How to Be a Travel Consultant

According to PayScale.com, almost 57 percent of travel consultants say they are content with their jobs. A travel consultant is another name for a travel agent. A consultant works one on one with customers to plan their ideal trip--for business or pleasure. Travel consultants may work for a large agency or have an office of their own. It is not uncommon for businesses to hire a travel consultant to work as a contracted employee to plan all their business travel needs as well. To become a travel consultant, a four-year degree in tourism and hospitality management is an option, but is not mandatory.

Instructions

1

Decide what type of travel consultant you wish to become. Some travel consultants focus on specific travel, such as cruises or business travel. Find a school that specializes in this type of travel consultancy, such as Mid Florida Tech, West Los Angeles College or the International Travel Institute in Houston.

2

Enroll in a four-year college for a degree in hospitality and tourism management or an online or technical school for travel agent certification. Purdue University, the University of Wisconsin-Stout and Florida International University all offer four-year degrees in hospitality and tourism management. A degree will help you excel further in your career and give you a better understanding of the industry. It will also give you an advantage compared to the others in your industry. These programs often place you in internships for college credit while in school to gain experience as well.

3

Complete your course work, which will include geography, computer classes and business marketing. Upon completion, print off your certification or submit the necessary paperwork through your school.

4

Join an organization such as the American Society of Travel Agents to obtain discounts you can receive nowhere else. Throughout the year there are a number of trade shows where you can network with different people in the industry. For example, at the National Exhibitor Reception, you can meet other travel agents in the industry and learn about new vacation spots and attractions throughout the world. At the annual Agent Education, the ASTA provides continuing education sessions to help you become proficient in various areas of being a travel agent. The 50+ sessions vary every year.

5

Apply for a job at an agency. Whether you want to work independently or with another agency, you want to have experience on your resume in the travel industry. While in school, consider applying for a job as a receptionist or assistant to gain experience. Most travel agents can earn around $15 an hour (as of 2010), according to PayScale.com, and to earn this higher end you will need experience in the industry.

6

Market your business at any time. Talk to everyone and anyone about your business. You may meet future customers in line at the grocery store or the waiting room at the doctor's office. Talk to local businesses about the opportunities you have to help them plan their trips as well.