Franchise Deep Dive: Dream Vacations' Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data

Under the ownership of World Travel Holdings Inc., Dream Vacations has succeeded in becoming one of the world’s most affordable and lucrative travel agency franchises.

By Jeff DwyerStaff Writer

8:08AM • 09/29/23

LAST UPDATED: August 24, 2023
FRANCHISE WEBSITE: https://www.dreamvacationsfranchise.com/
NUMBER OF LOCATIONS: 1,570+
REPORTED COST TO GET IN: $11,800 to $21,000
REPORTED ROI (Item 19): N/A

Dream Vacations is a low-cost, home-based travel and hospitality franchise that offers entrepreneurs the opportunity to operate and run their own travel agency right from the comfort of their homes. The brand offers deals to individuals or businesses who are looking to plan trips. It provides its customers with hotel deals, travel insurance, cruises and other travel-related experiences.

Dream Vacations is operated under the purview of World Travel Holdings Inc., and was founded in 1991. The brand is headquartered in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

As a result of its offerings, Dream Vacations is frequently recognized for excellence within the industry and is consistently ranked on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 lists.

How Many Dream Vacations Are There?

As of August 2023, there are currently over 1,570 Dream Vacations franchises in operation.

What Is Dream Vacations' Business Model?

Dream Vacations’ business model is centered around providing entrepreneurs with the ability to run a travel agency from their homes. As mentioned, the brand is all-encompassing and offers a wide range of vacation experiences.

Prospective franchise owners are not required to have any travel or industry-related experience before signing on. The franchise provides all the training, knowledge and tools necessary to begin working as a travel agent. Once a franchise is purchased, the agents just need a computer with an internet connection and a phone to successfully launch their business. Franchisees are then able to generate revenue through commissions on travel bookings.

Additionally, the brand is a low-cost investment. Owners are able to work remotely, removing the need for inventory or any overhead, making it an attractive opportunity. Dream Vacations lists the following as benefits of becoming a franchisee:

Database Growth Tools

Dream Vacations claims to be the only travel franchise to fully fund a quarterly sweepstakes for its growth. It also holds virtual events and has free marketing tools to ensure owners have a growing database of customers.

Grow Your Footprint

The brand makes an effort to help its owners recruit associates to work alongside them, helping individual businesses reach their full potential.

Lead Generation

Dream Vacations utilizes its tools and resources to help owners identify leads, build their database and engage with customers.

Support and Training

Franchise owners are provided with ample franchise training, 24/7 on-demand support and proven systems for the entire duration of their ownership.

How Much Can Dream Vacations Franchise Owners Make?

Dream Vacations does not have a publicly available Item 19. The brand says its owners earn commissions on sales from a wide variety of vacations, travel insurance and excursions. To learn more, contact the team about reading the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), which will state the total earnings of any company or franchise-owned unit as a reference.

How Much Does It Cost to Open a Dream Vacations Franchise?

Apart from its franchise fee, Dream Vacations does not make its total initial investment information publicly available. However, according to Vetted Biz, the cost to open a Dream Vacations franchise ranges from $11,800 to $21,000.

This investment is broken down into the following costs:

Initial Franchise Fee: $10,500
Training Expenses: $200 to $250
Additional Signatories/Associates Training and Travel: $0 to $645
Office Equipment and Furniture: $0 to $1,500
Initial Office Supplies: $50 to $300
Computer Hardware/Software Equipment: $0 to $2,500
Insurance, Legal and Accounting: $150 to $1,000
Permits, Franchises, Bonds and Memberships: $150 to $500
Initial Promotion and Advertising: $250 to $1,200
Criminal and Civil Background Check: $0 to $30
Additional Funds (Three Months): $500 to $2,500
Financing Application Fee: $0 to $75

Franchise owners must also pay an ongoing royalty fee of up to 3% of annual commissionable sales and a 3% travel insurance royalty fee.

What Is the Franchise Fee for Dream Vacations?

The initial franchise fee required to open a Dream Vacations franchise is $10,500. However, the brand offers a variety of different discounts to support entrepreneurs who wish to enter the world of business ownership. As of August 2023, the brand lists the following discounts on its consumer-facing website:

Promotional Discount

For eligible candidates, the brand is offering 10% off its franchise fee, totaling a onetime fee of $9,450.

Community Heroes Discount

Active and retired first responders, medical professionals and educators are eligible for a 20% discount on the initial franchise fee, totaling $8,400.

U.S. Veterans and Active-Duty Spouses Discount

Eligible military members and their families can start a Dream Vacations franchise for as little as $3,500 down.

Experienced Travel Professional Discount

Experienced travel and hospitality professionals are eligible for a discount ranging from 70% to 95%.

Who’s On Dream Vacations' Leadership Team?

What Helpful Articles Can I Read to Learn More About Dream Vacations?

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