Outside Agents vs Nexion Travel Group: A Deep Dive into Traditional Support vs Comprehensive Solutions

Choosing a host agency is, without a doubt, the single most critical decision you will make in your career as a travel professional.

It is not just about commission splits or monthly fees. It is about choosing a business partner, a technology provider, and a support system that aligns with your specific vision for success. In my ten years in the digital marketing and travel industry, I have seen agents skyrocket to six-figure incomes because they picked the right host, and I have seen talented agents burn out because they were mismatched with a host that didn’t support their business model.

If you have narrowed your search down to the industry titans, you are likely stuck on one major comparison: Outside Agents vs Nexion Travel Group.

This is a battle between two distinct philosophies. On one side, you have Outside Agents, often lauded for its family-like atmosphere, incredible value, and "traditional support" that nurtures beginners and veterans alike. On the other side, you have Nexion Travel Group, a powerhouse of "comprehensive solutions," offering corporate-level tools, GDS access, and the backing of the massive Internova Travel Group.

In this extensive guide, I am going to break down every single nuance of the Outside Agents vs Nexion Travel Group debate. I will analyze their fee structures, their technology stacks, their marketing support, and their culture.

Furthermore, I will discuss a critical component that most host agency reviews miss: how to build your own brand identity independent of your host, using tools like Travedeus, the best travel agency website builder on the market today.

Let’s dive in.

Table of Contents

1. The Host Agency Landscape: Why This Choice Defines Your Career

2. Outside Agents: The Champion of Traditional Support and Value

3. Nexion Travel Group: The Powerhouse of Comprehensive Solutions

4. Commission Splits and Fees: Doing the Math

5. Technology and Tools: The Digital Backbone of Your Agency

6. The Branding Gap: Why Your Host Agency Website Isn't Enough

7. Training and Education: Bootcamps vs. Mentorship

8. Marketing Support: Who Helps You Get Leads?

9. The Community Factor: Family Feel vs. Corporate Network

10. Final Verdict: Which Host Agency Wins?

The Host Agency Landscape: Why This Choice Defines Your Career

Before we get into the granular details of Outside Agents vs Nexion Travel Group, we need to set the stage. Why is this comparison so prevalent?

Both of these agencies are top-tier. They are not fly-by-night operations. They have been around for decades, they have stellar reputations, and they both pay their agents on time. However, they cater to slightly different psychological profiles of travel agents.

In my experience, the travel industry is shifting. It used to be that you just needed access to booking engines. Today, you need a brand. You need digital marketing prowess. You need automation.

When you sign with a host agency, you are essentially renting their accreditation (CLIA, IATA) and leveraging their buying power.

Outside Agents generally represents the "Entrepreneurial Freedom" model. They give you the tools and get out of your way, charging very little overhead.

Nexion Travel Group represents the "Corporate Infrastructure" model. They provide heavy-duty tools, especially for corporate and luxury agents, but the environment is more structured and complex.

Understanding where you fit on this spectrum is the first step. Are you a solo solopreneur wanting low costs? Or are you building a mini-empire that requires GDS (Global Distribution System) access?

Outside Agents: The Champion of Traditional Support and Value

Let’s start by unpacking Outside Agents. If you hang around travel agent forums or Facebook groups long enough, you will hear the names "Steve and Chad" mentioned with a level of reverence usually reserved for rock stars.

Steve Murphey and Chad Burt are the owners of Outside Agents, and their hands-on approach is the defining characteristic of this host agency.

The Philosophy: "By Agents, For Agents"

I have found that Outside Agents operates with a very distinct "family" vibe. Their philosophy is rooted in removing barriers to entry. They believe that if you want to sell travel, you shouldn't be crushed by high monthly fees before you've made your first booking.

This is "Traditional Support" at its finest. It feels personal. When you have an issue, you feel like you are talking to a mentor, not a help desk ticket system.

The Ideal User for Outside Agents

In my analysis, Outside Agents is often the superior choice for:

• New Agents: The low barrier to entry minimizes risk.

