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If you love to travel and have good communication and computer skills, consider becoming a travel agent. You will get reduced rates on tours, transportation, and lodging. Plus, you will have the pleasure of helping other travelers plan their dream trips.
Travel Agent Schools in North America
Request information from any of the schools offering travel and tourism programs below:
Travel & Tourism Schools: Online Travel & Tourism Schools
Travel & Tourism Schools Organized by State (US):
Travel & Tourism Schools by Providence (Canada):
In the past travel agents did not need formal training to be employed and succeed in this field. Increasingly, however, you will find that training at a vocational school, college, or university will help your chances of getting a job.
Travel agent courses are offered online, in adult education programs, and in community and technical colleges. You will learn about sales techniques, the reservation systems, cruise lines, and travel destinations.
A few colleges offer bachelor’s and/or master’s degrees in travel and tourism. Some employers prefer to hire people with educational backgrounds in history, geography, or foreign languages and give them on-the-job training in being a travel agent.
Entry-level positions include reservation clerks or receptionists in travel agencies. With experience, budding travel agents take on more responsibility. Travel agents must take continuing education classes in order to keep up with the latest technology and travel options in this rapidly changing field.
Your salary as a travel agent will depend on your experience and sales ability and the size and location of your employer. The median annual earnings of travel agents were $29,210 in May 2006.
Job opportunities for travel agents should be fair to good in the next few years. The Internet allows customers to make their own reservations and the depressed economy reduces the public’s ability to travel, both of which dampen the market for travel agents.
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