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7 Best Online Travel Agent Programs (Complete Guide)

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Many people’s dream job is to travel and get paid!

While travel agents are only sometimes traveling, as they need to help plan and use their resources to set itineraries while getting the best deals, they must be knowledgeable about various places.

If you’re interested in becoming a travel agent, several educational paths exist to help you reach your goals.

The most common approach is an online travel and tourism diploma program, which is readily available.

If you want to dive deeper into the field, associate and bachelor’s degree programs are available but still require the fundamental core classes and can take up to four years to earn.

On the other hand, a certificate degree can be achieved in under one year.

If you’re interested in becoming a travel agent and are searching for a reputable online program, keep reading to learn more!

Best Online Travel Agent Programs

Despite being necessary for tens of thousands of travelers worldwide, travel agency positions are relatively niche.

Therefore, only a few online travel agent programs exist, including the following:

American Society of Travel Advisors

The ASTA offers a Verified Travel Advisor certification program, which helps students hone travel and tourism skills while providing a broad industry perspective.

This online, self-paced course is highly flexible, as students can complete the required coursework on their own terms.

Lessons for the primary certification include the following:

• Advanced Public Speaking – improves public speaking capabilities through actionable information.
• Agency Relationships and the Law – learn about your legal obligations to your clients, liabilities, and legal rights.
• Ethics for Travel Advisors – students must review and agree to the 12-point Code of Ethics, which builds client trust.
• Legal Overview for the Travel Agency Industry – taught by an attorney about legal issues surrounding taxes, liability, insurance, fees, and more.
• Marketing YOU! – maximize your value by promoting your business using effective marketing tactics.
• Project Management and Planning for the Travel Advisor – learn how project management and planning are critical to the industry and how to apply these techniques within your business.
• Real-World Sales Tactics – learn tactical solutions for improving your consulting and selling skills.
• The Art and Science of Negotiation – negotiating is a critical aspect of a successful travel business that allows you to get the best prices for your clients.
• U.S. Travel Agency Regulatory Compliance – helps travel advisors avoid costly regulatory mishaps.

The ASTA member program price is $399, the non-member independent travel advisor cost is $627, and the non-member travel advisor price is $789.

For those seeking re-certification, the tuition cost is $179.

Ashworth College

As one of the leading online vocational schools, Ashworth College helps students explore travel and tourism careers.

Their diploma in travel and tourism comprises coursework like The Global Distribution System, Types of Travel, and Travel Geography.

The program begins by teaching students the business fundamentals and ends with how to establish an exciting career as a travel agent or in other travel-related fields.

Program graduates have moved into numerous careers, from corporate travel at significant companies to starting a travel agency business.

Cayuga Community College

The entirely online Tourism Management certificate from Cayuga Community College is a 30-credit-hour program that prepares students for entry-level careers as travel agents, destination marketing organizations, tourism bureaus, tour companies, or working for tourism promotion agencies, hotels, inns, cruise lines, and visitor centers.

This self-paced certificate program allows students to work and attend school on their own schedule.

The faculty teaching these courses is the same online as on-campus, and students can transfer credits from other schools instead of retaking the class.

Colorado State University

CSU offers an online master’s degree in tourism management for those looking to make a career change or advance further in the industry.

This program focuses on developing students’ business management insight, helping them understand global tourism’s environmental and social impacts, and enhancing their knowledge of standard industry practices.

Furthermore, the faculty focuses on new technology, an evolving marketplace, and international events impacting tourism activities.

Throughout the nine-month program, students will learn more about financial management tools and processes, effective communication and marketing strategies, how to use data to guide business strategies, and how to manage resources and people ethically and strategically.

The program has 30 total credits and costs $794 per credit hour, regardless of if you live in-state or out-of-state.

Cruise Lines International Association

CLIA offers numerous online certification programs, including Accredited Cruise Counselor, Certified Cruise Counselor, Master Cruise Counselor, Elite Cruise Counselor, and Travel Agency Executive (TAE), a broader certification beyond cruises.

TAE was developed for management travel agency professionals currently employed by a CLIA Affiliate Agency and may be selling travel products.

To be eligible, candidates must work in a leadership capacity within the travel industry.

Those accepted into the program have two years from enrollment to complete the program and submit the required documentation.

