Book It: Perks of Being a Home-based Travel Agent

Getting a free trip out of your job may seem like nothing more than a fantasy, but as a home-based travel agent you’ll be able to get one for yourself. It sounds like wishful thinking but being a travel agent has benefits you won’t get from a normal 9 to 5 job. Here’s a list of a few of them:

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What Does It Take to Be a Travel Agent?

You definitely love to travel. You are happiest when exploring new places, trying out foreign and delicious food, and immersing yourself in cultures different from your own. Your experiences have led you to believe that you’d make a wonderful travel agent, but what else do you need besides the desire to be one?

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Facts about Travel Agency Jobs: Tips on Starting Your Own Travel Agency.

Opening your own agency not only helps you earn profit and nurtures your love for travel, but it also allows you to create opportunities for travel agent jobs in your area. One of the first things you should consider is whether to go at it alone or to work with a reliable host agency. To make things easier for you, the latter is highly recommended.
http://homebasedtravelagents.org/2014/10/facts-about-travel-agency-jobs-tips-on-starting-your-own-travel-agency/

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Things to Know When Becoming a Travel Agent: 2014 Tourist Hotspots

If you’re looking to take your clients to any of these locations, be sure to experience—or at least learn about—the culture for yourself first. This way, you can efficiently guide them to the sights and activities that they will enjoy. Indeed, knowing the culture is an important part of learning how to become a travel agent.
http://homebasedtravelagents.org/2014/10/things-to-know-when-becoming-a-travel-agent-2014-tourist-hotspots/

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Step Up from Doing Travel Agent Jobs to Having Your Own Travel Agency

Traveling is, admittedly, one the best ways to spend some time away from the stressors of everyday life. Besides providing enjoyment, it helps reenergize your mind and body in preparation for another hectic round of routines. A lot of Americans don’t mind spending huge sums of money on out-of-town vacations just to get this reward. By working as a travel agent, you can help make their dream trip a reality. In fact, you can put up your own travel agency to make the experience rewarding for both yourself and your clients.
http://homebasedtravelagents.org/2014/09/step-up-from-doing-travel-agent-jobs-to-having-your-own-travel-agency/

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Travel Agents Make Great Cruises Happen For You

Working with a travel agent may seem like an unneeded expense, but they can greatly help make your vacation better. Cruise lines are perhaps the biggest reason why knowledgeable and well-trained travel agents are necessary. Unlike in hotels, the accommodations, food, and entertainment offered by cruise lines can vary from ship to ship.

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Why Become a Travel Agent? Latest Statistics Present Good Reasons

Previously, travelers who dread the tedious process of booking were left with no choice but to contact a travel agent. When airlines and hotels around the world found out that they can cut the process short for travelers through online booking, the travel agency industry suddenly went into limbo. That was only temporary, however. Statistics now show that travel agents are reclaiming the trust of travelers everywhere. In an article for USAToday.com, contributor Britt Kennerly presents figures demonstrating that travel agencies are fast rebounding back to life.
http://homebasedtravelagents.org/2014/09/why-become-a-travel-agent-latest-statistics-present-good-reasons/

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Tips on Becoming an Online Travel Agent

Statistics show that the travel industry has contributed around seven trillion dollars to the U.S. economy in 2013. That’s excluding its impact on accommodation, transportation, attraction, and entertainment. Looking at these numbers, it’s clear that the industry continues to be strong, and travel agencies, in turn, remain profitable ventures.

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Travel Agent Jobs Made More Sustainable, Thanks to Inexpensive Travel

Similar to food, travel is an industry which will likely never cease, as the activity is as old as humanity itself. Unfortunately, many are hesitant in pursuing travel agent jobs as they generally view travel from a customer’s perspective. To most, travelling simply costs a substantial amount of money, particularly when it involves long distances. While this type of information has yet to be understood by those who don’t travel frequently, simply knowing how much value one can get from investing on travel is enticing enough for anyone to plan that long desired trip. On the other hand, a person interested in travel agency jobs can relish in the fact that the increased affordability in travelling will continue to generate a great demand for travel agency services.
http://homebasedtravelagents.org/2014/08/travel-agent-jobs-made-more-sustainable-thanks-to-inexpensive-travel/

