44 Travel & Tourism Business Opportunities You Can Start Today

Updated: July 24th, 2023

We put together 44 potential business ideas you can build around the tourism industry!

Check out the list.

1. Build an iPhone app

The iPhone is the most popular mobile device in the world. It has changed how we interact with information, entertainment, and communication.

The iPhone has also changed the way we interact with each other. Since its release in 2007, it has become a staple in most people’s lives. It is more than just a phone; it is a tool for staying connected to friends and family and creating new connections.

The iPhone app market is an ever-changing landscape of innovation: it’s not just about making something that works well; it’s about creating something that stands out from the crowd.

It would help if you had something that appeals to your audience to succeed in this market. This can be as simple as ensuring your app has a catchy name or as complex as developing an entire brand identity around your app’s functionality.

How much you can make: $150 — $2,000,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $6,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week

How I Created A $60K/Month App That Collects In-Person Payments Through Stripe

Payment.co, an app built on top of the Stripe payment gateway for creating card-present charges, has grown to process over $70M in volume annually since launching in 2015, with the app collecting a 1% service fee on every single charge.

About
Ryan started Payment for Stripe about 9 years ago
Revenue
Ryan grew the business to $60K/month
Read by 18,385 founders

2. Start a RV rental business

An RV rental business involves acquiring a fleet of recreational vehicles to rent out as campers for travelers and vacationers.

As an RV rental business owner, you supply motorhomes equipped with living essentials for road trips and outdoor getaways.

With flexibility around RV classes from luxury to budget rates, building inventories and customizing rental packages can create diverse revenue streams.

For hospitality-inclined founders seeking an accessible franchise, an RV rental company presents a promising venture as pandemic-weary travelers prioritize domestic trips focused on flexibility and the outdoors.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $250,000/month

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

How We Started A Camper Van Rental Business and Quit Our Full Time Jobs

ROAMERICA, a campervan rental company founded by Taylor Hood and Gretchen Bayless who quit their full-time jobs to focus on their business and have expanded their fleet quickly to meet the demand of adventure-seeking customers, with most of their web traffic coming from organic Google searches and a focus on social media and brand awareness.

About
Gretchen started ROAMERICA about 8 years ago
Revenue
Gretchen grew the business to $10K/month
Costs
It cost Gretchen $25000 to start the business
Read by 35,875 founders

3. Start an airbnb management company

An Airbnb management company manages every aspect on behalf of an owner and manages a complete day-to-day running of a rental property.

The services offered by the Airbnb management company include: marketing a property, optimizing financing, meeting and greeting guests, repairs, maintenance, and cleaning.

An Airbnb management company fee structure is generally based on commission, flat rate, and guaranteed income.

Airbnb management companies can easily increase the Rental Income by a minimum of 30% to 50% without compromising guest experiences.

To become an Airbnb property manager, one should be able to find homeowners who will be interested in the services offered by you. Airbnb property managers can make an average annual salary of $55,000 or $27 per hour.

How much you can make: $1,333 — $270,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)

How I Bootstrapped An Airbnb Management Service To $35K/Month

HostButlers is Ireland's first professional property concierge service for short-term rentals on Airbnb, boasting over 200,000 hosted guests and profitability from month 5.

About
Gary started Host Butlers over 8 years ago
Revenue
Gary grew the business to $35K/month
Read by 21,343 founders

4. Start a ticketing platform business

A ticketing platform business allows individuals or organizations to sell tickets to events online. This can include concerts, sports games, festivals, and more.

The ticketing platform handles all aspects of ticket sales, from setting up the event and ticket options to processing payment and distributing the tickets.

To run a successful ticketing platform business, it is essential to have a user-friendly website and a reliable ticket distribution system. Then, establish partnerships with event organizers and venues to expand the number of events available on the platform.

Marketing efforts to reach potential customers and regular updates to the platform to improve the user experience can also help drive sales. Overall, a ticketing platform can be a lucrative business opportunity for those with a strong understanding of the events industry and a knack for building and maintaining client relationships.

How much you can make: $10,000 — $1,500,000/month

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

On Starting A $160K/Month CRM & Automations Company After A US Air Force Career

GreenRope, a self-funded CRM and marketing automation platform with over 1,000 customers in 20 countries, was built organically and focused on creating a positive, customer-centric culture without outside investment, with an all-in-one interface solving challenges in managing sales, marketing, customer service, and operations.

