How to Become a Travel Consultant

A travel consultant is an expert in international travel, but she is also generally considered an expert in more than one culture and language. She is usually well traveled and well versed in the subtle customs and cultural nuances in at least one other country or destination. It may be a country she grew up in or has studied through travel and education, but knowledge of its language(s), geography and history are most often her strongest suit.
A successful travel consultant generally needs to have at least a certificate in travel consultancy to be hired in this area of specialty. While many bilingual candidates are successful in securing similar positions in the hospitality and tourism industry, education and certification in this area generally commands the best pay and the best opportunities for advancement.
Some travel consultants expand their horizons by attaining a Masters in Business Administration with a focus in travel and tourism; such advanced degrees are helpful when considering self-employment in this industry.

Things You'll Need

• Bachelors degree (preferred)

Instructions

1. Start by considering how you would market your special area of knowledge. For example, if you have traveled extensively in Latin America and are familiar with the culture and dialects of more than one destination, research the destinations in which you would consider yourself an expert.
   Draw up a written list of your specialties. Are there cities you are particularly familiar with? Have you studied certain periods of history relating to your specialty? Be as comprehensive as possible in your list.
   Build this experience into your resume. Highlight jobs that illustrate your cultural and language experience from your previous travels.

2. Find an education program that matches your goals. Many online colleges and universities offer certificates, as well as higher degrees, in travel consultancy (see Resources).
   Check with your local college or university to find out whether it offers education in tourism with a specialty in travel consultancy.

3. Decide the type of job you wish to pursue. Your preference as to the type and level of job complexity may determine what amount and kind of education you pursue.
   International airlines utilize certified travel consultants for their language skills as well as their knowledge of travel destinations and cultures. Car rental agencies may use either certified or associate-degree-holding travel consultants. Travel agencies rely upon travel consultants in the capacity of specialized travel agents to handle detailed travel arrangements that require competency in foreign languages. These positions require additional experience as a travel agent.
   Many international companies require interpreters and consultants who are familiar with the customs and language of the host country. Some utilize self-employed consultants. These higher-paid positions generally require advanced degrees.

4. Consider volunteering your language skills in your community. Check with community centers, medical centers, cultural organizations and other locations that need interpreters and translators. This goes a long way to bolstering your resume as a cultural and language expert. Some cities have cultural centers that offer luncheons or other activities for its community members. Look into how you can become involved. Your new college or university may have events and cultural organizations you can join as well.

5. Stay on top of the dynamics of this industry after you are employed by challenging yourself with periodic workshops and classes in tourism and travel. Remember, the travel industry is a constantly changing specialty. Cities and destinations change as does the demands of the companies and services that rely upon cultural specialists such as travel consultants.
   Stay in touch with your colleagues by becoming a member of organizations, such as the American Society of Travel Agents and the American Translators Association, and by attending regional conferences and workshops to advance your skills.

6. Continue to travel. Use travel to enhance your area of specialty and to practice your skills. Become an expert in modes of travel in that area of the world and its changing culture, customs and languages.

Tips & Warnings

• Modify your resume as your skills develop. Don't wait until you have graduated to promote yourself; let prospective employers know you will soon be available for hire, and you already have many skills in the area of travel, tourism and language interpretation. Don't forget to incorporate scholastic awards into your resume as you send it out to employers. Don't just target employers that state they have openings. Many candidates are hired because of their initiative, marketing skills, and excellent resume.

• Don't be discouraged if your goals seem to take a long time. But, take the time now to decide the direction in which you want to focus your specialized skills.

References

• Degree Directory
• Travel Consultant: Career Summary
• Associate of Travel and Toursm

Resources

• Education Portal: Certified Travel Consultant