Travel Agent

A travel agent bookings flights, hotels and other travel services for clients.

This job is perfect for those who love to explore new places and like interacting with people. Becoming a travel agent requires completing a training course and getting licensed.

Anyone interested in becoming a travel agent should have excellent communication skills, be able to multitask, and have strong organizational skills.

Keep reading to know more about this job and what you can expect if you become a travel agent.

What is a Travel Agent?

A travel agent is a person who books travel services such as flights, hotels, and car rentals for clients.

There are also travel agents who specialize in booking cruises and vacation packages. A travel agent is not a tour operator and does not sell package tours.

Anyone who is interested in travelling can hire a travel agent to help them arrange their trip. Some travellers may prefer to work with a travel agent because booking the trip themselves can be time-consuming and stressful.

How to Become a Travel Agent?

Becoming a travel agent requires completing a training course and getting licensed. Many travel agents complete a college degree program to gain the skills and knowledge needed to start this job.

There are also many online travel courses available that you can complete to become a travel agent.

Most travel companies require their travel agents to be licensed and certified. To become a travel agent, you will need to pass a travel agent certification exam.

Once you pass the exam, you will receive a certification that shows that you are qualified to become a travel agent.

Job Responsibilities of a Travel Agent

Travel agents are responsible for booking their clients’ travel arrangements such as flights, hotels, and rental cars.

They may also help their clients find cruise tickets and vacation packages. Some travel agents specialize in booking flights only.

Travel agents need to have excellent communication and customer service skills since they often interact with clients.

They also need strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks at once since this job often requires long hours.

Some travel agents also train new employees and may be responsible for managing their co-workers.

Advantages of Becoming a Travel Agent

There are many advantages to becoming a travel agent. Some travel agents enjoy the flexible work hours and the ability to set their own schedule.

Others appreciate having jobs in which they can work remotely. Travel agents may also enjoy the chance to travel for work occasionally.

For example, they may get to visit new places to attend conferences or trade shows related to their job.

Other advantages of this job include being able to earn a good salary, having a high earning potential, and being in a job that is recession-proof.

There are also excellent benefits offered by many travel agencies.

Disadvantages of Being a Travel Agent

Some travellers find booking their trips with a travel agent unappealing because they prefer to book their trip online.

Most travel agencies require their clients to book a certain amount of travel services through them in order to earn a commission.

As a travel agent, you may also be required to be available during certain times such as holidays, weekends, and evenings.

This job can also be stressful since travel agents are often under pressure to meet deadlines and satisfy their clients.

Tips for Travelling Agents

If you want to become a travel agent, you should have excellent organizational skills, be able to multitask, be great at communicating with people, have a passion for travel, and be willing to work long hours.

You may also want to complete a travel agent certification course. Before booking a trip for yourself or for a client, make sure to check the travel terms and conditions so that you do not miss out on any important information.