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Business tourism 101: All you need to know

What is business tourism.

• To participate in internal meetings at different office locations
• To meet business partners (clients or suppliers)
• To go to conferences, exhibitions, trade shows, and other local or international business events
• To take part in company retreats or incentive trips

Why is business tourism important?

• Better understand common goals, needs, and challenges
• Work together more efficiently
• Easily share knowledge and ideas
• Achieve important breakthroughs and solve problems faster

See how to save money on business travel

What are the different types of business tourism, traditional business traveling, incentive trips, conference and exhibitions, how has business tourism evolved over the years.

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What is business tourism and why is it so big?

Disclaimer: Some posts on Tourism Teacher may contain affiliate links. If you appreciate this content, you can show your support by making a purchase through these links or by buying me a coffee . Thank you for your support!

In 2017, the world travel and tourism industry contributed more than $10 trillion dollars to the global economy. Of this amount, business tourism contributed a significant proportion, with a total of $1.23 trillion dollars.

Modern society transportation and infrastructure systems continue to revolutionise and therefore business tourism has the means to provide greater economic power than it has previously.

In this post, I will focus on the growing tourism industry of ‘business tourism’. I will explain what business tourism is, why business tourism is part of the tourism industry and provide a few examples of where business tourism takes place.

What is business tourism?

Definitions of business tourism, why is business tourism important, international exhibitors, corporate hospitality events, conferences, leisure time activities, benefits of business tourism, top business tourism destinations, business tourism in hong kong, business tourism in london, business tourism in new york, business tourism in toronto, business tourism in san francisco, business tourism: a conclusion, further reading.

Business tourism, or business travel, is essentially a form of travel which involves undertaking business activities that are based away from home.

The  United Nations World Tourism Organization  (UNWTO) defines tourists as people ‘traveling to and staying in places outside their usual environment for not more than one consecutive year for leisure, business and other purposes’, thus making business an important and integral sector of the tourism economy.

Business tourism activities includes attending meetings, congresses, exhibitions, incentive travel and corporate hospitality.

Academically, there isn’t a huge amount of literature on the characterisation of ‘business tourism’ or ‘business travel’. However, to quote from Davidson (1994) ‘Business tourism is concerned with people travelling for purposes which are related to their work.’

Business tourism represents one of the oldest forms of tourism, man having travelled for the purpose of travel since very early times” (cited in Bathia, 2006, p.272). To elaborate, business tourism is a means of travel that takes place for the primarily importance of a work-related activity.

Often the term ‘business tourism’ is described as ‘business traveller/travellers’.

There is a strong and correlative relation amongst a country’s economy and business tourism.

Business travellers are less cost sensitive on their expenditure as they themselves generally devote only a fraction of the cost. Research has shown that business travellers spend up to four times more during their trip than any other types of tourists . In fact, early research by Davidson and Cope , discovered that the ratio of daily expenditure by business travellers to that of leisure is generally situated somewhat between 2:1 and 3:1.

Therefore, business tourism provides significant economic contributions to the local and global economy. Business tourism also promotes the development for advanced infrastructure and transportation systems which also benefits other forms of tourism as well as the local population .

Business tourism also supports the hospitality industry, i.e. hotel bookings and restaurant bookings. This form of tourism also supports leisure tourism as business travellers tend to combine both activities together. This is referred as ‘bleisure tourism’, the combination of ‘business’ and ‘leisure’.

Business tourism activities

There are many forms of business tourism activities. Here I have demonstrated four key examples.

Business travellers may travel for the purpose of attending an exhibition. Exhibitions offer opportunities for businesses to connect with the international industry community. The exhibition industry entices two groups of people: those with something to sell and those who attend with a view to making a purchase of getting information.

Exhibitions come in all shapes and sizes depending on a person’s area of interest or work. As I have an interest in tourism I have attended a number of relevant travel exhibitions in recent years including ITB in Berlin and The World Travel Market in the UK.

Throughout many business excursions, the business traveller will have some form of meeting to attend during the course of their trip. Meetings may be appointments with clients; a board meeting at the present company or interstate of international branches; or an orientation meeting with staff at a new branch. Meetings can take place face-to-face or electronically using means such as Skype or FaceTime.

Corporate hospitality is a form of business travel that takes place when a corporation invites their guests to attend an event or an organised activity at no extra charge.

Corporate hospitality is a valuable tool used by corporations to foster relations, both internal and external to the company or to brand in influential circles. The extent to which corporate hospitality can yield tangible and intangible benefits is covered really well in the bestselling business book from award-winning restauranteur Danny Meyer, of Union Square Cafe, Gramercy Tavern, and Shake Shack entitled Setting the Table: The Transforming Power of Hospitality in Business .

A conference is a formal meeting of people with a shared interest. Conferences may last a day or they may last several days.

Conferences are common across a number of industries. Having worked in academia for a number of years, I have attended and presented at many conferences such as the ICOT conference in Thailand in 2017 and the International Conference on Sustainable Tourism in Nepal in 2018. I even won the three minute thesis competition at a PhD conference that I attended at the University of Staffordshire!

There are also many conferences and get togethers for travel bloggers that I am interested, such as TBEX , Traverse and Travel Massive .

Often in the business tourism literature you will come across the term MICE. MICE is a reference for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Events. The term MICE has been recognised as ‘The Meeting Industry’ according to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation .

The MICE industry contributes significantly to the wider business tourism sector. It is becoming increasingly recognised as a prominent part of the industry and is beginning to receive growing attention amongst the academic community. You can read a detailed article about MICE tourism here.

Along with the examples demonstrated above, business travellers also participate in leisure activities outside of their business commitments. These activities could range from dining out, sightseeing and other recreational activities. When I attended a conference in Nepal in 2017, for example, I took my mother in law and daughter along for the conference gala dinner where we took part in traditional Nepalese evening celebrations!

There are many benefits of business tourism. Notably, it brings economic value to the wider tourism industry as well as the local economy, for example through hotel bookings or sales of business travel backpacks . What many people forget to mention, however, are the benefits that business tourism can also have for the tourist!

I have travelled many times for business, whether this as part of my former Cabin Crew career, for an academic conference or to undertake consultancy work. Travelling frequently for work can yield many benefits for the individual, such as;

• Collecting frequent flier miles and redeeming these for personal use
• Becoming a member of hotel loyalty programmes and receiving associated benefits during both work and personal trips
• Saving money on things such as food and drink when attending corporate hospitality events
• Enhanced networking opportunities that may otherwise be inaccessible
• Taking advantage of leisure opportunities that may be otherwise inaccessible
• Enjoying the use of facilities, such as gyms or swimming pools, that may not otherwise be available to you

Business tourism destinations

There are a variety of business tourism destinations all across the world. However, this type of tourism is predominantly situated in global north countries. This is mainly because global north countries are developed countries and have the means to provide well equipped resources and infrastructure to makes business tourism easily accessible and thus desirable choices among business travellers.

According to Egencia , the corporate travel group collected data from flight booking and reservations during the years 2014 and 2018. Their collection of data led them to discover the top 20 destinations for global business tourism.

Following the list above, I have listed a set of examples of business tourism that are listed within the top ten destinations for global business tourism/travel.

Hong Kong ranks 8 th in the world for global business tourism and has been deemed one of Asia’s top choice for business travel. According to CTM , Central and Tsim Sha Tsui are the most popular commercial areas for business travel, with several hotels and business headquarters.

Hong Kong is the perfect destination for MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and events) and in 2014, this form of tourism accounted for 1.82 million visitors.

There are around 283 hotels in Hong Kong.

There are a variety of things to do in Hong Kong during a business trip of the traveller is wanting to blend business and leisure together. A list of things to do are:

• Victoria Peak
• Tian Tan Buddha
• Victoria Harbour The Peak Tram

London ranks 2 nd in the world for global business tourism. London is the financial capital of the world and with this status comes several high-profile companies and is thought to be one of the best places to network and seek new business opportunities. This is why so many business tourists visit London for conferences, meetings and exhibitions.

London has around 1500 hotels.

There are a variety of things to do in London during a business trip of the traveller is wanting to blend business and leisure together. A list of things to do are:

• Buckingham Palace
• Coco Cola London Eye
• The British Museum
• Palace of Westminster

In 2019, New York was named the world’s top destination for business tourism for the fourth consecutive year. At no surprise when business travel flight bookings increased by more than 120% between 2014 and 2018.

New York is also a popular destination for business tourism as it offers a great deal of leisure activities and promotes the idea of blending business with leisure travel.

There are a variety of things to do in New York during a business trip of the traveller is wanting to blend business and leisure together. A list of things to do are:

• Statue of Liberty National Monument
• Central Park
• Empire State Building
• The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Toronto has been ranked the 5 th destination for global business tourism, outranking major commercial centres in the U.S.

Toronto (pronounced as “Traw-no” by the locals), is the financial capital of Canada. And according to Business Events, Toronto is the top Canadian domestic travel destination and the most popular choice for U.S sponsored association meetings outside the U.S.

In Toronto there are over 170 hotels which collectively has around 36,000 hotel rooms.

There are a variety of things to do in Toronto during a business trip of the traveller is wanting to blend business and leisure together. A list of things to do are:

• Royal Ontario Museum Art Gallery of Ontario

San Francisco has been ranked 7 th in the world for global business tourism.  According to The San Francisco Travel Association , San Francisco welcomed 18.9 million leisure visitors and 5.8 million business travellers in 2015.

According to Joe D’Alessandro, president and CEO of San Francisco Travel, San Francisco is “experiencing sustained growth in all market segments – domestic, international, leisure and business – as a result of our highly professional and sophisticated community of hotels, restaurants, cultural organizations and SFO, one of the finest airports in the world.” 

There are a variety of things to do in San Francisco during a business trip of the traveller is wanting to blend business and leisure together. A list of things to do are:

• Fisherman’s Wharf
• Golden Gate Bridge
• Golden Gate Park

Where business exists, the demand for business travel follows. Business tourism is predominantly located where good transportation systems are allocated, i.e. airports, taxis, railways. The choices of hotels and restaurants also attracts business travel.

Do you travel for business? What things do you look out for on your business trip? Are you a lover of combining business and leisure activities? Leave a comment below.

Like this post? For more on different types of tourism, I’d suggest reading my tourism glossary !

• Setting the Table: The Transforming Power of Hospitality in Business – The bestselling business book from award-winning restauranteur Danny Meyer, of Union Square Cafe, Gramercy Tavern, and Shake Shack
• Event Planning: The Ultimate Guide To Successful Meetings, Corporate Events, Fundraising Galas, Conferences, Conventions, Incentives and Other Special Events – An academic text focussing on MICE in the events industry
• The Business of Tourism – A introductory text to the tourism industry

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Business Travel: The Beginner’s Guide

June 12, 2019

by Rob Browne

In a world where it has become as easy as a quick few taps on smartphone to book a trip across the world, business travel is more widespread and accessible than ever before.

Are you a recent graduate or new employee looking for an introduction to business travel? This article provides an overview of the field as a whole as well as a guide to traveling for work and managing your business travel expenses .

What is business travel? A step-by-step business trip guide

Research from Statista shows that business travel contributes almost $1.3 trillion to the global economy in a single year, making it one of the world’s largest economic industries. Further research highlights only upward trends in the amount that is spent on business travel as well.

This research reflects an increasingly intertwined global economy. With the speed at which businesses on opposite sides of the world can interact over the internet and travel to meet with each other, employees are operating in a space where location is fluid and business interests can converge across state, national, and continental lines.

Thus, business travel is a vital part of many companies’ lifebloods. In this article, we’ll explore the four temporal components of a business trip and use them as a lens through which to discuss business travel.

Booking business travel

Oftentimes, the dates and general logistics of your business trip are determined by the wants and needs of the client(s) you visit on the trip. If possible, it’s always best to book as far in advance as you can to plan on being out of office. Of course this won’t always be the case, as business trips occasionally arise on short notice if a client needs a quick turnaround time on a particular task that requires a visit.

Booking a business trip is not the same as browsing the internet for the best deals on a family vacation . The online booking platform (OBT) that you use for securing your transportation and hotel depends on your company’s internal travel policy.

Some companies require their employees to book through a specific brand of travel management software  or using a travel management company . A key motivator for companies to use travel management software is that it makes it easier to ensure that employees comply with corporate travel policies. These policies include which airfare class employees are allowed to book, which hotel star class they can stay in, and the class of rental car they can use.

For others, booking your business trip may be a similar experience to booking a trip outside of work, as some companies tolerate open market bookings.

The rigidity with which you’ll be dealing with in terms of booking compliance is dependent upon your company’s travel policy and budget. In most cases, you’ll be looking at a range of mid-tier flight and hotel options that best fit your needs in terms of schedule and distance from the site where you’ll conduct most of your business.

Preparing for the trip

Business trips are often short and have a singular purpose. Get to your destination, meet with the people you need to meet with, and go home. Because of the high energy level required for such a focused itinerary, you’ll want to make sure that you are well-rested going into the trip.

After arriving at your destination, there may not be time to catch a nap  before heading to your first meeting, so you’ll want to ensure that you are able to operate at peak performance as soon as you arrive.

Travel with your important items in your carry-on bag just in case anything happens to your checked luggage. Almost everything you bring on a business trip should be essential to your work, and with a short turnaround between arrival and meetings, you can’t risk not having item X, Y, Z..

On the trip

While on your trip, optimize for everything you can. Outside of any business-related commitments, you’ll want to make sure you have as much time as you need for your work. If there is a particular company policy regarding a daily per diem, or allowance, for meals or transportation, you’ll also need to keep that in mind.

If your trip is to a destination with a lot to see outside business hours or a place where you have friends or family, you can also check with your company’s travel policy regarding bleisure travel. Bleisure, a combination of “business” and “leisure,” means adding a few days onto the beginning or end of your trip to enjoy the opportunity to spend some time not only inside an office.

After the trip

The most important part of finishing a business trip is gathering your expenses and filing an expense report. Between flights, hotels, other transportation, and food, you likely spend a decent amount of money and would like your expenses to be approved and reimbursed as quickly as possible.

Having your expenses approved and reimbursed is typically an easy process, especially if your company uses a form of expense management software .

It’s a trip!

Traveling for work may seem daunting, but thinking about your trip in terms of these four segments will help you succeed at all points of your trip. If your job allows you the opportunity  to spend time outside of your office, enjoy it—and maybe spend time in some exciting destinations along the way.

Rob is a former content associate at G2. Originally from New Jersey, he previously worked at an NYC-based business travel startup. (he/him/his)

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How to Start Your Own Business in the Travel Industry

Last Updated: June 10, 2021 Approved

This article was co-authored by Laura Krueger & Michelle Donson . Laura Krueger (right) and Michelle Donson (left) are Travel Specialists and the Founders of LM Media Worldwide, a free service that sources and negotiates contracts for hotel rooms and meeting space needs. With a combined 30 years of experience, they specialize in hospitality sales, contract and rate negotiations, room reservations, and wedding planning. Laura holds a BS in Business Management with High Honors from Rutgers University and has directed several sales teams, negotiated thousands of contracts, and consistently exceeded national sales goals for hotel chains such as Wyndham, Radisson, and Starwood. Michelle holds a BS in Hospitality Management from the University of Delaware and has worked in group sales and banqueting for Marriott and directed several sales teams with InterContinental Hotel Group, Wyndham, and Starwood. Michelle has also earned the prestigious “Salesperson of the Year” award twice consecutively for Wyndham Hotel Group’s national sales team. LM Media Worldwide is trusted by Kleinfeld Hotel Blocks, Marriott, Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, Melia Hotels & Resorts, Gaylord Hotels, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, Wyndham Hotel Group, and Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article has 16 testimonials from our readers, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 276,669 times.

In the modern marketplace, setting up and running a successful and profitable travel business is a highly challenging task. There are a number of ways to enter the travel industry. If you have a love of travel and are planning to have a career in this industry, investing in your own business is a good option.

Starting a Franchise Travel Agency

• You can search the internet or find books at the local library to help you research the many facets of the travel industry. Additionally, you can directly contact companies in the travel industry, such as cruise ship companies or hotels.

• There are many different travel agency franchises. Make sure you compare them and their requirements to find the right fit for you and your business. There are many websites and books available to help you learn more about and compare the different franchises available.
• Franchises typically require an initial monetary investment to purchase a franchise. This can be as much as tens of thousands of dollars.

• Consider hiring an attorney to review any legal documents included in this process.
• Check with local government agencies for any additional licenses or permits that may be needed.

• A real estate agent or website can help you find the right location. If available in your area, try to find a real estate agent who specializes in commercial property.
• The location you choose should be highly visible and traveled by those customers you wish to target.

• You can find and research professionals, such as accountants, on the internet, in a local phone directory, or through local organizations, such as a chamber of commerce.
• Local staffing agencies or advertisements in local papers can help you find the right employees to make your business a success.

• Consider joining local organizations for business owners, such as a chamber of commerce.
• Compare mass marketing alternatives, including print, radio, and television advertisements, for your target market.
• Include internet and social media marketing in your marketing strategies.
• Build strong relationships with organizations in your industry, such as airlines, cruise ship companies, hotels, and car rental companies. Joint marketing opportunities may be possible.

• You should open business banking accounts and acquire a credit card that can be used to pay all business related expenses.
• Compare local banking institutions and take advantage of any small business incentives available.

• The franchisor will provide all of the guidelines and other operating requirements that you need to follow.
• Remember that the franchisor's success depends on the success of its franchisees. Therefore, they are there to help you succeed.

Starting a Home-based Travel Agency

• You can visit your local government offices to find out more information about these requirements.
• Online research and your local library are other locations to find more information about legal requirements for a small business.

• Contacting other small travel agencies may help you to learn more about the type of agency you want to start.

• You can find help developing business plans online.
• A business consultant can also help you to develop a solid business plan.

• Acquire a credit or debit card to help pay for business expenses as well.

• Dealing with more than one company can give you more to offer your clients, and it could also provide you with additional money.
• Having strong relationships in the industry can also help your marketing efforts.

• Consider partnering with other travel agencies that can serve as your connection between the airlines, cruise lines, and accommodations. With these connections, you can have additional time to make more connections in the industry.

Becoming an Independent Contractor in the Travel Industry

• There are many different host agencies. Make sure you compare them and their requirements to find the right fit for you and your business.
• You can search the internet or find books at the local library to help you research different host agencies in the travel industry.
• Some host agencies require an initial monetary investment to become an independent contractor. However, the cost is typically much less than purchasing a franchise.
• Host agencies handle much of the back office work, such as calculating and paying commissions, providing training, and handling some marketing.
• Licensing and certification are typically handled by the hosting agency, allowing the independent contractor to focus on finding customers and making sales.

• The host agency will provide all of the guidelines and other operating requirements that you need to follow.
• Remember that the host agency's success depends on the success of its independent contractors. Therefore, they are there to help you succeed.

Expert Q&A

• Network with other people in the travel industry to establish strong relationships with your vendors. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Contact franchise owners, home-based agents, or independent contractors to get feedback of their first-hand experience in the travel industry. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Consider taking a few business courses so you can learn more about how to start and maintain your business more effectively. These courses can be found nationwide at local community colleges and online. Any fees paid to enroll or participate in the course are tax deductible as a business expense. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• As with any business, it takes time to become profitable. Make sure you are prepared financially until revenue exceeds expenses. Thanks Helpful 12 Not Helpful 0
• Before you start a travel business, research the competitors within your locality. Thanks Helpful 12 Not Helpful 1

Things You'll Need

• Money to Invest
• List of travel franchisers
• Good location

You Might Also Like

• ↑ Laura Krueger & Michelle Donson. Travel Specialists. Expert Interview. 30 September 2020.
• ↑ http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/190464
• ↑ https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agency-franchise-or-host-agency
• ↑ https://articles.bplans.com/how-to-start-a-travel-agency/
• ↑ https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/190464
• ↑ https://howtostartanllc.com/business-ideas/travel-agency

About this article

To start a home-based business in the travel industry, decide if you want to earn referral fees from bigger companies, or if you want to book and sell travel packages yourself. Next, write a business plan that provides a solid foundation for your company. Then, start building relationships with vendors to help you negotiate deals for your clients. Finally, implement a marketing strategy using a combination of print and digital advertisements, as well as social media marketing. To learn more about becoming an independent contractor, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Introduction

Traveling for business is an all-encompassing enterprise these days, for the road warriors and novice business travelers alike. Many, without travel policies to work off, are on their own. That’s a good thing, because it means more opportunities to personalize your trips— but this can also be quite daunting.

Consider this your all-encompassing guide to help make business travel seamless and stress-free, from what apps and podcasts to download and shoes to wear, to what to do during downtime at the airport, how to make your hotel room feel more like home, and much more.

Read on to make the most of your next business trip, and don’t forget to subscribe to get the latest news and stories from BusinessTravel.com

What Type Of Business Traveler Are You?

The Planner

Planners like to have their itineraries locked in place, but they should add flexibility when applicable. Your coworkers will appreciate it, and it could give you peace of mind should your all-important plans change. 

The Worrier

Worrier need not be a negative label, especially if you offset your travel anxiety with structured plans. Worriers should outline clear, easy goals to hit and map out what they can and can’t control. Talk to the planners and road warriors for more advice. 

