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 How Does One Become A Travel Agent?

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Ajani
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Ajani


Number of posts : 173
Age : 36
Location : PRIOR LAKE, MN 55372
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Registration date : 2007-08-07

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PostSubject: How Does One Become A Travel Agent?   How Does One Become A Travel Agent? Icon_minitimeFri Aug 10, 2007 10:39 am

I'm a college sophomore and, I'm still floundering about what I want to be when I grow up. I LOVE traveling and I'm thinking about becoming a travel agent or getting involved with the travel industry on some level.

Can you travel agents tell me about your jobs - the good, the bad and the ugly and perhaps suggest some other options I would have within the travel industry.

Thanks!
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PostSubject: Re: How Does One Become A Travel Agent?   How Does One Become A Travel Agent? Icon_minitimeFri Aug 10, 2007 1:30 pm

Ajani,

After 22+ years in customer service and a bad run in with a travel agent, I looked into becoming a TA myself.

The Travel Institute is a GREAT place to learn. I actually took some online community college classes that used the TI materials for their courses. I then took the TI Destination Specialist Tests for Alaska and the Caribbean. I did the DS test for Hawaii through the Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau. By attending annual seminars I become (and maintain) a Certified Sandals/Beaches Specialist.

Another good place for learning materials is http://www.hometravelagency.com/

Ultimately it will boil down to WHERE do you want to work ... in a traditional store front style agency? or home based as an independent contractor with a host agency?

If you want to research host agencies, I'd suggest checking out http://nacta5.securesites.net/hosts/ for starters.

If you want to work for a traditional store front agency (like AAA) you'll need to find out what their hiring requirements are, and what (if any) training they'd provide.
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newmexiconita
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Number of posts : 67
Age : 86
Location : south of Albuquerque, NM
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PostSubject: Re: How Does One Become A Travel Agent?   How Does One Become A Travel Agent? Icon_minitimeSat Aug 11, 2007 10:52 am

I attended travel school in the 80s, from there I went to work for a major hotel chain reservations service. With the hotel benefits and daughters working for the airlines I was able to gain personal experience, traveling both domestically and internationally.

I opt for an early retirement and became a travel agent. I love my job as I am sure Susan does, but be prepared, you will not get rich.

She has given you some very good tips, all I can add might be to look into some other options if you want to work in the industry. I mention this, only because there are other travel related careers that may be more financually rewarding. Before making any decisions talk to some tradtional store front companies. Be aware of any promos you see that talk about selling travel from your home. I am not saying this isn't a good thing. Some of the best companies are home based, but most are come ons. You will not make any money, have no client base and be spinning your wheels. You need a company that offers lots of support and knowledge.

Good luck,

Nita
nmnita@msn.com
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PostSubject: Re: How Does One Become A Travel Agent?   How Does One Become A Travel Agent? Icon_minitimeSat Aug 11, 2007 6:06 pm

Anyone who wants guaranteed riches should definitely consider another line of work Wink But it is fun, and rewarding in nonfinancial ways!!

If you see an offer, especially one that sounds too good to be true, feel free to post here and ask about it. We can tell you the companies to steer clear of.
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newmexiconita
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PostSubject: Re: How Does One Become A Travel Agent?   How Does One Become A Travel Agent? Icon_minitimeSun Aug 12, 2007 4:53 pm

I am sure Ivanova gets the same satisfaciton out of being a travel consultant I get; what makes it such a fun profession? It is a happy one. Rarely are you dealing with a negative situation. Most people love going on vacation and come back happy. Oh sure, there are those who cause us little and big headaches from time to time and situations where, if we measured our work by hours, we would go on welfare and have money money, but normally it is a really fun job.

Nita
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PostSubject: Re: How Does One Become A Travel Agent?   How Does One Become A Travel Agent? Icon_minitimeSun Aug 12, 2007 5:17 pm

newmexiconita wrote:
...but normally it is a really fun job.

I'll second that!!!! bounce
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MerryMeetingTravel
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Number of posts : 186
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PostSubject: Re: How Does One Become A Travel Agent?   How Does One Become A Travel Agent? Icon_minitimeTue Apr 08, 2008 6:46 pm

Great advice so far.... and yes, I agree it is a fun job.

I personally own my own agency... after being involved with "hosts" I decided that wasn't for me...I am actually a retired Registered Nurse....and have been growing my knowledge of travel products tremendously.

As was mentioned above... if you see an offer... run it by the agents on these boards... I am sure you will get great advice...
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PostSubject: Re: How Does One Become A Travel Agent?   How Does One Become A Travel Agent? Icon_minitime

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