Vacation Planners

What Vacation Planners does

Vacation Planners is a U.S.-based travel agency franchise operator, launched in 2025 as a brand under Travel Planners International (TPI), a host agency founded in 1988 by Tony Gagliano Sr. and now led by his sons Ken and Tony Gagliano Jr. The company sells franchise territories to experienced independent travel advisors who have outgrown the host-agency model and want to scale beyond solo operations. Franchisees operate as "Vacation Planners of [Their Area]," serving local markets while leveraging a national brand, shared technology stack, and centralized marketing support.

The core product is the TERN AI Technology Platform, an AI-powered travel planning and business management system that automates itinerary building, quote generation, client matching, and predictive recommendations. Complementary components include an integrated CRM and booking platform (with real-time inventory and commission tracking), Travel Biz Boss for marketing automation and email sequences, Mondee for global supplier inventory, and Signature Travel Network access for luxury/premium suppliers. AI capabilities span generative destination guides, PDF-to-itinerary parsing (One-Click AI Import), and structured-data extraction. The platform is stated to be used by 5,000+ advisors and 1,000+ agencies nationwide, with AI Destination Guides reportedly used 8,000+ times in their first month.

The business model is a three-revenue-stream franchise structure: (1) a one-time initial franchise investment covering brand setup, website, technology onboarding, and launch support; (2) a recurring monthly support fee bundling the marketing suite, TERN platform access, industry memberships (ASTA, CLIA, FTA), and coaching; and (3) a 10% retained share of franchisee commissions under a 90/10 split (franchisee/franchisor), which the company positions favorably against the 70/30–80/20 splits common at host agencies. Pricing is not publicly disclosed; prospects move through a 15-minute discovery call before receiving a franchise disclosure document. The headcount is small (1–10, with a core team of four: President/CMO Jenn Lee, Operations Manager Kara, Franchise Growth Manager Allison, and Marketing & Operations Specialist Lis), reflecting a lean central operation that scales revenue through franchisee rather than employee growth.

Name

Vacation Planners

Legal name

Vacation Planners

Website

https://www.vacationplannersfranchise.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2024

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Vacation Planners is a U.S. travel agency franchise operator that sells territories to experienced independent travel advisors under the umbrella of Travel Planners International, bundling the TERN AI planning platform, an integrated CRM/booking system, and done-for-you marketing support in exchange for franchise fees, monthly subscriptions, and a 10% commission share.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Travel Agency Franchise Services

NAICS

Travel Agencies (561510), Travel Agencies (56151)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYTHAKABAA

Leisure & Generalist Retail Travel Agencies

Travel & Hospitality/Travel Agencies, Tour Operators & OTAs/Traditional/Retail Travel Agencies

Keywords

• Travel agency franchise
• AI travel platform
• Travel advisor marketing
• Franchise business services
• Travel booking technology

Headquarters

HQ city

Maitland

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Operations

Revenue model

1. Initial Franchise Investment: One-time franchise fee for setup, brand package, website, technology setup, onboarding, and launch support.
2. Monthly Support Fee: Ongoing monthly fee covering complete marketing suite, TERN technology platform access, industry memberships, marketing specialist support, business coaching, and national exposure.
3. Commission Split (90/10): Franchise owners keep 90% of their commissions while Vacation Planners retains 10%, significantly better than typical host agency splits of 70/30 or 80/20.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Vacation Planners sells travel agency franchises to experienced travel advisors, bundling a complete brand package, branded website, proprietary TERN AI technology platform, all-in-one CRM and booking tools, done-for-you marketing services, dedicated coaching, and access to 300+ preferred partners under a 90/10 commission split. Franchisees operate as 'Vacation Planners of [Their Area]' serving local markets while leveraging national brand recognition, AI-powered workflow automation, and Signature Travel Network supplier access.

