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).