The Homebody

Homebodies should do their best to mimic home settings on the road: Unpack right away, bring trinkets, and pack your own coffee. While travel may never be your thing entirely, the more you can personalize it to match your home preferences, the more you’ll enjoy it. 

Young professionals are ambitious, but they like guidance. If you’re a rookie, poll your colleagues with more travel experience to get their thoughts on nailing a business trip. You’ll be thankful and will build confidence to tackle the next one on your own. 

The Road Warrior

Adding a few tricks—such as finding off-the-beaten-path restaurants or traversing the city by bike or scooter—can break up the monotony of travel for even the most weary road warriors.

For a more in-depth breakdown of business traveler types, check out What Kind Of Business Traveler Are You?

Before You Depart, Do These Three Things

1. set goals.

Everything from unpacking luggage to reading an article specific to your industry can make you feel productive on a trip, so it’s a good practice to write these goals down—no matter how small—and cross them off as you complete them. 

2. Map Your Preferences

Plan a business trip around your preferences to create an environment you’re comfortable working in on the road. From hotel amenities, to rental car choice, to flight times, there’s flexibility at almost every stop of business travel. 

3. Have A Packing Plan

Packing efficiently isn’t just about fitting everything into a carry-on or including the right - sized toiletries. It’s about optimizing the space to help you get the most out of your business trip.

Learn more about these helpful pre-trip protocols. Read 3 Quick Tips To Prepare For Your Next Business Trip

No Business Travel Policy? No Problem

1. stick to one itinerary.

Being productive on the road starts with organization. Either manually or with the aid of an app, keep the details of your trip in one place. This way, when you want to know the check-out time for the hotel in reference to your departing flight, you can do so with one touch rather than two or three. 

2. Build Points That Work For You

Unbridled business travelers should explore loyalty programs that work best for them. You will find you can use your travel for work to subsidize your personal vacations. Beyond credit cards and hotels, Uber, Lyft and Airbnb all now have business offerings. 

3. Never Collect Receipts Again

There are plenty of apps on the market with both free and subscription offerings for keeping track of business travel expenses . Two apps for expensing business travel stand out in the field: Expensify and Zoho. While keeping physical receipts is still a good practice, these make tracking expenses a breeze. 

4. Plan & Debrief

Planning meetings, especially those that take place away from the office, can go a long way in easing the burden of traveling, while setting clear goals for the trip. When you return, debrief with your colleagues and chart your likes and dislikes to build up a reference for future travels.

Take a deeper dive into how to better organize your next business trip with this useful checklist: Best Practices For Managing Business Travel Without A Travel Policy

Podcasts That’ll Make You Smarter For Your Next Business Trip

Masters of scale with reid hoffman.

By presenting his theories and bringing on experts to discuss — and often challenge — them , entrepreneur Rich Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn, levels himself with his audience. You’ll take away business advice and hear firsthand that there’s always more to learn.

• Where You Can Get It: Apple Podcasts | Google Play Music

Planet Money by NPR

What’s going on in the economy? How does it affect your business? Stay up-to-date with these quick-hit episodes that cover current events or offer retrospectives on some of the most transformative economic events in world history.

• Where You Can Get It: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

The EntreLeadership Podcast

Educational and inspirational, the EntreLeadership Podcast will leave you thinking— in a good way . Take in the lessons and apply them to your everyday life. There’s more than just business here. 

TED Talks Daily

These are tailor-made for the business traveler. Have a short layover? Want to learn as you pack? Need a soundtrack for your morning hotel routine? Throw on an episode of TED Talks Daily and learn on the fly. 

Stuff You Should Know

Well, the “should” can be misleading. Should you really know how a Ouija b oard works? Probably not, but now you’re curious, and you can find out on a spooky episode of this podcast. It’s the podcast made to defeat awkward silences. 

Ologies with Alie Ward

The name says it all. Alie Ward takes a comedic approach to all the ologies, the studies of whatever you can think of. L earn about vexillology (flags), saurology (lizards), or acarology (ticks), and share the info with whomever will listen.

Learn more about these incredible podcasts, and where you can get them, with this helpful guide: 12 Must-Listen Podcasts For Your Next Business Trip

There’s An App For That

Business travelers often need to adjust on the fly in unfamiliar territories. Useful apps, therefore, play a crucial role in their work lives. Here are some common problems for business travelers and apps that provide solutions.

“I’d like to find a lounge at an airport”

Check out LoungeBuddy , which enables you to see what lounges you have access to. If you have an American Express card, you can purchase time at participating lounges as well. 

• Availability:   Apple
• Cost:   Free

“Can public transportation get me to my destination?”

Download Transit , an app that charts public transportation and suggests routes in 104 cities across the United States. 

• Availability:   Apple   |   Android

“I need to track my expenses, but I don’t want to bring home receipts”

Road warriors will find Expensify indispensable. Take pictures of your receipts and upload the details. It also includes integration with popular accounting programs. Expensify was named “The Best Business Travel App” by Business Insider . 

• Cost:   Free (Limited) | Subscriptions: Starting at $4.99/month

“I’d like to maintain my health routine on the road ”

With HabitMinder , you can set three fitness goals (with the free version) and track your progress hitting them each day. Goals include physical activities, like walking and stretching, to good habits, like hydrating and eating healthy. 

• Cost:   Free | Premium Subscription: $.99/month

Ready for more recommendations? Check out 14 Apps To Consider Before Your Next Business Trip

Versatile Shoes You Need (That Fit Your Budget)

A shoe that’s made for walking and looks good with every outfit is essential for business travelers. Here are four styles to check out, all less than $150.

Sperry Authentic Original 

Easy to slip on? Check. Formal look with a casual feel? Check. Great in indoor and outdoor settings? Check. The Sperry Authentic Original expands any business traveler’s wardrobe. Get a pair and thank us later. 

Nike SB Zoom Bruin 

The Nike SB Zoom Bruin combines the comfort and cool of skate shoes with the look of something a little more formal. You’ll feel good rocking them with board shorts or jeans and a blazer. The smaller swoosh hints at the balance the sneaker giant has found with its skateboarding collection: undoubtedly Nike but a little more understated. 

Rothy’s The Point

A shoe that comes in 23 colors is always green. That’s because the company makes one of its signature models from 100% recycled plastic bottles. It’s a 21st-century concept that you’ll love: a great looking shoe that helps the environment. 

Dr. Scholl’s

In an ironic twist, not many people associate a company built on comfort with having a great selection of shoes. But here we are. Dr. Scholl’s has a number of offerings that fit the casually formal description with the Freestep Laceup Sneaker (for men and women) standing out. 

Discover more incredible footwear for your next business excursion with this in-depth guide: 12 Shoes Business Travelers Will Love

Airport Tips For The Business Traveler

1. time is of the essence.

Stick to carry-on luggage. Sign up for TSA Pre-Check. Check in online rather than at the airport. And, if you don’t have TSA Pre-Check, know which security lines tend to be the longest, especially in airports where you can walk between terminals once cleared.  

2. Count Your Steps

Staying active in the airport is relatively easy for any traveler: choose the stairs over the escalator; skip all moving walkways; if time permits, walk the length of the terminal or explore other areas of the airport.

3. Whet Your Appetite

If time constraints limit your ability to explore a city’s food and drink scene, don’t worry. More and more airports are bringing local favorites — chains and dives alike — to their terminals, allowing travelers to get their fill on the go. 

4. Flag Down That Taxi

While Uber and Lyft offer business plans, they aren’t always the most reliable transportation options to save on time. From airports, taxis are often the most efficient in this regard.

For a more comprehensive breakdown of essential airport tips, check out 5 Airport Tips For Business Travelers

Make Your Hotel Feel Like Home

1. make use of the dressers & closet.

You’ll feel organized from the start, setting the tone for the rest of your trip. Plus, getting your clothes out of your luggage early will help keep them from wrinkling and may save you time with the iron. 

2. Brew Your Own Cup Of Joe

Nothing will make you feel at home like the smell of your favorite coffee brewing early in the morning. The routine will put your day in motion while making you feel accomplished. A bonus: Should you adventure out to sample local brews, you’ll have something to measure new flavors against. 

3. That’s Your Desk Now

Organizing your clothes is one important step to making your hotel feel like home. Organizing your work materials is another. By plugging in your laptop at the desk, you’ll have a ready-made workspace to turn to should you retire to your room with tasks still left to complete. 

4. Block Out The Noise, Literally

Sleeping on the road in a bustling town isn’t the easiest thing. While companies like Bose produce wireless sleepbuds that play soothing sounds, you can get a similar effect by listening to sleep-aid stations on Spotify or Pandora. Learn to set the sleep timer on your phone: In the clock app, set a timer and change “When Timer Ends” to “Stop Playing.”

Learn more useful advice on how to make your hotel room match the comforts of home with this in-depth post: 7 Hotel Tips For The Business Traveler

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Business Travel Guide

12 most essential business travellers needs.

Business travel can be both exciting and stressful. While travelling for work can be an opportunity to explore new places, meet new people, and expand your business, it can also involve long hours, jet lag, and unfamiliar surroundings. To make the most of your employee embarking on a business travel, it’s important to understand the business travellers needs and how to meet them.

Essential amenities for business travellers include comfortable accommodations, reliable transportation, and access to technology. Business travellers need a comfortable place to sleep, work, and relax, as well as reliable transportation to get to their meetings and appointments. Access to technology is also essential, as employees embarking on corporate travel need to stay connected and productive while on the road.

Travel convenience factors such as airport proximity, easy check-in, and fast Wi-Fi are also important for business travellers especially those embarking on their first business travel . These factors can help reduce stress and make travel more efficient, allowing business travellers to focus on their work.

Key Takeaways

• Essential amenities for business travellers include comfortable accommodations, reliable transportation, and access to technology.
• Travel convenience factors such as airport proximity, easy check-in, and fast Wi-Fi are also important for business travellers.
• Health and wellbeing, as well as safety and security, are top priorities for business travellers.

Essential Amenities for Business Travellers

Here are some essential amenities that you should look for when booking your accommodations:

1. Reliable Internet Connection

A fast and reliable internet connection is crucial for business travellers. You need to be able to access your emails, work documents, and other online resources without any interruptions.

Make sure that the hotel or accommodation you choose offers high-speed Wi-Fi that is available throughout the property.

2. Work-Optimised Spaces

Business travellers need a workspace that is conducive to productivity. Look for accommodations that offer a desk or a table where you can work comfortably.

The workspace should be well-lit and have a comfortable chair. You can also check if there are any meeting rooms or conference facilities available if you need to host a business meeting.

3. Accessible Power Outlets

Business travellers rely heavily on their electronic devices. It is essential to have easy access to power outlets to keep your devices charged.

Make sure that the accommodation you choose has power outlets near the workspace and the bed. You can also bring a portable charger to ensure that your devices stay charged while you are on the go.

Travel Convenience Factors

.Here are a few factors to consider to ensure your travel plans are as convenient as possible.

1. Proximity to Business Venues

Choosing accommodation that is close to your business venues can save you time and hassle. Look for hotels or serviced apartments that are within walking distance or a short taxi ride away from your meetings or conferences. This will allow you to avoid traffic and arrive at your destination on time.

2. Efficient Transportation Options

Efficient transportation options are also important for business travellers. Look for hotels that offer shuttle services to and from the airport or train station. Alternatively, consider using ride-hailing services like Uber or Bolt to get around quickly and easily.

3. Fast Check-In and Check-Out Services

Fast check-in and check-out services can save you valuable time when travelling for business. Look for hotels that offer online check-in and check-out options, or that have dedicated business check-in counters. This will allow you to get to your room or your meeting as quickly as possible.

Health and Wellbeing

Travelling for business can be an exciting experience, but it can also take a toll on your health and well-being.

Here are some things to consider when planning your next business trip:

1. Fitness and Relaxation Facilities

When travelling for work, it’s important to stay active and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Many hotels offer fitness facilities, such as gyms and swimming pools, that you can use during your stay.

If your hotel doesn’t have these facilities, consider finding a nearby gym or fitness centre.

Relaxation is also important for your wellbeing. Many hotels offer spa services, such as massages and facials, that can help you unwind after a long day of meetings.

2. Nutritional Dining Options

Eating healthy can be challenging when travelling for business, but it’s important to maintain a balanced diet.

Look for hotels that offer healthy dining options, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.

If you’re dining out, choose restaurants that offer healthy options and avoid fast food and processed foods. You can also bring healthy snacks with you, such as nuts and fruits, to keep you energised throughout the day.

3. Healthcare Access

Access to healthcare is important, especially when travelling to a foreign country.

Make sure you have adequate travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. You can also research local hospitals and clinics in case you need medical attention.

If you have a pre-existing medical condition, make sure to bring enough medication with you and carry a copy of your medical records. It’s also a good idea to research the local healthcare system and any potential language barriers you may encounter.

Safety and Security

Here are some key areas to consider when it comes to safety and security.

1.Secure Accommodation

One of the most important aspects of your safety as a business traveller is securing the right accommodation.

You need to ensure that the place you are staying is safe and secure, with appropriate measures in place to protect you and your belongings.

Look for accommodation that has secure locks on doors and windows, as well as CCTV and security guards on site.

2. Emergency Services Information

In case of an emergency, it’s essential to have access to the relevant emergency services. Make sure you have the contact details for the local police, fire department and ambulance service.

Keep these details in a safe and easily accessible place, such as in your phone contacts or on a laminated card in your wallet.

3. Data Protection Measures

As a business traveller, you may be carrying sensitive information with you. It’s important to take measures to protect this data, such as using encrypted devices and secure cloud storage.

Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks, as these can be vulnerable to hacking. Instead, use a secure VPN to access the internet.

Top Three Priorities for Business Travellers?

As a business traveller, you have specific needs and priorities that must be met to make your trip successful. According to recent research , the top three priorities for business travellers are receiving information on flight status, baggage handling, and waiting time at security/immigration.

Flight Status

Knowing the status of your flight is crucial for a business traveller. Any delay or cancellation can have a significant impact on your schedule and productivity.

Therefore, it’s essential to receive timely updates on your flight status. You can use various tools such as airline apps, travel management apps, and flight tracking websites to stay up-to-date on your flight status.

Baggage Handling

Another important priority for business travellers is baggage handling. Losing or delaying your luggage can be a nightmare, especially if you have important documents or equipment in your luggage.

Therefore, it’s crucial to choose an airline that has a good track record of handling baggage efficiently. You can also take some precautions, such as packing essential items in your carry-on luggage and labelling your luggage with your contact information.

Waiting Time at Security/Immigration

The third priority for business travellers is the waiting time at security/immigration. Long queues and delays at security/immigration can be frustrating and stressful, especially if you’re running late for your flight.

Therefore, it’s important to plan ahead and arrive at the airport early to avoid any delays. You can also use various tools such as TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and Mobile Passport to expedite the security/immigration process.

What amenities do business travellers expect in their hotel accommodations?

Business travellers usually expect high-quality amenities in their hotel accommodations. They require comfortable beds, clean rooms, and a quiet environment for a good night’s sleep. They also expect high-speed internet, a work desk, and a comfortable chair to work from.

How can hotels cater to the specific requirements of business tourists?

Hotels can cater to the specific requirements of business travellers by providing them with a variety of services. They can offer business centres with computers, printers, and fax machines. Hotels can also provide conference rooms, meeting rooms, and audio-visual equipment for business meetings.

In what ways can the needs of business travellers be effectively met during their stay?

To effectively meet the needs of business travellers during their stay, hotels can provide them with personalised services. They can provide them with a dedicated concierge service, room service, and laundry service. Hotels can also offer 24-hour front desk service, security, and emergency services.

What distinguishes the expectations of business travellers from those of leisure travellers?

Business travellers expect more amenities and services than leisure travellers. They require high-speed internet, a work desk, and a comfortable chair to work from. Leisure travellers, on the other hand, expect more entertainment and recreational activities, such as a spa, a golf course, or a beach.

What essential facilities should be provided to satisfy the demands of group business travel?

To satisfy the demands of group business travel, hotels should provide a variety of facilities. They can offer meeting rooms, conference rooms, and audio-visual equipment for business meetings. They can also provide shuttle services to and from the airport or other destinations. Additionally, hotels can offer group rates, group discounts, and group packages to attract group business travellers.

Read more Business Travel Guide articles

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Turn Your Love of Travel into Income

• Home Business
• Small Business
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• Entrepreneurship
• Operations & Success

Leslie Truex has over 20 years of experience as a writer and a home entrepreneur. She is the author of multiple books on running a home business.

Imagine getting paid to travel or to share your enthusiasm for travel by helping others with their trips? The Internet and digital devices make working anywhere you can get online a way to build a business around your lifestyle, including travel. 

So pack up your bags, and head off into the sunset with these six home business ideas that either involve you traveling or helping travelers.

Travel Blogger

Blogging on any topic is a great way to have a home business, but for travelers, it can be particularly fun. There are boomers blogging about their adventures on the road in their RV. Moms blogging about theme park visits with the family. Because blogs are essentially online journals, you can blog about your trip and make money.

Like all blogs, making money as a travel blogger requires building a following who want to know about your adventures. Monetization of the blog can be through affiliate programs , sponsors, ad feeds (i.e. Adsense ), or selling ad space.

Depending on the type of blogging you do and the number of followers, you can earn free stuff as well. For example, if you’re biking across Asia, a bicycle company may give you a bike.

Travel Writer

In some ways, travel writing and blogging are similar. The difference is that in travel writing, you’re selling your articles to another magazine or blog. There are many magazines, online and off, that will not only pay for your piece but might even foot the bill for the trip. Further, some publishers hire writers to author travel books.

The challenge of becoming a freelance travel writer is in finding the work . Like most freelance writing jobs, there is an ebb and flow, so you’ll need to adjust to a feast or famine lifestyle. Plus you have to adhere to what editors want, which may differ from your interests.

Photographer

 There are two ways to make money from travel photography:

• Get hired by a company, usually a publication, to take photos, or
• Sell your photos after the fact to publications, through online digital photography sites , or by creating merchandise such as a poster or tee shirt . 

Being a photographer can increase your marketability as a travel writer, as well. 

Travel Consultant

Unlike travel agents that book trips, a travel consultant works with people on a variety of travel issues. It could be preparing people for travel (i.e. adoptive parents who are traveling abroad) or businesses needing information on cultural issues in selling their products abroad, or international travel for their employees.

Travel Agent

With resources such as Expedia, there’s some thought that the need for travel agents is diminishing. However, many travelers still like expert help and personal service. While you can set up shop on your own, there are home-based travel agent opportunities that could make it quicker for you to get started if you have no experience in booking travel for others.

One way to entice clients is by offering a niche service, such as Disney vacations, or African Safaris. You can also focus on a market, such as family travel, travel with pets or corporate travel.

In order to be a tour guide from home, you should live in or near a place people want to visit. For example, I live in central Virginia, less than 10 miles from two Founding Father’s homes and a number of Revolutionary and Civil War historic sites.

However, your tour service doesn’t just have to be about history. Many older towns have ghost tours. Or if you have great outdoor areas you can have scenic hikes or bird tours. If you know the best foodie establishments, you can set up food tours.

 If you can speak a foreign language fluently, you can offer your ability as a translator. Translation can be in written form, but also through verbal communication.

In travel, many business executives need translators to help them negotiate deals. Translator skills can be helpful as a tour guide, as well. 

Social Media Influencer

 Becoming an influencer can be more difficult than the other options, there are people on social media who are getting paid to travel. Some of these people are bloggers, but many are on Instagram, sharing photos of their travel adventures. 

In most cases, influencers get paid or receive freebies (i.e. free resort stays), through sponsorships. Affiliate marketing is another way a social media influencer can earn an income. 

Bed and Breakfast

When you think of bed and breakfasts you probably think of large old homes with several rooms. However, you only need a single bedroom with a bathroom to offer a place to stay for travelers. You can promote your B&B yourself, or use a service such as Airbnb to list your room(s).

Along with a clean place to sleep, travelers will expect breakfast and maybe an afternoon snack or tea. It's a fun way to meet people, share your local, and learn about others around the world.

In a post-pandemic world, will working from home be a boon for business travel?

After two years of remote work and return-to-office dates pushed back several times due to COVID-19 surges and variants, many companies are finally getting ready to return to the office this month. However, what that return to work looks like will likely be very different than office life before the pandemic, and since the working-from-home culture took root.

Gone from many companies is the expectation of employees sitting in an office full time. American Express is one company that says hybrid will lead the way, with 40% of its staff working from home in some capacity. Also, many tech companies are making the jump to hybrid and working from home -- with one Meta employee telling us she never expects to return to a regular desk in the office again.

Without traditional office culture and business spaces, what does this mean for business travel ? Is it the end of work trips and conferences as we know them?

Don't write off business travel yet. In fact, you may be surprised to hear that many in the industry think the continued trend of working from home could actually be a boost for hotel and travel bottom lines.

Want more travel news like this? Sign up for our daily newsletter .

The future of business travel

As Elie Maalouf, CEO of the Americas region for IHG Hotels & Resorts , put it: "There are people who can't deliver their work on Zoom."

According to the American Hotel & Lodging Association , although big conferences may not be coming back, the trend toward staying in a destination for an extended period beyond a face-to-face meeting is something that will continue to expand throughout 2022.