The curriculum includes the following mandatory courses:

• Better Listening Skills for Better Business
• Building Client Loyalty
• Cruise Industry Leadership 501
• Cruise Industry Leadership 601
• Customer Relationship Management
• Effective Cruise Presentations 101
• Marketing 101
• Public Relations 101

Attendees must also select one elective training requirement: three CLIA online courses and live seminars, earning the CTA, CTC, or CTIE designation, or holding an undergraduate or graduate business degree.

Additionally, students must have two personal travel experiences: two cruises of at least two nights or be a CLIA Global Cruise Line Member.

Penn Foster Career School

Penn Foster and Ashworth College typically frequent the same list as best online vocational schools.

Like Ashworth, Penn Foster boasts an excellent travel agent diploma.

If you are passionate about travel, the program prepares you to work for tour companies, cruise ships, airlines, and travel agencies.

Many graduates also opt to open a travel agency business or in a corporate travel position.

The travel agent course prepares students for the Travel Agent Proficiency certification exam.

The curriculum includes Computerized Reservation Systems, Tours and Vacation Packages, Exploring the World, International Travel, World Geography, North American Air Travel, and The Travel Professional.

The school also offers a Destination Specialist course to expand student skills in the field further.

Tuition for the entire program, including materials, is $799, but the school offers flexible monthly payments for those who cannot immediately pay in full.

Stratford Career Institute

The Stratford Career Institute Travel Agent Program was developed for those who love to travel and want to transition that passion into a career.

The course covers basic and advanced topics that benefit aspiring travel agents and novices.

The curriculum includes Destination Geography, Travel and Booking Trends, and Corporate and Leisure Travel.

Students can expect to also learn about sales and marketing techniques, ticket prices and fees, and common fares within the industry.

The Travel Institute

Founded in 1964, The Travel Institute has granted just under 30,000 certifications since its founding.

The school has over 145 approved programs and has been awarded 3,600 scholarships since 2014.

The school offers a Certified Travel Associate (CTA) program, which covers 15 critical study areas developed to focus on the required skills for becoming a North American travel consultant.

To enroll in the program, candidates must have at least one year of industry experience selling travel products and services or pass the Travel Agent Proficiency exam with an 80 percent score.

To earn the certification, candidates must pass the CTA examination with at least a 70% score.

To maintain the certification, candidates must earn 10 continuing education units or more annually and be registered in the Certified Travel Agent Directory, which is a public document.

The skill modules range from travel insurance and planning itineraries to business ethics and business writing.

Best of all, the program can be taken entirely online in digital or digital plus print formats for those who prefer learning using physical materials.

The program offers peer support, one—on—one counseling, practice scenarios, and expert tips via videos from industry executives.

The digital version costs $550, while the digital plus print option costs $650.

What Courses Are in an Online Travel Agent Program?

Travel agent programs vary greatly based on the type and level of the coursework and the industry type.

The most common travel agent courses cover the following topics:

• Advising clients on local activities.
• Booking trends.
• Customer relationship management.
• Determining travel costs.
• Developing alternative travel plans when schedules change.
• Discuss essential information with clients.
• Informing clients about required travel documents.
• Legal aspects of the travel industry.
• Marketing techniques
• Negotiating hotel rates.
• Planning itineraries.
• Project management and planning.

Can You Earn a Travel Agent Certification Completely Online?

Since there is no in-person requirement to become a certified travel agent, all certifications can be completed online.

Depending on the educational level in the tourism industry that you wish to achieve, the school may require an internship to gain firsthand experience in the industry, dealing with clients.

Experts advise students at all levels to enroll in an internship, which can help make you marketable for future potential employers, develop professional contacts, have a higher probability for direct job offers, and expand your transferrable skills.

How Long Does It Take to Earn a Travel Agent Certification Online?

The online travel agent certification time commitment ranges based on the educational level you wish to achieve.

More basic certificates can be earned in a few months, whereas bachelor’s degrees in travel and tourism can take four years or more if you plan to enroll in an internship.

The primary difference between the certificate and diploma programs and the associate and bachelor’s degree programs is the latter requires foundational core classes, and the former focuses solely on travel agent topics.

However, the associate and bachelor’s degree programs tend to go more in-depth on many travel and tourism topics and offer additional opportunities to take specialized electives, which could also make you a more marketable candidate.

Also, the more education received, the higher salary you could earn after graduation compared to those with a lower level certification.

How Much Does an Online Travel Agent Certification Cost?

Like the time commitment required for travel agent certification, the cost varies based on several factors, including the training length, the school’s reputation, specialization, and financial aid availability.

The most basic certification programs cost between $330 and several thousand for a program lasting several months to one year.

