One reason many in the Armed Forces choose to serve is because it may provide an opportunity to travel the world. This wanderlust can continue into retirement and when transitioning to the civilian workforce. Opening a travel agency franchise such as Dream Vacations not only provides endless travel opportunities, but it provides the hallmarks of franchising such as proven systems and structure that veterans become accustomed to in the military.
Franchising is a popular career path for military veterans because of the structure and skillset required. Problem-solving, thinking on your feet, leadership and adaptability are just a few skills that naturally develop in the military, and which carry over to business ownership. In addition, there is a camaraderie among franchise owners similar to that in a battalion.
As a Command & Control Specialist/Emergency Actions Specialist in the U.S. Air Force, Sarah Garrett had to be very detail-oriented and disciplined, skills which are pertinent when planning complex vacations and working-from-home as a Dream Vacations franchise owner and vacation specialist. Contributing to Sarah’s success is the support from Dream Vacations headquarters and other franchisees, as well as innovative technology tools provided to all franchise owners, free of charge, such as Travel Planner itinerary builder, My Cruise Control 3-in-1 booking system, Cruise Fare Watch and more. In fact, support is a major reason she decided to purchase a franchise.
“It is wonderful knowing that I can pick up the phone and call my corporate office for any help that I may need with something, and knowing that they are there for support frees me up to better serve my clients,” noted Garrett.
All military veterans and Gold Star families who purchase a Dream Vacations travel agency business receive an enlistment package valued at no less than $5,000 and ongoing support. They can select one of four perks currently being offered — $2,000 travel training credit; receive up to $7,000 back based on initial fee through the Earn Back promotion; waived administrative fees valued at $1,350; or a Microsoft® Surface Pro tablet valued at $1,000. They also receive a waived training fee for a business partner; veteran-themed marketing assets; and the ability to hire active-duty military spouses and veterans as associates at a discount. Additional veteran incentives include the ability to move residences and stay in business, travel discounts for military customers and access to veteran networking groups.
As the only travel franchise to receive a 5 STAR ranking from the International Franchise Association’s VetFran initiative, Dream Vacations proudly supports military veterans and is consistently recognized by leading industry publications as a veteran-friendly franchise. Other national accolades include number one rankings by Military Times, Entrepreneur and Forbes. Additional recognitions include inclusion on G.I. Jobs annual “Hot Franchises for Veterans,” US Veterans magazine’s “Top Veteran-Friendly Companies” and USA Today’s “50 Top Franchises for Military Veterans.”
Military veterans who have a passion for travel and entrepreneurism who are interested in opening a Dream Vacations travel franchise, please visit www.DreamVacationsFranchise.com/Veterans or call 888-249-8235.