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.

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Book On Careers
• Travel Guides
• Travel Magazines
• Career Counseling
• Computers
• Online Career Search

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.)

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.

Who Can Help Sponsored

• How To Make Big Money With Low-Budget Postcard Projects. PostcardProfits.com
• Earn your degree from industry experts at University of Phoenix. Take the next step in your career.

[duganstravels]

on 11/4/2009 Please make sure to visit www.travelathome.com for more information on becoming a travel agent.

[navkum079]

on 9/12/2009 please visit www.myindiatickets.com for cheap flight tickets to india.

[schook65]

on 9/9/2009 www.foxworldtravelschool.com is a great online school for people looking to become travel agents.

[wambuie]

on 8/21/2009 Please help with the process of applying for the job on http://www.wisetravelbuddy.com

[manwithplan2384]

on 7/22/2009 Great article, if you need a job as a travel agent, wise travel buddy is HIRING go to http://www.wisetravelbuddy.com then click on a sponsor and click on careers!!!! base pay for agents is $24.00/hour.