Despite the wide popularity of online bookings, travel agents have proved essentially useful and are still in great demand. This is because travel agents are quite useful for thoughtful planning and expertise. Travel agents make sure that travel plans, including activities and costs, are well customized to suit the client’s needs and preferences. In all, travel agents aim to offer travelers the best value for their money. So, if you want to become a travel agent, you are on the right path!
This article considers all you need to know about becoming a travel agent, how to become one and common questions about the career. Let’s get started!
Who is a Travel Agent?
A travel agent is one who offers help to travelers or clients with the aim of making their vacation worthwhile. They make arrangements based on the client’s needs and preferences. They also explore different travel packages for their client. More so, a travel agent can help clients prepare a travel itinerary and can suggest accommodations and destinations for their clients. A travel agent is also responsible for booking flights, hotels and necessary reservations for the client.
In order to succeed in this career, a travel agent is required to make appropriate travel arrangements. They also need to learn the necessary skills to choose the best for their clients. They ought to learn about their clients, including information like the client’s budget and schedule. Preferred method of travel, ideal vacation, etc. This information helps the travel agent make the right decision and arrangement for their client. For example, a travel agent who is aware of the client’s fear of flying may decide to suggest a road trip or cruise ship. If the client has a low budget, the travel agent will know better not to suggest very expensive trip activities etc.
Steps to becoming a Travel Agent
For one to become a travel agent, there are certain levels of education the individual need to attain. In addition, they need to acquire the necessary skills that will help them succeed as a travel agent. Consider the following steps if you want to become a travel agent:
Step 1: Obtain Formal Education/Training
The general requirement for a travel agent is first a high school diploma. A high school diploma is usually known to be the least certification. However, some college education can help you gain some vital knowledge and experience in tourism, business practices, marketing, international relation, hospitality etc. Basically, a travel agent needs comprehensive knowledge, either through firsthand experience or through a degree program. Comprehensive knowledge is essential in the areas that will help them provide clients with the best travel plans and advice.
More so, one who wishes to be a travel agent can directly obtain a travel agent certification. This will help show your expertise to clients and other potential travel agencies. A good example is the Travel Institute, which offers the Travel Agent Proficiency (TAP) test. When you take this test, you can show your skills and qualifications, which gives you a good advantage.
If you want to gain more proficiency proof, it will be wise to go for another certification. That should be after gaining a few years of experience as a travel agent. You can take another exam with the Travel Institute or a similar institute to obtain an advanced certification. For example, becoming a Certified Travel Associate.
Step 2: Work towards improving your interpersonal skills
The next step after taking a formal education is developing impressive interpersonal skills. Part of a travel agent’s success in a career depends on the capability to interact effectively with others. This might involve phone calls, emails, or in-person meetings. Effective communication helps a travel agent gain and maintain loyal clients. A loyal client is very important, especially for one who wishes to work independently and not for an agency.
Generally, soft skills are essential for communication and follow-up questions from clients. Great communication skills will also help you negotiate well with the hotels and businesses to get the best deal for the clients. Skills such as politeness, honesty, cheerfulness etc. will also help. A travel agent, just need to interact well with the clients and other business encountered during the planning process.
Step 3: Ensure to make proper research planning and Learn Budgeting Techniques.
As a travel agent, proper planning and budgeting technique is very important. This is because clients depend on travel agents to help them save the much money as possible while enjoying a good time. As such, it is essential to research on deals on hotels, cruises, flights, restaurants or events that may be giving out special prices.
A travel agent working with a travel agency they are likely to receive on-the-job training. This will help them learn how to quickly find the best deals for clients and make the best reservation available. This experience is very important before starting out as an independent travel agent.
Step 4: Grow and Improve your travel industry Knowledge
As times change, vacation spots and clients’ itinerary priories also change. So, it is very important to widen and improve the travel industry knowledge. As a travel agent, remaining current with trends and changes will help you succeed in the travel industry. Taking courses that will help you gain a deeper knowledge of the travel industry is very necessary.
In addition to the TAP test, some travel institutes offer courses in subjects like Geography and itinerary planning. This will equip the travel agent with the necessary knowledge to plan a memorable trip for clients.
Following the above steps can not only help you become a travel agent but a successful one.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Money do Travel Agents make?
A travel agent makes an average of $57 968 per year. They also receive $150 in daily tips. However, their salary depends largely on education level, location and experience level.
Do Travel agents work for themselves?
Travel agents can work for travel agencies. Some others become highly specialized in their field of expertise and start their own businesses. If you want to work for yourselves, you need to have a unique specialty and develop it.
What Skills are required for Travel Agents?
A travel agent may be required to have a diploma or degree, as the case may be. However, soft skills such as verbal, written and communication skills are essential. Time management is also vital for this career. This is because a travel agent is likely to work with multiple clients or itineraries.
What jobs are similar to travel agents?
If you are into travel agency but do not want to become a travel agent, you can choose other career options, including:
Travel Consultant
Tour guide
Event Planner
Hospitality manager
Travel writer
Tour Manager etc.
Conclusion
Working as a travel agent is quite rewarding. So if you desire to become a travel agent, you are on the right path. We have considered four essential steps that will help you become a successful travel agent. Consider them carefully and seek a formal education to further improve your skills. For more information, kindly visit commutepassport.com.