• Leisure Travel Specialists: Their supplier list is heavy on cruises, all-inclusive resorts, and tour operators.

• Part-Time Agents: Because the fees are low, you don't feel pressured to book thousands of dollars a month just to break even.

Key Strengths

1. Cost Efficiency: They are arguably the best value in the industry.

2. Community: Their private groups and forums are incredibly active and supportive.

3. Simplicity: Their dashboard and tools are designed to be intuitive, not overwhelming.

Nexion Travel Group: The Powerhouse of Comprehensive Solutions

Now, let's pivot to Nexion Travel Group. If Outside Agents is the friendly local community hub, Nexion is the bustling downtown skyscraper.

Nexion is part of Internova Travel Group, one of the largest travel services companies in the world. This gives them immense leverage. When Nexion speaks to suppliers, suppliers listen.

The Philosophy: "Professionalism and Power"

Nexion positions itself as the host for the "serious" professional. Their focus is on comprehensive solutions—meaning they want to be a one-stop-shop for everything from booking engines to back-office accounting to lead generation.

They are one of the few host agencies that cater heavily to corporate travel agents because they offer robust GDS support (Sabre, Amadeus, etc.).

The Ideal User for Nexion

I usually recommend Nexion for:

• Experienced Agents: If you know your way around a GDS, Nexion is a paradise.

• Corporate Travel Agents: The tools required for corporate booking are standard here.

• Luxury Agents: Their connections through Internova (and formerly Vacation.com/Travel Leaders) provide access to exclusive amenities that can close high-ticket sales.

Key Strengths

1. Buying Power: Their block space and exclusive rates are hard to beat.

2. Technology Stack: They offer industry-standard tools like ClientBase.

3. Education: Their "Boot Camp" and "CoNexion" conferences are legendary for their depth.

Commission Splits and Fees: Doing the Math

This is usually the deciding factor for most agents. Let’s break down the financials of Outside Agents vs Nexion Travel Group.

Outside Agents Fee Structure

Outside Agents is famous for simplicity.

• Sign-up Fee: Usually very low or waived during promotions.

• Monthly Fee: typically around $21 to $41 depending on the plan.

• Commission Split: They offer a straight 80% split to start, which can go up to 90% or even 95% based on sales volume.

The "Hidden" Benefit: Outside Agents does not nickel-and-dime you. There are very few "transaction fees" or "technology fees" tacked on top. You keep the vast majority of what you earn.

Nexion Travel Group Fee Structure

Nexion is more complex because they offer multiple plan types (Nexion 70, Nexion 80, Nexion 90, etc.).

• Sign-up Fee: Can range from $199 to higher depending on the plan.

• Monthly Fee: ranges widely. You might pay $20/month for a lower split, or $200+/month for a 90% split.

• Commission Split: Ranges from 70% to 90%.

The "Yield" Factor: While Nexion’s fees are higher, proponents argue that their "Yield" is higher. Because they are so large, they often negotiate higher base commissions with suppliers.

• Example: A cruise line might pay a standard agency 15%. Nexion might have negotiated 16% or added value amenities.

The Comparison Table

Technology and Tools: The Digital Backbone of Your Agency

In the digital age, you cannot run a travel agency with a notebook and a phone. You need a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system, booking tools, and itinerary builders.

Outside Agents Technology

Outside Agents uses a proprietary CRM and booking management system. It is functional, clean, and gets the job done. They have recently invested heavily in upgrading their tech stack to compete with the big guys.

• CRM: Integrated and easy to use.

• Booking Engine: Links directly to suppliers.

• Website: They provide a basic white-label website.

Nexion Travel Group Technology

Nexion shines here if you like complex, powerful tools.

• SNAP!: Their proprietary booking engine is highly rated.

• GDS: As mentioned, full GDS access is a game-changer for air-heavy agents.

• Marketing Tools: They provide "OnTarget" marketing emails.