About
Lars started GreenRope over 15 years ago
Revenue
Lars grew the business to $160K/month
Read by 10,760 founders

5. Start a travel agency

Are you a passionate traveler with entrepreneurial skills? Then starting a travel agency can be a great career choice for you.

As a travel agency, you'll be responsible for linking travelers to providers of all the travel and tourism-related services such as accommodation, transportation, sightseeing, tour guides, local adventure, etc.

Starting an online travel agency is a lot easier than you might think. You'll need to perform market research, get a few necessary certifications (such as your IATA number), study competition, build a website, and do proper marketing.

To maximize earnings, negotiate discounts from the industry service providers, and charge travelers within the market rate.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $114,200,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

How I Started A $2K/Month Side Hustle Selling Vacations

Marissa Daniels runs a successful travel agency, Spread Your Wings Travel, that hit $100,000 in sales within a year of launch and provides payment plan options for its all-inclusive vacations, and she hopes to help 100 families supplement their income through the business.

About
Marissa started Spread Your Wings Travel Agency about 5 years ago
Revenue
Marissa grew the business to $7K/month
Costs
It cost Marissa $200 to start the business
Read by 16,819 founders

6. Start a travel agency

Are you a passionate traveler with entrepreneurial skills? Then starting a travel agency can be a great career choice for you.

As a travel agency, you'll be responsible for linking travelers to providers of all the travel and tourism-related services such as accommodation, transportation, sightseeing, tour guides, local adventure, etc.

Starting an online travel agency is a lot easier than you might think. You'll need to perform market research, get a few necessary certifications (such as your IATA number), study competition, build a website, and do proper marketing.

To maximize earnings, negotiate discounts from the industry service providers, and charge travelers within the market rate.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $114,200,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

How I Started A $2K/Month Side Hustle Selling Vacations

Marissa Daniels runs a successful travel agency, Spread Your Wings Travel, that hit $100,000 in sales within a year of launch and provides payment plan options for its all-inclusive vacations, and she hopes to help 100 families supplement their income through the business.

About
Marissa started Spread Your Wings Travel Agency about 5 years ago
Revenue
Marissa grew the business to $7K/month
Costs
It cost Marissa $200 to start the business
Read by 16,819 founders

7. Start a travel agency

Are you a passionate traveler with entrepreneurial skills? Then starting a travel agency can be a great career choice for you.

As a travel agency, you'll be responsible for linking travelers to providers of all the travel and tourism-related services such as accommodation, transportation, sightseeing, tour guides, local adventure, etc.

Starting an online travel agency is a lot easier than you might think. You'll need to perform market research, get a few necessary certifications (such as your IATA number), study competition, build a website, and do proper marketing.

To maximize earnings, negotiate discounts from the industry service providers, and charge travelers within the market rate.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $114,200,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

How I Started A $2K/Month Side Hustle Selling Vacations

Marissa Daniels runs a successful travel agency, Spread Your Wings Travel, that hit $100,000 in sales within a year of launch and provides payment plan options for its all-inclusive vacations, and she hopes to help 100 families supplement their income through the business.

About
Marissa started Spread Your Wings Travel Agency about 5 years ago
Revenue
Marissa grew the business to $7K/month
Costs
It cost Marissa $200 to start the business
Read by 16,819 founders

8. Start a wedding rental business

Do you love wedding planning and looking for a business idea to turn your passion into profits? Starting a wedding rental business can be a great idea.

Your role as a wedding rental business is to supply all equipment and accessories to make the occasion colorful and memorable for attendees and the wedding couple. If you are starting a wedding rental business, focus on building relationships with wedding planners and event companies. Remember often couples visit wedding venues before even contacting a rental company. Being in contact with wedding venue business owners could get you repeat business.

How much you can make: $5,000 — $5,583,333/month

How long does it take to build: 305 days (?)

Embracing the Experience Economy with a $300K/mo Photo Booth Startup

Photobooth Supply Co. offers a profitable business opportunity through their sleek and portable photo booths, with up to 97% satisfaction rate and a focus on customer experience, in a fast-growing event industry where photo booths are exploding.

