Love to travel? The public, too? Then maybe you should consider becoming a travel agent. Here are some practicaltips to help make that dream a reality.
How to become a travel agent
Below are the different options open to you if you’d like to start learning about the travel industry and booking trips for other people. The paths may vary in each province or territory, so be sure to get all the necessary information for where you live.
- You could obtain a community college or technical school certificate that prepares you to be a travel agent. There are also many private colleges that offer this type of training.
- You could get a university degree in tourism development and travel management.
- You could take a travel agent course online. These programs are ideal for adults of any age who wish to study at their own pace and at a time that fits into their schedule.
What travel agents do
Want to know more about the day-to-day tasks of a travel agent? Put simply, your role will be to help clients plan and organize their trips so they don’t have to worry about navigating through flight lists and arranging all the details.
Although your main job is to help them decide on the type of travel and package that best suits them, other tasks are involved as well:
- You’ll advise clients on the type of tourism products and services that match their budget and interests.
- You’ll create and modify packages by offering additional services to your clients.
- You’ll suggest city tours and organized side trips that might appeal to your clients.
- You’ll give clients all the necessary information about the travel documents, insurance and vaccinations they might need for their trip.
- You’ll make all the required accommodations and transportation reservations.
Do you have what it takes?
If you want to become a travel agent, there are some skills and aptitudes that will help you along:
- You’re passionate about travel.
- You’re motivated and determined.
- You’re an independent and outgoing person with a strong sense of responsibility.
- You have good people skills and communication skills.
- You can speak other languages or are interested in doing so.
- You enjoy working with the public and are an effective salesperson.
Work in an office or at home?
If you decide this job is for you, you might begin your career by working for an established travel agency. But it is also possible to start your own travel agency and work from home. If you’ve ever dreamed of managing your own schedule, here is the perfect opportunity!
Does this description of the ideal travel agent fit you to a "T"? Do you think you have the right profile for the job? Then there’s nothing stopping you from becoming a travel agent and living out your dream.