Related: The ultimate guide to small-business travel

Working from home, on the road

Sean Hennessey, assistant professor at the New York University School of Professional Studies Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality, said that while "it's a little early to call it a trend, we're starting to see people, especially in tech where remote work is part of the job, coming in to headquarters and booking [hotel] rooms, creating demand."

Hennessey added that, as the pandemic fades from view, there will be a more natural inclination to want to see people and to catch up on in-person, day-to-day conversations. Additionally, this incremental demand to meet in person will benefit the hotel community and the supporting travel infrastructure -- including rail and air travel and restaurants.

"The hotel markets in a number of cities have rebounded and started to bounce back even though the office occupancy is nowhere where it was, pre-pandemic," Hennessey stated.

And even though much of that is credited to leisure travelers, there's an "undercurrent of periodic corporate business and employees coming in monthly and so forth that's helping to bolster the recovery of the hotel sector," he says.

Related: Business travel is surging back sooner than expected, but there's still some bad news for airlines

'Bleisure' travel is here to stay

Chip Rogers, president and CEO of the American Hotel and Lodging Association, said "bleisure" travel -- in which travelers piggyback leisure and business trips -- has been called a "pandemic silver lining."

"Some travel experts think that fly-to-the-meeting and fly-back-from-the-meeting day trips will become a thing of the past and that multiday bleisure trips will ultimately become 'the new business trip,'" he explained.

While this kind of extended travel isn't new, it was more common among younger travelers before the pandemic, said Rogers. Today, it's more mainstream among business travelers across demographic groups, according to AHLA data. "In fact, one 2021 study of global business travelers found 89% wanted to add a private holiday to their business trips in the next 12 months," he shared.

This shift is possible, he explained, because companies have become more accepting of employees working on the road and more tolerant of this kind of business travel.

Related: 5 tips to turn business travel into family vacations

The move to better, longer trips

"We have entered a new business travel frontier," said Jon Makhmaltchi of J.Mak Hospitality, a sales and marketing consultancy for global travel brands.

According to Makhmaltchi, both leisure travelers and business travelers are spending more, staying in nicer hotels and looking for more residential-style experiences from their hotels.

Business travel "obviously was drastically reduced during the pandemic but travel is back, and corporate travel is back, but altered. We're finding business travelers taking fewer, better business travel trips, which is also a trend we've been seeing in leisure travel," he added.

Makhmaltchi explained that business travelers who are hitting the road "want comfortable and cool lounges for meetings or to get work done, and now more of their meetings are scattered throughout cities and suburban areas with many people still working from home. We've seen that business travelers are willing to stay outside of traditional business districts, instead preferring a destination that offers better, hipper neighborhood shopping, dining, outdoor activities or a bit of fun for them."

He added: "We have all gotten used to work happening outside office settings so the bar has raised on what those settings are when we're on the road."

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Travel Agency

Back to All Business Ideas

How to Start a Travel Agency

Written by: Carolyn Young

Carolyn Young is a business writer who focuses on entrepreneurial concepts and the business formation. She has over 25 years of experience in business roles, and has authored several entrepreneurship textbooks.

Edited by: David Lepeska

David has been writing and learning about business, finance and globalization for a quarter-century, starting with a small New York consulting firm in the 1990s.

Published on December 13, 2021 Updated on April 11, 2024

Investment range

$2,150 - $10,600

Revenue potential

$78,000 - $300,000 p.a.

Time to build

0 – 3 months

Profit potential

$62,000 - $90,000 p.a.

Industry trend

Who doesn’t love to travel? But most of us do not love the endless research, planning, and booking required, which sometimes feels like it takes more time than the vacation itself. This is precisely why the $35 billion US travel agency industry has been booming of late, and why it offers a real opportunity for the travel-minded entrepreneur.

By starting your own online travel agency, you can shoulder travelers’ burden and ease their anxiety, allowing them to enjoy their holiday while you make a healthy profit. And thanks to the post-pandemic boost, now is a great time to get in on travel.

Of course, starting a travel agency will not be a vacation – it will take diligence, patience, and strong guidance. Thankfully, you’ve come to the right place, as this step-by-step provides all the information you need to develop and launch your new travel agency and give you a head-start on your entrepreneurial journey.

Step by Step Business values real-life experience above all. Through our  Entrepreneur Spotlight Series , we interview business leaders from diverse industries, providing readers with firsthand insights.

Uncover the secrets to building a thriving travel agency with our interview with Casey Halloran of Costa Rican Vacations .

Aspiring travel entrepreneurs will find valuable insights in our interview with Augustin Ndikuriyo on building a thriving African wildlife tour business .

Looking to register your business? A limited liability company (LLC) is the best legal structure for new businesses because it is fast and simple.

Form your business immediately using ZenBusiness LLC formation service or hire one of the Best LLC Services .

Step 1: Decide if the Business Is Right for You

Pros and cons.

Every business has its pros and cons, and a travel agency is no exception. You should weigh these carefully to decide if the business is right for you.

• Flexibility – Work from anywhere, even while traveling!
• Minimal Training – Get accredited for free online
• Travel Discounts – Travel agents get top deals and reduced prices
• Demanding Work – With clients around the world you’re on call 24/7
• Fierce competition – Top sites like Expedia, travel networks, advisors, and more

Travel agency industry trends

The US travel agency industry expanded an impressive 75% in the decade leading up to 2020, which saw a massive pandemic-driven downturn. 

In 2021, many travel agents saw a surge in business as travelers unsure of all the constantly changing Covid-19 rules and restrictions turn to them for help, rather than booking their own trips. Global travel advisor InteleTravel experienced a 35% increase in business, not from the disaster year of 2020, but from 2019, which had set records.(( https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/14/travel/summer-vacation-travel-agents.html ))

Consumers are also turning more and more to online travel agencies, with a study by Expedia showing a 25% increase in the use of online agencies in 2020 alone. Brick-and-mortar agencies seem to be a dying breed, with British travel icon Thomas Cook closing in 2019.(( https://advertising.expedia.com ))

Industry size and growth

• Industry size and past growth – Market research firm IBISWorld values the industry at nearly $48 billion in 2022.(( https://www.ibisworld.com/industry-statistics/market-size/travel-agencies-united-states/ ))  
• Growth forecast – The industry is expected to grow further as the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicted a 5% annual growth through 2030 in the employment of travel agents.(( https://www.bls.gov/ooh/sales/travel-agents.htm )) 
• Number of businesses – More than 73,000 travel agencies are operating in the US.(( https://www.ibisworld.com/industry-statistics/number-of-businesses/travel-agencies-united-states/ ))
• Number of people employed – The industry employs more than 250,000 people.(( https://www.ibisworld.com/industry-statistics/employment/travel-agencies-united-states/ ))

Trends and challenges

Trends in travel agency industry include:

• Home-stay rentals like Airbnb(( https://stepbystepbusiness.com/business-ideas/start-an-airbnb-business/ )) outperformed hotels in 27 top markets during the pandemic
• Book-now-pay-later options, such as those offered by Expedia and Booking.com, are gaining popularity
• Travel agencies undergoing digital transformation in response to the growing demand for online services

Challenges in travel agency industry include:

• Rising gas prices are impacting travel behavior
• Compliance with global Covid-19 protocols
• Keeping up with digital marketing opportunities

What kind of people work in a travel agency?

• Gender – 76% of travel agency managers in the US are female, while 24% are male. (( https://www.zippia.com/travel-agency-manager-jobs/demographics/#gender-statistics ))
• Average level of education – 64% of travel agency managers hold a bachelor’s degree.(( https://www.zippia.com/travel-agency-manager-jobs/demographics/#degree-level-types ))
• Average age – The average age of a travel agency manager is 51 years old.(( https://www.zippia.com/travel-agency-manager-jobs/demographics/#age-statistics ))

How much does it cost to start a travel agency?

The startup costs for a travel agency range from about $2,000 to $10,000, with an average of around $6,000. The high-end includes the rental of office space and a larger marketing budget, but you could easily run your online travel agency from home to cut costs.

How much can you earn from a travel agency?

The commission paid to a travel agency by travel vendors such as airlines and hotels is generally about 10%. Some travel agents also charge a nominal consultation fee for each booking, typically between $30 and $50. Those will be your two revenue streams.

The average cost of a one-week domestic vacation is $1,500 per person. The profit margin for a home-based travel agency is usually about 80%. With an office and staff, your margin will likely drop to about 30%.

In your first year or two, you could work from home and sell five two-person vacations each week. At a 10% commission, this would mean $78,000 in annual revenue. You’d have about $62,000 in profit, assuming an 80% margin.

As your brand gains recognition, sales could climb to 1,000 two-person vacations a year. At this stage, you would rent an office and hire staff, reducing your profit margin to 30%. With expected annual revenue of $300,000, you would make about $90,000.

What barriers to entry are there?

There are a few barriers to entry for a travel agency. Your biggest challenges will be:

• Competition – Big and small online firms; self-booking travelers
• Client Acquisition – Time and marketing will be required to build a reputation

Related Business Ideas

How to Start an Airbnb Business

How to Start a Bed & Breakfast

How to Start a Glamping Business

Step 2: hone your idea.

Now that you know what’s involved in starting a travel agency, it’s a good idea to hone your concept in preparation to enter a competitive market.

Market research will give you the upper hand, even if you’re already positive that you have a perfect product or service. Conducting market research is important, because it can help you understand your customers better, who your competitors are, and your business landscape.

Why? Identify an opportunity

As a travel agency, you need to find a way to differentiate yourself from the competition. Research online travel agents and booking platforms to see their offerings and prices, while keeping an eye out for something that might be missing.

Perhaps you could specialize in travel to an under-appreciated region, such as Southeast Asia, and build a network of relevant contacts and vendors. Or you could focus on finding travelers the most incredible home-stay rentals at the best prices.

You could specialize in family vacations, corporate retreats, or honeymoons. The potential niche options in the travel industry are nearly endless.

What? Determine your products or services

Travel can involve many facets, and you can handle some or all of them, in addition to flights, lodgings, and car rentals. These might include:

• Booking tours and excursions
• Dining recommendations/reservation
• Travel insurance
• Visa and emergency services

How much should you charge for travel agency services?

Travel vendors, such as hotels, airlines, and car rental firms, pay a commission to travel agents that’s generally about 10% of the booking. For instance, if you book a $1,200 flight on Turkish Airlines for your client, Turkish Airlines will give you, the travel agent, a $120 commission.

As a result, booking flights with a travel agent sometimes costs the traveler slightly more than booking directly with the airlines or through a travel site like Expedia or Orbitz. Thus, to attract customers and boost sales travel agents rely on discounted travel packages.

For instance, a return flight from Chicago to Cancun and a 6-day stay at a four-star all-inclusive resort, plus ground transport, might cost a traveler $1,000 or more to book directly. But travel agents get significant discounts from vendors because they place volume orders, so you’d be able to offer this trip as a $599 package deal.

Even after paying your commission, the traveler still saves a chunk of money by using your services, rather than booking themselves. And keep in mind, the discounts offered by vendors are likely to increase as you become a more established agent. You may be able to negotiate commissions from tour operators and excursion companies as well.

Once you know your costs, you can use this Step By Step profit margin calculator to determine your mark-up and final price points. Remember, the prices you use at launch should be subject to change if warranted by the market.

Who? Identify your target market

Your target market will depend on the concept you’ve chosen for your agency. If you’ve decided to specialize in family vacations, you’ll be targeting parents. You might find them on sites like Facebook or LinkedIn, rather than Instagram or TikTok.

Where? Choose your business premises

In the early stages, you may want to run your business from home to keep costs low. But as your travel agency grows, you’ll likely need to hire workers and may need to rent out an office. You can find commercial space to rent in your area on Craigslist , Crexi , and Commercial Cafe .

When choosing a commercial space, you may want to follow these rules of thumb:

• Central location accessible via public transport
• Ventilated and spacious, with good natural light
• Flexible lease that can be extended as your business grows
• Ready-to-use space with no major renovations or repairs needed

Step 3: Brainstorm a Travel Agency Name

Your business name is your business identity, so choose one that encapsulates your objectives, services, and mission in just a few words. You probably want a name that’s short and easy to remember, since much of your business, and your initial business in particular, will come from word-of-mouth referrals.

Here are some ideas for brainstorming your business name:

• Short, unique, and catchy names tend to stand out
• Names that are easy to say and spell tend to do better
• The name should be relevant to your product or service offerings
• Ask around — family, friends, colleagues, social media — for suggestions
• Including keywords, such as “travel” or “bookings”, boosts SEO
• Choose a name that allows for expansion: “Wanderlust Adventures” over “Beach Bum Vacations” or “Honeymoon Haven Agency”
• Avoid location-based names that might hinder future expansion
• Use online tools like the Step by Step business name generator . Just type in a few keywords and hit “generate” and you’ll have dozens of suggestions at your fingertips.

Once you’ve got a list of potential names, visit the website of the US Patent and Trademark Office to make sure they are available for registration and check the availability of related domain names using our Domain Name Search tool. Using “.com” or “.org” sharply increases credibility, so it’s best to focus on these. 

Find a Domain

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Finally, make your choice among the names that pass this screening and go ahead with domain registration and social media account creation. Your business name is one of the key differentiators that set your business apart. Once you pick your company name, and start with the branding, it is hard to change the business name. Therefore, it’s important to carefully consider your choice before you start a business entity.

Step 4: Create a Travel Agency Business Plan

Every business needs a plan. This will function as a guidebook to take your startup through the launch process and maintain focus on your key goals. A business plan also enables potential partners and investors to better understand your company and its vision:

• Executive Summary: Present an overview of your travel agency, highlighting its focus on providing personalized travel planning and booking services for various types of travelers.
• Business Overview: Describe the services of your travel agency, including custom travel itinerary planning, booking accommodations, flights, and special experiences.
• Product and Services: Detail the range of travel packages offered, such as luxury vacations, adventure tours, and corporate travel services.
• Market Analysis: Assess the current travel market, identifying target customer segments like families, honeymooners, or business travelers.
• Competitive Analysis: Compare your agency to others, focusing on your unique offerings like specialized destinations, personalized service, or exclusive deals.
• Sales and Marketing: Outline your strategy for attracting clients, using methods like online marketing, partnerships with travel providers, or attending travel expos.
• Management Team: Highlight the experience and expertise of your team in travel planning, customer service, and business management.
• Operations Plan: Describe the process of service delivery, from client consultation to trip execution and post-travel follow-up.
• Financial Plan: Provide an overview of financial aspects, including startup costs, pricing strategy, and anticipated income.
• Appendix: Include supplementary documents such as travel industry certifications, partnership agreements, or detailed client testimonials to support your business plan.

If you’ve never created a business plan, it can be an intimidating task. You might consider hiring a business plan specialist to create a top-notch business plan for you.

Step 5: Register Your Business

Registering your business is an absolutely crucial step — it’s the prerequisite to paying taxes, raising capital, opening a bank account, and other guideposts on the road to getting a business up and running.

Plus, registration is exciting because it makes the entire process official. Once it’s complete, you’ll have your own business!

Choose where to register your company

Your business location is important because it can affect taxes, legal requirements, and revenue. Most people will register their business in the state where they live, but if you are planning to expand, you might consider looking elsewhere, as some states could offer real advantages when it comes to travel agencies.

If you’re willing to move, you could really maximize your business! Keep in mind, it’s relatively easy to transfer your business to another state.

Choose your business structure

Business entities come in several varieties, each with its pros and cons. The legal structure you choose for your travel agency will shape your taxes, personal liability, and business registration requirements, so choose wisely.

Here are the main options:

• Sole Proprietorship – The most common structure for small businesses makes no legal distinction between company and owner. All income goes to the owner, who’s also liable for any debts, losses, or liabilities incurred by the business. The owner pays taxes on business income on his or her personal tax return.
• General Partnership – Similar to a sole proprietorship, but for two or more people. Again, owners keep the profits and are liable for losses. The partners pay taxes on their share of business income on their personal tax returns.
• Limited Liability Company (LLC) – Combines the characteristics of corporations with those of sole proprietorships or partnerships. Again, the owners are not personally liable for debts.
• C Corp – Under this structure, the business is a distinct legal entity and the owner or owners are not personally liable for its debts. Owners take profits through shareholder dividends, rather than directly. The corporation pays taxes, and owners pay taxes on their dividends, which is sometimes referred to as double taxation.
• S Corp – An S-Corporation refers to the tax classification of the business but is not a business entity. An S-Corp can be either a corporation or an LLC , which just needs to elect to be an S-Corp for tax status. In an S-Corp, income is passed through directly to shareholders, who pay taxes on their share of business income on their personal tax returns.

We recommend that new business owners choose LLC as it offers liability protection and pass-through taxation while being simpler to form than a corporation. You can form an LLC in as little as five minutes using an online LLC formation service. They will check that your business name is available before filing, submit your articles of organization , and answer any questions you might have.

Form Your LLC

Choose Your State

We recommend ZenBusiness as the Best LLC Service for 2023

Step 6: Register for Taxes

The final step before you’re able to pay taxes is getting an Employer Identification Number , or EIN. You can file for your EIN online or by mail or fax: visit the IRS website to learn more. Keep in mind, if you’ve chosen to be a sole proprietorship you can simply use your social security number as your EIN.

Once you have your EIN, you’ll need to choose your tax year. Financially speaking, your business will operate in a calendar year (January–December) or a fiscal year, a 12-month period that can start in any month. This will determine your tax cycle, while your business structure will determine which taxes you’ll pay.

The IRS website also offers a tax-payers checklist , and taxes can be filed online.

It is important to consult an accountant or other professional to help you with your taxes to ensure you are completing them correctly.

Step 7: Fund your Business

Securing financing is your next step and there are plenty of ways to raise capital:

• Bank loans : This is the most common method, but getting approved requires a rock-solid business plan and strong credit history.
• SBA-guaranteed loans : The Small Business Administration can act as guarantor, helping gain that elusive bank approval via an SBA-guaranteed loan .
• Government grants : A handful of financial assistance programs help fund entrepreneurs. Visit Grants.gov to learn which might work for you.
• Venture capital : Offer potential investors an ownership stake in exchange for funds, keeping in mind that you would be sacrificing some control over your business.
• Friends and Family : Reach out to friends and family to provide a business loan or investment in your concept. It’s a good idea to have legal advice when doing so because SEC regulations apply.
• Crowdfunding : Websites like Kickstarter and Indiegogo offer an increasingly popular low-risk option, in which donors fund your vision. Entrepreneurial crowdfunding sites like Fundable and WeFunder enable multiple investors to fund your business.
• Personal : Self-fund your business via your savings or the sale of property or other assets.

Bank and SBA loans are probably the best options, other than friends and family, for funding a travel agency. You might also try crowdfunding if you have an innovative concept.

Step 8: Apply for Travel Agency Licenses and Permits

Starting a travel agency requires obtaining a number of licenses and permits from local, state, and federal governments.

Federal regulations, licenses, and permits associated with starting your business include doing business as (DBA), health licenses and permits from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration ( OSHA ), trademarks, copyrights, patents, and other intellectual properties, as well as industry-specific licenses and permits. 

You may also need state-level and local county or city-based licenses and permits. The license requirements and how to obtain them vary, so check the websites of your state, city, and county governments or contact the appropriate person to learn more. 

You could also check this SBA guide for your state’s requirements, but we recommend using MyCorporation’s Business License Compliance Package . They will research the exact forms you need for your business and state and provide them to ensure you’re fully compliant.

This is not a step to be taken lightly, as failing to comply with legal requirements can result in hefty penalties.

If you feel overwhelmed by this step or don’t know how to begin, it might be a good idea to hire a professional to help you check all the legal boxes.

Step 9: Open a Business Bank Account

Before you start making money you’ll need a place to keep it, and that requires opening a bank account .

Keeping your business finances separate from your personal account makes it easy to file taxes and track your company’s income, so it’s worth doing even if you’re running your travel agency business as a sole proprietorship. Opening a business bank account is quite simple, and similar to opening a personal one. Most major banks offer accounts tailored for businesses — just inquire at your preferred bank to learn about their rates and features.

Banks vary in terms of offerings, so it’s a good idea to examine your options and select the best plan for you. Once you choose your bank, bring in your EIN (or Social Security Number if you decide on a sole proprietorship), articles of incorporation, and other legal documents and open your new account.

Step 10: Get Business Insurance

Business insurance is an area that often gets overlooked yet it can be vital to your success as an entrepreneur. Insurance protects you from unexpected events that can have a devastating impact on your business.

Here are some types of insurance to consider:

• General liability: The most comprehensive type of insurance, acting as a catch-all for many business elements that require coverage. If you get just one kind of insurance, this is it. It even protects against bodily injury and property damage.
• Business Property: Provides coverage for your equipment and supplies.
• Equipment Breakdown Insurance: Covers the cost of replacing or repairing equipment that has broken due to mechanical issues.
• Worker’s compensation: Provides compensation to employees injured on the job.
• Property: Covers your physical space, whether it is a cart, storefront, or office.
• Commercial auto: Protection for your company-owned vehicle.
• Professional liability: Protects against claims from a client who says they suffered a loss due to an error or omission in your work.
• Business owner’s policy (BOP): This is an insurance plan that acts as an all-in-one insurance policy, a combination of any of the above insurance types.