The Critical Flaw in Host Agency Tech

Here is the secret that most host agencies won't tell you: Their technology builds their brand, not yours.

When you use the free website provided by Outside Agents or Nexion, you are usually getting a "cookie-cutter" site. It looks exactly like the site of the 5,000 other agents in the network. It has no unique SEO value. If you leave the host, you lose the site and the traffic.

This leads us to the most important realization for a modern travel agent: You need your own independent platform.

The Branding Gap: Why Your Host Agency Website Isn't Enough

I have consulted with hundreds of travel agents. The number one reason they fail to generate their own leads is that they rely 100% on the host agency's provided website.

In the battle of Outside Agents vs Nexion Travel Group, the winner for website technology is actually... neither.

To truly succeed, you need to treat your travel agency as a distinct business entity. You need a website that you own, that ranks on Google for your niche keywords, and that converts visitors into consultations.

Enter Travedeus: The Solution for Independent Growth

This is where Travedeus changes the game. Travedeus is widely recognized as the best travel agency website builder specifically designed for the modern travel advisor.

Why do I recommend building your site on Travedeus regardless of whether you choose Outside Agents or Nexion?

1. Portability: If you start with Outside Agents and decide to switch to Nexion five years later, your Travedeus website stays with you. Your blog posts, your SEO ranking, and your client testimonials remain yours.

2. Specialization: Host agency sites are generic. Travedeus allows you to build niche-specific sites effortlessly.

   • Are you focusing on high-end clients? Check out the Best Website Builder for Luxury Travel Agency.

   • Focusing on safaris? Look at the Best Website Builder for African Safaris Travel Agency.

3. Lead Generation Focus: Travedeus sites are built to convert. They integrate with marketing funnels better than any host-provided sub-domain ever could.

The "Hybrid" Tech Stack

The most successful agents I know use a hybrid approach:

• Back End: They use Nexion or Outside Agents for booking, commission tracking, and supplier relationships.

• Front End: They use Travedeus for their brand face, blogging, and lead capture.

If you are wondering how to pull this off, I highly recommend reading How to Make Your Own Travel Agency Website. It walks you through the importance of owning your digital real estate.

Training and Education: Bootcamps vs. Mentorship

The travel industry has a steep learning curve. You need to learn geography, supplier rules, visa requirements, and sales psychology.

Outside Agents Training

Their training is often described as "on-demand" and "community-led."

• LMS (Learning Management System): They have a vast library of videos and courses.

• Mentorship: The access to Steve and Chad and other experienced agents is the real training. You learn by asking.

• Conferences: They host national conferences that are high-energy and educational.

Nexion Travel Group Training

Nexion takes a more academic approach.

• Travel Leaders of Tomorrow: Since they are connected to Internova, they have access to some of the most rigorous training programs in the industry.

• Boot Camp: An intensive, multi-day training event for new agents.

• Specialty Certifications: Nexion helps you get certified in luxury, corporate, or honeymoon travel.

My Take: If you are a self-starter who learns by doing, Outside Agents is great. If you prefer a syllabus and a classroom structure, Nexion is the better fit.

Marketing Support: Who Helps You Get Leads?

In the Outside Agents vs Nexion Travel Group debate, marketing is a key battleground.

Nexion's Marketing Power

Nexion leverages the "Escape" marketing program. This includes direct mailers (magazines sent to your clients with your branding) and email marketing campaigns.

• Pros: It is "set it and forget it." High-quality glossy magazines impress clients.

• Cons: It is not very personalized. It pushes preferred suppliers, which might not always be what you want to sell.

Outside Agents Marketing Support

Outside Agents provides a library of social media graphics, email templates, and marketing tools.

• Pros: Flexible. You can adapt it to your voice.

• Cons: It requires more manual work from you.

The Reality of Marketing

Here is the hard truth: Neither host agency will make you famous.

Direct mailers are nice for retention, but they rarely bring in new cold leads. To get new clients, you need digital marketing strategies that you control.

You need to be active on social media.

