals, time commitment, and marketing approach.

• Commission Processing
  Commissions earned through supplier bookings are processed and distributed accurately through the agency’s established commission system.

• Advisor Orientation
  New advisors are introduced to Trolley Lane Travel® systems, tools, resources, and agency procedures to help them get started.

• Business Guidance
  Access to guidance and insight from the agency owners, along with shared experience and best practices for building a successful travel business.

• Advisor Community
  Access to a private advisor communication space where advisors can ask questions, share insights, and collaborate with other members of the Trolley Lane Travel® community.

• Planning Tools & Client Resources
  Access to travel planning tools, templates, and client-facing resources designed to help advisors serve their clients professionally and efficiently.

• Education & Professional Development
  Opportunities to participate in supplier training, webinars, on-site events, familiarization trips (FAMs), and the Trolley Lane Travel® annual advisor conference.

• Ongoing Communication
  Optional bi-weekly agency update meetings to stay informed on supplier updates, agency news, and industry developments.

• Advisor Resource Hub
  Access to an exclusive advisor hub that includes marketing templates, branding resources, planning tools, and a shared travel photo library.

• Agency Initiatives & Opportunities
  Participation in agency initiatives, promotions, and incentive opportunities offered by suppliers or the agency.

• Business Tools
  Access to professional email services and an online CRM system designed to support client management and travel planning.

Independent travel advisors determine their own schedules, business strategies, and client relationships while utilizing the resources available through Trolley Lane Travel®.

Independent travel advisors affiliated with Trolley Lane Travel® have access to a variety of education and professional development opportunities designed to support the growth of their independent travel businesses.

• Advisor Orientation Program
  New advisors begin with an online orientation and education program that includes self-paced learning modules and virtual meetings designed to introduce the systems, tools, and resources available through Trolley Lane Travel®.

• Supplier Education
  Advisors have opportunities to participate in supplier-hosted training sessions throughout the year to stay informed about destinations, travel products, and industry updates.

• Agency Education Sessions
  Trolley Lane Travel® hosts two optional virtual advisor meetings each month. One session typically features a supplier partner or Business Development Manager who shares destination updates, product information, and planning insights. The second session often focuses on topics requested by advisors and may include discussions about business strategies, travel planning tips, or industry updates.

• Business Development Guidance
  Advisors have opportunities to connect with agency leadership and fellow advisors to share ideas, experiences, and insights related to growing their travel businesses.

• In-Person Educational Events
  Advisors may also have opportunities to attend in-person educational events, including supplier-hosted training opportunities, familiarization trips (FAMs), and the Trolley Lane Travel® annual advisor conference.

The travel industry is constantly evolving, and successful advisors often make continuing education a regular part of growing their travel businesses.

No. Trolley Lane Travel® does not operate under a multi-level marketing (MLM) structure, and advisors are never required or expected to recruit other advisors.

Our agency operates under a traditional host agency model where independent travel advisors focus on building and growing their own travel businesses and serving their clients.

While some advisors may choose to refer individuals who are interested in becoming travel advisors, recruiting is not a requirement, expectation, or part of our business model.

The travel industry places a strong emphasis on professionalism and expertise, and Trolley Lane Travel® is committed to maintaining a structure that supports advisors in growing their own businesses rather than building downlines.

Independent travel advisors affiliated with Trolley Lane Travel® operate their own travel businesses while representing themselves professionally within the agency community. Advisors who affiliate with Trolley Lane Travel® are expected to uphold the following professional standards:

• Participation in Professional Development
  Advisors are encouraged to participate in available education and professional development opportunities in order to strengthen their destination knowledge and grow their independent travel businesses.

  Destination Expertise
  Developing expertise in at least one destination or travel specialty while continuing to expand knowledge across other areas of travel.

  Adherence to Agency Policies
  Advisors must operate in accordance with the policies, procedures, and supplier guidelines established by Trolley Lane Travel®.

