How to Train to Become a Travel Agent

eing a travel agent is a fun and rewarding career. The perks are undeniable with packaged trips for agents only at incredible prices, and sometimes for free. It is also a career that can be done from home or in the office, for both men and women. It is a popular field for the young, as well as for those looking for a second or third career. With the age of technology, this is a field you can even train for from home.

1

Obtain the proper education. A high school diploma or equivalent is the minimum of what you'll need to become a travel agent. However, a bachelor's degree will be helpful with a possible employer, especially if your major is related to a travel agent's job like travel and tourism, computer science, geography and communication. In addition to or in lieu of a college degree, there are many online correspondence courses, many of which are available from the travel school nearby or the one across country. The American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA), the largest professional travel association, has a list of travel schools (see Resources below). You may also take courses at your local community college and community continuing education courses for aspiring travel agents. Courses will include such things as travel theory, geography, cruising and reservation systems.

2

Get your travel agent certification also. Not all states require a certificate, check your state's Department of Commerce website. However, getting certified will increase your chances of getting hired and gaining new clients. A certificate is usually awarded after finishing travel school, which is usually about 100 hours of coursework.

3

Hone in on the necessary skills. You will need to be computer literate. Using the mouse, searching the web and the ability to use email well are a must for travel agents. A major part of the job is using the computerized reservation system and the using and reserving vacations on the Internet itself. You need to be detailed oriented and very organized. Developing these skills along with being able to communicate effectively and maintain professionalism is critical for possible employers.

4

Become travel literate. The more you travel, the more you will know what it is like to be a tourist, be a hotel guest, rent a car and the other nuances associated with traveling. You'll also learn about other cultures and will be able to give more insight to your clients. You can also develop these skills by reading travel magazines, literature and books. You will also need to be familiar with U.S. and world geography.

5

Pursue courses and training in business management. If you are planning on starting your own travel agent business, you may want to get a degree in business or take business courses, like those available at your local community colleges, on starting your own business and how to run a business effectively. The potential for success of your business will be greatly improved with some foreknowledge and training.

6

Apply for a travel agency or start your own business. Many new travel agents are starting their own travel businesses from home and some of the online travel schools aid their students in this process. However, if you are looking for a job within an established travel agency, search the mainstream job listing websites. In addition, The ASTA has a job board specifically for the travel field (see Resources below).