If you’re looking for a flexible new career, why not learn how to become a travel agent?
No matter what the economic conditions, people will always need to travel. Whether it’s to Tokyo for a business convention, or to Toledo to visit family, the need to get from here to there will always exist.
Traveling, however, is getting more complicated. Airlines have confusing rules about when you can travel, and how many bags you can bring on board.
Documentation needed for travel between countries has changed. Figuring out how to secure the next flight if yours is cancelled is a headache.
As a travel agent, you can provide a one-stop shopping experience for your customers, planning their transportation, hotel stay and activities, and assisting them if there is any problem in the trip planning process.
How to Become a Travel Agent
You have a love of new places and you’re excited about sharing that knowledge with others. You’re detail oriented, organized, but still have a creative, imaginative side. Those assets, plus great customer service and computer skills will provide an excellent foundation for you.
While no license is required to become a travel agent, you do need to have a high school diploma. Some travel agencies prefer college experience as well.
To get travel agent training, consider going to a travel agency school, or contact the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA.org) for more information.
You can also get on the job training to learn how to become a travel agent by working in a travel agency as a receptionist. As you gain experience, you can begin more travel agent duties.
As a travel agent, you can do your business in a number of ways. You may work in a travel agency as an employee. Or, a travel agent may work in an agency office, but as an independent contractor. This gives the benefit of having a professional place for meeting with clients, yet still having your own business.
Other travel agents may have a home-based travel agency, and bring their business to the client. This has the advantage of lower overhead, and the opportunity to be more creative in your business.
Why Choose You?
With the number of larger travel agencies out there, plus websites like Expedia.com, one question you must answer is why should a customer choose you instead? In order to succeed against the big guys and the do-it-yourselfers, you need to appeal to a specific group, or meet a need that has so far been unmet.
Seniors may enjoy traveling, but may not be as comfortable surfing the ‘net to compare prices and understand complicated restrictions as you. Perhaps you can develop vacation packages that would provide adventure and companionship for older adults.
Sports aficionados might love a theme-based vacation, following their favorite baseball or basketball team on the road.
Where are the best family vacations? Maybe you could base your business on developing the perfect family vacation packages, regardless of the kids’ ages.
Or maybe you want to plan magical honeymoons in unusual locations.
Once you have determined your area of strength, you can target that market to draw in your customers.
With a firm plan in mind, you can enjoy and explore the world of travel by learning how to become a travel agent.