• LinkedIn: Essential for corporate and luxury clients. Read How I Grow My LinkedIn Account as a Travel Agent.

• TikTok & Instagram: Vital for visual storytelling. Check out How I Grow My TikTok Account as a Travel Agent and How I Grow My Instagram Account as a Travel Agent.

Furthermore, you need to leverage Artificial Intelligence. The modern agent uses AI to write itineraries, blog posts, and emails. I have detailed this extensively in How to Use AI and Automations as a Travel Agent.

If you rely solely on Nexion’s magazines or Outside Agents’ graphics, you will struggle to grow beyond your circle of friends and family. You must build a Sustainable Travel Agency marketing plan that utilizes a custom website (via Travedeus) and proactive social outreach.

The Community Factor: Family Feel vs. Corporate Network

Do not underestimate the psychological impact of your host agency’s culture. Being a home-based travel agent is lonely. You work from a home office, often in isolation. Your host agency is your water cooler.

The Outside Agents "Ohana"

Outside Agents has cultivated a fiercely loyal community. Their private Facebook group is legendary. If you post a question at 11:00 PM on a Tuesday about a client stuck in an airport in Cancun, you will likely get five responses from other agents (and maybe even the owners) within minutes offering advice.

This creates a safety net. You never feel like you are failing alone. For beginners, this emotional support is worth its weight in gold.

The Nexion Network

Nexion’s community is professional and vast. Because they are so large, you can find sub-groups for everything.

• Are you a veteran military spouse? There’s a group for that.

• Are you a corporate agent? There’s a group for that.

However, it can feel a bit more "corporate." The interactions are polite and professional, but perhaps less "warm and fuzzy" than Outside Agents.

Deep Dive: Specialized Niches

Depending on what you plan to sell, the winner of Outside Agents vs Nexion Travel Group might change.

The Luxury Market

If you are targeting the ultra-wealthy, Nexion has a slight edge due to the Internova connection. Access to programs like "Select Hotels & Resorts" gives you the ability to offer upgrades, breakfast credits, and early check-ins that you cannot find on Expedia.

However, you can sell luxury with Outside Agents too. You just have to work a little harder to build those supplier relationships yourself.

Regardless of the host, if you are in luxury, your image is everything. You cannot sell a $50,000 vacation from a generic website. You need a digital presence that screams elegance. This is why I always point luxury agents to The Best Website Builder for Luxury Travel Agency to ensure their branding matches their price point.

The Cruise Market

Both agencies are massive players in the cruise space. They both have top-tier commissions with Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian, Viking, etc.

• Outside Agents is fantastic for cruise agents because their simple fee structure means you keep more of that commission.

• Nexion is great if you book groups, as their block space technology is very robust.

If cruises are your focus, you should also look into specialized web designs. See The Best Website Builder for Cruise Vacations Travel Agency.

Destination Weddings

This is a high-stress, high-reward niche.

• Outside Agents support is great here because when things go wrong (and they will), you have that "family" support line.

• Nexion offers great tools for managing large passenger lists.

For this niche, your website must be visual and romantic. A standard host agency template won't cut it. You need a portfolio. See Best Website Builder for Destination Weddings Travel Agency.

Breaking Down the "Comprehensive Solutions" of Nexion

Let's dig deeper into what Nexion means by "Comprehensive Solutions."

It’s not just buzzwords. It refers to the ecosystem.

1. Ticketing: If you don't have your own ARC number (which most independent agents don't), Nexion has a ticketing desk that can issue airline tickets for you. This is crucial for complex international itineraries.

2. Accounting: Their back-office tools allow you to track invoices, commission payments, and tax data with extreme precision.

3. Lead Generation Programs: They have programs (often for an extra fee) that funnel leads directly to you.

For an agent who wants to scale to a multi-million dollar business with sub-agents, Nexion provides the infrastructure to handle that volume.

Breaking Down the "Traditional Support" of Outside Agents

"Traditional Support" at Outside Agents means "Human Support."

