Have you ever thought of becoming a travel agent? You could be your own boss. You could work from anywhere in the world. You could get travel agency discounts, as well as incentives and booking perks. Once your business is well established, you could be offered “FAM trips,” which are free trips given to travel agents to see and experience travel destinations and vacation products like resorts and tours. Being a successful travel agent basically means you will have the opportunity to travel the globe indefinitely.
Things to Learn, Decisions to Be Made
Know that there are many travel agent certifications that can be obtained. Know also that while they may help in terms of credibility and industry knowledge, no single certification is absolutely necessary. The most commonly obtained certifications are issued by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). So, how to become a travel agent?
The best way to get started is to work with an existing travel agency, called a host agency. Host agencies can provide access to the certifications mentioned above as well as their booking inventories, and some will offer much-needed training and support to novices. It is usually not recommended to work with a multi-level marketing (MLM) travel agency. When choosing a host agency, take a look at which travel suppliers the agency has relationships with. Host agency relationships with travel industry heavyweights such as Disney, Universal Studios, and Carnival Cruise Lines are a good sign. A relationship with Billy-Bob’s Emporium of Rusted Tractors… Well, not so good.
The Nuts and Bolts of the Travel Industry
One factor in starting a travel agency is insurance. There is a specific kind of policy sold to travel agents called “Errors and Omissions” insurance. It provides coverage for travel agencies against potential liabilities such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or legal issues related to bookings.
Another issue is software. If you are working with a host agency, getting experience with the client software they use will be a very valuable experience. Because there are dozens of software systems used in the United States and internationally, early guidance and hands-on practice with agency software is fundamental to long-term success.
As with any new business, marketing cannot be ignored. Do not think that your best and most profitable customers will be family and friends. A more likely situation is that the customers who always want more free stuff will be family and friends. Note that travel agency marketing is heavily focused on social media. Have a marketing approach and budget from the outset.
Ready to Take Off?
The travel industry is currently experiencing moderate growth, and in spite (or because of) the increasingly interconnected digital world, more people are using travel agents than in recent years. While it’s not without certain drawbacks, being a travel agent is overall an enjoyable and rewarding experience. It is an occupation that allows you to help people create some of the most unforgettable experiences of their lives, while providing you the opportunity to explore the world.