Step 11: Prepare to Launch

As opening day nears, prepare for launch by reviewing and improving some key elements of your business.

Essential software and tools

Being an entrepreneur often means wearing many hats, from marketing to sales to accounting, which can be overwhelming. Fortunately, many websites and digital tools are available to help simplify many business tasks.

You may want to use industry-specific software to manage bookings and scheduling, such as TravelPerk , TravelCEO , and TravelOperations .

• Popular web-based accounting programs for smaller businesses include Quickbooks , Freshbooks , and Xero .
• If you’re unfamiliar with basic accounting, you may want to hire a professional, especially as you begin. The consequences for filing incorrect tax documents can be harsh, so accuracy is crucial.

Develop your website

Website development is crucial because your site is your online presence and needs to convince prospective clients of your expertise and professionalism.

You can create your own website using services like WordPress, Wix, or Squarespace . This route is very affordable, but figuring out how to build a website can be time-consuming. If you lack tech-savvy, you can hire a web designer or developer to create a custom website for your business.

Your website should showcase your offerings, customer testimonials, and detailed information about destinations.

Your clients are unlikely to find your website, however, unless you follow Search Engine Optimization ( SEO ) practices. These are steps that help pages rank higher in the results of top search engines like Google.

Here are some powerful marketing strategies for your future business:

• Leverage Social Media : Use platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest to share stunning travel imagery, customer stories, and travel tips. Engage with your audience through regular posts, stories, and responses to comments.
• Content Marketing : Start a blog or a YouTube channel providing valuable content like travel guides, tips, destination reviews, and travel trends. This not only helps in SEO but also establishes you as an expert in the field.
• Build Partnerships : Collaborate with local businesses in your chosen travel destinations, such as hotels, tour operators, and local attractions. This can lead to exclusive deals or packages that you can offer to your clients.
• Email Marketing : Collect emails through your website and social media channels and send out regular newsletters with travel tips, special offers, and new package announcements.
• Customer Reviews and Referrals : Encourage your clients to leave reviews on platforms like TripAdvisor or Google. Word-of-mouth referrals are powerful, so consider offering incentives for referrals.
• Attend Travel Expos and Events : Participate in travel expos, seminars, and networking events to build contacts and stay updated on the latest industry trends.
• Offer Personalized Services : Tailor your services to meet individual client needs. Personal touches can make a big difference in the travel industry.
• Utilize Paid Advertising : Invest in targeted ads on social media and Google to reach potential clients. This can be particularly effective when you have special offers or new packages to promote.
• Stay Informed and Flexible : The travel industry is dynamic, so it’s important to stay informed about global travel trends, destination updates, and customer preferences.
• Sustainable and Responsible Travel : With growing awareness about environmental and cultural impacts, promoting sustainable and responsible travel practices can set your agency apart.

Focus on USPs

Unique selling propositions, or USPs, are the characteristics of a product or service that set it apart from the competition. Customers today are inundated with buying options, so you’ll have a real advantage if they are able to quickly grasp how your travel agency meets their needs or wishes. It’s wise to do all you can to ensure your USPs stand out on your website and in your marketing and promotional materials, stimulating buyer desire.

Global pizza chain Domino’s is renowned for its USP: “Hot pizza in 30 minutes or less, guaranteed.” Signature USPs for your travel agency could be:

• Travel to Asia’s best secret destinations
• The best local insights and insider adventures
• Vacations for the whole family, from grandma to the baby!

You may not like to network or use personal connections for business gain. But your personal and professional networks likely offer considerable untapped business potential. Maybe that Facebook friend you met in college is now running a travel agency, or a LinkedIn contact of yours is connected to dozens of potential clients. Maybe your cousin or neighbor has been working in travel agencies for years and can offer invaluable insight and industry connections. 

The possibilities are endless, so it’s a good idea to review your personal and professional networks and reach out to those with possible links to or interest in travel. You’ll probably generate new customers or find companies with which you could establish a partnership. Online businesses might also consider affiliate marketing as a way to build relationships with potential partners and boost business.

Step 12: Build Your Team

If you’re starting out small from a home office, you may not need any employees. But as your business grows, you will likely need workers to fill various roles. Potential positions for a travel agency would include:

• Travel Agents – sales and bookings
• General Manager – scheduling, accounting, staff management
• Marketing Lead – SEO strategies, social media, other marketing

At some point, you may need to hire all of these positions or simply a few, depending on the size and needs of your business. You might also hire multiple workers for a single role or a single worker for multiple roles, again depending on need.

Free-of-charge methods to recruit employees include posting ads on popular platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, or Jobs.com. You might also consider a premium recruitment option, such as advertising on Indeed , Glassdoor , or ZipRecruiter . Further, if you have the resources, you could consider hiring a recruitment agency to help you find talent.

Step 13: Run a Travel Agency – Start Making Money!

Owning a travel agency means sharing the joy of travel for a living. What could be more fun? It’s also a huge, high-growth industry that you could tap into and grow a profitable business. Startup costs are low, and all you need is a simple accreditation — there’s no real training required. You just need a good concept for your agency and a great marketing plan. Having a strong online presence in this digital age is also an absolute must.

You’ve started off on the right foot by reading this guide, and now you’re ready to begin your trip to entrepreneurial success!

• Travel Agency Business FAQs

If you run your online travel agency from home, you could have profit margins of up to 80%. Costs to run your travel agency are very low, and you’re paid around a 10% commission on everything that you book. As a home-based, one-person show, you could make $60,000 per year to start, and much more once you’re established.

Consumers are turning to online travel agencies more and more, which you could easily run from home. If your business grows fast and you need to add staff, you may want to have an office.

Some consumers prefer the personal service of a smaller online agency that can offer more local, personal insights about travel destinations. The key is to differentiate yourself in some way. You could specialize in certain locations, a specific type of lodgings, such as cabins, or in a type of vacation such as corporate retreats.

Travel agencies engage in activities such as providing travel advice, booking travel arrangements, managing logistics, and offering specialized services tailored to clients’ needs.

Effective marketing strategies for a travel agency include building a strong online presence, targeted advertising, content marketing, collaborations and partnerships, and leveraging customer referrals and reviews.

Running a travel agency can have challenges due to intense competition, evolving industry dynamics, regulatory considerations, seasonal fluctuations, and the need for customer satisfaction and crisis management. 

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• Decide if the Business Is Right for You
• Hone Your Idea
• Brainstorm a Travel Agency Name
• Create a Travel Agency Business Plan
• Register Your Business
• Register for Taxes
• Fund your Business
• Apply for Travel Agency Licenses and Permits
• Open a Business Bank Account
• Get Business Insurance
• Prepare to Launch
• Build Your Team
• Run a Travel Agency - Start Making Money!

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Home Business Ideas: 40 Remote Jobs to Explore in 2022

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Working remotely and starting businesses from home have grown in popularity over the past decade. Currently, in the United States, millions of self-employed individuals have acted upon home business ideas and work regularly from their home.

There are plenty of compelling reasons to want the flexibility that working from home can offer. If a change in lifestyle is what you’re after, then you’ll want to take a close look at your skills and interests to figure out which of the many work-from-home jobs suits you. To help you in your exploration, we’ve gathered this list of 40 of the best home business ideas.

Home business ideas

Any office worker can probably tell you that they've had a daydream about quitting their job and starting their own business. Luckily, in this technological age, this dream can more easily become a reality. If you have a computer and internet connection, there are home business ideas aplenty, including those with low startup costs (if any) and flexibility for stay-at-home parents.

Here are 40 of the best home business ideas to consider:

1. Freelance writer

If you’re a great writer, then you could make a great freelance writer. And best of all, freelance writers work from all over the world. Whether you want to sit in your neighborhood cafe all day or country-hop all year, this job could apply to you.

Of course, successful writers need to have a firm grasp on grammar and tone, superb editing chops and the ability to do their own research and synthesize content that they might be unfamiliar with. It could help if you become an expert in a few different fields, like technology or small-business finance, and it’s always important for all freelancers to know how to market themselves and network with potential customers.

You might be asked to write anything from a blog post series to an industry white paper, website copy or email newsletters. The more you’re familiar with, the better off you are.

And finally, don’t forego the possibility of writing your own e-books to sell on Amazon and similar websites. With basically zero publishing costs and low design costs, this is another way your writing can benefit your bank account directly. (You could even write an e-book about freelance writing — the possibilities are endless.)

2. Virtual assistant

If all of your friends know you as “the really, really organized one,” then being a virtual assistant might be the home business idea for you.

When busy executives reach a point in their careers where they can't manage all the calls, emails, appointments and smaller responsibilities on their plates, that’s where you come in. As a virtual assistant, you would use your phone, email, computer skills and any number of online tools and applications to handle their online calendars, schedule appointments and meetings, make reservations, purchase tickets, set up reminders, organize events, file documents and more.

If this kind of work isn’t your thing, then it might sound a bit unglamorous. But if you’re the type of person who color-codes their planners and sends out Google calendar invitations for coffee dates, then being a virtual assistant could be a fun and fulfilling job — that you can do from home.

How much do you need?

with Fundera by NerdWallet

We’ll start with a brief questionnaire to better understand the unique needs of your business.

Once we uncover your personalized matches, our team will consult you on the process moving forward.

3. Researcher and fact-checker

From perusing old academic essays or case files to analyzing bibliographies or carrying out some market research, you can establish yourself as a professional researcher and fact-checker. Various types of businesses within several different industries need researchers and fact-checkers. Establishing a niche may help you better market your services.

You need to be organized, meticulous and skilled at communication. If that sounds like you, then add this to your personal list of home business ideas.

4. Social media manager

Today, every business, brand and public figure needs social media to engage with their audience, stay relevant and boost brand awareness.

And as it turns out, many companies pay pretty highly for people to manage their social media accounts well. If you can stay on brand, share content appropriately and reply to customers intelligently — while getting those precious likes, hearts, retweets and upvotes en masse — then you could be a killer social media manager.

5. Blogger and affiliate marketer

While managing a blog in and of itself won’t net you any money — in fact, it’ll cost you to purchase a domain, upgrade the appearance and run marketing campaigns — there are a few ways for you to monetize your blog. You could offer up advertising space, which is a useful but typically minor revenue stream, but a lot more money is often found in sponsorships and affiliate marketing.

Affiliate marketing, a sort of product placement, will let you receive payment from companies in return for advocating for their goods and services. Although this might sound a bit iffy, if you truly do recommend that your readers try out these products, then it doesn’t need to come across as sales-y or insincere. Readers will understand that you need to make money somehow, and many will appreciate your recommendations if they’re accurate.

6. Freelance designer

If you’re more of a visual person, then the freelance lifestyle can still work wonders. Try your hand at designing posters, flyers, or online advertisements for companies that don’t have the time or talent to do this work themselves.

As a freelance designer, you’ll build an online reputation and eventually have control over the projects and timelines you manage. Try out Behance and other freelance design sites to check out your options.

7. Freelance coder

Becoming a freelance coder is an especially great home-based business idea since it’s already a very commonplace gig. Whether you want the flexibility of being your own boss, enjoy taking on a wide diversity of projects rather than working with a single company, or prefer to travel instead of staying in one place, you've got many reasons to pursue freelance software development — even though technology companies and startups offer their own perks as well.

8. Online thrifter

Have a unique eye and the salesman’s pitch down to a science?

If so, you might want to consider running your own online thrift shop. Whether you focus on fashion specifically, another category of product, or prefer to amass collections of interesting items from all over the internet (but especially eBay), there’s always a strong demand for items with a story .

Give your store a compelling, memorable identity, and it will be seen as much more than a simple consignment store.

9. Data entry guru

It might not be the most lucrative or stimulating job in the universe, but data entry can certainly give you the funds you need to work from home or abroad. Plus, data entry jobs rarely require a lot of time or attention, unlike many on this list of home business ideas. You can listen to your favorite podcasts or audiobooks as you work your own hours.

Moreover, since all you need for data entry is a computer, this is certainly a home business idea with low startup costs — if you already own a laptop and have a reliable WiFi connection, you're pretty much all set.

10. College consultant

If you’re a top-notch editor with a deep understanding of how college admissions works — including standardized test preparation, personal statement requirements, supplemental essay requirements, applicant statistics and even financial aid — then you might be able to snag a rather well-paying job as a college consultant. Some families are willing and able to pay, and pay well, to make sure their kids submit the best possible applications to their dream schools.

This is by no means an easy job, as it requires a lot of knowledge and skillsets, but it can bring in a lot of cash for a home-based business.

11. Online tutor

Whether you’re an expert in a certain subject matter, like calculus or biology, or you’ve secured top scores on standardized tests, like the SATs or MCATs, you may be able to share that knowledge with current students looking to get an edge.

So if you have a passion for teaching, are up to date on the formats and policies of the tests you plan to instruct students on, and feel comfortable handling the content, then it might be time to start an online tutoring business.

And just like with the rest of these online home business ideas, you can easily service customers over the phone or, in this case, a video conferencing program like Skype or Zoom.

12. Translator

If you know multiple languages, then this is the home-based business idea for you. As a translator, you can service businesses and clients in a number of different ways. You can translate articles, press releases, e-books or other written work. You might also translate videos, podcasts or contribute to international closed captions for a variety of visual products. Moreover, you might connect with international businesses to serve as a translator for meetings or phone calls.

With experience in more than one language and access to the internet, you'll be surprised about how far-reaching your home translating business can extend.

13. Cybersecurity consultant

With even the biggest businesses around the world being subject to data breaches, cybersecurity is more important than ever. If you have experience with software and IT, a remote job as a cybersecurity consultant might be one of the best home business ideas for you.

From the comfort of your home, you can work with different companies to test their programs, software, backups, firewalls, encryption and generally assess potential threats to their network and advise them on the best cybersecurity practices. Although this may be one of the home-based business ideas on our list that requires the most training and education, it can be a highly lucrative position if you already have the knowledge, or are willing to work to obtain it.

14. Transcriptionist

Can you type extremely quickly while listening to someone talk? If the answer is yes, you might consider transcription services. Like data entry, this might not be the most exciting of our home business ideas but is certainly low-cost, flexible and you can get started very easily. There are all kinds of companies out there who hire freelance transcriptionists, as well as specific services that employ individuals to transcribe audio for various clients.

15. Travel planner

If you frequent websites like TripAdvisor and Yelp and are well-traveled yourself, you might extend your travel expertise to others as a home-based travel planner. You can use your experience to plan and book trips for your clients — manage hotel reservations, flights, excursions, create itineraries and offer tailored recommendations.

For families looking to go on a two-week vacation or couples planning their honeymoon, hiring someone to handle the details, big and small, of their trip, can be invaluable. Plus, in working with different hotels, resorts and vacation attractions, you'll start to build relationships with the staff — and possibly, receive discounts or perks that will make traveling on your own even easier (you might even start a travel blog while you're at it).

16. Fundraiser

If you have any prior experience managing campaigns and events, or simply have an electric personality, you might consider starting a freelance fundraising business. As a fundraising consultant, you'll have the opportunity to market for a business or cause and talk to prospective donors about how and why they should contribute to your campaign.

This home business idea is great for individuals with a background in nonprofit or government work, as well as former marketers or salespeople. If you have excellent people skills and a drive for meeting goals and getting results, this can easily be the right business for you.

17. Medical billing and coding

Although this job may require some form of medical background or schooling, it can be easily profitable and sustainable. Medical billing and coding connect health care providers, patients and insurance companies. As a medical biller and coder, therefore, you would work with patient records to determine the correct codes that are then verified by doctors and sent to insurance providers.

This career is a great business idea for nurses looking for a change; they can easily utilize their prior experience and relationships to succeed in this kind of self-employed role.

18. Video producing

With the prevalence of video in social media and marketing, the need for video producers and experts has only grown in recent years. Even if you don't have prior experience cutting and editing video, this is an online-based home business idea that you can easily learn and teach yourself with classes, tutorials and general guidance from the online video community.

Moreover, video production can transcend a number of different industries, styles and goals. As a video producer, you'll not only have the flexibility of working from home on a variety of projects, but you'll also have the ability to utilize your creativity on a daily basis.

19. Publicist

Looking for a way to combine your public speaking, communication and writing skills? You might consider serving as a freelance publicist or public relations consultant. You can greatly appeal to smaller businesses or individuals who can't invest in full PR teams or staff, but still need this kind of assistance for their organization.

As a freelance publicist, you may handle press releases, emails, social media — essentially, assisting with all facets of your clients' public-facing presence.

20. Customer service representative

Many companies now outsource their customer service to home-based representatives, so you should have no shortage of potential clients in this field. After all, any service- or product-based organization is more than likely going to have some kind of customer support need.

As a customer service representative, you'll be able to work with individuals online or over the phone and talk them through any issues they're having. If you have a communicative and approachable personality, this could be a great option for you.

21. Pet sitter or dog walker

As a pet sitter or a dog walker, you'll get to spend time with other people’s animals while they’re at work or on a trip. Simply follow your client's instructions, as well as your own experience and expertise, to provide care and comfort to these pets. It’s an easy way to get paid, especially if you’re an organized and trustworthy individual with a reputation for or history of animal care.

22. Arts and crafts master

Consider putting your knack for arts, crafts and design to use as the manager of an online store. So long as you believe your creations can find a market and sell at a profitable price, there’s very little stopping you from signing up as a seller on a site like Etsy and carving out your niche. While it might be a tough business, there’s plenty of wisdom out there to learn from.

23. Accountant

If you’re currently an accountant, transitioning to remote work might be as simple as letting your clients know that you work remotely now for reasons of convenience or perhaps hanging your own shingle out to start your own firm. On the other hand, if you’re looking to enter the industry (virtually or not), you should be aware of the training and certifications necessary.

24. T-shirt designer

The U.S. apparel industry is a $225 billion dollar market, and as it turns out, the T-shirt business is relatively quick, easy and painless to get into.

So if you’re interested in entering the eclectic and diverse T-shirt business with an idea or brand of your own, rejoice: This is certainly one of the best business ideas for setting your own hours and calling your own shots.

25. Cleaning service

If you love — or just don’t mind — cleaning up after others, then starting a cleaning business could give you the flexibility you want without forcing you to sit at a computer all day long.

However, this is an endeavor that could certainly grow into a much larger company if you’re successful, meaning that, eventually, you’d probably have to get an office and hire staff.

26. Massage therapist and wellness expert

Over the past decade, the massage therapy industry has grown nearly 20% with no indication of stopping. If this statistic interests you, then you might want to consider entering this burgeoning field.

After getting your massage therapy certification, along with the business license and massage equipment needed to work from home, you can turn your house into a local massage parlor for clients to come to, relax and improve their health and wellness. Plus, you could combine your massage therapy with a more holistic wellness practice or a nutritionist practice — but make sure to check your state’s licensing laws before offering dietary advice or supplements to customers.

27. Personal trainer

As a personal trainer, you could make house calls, visit a gym or let clients come to you (if you have the necessary equipment). You need to be very knowledgeable about everything from proper exercises for different body types to how to motivate people who want to get healthy. You should feel comfortable getting close to your clients in order to learn what works best for them.

Although a certification may not absolutely be necessary, it’s not a bad idea to find out if you can get one in your state before starting up, just in case.

28. Interior decorator

If you have an eye for composition, organization and feng shui, think about starting an interior design business . Partner with local furniture stores and design businesses (with your clients’ knowledge) to get good deals, help decorate public spaces and business interiors as well as houses and apartments, and let everyone in and outside your network know that your services are available.

29. Event planner

Everyone plans events — but not everyone lives and breathes it. Do you love coordinating food and drinks, invitations, scheduling conflicts, music, gifts, goody bags and every other aspect of the parties or events you’ve set up?

From birthdays to weddings, corporate get-togethers and local conventions, the world is your oyster when it comes to events to plan. If you’re passionate about logistics, then this could be the home business idea for you.

30. Caterer

If nobody you know can stop talking about your cooking, then maybe it’s time to charge for your services and talent and start a catering business .

While you won’t necessarily be able to do all of your catering work from home — you may need to use a commercial kitchen and will likely have to hire some part-time employees to help during events — much of the organization, planning, marketing and actual business work can be done wherever you like.

31. Bed-and-breakfast manager

This idea is for the folks who live in popular tourist locations, or would like to move to one. With some preparation, planning, tidying, cooking and a dash of advertising (made easier by services like Airbnb), you can convert your home into a bed-and-breakfast for weary travelers to rest in.

Keep in mind that you need spare bedrooms or a guest house for your customers, and you might want to invest in your cooking and decorating skills to leave a lasting positive impression. Good reviews go a long way in booking out your house for the future.

32. Florist

With a green thumb and a knack for crafts, you might consider opening a floral business to sell flowers and floral arrangements. Depending on your location, you could grow your own flowers, sell and arrange them at home; or, you can outsource the flowers, but still manage the whole of your operations from your own house.

33. Day care manager

Provided you have space, you can start a day care business by supervising a few children during the day — and expanding with staff to accommodate more kids as your business expands.

A day care can be an important business in a local community, especially if your town doesn't already have one. Plus, if you have any experience with teaching or kids, getting into this business will be quick, easy and rewarding.

