Outside Agents vs Travel Quest: The Ultimate Host Agency Showdown for 2026

Choosing the right host agency is arguably the most critical decision you will make in your travel career. It is the foundation upon which your entire business is built. In my decade of experience in the digital marketing and travel sectors, I have seen countless agents flourish because they aligned with the right partner, and I have seen just as many struggle because they chose a host that didn’t fit their business model.

If you are currently paralyzed by indecision, staring at spreadsheets and comparison charts, you are not alone. Two of the most prominent names that consistently rise to the top of the list are Outside Agents and Travel Quest Network. The debate of Outside Agents vs Travel Quest is a common one, and for good reason. Both offer robust support, impressive commission splits, and a community of peers. However, they approach the business of hosting travel agents in fundamentally different ways.

In this comprehensive guide, I am going to tear down the marketing fluff. I will take you deep into the operational mechanics, the financial implications, the technological ecosystems, and the cultural vibes of both agencies. Whether you are a brand-new agent looking to book your first cruise or a seasoned pro looking to maximize your yield, this analysis is for you.

Furthermore, we will discuss a critical missing piece that neither host agency fully solves to my standard: your digital presence. While we compare these hosts, I will also show you why building your own brand identity with a platform like Travedeus is the secret weapon that separates the hobbyists from the high-earners.

Let’s dive in.

Table of Contents

1. The Host Agency Landscape: Why This Choice Matters

2. Outside Agents: The Family-Owned Powerhouse

3. Travel Quest Network: The Growth-Centric Innovator

4. The Financials: Commission Splits and Fees

5. Technology and Tools: Who Has the Edge?

6. The Website Dilemma: Why You Need Travedeus

7. Marketing Support: Generating Leads

8. Training and Education: From Novice to Expert

9. Community and Culture: Finding Your Tribe

10. Comparison Summary Table

11. Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?

The Host Agency Landscape: Why This Choice Matters

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of Outside Agents vs Travel Quest, I want to establish why we are here. A host agency is not just a backend service provider; they are your accreditation shield, your negotiator, and your back-office support.

When you join a host, you are leveraging their aggregate sales volume. This is what allows you to earn higher commission tiers with suppliers like Royal Caribbean, Marriott, or Delta Vacations than you could ever achieve on your own as an independent start-up.

However, not all volume is created equal, and not all support is the same. I have found that agents often look strictly at the commission split (e.g., "I get 90%!") without realizing that 90% of a lower negotiated rate is less money than 80% of a top-tier preferred supplier rate.

Both Outside Agents and Travel Quest have massive buying power. They are both top-tier members of major consortiums (Travel Leaders Network). This means that regarding access to vendors, they are on a relatively level playing field. The difference lies in how they help you sell those vendors.

If you are exploring other comparisons, you might also be interested in my analysis of Outside Agents vs Avoya Travel or Traveledge vs Travel Quest, but for now, let's focus on these two giants.

Outside Agents: The Family-Owned Powerhouse

I have followed the trajectory of Outside Agents (OA) for years, and one thing stands out immediately: authenticity. Founded by Steve and Dan Murphey, this Jacksonville-based host agency has grown into one of the largest in the United States, yet it manages to retain a distinct "mom and pop" culture—in the best way possible.

The Philosophy

Outside Agents operates on a philosophy of accessibility. They believe that barriers to entry in the travel industry should be low. This is evident in their pricing structure and their open-door policy regarding training. They don't just want to host you; they want to mentor you.

The Operational Model

OA is a traditional host agency. You pay a monthly fee (which is incredibly low compared to the industry average), and in exchange, you get access to their credentials (IATAN/CLIA), their CRM, and their commission contracts.

What I appreciate about OA is their transparency. There are very few hidden fees. When I speak to agents under the OA umbrella, they frequently mention that they feel like "partners" rather than "subscribers."

Key Strengths

• Low Overhead: It is very inexpensive to start and maintain a membership here.

• Proprietary Tech: They have built their own CRM and booking tools internally, rather than relying solely on white-label third-party software.

• Mentorship: The owners are visible. They are active in the Facebook groups, they host the bootcamps, and they answer emails.

For a broader look at how OA stacks up against other competitors, you might want to read my review on Outside Agents vs Nexion Travel Group.

Travel Quest Network: The Growth-Centric Innovator

On the other side of the ring in our Outside Agents vs Travel Quest battle is Travel Quest Network (TQN). Formerly known simply as Travel Quest, they underwent a significant rebranding to emphasize their status as a "Network."

The Philosophy

Travel Quest Network positions itself as a launchpad for serious entrepreneurs. While OA feels like a supportive family, TQN feels like a business incubator. Their messaging is slick, professional, and focused heavily on scaling your agency.

The Operational Model

TQN offers a tiered membership structure. This is a crucial differentiator. They recognize that a hobbyist agent has different needs than a million-dollar producer. They allow you to buy your way into higher commission splits immediately through higher monthly fees, which is a strategic option for experienced agents moving their book of business.