Specialization programs for those with related training can cost around $550.

For those seeking higher education, an associate degree can range from several thousand dollars per year to over $10,000.

A bachelor’s degree can cost thousands of dollars for the entire program.

Suppose you’re considering a private school for associate or bachelor’s degrees.

In that case, it’s advisable to complete the core classes at a local community college with significantly less expensive credit hours, then transfer in the credits and take the travel and tourism classes at the private school.

This could save tens of thousands of dollars in the long term. Another option is to look for scholarships, grants, and financial aid opportunities.

As the world reopens, travel and tourism are at an all-time high for adventurers wanting to get outside and explore new cultures.

Although technology continues to improve and create itineraries and plans for travelers at the click of a button, travel agents are still needed due to their professional connections and relationships with hotels, travel and transportation companies, restaurants, airlines, and other travel-related businesses.

Therefore, they continue to be in high demand to get their clients the best possible prices.

For those looking to enter this dynamic and exciting field, there are plenty of online educational opportunities from which to choose.

Schools like The American Society of Travel Advisors and The Travel Institute focus on preparing students for industry certifications.

Ashford College, Penn Foster, and the Stratford Career Institute are some of the best online colleges available, so they use technology so students can succeed.

Cayuga Community College and CSU are more traditional schools with multiple educational levels beyond certificates, and the Cruise Lines International Association emphasizes coursework related to cruise travel.

Many options depend on your academic and career goals, so determine where you want to go next!

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7 Best Online Travel Agent Training Programs

Get information on Travel Agent Training programs by entering your zip code and request enrollment information.

With online studies, your career as a travel agent starts with a laptop, access to the internet, and a click.

If you spend hours daydreaming about the perfect vacation and love being a part of every last planning detail, a career in travel is right for you.

If you want smooth sailing and to help vacationers’ trips go off without a hitch, a travel agent career is for you.

Start turning travel dreams into a reality for clients.

How do you get the certification and training you need to launch a career as a travel agent?

Check out these best online travel agent training programs.

1. Penn Foster

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Most online courses prepare you to sit for the Travel Agent Proficiency TAP exam to earn your travel and tourism certification.

The TAP test takes two hours to complete.

The test consists of 100 multiple-choice questions.

Or, continue your education to get your Bachelor of Science BS degree in hospitality.

After obtaining the necessary credentials, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 66,300 jobs in travel await those who pursue them, with an anticipated 3 percent job growth.

Travel agents earn an average of $46,400 annually, or $22.31 per hour.

The American Society of Travel Advisors, ASTA, and The Travel Institute developed the TAP certification examination.

Pass the TAP to launch your travel agent career.

Earn your TAP certification and then continue your education by attaining your Certified Travel Associate CTA certification.

Or, specialize in specific types of travel like the following:

• Family travel
• Accessible travel
• Rural tourism
• Pet-friendly travel
• Cruise lines
• Sustainable travel
• Eco-friendly travel
• Solo travel
• Luxury travel
• Romantic getaways
• Destination weddings
• Honeymoon travel

Take a look at the best options for online travel agent training programs.

Check out the following top online training programs:

Penn Foster Online offers courses at levels from high school to college degrees.

Learn everything you need to understand about the travel and tourism industry through this accredited school.

Penn Foster offers an affordable and accredited online Travel Agent Career Diploma.

The program prepares students for entry-level travel agent careers.

Study at your own pace with access to a dedicated faculty.

The Penn Foster online program prepares students for the TAP Travel Agent Proficiency certification exam.

Studying through Penn Foster also allows you free enrollment in a Destination Specialist course at The Travel Institute to help prepare you for the Destination Specialist certification exam.

Fast-paced learners complete the course in as short of time as nine months.

The average student takes 15 months to prepare for work as a travel agent.

Go on to work in an agency, a tour company, an airline, or any travel agent capacity.

The travel agent certificate online program usually costs $989.

Catch a sale to find it as low as $799.

The Travel Institute has a history of preparing individuals for successful and rewarding careers in the travel industry since 1964.

More than 25,000 students claim success through learning with The Travel Institute.

With more than 50 years of training travel agents, the Travel Institute offers certification as a non-profit organization.

The online program aims to develop travel professionals who will better the industry and benefit travelers.

The online training offers their own TRIPKIT Travel Industry Introductory Program.

The Travel Institute also offers certification courses and training in areas of specialization in the travel industry.

Before deciding on a course, sign up for one of many free Webinars.