34. Rideshare driver

Although not home-based per se, becoming a rideshare driver, with Uber or Lyft can offer the same flexibility and freedom as a business that's physically based in your home. As a rideshare driver, your business will more or less be based in your car, and you'll be able to choose your own hours and be your own boss. With the popularity of ridesharing apps continuing to grow, there's no shortage of clients looking for rides, especially if you live in a tourist area or near a big city.

35. Photographer

By starting your own home photography business, you can manage the operational side of your endeavor right from home and travel as needed to meet clients. If your home is particularly picturesque, you might even consider bringing clients there to take photographs or set up a home studio for portraits.

If you want to venture into event photography, you can market your services and look for clients who need professional photography for weddings, graduations, engagements or other events.

36. Landlord

If you have an extra room or guest house on your property, you might consider renting the space — or even investing in a separate property that you can market to renters. As a landlord, you'll be responsible for the upkeep of the property and dealing with any issues that arise with your renters, but you'll generally have flexibility in your business and be home-based.

37. Hair stylist or makeup artist

Are you the person that your friends come to for help with hair and makeup? If so, you might decide to start a home-based salon or makeup artistry business. You can set up a small place in your home with good lighting and the tools you'll need to service your clients, as well as create an on-the-go kit to offer hair and makeup in your clients' homes.

You may find that your hair or makeup business is particularly busy during prom and wedding season, which will be the perfect time to continue to market to new customers. If you have downtime during seasons, you might consider starting a hair or makeup blog or YouTube tutorial channel as well.

38. Eldercare

If you're passionate about helping people and have any experience in personal care, you might consider starting an eldercare business. Nursing homes can be expensive and people are often hesitant to put their family members in full-time care facilities. Therefore, you might decide to offer freelance care, traveling to your clients' homes and caring for them as needed. Keep in mind, you'll want to make sure you have any certifications and the proper training you need.

With the growing popularity of craft and local beers, you might consider brewing beer in your own home. Although this home business will require research, training and equipment, it can be sustainable if your properly market and sell your product.

Or, if you're particularly attracted to the brewing process but don't want to get involved in all of the other areas involved in selling beer, you might look into contract brewing, where you help beer companies make and package their beer. Either way, this can be a great hands-on business, especially if you like experimenting and figuring out how the best beer is made.

Even with all of the different brands and clothing stores out there, people are still going to have those moments where they need a piece of clothing fitted or repaired. If you have any skill with a needle or sewing machine, you might want to open up your own home tailor shop. As a tailor, you can perform fittings and alternations for dresses and suits, as well as repair damaged clothes.

Moreover, you might find there's a market for sewing personalization that you could capitalize on as well, especially for sports teams uniforms, wedding gifts, company swag and more.

Start Your Dream Business

Tips for starting a home-based business

Owning a home-based business is a dream that many people have. The good news is, the process is much more straightforward than you might think. If you're already working from home, contracting or freelancing, you may be able to turn your marketable skills into your own home business. Consider the following steps:

1. Craft a business plan

All businesses are born from a solid plan. Your home-based business is no different. Decide your company's purpose, figure out what service or products you will offer and set measurable targets and goals. You should also determine business financing options if you need initial capital to get started. Your business plan may adapt as your company evolves, but it's the foundation your company will grow upon.

2. Carve out a dedicated workspace

If you're new to working from home, you may think the kitchen table or couch makes for a perfect workspace. Unfortunately, when you're running your own home-based business, you may need a designated space to manage your business. This space does not have to be large and can always grow with time, but it should be separate from daily distractions in your home. If you don't have a second room to utilize, consider setting up your workspace in a spare bedroom or another less-trafficked room. You'll appreciate the privacy when you're taking work calls.

3. Choose a business entity

When planning home business ideas, you need to decide what type of business you want to form. Each business type has its own advantages and disadvantages, so make sure you do thorough research before deciding on one.

You don't have to form your own business to work from home, but doing so can be beneficial when filing your taxes and separating personal and business expenses.

The bottom line

If you're exploring small-business ideas from home to find the one that will be cost-effective, fit your skills and inspire you—we hope you found the right idea on our list; or, if not, you at least came up with a brilliant home business idea of your own.

The market for working from home (and home-based businesses) continues to grow, especially in small communities and niche markets. If you're intent on shifting to a home-based career, then, the opportunity is out there to start, sustain and even grow your own business.

On a similar note...

BUSINESS STRATEGIES

72 home based business ideas you can start today

• Rebecca Tomasis
• Jun 22, 2023
• 29 min read

Starting a business from home is becoming increasingly popular for new and experienced business owners. With the rise of the gig economy and digital technology, including online retail, there are now more opportunities than ever to launch a business that operates out of your home.

Whether you’re looking to supplement your income (see our guide on how to make money from home ) or start an entirely new career, home-based business ideas provide an excellent opportunity to participate in both the passion economy and the sharing economy.

Whether you have a home-based business, travel to your clients, or cram in a few hours at a cafe, the possibilities of avoiding the 9-5 office life are plentiful. In fact, in the U.S. alone, the most recent census (2017) found that 8 million people worked from home .

Starting a business from home is a quick and resource saving way to get a great business idea off the ground. Yankee Candles started off as a small business in the kitchen of Michael Kittredge's family home. Start small, think big.

It takes a self-motivated, highly disciplined person to make a home business successful. Of course you should choose a good business idea that suits you best. Fortunately, there are options available for all skill levels and areas of expertise (including business ideas for stay-at-home moms ). From the lowest overhead costs to the most elaborate ventures, and from freelancers to full-fledged business owners, here are the top 70 home-based business ideas for you to choose from and get started on today:

Pro tip: After coming up with business idea and before you get started putting this into action, take some time to read through the following guides. Begin by reading up on how to start your business , which includes everything from how to create a business website to promote your work. You might also want to check out some business website design inspiration .

Why start a business idea from home

There are many reasons why starting a business from home is a popular choice. Here we go over a few of the key reasons why:

Low startup costs. Starting a business from home can cost from just a few hundred dollars up, depending on which type of business idea you decide to run with. This makes the initial risk of starting a business much more minimal.

Flexibility. Business ideas that work from home allow for more freedom in terms of where you work from. They're often a good self-employment fit for parents with children at home, or for people who live in remote areas. Learn more about how to sell online .

Profitability. Small businesses started from home can grow and with less overhead costs, they can have great potential for profitability.

Easiest business ideas to start from home

Survey taker

Uber driver

Professional organizer

Personal shopper

House cleaner

Data entry specialist

Gift basket arranger

Freelance illustrator

01. Pet sitter

What animal-lover wouldn’t dream of this job? If your friends call you the ‘cat whisperer’ or you light up every time a cute dog passes you by on the street, you’d be crazy not to jump on this business idea . If you’re responsible, caring and organized, it’s worth reaching out to your social circle and online communities to offer your services. This is also an excellent option if you want to earn extra money on the side, or are looking for a job where you can multitask between other projects.

Median annual salary: $30,077

Read more: How to start a dog walking business , Business ideas for kids

02. Survey taker

Did you know that you can get paid for expressing your opinion? As a survey taker you’ll fill out forms with your general sense of the public’s opinions. To get started, create a custom email address specifically for this because you’ll have a cluster of emails coming your way. Then, reach out to a minimum of five trusted companies initially, as invitations from each can be few and far between and each one pays differently. Overall, don’t expect to make tons of money from this, rather consider it as a side hustle .

Median annual salary: $16,000

03. Uber driver

An excellent fit for social people who want to have control over their hours. Uber drivers responsibilities entail picking up passengers and safely delivering them to their destinations, as well as keeping their vehicles clean and inviting at all times. Based on a rating scale, you can become a crowd favorite and earn social respect fast if you do a good job. And with Uber, above other ride-sharing services, you’ll be working with the biggest network of active riders. Alternatively, if you don’t want to deal with passengers, you can work with Uber Eats and deliver food instead.

Median annual salary: $34,231

04. Professional organizer

If Marie Kondo, the Japanese organizing consultant, is your role model, then getting paid to tidy up others people’s mess could be your calling. Take this a step further and offer your clients tips to improve their organizational methods in the future. Whether it’s apartments or office spaces, the possibilities here are endless. The necessary criteria are communication, motivation and (of course) impressive organizational skills. You can also learn how to make money as a consultant .

Median annual salary: $53,000

05. Personal shopper

Your dream of getting paid to shop has just come true. If you have advanced knowledge of consumer goods and current trending products , you can consult or physically shop for others. From wardrobes to groceries to household interiors and more, take your fashion sense to the market and start making money by helping others.

Median annual salary: $32,808

06. House cleaner

You may not be working from your own home, but you will have a flexible schedule as a house cleaner. Whether you decide to work with one to two houses or set up an entire cleaning service (the choice is yours), the only requirements aside from the basics are that you should be a thorough cleaner and have strong communication with your customers. This can also be a great family business idea as it can be easily arranged around a busy schedule or a popular business idea for students , looking for part time and flexible work.

Median annual salary: $27,339

Read more: How to start a cleaning business

07. Data entry specialist

You’d be surprised that a lot of documentation today is still done manually, rather than online. If you want to be a part of converting the stragglers to the digital world, it’s possible to earn an income by entering information from paper files to online computer files. Not to mention, you’ll be helping the environment by saving some trees along the way. The main requirement here is to be highly detail-oriented in order to make sure that no piece of data is left out from your transfer efforts.

Median annual salary: $34,355

08. Gift basket arranger

Gift baskets have become a popular present option for many reasons. They usually include at least one item everyone will enjoy, they can be highly personalized and you can get pretty creative with the items. Based on your customers’ needs, you’ll be able to craft boxes with different assortments. Start small by working with close family and friends, then you’ll be able to use your baskets as samples to get more clients. Take this a step further sell subscriptions to curated gift boxes on a recurring basis. Be sure to create an eCommerce website to sell your gift baskets around the world.

Median hourly salary: $16

09. Freelance illustrator

Take your creative talents and fly solo. Working as a freelancer in the illustration industry allows you to have more control over your work by spending time on projects that you choose, which ultimately will ensue more motivation. You'll have to create a mesmerizing illustration portfolio website that showcases past projects and experience in the field in order to be able to obtain new clients too. Illustrations can also be sold as digital products for extra income.

Median annual salary: $49,380

Business ideas from home with low startup costs

10. bicycle mechanic, 11. pet groomer, 12. music teacher, 13. college planning consultant, 14. babysitter, 15. elder care provider, 16. private tutor, 17. translator, 19. party entertainer, 21. publicist.

Do you have a knack for fixing things? As most people don’t, your skills are bound to come in handy. This is especially the case with bicycles, where 47.5 million Americans cycle regularly , and the number is continuously rising. You’ll be surprised how many people come your way when you market yourself as the ‘handy-man’ in town. Prior experience required is being able to fix bikes from multiple brands, weights and sizes. And if you can work on electric bikes, that’s an added bonus.

Median annual salary: $21,000

From cutting fur to nail trimming, shampooing and brushing, you can be in charge of helping man’s best friend to look fresh, clean and ready to strut their stuff when they walk through their neighborhood. This job is meant for individuals who consider themselves animal lovers, have a lot of patience and know how to care for pets properly.

Median annual salary: $38,033

If you’re gifted at making beautiful, rhythmic sounds come out of an instrument or your vocal cords, this is a way to channel your strengths and spread them to others. From piano to vocals, solfeggio and more, you could become a music teacher. Note that teaching is a skill of its own, so it will require patience, care, communication and fundamental knowledge of your craft in order to start a career or a side gig in this area.

Median annual salary: $46,744

One of the most stressful responsibilities for a high school student is figure out all the answers to their burning questions about college and their future. ‘Will they be able to afford it?’ ‘How will they get into their dream school?’ ‘What will they study?’ If you consider yourself organized, motivating and connected in these areas, your ability to help students navigate their futures can earn you a sufficient income.

Median annual salary: $41,735

If you’re good with kids, toddlers, or newborns, taking on this job is a great way to make a meaningful living. Whether you decide to work as a full time nanny or spend a few hours after school watching your neighbors’ kids, there is always a never-ending demand for work in this field. On top of having the skills and diplomas to work with kids, if you also take a first-aid and CPR course, you’ll be able to differentiate yourself from the market by being a more trustworthy care provider.

Many day care centers often start from a home environment, before expanding and moving into specialized facilities. We love examples like this one . Make sure to do your research before starting a business as either a babysitter or daycare provider—always take legal advice and be sure to comply with local, State and Federal laws and regulations involving the care of children within a private home.

Median annual salary: $33,722

Read more: How to start a babysitting business

If you’re looking to step into a growing field, the senior care industry is it. Approximately 24% of the total U.S. popular will be 65 years or older by 2060 . And just like working with kids, this job involves being responsible, being trustworthy and having a knack for helping others. Here, you will need to provide hands on assistance with large responsibilities, such as meal prep, giving out daily pills, bathing, trips to the doctors and more.

Median annual salary: $23,874

Read more: How to start a home care business

Here’s an opportunity to provide assistance in a field you consider yourself gifted in, as well as able to communicate the process. From mathematics to grammar, languages and more, tutors are always needed at all levels of education, from grade school through post graduate studies.

You can choose to run online tutoring completely from home, and hold all of your lessons online. This also allows you to tap into a global demand for online tutors. Teaching English online for example, or music lessons, are always in high demand.

Median annual salary: $23,345

Read more: How to start a tutoring business

As more business and communication is going global, language barriers are one of the major obstacles in correspondence. If you’re fluent in multiple languages, this skill will serve you wonders in the job industry. Your assistance has most likely been requested before, whether on the job or through family and friends. Yet, now it’s time for you to start earning from it by taking on tasks from companies and individuals that demand these services to function.

Median annual salary: $47,190

This is a job that’s always in demand for individuals looking to mend their precious clothing, from fixing holes and loose threads to hemming skirts and pants—and so much more. It takes skill to work with different fabrics and lines of stitches, as well as sometimes redesigning or creating items from scratch. So, if you’re a needle and thread guru, this could be a great ‘fit’ for you.

Median annual salary: $32,560

The popularity of the entertainment industry is on the rise because having fun is a serious matter. Considering this, if your comic level or vibrant personality make you the life of the party, you might consider becoming a party entertainer. Whether you’re a clown, magician, balloon artist, cartoonist, comedian or something else, your talents will be requested in all areas of fun - just like this versatile performer, Shelley Siller .

Median annual salary: $23,290

If you’re unfamiliar with this term, you might recognize it under other names like ‘birth companion,’ ‘birth coach’ or someone that provides both emotional and physical assistance throughout and after pregnancies and birth. From breathing techniques to birthing plans, and communicating all of the procedures and processes involved, you can be a vital aid in helping women get through this incredibly exciting and stressful life-changing experience. Aside from the necessary training and skills, being a supportive, patient and responsive caregiver is crucial.

Median annual salary: $42,000

This job entails getting media coverage and managing the publicity of businesses, brands or public figures. If you enjoy working with the media, crafting promotions and consider yourself an excellent networker, you can make a living out of it from home (versus being employed at a big PR firm). Some of the duties and responsibilities you can expect with this job include helping each of your clients create a press kit, pitching stories to publications and following up consistently.

Median annual salary: $51,385

Unique home based business ideas

22. personal chef or caterer, 23. party planner, 25. video editor, 26. freelance photographer, 27. freelance graphic designer, 28. interior designer, 29. home staging professional, 30. florist, 31. voice over artist, 32. jewelry designer.

Are you a cooking or baking enthusiast? If so, your work can stretch further than delivering your neighbors fresh baked cookies or impressing dinner guests to a plentiful spread. You can start a business straight out of your kitchen by providing meals and goodies to individuals, households and events. Cooking skills, some basic business skills and a food-related website are required to kickstart your career here.

You can also take this to the next level by extending your home based cooking into the realms of Youtube and TikTok. Take inspiration from Chef Joshua Weissman whose cooking videos and cheap eat recipes have earned him a large social media following.

Go one step further again and combine cooking from home with a food delivery service, to make sure you really offer next level service to your customers.

Median annual salary: $45,929

How to start a food business

Food business ideas

If you thrive on planning events, set your goals on turning it into your own business. From weddings to birthday parties, corporate outings and more. Most people don’t have time in their own lives to deal with all of the operational details required in order to make their events as extravagant as they wish for them to be. This is where you come in, with basic planning skills, organization, communication and more. You could be organizing caterers, hunting down event spaces, creating wedding websites and more.

Median annual salary: $33,092

Read more: How to start a party planning business

24. DJ (disc jockey)

Do you have an eye for crowd-pleasing music? If you know how to mix songs and beats into flowing sessions that can keep a room full of people entertained for hours, this could be a great fit for you. And if you don’t have the skills but love the idea, you can take classes and practice with different DJ softwares to get started and feel it out. This is your chance to turn your hobby into a realistically paying job, just like this DJ did.

Median annual salary: $56,779

Read more: How to start a DJ business

The power of video today is inevitably strong. Brands have come to realize that consumers are eyeing this content more than any other form. So, working as a video creator is certainly worthwhile. And if you’re passionate about production and know how to create engaging clips, you’re almost all set. Once you create a video website and market your talents, brands will start to build trust with you and your work.

Median annual salary: $50,584

Here’s another hobby turned into a career. Photographers are needed across all realms, from weddings to businesses, magazines and so much more. Bring your talents to whatever field you specialize in, be it nature landscapes, family portraits, newborns, etc. Of course, you’ll need to be tech-savvy with the camera, but business and personable skills will truly keep your business afloat. For starters, you can create a photography website and add your portfolio so that every time you reach out to clients, you’ll be able to market yourself. Here are more tips to help you earn money as a photographer and some places to find freelance photography jobs online .

Check out this photographer’s site for more inspiration on how to get started with freelance photography from home.

Median annual salary: $35,726

Read more: How to start a photography business

Working in this field is one of the utmost creative feats. You’ll turn images, text, shapes and colors into company assets, like logos, business cards, posters, websites and other promotional items. If you’ve studied graphic design and are looking to pursue a career of independence where you can pick and choose your projects and clients, then consider flying solo. This freelance graphic design checklist will help you get started.

Median annual salary: $50,028

Are you constantly imagining ways to improve the spaces you enter, from offices to apartments and homes? Taking on the job of an interior designer will allow you to scale your visions into reality. You’ll be in charge of creating and finding elements that artistically fit together within a space. Oftentimes a level of schooling is required to get started, be it a bachelor's degree or a course. Ultimately, it’s about showing your clients how experienced you are and providing them with a vision and proof of your work.

Median annual salary: $51,775

Read more: How to start an interior design business

This job entails preparing homes and buildings for sale by “staging” the look of them via furniture, paint and accessories. Essentially its interior design, but for mock properties. Therefore, having an eye for visually pleasing design elements and colors is necessary for this job.

Median annual salary: $41,812

In Japanese, the act of arranging flowers is expressed through the term ‘Ikebana,’ or ‘making flowers alive.’ Such a vibrantly fulfilling job is great for creatives with a knack for arranging different types of flowers into uniquely packaged styles for events or sentiments. In order to work in this industry, a high knowledge of these plant species, the ability to arrange them in beautiful ways and work appropriately with clients, budgets and timeframes is required.

Median annual salary: $27,200

Read more: How to start a flower business

This job entails working in the entertainment industry providing voice-overs for commercials, video games, cartoon movies, movie trailers and more. If you have a very clear voice and fit the tone, you just might get a job. This market is very specific though, and having the right connections sometimes helps more than specific work experience. It’s recommended to take theater or acting classes to sharpen up your vocals.

Median hourly salary: $47.31

Whether you already create jewelry or are considered a crafty person, this fun hobby can become a business for you. It’s possible to sell your goods online , in stores, at festivals and other locations. To do so, you might want to take some jewelry making classes for specific materials you want to work with, from precious metals to wire, beads, stones and more. You can look into selling crafts online if you want a more general idea of how to get started.

Median annual salary: $57,485

Read more: How to start a jewelery business

Writer focused business ideas to try from home

34. resume writer, 35. blogger, 36. journalist, 37. freelance business writer, 39. copywriter, 40. grant writer.

If you feel strongly about your writing skills and have ideas for novels, it’s possible to take on writing your very own books as a profession. A job like this certainly requires strong grammar, organization and creativity, but also a lot of motivation to get past the rotating stages of writer’s block. If you set your mind to it, like almost anything else, it’s definitely possible.

Median annual salary: $62,170

Writing a resume is vital if you want to land a job in most fields today. Yet, many people claim to have trouble crafting their own. If you consider yourself an expert in spewing out marketable paperwork to attract employers, then this online business idea will prove itself beneficial to many eager job seekers.

Median annual salary: $35,000

There are many facts and stats that will tell you why starting a blog with a free blog maker is the way of the future. These reasons include generating more engagement and sales for businesses. It’s also become the norm for researching and consuming information online today (look at what you’re doing right now). And what’s in it for you? 45% of marketers outsource content creation , which is a justifiable reason to sit at your favorite café or on your sofa in your PJs and crank out excellent content for the Web. If you have the research and writing skills, along with prior experience, you can get started.

Not sure what to blog about? We recommend starting with something you love, start writing and go from there. We love how this blogger combines her love of wine and her dogs into one really interesting blog.