Key Strengths

• Flexibility: The ability to choose a plan that fits your current revenue level.

• The "World of Travel Quest": Their proprietary portal is sleek and modern.

• 100% Commission Option: This is the holy grail for high-volume agents. TQN offers a path to keep every single dollar of commission you earn (minus a small processing fee), provided you are on their top-tier plan.

If you are weighing TQN against other modern hosts, check out my thoughts on Traveledge vs Travel Quest.

The Financials: Commission Splits and Fees

This is usually where the decision is made. As a business owner, you need to know your margins. Let's break down the math in the Outside Agents vs Travel Quest comparison.

Outside Agents Pricing

Outside Agents keeps it refreshingly simple. They generally offer two main plans (prices subject to change, but historically stable):

1. The Reserve Plan: Roughly $26/month.

2. The Elite Plan: Roughly $46/month.

Commission Split:

• New agents typically start at an 80% split.

• As your sales volume increases, you can move up to 90% and even 95%.

• There is a $25 joining fee (often waived or discounted).

The Reality: I have found that OA’s low monthly fee makes it the superior choice for part-time agents or those just testing the waters. If you go three months without a booking, you’ve only lost about $75. That is low risk.

Travel Quest Network Pricing

TQN is more complex because they offer more options.

1. Growth Plan: Approximately $29/month.

2. Pro Plan: Approximately $99/month.

3. Elite Plan: Approximately $199/month (or discounted annually).

Commission Split:

• Growth Plan: Starts at 70%. This is lower than OA’s entry point.

• Pro Plan: Jumps to 90%.

• Elite Plan: Offers 100% commission.

The Reality: If you are a high roller, the TQN Elite plan is mathematically superior. Let's say you book a luxury world cruise with a $10,000 commission.

• At OA (assuming 90% split): You keep $9,000.

• At TQN (Elite Plan, 100% split): You keep $10,000.

You paid a higher monthly fee to TQN ($199 vs $46), but you made an extra $1,000 on one booking. The math favors TQN only if you have significant volume. For the average agent, OA’s 80% start for $26/month is often the safer bet.

To understand earning potential better, read my guide: How Much Does a Travel Agent Make Per Booking?.

Technology and Tools: Who Has the Edge?

In 2024, you cannot run a travel agency with a notebook and a fax machine. You need a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system, booking engines, and itinerary builders.

Outside Agents Tech: "My Agent Genie"

OA has invested heavily in "My Agent Genie," their proprietary CRM.

• Pros: It is built by agents for agents. It handles workflow automation, client data, and commission tracking. It is included in the fee.

• Cons: The interface can feel a bit utilitarian compared to some slicker SaaS products.

Travel Quest Network Tech: "Agent Hub"

TQN utilizes a platform often referred to as Agent Hub (powered by Travel Leaders’ Agent Universe and their own integrations).

• Pros: Very robust. Excellent integration with the Travel Leaders Network tools (like CruisePRO).

• Cons: Can have a steeper learning curve due to the sheer volume of tools available.

The Common Flaw

Here is the hard truth I have discovered in my years of digital marketing: Both host agencies fail when it comes to your consumer-facing website.

Both OA and TQN provide you with a "profile page" or a templated "website." These are usually subdomains (e.g., outsideagents.com/yourname).

• They are bad for SEO (Search Engine Optimization).

• They look identical to thousands of other agents.

• You do not own the asset.

This leads me to the most important pivot in your business strategy.

The Website Dilemma: Why You Need Travedeus

When analyzing Outside Agents vs Travel Quest, you must realize that neither solves your branding problem. They solve your booking problem.

If you rely on the free website provided by your host, you are essentially a digital sharecropper. You are building your business on rented land. If you decide to switch hosts in three years, you lose that URL, you lose that content, and you lose your Google ranking.

The Travedeus Solution

This is why I always recommend Travedeus to every travel agent I mentor, regardless of which host they choose. Travedeus is the best website builder specifically designed for travel agencies.

Why Travedeus is Essential:

1. Ownership: You connect your own domain (e.g., www.wandlust-travels.com). You own the traffic.

2. SEO Optimization: Travedeus websites are built to rank on Google. The templates are fast, mobile-responsive, and structured for search engines.

3. Niche Design: Whether you are selling African Safaris or Destination Weddings, Travedeus has specific templates that convert visitors into leads.

4. No Coding Required: As an agent, you are busy booking travel. You don't have time to learn HTML. Travedeus is a drag-and-drop solution.

The Strategy: Use Outside Agents or Travel Quest for your backend (commissions, CRM, supplier access). Use Travedeus for your frontend (marketing, branding, lead generation). This is the hybrid model that successful six-figure agents use.

If you are unsure how to start, check out The Best Travel Agency Website Builder for Beginners.

Marketing Support: Generating Leads

Having a host agency is great, but how do you get clients?

