How to become a Travel Agent

Career Options of a Travel Agent or Travel Counselor:

1. Becoming an independent Travel Agent or Travel Counselor:

Have you ever thought about owning your own travel business? A lot of businesses cannot be run successfully from home. Especially a type of business which requires stock piling and you do not have adequate space. This is not the case with a at home Travel Agency. Put your “business hat” on and look at the facts.

If you're interested in becoming a Travel Agent or Travel Counselor on your own, you will need to consider educational opportunities, certifications by industry associations in order to guide you in starting up your own travel agency. Be aware that a limited amount of experience in the travel industry may hinder your performance, and you may want to consider working for an agency on commission for some time to gain experience.

If you're ready to strike out on your own, you will need to take the necessary steps that any business start-up must undergo before launching a business campaign. A business plan is well advised, and a Travel Agent or Travel Counselor would be best served with finding a mentor within the industry.

There are two options for the independent Travel Agent or Travel Counselor to consider when launching a small business:

*** Become an entrepreneurial Independently owned and operated Travel Agent or Travel Counselor.

To be an independent Travel Agent or Travel Counselor, one must have start-up capital to invest in marketing, operations, certifications, Global Distribution System access, and much more. Additionally, certifications can be quite expensive and time consuming. A Travel Agent or Travel Counselor must be prepared to invest a significant amount of resources on obtaining and marinating these certifications. A very thorough business plan is essential to the success of an independent Travel Agent or Travel Counselor.

*** Become affiliated with a network Travel Company that provides a turnkey business opportunity.

 2. Becoming an employed Travel Agent or Travel Counselor:

Becoming a travel agent usually begins with working within an agency office as an employee.

Travel Agents or Travel Counselors who work for tour operators and other travel agencies may assist in the development, arrangement, and sales of a company’s very own package deals, tours, packages, and travel services. They may also market these products and services using techniques such as telemarketing, direct mailing, and the infamous Internet. One common sales tactic is to conduct presentations for social and special-interest groups in order to arrange group travel for them. Travel Agents or Travel Counselors create advertising displays and make presentations to business managers to promote company-sponsored group travel.

According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, "Travel Agents or Travel Counselors held about 101,000 jobs in May 2006 and are found in every part of the country. Nearly two-thirds worked for travel agencies. Another 13 percent were self-employed. The remainder worked for tour operators, visitor’s bureaus, reservation offices, and other travel arrangers."

Most travel agency employers will require a high school diploma and great enthusiasm for travel. Some travel agencies may prefer eccentric individuals with advanced degrees in various disciplines including history, marketing, business, communications, or public relations. Travel experience is considered to be helpful, although it's usually not  required.

To learn more about the skills needed to become a Travel Agent or Travel Counselor:

     Continue on to find out...    

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