Gain a solid foundation of knowledge to kick-start your career in travel in up to 12 months of study.

Become a Certified Travel Counselor CTC for $550.

Or, if you already have five years of industry experience, take the Fast Track course.

The Travel Institute also offers Certified Travel Associate CTA and Certified Travel Industry Executive CTIE courses.

Stratford Career Institute is privately owned and established in 1991.

The Institute offers quality at-home vocational training programs to students in North America.

Stratford foresaw the need for emerging education for busy adults and offers distance learning.

SCI provides the opportunity for students to learn in the convenience of their own home with a flexible schedule.

This online school is a member of the United States Distance Learning Association, the Canadian Network for Innovation in Education, and the International Council for Open and Distance Education ICDE.

SCI also has academic affiliations with Institutional Accountants ICIA and The Travel Institute.

If you love to travel and want to turn travel planning into your career, Stratford Career Institute online offers a comprehensive travel and tourism course.

Learn the basics and then move into more advanced topics.

Delve into sales and marketing with this self-paced course.

Complete the course in a year or shorter.

Some students are ready for the next step after six months.

The Stratford Career Institute Travel and Tourism online course will prepare you to sit for the TAP test.

Learn everything you need about landing a job and continuing work as a successful travel agent for $1,049.

Catch the course on sale for $499 during Black Friday or other sales throughout the year.

The Travel Agent Campus is a highly sought-after travel agent/advisor online training and certification program.

Train with lessons developed by innovators of their independent home-based travel agent learning platform.

Learn from instructors who offer more than 30 years of training to those new to the travel business.

The Travel Agent Campus allows you to work at your own pace.

Learn everything you need to know to earn your online travel agent certification in two weeks.

Or, take less time.

Most students finish the course in about three to ten days.

Pay $995 in full, or break it down into monthly payments.

Once you start your travel career, earn as much as 70 percent to 90 percent commission.

Learn at home about the vast travel industry and tourism at your own pace in partnership with TPI Travel Planners International.

Get started in your career of planning, researching, and booking trips with the help of this online course.

Grand Canyon University GCU offers a private for-profit university.

GCU is the largest Christian university in the world, teaching 70,000 online students and 20,000 on-campus learners.

Take your time and earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Hospitality Management.

By attaining a BS in Hospitality Management, you open doors to a solid career in travel.

With Grand Canyon University, earn your degree after studying 120 credit hours at approximately $485 per credit.

The online courses each last eight weeks and are self-paced.

You may participate in Web chat sessions or view lectures online throughout the courses.

If you have already earned college credit, transfer credit hours to reduce your overall expenses.

Apply for scholarships to save more on tuition costs. Also, enjoy extensive discounted tuition for active military personnel.

Study online to receive your travel consultant certificate from a program featured by Oprah, ABC, CNN, and The Wall Street Journal.

IAP Career College offers a private online career learning opportunity.

This online college allows students to develop skills to advance their careers or start a business.

Learn the principles and techniques of the travel industry through an affordable online program.

IAP Career College online Travel Consultant Certificate Course takes approximately six weeks to complete.

Some students get done faster, by four weeks.

Others take a full 12 weeks to complete.

Work online at your own pace without teaching assistance.

The IAP course costs approximately $377.

Catch a special sale to get it for as inexpensive as $149.00.

Ashworth College offers career education that teaches practical skills employers want without breaking the bank.

This online school is among the most affordable online schools available to gain travel agent certification.

All of the career-focused courses at Ashworth College include books, lessons, study guides, and academic guidance.

Earn your certification among more than 300,000 students who have graduated from Ashworth.

Ashworth College offers an online travel agent training program to prepare you for work in the travel industry.

The course of study covers reservations, customer service, and geography.

Study entirely at your own pace to prepare for the TAP test certification in less than a year.

Earn your travel and tourism diploma to work with planning tours and management positions.

Pay $989 with monthly payments of $799 paid in full.

Ready yourself to take the Travel Institute Travel Agent Proficiency Test after completing the course.

Ashworth College additionally provides a toolkit with resume templates and other resources to help you land a travel career.

Online travel agent training programs offer courses that teach everything you need to prepare you as a travel agent.

