Homeworking Travel Agent vs Franchise – Which One’s Better in 2025?

If you’ve been looking into becoming a travel agent in 2025, you’ve probably realised there are two main options being thrown around online: franchises and homeworking models.

On the surface, they might sound similar — both promise flexibility, the chance to sell holidays from home, and a slice of the good life — but under the bonnet, they’re completely different setups.

So, if you’re sat there wondering which one’s the better fit for you, this post breaks it all down in plain English. No sales pitch. Just the facts, with a bit of straight-talking perspective from people who actually work in travel.

A homeworking travel agent is someone who runs their own travel business under the support and licensing of a host agency (like Medlife), but with the freedom to brand and grow it in their own way.

You’re not on a salary. You’re not in a shop. You’re running your own business, from home (or wherever your laptop happens to be that day). You earn commission every time someone books a holiday through you, and you get access to everything you need through your host agency — suppliers, tech, training, support and financial protection for your clients.

It’s ideal if you want:

• Flexibility

• Low startup costs

• The chance to build something that’s actually yours

👉 Read next: How to Become a Self-Employed Travel Agent in the UK

A travel franchise is usually a big brand that lets you use their name and systems in exchange for a hefty fee.

You pay upfront, follow their model, often have to use their set marketing materials, and you usually can’t brand the business as your own. You’re still self-employed, but very much tied into their way of doing things.

In many cases, you’ll also pay ongoing fees or commissions to the franchisor on top of what you already paid to join.

Let’s take a proper look at how the two options stack up:

Verdict:
Homeworking is far more accessible financially — you don’t need to fork out five grand to start selling holidays.

Verdict:
With Medlife, you get your own brand and your own voice. With a franchise, you’re usually building someone else’s brand.

Verdict:
If you want modern marketing tools and personalised help, a homeworking model like Medlife has you covered — without charging you extra for the privilege.

✅ Choose a Franchise If:

• You want to use an established brand name

• You’re happy to follow their model

• You’ve got thousands to invest upfront

✅ Choose Homeworking If:

• You want to build your own brand

• You want to keep more of what you earn

• You want modern training and more control

• You want to start quickly and affordably

• What is a Homeworking Travel Agent?

• How to Set Up Your Travel Business Legally in the UK

• Choosing the Right Homeworking Package – Ignite vs Velocity

• Marketing Yourself as a New Travel Agent

The franchise model works for some — especially those who want everything done for them and don’t mind paying for it.

But if you’re looking for freedom, proper support, and a business that’s truly yours — homeworking is the smarter option in 2025. Especially when you can start for under £300, get trained properly, and have a branded website that people can book on 24/7.

✨ Compare Medlife’s Ignite and Velocity Packages

📬 Or join the waitlist and launch your travel business this summer

We’ll give you everything you need to get started — minus the overpriced startup fee and the branded polo shirt.