If you have a knack for finding great travel deals and love working with the public, a career as a travel agent may be your ideal occupation. Travel agents enjoy the rewards of discounted travel and hotel accommodations, but are also highly skilled in travel-based computer programs. Whether recommending travel to Bermuda for a honeymoon or booking a European backpacking trip for a young collegian, a travel agent must master the art of client service and travel expertise to succeed in this rapidly changing industry.
Significance
Although a plethora of Web-based travel websites like Expedia, Travelocity and Last Minute Travel provide reduced prices on hotels and air travel to online shoppers, few can replace the service and personal touch of travel agents. As many media outlets in the early 2000s reported the demise of the travel agent, many agencies have retooled their service offerings to remain viable and competitive in the marketplace.
Types
Travel agents book travel accommodations for cruise lines, business travelers, eco-tourists, wedding parties, honeymoons, family travel and trips for conventioneers, meetings and conference attendees. There are independent or freelance travel agents who work at home and corporate travel agents who work for an established agency. Travel agents are divided into two distinct categories: luxury travel, business travel and family/economy travel.
The luxury traveler depends upon the travel agents knowledge of exotic locales, local customs and mores of the destination and demands white-glove hospitality from private jets to 5-star accommodations.
The travel agent serving the business traveler must shield the passenger from unforeseen flight delays and travel mishaps. The business traveler requires the travel agent to have a breadth of information for each national and international destination. The travel agent makes recommendations from nightlife and business travel customs to business dinners and extra-curricular activities.
The family or economy traveler must be informed of the best spa vacations for a group of girlfriends to last-minute economy flight for funerals and family emergencies. Travel pricing for lodging and flights are often more important to these travelers than tailor-made experiences.
Education and Training
Travel agents are trained via home-study courses, continuing education by travel agent associations and schools for travel agents. Travel agents learn how to use computer reservation software; sell packages and individual travel options and Established travel agencies require a high school diploma for employees. Managers or travel agency directors often have college degrees, advanced certification or a mastery of many languages.
Earning Potential
Freelance travel agents receive a commission on each flight and hotel booked per passenger. Salaried travel agents receive a base salary with option for bonuses once sales goals are achieved. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, earnings for salaried travel agents ranged from $23,020 to $46,270 in 2006. Travel agents who are 100 percent commission-paid have the potential to increase their earnings, beyond the salaried agents in the eco-tourism and luxury travel sectors (see Resources below).
Considerations
A travel agent's knowledge extends far beyond booking flights and basic travel knowledge. A travel agent must provide advice on securing a passport or necessary travel documents, airline luggage requirements, local weather conditions, car or limousine rental, and currency exchange rates.
Professional Associations
The National Business Travel Association (NBTA) bestows the designation of Corporate Travel Expert (CTE) and Certified Corporate Travel Executive (CCTE) to qualified travel professionals (see Resources below).
The Travel Institute, established in 1964, awards the Certified Travel Associate (CTA) and Certified Travel Counselor (CTC) to travel agency professionals. Travel agents can also join the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA).
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