How to Become a Travel Agent

Love to travel and plan vacations? Been to lots of locations (or at least dreamed about them)? If so, maybe you should think about becoming a travel agent!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. 

   1. Graduate High School
   
   The number one thing you need is a high school diploma. You can't become a travel agent without this.

2. 

   2. Computer skills
   
   It helps to know your way around a computer and keyboard. Typing skills and computer knowledge are a plus since you'll be using a computer daily.

3. 

   3. Destinations
   
   It's helpful to understand different countries and what they're all about. Weather, environment, attractions, customs, etc. are all important things to know when you're a travel agent.

4. 

   4. A second language
   
   Since you might be working with companies (hotels, restaurants, rental car companies, etc.) in other countries, knowing a second language can be a plus. Some travel agents do more than just plan trips, some actually plan group trips and are the guide for the group. It greatly helps to be able to understand the native language of the country you visit.

5. 

   Take a class
   
   Community colleges sometimes offer classes on travel or tourism. If there isn't a local college that doesn't offer any of these classes, try taking a class online.

6. 

   Work where you can
   
   A hotel, an airport...work where you can get some travel-related experience. Read up on travel magazines. Go on trips (if you can afford them!). Once you have some travel-related experience, apply for a job at a travel agency.