How to Become a Travel Agent at Home

Seeking a job as a travel agent is ideal for someone who loves all types of travel and helping others book their dream vacation. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, travel agents spend a considerable amount of time researching travel itineraries and must understand the geography of different destinations. Most travel agents who want to work from home must start by working for a larger company. You will gain experience in reservation procedures and attain accreditation with the Airlines Reporting Corporation or the International Airlines Travel Agency Network, which can help agents start their own companies.

Instructions

1

Purchase a computer and set up Internet access. A computer and computer skills are essential to anyone who wishes to be a travel agent and work from home. Companies need travel agents who have updated computer operating systems as well.

2

Complete a travel agent class offered at a local college or an online program. Courses for travel agents educate students about sales, marketing, geography and travel industry forms. Complete a course that offers certification, if possible.

3

Read travel magazines at your local library to keep up with the latest trends in travel. Look for articles about any new hotel openings and new travel destinations. Research designations you are most interested in. Many travel agents specialize in one area and target a specific demographic group, such as senior citizens.

4

Learn at least one other language. Travel agents are expected to understand different cultures and learning another language helps when dealing with foreign tour operators and customers. Many home travel agents also deal with clients from all over the world rather than just the U.S.

5

Keep up with world events. Travel agents need to understand weather, political and social issues around the world, especially if working at home. Most home-based travel agents are working with a variety of clients and tour companies from around the world, and they need to know if there is political strife or a devastating storm at a destination they are dealing with.

6

Apply to travel agent jobs that are specifically for telecommuting or home-based applicants. Read online classified ads and newspaper ads. Apply only to agencies that are certified with organizations such as the Airlines Reporting Corporation or the International Airlines Travel Agency Network, both are approving bodies for airline companies.

7

Work for a travel agency that offers telecommuting positions, such as a travel agent that is primarily online. You can usually use your own computer to gain access to different travel reservation databases.

8

Ask your travel agency to register you with the Airlines Reporting Corporation or the International Airlines Travel Agency Network's personnel list. You can only attain this after working for one year with an accredited agency. Through these organizations, you can apply for a travel agency ID card and your own certification to become a manager or start your own agency.