Product overview

Vacation Planners is a franchise model for travel advisors that combines the TERN AI Technology Platform with Travel Biz Boss marketing automation, integrated CRM and booking tools, and access to Mondee's global supplier network. The core platform is the TERN AI system providing automated itinerary building, instant quote generation, smart client matching, and predictive recommendations. Travel Biz Boss delivers workflow automations and email sequences integrated with TERN. Franchisees also receive a complete marketing suite, branded website, CRM, booking platform, and access to 300+ preferred partners. The company operates under parent organization Travel Planners International (founded 1988) and is led by President/CMO Jenn Lee.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Vacation Planners Franchise Travel agency franchise sold to experienced travel advisors, bundling brand and logo package, branded website, TERN AI technology setup, Google Business Profile and directory listing, strategic onboarding, partner relationship activation, and area claim for a chosen local market, with a 90/10 commission split favoring the franchisee.
• TERN AI Technology Platform Industry-leading AI and automation platform for travel advisors that automates itinerary building, generates instant quotes, matches clients with smart recommendations, converts PDFs and emails into itineraries via one-click import, and produces personalized AI Destination Guides and packing lists.
• Travel Biz Boss Workflow automation and strategic email sequence bundle that eliminates repetitive tasks for travel advisors and integrates with TERN tools to provide email automations and workflow management.
• All-in-One CRM and Booking Platform Integrated client management dashboard with real-time inventory, automated booking confirmations, mobile app, integrated payments, smart forms, automated workflows, integrated email, and commission tracking, eliminating the need to stitch together multiple separate tools.
• Complete Marketing Suite Done-for-you marketing service for franchisees covering social media management, email newsletters, blogs, landing pages, print materials (flyers, postcards, event materials, banners), and customizable agency-specific social media assets.
• Branded Website and URL Conversion-focused branded website with custom URL designed to attract and capture clients, including ongoing website visibility management and updates as part of the franchise support package.
• Dedicated Success Coaching Partner-focused business coaching for franchisees including marketing strategy sessions, ongoing individual and group coaching, monthly coaching calls, Java with Jenn sessions, Town Halls, and access to the franchisee community.
• Mondee Global Supplier Integration Advanced travel technology platform integration providing franchisees with global supplier network access to competitive rates and inventory across air, car, and hotel segments.

Quantifiable outcome

• Save 10+ hours/week through AI automation
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

AI capability7 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• TerncoreTechnology or IntegrationCutting-edge artificial intelligence and automation technology that streamlines travel planning workflows, enabling franchisees to focus on high-value client interactions. TERN platform includes automated itinerary building, instant quote generation, smart client matching, and predictive recommendations.
• Travel Planners InternationalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerParent company and comprehensive host agency support that empowers travel professionals with strategic partnerships, cutting-edge technology, dynamic marketing solutions, and a strong industry network. Founded in 1988 by Tony Gagliano Sr., now led by his sons Ken and Tony Gagliano Jr.
• Signature Travel NetworkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAccess to exclusive luxury travel experiences and preferred supplier relationships across 1,000+ premier travel providers worldwide. Provides franchisees with enhanced supplier access and exclusive promotions.
• Travel Biz BossmajorTechnology or IntegrationProven workflow automations and strategic email sequence bundles that eliminate countless hours of repetitive tasks for travel advisors. Integrates with TERN platform for enhanced automation.
• MondeemajorTechnology or IntegrationAdvanced travel technology platform and global supplier network providing access to competitive rates and inventory across multiple travel segments including air, car and hotel.
• American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndustry advocacy, professional development and consumer credibility through the world's largest association of travel professionals. Vacation Planners holds Diamond Level Partner status.
• Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerComprehensive cruise line training, certification and exclusive resources as the world's largest cruise industry trade association. Franchisees receive CLIA certifications as part of membership.
• Family Travel AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSpecialized resources and a network of family travel experts to better serve the growing family vacation market. Includes FTA certifications for franchisees.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Dream Vacations (CruiseOne): Established travel advisor franchise model offering home-based franchisees training, marketing, and supplier access. Directly comparable to Vacation Planners in selling franchise rights to independent travel advisors rather than operating as a host agency.
• Expedia CruiseShipCenters: Franchise-based travel agency network (now part of Expedia Group) providing advisors with brand, marketing, technology, and supplier access. Closest large-scale analog to Vacation Planners' franchise-plus-technology approach.
• KHM Travel Group: Host agency offering independent travel advisors training, marketing support, and supplier access with competitive commission splits. A direct competitor to Vacation Planners for converting independent advisors into a structured, supported model.

Emerging players

• Fora Travel: Modern host/agency platform providing travel advisors with technology, marketing, and supplier relationships on commission-based terms. Comparable to Vacation Planners on the tech-enabled advisor services axis, though operating as an agency rather than franchise.

Broad incumbents

• Nexion Travel Group: Long-standing host agency offering independent travel advisors back-office, technology, and supplier access. A direct competitor for the experienced-advisor segment Vacation Planners targets with its franchise pitch.
• Outside Agents: Large US host agency providing independent travel advisors with commission splits, technology, and supplier access. Competes with Vacation Planners for the same pool of experienced independent advisors.
• Travel Planners International (TPI): Parent company of Vacation Planners and a long-standing host agency founded in 1988. Shares operational infrastructure, supplier access, and leadership with Vacation Planners, and represents the host-agency model the franchise is positioned against.

Others

• Signature Travel Network: Cooperative network of premier travel agencies with preferred supplier relationships. Already a strategic partner of Vacation Planners, but also a competing affiliation model advisors could choose instead of a franchise.
• Mondee: Travel technology platform and global supplier network integrated into Vacation Planners' stack. Adjacent ecosystem player offering competitive inventory and booking infrastructure also available to other host agencies and franchises.

Regional players

• Travellers Haven (Engel & Völkers / Travel franchise peers): Smaller-scale travel agency franchise network operating in select US regions. Comparable as a niche franchise alternative targeting independent advisors with a packaged brand, marketing, and tech offering.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/in/jennleelovestravel

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Vacation Planners