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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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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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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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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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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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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The Travel Agent Job That Suits You

Among the long list of travel agent jobs, it's easy to be overwhelmed by all the choices. Here's a quick guide in finding the travel agent jobs that suit you.

Part-Time or Full-Time?

First, determine if you're getting a travel agent job just for extra cash or for a nine-to-five career. Moonlighting as a travel agent can be good for those who are not too busy with their day job, while a full-time travel agent job is perfect when you have the passion for it.

Which Specialty?

You can either specialize in leisure or corporate travel. In leisure travel, you can delve deep into exotic destinations. You can also specialize in travel agent jobs for savvy individuals, romantic couples, families, or groups. This can make you stand out among the other travel agents out there.

Work From Where?

Now you're not limited to signing up for travel agencies, although that's the traditional and tested way to go. You can venture into being a home-based travel agent. Most host agencies offer training at minimal cost, so you can start becoming a travel agent and even put your own travel agency.

Travel agent jobs are booming these days. Which one is perfect for you?

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How to Become a Travel Agent in the United States

According to statistics from the U.S. Department of Labor, more than 80,000 people work as travel agents. This type of work still matter, especially since they are the ones making travel arrangements for clients or give advice on destinations.

Arguably, how to become a travel agent in the U.S. is easier today than years past. Whereas people used to sit in class to learn the trade, we now have online courses to learn even at home. Some vocational schools also offer travel agent courses.

To become a travel agent, you need at least two to three things: a high school diploma, good communication and computer skills. Although some employers desire formal training, those three things – especially computer literacy – are required for the job.

Before proceeding, check the guidelines from your local state office. Some states like California, Illinois, Michigan and Virginia have specific laws for licensing individuals and companies before they can offer travel services.

Next step is learning the trade. Like other professions, the best way to learn the trade is from renowned industry organizations, such as the American Society of Travel Agents, the National Association of Commissioned Travel Agents, or the International Air Transport Association. Alternatively, you can take online courses from agencies certified by any of the mentioned organizations.

Once you fulfill any state requirements and pass any online courses, you should eventually receive some form of certification for being travel agents. By then, you can already plan trips, give advice, and more.

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In The Shoes Of A Travel Agent

A travel agent may be one of the underrated jobs in the industry, but there's really room for growth, and a good career can flourish in this industry. Needless to say, it provides an avenue for a beginner to combine sales and interpersonal skills with the end-goal of providing satisfying customer service. As a travel agent, you will do some legwork with planning vacations or business trips, so expect to be on your toes during the peak season.

Travel agents have to strike a balance between selling destinations and selling the most appropriate transportation and accommodation for their clients. There are times when they are tasked to take care of lodging, as well as the entertainment activities for their clients. They have to understand, especially with longtime clients what makes them tick, the activities that entertain them. Because of their extensive background and knowledge, they are the go-to resource persons to seek out advice on famous destinations. Since effective communication is in the core of their responsibilities, travel agents need to be effective communicators, salespeople competent enough to seal the deal.

With the unending demands in the industry, travel agents may also be assigned to visit hotels, resorts, and restaurants so that they get a fuller grasp of what they are offering. They may be tasked to evaluate every promotional destination package offered to them, and be able to judge the worthiness of each before presenting them to their customers.

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Benefits of Becoming a Travel Agent

Travel agents have access to a lot of discounts, special rates, and travel offers that enable them to pass on the savings—and advice—to their customers. You get to have first taste of the industry information and promotions that, if you understand people's passion for travel and vacation, would seem just the perfect job for you.

Travel Benefits

Travel agents are usually given heavily discounted or complimentary stays in hotels all over the world. Some hotels extend their discounts to traveling agents in the hopes that if they enjoyed their stay in these hotels, they would highly recommend them to their clients. One of the main reasons why people choose a career in this industry is because of the opportunity for travel.

FAM Trips

Another benefit of being a travel agent are the FAMs or familiarization trips. This type of benefit is given to travel agents to allow them access to different destinations around the world. All-expenses paid trips are given to top selling and large-scale agents every year to lure them to offer the same to their clients. The more exciting the experience, the more enthusiastic the sales pitch.

Doing What You Really Love

Most travel agents get into this field because many of them are travelers themselves. They get the opportunity to work in this field while getting paid to travel and see the world. Successful travel agents are those who get to impart—and infect—their love for travel and places to their clients.

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