Are you great at finding reasonably priced flights and hotel rooms? Does making itineraries and solving booking issues come naturally to you? If your answer is yes, you might want to consider becoming a travel agent. And if you’re the designated "trip-planning friend," you’re already halfway there.
You might think the the profession is outdated, but that's not what the data shows: According to the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA), 50 percent of travelers are more likely to use a travel agent now than they were in the past. Not only are travel agents needed, but the career's earning potential can be impressive, depending on the type of agent you choose to be. Use this guide to learn how to become a travel agent and kickstart your journey into a unique career.
RELATED: 26 Best Trip-Planning Hacks Straight From Travel Agents.
What do travel agents do?
A travel agent's job is to ensure their clients have the best travel arrangements. Using their expertise, they offer advice and essential details about your trip, make your reservations, book flights and hotels, and manage your travel plans overall. Any hiccups regarding your accommodations are handled by them, and they are the best at finding money-saving deals. Travel agents prioritize your needs, like your vacation schedule and budget.
Their goal is to provide peace of mind throughout the trip-planning process so you can get the most out of your vacation.
What credentials do you need to be a travel agent?
You don’t necessarily need a degree to become a travel agent, but getting some training within the field could be in your best interest. This not only makes you an attractive candidate to employers and agencies who may require a form of certification, but also helps you appear more qualified, which can help further your career in the long run.
Even though there might not be a degree in “travel agency” per se, you can opt for a related program like business, economics, or hospitality instead.
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What do you need to become a travel agent?
There are different ways to become a travel agent, but anyone hoping to break into the field should definitely keep the following three points in mind.
Decide what kind of travel agent you want to be.
Having a specific focus on the kind of travel experience you want to provide allows you to build the knowledge and resources to best help those specific clients. Suppose you want to work in corporate travel: Building your skills according to your niche clientele and field will help you sharpen the skills you need to develop your expertise.
Learn about the travel industry and its trends.
The travel agency field is constantly shifting, so it’s important to stay up-to-date on industry changes and trends to know what you should be offering clients. People’s preferences are ever-changing, so knowing what’s hot and what’s not is crucial. Spend time learning which places are popular and unpopular based on the season, or which restaurants are staple visits. This shows a solid and up-to-date understanding your clients will appreciate.
Build your communication and interpersonal skills.
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Certified Travel Counselor
This Travel Institute certificate requires at least five years of experience and a Certified Travel Association certification. This course focuses on marketing and building consumer relationships. CTC costs $550 to complete the course and $600 for the CTC Fast Track.
Certified Travel Industry Executive
CTIE is also backed by the Travel Institute and requires at least five years of field experience. This $550 program includes courses on travel business, marketing management, bookkeeping, and travel law.
ASTA Verified Travel Advisor
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