About
Brandon started Photobooth Supply Co. almost 11 years ago
Revenue
Brandon grew the business to $500K/month
Read by 14,617 founders

9. Start a food delivery business

In today’s busy lifestyles and schedules, cooking is no longer a priority to many. People like to order-in food from their nearest restaurants or food joints and enjoy a meal in the comfort of their homes.

The food delivery business is like a courier service through which restaurants deliver food to their customers.

You can offer retail food delivery services to restaurants within your locality if you have a truck. Customers order through a restaurant or grocer’s website, and the owners contact you to deliver.

How much you can make: $4,000 — $83,333,333/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,750 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

How I Took Food Trucks Corporate And Built A $18M Business

Food Fleet grew over 160% in just one year and managed over 20 million in sales for its clients, securing multiple contracts with the likes of Sodexo, Levy Restaurants and more, due to its understanding of catering client needs and its advanced turnkey and design services.

About
Jeffrey started Food Fleet about 12 years ago
Revenue
Jeffrey grew the business to $1.5M/month
Read by 14,269 founders

10. Start a mobile photography business

Want to start your own photography business? You're not alone. With the rise of social media and photo-sharing, blogging, and online retailing, it's never been easier to start making money behind your camera.

There are photographers shooting weddings, creating images for ad campaigns, freelancing for magazines, touring the world, taking photographs of destinations — the list is endless!

To start mobile photography , research the target audience and determine which specialization area is more lucrative. Invest in high-quality, professional cameras, lenses, and a computer with professional software photo-editing software.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $500,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 200 days (?)

Embracing the Experience Economy with a $300K/mo Photo Booth Startup

Photobooth Supply Co. offers a profitable business opportunity through their sleek and portable photo booths, with up to 97% satisfaction rate and a focus on customer experience, in a fast-growing event industry where photo booths are exploding.

About
Brandon started Photobooth Supply Co. almost 11 years ago
Revenue
Brandon grew the business to $500K/month
Read by 14,617 founders

11. Start a tour company

Starting a tour company is a great way to bring your love of travel to life. You can share your passion with others and help make their dream vacations come true!

There are many types of tour businesses, so choosing something you are passionate about and knowledgeable about is best. Here are a few of the most popular tour companies to start:

  • Food & Drink Tours
  • Adventure & Sporting Tours
  • Sightseeing & Historical Tours
  • Shopping Tours
  • and many more!

It’s also essential to determine what mode of transportation you want for your tour company, as this will determine the initial startup costs needed for your company.

To get started, find out if you need a license to operate in your state. Some states require tour companies to be licensed, while others do not. If you are required to be licensed, talk with the licensing agency to find out what steps must be taken before you can apply for that license.

How much you can make: $3,750 — $43,300,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

How I Started A Wildly Successful Food Tour Business

How Jessica Baumgart founded a successful food tour business in Denver, which broke even and started making a profit after just three months, generating $20,000/month in revenue from offering different food tour experiences.

About
Jessica started Delicious Denver Food Tours about 6 years ago
Revenue
Jessica grew the business to $75K/month
Costs
It cost Jessica $2000 to start the business
Read by 19,062 founders

12. Start a travel agency

Are you a passionate traveler with entrepreneurial skills? Then starting a travel agency can be a great career choice for you.

As a travel agency, you'll be responsible for linking travelers to providers of all the travel and tourism-related services such as accommodation, transportation, sightseeing, tour guides, local adventure, etc.

Starting an online travel agency is a lot easier than you might think. You'll need to perform market research, get a few necessary certifications (such as your IATA number), study competition, build a website, and do proper marketing.

To maximize earnings, negotiate discounts from the industry service providers, and charge travelers within the market rate.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $114,200,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

How I Started A $2K/Month Side Hustle Selling Vacations

Marissa Daniels runs a successful travel agency, Spread Your Wings Travel, that hit $100,000 in sales within a year of launch and provides payment plan options for its all-inclusive vacations, and she hopes to help 100 families supplement their income through the business.

About
Marissa started Spread Your Wings Travel Agency about 5 years ago
Revenue
Marissa grew the business to $7K/month
Costs
It cost Marissa $200 to start the business
Read by 16,819 founders

13. Start a virtual events business

It is no secret that the 2020 global pandemic changed how we interact and engage. Today, more meetings and events take place online than ever before. According to statistics, the trend of virtual events is not slowing anytime soon. Corporates and entertainment sectors plan to organize more virtual events in the coming decade.