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Becoming a Travel Agent Is A Great Way towards Financial Independence

That’s just one of the benefits. Other benefits that people can get from patronizing travel agents are savings on both time and money, experience, and perks that resorts and other vacation spots offer through them. These are reasons enough why the travel agent business is booming; becoming a travel agent can help you get a slice of that pie. These are what you need to know how to become a travel agent quickly. First, you’ll have to decide on where you’ll get your training. There are several travel schools that offer travel agent training, however that would be easier if you’re still in college. If you’re thinking of switching careers and are aiming to be a home-based travel agent, your best bet is to join a host agency like AARC Host Agency. Host agencies would be able to provide everything that you need to start work: training, marketing, travel suppliers, and contacts.
http://homebasedtravelagents.org/2014/08/becoming-a-travel-agent-is-a-great-way-towards-financial-independence/

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What Aspiring Travel Agents Should Know

For those interested in travelling and are efficient in planning and organizing trips, being a travel agent could be your ideal profession. Travel agents are responsible for booking both business and leisure trips for customers, offering and selling various travel packages, and advising local travelers and tourists. Typical travel agents earn on commission basis, particularly when they meet an agency’s target performance.

Traditionally, aspiring travel agents seek training first, and work within a travel agency. Some go straight to becoming independent travel agents, but that would still require more training and experience, preferably with the help of a travel school or host agency. Graduating from a tourism- or travel service-related course (whether online or not) is a good way to start. Having foreign language skills and experiences related to customer service and sales is another plus factor.

Many travel agents specialize in a certain type of travel, such aerial and water travel. It’s best to know what field of travel you want to specialize in and find a travel training facility that could mentor you on that.

After considering these factors and getting the proper coursework done, you may finally establish your own travel agency and start putting together travel packages for your potential clients. You will be required to pay certain fees, and would be recommended to set up your website.

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How to Become a Travel Agent

If you’ve got a knack for traveling and experiencing different countries and cultures, you may want to consider a career as a travel agent. Whether you decide to work for an agency or for yourself from home, don’t forget these basic requirements:

Aren’t you glad you stayed in school?

A high school diploma is a pre-requisite. It also won’t hurt to be equipped with knowledge of various local and international destinations, customs, currency exchange rates, and modes of travel. It will also enhance your image as a future travel agent to be fluent in another language or two.

Formal education

If time and resources allow, get a university degree in travel and hospitality. Your college diploma is a ticket to endless possibilities in the travel industry, albeit the most expensive. However, the time and effort spent will be worth it as you open more doors and opportunities.

Computer-savvy

All travel reservations and hotel bookings are done online. There are many online courses available, so complete as many as you possibly can. In line with this, you could also get a part-time job at a hotel doing reservations or a travel agency for some serious hands-on training.

Get registered

Find out from your local government about travel agent registration. Some states require travel agents to be certified, licensed, and registered to be able to sell travel services. An organization called The Travel Institute will issue documents proving that you are a Certified Travel Associate (CTA) and a Certified Travel Consultant (CTC).

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Benefits of Home-based Travel Agent Jobs

In the past, a 9 to 5 job was considered as the norm for travel agents. However, with the advent of the Internet and the rise of technological innovations like smartphones and tablets, more and more travel agents are able to do the tasks expected of them without having to step out of their homes. Here are the benefits of being a home-based travel agent:

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Taking the Leap to Become a Travel Agent

Everyone likes to go places and see the sights, to get away from the daily grind even for a short while. You may have noticed the number of people who board planes and cruise ships—there’s no denying that traveling is a popular activity. The growing travel market is a chance for you to open a potential revenue stream – by learning how to become a travel agent.