Affiliate Marketing is often used by bloggers to earn commissions from promoting other people’s products or services. It involves creating content around a product or service, and including an affiliate link in that content. When a customer clicks on the link and purchases the item, you earn a commission, making it a popular choice with bloggers and other content creators.

You can also consider turning your content into ebooks, that can be sold online or used to generate leads to a product or service. Self publishing is a great way to create and promote your own content online.

Median annual salary: $42,170

Read more: How to start a blog

Journalists have one of the most important jobs today, as they educate the public about matters happening around the world. The angle that they choose to take on a story can completely sway public opinion one way or another. That being said, a job in this field is certainly possible. Your responsibilities include thoroughly researching your subject matter and conducting interviews, then conveying all of this through strong writing skills. In this field, it’s about standing your ground and choosing projects that you feel passionate about and believe in. It’s an exciting and independent journey you will venture into. If photography is more your thing, you can also consider photojournalism which also works from home.

Median annual salary: $45,845

If you’re an experienced researcher and know how to craft your knowledge into beautifully written text, this job is a match for you. From writing blog posts to user experience text, marketing emails and more content-related material, there are many directions you can go with this. Writers either branch off from full-time content positions, or take this up on their own, but either way connections in the industry and previous writing experience to back up your claims is important to land yourself gigs. If you want to impress the businesses you work with and create a funnel for them to request your skills, create a freelance website.

Median annual salary: $42,120

A level up from writing content is being able to edit it for both grammar and style. So if you love the field, you might just enjoy making adjustments and improvements to others’ work. A job such as this one requires a high level of grammar and specific knowledge on editing styles. Oftentimes that’s learned on the job, but an editing course will give you a leg up among competitors. You can do this with articles, novels and various other mediums of written content.

Median annual salary: $59,480

Essentially the purpose of this job is to craft the written content for a company for various mediums, from blog posts to ads, newsletters and more. Unlike a business writer, your job is more concentrated on promotional marketing rather than entertaining. It’s a great fit if you love to write and are able to adapt to different companies needs and styles. Most companies need someone to create great content, so you will definitely be able to find work. Digital journalism has been on the rise for a long time and so plenty of opportunities exist.

This job is not the most creative, but it’s always in demand. Your duties would entail writing proposals for a nonprofit organization or institute of education to apply for financial assistance from the government, companies and others. Requirements include knowing the ins and outs of the organization you’re working for, and being able to write, submit and manage proficient grant proposals. Some jobs require degrees, and others are just looking for writing experience.

Median annual salary: $53,806

Beauty and wellness home business ideas

41. hairstylist, 42. fashion stylist, 43. beautician, 44. health coach, 45. wellness instructor, 46. massage therapist, 47. virtual therapist, 48. personal trainer, 49. fitness instructor.

Coloring, highlighting, cutting and styling hair is something you can totally manage from your very own home salon. If you’re passionate about the beauty industry and follow your state’s requirements for opening up shop (licensing, beauty school and certificate, etc.), there’s no doubt you can pamper guests and make them feel more glamorous from the moment they walk into your home.

Median annual salary: $24,850

Does your love for fashion shine through from your clothing choices to recommendations for friends and family? If so, it’s possible to sell your services and start helping others feel more confident about their looks and attire. You can sway this different ways, from high-end fashion to budget-friendly fashion and more. Some go to school for this, which is recommended, yet it’s possible to start a career without proper schooling by finding experience and educating yourself on trends and body types.

Median annual salary: $34,429

Like being a hairstylist, this is also a way to offer your services out of your very own home. This can include manicures, pedicures, waxing and more. If you are able to do one or many of these, clients will come your way. This is because home salons are typically less expensive than other options, and are naturally much more cozy. To make sure that you attract enough business and maintain a professional aura, create a beauty salon website.

Read more: How to start a beauty business , Beauty business ideas

This emerging market has grown to reach revenues over $6 billion in services . So, for those that love to study the most up-to-date nutrition trends and offer their companions advice for living the healthiest lifestyles, it’s possible to make a career out of it. Your job will entail working one-on-one in regular meetings with your clients, where you can help them define health goals and stick to them in order to maintain overall physical and mental wellness. In order to work in this field, you’ll need to take a course or study a nutrition-related degree.

Median annual salary: $48,239

Read more: How to start a coaching business

Meditation is the fastest growing health trend in America, and yoga isn’t too far behind. These and other tools of wellness are starting to spark the interest of more and more individuals as they’ve been proven to help reduce stress, improve concentration and aid in many other health-related issues. Entering this field is a competitive feat, but if you find your niche, you’ll be able to gain a following. In order to work as a wellness instructor, you’ll need to get a certification in the course of your choosing. You can then begin on your own, teach at a gym or studio, or work on a freelance basis with corporations. As you can see, there are many paths to take.

Median annual salary: $37,900

Read more: How to start a fitness business

If giving your time or gifts to others was always something that made you feel warm inside, providing these therapeutic treatments will be right up your alley. On top of just giving massages, you can also work with other doctors, from psychologists to chiropractors, physicians and more to be able to help your patients in multiple ways. In order to work in this field, you will need to obtain your license after taking a course.

Median annual salary: $41,420

If you’re already a working therapist but looking for more flexibility in your life, exploring this option is worthwhile. There are several ways were you can offer online therapy, such as through an application, video chat, voice calls, or messages (audio or text). Of course, you would need to be a licensed therapist to provide this kind of assistance, which means that you will need to obtain your degrees first.

Median annual salary: $79,010

If you enjoy working out as well as motivating others, becoming a personal trainer is a great job for you. A course is required to gain certification but after that you’ll be able to work on your own. Or you could apply to work in a gym, health center, or any other place of fitness.

Median annual salary: $33,120

Teaching classes can be even more fun than participating in them if you’re passionate about a sport. By taking a course in a specific sport/genre that you love, you’ll be able to learn the ins and outs, you’ll be able to gain the deepest understanding of that sport, then spread your knowledge to your students in the style that you want. It will also feel amazing to motivate others by doing what you love.

Median annual salary: $39,820

Successful at home business ideas

50. online store owner, 51. bed and breakfast owner, 52. online micro jobs, 53. bookkeeper, 54. tax preparer, 55. gardening business, 56. landscaping business.

Consumerism is increasingly on the rise. If you live in the U.S., or plan on selling goods there, you’ll be pleased to know that this specific market in the largest in the world. In 2016, it was valued at approximately $292 billion . The types of eCommerce business ideas are endless here, from the resale of consignment and vintage items, to selling handmade jewelry, clothes, wood work and more. With some knowledge of budgeting, marketing and sales, all that’s left to do is open your own online store .

Median monthly salary: Ranges from hundreds to ten thousands of revenue per month.

Read more: How to start an online store , things to make and sell

If you love hosting guests, take it a step further and turn your home into your very own boutique hotel. This is an excellent option especially if you live in a popular tourist destination, from New York to San Francisco and more. To get started, you’ll need to have strong business and marketing skills, as well as make sure that you register your home business appropriately with the government. And lastly, create a hotel website for guests to be able to book a stay.

Dealing with guests not your thing? You can still consider managing vacation rentals or flipping property as other property related home business ideas.

Median annual salary: $30,959

This vague description can apply to many small freelance jobs, such as transferring website data, creating logos, building dynamic pages and more. Many experts from various backgrounds can find mini jobs here, such as social media, programming, app development, graphic design, photo editing and so many more gigs. You’ll discover these opportunities across various platforms, from Fiverr to Gigwalk and Mechanical Turk.

Median annual salary: Varies according to tasks.

If you’re a trained and employed accountant but would like to step out of the corporate environment and take on your own clients, this is a great option for you. Bookkeepers are always needed, especially for small businesses who can’t afford one in-house. By picking up a few clients, you’ll be able to turn this into a full-time job. And if you’re not experienced in the field, you can gain background knowledge by taking several bookkeeping courses from an online college or one in your area.

Median annual salary: $39,240

Read more: How to start a bookkeeping business

Filing taxes is a burdensome task to many that’s often delegated to tax preparers. It’s also a job industry that’s not going anywhere, as taxes will always need to be paid. If you have a tax accounting background and you are registered with the IRS as a tax preparer, you can start taking on clients and forming your own business out of this handy skill.

Median annual salary: $38,730

If you love to garden, this is another way to turn a hobby into a business. Profit potentials are high, especially if you specialize in a specific area, like organic farming or native plants. Many people struggle to grow their own plants, which means that they would definitely pay for the help. So whether you’re only setting up a garden for them, or consistently maintaining it, your services will be desired.

Median hourly salary: $25,290

Read more: How to start a lawn care business

Landscaping businesses are very common among suburbs and urban areas. They add an artistic touch to buildings that makes them more inviting. Skill requirements include various tasks, from cutting lawns to planting flowers and trees, and arranging stone sidewalks and other pathways. To get started, you’ll also need to invest in pricey equipment, yet the profits are completely worth it.

Median hourly salary: $27,670

Read more: How to start a landscaping business

Innovative home business ideas

57. web designer, 58. youtube personality, 59. social media influencer, 60. video game tester, 61. podcaster, 62. travel agent, 63. virtual assistant, 64. web developer, 65. app designer, 66. digital marketing consultant, 67. call center representative, 68. webinar instructor, 69. research assistant.

70. Virtual media scribe

If you have a knack for design and are considered tech-savvy, web design for business websites could potentially be something you can get paid for. Website builders like Wix will considerably ease the process for you with drag and drop features and hundreds of website templates which are ready to personalize. And if you’re already experienced in the field, you can hone in on more creative options with Velo . But how will you find business? You can apply to become a partner website designer and from there, obtain access to a community of clients in need of your website building expertise.

Median annual salary: $57,470

If you know how to use a camera and have an eccentric personality, making a name for yourself on YouTube might just be your calling. From tutorials and how-tos to comedies, mini-episodes and more, the options are endless. Use your imagination and hobbies, and see where you can shine. Producing this content isn’t directly what earns you money though, that’s a supplemental process obtained through ads and brand endorsement. In order to gain traction, first read up on this guide to starting a successful YouTube channel .

Hand in hand with being a YouTube personality comes video live streaming and gaming. Video streamers recording themselves playing games online, is how entrepreneurs such as Mr. Beast got their start, and it remains a highly trending business to start from home.

Median annual salary: Highly dependent on your success. Money is generated from the streaming platform, as well as from sponsorships, donations and brand collaborations.

Social media influencers are taking over the Web and replacing the power celebrities once had. This is because they are known for being authentic, which means that consumers can relate to them more. In order to become one, you have to consistently work extra hard at building a community based around your goal, whether it’s to promote fashion, sports, or any of your hobbies. You’ll then be able to start making money in several ways, from promoting products to becoming an affiliate, selling your own products (t-shirts, photos, other merchandise) and more.

Median annual salary: Highly dependent on your success.

If your eyes just lit up when you heard this option, keep reading. It’s no joke, you can make money by playing video games all day. It’s possible to work with video game creators to test out the logic of their games and to look for any bugs in the program. There’s no experience required, except the ability to continuously play video games for hours on end. Yet, knowledge of programming or computer science will give you the upper hand at understanding the game’s functions.

Median annual salary: $22,360

Learn more: How to start a gaming business

The podcast world isn’t that old as the first one was released in 2004. However, since then it’s become a worldwide phenomenon. From commuting to work to cleaning their house and more, many people love to absorb information strictly through an audio medium because it allows them to multitask. So, if you have the right equipment and an interesting topic or theme to discuss, consider learning f reelance and making your own.

Do you love to explore the world and work with people? Travel agents can do all of this virtually from their computers. In this role, you’ll be in charge of booking trips and activities for people. From hotels to flights, restaurants, tours, top attractions and more, you’re in charge of making sure that your clients have a good time and nothing to worry about while they explore. So, if you love planning trips (even when they aren’t your own), give this a try. Although no degree is required, if you decide to major in travel and tourism in college, it will help you earn credibility and have a better chance of finding employment in the industry.

Median annual salary: $36,990

Just like being an office assistance, this job requires answering calls and emails, planning meetings, making travel arrangements and more. Your tasks will vary depending on who you work for, yet the perk of this versus going into the office is being able to work out of your very own home. Although no degree or training is required, employers are looking for candidates that can manage their time well and have good communication and organizational skills. Other opportunities within this field include medical billing and auditing from home.

Median annual salary: $22,000

Learn more: How to start a virtual assistant business

Just like a web designer, one of your roles will be to design websites, however this position goes much further. On top of that, you’ll need to know more about coding and modifying content, from fixing bugs to adding applications and extensions and more. Agile knowledge of different platforms and coding languages ranging from Velo to Python is necessary as you’ll dive deep into the technical side of websites. Typically, web developers go to school for computer science engineering or programming in order to obtain this knowledge.

Also if you have the necessary qualifications and experience you might want to consider ethical hacking. This is where companies pay ethical hackers to hack their systems in order to identify potential weaknesses for less than ethical hackers to attack and exploit.

Median annual salary: $75,487

There were over two million smartphone applications available in 2018 alone. It’s a rising market as consumers are expecting almost all businesses to offer some kind of application. And lucky for you, many of those businesses are outsourcing this job, especially startups that can’t afford to hire someone full time. This is where you come in, if you have a background in app design and programming, which you’d typically obtain through a college degree in a related field.

Median annual salary: $56,737

From social media to email, SEO and more, digital marketing consultants help companies grow and become noticed by their consumers. It’s possible to offer this in house, for an agency, or start your own individualized work. If you have experience in the marketing field and can send your clients marketing plans and meet your quota, then you might consider going freelance and taking on several clients of your own, while working from home on your own schedule.

Median annual salary: $60,714

Learn more: How to start a marketing business

Customer service is an industry in constant demand with most of the employees working online. It’s possible to find a company that will allow you to work remotely. Your job would entail answering customers questions and fulfilling their requests, from solving issues to connecting them to the appropriate departments and more. This requires staying organized, having patience and working at a timely pace. Previous customer experience, problem solving and people skills are among the requirements necessary to work in this position.

Median annual salary: $32,890

Many people are interested in taking courses online to further their knowledge in particular subjects, from software training to language learning, coding classes, online marketing and and endless amounts of other topics. If you have the knowledge and teaching skills, you can offer this opportunity to people for a price by conducting virtual classes by creating a webinar or an online course.

Median annual salary: $58,758

Oftentimes institutions and businesses pay individuals to conduct extensive research for them. Depending on what you’ve studied and what the job requires, your responsibilities can vary. However, motivation, attention to detail, technical and analytical skills are among the most common requirements.

Median annual salary: $29,098

70. Virtual Medical Scribe

This job involves charting physician to patient interactions, especially during medical exams. Oftentimes, medical scribes are hired as it saves physicians the hassle of filling out paperwork and other pertinent tasks. Here, you’ll be in charge of tracking all of the client-related information, managing documents and data, booking appointments and other administrative medical tasks. This is a great position too if you’re in university, working toward a degree in the health field.

Median annual salary: $24,857

eCommerce business ideas from home

71 Dropshipping

72. Print on demand

71. dropshipping.

Dropshipping can be easily started from home. It's an e-Commerce business model where you sell products online without ever actually having to manage inventory or ship the goods yourself. When a customer purchases an item from your store, it's then shipped directly from one of your assigned suppliers. This allows you to start selling products with minimal upfront investment and no risk of inventory or shipping costs. Dropshipping is an inexpensive way to get started with eCommerce.

Median annual salary: $45,500

Learn more: How to start a dropshipping business

Print on demand is an innovative and unique business idea that can be started from home. With print on demand, entrepreneurs can set up a store online for customers to purchase items with their desired design printed on them. The company who you partner with will then take care of the inventory and shipping so that your business can focus on marketing and promotion.

Median annual salary: $55,637

Learn more: How to start a print on demand business

How to start a business from home

Starting a home business is an excellent way to make money and be your own boss. It can be a profitable venture, as long as you have the right plan in place. To become profitable with your business it is important to have a well-defined strategy that includes your planned marketing efforts, effective financial management and a quality product or service offering. With the right planning and idea, you can turn your home-based business into a successful venture. Don't forget your business name , business plan and registering your business . You'll also want. to consider your business financing, and what type of business to start.

How to promote a business from home

There are many ways to help your promote a home based business. Many of these involve tapping into the potential of online sharing and social platforms. Etsy for example is an online marketplace allowing you to connect with millions of potential customers. And then of course there's Amazon too. Instagram and Facebook are also invaluable platforms for home based business owners to market and sell products. Or if you're looking to connect with those looking for freelancers or consultants, Upwork and Fiverr are great places to start.

Your home business and online security

Many home based business ideas are completely dependent on the internet for their execution, management and promotion. This means any online business owner must be aware of the importance of protecting their website and computer from cyber attacks. Malware, phishing and DDOS attacks are common potentially destructive online attacks that can put businesses of all sizes at risk of identity and data theft, as well as interruptions to business continuity and operations. If you're considering a home based business idea, make sure your website builder prioritizes the security of your site and business.

Home business ideas FAQ

What are the 5 most popular home based business ideas.

In the US, 5 of the most popular at home business ideas include - starting an eCommerce store in response to skyrocketing demand for online shopping over the past few years; online education and tutoring, as demand for remote learning has also soared; freelance writing and content creation as many companies push their content marketing efforts; pet care such as pet sitting and walking; home based food businesses, including homemade food and cake creation.

What is the most profitable business to start from home?

What kind of business can i start from home, explore more business ideas.

Part-time business ideas

Craft business ideas

Reselling business ideas

DIY business ideas

Clothing business ideas

Small-town business ideas

Dropshipping business ideas

Business ideas for couples

Rental business ideas

B2B business ideas

Scalable business ideas

Business ideas for teachers

Recession-proof business ideas

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Planning to Combine Business and Leisure Travel? You’re Not Alone.

As employees increasingly add leisure time to their business trips, companies are trying to figure out where their duty of care obligations begin and end.

Credit... Aart-Jan Venema

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By Amy Zipkin

• April 7, 2024

On a Sunday in late January, Melinda Buchmann, who lives in Florida and supervises client relations for RevShoppe, a 30-person remote company advising organizations on sales techniques and strategies, arrived in Banff, Alberta, to help set up a four-day company meeting.

The last day of the event, her husband, Josh, a director of strategic partnerships for the delivery company DoorDash , who also works remotely, joined her. They spent two leisurely days hiking in Banff National Park and visiting Lake Louise.

“I take advantage, because I don’t know when I’m going to return,” Ms. Buchmann said of the decision to combine downtime with a business trip.

As postpandemic work life has changed, and arrangements now include full-time office attendance as well as hybrid and remote work, so, too, has business travel. The phenomenon known as bleisure, or blended business and leisure travel, was initially embraced largely by digital nomads . But such combined travel is now also popular with people outside that group . Allied Market Research, a subsidiary of Allied Analytics, based in Portland, Ore., estimated that the bleisure travel market was $315.3 billion in 2022 and would reach $731.4 billion by 2032.

As employees increasingly add leisure time to their business trips, companies are struggling to determine where their legal obligation to protect employees from harm — their so-called duty of care — begins and ends. And workers may think that because their trip started with business, they will get all the help they need if something goes wrong on the leisure end. Instead, they should generally consider the leisure part of a trip as a regular vacation where they cover all expenses and contingencies.

Companies are responsible for knowing where their employees are during a business trip, covering expenses if an accident or emergency occurs, securing new lodging if a hotel is damaged, even swapping out a broken down rental car. Still, it’s not entirely clear if that coverage ends completely after the conference or the last client meeting.

Companies recognize that threats are increasing, said Robert Cole, senior research analyst focusing on lodging and leisure travel at Phocuswright, a market research company. They are trying to figure out how to take care of a valuable company resource, the employee, without leaving themselves open to financial risk or potential litigation.

“Crafting a comprehensive policy that balances business objectives, employee well-being and legal considerations can be challenging,” Nikolaos Gkolfinopoulos, head of tourism at ICF, a consulting and technology services company in Reston, Va., wrote in an email.

Employees may be on their own without realizing it and may be surprised by out-of-pocket expenses if they require hospital care abroad or evacuation, said Suzanne Morrow, chief executive of InsureMyTrip , an online insurance travel comparison site in Warwick, R.I.

Ms. Morrow said medical coverage provided by a company “is generally only for the dates of the actual business trip abroad.” If travelers are extending the trip for personal travel, she added, “they would want to secure emergency medical coverage for that additional time abroad.”

Employers and employees are left to figure out when the business portion of the trip ends and the leisure segment begins, a significant detail if an employee has a medical emergency. “Where does the corporation liability end?” said Kathy Bedell, senior vice president at BCD Travel, a travel management company.

Companies have varying policies to deal with the new travel amalgam. The chief executive of RevShoppe, Patricia McLaren, based in Austin, Texas, said the company provided flexible travel options and allowed employees to work anywhere they choose.

Even so, there are constraints. The company requires all employees, including executives, to sign liability and insurance waivers when they are on a voluntary company-sponsored trip, such as an off-site meeting. Such waivers typically place responsibility on employees for their own well-being. And if they bring someone, they are responsible for that person’s expenses.

Employees are responsible for requesting the paid time off and notifying their managers of their whereabouts, although that part is not a requirement. Managers have to ensure adequate staffing, Ms. McLaren said.

