Start small with one trip or experience you can run well, sell it to a group with a booking page that takes payment upfront, and grow from your past guests. You can begin as an individual or sole proprietor with a PAN and a bank account; register a company or for GST when your turnover or plans need it.
1. Choose what you run
Pick a niche you know: treks in one region, weekend getaways from your city, heritage walks, women-only trips, wellness retreats or food trails.
A clear niche makes the trip easier to describe, price and share.
2. Price it so it pays
List your costs per guest (stay, meals, transport, entry fees) and your fixed costs (guide, vehicle, venue).
Decide how many seats you need to sell to break even, and price for a margin above that.
Account for payment and platform fees, and for refunds under your cancellation policy.
3. Set up how you get paid
Take bookings and payments in one place instead of chasing UPI screenshots in chats.
Collect an advance to confirm a seat and send balance reminders before the trip.
Give every guest an invoice; it builds trust and keeps your accounts clean.
4. Paperwork
PAN and a bank account in your name (or your business's name) for payouts.
GST registration once your turnover crosses the limit that applies to you, or earlier if you choose. A tax professional can confirm your case.
Written terms: what's included, cancellation and refund rules, and safety guidelines.
5. Find your first guests
Start with people who already know you: friends, colleagues, your Instagram followers and WhatsApp groups.
After the trip, ask guests to review it and tell them first when the next date opens.
Running it on PlanKnit
PlanKnit gives travel hosts a booking page, payments by UPI, card and net banking, advances and balance reminders, GST invoices, a guest list and group chat, in one place.
PlanKnit is free to start and free to list. On paid bookings it charges 5.5% plus GST in total (2.5% payment processing and 3% platform fee), and nothing on free events, cancelled or unpaid bookings.
Questions
Do I need to register a company to start?
No. Many hosts start as individuals or sole proprietors with their own PAN and bank account, and register a company or LLP later.
Do I need GST registration?
Not always. It depends on your turnover and the kind of service; below the registration limit many small hosts aren't required to register. Ask a tax professional for your case.
What's the cheapest way to start?
Run one short trip close to home, take payment before you book anything, and use free tools to sell. PlanKnit is free to start; fees apply only on paid bookings.