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How to Become a Travel Agent Online: Focus on Niche and Sell Your USPs

"It won’t be easy, but it’s not impossible. In fact, experts say focusing on a niche makes this task all the more easy. With a clear set of conditions to work on, a travel agent can establish his unique selling points (USPs). Trying to please everyone has as much effect on managing a travel agency as making friends. If you don’t know how to identify your USPs, don’t worry. Training agencies like Agent Access Resource Center will help you avoid getting stuck on selling common points. When you’ve established the services and features that can only be found in your agency, a bit of effort can get you earning thousands in a matter of time. This is one of the many steps on how to become a travel agent today."
http://homebasedtravelagents.org/2014/05/how-to-become-a-travel-agent-online-focus-on-niche-and-sell-your-usps/

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Travel Agent Jobs on Cruise Lines: Marketing Prowess Critical in 2014

"2014 will be a very busy year for cruise travel agents as more advanced luxury cruise ships are expected to set sail this year. One of the most-anticipated ships is Royal Caribbean’s “Quantum of the Seas”, the longest and third-largest cruise ship in the world. Among the many attractions it will provide are a series of firsts: the first-ever sky-diving simulator, roller-skate rink, full-sized basketball court, and circus school in the seas. Negotiating reservations for this ship and others of its kind will undoubtedly be a big test of skill and acumen for cruise travel agents. Sales and marketing, therefore, is expected to be integral to travel agent training programs this year. Other skills like foreign languages, interpersonal communication, and health risk assessment are still essential, but they won’t hold much weight as the ability to negotiate a spot in today’s finest cruise ships. Considering that people like Molyneaux have high expectations for sea travel as well, that’s al
http://homebasedtravelagents.org/2014/05/travel-agent-jobs-on-cruise-lines-marketing-prowess-critical-in-2014/

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Why Consider a Job as a Travel Agent

Travel agencies have undoubtedly contributed greatly to global tourism. Not only have they made traveling easier and stress-free for their clients, they’ve also provided jobs for thousands of people, particularly those who are travel buffs themselves. If you are one of those who are curious about the benefits you can get out of a career as a travel agent, consider those listed below.

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The Many Faces of Tourism

People travel to Chile to swim in the largest swimming pool in the world, or to Mexico to see the remnants of an advanced civilization. In fact, everyone has a hundred different reasons to go out and see the world, and the travel and tourism industries continue to remain strong contributors to world economies.

The services of travel agents are vital to these industries, as they facilitate travel processes for their clients, and make them aware of the myriad adventures and experiences the world has to offer, such as those listed below.

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Want to Know How to Become a Travel Agent?

Do you want to travel places, experience new cultures, and interact with different people for a living? Then, becoming a travel agent may be the right career for you! Don’t worry if you think you don’t have the right educational background for the job: the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says that a high school diploma is usually enough to make you qualified!

That said, a diploma alone won’t be enough of an edge in the real world, because travel agencies are also looking for individuals with different skills and/or extensive travel experiences. You may want to start working on those.

If you intend to go to college to further your career prospects, work on a degree in communication, business management, hospitality, or marketing, which could all take a variable number of years to accomplish. Then you might have to spend a few years in an airliner or cruise service. Alternatively, you can adopt an unorthodox approach: obtain a degree in accounting and spend your first years working in a hotel. Most travel agencies will consider this as relevant work experience in the industry.

You may also want to get certified to boost your chances even further. Organizations like the Travel Institute, Cruise Lines International Association, and the National Business Travel Association have various programs and trainings you can take advantage of, especially if you wish to land on a managerial position.

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The Traveling Travel Agent

There aren't as many major requirements in becoming a travel agent. Even with little to zero experience, travel agent trainers can help a trainee get up to speed on what and what not to do. However, it pays more if you've been traveling around the world prior to training. People prefer authorities on the matter.

This is why, as you become a travel agent, one of the benefits you'll receive is discounted or free travel. By encouraging the agent to travel as often as he or she can, he or she musters knowledge about the specific location and travel basics. Indeed, only when the agent has traveled to that place can he or she be considered an authority for travel tips to that part of the world.

The demand for an experienced travel agent will rise as people increase spending on travel within the next several years. According to an Airbus Global Market Forecast (GMF), capacity per flight has been steadily increasing since the 1990s. Think about it; aircraft and cruise ships wouldn't be growing in size if less people were traveling.