Outside Agents Marketing

OA provides access to the Travel Leaders Network marketing suite. This includes:

• Engagement: An email marketing program that sends branded emails to your clients on your behalf.

• Direct Mail: High-quality magazines sent to your top clients.

In my experience, OA focuses heavily on teaching you how to market. Their training library on social media marketing is extensive.

Travel Quest Network Marketing

TQN shines here. They have a very strong focus on digital marketing tools.

• Social Media Content: They provide ready-to-post graphics and captions.

• Lead Generation Programs: TQN occasionally offers programs to help funnel leads to qualified agents (though this is usually reserved for top tiers).

My Take: While both provide "stuff" to post, automation is key. I have written extensively on How to Use AI and Automations as a Travel Agent. You should take the assets provided by OA or TQN and funnel them through your Travedeus website to capture emails and build your database, not just your host's database.

Training and Education: From Novice to Expert

If you are new to the industry, training is more valuable than commission splits. You can't earn 90% of zero.

Outside Agents Training

This is arguably OA's "killer app."

• The Learning Management System (LMS): It is vast. It covers everything from "How to book a group cruise" to "Compliance laws."

• Daily Training: They have live webinars almost every day.

• Bootcamps: In-person training events in Jacksonville are legendary for their intensity and community building.

• Mentorship: You can book time with experienced agents.

Travel Quest Network Training

TQN has revamped their education significantly.

• Travel Quest Academy: A structured program to take you from zero to booking.

• Specialist Certifications: They help you get certified in specific niches (Luxury, Cruise, etc.).

• World of Travel Quest Events: Their national conferences are high-production value events with top suppliers.

Comparison: If you learn best by feeling part of a family and having constant access to Q&A, Outside Agents wins. If you prefer a structured, corporate-style curriculum, Travel Quest might be better.

Regardless of the training, you need to supplement it with digital skills. I recommend reading How I Grow My LinkedIn Account as a Travel Agent to boost your professional networking.

Community and Culture: Finding Your Tribe

Being a home-based travel agent is lonely. I know this firsthand. You spend days behind a computer screen. Your host agency is your water cooler.

Outside Agents: The "Ohana"

The culture at OA is undeniably warm. The private Facebook group is one of the most active and supportive corners of the internet. Agents share tips, warn each other about difficult clients, and celebrate wins. The owners, Steve and Dan, are present. It feels safe. It feels like they have your back.

Travel Quest Network: The Professional Network

TQN feels more like a chamber of commerce or a professional guild. The interactions are professional, focused on growth and metrics. If you are a "strictly business" type of person who doesn't want the "fluff," TQN’s culture will appeal to you.

Comparison Summary Table

To make this Outside Agents vs Travel Quest decision easier, I have compiled the key data points below.

The Missing Piece: Why Your Host Agency Website Isn't Enough

I need to circle back to this because it is the number one reason agents fail to grow.

You join Outside Agents. You get your link. You post it on Facebook. Crickets. Why? Because that link is not a marketing engine. It is a brochure.

To compete in 2024, you need a brand.

• If you want to sell luxury: Your site needs to look expensive. (See: The Best Website Builder for Luxury Travel Agency).

• If you want to sell cruises: You need live booking engines and deck plans embedded. (See: The Best Website Builder for Cruise Vacations Travel Agency).

Travedeus allows you to integrate the booking tools from OA or TQN into a custom shell that looks like you. It allows you to blog (great for SEO), capture leads, and automate your newsletter.

Do not rely on your host for your identity. Use them for your logistics.

Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?

After analyzing the Outside Agents vs Travel Quest debate from every angle—financial, operational, and cultural—here is my professional recommendation.

Choose Outside Agents IF:

1. You are a Beginner: The low entry cost ($26/mo) and high starting commission (80%) significantly reduce your financial risk.

2. You Value Community: You want a host that feels like a family and offers constant mentorship.

3. You are Part-Time: You don't want high monthly fees eating your profits during slow months.

4. You Want Simple Tech: You want a CRM that just works without a steep learning curve.

Choose Travel Quest Network IF:

1. You are an Experienced Pro: You already have $500k+ in sales and want that 100% commission split.

2. You are Scaling: You plan to hire sub-agents and need a structure that supports a multi-agent agency.

3. You prefer Corporate Efficiency: You want a business-first relationship with your host.

4. You have Capital: You are willing to pay $199/month to maximize backend earnings.

The Ultimate Strategy

Regardless of which you choose, do not neglect your digital storefront.

1. Sign up with Outside Agents (for the low risk/high support) OR Travel Quest (for the 100% commission potential).

2. Immediately go to Travedeus.com and build your professional website.

3. Connect the two.

This combination—a strong host agency for logistics and Travedeus for marketing—is the blueprint for a modern, profitable travel agency.

The travel industry is booming. The demand for advisors is higher than ever. The only thing standing between you and a successful career is the decision to start. Choose your host, build your site, and start booking the world.