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There will always be a need for good travel agents, and individuals with good people skills who have a facility for attention to detail may want to consider entering this interesting field. In order to do well, a person needs to approach the challenge with open eyes in terms of knowing what the job entails and how to properly prepare for a successful career. This article will describe what a travel agent does and then outline the actions required to become a good, or even great, travel agent.
What does a travel agent do?
Travel agents help customers navigate through the often laborious process of making the best possible travel arrangements in terms of convenience and cost. In doing so, they need to sort through vast amounts of information with an informed perspective that the average traveler may not possess. They need to be able to offer good advice on destinations and the best ways to get there. They are also expected to know about things to see and do, weather conditions, travel advisories, and currency exchange rates. Once an optimal itinerary is decided upon, the agent's primary function for his/her client becomes the booking of arrangements for hotel reservations, transportation, car or bus rentals and tours. But the agent's job for that client is not necessarily over after the trip is booked. In the event of itinerary changes in the middle of the trip, the travel agent will be called upon to intercede on the traveler’s behalf to make adjustments and/or alternate booking arrangements.
Travel agents are the primary source of bookings for most of the major cruise lines. In addition, many resorts and specialty travel groups use travel agents to promote travel packages to their clients. In these cases, the agent will promote the packages using telemarketing, direct mail, and the Internet. They may also conduct presentations to social groups and arrange company-sponsored trips for businesses. In fact, many travel agents specialize in specific destinations or in selling to particular demographic groups.
To do their job, travel agents use a variety of published sources (many of them computer-based) for information on fares, rates, group discounts, travel promotions, hotel quality, and departure/arrival times. Part of their job often entails visiting hotels, resorts, and restaurants themselves to evaluate comfort, cleanliness, and quality as a basis for future recommendations to customers. In today's world, travel agents are confronted by increased competition from travel and airline websites who rely on customers to do their bookings directly. The major advantages a travel agent can claim are the ability to provide customized service, to arrange complex itineraries involving multiple destinations, and to save customers the hassle of researching and booking several components of a trip.
The typical day of a travel agent will consist of a lot of time spent conferring with customers face-to-face; on the phone speaking with airlines, hotels, etc.; at the computer doing research or booking reservations; and behind a desk completing paperwork. Many agents, especially those who are self-employed, will frequently work long hours although the onset of personal computers and advanced telecommunications systems make it possible for a growing number of them to work from home. Another perk of the profession is special travel benefits such as reduced rates for lodging and transportation.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 13% of all travel agents in the U.S. in 2006 were self-employed. About 67% worked for travel agencies, while the remainder were employed by various combinations of tour operators, visitor’s bureaus, reservation offices, and other travel arrangers. Job outlook for the foreseeable future is projected to be relatively stagnant. Although spending on travel and tourism will likely increase, the benefit to travel agents will be offset by increased competition from the influx of travel and airline websites that allow people to research and plan their own trips and book their own reservations. Another industry concern is fluctuation in the economy, which brings about uncertainty in forecasting the future job market. On the whole, the best opportunities will tend to exist for agents who specialize in specific destinations, particular types of travel, or specialized clientele. As of 2006, the median annual earnings of travel agents were $29,210.
What steps should one follow to become a travel agent?
How can a person become a GREAT travel agent?
Becoming a travel agent is a terrific way to interact with a wide variety of people, while at the same time learning a great deal about other places around the world and how to coordinating travel to and from these places. A love of travel and an enthusiasm for advising people about it are important traits for an agent to have. If a person can supplement these traits with excellent communication and computer skills, he/she is well on the way to great success in the field. The material in this article can help put such a person on the road to a very rewarding career as a travel agent.
Resources for Travel Agents
These schools offer particularly quick info upon request, and we have written detailed profiles for each (click school names to see the profiles).
Request info from multiple schools, by clicking the Get Info links.
| School | Locations | Degrees | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central Pennsylvania College | Online | Associate | |
| Everest College | ON | Diploma | |
| Pittsburgh Technical Institute | PA | Associate | |
| Stratford Career Institute | Online | Diploma | |
| Sullivan University | KY | Associate, Diploma |
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