Once you've become a licensed travel agent (yes, certification is necessary to take advantage of the discounts), go places as much as possible. Not only will you enjoy the trip, you'll also learn a thing or two about travel in general.

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What You Need To Become a Travel Agent

Bitten by the travel bug? It's so hard to forget about the places you want to see and to experience. There is a way to make travel a part of your lifestyle and earn from it at the same time. Check through this list to see if you've got what it takes to become a travel agent:

Passion and interest for travel

To become a travel agent, you must be at least interested in going on an adventure to different destinations and locations around the world. Nothing beats discovering new places and recommending them to others, so you spread the wonder and the beauty you've explored. Besides, how can you serve your clients well if you're not the least interested in suggesting different options and packages that they can surely enjoy?

Good skill set

It's essential to have good customer service skills since you're going to talk to clients face-to-face about their needs and requirements. You should also have the ability to cope with pressure, and to organize travel arrangements in the most efficient and suitable way.

Travel agent training

A home-based travel business venture can seem daunting at first, but a proper agent training from reputable travel host agencies can help you overcome your fears. Trainers will provide you with tips and techniques on how to establish a successful business, as well as different strategies in marketing to a diverse set of people.

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Reasons Why It’s Great to be a Travel Agent

Becoming a travel agent is not for everyone, as it requires certain characteristics, and of course, a passion for things related to traveling. If you are still contemplating on whether or not you should pursue a career as a travel agent, check out some of these good and valid reasons that will make you say “yes.”

1. Valuable Knowledge – Even if people have all the time in the world to research on various travel spots, the knowledge that you get when you become a travel agent is way more valuable. Since you will be doing tons of research on different places from across the globe, you will get to know some of the finest destinations to go to, which you can visit yourself.

2. Bright Outlook – As the baby boomers from all over the world reach retirement age, a lot of them would choose to spend part of their money by traveling, which means a more promising outlook for the travel industry. This means your job will be highly in demand in the coming years.

3. Satisfaction of Helping – Finally, you will get the satisfaction that comes with helping people get to fabulous places for some rest and relaxation. Just the thought of giving a family a chance to enjoy marvelous destinations brings more meaning to your job as a travel agent.

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3 Things to Look for in a Travel Agent

With the current popularity of online bookings and reservations, you might be wondering what travel agents are doing in this day and age—and if it's still worth pursuing that career track. After all, people can easily find tickets, hotels, and attractions by themselves. However, some people might not have the luxury of time to meticulously plan and organize their own trips, and still need the help of pros.

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Travel Agent Jobs: Going for Delight, Not Dough

In 2011, an Oprah Winfrey Show episode revealed that travel agents are some of the happiest professionals in America, along with firefighters and special education teachers. After all, travel agents are mostly adventurers themselves who enjoy unique experiences whenever they go to different destinations and want to share what made them feel alive to others.

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How to Become a Travel Agent...and Stay One

Travel agent jobs are widely ventured these days. People want their hard-earned money spent wisely. They may choose leisure travel. They want to make the most of their vacations without any hassle in preparations. Going to travel agents for expert help is just practical.

Are you looking to become a travel agent? If so, then you need certain things first.

Train With the Best

A lot of agencies out there serve as training schools for travel agents. Sure, Dr. Internet helps, but formal training will give you the edge. Consumers today trust only professionals. 
 

Work With the Best

Aside from financial capital, you have to gain a network of partners, as well. With contacts to airlines, hotels, resorts, and other accommodations, you can offer sweet travel packages to customers. The partnership will also benefit the agent's contacts since the agent's generating business for them by referrals.

Work For the Best

Lastly, you have to attract clients. The common way to go may be to recruit a lot of customers through effective marketing strategies, but another alternative is to find potential long-time customers. You can ensure the quality of service you provide to a small set of clients and, in turn, they may continuously acquire your services for their future needs.

Becoming a travel agent may not be as easy as one-two-three. With hard work and business-mindedness, however, you're sure to become one and stay one.

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