Why a Home-Based Travel Franchise Is the Best Encore Career After Retirement
Finding your second act doesn’t mean slowing down — it means doing something meaningful on your own terms. At Cruise Planners, we make it easy for you to launch a home-based travel business that lets you explore the world, connect with others, and earn income doing something you love. Whether you’re transitioning from retirement or searching for a more flexible lifestyle, our low-cost travel franchise opportunity gives you the tools, training, and freedom to succeed.
A Flexible Second Career
Looking to stay active professionally while doing something you love? With Cruise Planners, you can turn your experience, passion, and free time into a thriving business. Our travel franchise model is designed for retirees, empty nesters, and career changers who want flexibility without the risks of starting from scratch.
We give you everything you need to build a sustainable second income — from industry-leading booking tools and marketing materials to personalized support from our franchise development coaches. It’s your encore, your pace, and your opportunity to create a legacy.
Turn Any Experience into a Travel Career
No prior travel experience? No problem. Cruise Planners offers complete training and support through STAR University and continuous virtual learning. You’ll learn how to sell vacation packages, manage cruise bookings, and deliver exceptional customer service to your clients.
As a Cruise Planners franchise owner, you’ll join one of the most respected brands in the travel industry, with decades of experience helping entrepreneurs thrive. Whether you work part-time or full-time, you’ll have the flexibility to shape your business around your goals.
Tools You Can Use
We know that learning something new after years in another career can feel intimidating — that’s why our systems are designed for simplicity. With Cruise Planners’ online booking platform, integrated marketing programs, and robust CRM system, you’ll easily manage clients, track commissions, and access top tour operators and cruise lines.
Our technology empowers you to run your travel agency from anywhere — even while traveling yourself! This means you can earn income and enjoy the flexibility retirement should bring.
Real People, Real Success
Many of our franchise owners launched their businesses after retirement, seeking freedom, travel, and financial independence. From couples who manage their home-based travel agencies together to professionals who wanted more balance, our community proves that it’s never too late to chase your dreams.
If you’ve ever imagined owning a business that fuels your love of travel while helping others plan their dream vacations, Cruise Planners offers the perfect encore. Learn more about our low-cost franchise opportunity and see how simple it is to get started.
“GETTING LAID OFF WAS THE BEST THING THAT EVER HAPPENED TO ME”
– Sue Palenik, Cruise Planners® Franchise Owner
From Career Experience to Entrepreneurial Freedom
You’ve built a lifetime of experience, now it’s time to use it to create something that’s truly yours. At Cruise Planners Franchise, we help you turn your skills, relationships, and professional strengths into a thriving home-based travel agency that fits your lifestyle.
As a travel business owner, you’ll enjoy the independence of an entrepreneur with the structure and guidance of a proven franchise system. Whether your background is in education, business, healthcare, or the arts, the organizational, leadership, and communication skills you’ve developed will serve you well as a home-based travel advisor.
Our flexible franchise business model is designed to help you succeed, no matter your starting point. You’ll receive expert-led training programs, hands-on business development coaching, and access to industry-leading marketing materials and booking tools. From day one, we set you up with the resources to grow confidently as part of our national franchise network of travel professionals.
Unlike starting an independent business from scratch, Cruise Planners Franchise gives you a turnkey solution. You’ll work with top cruise lines, tour operators, and vacation package suppliers, all under one system, while benefiting from a strong brand that travelers across the United States already know and trust.
Your encore career deserves to be more than just another job — it should be a rewarding venture that lets you share your love of travel, connect with others, and enjoy a flexible, purpose-driven lifestyle. With Cruise Planners, that’s exactly what you’ll find.
Build a Rewarding Second Act with Cruise Planners Franchise
You’ve spent years building a career, now it’s time to build a lifestyle you love. Whether you want to stay engaged, earn income, or travel the world, Cruise Planners gives you the freedom to design your own encore.
Explore How to Start Your Travel Agency or Learn What’s Included in Our Franchise System to take the next step.
Starting an Encore Career in Travel FAQs
Do I need travel experience to start a Cruise Planners franchise?
No. Cruise Planners provides full training, resources, and ongoing support so you can confidently launch your travel business — even if you’ve never worked in the travel industry before.
Can I run my travel agency part-time after retiring?
Absolutely. Many of our franchise owners operate their business part-time, using Cruise Planners’ automated tools and marketing systems to manage clients and bookings on a flexible schedule.
How much does it cost to start a Cruise Planners franchise?
We’re proud to be one of the most affordable travel franchise opportunities in the U.S., with a low initial investment and ongoing support to help you grow.
What kind of support will I receive as a new franchise owner?
You’ll have access to dedicated business coaches, marketing resources, and award-winning technology — everything you need to succeed in your encore career.
Why is Cruise Planners a top franchise for retirees?
Because it combines structure and freedom. You can work from home, leverage our established brand recognition, and focus on your passion for travel while we handle the heavy lifting behind the scenes.