Nowadays, consumers are once again realizing that using a travel agent is a benefit when planning vacations.
According to statistics, while many in the travel industry have declared the era of travel agents to be over, travel agents in the United States are reporting an increase in business. During 2015, over 60 percent of travel agents reported a sales increase from the previous year.
If this surge has sparked your interest in becoming a travel agent, there are steps you need to take to get your career off the ground.
Al Richman, a Dream Vacations Franchise Owner and Vacation Specialist with Ask Us About Vacations in Lantana, Florida said emphasized how it's important to be teachable and willing to learn:
"Learning will need to be an ongoing process. As the more things change, the more knowledge is needed. Also, be mentally prepared that you have to be patient to see your success. This is not a get-rich-quick-scheme, and it takes both time and effort to be profitable, financially and personally."
Richman also advises travel agent-wannabes to learn how to put the client first and get rid of their "What's In It for Me" way of thinking.
"A travel agent should have the mentality that you will never sell a vacation. You only need to help people make good buying decisions so they can sell themselves on the vacation," said Richman.
Denise Lorentzen of Dreams Family Travel of Hughson, California said the first step she took was researching the type of education that was available: "It was important for me to take some travel courses before starting, so I signed on with Career Quest."
Then, you need to decide how you want to run your business as a travel agent, whether through a host model or by getting your own credentials.
"When going with a host model, there is a lot of opportunity for education and more, plus they streamline a lot of your back office work," said Lorentzen.
For more information on becoming a travel agent, visit the American Society of Travel Agents which provides professional education activities and courses that focus on the latest trends and research. They also have additional information on legislation and ethics for travel agents as well as a list of ASTA member travel schools, many of which offer online or correspondence courses.
A degree isn't always required to become a travel agent, but you can take courses in a travel or tourism program for certification, though continuing education courses may be necessary to renew your certification.
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