A travel agent helps people plan and book trips to destinations around the world. Their duties include assisting clients with airfare, hotels, tours and other services, making sure the trip meets their expectations and stays within their budgets.
The job requires strong verbal and written communication skills, a willingness to work with different clients, and knowledge of the industry. Some travel agents work in a traditional office setting, while others are independent contractors who operate out of their homes.
Personality traits that are helpful in this career include problem-solving and attention to detail. They may have to juggle a lot of booking information at once, and they need to be able to quickly address issues that arise. They also need to be empathetic and understand the needs of their clients.
Business management and organization skills are important for travel agents, since they often deal with multiple clients and vendors and have to handle budgets and marketing themselves. A bachelor’s degree in business management is recommended, as is experience working in a related field.
Some travel agencies require an accredited travel agent, and this accreditation is a good way to boost your employment opportunities. Many four-year colleges, community colleges, and trade schools offer tourism certifications, and some employers prefer to hire a travel agent with one or more.
Sales skills are also important in this job, as travel agents need to persuade their clients to purchase air, hotel, car, and tour packages or ancillary services. They also need to be able to handle conflicts or changes in plans that their clients might have made, and they should be able to negotiate with vendors and airlines for their customers’ best interests.
Computer savvy and negotiation skills are also essential for this job. Travel agents are constantly researching and communicating with destinations, airlines, and other travel vendors, and they need to be able to use a variety of software to book their clients’ trips.
The job is a full-time position, with the average travel agent working 40 hours a week, and some overtime during busy seasons or if they need to change their clients’ travel plans on short notice. Some travel agents are independent contractors, while other work for a large agency that needs to accommodate a large volume of clients.
Earnings depend on commissions and service fees, which are usually based on a percentage of the amount travelers pay for their travel. The median annual wage for travel agents is $43,810.
A high school diploma is a must for most travel agents, but some employers prefer to see a college degree or certification in the field. A certificate or associate’s degree in tourism can be useful, as can previous training in marketing, hospitality, or event planning.
It’s important to research the licensing requirements for your state or province. You can find this information on the Travel Industry Council of Ontario website, or by contacting your local government offices.
You can also consider joining a professional travel association, such as Signature Travel Network or Travel Leaders Group, which can provide networking and training opportunities. These associations often have travel advisors who are top-notch, and you can learn from them as you build your own clientele.