Elsewhere, employees may not bother to mention the leisure portion of their trip. Eliot Lees, a vice president and managing director at ICF, said he had been on trips as a child with his parents when they combined business and leisure. His parents were academics, who would piggyback vacations onto conferences.

Now he does the same. “I don’t think I ever asked for approval,” he said. (ICF has no formal business-leisure travel policy. It’s allowed as part of personal time off.) After a conference in the Netherlands last year, he spent four days hiking in the northern part of the country.

“I go anywhere, and take more risks than I should,” he said. He said he didn’t carry personal travel or accident insurance.

Any nonchalance may quickly evaporate if a threat emerges. Security experts say even low-risk locations can become high-risk for a few days or weeks of the year.

“Companies are concerned about losing visibility into a traveler’s whereabouts if they booked flights and hotels outside their corporate travel management company,” Benjamin Thorne, senior intelligence manager in London for Crisis24, a subsidiary of GardaWorld, wrote in an email. “The company may think the traveler is in one city when, in reality, they could have booked a holiday package to another nearby city. This lack of visibility by the company makes it difficult to support travelers when a disaster occurs.”

He also raised the possibility that “a traveler with bleisure travel reservations and expectations may find their work trip canceled due to changes in the risk environment or company policy, disrupting their leisure plans.”

Will a company step in off hours if there’s a problem? “That depends on how you are booked,” Mr. Cole, the senior research analyst at Phocuswright, said. A rule of thumb is the further you get from corporate control, the greater the gray area gets.

Half of GoldSpring Consulting’s clients take the responsibility for the entire trip, said Will Tate, a partner at the consultancy based in Cross Roads, Texas, and a certified public accountant. They don’t want the reputational risk. The other half say: “The business trip ended Friday. That’s when we end our duty of care.”

Some companies are trying to define and narrow the gray area. “If you are clearly on personal time, there is no legal requirement for your employer to provide for you,” said Nicole Page, a lawyer whose practice includes employment law at Reavis Page Jump in New York.

Uber provides employees with advisories before a trip, travel assessments, safety tips while traveling and emergency travel assistance, including medical aid, airport travel support, urgent and emergency assistance, and lost or stolen personal property insurance whether they are on business or pleasure travel or a combination.

And at DoorDash, Chris Cherry, head of global safety and security, wrote in an email that “while personal travel is not something we track, we have received requests to extend our travel support capabilities to personal travel.” Mr. Cherry said in those cases, the company has manually added employee leisure itineraries to its travel risk management system and “provided the same level of overwatch that we do for regular business travel.”

The Buchmanns plan to travel this month to Barcelona, Spain, for the McDonald’s Worldwide Convention. DoorDash will have a booth, and Mr. Buchmann will work on the exhibit floor and also entertain clients.

Ms. Buchmann will accompany him. She plans to go sightseeing in the morning, and work in the afternoons and evenings Barcelona time. She will also take three days of paid time off and has shared her plans with Ms. McLaren, the RevShoppe chief executive.

They will stay a day after the conference and plan to visit the Dalí Theater and Museum in Figueres. “I’m sure there will be no shortage of tapas and window shopping along way,” Mr. Buchmann said. He expects to be back at work the next Monday.

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The 49 Best Home Business Ideas

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Syndicated from The Penny Hoarder

Choosing your business can start with something as simple as picking an activity you enjoy and figuring out how to monetize it.

However, if you don’t already have a passion you want to profit from — or you’d rather keep your hobbies and work separate — you can still start a successful home-based business on your own as a sole proprietor, or one-person business.

A sole proprietorship doesn’t need to register with the state (unlike corporations, partnerships and LLCs). However, you still must comply with registration, license, tax and permit laws.

Local social media groups like Nextdoor can be a source of ideas. There you’ll find everyday services that are in demand, although it may not be the most glamorous work.

Mundane chores make for good business because they’re tasks that many people are willing to pay someone else to do, whether it’s mowing lawns as a groundskeeper or setting up bounce houses as a kids’ party planner.

We’ve come up with a list of the best business ideas that have relatively low barriers to entry and startup costs but offer real income potential.

Ready to start your journey toward self-employment in the comfort of your own home? Let’s get to work.

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Businesses That Don’t Require You to Leave Your Home

Running an online business lets you make money with little need to leave the house. You may need a personal website where potential customers can find you, although you can also find work for your specific skills through sites like Upwork and Fiverr .

1. Freelance Writing

Use your wordsmithing skills to start a freelance writing business. We have advice for how to pitch a story if you’re looking for your first byline.

To make freelance writing your full-time business, you’ll benefit from expanding your repertoire to incorporate multiple types of writing (editing skills also increase your value). Here are a few options:

• Writing opportunities. Looking for a way to put some journalism training to use or do you just have strong opinions about current events and social issues? These 19 sites will pay you to write blog entries, personal essays and other types of stories.
• Technical writing. Who doesn’t love a well-written instruction manual? Although technical writing might not offer as many creative options, the median pay as of 2021 was $37.53 an hour.
• Resume writing. Use your writing prowess to help other people get jobs. Charmaine Pocek told The Penny Hoarder she earned $30 to $800 per assignment on Fiverr as a freelance writer creating resumes and cover letters as well as optimizing clients’ LinkedIn profiles. Pocek set a record for being the first U.S. — and the first female — Fiverr seller to break $1 million in earnings. A step-by-step guide to writing a resume will help you hone your skills.
• SEO writing: Help websites show up at the top of Google searches with content that focuses on search engine optimization.

2. Virtual Assistant

Administrative assistants typically answer to a boss, but start your own business, and you’ll be calling the shots.

A virtual assistant performs similar tasks to an in-person assistant, but you can offer your services to one or multiple companies. You might be doing data entry one day and proofing articles on WordPress another, so be prepared for a variety of tasks.

Here are seven virtual assistant services that pay up to $60 an hour .

3. Travel Planner

Arrange for others to travel the world without having to leave your couch.

A remote travel planner is a great home-based business idea for someone who is well organized, detail oriented and has stellar customer service skills. It helps if you have travel experience and understand trends in the travel and tourism industry.

The demand for travel agents is expected to increase by 20% between 2021 and 2031—so now is a great time to get your feet wet with this lucrative home business.

Stand out from other travel agents by finding a niche, and marketing your services to a targeted audience, like single parents with young children or retirees with limited income. The 2021 median pay for a travel agent was $21.06 an hour .

Here are some tips about launching a home-based business as a remote travel agent from someone who did it.

4. Bookkeeper

Life makes more sense in spreadsheets. If this statement sounds like something you’d say, a bookkeeping business could be in your future.

Rather than targeting a big business account, start by focusing on smaller businesses that need help managing their finances. You don’t need to be a CPA to start, but strong computer and customer service skills help.

These tips on how to start a work-from-home bookkeeping business can help you earn up to $69 an hour.

5. Tax Preparer

Another home business option for someone skilled in accounting is to become a tax preparer.

While you don’t need formal training to become a tax professional, it can help. You’ll need a Preparer Tax Identification Number and an Electronic Filing Identification Number from the IRS to start, and you may have to register with your state. You’ll also need to pick a tax prep software .

While tax preparers generally work on a seasonal basis, you may be able to earn enough during tax season to stretch through the remainder of the year.

Enjoy all the fun of teaching without leaving home.

An online tutoring business lets you offer your expertise, whether it’s teaching math and English to elementary kids or prepping high school students for the SAT.

These 10 online tutoring companies are a good place to start. Promote your expertise in a subject or grade level in your bio — teaching certifications will also add to your credibility (and bottom line).

Most tutoring platforms require instructors to either have or be working toward a bachelor’s degree, and previous teaching experience is preferred. Check the requirements before you apply.

If you’re thinking of starting a tutoring business, you can learn a thing or two from this former Scripps National Spelling Bee participant who earned $100 an hour tutoring kids who want to compete.

7. Teach Online Classes

Turn a topic you know a lot about or a talent you have into an online course as a way to make money from home.

This is one of the best home-business ideas because it allows you to capitalize on what you already know with very little investment. Online classes are also a great way to earn passive income. You can record your online classes once and get paid for months or years to come as people sign up for your courses.

Here’s how to get started creating an online course .

8. Write an Ebook

Writing an ebook (or several) is another option to earn passive income from home. Your ebook could be fiction or nonfiction, and you can decide to write about whatever topic you like — as long as there’s an audience for it.

Self-publishing your book removes the barriers to entry built into the traditional publishing business model. You don’t have to have a literary agent and hope it gets seen by the big publishing houses. However, after publishing your ebook, it’s up to you to funnel potential readers to your masterpiece.

9. Affiliate Marketer

If you have your own website or your own blog that already gets traffic, affiliate marketing should be part of your business plan.

The basic concept: You can make money by including affiliate links to products you recommend on your site. When your readers click on the link and buy the product, you receive a commission.

Check out affiliate marketplaces to connect with brands that will pay you to promote their products and services. Among the many marketplaces is ClickBank , which will allow you to earn anywhere from $15 to $50 on a single sale. 

10. Social Media Consultant

Got a knack for words and a knowledge of the latest trends in social media? Consider becoming a social media consultant.

Most small businesses don’t have the budget for full-time social media management, but they want a presence on social media to attract and engage customers. That translates to plenty of opportunities for you to pitch your services. Sell your social savvy — and expertise with publishing software — to local businesses by writing blog and social posts.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) lumps social media consultants into the general category of public relations, listing a median pay rate of $30.19 an hour in 2021.

Focusing your business on one area, at least early on, can help build your expertise. Research the local online business landscape to discover where the need is, whether it’s helping establish social media accounts for local businesses, contracting for a specific number of posts per week or setting your sights on a specific industry (restaurants, for instance).

11. Start a YouTube Channel

Share your life, interests or skill set with the internet via YouTube, and bank some cash. YouTube is a home business idea that can help you earn residual income. The videos you create now can bring in income months or even years down the road.

One YouTuber told The Penny Hoarder that she started earning revenue on her YouTube channel within six months, despite having no technical experience or equipment beyond a laptop and a smartphone. Check out her advice on how to make money on YouTube .

Some of the platform’s top earners bring in tens of millions of dollars; however, you can aim to make this home-based business idea into a modest side hustle with low startup costs.

Use this guide to make money on YouTube to get started.

12. Become a TikTok Influencer

TikTok is much more than just trendy dances. It’s also a legitimate way to earn money from home if you have a nice-sized following.

You likely won’t make a bunch of money overnight, but if you create quality content consistently, focus on a niche and follow the trends, you might find success. Depending on how many eyeballs check out your videos, you could earn from $200 to $20,000 for a branded video. You can also make money selling products online or offering consulting services.

This guide to making money on TikTok can help you get started with this home business idea.

13. Start a Podcast

Launching a podcast is another way to capitalize on your knowledge base or interests.

For example, one journalist told The Penny Hoarder that she quit her TV station job in 2017 to become a full-time podcaster and focus on the news she wanted to share.

You can make money with a podcast through advertising, sponsorships, subscriptions, paid content and donations.

Use these podcasts for entrepreneurs as inspiration to start a business with a podcast.

14. Be a Voiceover Artist

Put your talents from high school drama class to good use earning money as a voiceover artist. Voiceover artists record audio for video games, audiobooks, TV commercials, radio spots, cartoon programs and more.

It’s a fairly flexible job that you can do during nontraditional work hours, making it a perfect home business for someone with a 9-to-5 job or a stay-at-home parent, like this woman .

Jump into the voiceover business with this guide on how to get paid narrating audiobooks .

15. Web Developer

If you can balance aesthetically pleasing and user friendly, your next business could be as a web developer.

Technically, there are differences between web designers and developers, with designers tending toward the visual aspect while developers focusing on the coding. The BLS, which doesn’t differentiate between the two, states the median pay is $37.65 an hour .

Even if businesses in your area don’t have a big budget for complicated websites, they may need a simple landing page. If you have the web design and coding skills, you can start small and expand your business based on referrals and your portfolio.

Learning to code helped this woman quit her job to become a full-time web developer — she earned $137,000 in her first year.

16. Graphic Design

Unleash your creativity — and use your art degree — to create a graphic design business.

Whether it’s designing logos or layouts, you’ll need to invest in the proper equipment and programs to give your designs a professional look. But you’ll at least be able to find colleagues to consult — in 2020, about 1 in 5 graphic designers were self-employed, according to the BLS.

Prospective clients will want to see past design work to determine if you’re a good fit, so a portfolio is essential. You can find free places to post your work at sites like Coroflot and Carbonmade .

If you’re just getting started as a graphic designer, add to your portfolio by volunteering to create brochures and programs for nonprofits like your church or kids’ school. 

Once you’re established, you’ll be able to set hourly or per-project rates. You could earn between $15 and $47 per hour. These tips will get you started .

Make your business stand out by including your personal story. Share how you got started and why you love what you do to connect with customers looking for a reason to choose you over the competition.

17. Become a Life Coach or Career Coach

If you’ve got excellent motivational skills and you're passionate about seeing others succeed, you might want to start a business as a life coach or career coach .

You can make money in this line of work through one-on-one sessions with clients, creating webinars or workshops or creating a blog or podcast. The amount of money you can generate with this home business idea will vary based upon your method of monetization and the size of your own audience.

18. Be an Online Dating Consultant

Helping someone craft an online dating profile sounds like something you’d do for a friend over drinks, not a home business idea that generates income.

However, you can legitimately start a business as an online dating consultant , helping people craft their online profiles and connect with potential dates. 

Other ways to earn money from providing online dating services include shooting photos for a dating profile and investigating dating fraudsters.

This woman charges up to $2,000 a month for a subscription service where she does all the work short of going on the dates herself.

Work at Home ... and Beyond

Sure, you enjoy working from home, but sometimes you miss human interaction. No worries — there are plenty of home-based business ideas that let you run your business from your couch but also allow you to escape the confines of home.

19. Local Tour Guide

Do you love showing off your city? Make it your business by becoming a local tour guide.

And you don’t have to limit yourself to museums and monuments — although that’s an option , too.

One man told The Penny Hoarder he makes $10,000 a year with his side gig leading craft coffee tours around St. Petersburg, Florida, while another earns income leading bike tours to check out the many murals around the city. 

If you already have a passion for arts, food or other amenities that make your town special, you can start by offering free tours to friends, then expand your reach by promoting your tours on social media and through your local tourism office.

20. Cleaning

Cleaning other people’s places may not be everyone’s dream job, but that’s what increases its potential as a profitable business.

Housekeeping is one option, but if you’re willing to get your hands a little (or a lot) dirty, your services can be invaluable to clients who want you to clean out decades of accumulated trash in their basements, attics and barns.

This man turned a junk removal gig into a full-time job , making up to $30,000 a month hauling away trash.

21. Professional Organizer

Channel Marie Kondo or Clea and Joanna of The Home Edit and start a home-based business as a professional organizer.

This profession differs from a typical house cleaner. It involves organizing people’s belongings into beautiful systems that discourage clutter. This job requires an eye for detail, good judgment, discretion when dealing with clients’ personal things and, of course, stellar organization skills.

Being that you’re doing work that many people avoid, you can pocket some sweet income with this home business idea.

This woman earned $150 an hour to declutter people’s lives as a professional organizer.

22. Personal Chef

Your dinner parties are always a hit, and people form a line for your bake sale contributions.

Bank on your culinary prowess with a personal chef or catering business.

You don’t need a culinary degree to start plating, but a few referrals could help fire up your business.

Offer to cook for the school fundraiser or church picnic, and be sure to display your business cards at the serving stations.

Posting professional-looking photos of your mouth-watering dishes on your website is another way to attract customers. A personal chef who charges up to $65 per plate hosting dinner parties shared more tips .

23. Photography

Use your photography skills to take a shot at starting a business.

Besides taking photos of babies, parties and weddings , people make money with photography businesses by selling their work to stock photo sites like Shutterstock or iStock .

This guide to making money selling photos lays out several sites you can work with.

24. Real Estate Agent

As a real estate agent, you’ll spend a good amount of time away from your home meeting with clients, touring properties and hosting open houses. But you’ll also spend time in your home office compiling comparable properties, pouring over listings, researching the market and drawing up contracts.

To become a real estate agent, you’ll need to complete coursework and pass an exam to earn your real estate license. You’ll also need to find a brokerage to work with.

As a real estate agent, you earn a percentage of the sales you see through. The median pay for real estate agents in 2021 was just under $49,000.

Read this guide to how to become a real estate agent .

25. Home Staging

Live out your HGTV dream.

Homeowners hoping to get the highest price need to make their humble abode look its best. And that’s where you, the home stager, come in to rearrange the furniture, hide the million toys in a storage unit and replace all those framed cat photos with tasteful art.

Think you have what it takes?

One woman who started her home staging business with a $3,000 investment built her client base by doing the following:

• Using Google Adwords for online advertising.
• Asking for word-of-mouth referrals.
• Creating a social media presence.
• Networking with local homebuilders and Realtors.

26. Babysitter

Love kids? Love having kids running around your home?

If your home is prepared for the rough-and-tumble world of children, babysitting in your home is a good way to get around the whole “ nanny tax ” thing (that’s where the parents have to pay you as a domestic employee because you’re working in their home).

Each state has its own regulations about what age and how many kids you can watch at one time before becoming a daycare, so check out your state’s rules before you start. Learning a few basics — like CPR and first aid — can also help you demand a higher rate .

How much you can make varies based on how many kids you watch and your location, among other factors. The Care.com calculator suggests the rate for babysitting in New York City is $19.25 per hour.

27. Musician

Let’s start with the assumption that you aren’t a rock star musician prepared to tour the world.

That doesn’t mean you can’t be in the music business. In fact, we have 13 ways to make money off your music here .

28. Personal Trainer

Turn your love of fitness into cash by becoming a personal trainer working from your own home studio or traveling to clients’ houses. Increase your credibility (and pay) by getting certified by a nationally accredited organization like the American Council on Exercise (ACE) or National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM).

Expect the business of personal training to be more of a marathon than a sprint. Accreditation training can take weeks and cost hundreds of dollars, along with liability insurance , and you’ll have to maintain your certification with continuing education.

The BLS says the 2021 median pay for fitness trainers and instructors was $19.57 per hour , but pay can vary widely depending on your location and specialization — IDEA Health and Fitness Association notes the average rate for personal trainers in New York City is $32 an hour.

29. Yoga Instructor

A yoga instructor is another fitness-related, home-based business idea. Getting trained as a Certified Yoga Teacher (CYT) can help you establish yourself as a professional qualified to lead others in their yoga practice.

Working as a yoga instructor allows you to have flexibility (pun intended) about where you work. You can take your home-based business online by recording videos or doing virtual classes. You could also lead yoga instruction at a community center, a park or your client’s home.

30. Massage Therapist

Work with your hands … and arms … and elbows ... as you massage clients’ muscles.

Starting a massage therapy business requires more than one of those cool tables and a towel — although you should definitely expect to do a lot of laundry (all the sheets, you know).

Before flexing those fingers, you’ll need schooling and licensure — check here for your state’s massage therapy licensing requirements .

According to the latest numbers from the BLS, employment in massage therapy is projected to grow 20% from 2021 to 2031, with a median pay rate of $22.55 per hour in 2021.

31. Notary Public

There are many occasions that call for a person needing a document notarized — from buying a house or signing a will to filling out school forms or entering into a business contract.

A notary public is the individual who witnesses the signing of legal documents and ensures that the people signing the documents are who they say they are.

Depending on the state you live in, you may have to take a course and pass an exam in order to become a notary public. In many cases, you’re required to purchase a surety bond. You’ll also need to purchase a notary seal or stamp.

Your pay may be regulated by the state, but you can make decent earnings as a notary public.

One notary in Florida told The Penny Hoarder he earns between $75 and $200 per signing.

32. Handyperson

If you have a knack for fixing things around the house, a good home business idea for you might be to become a handyperson .

There’s a lot of variety in this line of work. You might spend one day fixing a leaky pipe and another day patching a hole in someone’s drywall.

Being that you can set your own hours, you might be able to charge a premium for working nights and weekends when other companies are closed.

Home Business Ideas for Selling Stuff

No, these aren’t the dreaded cold-calling telephone sales jobs — instead you’re selling your own stuff or other people’s stuff through your own local or online business or a third-party site.

33. Amazon Seller

Considering it seems like you can buy nearly anything on Amazon, it makes sense that you should be able to sell almost anything on Amazon, right?  Here are three great options to create and run your own online store on Amazon:

• Private-label products : Generic products you sell online with your own packaging and logo.
• Retail arbitrage : Items you purchased elsewhere — like clearance items or Craigslist freebies — that you sell on Amazon for a higher price.
• Fulfillment by Amazon : Items you purchase for resale are shipped directly to Amazon, which stores the inventory in its warehouse.

34. eBay Seller

Use your eye for fashion to resell thrift store finds at a profit as an eBay seller.

To get started, check out eBay’s listings for similar items to determine the demand for your product and a pricing strategy. How you price your item affects how it shows up in a search — the lower the price, the more eyes, but setting a higher minimum guarantees a greater return on investment if the item sells.

Good reviews are essential for any online seller. Invest in thank-you cards to include with each order to remind your customers to add their feedback to your site.