  Professional Representation
  Advisors should represent themselves and Trolley Lane Travel® in a professional, positive, and respectful manner when interacting with clients, suppliers, and industry partners.

  Client Service Standards
  Providing clients with a high level of care, attention to detail, and professional service throughout the travel planning process.

  Staying Informed
  Remaining current on changes within their areas of specialization, supplier updates, and important agency communications.

If you're interested in exploring a potential Independent Contractor relationship with Trolley Lane Travel®, the process includes a few simple steps that help us get to know one another and determine whether it may be a good fit for both sides.

• Step 1: Initial Questionnaire
  You’ll complete a short questionnaire with basic information about your travel experience, areas of interest, and why you’re exploring the travel advisor industry. We’ll also ask for a brief travel resume outlining your personal travel history.

  Step 2: Follow-Up Questionnaire
  This step includes a few additional questions designed to better understand your destination knowledge, approach to marketing, and how you might handle common client planning scenarios. The goal is not to test memorization, but to see how you approach researching and solving travel planning questions.

  Step 3: Introductory Conversation
  If it appears that there may be a good mutual fit, we may schedule a conversation with one of the agency owners. This call allows us to learn more about your goals and answer any questions you may have about operating an independent travel business affiliated with Trolley Lane Travel®.

If it appears there may be a good mutual fit, we may schedule an introductory conversation to learn more about you and answer any questions you may have about operating an independent travel business affiliated with Trolley Lane Travel®.

Here are a few things that may help you prepare:

• Familiarize Yourself with Our Services
  We recommend taking some time to explore the Trolley Lane Travel® website and become familiar with the types of travel experiences and services we provide for clients.

• Share Your Perspective
  Be prepared to talk about your travel experience, the destinations or types of travel you are most passionate about, and why you are interested in building an independent travel business in the industry.

• Bring Your Questions
  This conversation is an opportunity for both sides to learn more about one another. We encourage you to come with any questions you may have about the agency, resources available to advisors, or what it’s like to operate a travel business affiliated with Trolley Lane Travel®.

• Respecting Your Time
  We aim to keep these conversations efficient and informative, typically lasting around 45 minutes or less.

If it appears there may be a good mutual fit, you may be invited to enter into an Independent Contractor orientation agreement with Trolley Lane Travel®. This introductory period is designed to help new advisors become familiar with the agency’s systems, resources, and processes before beginning to work with clients.

The orientation program is self-paced and typically takes between three and eight weeks to complete, depending on the individual’s schedule and pace.

During this orientation period:

• Education Program
  You will complete our online education program, which includes self-paced learning modules and scheduled virtual meetings designed to introduce you to the tools, systems, and resources available to advisors affiliated with Trolley Lane Travel®.

• Orientation Period
  This time allows you to learn the foundational aspects of operating a travel business within the Trolley Lane Travel® framework and determine whether the affiliation is a good long-term fit for both parties.

• Client Work Begins After Orientation
  To ensure a strong foundation, advisors do not begin marketing their services or working with clients until the orientation program has been completed.

Completion of the orientation program helps determine whether an ongoing Independent Contractor relationship with Trolley Lane Travel® will be offered.

Before completing the questionnaire, we encourage you to take a moment to consider whether building an independent travel business aligns with your goals, interests, and availability.

Independent travel advisors affiliated with Trolley Lane Travel® operate their own businesses while utilizing the resources, tools, and community available through the agency.

Advisors who tend to thrive in this environment often:

• Have a genuine passion for travel and helping others plan memorable experiences

• Enjoy building relationships and growing their own client base

• Are comfortable using technology and social media

• Are organized and able to manage details across multiple trips and clients

• Are willing to continue learning about destinations, suppliers, and the travel industry

Building a travel business takes time, consistency, and patience. Advisors who approach their business with a long-term mindset often see the greatest success.

If this sounds like something you would enjoy, we would love to learn more about your interest in becoming an independent travel advisor affiliated with Trolley Lane Travel®.