How to Become a Travel Agent
The need for experienced travel agents is increasing as more people travel for business and pleasure. Although this is not a high-paying career, it has the major benefit of deep travel discounts.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Book On Careers
- Travel Guides
- Travel Magazines
- Career Counseling
- Computers
- Online Career Search
Instructions
-
-
1
Realize that larger travel agencies may require an agent to have a liberal arts or business degree.
-
2
Learn to speak a second language. This skill is invaluable for a travel agent, especially in agencies that focus on international travel.
-
-
3
Take a 6-to-12-week travel agent course at a community college to learn the basics of the career.
-
4
Consider working as a ticketing agent to gain solid experience in the travel industry.
-
5
Become as computer literate as possible - travel agents conduct much of their business via computer.
-
6
Check with your state's Department of Commerce for any registration or certification requirements for travel agents.
-
7
Read a wide variety of travel magazines to keep up with current trends in the industry.
-
8
Work toward receiving your certification as a Certified Travel Counselor (CTC) after you have gained experience. (See "Institute of Certified Travel Agents" at icta.com.)
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Remember that travel agencies servicing corporations generally offer better salaries and benefits than those focusing on leisure travel.
Realize that you must possess excellent attention to detail to be successful in this field. Mistakes can adversely affect a traveler's entire trip.
More Like This
Comments
View all 25 Comments-
You know, you could organize groups for solo Women to travel together, to all sorts of awesome places, you could be the organizer, travel for free + get paid! Definatly becoming an independent contractor agent is the way to go! All you need is a host agency!
-
Thanks! I advise Women who travel solo and some of them would love to pack their bags but don't have the money. This ia a real opportunity for them! Marina Womentravelalone
-
Hi. I'm currently working for my thesis and I'm trying to promote South Korea as a new destination. I have to apply surveys for some travel agencies. Does anybody know where can I find some examples of surveys or maybe examples of questions that I could ask? Thanks
-
I want to become a tour guide.
-
In order to take advantage of the benefits, you have to be a travel agent. That being said, it is quite easy to become an independent contractor (IC) agent with a good and reputable agency. As an IC you are NOT an employee and can therefore book as much or as little as you like and when you like. If you do a lot of bookings with for your company, you should be able to work out an agreement with a host agency and be able to get a CLIA or IATAN travel agent card when you meet the requirements.
