Reasons to Become a Travel Agent

Many people prefer self-employment for personal and professional reasons. However, people resist the urge to become self-employed because they are unsure of what to expect from being business owners. Becoming a travel agent can help to satisfy people personally and professionally.

Low Startup Cost

People who want to become travel agents build personal websites and take inexpensive online courses, such as those offered by the Penn Foster Career School (see Resources). If they already have online businesses, they can even begin as affiliates to other agencies before starting a full-time career.

Create Own Schedule

One of the reasons to become a travel agent is that people who work at home create their own work schedules, giving them personal freedom.

Commission

When clients check into hotels or book flights, the travel agent gets commission checks from those hotels or airlines.

Travel Discounts

Travel agents earn discounts on travel, hotel reservations, car rentals and even at such places as Disneyland.

Shopping Discounts

In addition to travel discounts, receiving business discounts at stores that sell office supplies and travel gear is another reason to become a travel agent. Online retail stores like eBay also offer discounts to many home businesses.

Resources

• Travel/Tourism Specialist Online Courses
• Penn Foster Career School