Thus, starting a virtual events business can be a great idea.

A virtual event is where attendees experience the event and its content online rather than being physically present. A virtual events business ideates, plans, organizes, executes, and coordinates virtual events on behalf of its clients. A virtual events business also develops creative ideas that make the virtual events unique and memorable.

To start and operate a successful virtual events business, you must possess broadcasting and audience psychology skills and be ready to learn and deal with new technologies. The good news is that you have multiple platforms where you can run virtual events.

How much you can make: $66,667 — $2,500,000/month

How long does it take to build: 220 days (?)

How Natasha Miller Started A $4M Event Management Company

Entire Productions is a fast-growing event and entertainment production company with an emphasis on experience design, primarily working with corporate clients including many Fortune 500 companies in the tech and pharma industries, boasting a growth of 148% and a goal of reaching $20M annual mark.

About
Natasha started Entire Productions about 23 years ago
Revenue
Natasha grew the business to $108K/month
Read by 7,556 founders

14. Start a surprise travel agency

Are you looking for a scalable side hustle idea and one that allows you some flexibility?

A surprise travel agency is a good option that will enable you to choose a friendly niche market.

Besides, a surprise travel agency lets you gain exposure and experience while it is an opportunity with unlimited income potential.

If you love sharing travel recommendations and always find the best local spots when you visit a new city, this will be ideal for you.

How much you can make: $15,000 — $550,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $250 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 7 hours/week

How I Turned My Passion For Travel Planning Into A Successful Business

Whisked Away Surprise Travel is a curated travel service for clients overwhelmed by the planning process, with revenue growth exponentially increasing each year since its launch in March 2017.

About
Charlotte started Whisked Away Surprise Travel almost 7 years ago
Revenue
Charlotte grew the business to $15K/month
Read by 9,776 founders

15. Start an amazon business

How much you can make: $3,000 — $1,175,000/month

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

How I Started And Grew A $50K/mo Phone Case Business

Felony Case, a Toronto-based company designing unique iPhone cases, started as a small shop on Etsy and has grown to become an internationally recognized fashion iPhone case brand sold in top tier retailers like Nordstrom, Holt Renfrew, Indigo, Urban Outfitters, Revolve, Free People, and made over half a million dollars in revenue last year.

About
Andrew started Felony Case about 12 years ago
Revenue
Andrew grew the business to $120K/month
Read by 27,382 founders

16. Start a travel rewards app

A travel rewards app is a special mobile app that helps you earn points and rewards while traveling. These apps are designed to be used by frequent travelers who are looking to benefit from their travels.

If you love to travel but have never been able to afford it then this might be the first step to turning your dream into a reality. By making a travel rewards app you can earn handsome money by monetizing that app.

Creating a travel rewards app sounds like a complicated task. But it can be much easier than you think. You don't need travel industry experience or an office in Silicon Valley to design something that gives people more ways to earn rewards on their everyday purchases.

How much you can make: $150,000/month

How long does it take to build: 800 days (?)

How I Launched A $150K/Month Frequent Flyer Programs Tracking App

AwardWallet is a loyalty program tracking website which has grown to over $150,000 in monthly revenue, and since launch has retained users mainly through word of mouth due to its superior product in the space.

About
Alexi started AwardWallet, LLC about 19 years ago
Revenue
Alexi grew the business to $150K/month
Read by 9,366 founders

17. Start a luggage storage business

How much you can make: $2,000 — $100,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $9,999 (?)

How I Turned A $5 Google Ad Into A Million Dollar Startup

Bounce CEO Cody Candee shares his experience co-founding a successful short-term storage marketplace which generated over $100k in annualized revenue within the first seven months of operation, expanding to new cities and offering more options such as delivery.

About
Cody started Bounce over 6 years ago
Revenue
Cody grew the business to $25K/month
Read by 11,111 founders

18. Start a souvenir shop

A souvenir shop is a retail store that sells items that are typically associated with a particular place or event. These items can range from t-shirts and hats to postcards and magnets.

