How to become a travel agent

Travel consultants are also referred to as travel agents, travel professionals, travel planners, and travel counselors. There's really no difference - they all sell travel products for a living. However, the recent trend has moved away from the term "travel agent" towards titles that imply more of a personal, one-on-one service.

As a travel consultant, you will help people plan vacations, trips and tours to locations across the country or around the world. You’ll help clients determine the types of trips that are suitable for them, and then arrange to sell them travel products that best meet their needs. Travel products you will sell to your clients include airline tickets, hotels, rental cars, travel tours or packages, cruises, rail passes, and more.

In most cases you are not the direct supplier of these products, but a "middleman" who arranges the sale between a supplier and your client. In exchange for arranging this deal, you are paid a service fee or commission by the supplier and/or the client.

A day in the life of a travel consultant might include:

• Speaking with clients about their travel needs.
• Researching destinations, accommodations and fares.
• Getting clients’ approval to purchase travel products.
• Booking travel products by computer, fax, or phone.
• Developing itineraries (travel schedules) for individuals and groups.
• Sending confirmation to clients with travel details.
• Traveling to new places to learn about their amenities and attractions.

Travel consultants may work as independent contractors, or as employees of travel agencies. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 3 of 5 travel consultants work for an agency, and about 13% are self-employed.

While many travel consultants work in an office at an agency, technology has now made it possible for the travel consultant to work out of his or her home.

What Do You Need to Become a Travel Agent?

Working as a professional travel agent is a rewarding career for many people. Travel is a billion-dollar industry that offers many opportunities for those interested in tourism. As a travel agent, you make travel arrangements for the corporate businessperson, individuals, families or groups. Being a travel agent allows you to learn about exotic locations and different cultures while helping people plan their trips. You also get to travel yourself in many cases, often for free. But there are certain skills and training you need to become a professional travel agent.

Travel and Tourism Training

Many community colleges, universities and online schools offer programs that train you to become a travel agent. The American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) is a trade association that has member travel schools in 14 states including New York, California, Maine, Ohio and North Carolina. Depending on the school, you can train via correspondence study, on-campus classes and/or online. Curriculum varies with each school but usually includes courses on computerized reservations systems, world geography, marketing, sales, group tourism, cruises and customer service.

While going to travel agency school is not a requirement to become a travel agent, completing such a program and getting a certificate or diploma can greatly improve your chances of getting a good job in the travel industry. The minimum requirement for becoming a travel agent is a high school diploma or GED.

Computer Skills

Because most of the allied industries of air travel, hotels and car rentals use computerized systems, it is imperative that anyone who wants to be a travel agent become proficient in using a computer. Taking classes in word processing, spread sheets and databases is very useful. There are inexpensive online courses and books that teach these skills. Many public libraries offer free computer classes to patrons.

Travel Experience

It is a good idea to have some travel experience when seeking work as a travel agent. While this is not a mandatory requirement, it helps if you can put yourself in the shoes of your customers. Once you have traveled, you have a better understan ding of the pleasures and problems of planning and going on a trip. This is invaluable experience for a travel agent.

Foreign Language Skills

As international travel becomes more common and as people of all nationalities immigrate to other countries, as a travel agent you will meet and deal with a wide range of people. Being fluent in one or more foreign languages is helpful if you want to arrange national and international trips.

Other Useful Skills

Being a people person definitely helps when interacting with people of all nationalities. Respect for other cultures is also necessary. Being a good listener and being detail-orientated are also important skills to have. A tiny mistake on a reservation could cause a disastrous trip. Interest in learning about other countries and being willing to do research to find the best deals for your customers will result in repeat business.