How To Become a Travel Agent

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How Long Does It Take, What Degree Do You Need, and More

Travel Agents

Travel Agents plan and sell transportation and accommodations for customers. Determine destination, modes of transportation, travel dates, costs, and accommodations required. May also describe, plan, and arrange itineraries and sell tour packages. May assist in resolving clients' travel problems.

Salary
$46650
Becoming One
Medium
Education
Associate's degree
Job Satisfaction
Job Growth

Personality
Interest Match



What degree do you need

Recommended degree level

Associate’s Degree

We did a survey to ask other Travel Agents what degree they had when they became a Travel Agent. Here are the results.
Associate’s Degree
37.25%


High School Diploma
30.8%


Bachelor’s Degree
14.36%


One of the most common questions that we always get is what major or degree do I need to become Travel Agents or what courses do I need to take.

We also asked Travel Agents what did they major in college or university and here are the top 5 most popular majors that came up.

Selling Skills and Sales Operations
Tourism and Travel Services Marketing Operations

A high school diploma typically is required for someone to become a travel agent. However, employers may prefer candidates who have taken classes related to the travel industry. Many community colleges, vocational schools, and industry associations offer technical training or continuing education classes in professional travel planning. In addition, a few colleges offer degrees in travel and tourism.



How hard is it

Difficulty
Not Too Hard

You may need some previous work-related skill, knowledge or experience to be a Travel Agent. For example, an electrician must complete three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

Careers in this difficulty category will usually need 1 or 2 years of on-the-job training and informal training with experienced workers. These careers usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Similar careers include hydroelectric production managers, travel agents, electricians, court reporters, and medical assistants.


Related work experience required
1 to 2 years

1 to 2 years
46.78%


3 to 6 months
14.36%


8 to 10 years
14.36%


Job training
3 to 6 months

3 to 6 months
31.81%


1 to 3 months
31.14%


6 months to 1 year
18.57%



License and certifications

Do you need any license or certification
Requirements vary by state

Some associations offer certifications that may help travel agents once they are on the job. The Travel Institute, for example, provides training and professional development opportunities for experienced travel agents. Some states require agents to have a business license to sell travel services. Requirements among states vary greatly. Contact individual state licensing agencies for more information.


Skills required

We asked other Travel Agents if they could only have 5 skills, what would they be. Here is what they said.

1. Active Listening what does this mean
2. Speaking what does this mean
3. Service Orientation what does this mean
4. Reading Comprehension what does this mean
5. Social Perceptiveness what does this mean

= Hot in-demand that most employers are looking for


Knowledge required

Just like any other job, you will need certain know-hows to excel at your job. Travel Agents are generally very knowledgeable in these 5 key areas.

1. Customer and Personal Service what does this mean
2. Geography what does this mean
3. Sales and Marketing what does this mean
4. Transportation what does this mean
5. English Language what does this mean


Learn more about Travel Agents

Summary
Job Description
Salary
Requirements (You are here)
Quiz

Related to Travel Agents Requirements

Travel Agents requirements, how to become Travel Agents, degree required to be a Travel Agent, Travel Agents license and certifications, majors to be a Travel Agent, is it hard to become a Travel Agent and how long does it take


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