To start a souvenir shop, you must find a suitable location, such as a busy tourist destination or a famous shopping center. You will also need to purchase inventory, such as souvenirs and other novelty items, and attractively display them. You may also need to invest in marketing materials, such as signage and social media advertising, to attract customers.

To operate a souvenir shop, you must keep track of your inventory and restock as needed. You should also keep track of your sales and expenses to ensure your business is profitable. Customer service is also essential in this type of business, as you will interact with people from different parts of the world.

Overall, a souvenir shop can be a fun and rewarding business idea for those who enjoy interacting with people and showcasing unique products. If you are interested in starting your souvenir shop, do thorough research and seek advice from experienced business owners. Good luck!

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

19. Start a tour company

Starting a tour company is a great way to bring your love of travel to life. You can share your passion with others and help make their dream vacations come true!

There are many types of tour businesses, so choosing something you are passionate about and knowledgeable about is best. Here are a few of the most popular tour companies to start:

  • Food & Drink Tours
  • Adventure & Sporting Tours
  • Sightseeing & Historical Tours
  • Shopping Tours
  • and many more!

It’s also essential to determine what mode of transportation you want for your tour company, as this will determine the initial startup costs needed for your company.

To get started, find out if you need a license to operate in your state. Some states require tour companies to be licensed, while others do not. If you are required to be licensed, talk with the licensing agency to find out what steps must be taken before you can apply for that license.

How much you can make: $3,750 — $43,300,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

How I Started A Wildly Successful Food Tour Business

How Jessica Baumgart founded a successful food tour business in Denver, which broke even and started making a profit after just three months, generating $20,000/month in revenue from offering different food tour experiences.

About
Jessica started Delicious Denver Food Tours about 6 years ago
Revenue
Jessica grew the business to $75K/month
Costs
It cost Jessica $2000 to start the business
Read by 19,062 founders

20. Start a museum tours business

How much you can make: $250,000/month

How We Started A $2.8M/Year Renegade Museum Tours Company

Meet Museum Hack: The NYC-based company that made $2.8 million in revenue in 2018, offering renegade tours of the world's best museums through VIP, fast-paced, story-based, and social events, and now adapting to social distancing with online storytelling workshops.

About
Tasia started Museum Hack over 10 years ago
Revenue
Tasia grew the business to $250K/month
Read by 5,853 founders

21. Start a hotel consulting business

A hotel consulting business provides professional advice to investors or individuals interested in the hospitality industry. Another role of a hotel consultant is analyzing the hospitality industry and advising the hotel and resort owners on how to build a thriving business.

To start and operate a successful hotel consulting agency, focus on gaining industry knowledge and earning years of experience in hotel management.

How much you can make: $500,000/month

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

Starting A 5 Star Boutique Resort And Event Center Based On A Fiction Book Lore

Boyd Hollow Resorts is launching a 5-star boutique resort and event center based on a fiction book that will be the first of many Villages to be built around the world, with over 200 event inquiries received before launching.

About
Tom started Ancient Lore Village almost 5 years ago
Revenue
Tom grew the business to $500K/month
Costs
It cost Tom $10000000 to start the business
Read by 6,935 founders

22. Start a taxi cab company

Tax services provide an essential service, including 24-hour availability and preparedness to offer transportation. The taxi cab business is earning huge profits, given the growing urban population.

To start a good taxi service, conduct market research and analysis so you understand your competition and define your unique selling proposition. Before starting the tax business, ensure you have a valid driver's license and an insurance policy.

How much you can make: $250,000/month

How I Built A $3.5M/Year Taxi Company Competing With Uber & Lyft

Albert Williams grew a $3.5 million transportation company, The Best Deal, from a niche transportation sector; he attributes the company's success to providing excellent service and committing to continuous learning.

About
Albert started Best Deal Car Service about 10 years ago
Revenue
Albert grew the business to $250K/month
Read by 9,835 founders

23. Start a tourist guide business

There's no denying the profitability of a tourism business. If you know the state and cities well, starting a tour guide business can be a very lucrative idea. All you need is a license, and you can soon start working as a tour guide.

Listed are the steps on how to start a tour guide business.

