Become a Travel Agent – Why the Timing is Right
Posted on | November 25, 2009 | 18 Comments
The travel industry is a seven trillion dollar industry expected to double to fourteen trillion dollars within the next decade. This lucrative industry is currently growing 23% faster than the global economy.
A key factor in this growth phenomenon is the steady stream of baby boomers who are retiring, or getting ready to retire. In fact, baby boomers are retiring at a rate of one every eight seconds. Travel was rated the number one thing these baby boomers intend to do when they do retire.
There is now an increased demand for qualified travel agents, due to the explosive growth of the industry as a whole. To become a certified travel agent, your options are not limited to the traditional brick and mortar setting.
Many reputable travel agencies are now offering attractive options for the individual looking for a legitimate home based business.
If your goal is to work as an independent travel agent from the comfort of your own home, you may want to consider working as an online travel agent.
Here are some companies that you can research, that offer excellent income opportunities and complete training. Please note, that many travel companies that actively recruit agents to work from home, will hire their agents as employees.
There are also travel companies that recruit independent agents. This option will offer the agent the freedom of being self-employed, and the ability to set their own hours.
To take advantage of this option, be aware that there will be an investment required. The ability to make money will be solely at the discretion of the agent who chooses to invest in this business model.
On a positive note, many agents who have invested in this business model are making a very nice income, so be sure to research this option before ruling it out.
Travel companies that currently offer the independent agent business model include TraVerus Travel Network, Global Resorts Network, and Your Travel Business, also known as YTB.
Make sure to do your due diligence! Be sure to research each company carefully, and make it a priority to fully understand the compensation plan. You will also need to know what training is available, and whether the company will offer you the opportunity to become certified.
Don’t be afraid to ask important questions, such as whether the company has IATA(International Air Transport Association), IATAN (International Airlines Travel Agent Network), and CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) Credentials. This is important information to know, especially if you intend to take advantage of the travel perks and benefits available to those in the travel industry.
Here are some questions to ask – What is the initial investment, if any? Are there any additional costs or fees associated with obtaining licensing, or becoming certified? And finally, if you are considering a work at home position, what kind of support and training is offered?
Next, determine whether you a right fit for the travel industry. Lets break down the qualifications that will determine whether you are suited for this challenging, but rewarding career.
Travel agents should have a minimum of a high school diploma. Agents should have a true love for travel,as well as a sincere enthusiasm and love for working with people, because these traits are crucial elements for success in this industry.
Travel agents should also possess excellent multi-tasking and organization skills. Attention to detail and accuracy are very important, along with great communication skills. In addition, good computer skills will be needed.
Travel agents should possess a professional, courteous demeanor when working with suppliers, and the general public. Sales ability and great interpersonal skills are an added plus.
The benefits of becoming a travel agent are many. I have listed the top three.
Travel agents save up to 80% on travel to many of the worlds exclusive resorts and destinations. These discounts include, but are not limited to:
a. Complimentary upgrades
b. Hotel room upgrades and discounts
c. Car rental discounts and upgrades
d. Cruises
e. Theme park discounts
f. Vacation Packages
FAM trips, also known as familiarization trips. Suppliers will offer access to their facilities at substantial discounts so that travel agents will have first hand knowledge of their facilities. The travel agent will then be able to make recommendations and book travel for their clients based on their personal knowledge and first hand experience.
The supplier will roll out the red carpet for the travel agent to ensure the travel professional has an outstanding time.
There are also tax benefits for individuals who chose to do this profession as an independent travel agent. You should consult with your CPA or tax professional for more information regarding this benefit.
So, how do I become a travel agent? In summary, becoming a travel agent can be a lucrative and rewarding career. Should you decide that you possess the skills and abilities needed for success, you can look forward to a promising career.
In addition to the companies named in this article, you can do further research online at Google or Yahoo using the following keywords – become a travel agent, how do I become a travel agent, travel agent careers, or online travel agent.
Related posts:
- How to Save Money When Booking a Vacation Through Your Travel Agency
- Cheap Airfare – Promoting Cheap Student Travel in an Inexpensive Way
- Travel Agent Tips for Planning a Family Vacation
- Get Cheap Air Travel Rates The Easy Way
- Cheap Vacation Travel Packages versus Independent Budget Travel
- Cheap Air Travel
- Is Your Cheap Travel Insurance Legal?
