You could start your career right after high school, or you could put in one to four years to earn a certificate, associate’s, or bachelor’s degree in tourism. Of course, you could also change course from a related job, and morph your experience as, say, a destination wedding planner into a career as a travel agent.
What qualifications do you need to be a travel agent?
There are no set entry requirements, but a good general standard of education is expected. Some employers may ask for English and maths GCSEs or equivalent. Good geographical knowledge will also be helpful.
Is it hard to become a travel agent?
Most have been in the travel agent field for years, or they’ve come from another segment of the travel industry and have both an experienced passion and a resourced knowledge of the global travel business. … Being a travel agent is hard work, long hours, and [frequently] low pay.
Do travel agents make good money?
Although the earnings of travel agents are not all that exorbitant, the job promises decent pay. For instance, the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics’ 2019 report put the median annual income for travel agents at $44,410. This can, however, be higher, depending on the type of travel job and commissions.
Do you need a certificate to be a travel agent?
Certification is not required as a travel agent, so if you’re looking to save the hundreds of dollars courses and programs for them cost, you don’t need to take them. Those who can afford it and are looking for a way to advance their careers, though, may be interested in looking into it.
How do I start a career as a travel agent?
How to Become a Travel Agent in 2021
- Educate yourself. Work on developing your business, sales, and communication skills.
- Create a business plan. …
- Focus on a specialty. …
- Consider joining a host agency, consortium, or franchise association. …
- Develop and market your brand. …
- Subscribe to Travel Market Report.
Is travel agent a good career?
It’s not all about money. A travel agent career has amazing perks. It offers the chance to travel to beautiful destinations and to have great experiences, a chance to travel and get paid or write it off.
Do travel agents travel for free?
In truth, most of the time, travel agents don’t get free travel although they sometimes get discounts or a chance to keep the commission they would get on their own travel plans. Convention properties give them a cheaper trip to let them learn about their property on a working vacation. …
How much schooling does a travel agent need?
You can take travel agency courses at a two-year college, or earn a diploma, certificate, or associate degree in travel or tourism. Some universities and colleges even offer bachelor’s and graduate degrees in travel and tourism, which may lead to advanced positions in the industry.
Do travel agents travel a lot?
Traveling is a regular part of the job, but it’s not a vacation. Every few months, travel agents go on “fam trips,” short for “familiarization,” and they sound both ah-ma-zing and tiring, according to O’Shaughnessy: … While traveling, the days can get long.
How long does it take to become a travel agent?
In terms of the training time you need to put in before becoming a fully fledged travel agent, it depends. You could start your career right after high school, or you could put in one to four years to earn a certificate, associate’s, or bachelor’s degree in tourism.
How do travel agents get paid?
Travel agents get paid on commission by hotels, airlines and resorts, but many more are charging fees on top of that because of their time.
Do travel agents still exist?
It’s been devastating to an industry entrenched in tradition and stale relationships. And yet, though “the death of travel agents” has been touted since Expedia debuted, they still exist, though greatly diminished in number (the number of freelance travel agents went from 124,030 in 2000 to 66,670 in 2019).
What is the tap test for travel agents?
Often included at the end of entry-level training programs, the test allows candidates to demonstrate that they have mastered the basics of the travel industry – selling skills, basic geography, and the items/products sold by travel counselors.