  • Register your tour guide name business
  • Obtain necessary licenses
  • Open a bank account for business transactions
  • Organize your business operations
  • Start to promote and get clients

How much you can make: $200 — $8,110,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

How We Built A No-Code Map Builder [400 Users In The First 3 Months]

No Code Map App is a no code builder that allows businesses to create custom interactive maps with dynamic filters automatically based on their dataset, generating >$400 in the first full month of monetization.

About
Nan started No Code Map App about 2 years ago
Revenue
Nan grew the business to $200/month
Costs
It cost Nan $200 to start the business
Read by 3,981 founders

24. Start a restaurant

If you love cooking and are passionate about entrepreneurship, starting a restaurant can be a fun and lucrative business.

To get started, choose a great location, and hire an excellent support team. You will need a chef to inspect the food and line cooks, waiters, and waitresses to serve the customers. No matter the restaurant type, you need great culinary and business skills to make your dream come true.

If you plan to open a restaurant , gain insight from consumer preferences and focus on serving modern consumers what they need.

How much you can make: $48,333 — $61,650,000/month

How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)

Starting A $1.5M Healthy Meals Delivery Business

One Life Meals is a Toronto-based healthy meal delivery service that made 14,500 meals per month and generated $130k in monthly sales in 2018 through their one-on-one consultation, lean protein and seasonal veggies-based meals, and their focus on the client experience.

About
Andrei started One Life Meals about 11 years ago
Revenue
Andrei grew the business to $130K/month
Read by 19,771 founders

25. Start a bar

The “bar” business idea involves opening and operating a bar or nightclub that serves alcohol and provides entertainment for customers. To run this business, you must secure a location, obtain necessary licenses and permits, and stock your bar with various drinks and supplies. You may also need to hire staff to help with serving drinks, managing the music and lighting, and maintaining the establishment’s cleanliness.

One of the benefits of running a bar is that it can be a very lucrative business, as people are often willing to pay a premium for a night out with friends or to enjoy live music or other forms of entertainment. Additionally, a well-run bar can attract a loyal customer base and build a reputation as a popular destination in the community.

To succeed in this business, it is important to have a strong understanding of the local market, and what types of drinks and entertainment will be most appealing to your target audience. You should also be prepared to put in long hours and work on evenings and weekends, as this is when most bars are busiest.

Overall, the “bar” business idea offers the opportunity to create a fun and profitable business that can become a central hub for socializing and entertainment in the community.

26. Start a car rental business

Starting a car rental business can be a profitable venture for those interested in the auto industry.

Retail and corporate are the main segments within the car rental industry. Retail car rentals focus on individuals who rent cars for shorter periods, while corporate car rental targets companies that want to transport clients or employees.

If you are starting a car rental business , target airports, hotels, railway stations, commercial offices, and other high-traffic areas.

Market your business, hire employees who will manage the operations and keep records, and purchase business insurance for both cars and employees.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $583,333/month

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

How We Started A Camper Van Rental Business and Quit Our Full Time Jobs

ROAMERICA, a campervan rental company founded by Taylor Hood and Gretchen Bayless who quit their full-time jobs to focus on their business and have expanded their fleet quickly to meet the demand of adventure-seeking customers, with most of their web traffic coming from organic Google searches and a focus on social media and brand awareness.

About
Gretchen started ROAMERICA about 8 years ago
Revenue
Gretchen grew the business to $10K/month
Costs
It cost Gretchen $25000 to start the business
Read by 35,875 founders

27. Start an aerospace company

The aerospace company’s business idea involves developing, producing, and maintaining aircraft and spacecraft. This includes commercial planes and military jets to satellites and space stations. To run an aerospace company, you will need a team of highly skilled engineers and technicians who have expertise in aeronautics and astronautics. You will also need access to advanced technology and equipment, such as computer-aided design software and testing facilities.

There are several benefits to running an aerospace company. First and foremost, you will significantly contribute to aviation and space exploration. You will also have the opportunity to work on exciting and innovative projects that have the potential to change the world.

Additionally, the aerospace industry is lucrative, with high demand for aircraft and spacecraft worldwide. Overall, the aerospace company business idea offers a unique and challenging opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs passionate about advancing the frontiers of aviation and space travel.

28. Start a night club

Night clubs are entertainment venues comprising dance floors, light shows, and a stage for playing live music or featuring DJ music. Humans enjoy dance, and many societies incorporate dance as a prominent aspect of entertainment, socializing, and progression.