Attract more buyers (and higher prices) by using good lighting and a professional presentation in photos of your product.

This woman regularly earned $500 to $800 a month selling on eBay for 10 to 15 hours of work per week.

35. Etsy Marketer

Crafting a business from your love of, well, crafting, doesn’t mean you need to drag your wares to a table at the farmer’s market every Saturday. Setting up shop with the online marketplace Etsy allows you to sell handmade products like custom jewelry, refinished furniture and custom gift baskets without leaving your home.

As experienced sellers will tell you, a big part of being able to sell online via Etsy is re-creating the experience for a buyer who is used to handling handmade products in person when deciding to make a purchase.

Instead of discovering your handmade jewelry or macrame plant holders through a tactile experience, buyers are looking at your photos and descriptions of your handmade products on your Etsy store to decide whether to buy. High-quality photos and in-depth descriptions are essential for attracting customers, as is sharing your personal story.

36. Print-On-Demand Business

If you have a pulse on what’s trendy, you could develop your own line of graphic T-shirts with a print-on-demand business.

To gain success with this home business idea, it helps to have graphic design skills. However, you could always contract out the design work.

With a print-on-demand business, you don’t have to worry about managing inventory, shipping, returns or customer service. You run your own online store and the rest is handled by the third-party company you work with. Some popular options are Merch by Amazon , Printify and Spreadshirt .

It’s also important to note that your print-on-demand business doesn’t have to revolve around selling T-shirts. You could choose to sell products like tote bags, coffee mugs or wall art — customized with your own design or text.

You could also turn your art into cash by using one of these print-on-demand sites.

Here’s how one man built a successful business printing T-shirts , earning a few hundred dollars a month.

37. Start a Dropshipping Business

A dropshipping business is a type of e-commerce business where you sell products featured on your online store, but you rely on a third-party business to fulfill the order and ship it to the customer. You pocket a percentage of the sale by getting the products at wholesale prices from your supplier.

You can choose from a variety of products for your dropshipping business . Your dropshipping business could be an online store selling clothing. Or perhaps you want to focus on selling home decor. 

Your dropshipping business could play a part in a larger home business operation, like this woman who started a dropshipping business in conjunction with her existing ecommerce business.

38. Vending Machine Owner

Being a vending machine owner gives you the ability to sell products without renting commercial real estate or needing to meet with customers in person. You just have to find the right location for your vending machine and get permission from the local business owners there.

You can sell anything from soda and candy to toys and tech accessories. Startup costs can be around $2,000 but this home business idea is one that can generate passive income with little work required.

This guide to making money with a vending machine can help you launch this home business idea.

39. Subscription Box Business

Another home-based business idea where you’d sell products is a subscription box business — an industry that was valued at $22.7 billion in 2021 . 

Subscription box businesses can span many different industries. You could sell clothes, makeup, food, books, pet toys and more.

Depending on what type of products you choose to sell with your online business, you may need a significant amount of capital (and storage space) to start this home business. However, you have the potential to gain customers and sales on a repeat basis with a subscription box business.

You can get some additional subscription box advice about what consumers consider good offers and which ones they might steer away from.

Sew you want to start a business (sorry, couldn’t help ourselves).

Turning your threads into a profitable business can start with adjusting hems and making alterations for family and friends, but there are plenty of other ways to use your needle and thread to follow your passion.

Here’s how one woman found enough work to make a side gig by sewing cosplay costumes .

41. Home Baker

If your friends and family members can’t stop raving about your chocolate chip cookies or apple pie, perhaps baking is a great business idea for you.

You could create desserts for birthday parties, weddings, business events and more as a sweet source of income. If your treats are easy to ship, you can set up an online store and sell online in addition to fulfilling local orders. We’ve got a complete guide on how to set up your home-baking business .

This woman turned her hobby of baking into a full-fledged business .

42. Furniture Flipper

Furniture flipping involves turning old, neglected furniture into highly desirable pieces that can be resold at a profit. It’s amazing what a little paint and upholstery can do.

Successful online furniture flippers say to follow tips such as:

• Painting furniture in neutral colors
• Keeping rehab efforts to a minimum
• Instead, make small changes like adding drawer liners in dressers or putting on interesting hardware.

This schoolteacher earned about $2,500 to $3,000 a month upcycling and reselling furniture .

43. Airbnb Host

If you ever dreamed of owning a bed and breakfast, but never quite got your hands on that country estate, you can still channel your inner hostess by transforming a guest room (or your home) into Airbnb accommodations.

Instead of selling physical merchandise, you’ll be selling your space, but you’ll still need those same marketing skills to make your Airbnb attractive to potential guests. Think: inviting photos and a well-organized space that will garner great reviews from previous guests.

Here are nine more tips from an Airbnb superhost .

(Hosting laws vary from city to city. Please understand the rules and regulations applicable to your city and listing.)

Home-Based Businesses That Let You Work Outdoors

There’s no need to limit your home business to the confines of your house. Here are some home business ideas that’ll let you spend time outdoors enjoying some fresh air.

44. Pet Sitting

Prefer your clients to be the four-legged variety? You could start a pet-sitting business and cuddle with cats and dogs while their owners are gone all day.

There are more business ideas that can branch off of a pet-sitting business, like starting a dog-walking business. Connect with fur babies and their parents through apps like Rover or Wag to build up a client base. There, you can add your profile and let owners see your experience.

This woman made just under $10,000 in 2018 between her part-time dog-walking gig and pet-sitting business.

45. Small-Scale Farming

Got a backyard with some room to breed?

If a full-size farm is a bit beyond your reach, you could go the (much) smaller animal route and install a beehive. Turn it into a successful business by selling honey at the local farmer’s market.

Yes, there are setup costs and licensing required after you buy the bees to factor in. But considering the high price local honey can demand, one beekeeper nearly broke even his first season raising bees by selling the sweet stuff.

If you have more space, take notes from this couple who started raising four chickens in the backyard of their home and went on to raise 900 chickens and 400 Grimaud Pekin ducks on their six-acre farm .

Regulations vary for raising livestock, which is considered any domesticated animal that’s raised to produce labor and/or commodities. Visit your state’s Department of Agriculture website for details.

46. Seasonal Operator

Maybe you’re more of a fair-weather businessperson.

Seasonal businesses offer you the chance to operate when you prefer to be outdoors — think shoveling snow during the winter or hauling beach gear during the summer.

And if the holiday season offers more free time for a business venture, think festive lights.

Light installers make the majority of their money hanging those twinkling lights during the holiday season.

Read about a Christmas decorator who made $138,000 .

47. Garden Consultant

You’ve probably heard of business consultants, who bring their decades of knowledge to advise a company on whatever their issue is. You might not be a CEO, but if you’ve had years of growing gardens, you could turn your planting know-how into a garden consulting business.

Although people may dream of growing their food, most backyard gardens end up a little on the sad side, if alive at all. Your knowledge of soil acidity, fertilizer composition and sunlight needs — plus a willingness to dig around in the dirt — could pay off as a garden consultant.

One woman’s green thumb paid off — she made $1,200 in one year by growing seedlings and selling them out of the garage.

48. Landscaping

If you enjoy being out in your yard and are already skilled at maintaining your own lawn, a landscaping business might be a good home business idea to pursue.

Depending on where you live, your business may be at the mercy of the changing seasons, but this business is one where you can easily snag repeat customers year after year.

Local social media groups — like NextDoor or a neighborhood group on Facebook — could be a good way to drum up business. Providing great results is also an excellent way to attract new customers and prompt existing customers to refer you to their friends.

49. Car Detailing

Cleaning a car inside and out is a chore many people would pay someone else to do. It’s also among the home business ideas you can start with little experience, no education requirements and low startup costs.

You can choose to have clients come to your home to get their cars detailed or charge a premium as a mobile car detailer who’ll meet busy clients where they are.

In addition to this being a good home business idea for those who enjoy the outdoors, this line of work is fitted for people who are detail oriented and enjoy physical labor. You can get a nice workout by cleaning cars all day!

Next Steps After Choosing a Great Home-Based Business Idea

Consider these home business ideas a jumping off point or the spark for a related idea that isn’t on this list.

Just know that starting a business requires more than just a good idea, so you’ll first want to check out our step-by-step guide to starting a business .

You’ll need to research the marketplace, create a business plan, gather funding, consider how to legally structure your business, come up with a memorable name and potentially register with the state.

The business world might be tough, but isn’t it easier weathering the ups and downs in the comfort of your own home?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Best Home Business Ideas

If you’re still figuring out which of these best home business ideas would be right for you, the answers to these frequently asked questions may help provide clarity.

You can find success with any of the home-based business ideas featured on this list, provided you target an audience who could benefit from your product or service and you put in the work to consistently deliver.

That being said, there are some home-based businesses that seem to be more profitable than others. Web developers, graphic designers, tax preparers, bookkeepers and real estate agents can develop a lucrative business from home and end up earning more than the median wage for U.S. workers.

A good home business idea is one that you have the skills to do and that there is a demand for. If you’re looking for home business ideas where you can be flexible with your hours, consider business ideas like working as a graphic designer, a voiceover artist, a home baker, a furniture flipper or an Amazon seller.

Great home business ideas you can start if you’re good at making sales include running an online store on Amazon, operating an online store on eBay, having a vending machine business or starting a subscription box company.

If you enjoy spending time outdoors, some home-based business ideas you should consider are working as a garden consultant, starting a landscaping business or detailing cars.

What Is the Easiest Business to Start?

The easiest home-based business ideas to develop are those with low barriers to entry and minor startup costs. It will be easier to start a home business using skills you already have.

If you have to take courses and earn a certification before you can launch your own business, that may not be the easiest path to pursue.

Having low startup costs is a big factor in deciding whether your home business ideas will be easy to follow through with. However, what you consider to be low costs for your home-based business is subjective. Ideally, you’ll want to be able to get your business up and running without depending on a loan or blowing through all your savings.

How Much Does It Cost to Start a Home Business?

Some home business ideas you can start for less than $100 include freelance writing, working as a virtual assistant, tutoring, starting a YouTube channel, being a professional organizer, starting a dropshipping business, starting a print-on-demand business, working as a pet sitter or detailing cars.

Before you start a business, make sure you have a solid emergency fund aside from the savings you plan to use for business expenses.

Tiffany Wendeln Connors is a writer/editor at The Penny Hoarder. Nicole Dow is a senior writer at The Penny Hoarder. Catherine Hiles contributed to this report.

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A Wild Atlantic Way to churn tourist revenue

Now worth €3bn annually, the mammoth success of this west coast tourist trail continues to grow.

The Wild Atlantic Way has proven a tourism success story 10 years after its launch. Photograph: iStock

When Fáilte Ireland launched its latest, hopeful tourist product at a trade event ten years ago, who knew it was on the road to such a success story?

The Wild Atlantic Way — a tantalising banner for 2,600km of rugged road covering the length of the west coast — came in response to the economic crash; borne amid fears Ireland’s lucrative tourism cash might be among the many things to dry up.

Miriam Kennedy, head of the Wild Atlantic Way, later recalled how the crisis had “decimated” tourism in the west.

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So why ask people to visit one place, when they might reach it all (or at least a lot of it)? Ten years on, this overwhelmingly successful branding brainwave is now said to drive about €3 billion in related revenue annually.

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There were early detractors, but money talks.

These are dizzying numbers considering the initial Fáilte Ireland investment of just €10 million, announced in February, 2014. Its “vision for the future of tourism”, as it was described this week by Minister for Tourism Catherine Martin, would cast a wide net for the industry, initially capturing 500 visitor attractions, 580 festivals, 17 trails and 50 looped walks. Around the world, potential visitors were tempted by vivid photographs of the Cliffs of Moher and rolling green pastures.

Whatever it incorporates today, the moth-to-light bulb success of the tourist initiative has helped create about 35,000 jobs, according to a Fáilte Ireland analysis released on its anniversary this week. Its appeal shows as much sign of calming as the wild seas along the Atlantic coastline — last year two million more people visited the route than when it was first offered up.

“From the outset, it felt positive and like something good was happening and that we were part of something much bigger,” said Karen Coakley of Kerry Food Tours recently, “from the tip of Donegal to the furthest point of west Cork. It gave a feeling of connectivity and of being included.”

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Moscow metro to be more tourist-friendly

A new floor sign system at the Moscow metro's Pushkinskaya station. Source: Vladimir Pesnya / RIA Novosti

For many years now, Moscow has lagged behind St. Petersburg when it comes to making life easy for tourists, especially where getting around the city is concerned. Whereas the northern capital installed English-language maps, signs and information points throughout its subway system in the late 2000s, the Russian capital’s metro remained a serious challenge for foreign visitors to navigate.

Recent visitors to Moscow may have noticed some signs that change is afoot, however. In many stations of the Moscow subway, signs have appeared on the floor – with large lettering in Russian and English – indicating the direction to follow in order to change lines. Previously, foreign visitors using the Moscow metro had to rely solely upon deciphering the Russian-language signs hanging from the ceilings.

Student volunteers help tourists find their way in Moscow

However, this new solution has a significant drawback. “The floor navigation is visible only to a small stream of people – fewer than three people per meter. During peak hours, this navigation will simply not be noticed,” said Konstantin Trofimenko, Director of the Center for Urban Transportation Studies.

One of the biggest problems for tourists in the Russian capital remains the absence of English translations of the names of subway stations in the station vestibules and on platforms. The Department of Transportation in Moscow has not commented yet as to when this problem will be solved. However, Latin transliterations of station names can already be found in the subway cars themselves.

Finding the right exit

At four of the central stations – Okhotny Ryad, Teatralnaya, Ploshchad Revolyutsii, Lubyanka and Kuznetsky Most – the city authorities have now installed colorful stands at the exits with schematic diagrams of the station’s concourse and surrounding area, which provide information about the main attractions and infrastructural facilities.

The schematic diagrams are the work of British specialists from the City ID and Billings Jackson Design firms, who have already implemented successful projects in New York and London.

According to Alexei Novichkov, expert at the Design Laboratory at the Higher School of Economics, the design of these information booths raises no objections: The color solutions, font, layout and icons are consistent with international standards.

However, the stands do have some shortcomings. “Many questions are raised about the fact that the developers of these maps did not apply orientation to the north, and have provided layouts of the surrounding areas with respect to the exits,” says Novichkov. “A system like that is used for road navigators, but most of the ‘paper’ guides and maps are oriented strictly to north. The subway map is also oriented to north, so people may become confused.”

Muscovites and foreign visitors are generally positive about these navigation elements, with most of them citing the numbered exits from the subway as the most useful feature.

The fact is that many Moscow subway stations have several exits. One of the busiest central stations of the Moscow subway in particular, Kitay-Gorod, has more than a dozen exits. Previously, these exits were differentiated from each other only with signs in Russian referring to the names of streets and places of interest to which they led – making it easy for tourists and those with poor navigation skills to get confused.

Now, when making an appointment to meet a friend, instead of struggling to find the right spot when they tell you: “I'll meet you at the exit to Solyanka Street,” you can just propose to meet under a specific exit number.

“I’ve lived in Moscow for seven years,” says Angelika, a designer from Voronezh, “but I still don’t always know where to go to find the place I need, so the new schematic diagrams will be very useful. Previously, some subway stations had maps, but not with so much detail.”

Teething problems

Foreigners, meanwhile, focus their attention on other elements. “It is good that the new information boards have QR-codes, which can be ‘read’ by smartphones,” says Florentina, a writer from Vienna. But there are also shortcomings. “The English font of the information on posters and in the captions to theaters and museums is too small – you have to come very close to see it well,” she says.

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Florentina was also dissatisfied with the fact that such posters are not provided at all subway stations: “When I was trying to find Tsaritsyno Park (a museum and reserve in the south of Moscow) at a subway station with the same name, it turned out to be quite difficult,” she says.

“There are no maps with landmarks for other areas, such as those already in the city center. There were no clear pointers in the English language, and the passers-by I met did not speak in English, so they could not help me,” she adds.

Officials say that the navigation system is gradually being redeveloped and improved. According to Darya Chuvasheva, a press representative for the Department of Transport of Moscow, the introduction of a unified navigation system will take place in stages.

“By the end of 2014, the system will first appear on the first subway stations on the Circle Line. By the end of 2015, we plan to install the system at all major stopping points, subway stations and transport interchange hubs,” says Chuvasheva.

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I've traveled to 9 out of 10 countries in Southeast Asia. Here are the 5 biggest mistakes I made along the way.

• I've traveled solo to nine countries in Southeast Asia.
• I've made many mistakes, from traveling during monsoon season to forgetting to bring enough cash.
• Travelers should make sure they plan ahead and research each country's culture.

Over the last two years, my journey as a travel enthusiast and Business Insider's travel reporter in Singapore has brought me to almost every country in Southeast Asia.

In total, there are 10 countries in Southeast Asia , and I've traveled to nine of them — Singapore, Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, and Brunei. Myanmar remains the only country in the region I have not visited, and while I am keen to explore it, I have held off on visiting because of the country's ongoing civil war.

I've watched the sun rise in Angkor Wat in Cambodia and cared for elephants in Chiang Mai, Thailand. I've explored the Bornean jungle in Brunei and crawled the Cu Chi Tunnels in southern Vietnam.

But it hasn't always been easy. I've made several mistakes traveling across the region , especially as a solo traveler. Here are five mistakes I made and how to avoid them.

1. Going during monsoon season and not planning for the weather.

In July, I traveled to Thailand on a reporting trip to cover the budding cannabis industry . There, I was met with heavy rain nearly every day. In Bangkok, I was staying in a hostel in Chakkrawat , a district with narrow, meandering streets, which made it difficult to walk anywhere in the pouring rain.

I didn't plan for the weather, so I didn't have an umbrella or poncho with me and had to rush to get one at the last minute. I also had a packed itinerary with a lot of travel between meetings, which was a hassle in the constant downpour.

Before traveling to Southeast Asia, make sure to avoid two seasons — the monsoon season, which often comes with strong typhoons in countries like the Philippines, and the burning season, where farmers burn land for fertile soil. This is a common occurrence in countries like Laos, Thailand, and the island of Borneo, which is shared between Brunei, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

When I traveled to Laos in April last year during the burning season , most of my plans — including a hot air balloon ride — were canceled because of the thick smog. I also didn't have an N95 mask with me, and I ended up with a sore throat.

If you do plan to come during these seasons, make sure to pack accordingly and plan a flexible schedule.

2. Traveling during Ramadan and expecting the same practices everywhere.

Having grown up in Singapore, I'm familiar with the practices during Ramadan , the holy month for Muslims, where they fast for most of the day. I studied Malay for seven years, and in school, I often fasted with my Muslim classmates and ate only in private.

Still, in many cities in Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia , non-Muslims are free to dine in public, so long as they do so respectfully. But on my trip to Brunei in April — at the height of the burning season and in the middle of Ramadan — there were more practices I needed to observe.

Most restaurants were closed, and diners weren't allowed to eat there even if they were open — only take-out was allowed. Eating in public was a major faux pas even for non-Muslims, and if you want to drink some water, you can only do so when nobody is around.

It wasn't easy, especially as Brunei was sweltering at 100 degrees Fahrenheit on some days. I made do by returning to the hotel for lunch and grabbing a big dinner with the locals at the night market after they had broken their fast.

3. Not packing enough modest outfits when visiting temples and mosques.

Southeast Asia is pretty liberal, and you can wear whatever you want in many places. In popular destinations like Phuket, Thailand, and Bali, Indonesia, lots of tourists walk around in bikini tops and shorts, and locals mostly tolerate it.

But there are certain places you do need to cover up, like places of worship, which include temples and mosques. When I visited Angkor Wat — the famed temple complex in Cambodia — in February last year, I found some tourists being told off by the local tour guides for wearing shorts and tank tops — "Tomb Raider" style.

I've learned to err on the right side of caution and bring a sarong wherever I go. It's an easy way to cover up and make an outfit more modest when you need to.

4. Forgetting to pack medication, especially when I plan to eat street food.

Southeast Asia has some of the world's most flavorful food. In every country, you can find food that is cheap and delicious, and that includes Singapore , the world's most expensive city. In countries like Malaysia and Vietnam, street food dishes can cost as little as a dollar.

I eat mostly street food when I travel in Southeast Asia, so medicine for tummy-related illnesses is a must. I've only gotten sick twice from eating street food — and it was the same dish both times— and unfortunately, those were the few times I didn't have medicine with me.

I'm a pretty adventurous eater. I've eaten everything from pufferfish stew to frog porridge and dishes made with intestines off the street. I've learned to wash the utensils provided before digging in and make sure the food is cooked to order and heated up before being served.

5. Relying on my card and not bringing enough cash with me.

In Singapore, I don't really use cash and often use Apple Pay, mobile payments, and cards. But I've found that many stores in other countries in Southeast Asia only accept cash.

For example, on my third trip to Vietnam, I spent an hour trying to make payment via bank transfer after the staff at a luxury perfume shop — which was selling items priced upwards of $200 — informed me at the last minute that they didn't accept card or contactless payment.

I've also found the majority of street vendors in the region only accept mobile payment — which is limited to local banks — or cash. I've learned to change a considerable amount of money before leaving the airport and keep whatever I didn't use for my next trip.

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