- Cheap Air Tickets Online – The Dessert is served
- How to Get cheap Air Tickets to travel in India
- Best Agent flight Ticket For You
Tags: 10 > Become A Travel Agent > Become Travel Agent > Fantasy > FF > Final > Traverus > Traverus Travel > Traverus Travel Agent
Comments
18 Responses to “Become a Travel Agent – Why the Timing is Right”
Leave a Reply
November 25th, 2009 @ 9:36 am
lemme just say… you are my new hero.
November 25th, 2009 @ 10:01 am
I just started this home based travel business two weeks ago and it is great. You Get your own site where people can book their own travel. it is a lot better than travelocity, expedia and the rest of the online sites. They have live agents 24/7 to answer any question your customers may have it rocks. Anyway go to this site http://www.earnvacations.com/freelance after you leave your info you will see a video that will explain how you can get started. You will receive an email with my personal email and number you can contact me with any questions you have. This is what your site will look like http://traveltheworldcheaper.com click on book travel tab at top this the booking site.
Hope this helps
David
November 25th, 2009 @ 10:19 am
Bad job to have right now since most travelers book on the web. I'd find something else.
November 25th, 2009 @ 10:31 am
hermosisimooooooooo !!!
November 25th, 2009 @ 10:34 am
hi all everybody plz watches in my videos and rating .. plz plz plz !!!!!
November 25th, 2009 @ 10:54 am
http://www.ehow.com/how_2226198_become-homebased-travel-agent.html
Good luck!
November 25th, 2009 @ 11:49 am
I always love your art. Now I love your music
November 25th, 2009 @ 11:54 am
Certificate mills are not worth much, even if you have a given amount of learning to do. You need to take a lower level travel job to build some experience. This is a coveted business line to work, so the competition is fierce.
November 26th, 2009 @ 2:59 am
Beautiful video!
November 26th, 2009 @ 2:03 pm
Omfg, it just looks like a picture
November 26th, 2009 @ 2:04 pm
A lot has happened with travel in the last 25 years, most travel agencies will not employ any one who hasn't got some sort of travel and tourism certificate behind them, try looking at a local college for classes they may have. tickets and fares 1, 11,111 is the least you should be aiming for, this will give you a general knowledge of fares, you need to get a general idea of a booking system, Amadeus, Galileo etc as these are used to book not only fares but car hire and hotels, airport codes and a good general knowledge of geography are a must. Ask to help out at a local travel agency (for free) and they will guide you as to what you will need.
Good luck.
November 26th, 2009 @ 3:13 pm
You are amazing!
November 26th, 2009 @ 3:20 pm
You need to specialize in a specific type of travel: i.e. cruises or all-inclusives.
Airlines don't pay commissions on plane tickets – there's no money to be made there.
You can buy a franchise for some agencies for as little as $9,000 which includes some training.
If you want to be your own agent and want to be successful then you really need to do it full time.
If you want to do this part time, then look to an established agency that is willing to train a new agent. An agent that wants YOU to pay in order to work for them is not where you should be. Why should you pay somebody to work for them?
Avoid "agencies" like YTB and others who talk more about their membership, or who appear to be more interested in signing up folks than they are about actually selling travel. These groups are just pyramid scams in a dress. Any agency that talks more about getting you agent benefits or agent rates than about selling travel and having an established business isn't a reputable agency that is recognized by most travel suppliers.
November 26th, 2009 @ 4:23 pm
you can join one of those host travel agencies and just take on as many bookings as you want. those consortiums pay commission for bookings you make. however, there is a membership fee. some of the major ones:
http://www.vacation.com
http://www.joystar.com
try reading through some travel trade magazines to see if it's the industry you want to be in
http://www.travelweekly.com
http://www.recommend.com
http://www.travelagewest.com
November 27th, 2009 @ 4:34 am
superb!!
November 27th, 2009 @ 2:05 pm
http://www.ehow.com/how_11154_become-travel-agent.html
November 27th, 2009 @ 10:19 pm
wow!
November 28th, 2009 @ 7:25 pm
You'll probably need to drive around town and stop in at some travel agency's and inquire within. There are classes you can take to learn the industry some may even cover the cost.