Thus, a nightclub is one of the best nighttime business ideas you can start today. Every city has its picks for the most prominent nightclubs, bars, and dance floors.

29. Start a coffee shop

Starting a coffee shop is an exciting and rewarding venture. It's a business that can be started with relatively little capital, and there are many ways to make it profitable. Coffee shops feature a low-cost stock but are profitable businesses.

If you plan to open a coffee shop, you may purchase a franchise, buy an existing business, or start from scratch. Whichever the decision, ensure a strategic location and renovate the space to create an inviting atmosphere. Develop a fantastic offering and begin marketing the business even before you open.

How much you can make: $15,000 — $52,500/month

How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

We Built A Coffee Shop In A Van That Makes $180K/Year

This case study follows the co-founder of Camper Cafe, a mobile coffee van business which started as a hobby and now has 6 units that supply the UK's biggest sporting events, commercial and film shoots, generating around £150k from working only 70 days of the year.

About
Beth started Camper Cafe over 12 years ago
Revenue
Beth grew the business to $15K/month
Costs
It cost Beth $5000 to start the business
Read by 5,500 founders

30. Start a limo service

Starting a limo service business can be lucrative and rewarding for aspiring entrepreneurs. The idea behind this business is to provide luxury transportation services to individuals and groups, typically for events such as weddings, proms, corporate events, and airport transfers.

To run a successful limo service, you must invest in a fleet of luxury vehicles, such as limousines, town cars, and SUVs. You will also need to hire experienced drivers who are knowledgeable about the local area and have a clean driving record. Additionally, it’s important to have a reliable dispatch system to handle reservations and ensure timely pick-ups and drop-offs.

One of the main benefits of running a limo service is providing your clients with a high-end, luxury experience. Your business can differentiate itself by offering top-of-the-line vehicles and exceptional customer service, leading to repeat business and referrals. Another benefit is the flexibility to choose your own schedule, as most limo services operate on an as-needed basis.

Starting a limo service can be a fulfilling and lucrative business opportunity for those passionate about providing excellent transportation services to their clients.

31. Start a laundromat

The first laundromat opened in the United States in 1887. It was invented by the entrepreneur Josephine Cochrane, who was frustrated with having to wash her family’s laundry by hand.

The laundromat is a self-service facility that provides washing and drying machines for personal use. There are many different types of machines available, including coin-operated ones and those that require a card. They also provide various types of detergents and fabric softeners for use with the machines.

A laundromat can make a lot of money if it is in the right location and has the right prices.

How much you can make: $9,300 — $83,333/month

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

How I Bought A Laundromat & Doubled Revenue in 12 Months

A digital marketer purchased Nina's Laundromat in Northcote, Australia in July 2021, investing in its digital presence and upgrading the machines to create a new brand. Within 12 months, the revenue doubled and the store added a commercial laundry service, bringing an additional AUD24K per year.

About
Jono started Nina's Laundrette over 2 years ago
Revenue
Jono grew the business to $9.3K/month
Costs
It cost Jono $13300 to start the business
Read by 5,365 founders

32. Start a jet ski rental business

Are you looking for a business you can start within the coastal locations? A jet ski rental business can be excellent if you target areas that attract water sports tourists. According to industry experts, the global market size for the water sports gear market will reach $55.2 billion in the next decade.

Therefore, starting the ski jet rental business can be a profitable business. To venture into the ski rental business, you may start alone or consider starting as a franchise partner. For an absolute beginner in this industry, a franchise would be advisable.

33. Start a talk show

A talk show is a live or prerecorded broadcast where a host asks the guests questions, the most popular format being interview-based ones. Talk shows are usually syndicated for airing on radio and/or television stations.

Talk shows can also be described as podcasts, where listeners subscribe to certain podcast channels to get entertainment, news, and educational content.

34. Start a tourist bodyguard business

The tourist bodyguard business idea involves providing personal security services to tourists visiting a particular city or country. This could include accompanying tourists on tours, providing transportation, and acting as a general security presence for tourists who may feel vulnerable in an unfamiliar place.

To start this business, you will need to have experience in security and possibly hold a license or certification in the field. Having a background in tourism or customer service may also be helpful, as you will be interacting with tourists regularly.