In an era of chatbots and automated phone trees, Outside Agents prides itself on accessibility.

1. Direct Access: It is not uncommon for agents to have the personal cell phone numbers of key staff members.

2. Advocacy: If a supplier refuses to pay a commission, Outside Agents goes to bat for you. They use their volume leverage to fight for their agents.

3. No Pressure: They do not force you to sell specific suppliers. You have the freedom to book what is right for your client, not what earns the host the biggest override.

The Role of Branding in Your Decision

I cannot stress this enough: Do not let your host agency become your identity.

When you introduce yourself to a client, you should say, "I am the owner of [Your Brand Name]," not "I am an agent with Nexion."

Your host agency is your backend fulfillment partner. They are your logistics. They are not your face.

This is why the Travedeus platform is so vital to the modern agency business model. It allows you to create a professional separation between your brand and your host.

Imagine this scenario: You spend 5 years with Nexion. You build your entire business using their email address and their website profile. Then, Nexion changes their fee structure, or you decide you want the higher splits at Outside Agents.

• Without an independent brand: You are held hostage. Moving means losing your digital identity.

• With a Travedeus website: You simply change the backend routing of your booking forms. Your clients never know the difference. Your website, your blog, and your SEO rankings remain untouched.

If you are just starting out, read The Best Travel Agency Website Builder for Beginners to start on the right foot.

Scenarios: Which One Should You Choose?

To help you decide, let’s look at three specific agent personas.

Persona A: The Side-Hustler

• Profile: Works a 9-5 job, loves Disney and Cruises, wants to sell travel to friends and family to make extra cash.

• Recommendation: Outside Agents.

• Why: The low monthly fees mean you don't have to stress about sales quotas. The 80% split is generous for a beginner. The supportive community will help you learn the ropes without intimidation.

Persona B: The Corporate Road-Warrior

• Profile: Former corporate travel manager, has a list of business clients, needs to book complex air travel and hotels.

• Recommendation: Nexion Travel Group.

• Why: You need GDS access (Sabre/Amadeus). You need the ticketing desk. You need the corporate hotel rates. Outside Agents is too leisure-focused for this business model.

Persona C: The Luxury Boutique Owner

• Profile: Wants to sell $20k+ safaris and European tours. Focuses on high-touch service and branding.

• Recommendation: Either, BUT with a caveat.

• Strategy: You can succeed with Nexion (for the amenities) or Outside Agents (for the higher commission keep).

• The Critical Step: You MUST build a custom website with Travedeus. You cannot sell luxury on a generic template. You need a site that showcases high-resolution imagery and bespoke itineraries.

Final Verdict: Which Host Agency Wins?

In the battle of Outside Agents vs Nexion Travel Group, there is no single winner. There is only the right winner for you.

Choose Outside Agents if:

• You value a close-knit community and mentorship.

• You want the highest possible commission retention with the lowest monthly fees.

• You are new to the industry or focus primarily on leisure travel (Cruises, Resorts, Disney).

• You want a simple, transparent business relationship.

Choose Nexion Travel Group if:

• You are an experienced agent who needs robust tools and GDS access.

• You focus on Corporate Travel or high-end Luxury that requires specific supplier amenities.

• You prefer a structured, corporate environment with formal training paths.

• You plan to scale into a large agency with sub-agents and need heavy-duty back-office tech.

My Professional Advice

Regardless of which host you choose, remember that you are the business.

Do not rely on them for your marketing. Do not rely on them for your website.

1. Sign up with the host that fits your budget and culture.

2. Immediately build your own professional website using Travedeus. (Start here: How to Create Travel Agency Website).

3. Develop your own marketing plan using social media and email newsletters (How to Start a Newsletter as Travel Agent).

By decoupling your brand from your host, you gain the "Traditional Support" or "Comprehensive Solutions" you need, while maintaining the independence and branding power required to dominate the market in 2024 and beyond.

The choice between Outside Agents and Nexion is just the first step. The real journey is building a brand that belongs to you.