In terms of operating the business, it will be essential to establish relationships with local tour operators and other tourism-related businesses to secure clients. You should also have a plan in place for handling emergencies and be able to communicate effectively with tourists and local authorities.

For business success, it will be essential to provide high customer service and ensure tourists feel safe and secure while under your care. Ensuring security involve conducting thorough risk assessments and having contingency plans for various scenarios.

Overall, the tourist bodyguard business idea offers a unique opportunity to provide a valuable service to tourists while tapping into the growing demand for personal security services.

35. Start a museum

36. Start an airport bus shuttle services

An airport bus shuttle service transports people and luggage to and from or within airports. An airport shuttle service can be profitable to operate.

If you plan to start an airport bus shuttle, focus on building alliances and partnerships with companies and local businesses that will supply you with customers.

37. Start an airline

38. Start a helicopter transportation service

39. Start a travel directory

An online travel directory is a website that serves as a one-stop shop for all your travel needs.

It provides travelers with a vast selection of trusted reviews and tips to help people travel across the globe with ease.

These directories usually offer a comprehensive database of destinations, including hotels, restaurants, tourist attractions, and travel agents, among others.

One of the significant benefits of these directories is that they allow users to add destinations from their travel agent’s listings or local business listings based on reviews and testimonials from fellow travelers.

This feature helps users make informed decisions about their travel plans by providing them with a wealth of information on various destinations.

Additionally, online travel directories tend to have an active community of users who share their travel experiences and offer valuable insights and tips.

This community-driven approach to travel planning ensures that users get reliable and up-to-date information that can help them plan their trips with confidence.

Overall, online travel directories are an excellent resource for anyone looking to explore the world, whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-timer.

They offer a wealth of information on various destinations, making it easy to plan a memorable trip that meets your unique preferences and budget.

How much you can make: $7,000 — $250,000/month

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

How I Started A $2K/Month Side Hustle Selling Vacations

Marissa Daniels runs a successful travel agency, Spread Your Wings Travel, that hit $100,000 in sales within a year of launch and provides payment plan options for its all-inclusive vacations, and she hopes to help 100 families supplement their income through the business.

About
Marissa started Spread Your Wings Travel Agency about 5 years ago
Revenue
Marissa grew the business to $7K/month
Costs
It cost Marissa $200 to start the business
Read by 16,819 founders

40. Start a school field trip business

41. Start a hotel booking platform

The explosively popular Airbnb and countless similar services have proven that the market for home and apartment rentals is growing rapidly.

As an entrepreneur who loves travel, you see an opportunity to extend this model to hotels.

That’s why you start a hotel booking platform where travelers can search for and book accommodations worldwide.

The market size of the online hotel booking platform industry worldwide amounted to nearly $518B in 2020.

Starting a hotel booking platform can be so interesting as an idea that can proliferate. It doesn’t require any license, no inventory — only mobile phones, an internet connection, and some motivation to succeed.

How much you can make: $114,200,000/month

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

HOW I GOT HERE - STEVE KAUFER OF TRIPADVISOR

Tripadvisor is a global travel advice network with over 1 billion reviews and recommendations from almost 8 million companies that generated 902 million U.S. dollars in global revenue in 2021, representing a 49% increase from the previous year.

About
Stephen started Tripadvisor about 24 years ago
Revenue
Stephen grew the business to $114M/month
Read by 886 founders

42. Start a private jet business

A private jet is an aircraft designed to transport small groups of people. Private jets offer a controlled, flexible experience, which commercial flights cannot provide. Demand for private jet charter services has soared, creating a business opportunity for entrepreneurs.

Business people, celebrities in the entertainment industry, and politicians are some people using private jets more often. If you are interested in aviation and looking to start a business, you may consider the private jet sector.

Your options include becoming a private jet pilot, buying and selling private jets, a private jet service center, or a private jet charter service.

43. Start a speed boat rental business

Boat hiring and boat rental services are tapping into the booming tourism sector. Water activities have become a significant tourist attraction, especially in coastal areas. Thus, boat hiring and rental are among the most attractive maritime business opportunities.

44. Start a student exchange program

meet the author
Pat Walls

I'm Pat Walls and I created Starter Story - a website dedicated to helping people start businesses. We interview entrepreneurs from around the world about how they started and grew their businesses.