Some of the typical courses included in travel agent training programs include:

• Air travel ticketing, reservations, and baggage handling, including North American Air Travel
• Geographic studies, including popular travel destinations, cultures, customs, and top attractions while exploring the world
• Tourism and the History of tourism, including types of tourism and how travel impacts the economy
• TAP Travel Agent Proficiency Certification studies include customer service, consumer-focused professionalism, specialized travel sales techniques, marketing, office skills, and time management.
• Advanced skills in journey pricing and ticketing
• BSP Agent billing reports and agent remittance procedures
• Learn about required documents for international trips
• Intro to Tourism Management to establish a foundational understanding of the tourism business
• Delve into the challenges of the hospitality industry as a career
• Aspects of Transportation Learning how to navigate domestic and foreign transportation systems such as air, railway, or cruises
• Convention and Special Event Planning, including conferences, trade shows, arranging travel, lodging, booking the best venue, and organizing food services
• World Regions, including time zones, weather, and climate
• International Travel Documentation
• Customer-focused selling and understanding customer needs
• Accepting and processing payments
• Travel Insurance
• Car Rentals
• Tour Sales and Niche Marketing
• Hospitality
• Global Distribution System GDS and establishing Passenger Name Record PNR
• Career Options in Travel
• Types of Tours and Tour Operators
• Fares and ticketing
• How to start an at-home travel agency
• Business Ethics and writing skills
• The Art of listening and communicating

Several online colleges, universities, and career training centers offer a complete program to attain the skills needed in the travel industry.

One of the benefits of studying online is that you learn at your own pace.

Earning an online travel agent certification varies in how long it takes .

Spend a few days, two to three weeks, or stretch it out.

Combine your studies with an Associate’s or a Bachelor’s degree, and take two to four years.

Pursue one or all of the travel agent certifications, including the following:

• Travel Agent Proficiency TAP
• The Certified Travel Associate CTA – Requires one year of industry experience or completion of the Travel Agent Proficiency TAP exam.
• Certified Travel Counselor
• Certified Travel Industry Executive
• ASTA Verified Travel Advisor VTA from the American Society of Travel Advisors ASTA
• International Air Transport Association IATA
• Travel Industry Designator Service TIDS
• Certified Cruise Counselor CCC from the Cruise Lines International Association CLIA
• Accredited Cruise Counselor ACC
• Master Cruise Counselor MCC
• Elite Cruise Counselor ECC

Online training costs in the travel industry vary based on how long the program is, whether the institution is accredited, and any specializations you pursue.

It ranges in cost from approximately $100 to about $1,000 to complete certification.

Some online programs include an exam fee, so expect to spend about $2,000 or more.

Once you obtain the certification, expect ongoing studies to maintain the certification.

Agents must earn ten continuing education credits CEUs per year.

Pursue your dream of adventure and love for travel.

Obtain your certification to start work in the travel and tourism industry fast .

Study through the best online travel agent training programs.

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Travel Agent Training and Education, 2023

When it comes and choosing a travel agent training and education program to pave your journey to become a travel agent , it’s pretty much like the wild west out there. You might be saddled with questions such as

• How do I know if a travel agent education is legit?
• Is it right for my level of experience?
• Will it get me off to a strong start as a travel agent?
• Will it advance my professional development?

Travel agent education can be a significant investment of time and money, and you don’t want to waste it. Overwhelmed at the thought of wrangling all that information? Don’t be.

We’ve collected a ton of info on all the different options out there from free DIY educational resources to full-fledged degrees. This article guide will help you determine what type of travel agent training program is best for you, how to evaluate the quality of a program and direct you to further resources.

⭐️ Travel agent training & Education: HAR highlights! ⭐️

Why does travel agent training matter, do i need a travel agent training program, 5 travel agent training and education options.

• Travel Agent Schools
• Host Agency/ Consortia Education
• Travel Agent Certification
• Business and Sales Coaching
• Other Industry Resources

Tips on Evaluating Travel Agent Training & Education Programs

You might be surprised to hear that there’s no travel agent exam you need to pass or degree to earn in order to sell travel. That’s right. Nada. Better yet? You don’t need a degree or certification either. What exactly is required to sell travel? A travel agent accreditation . Beyond that, the only thing you need to sell travel is the skills to book a trip.

It sounds simple, but there’s more to meets the eye when it comes to booking a trip . Think of it this way: The average traveler spends over 20 hours browsing travel sites before they book a trip. Your task as a travel agent is to dramatically streamline the planning and booking process, booking the perfect trip in a fraction of the time.

This is where travel agent training and education opportunities enter the scene. They provide programs that cover all aspects of the industry ranging from getting more clients, marketing, booking, developing destination and product expertise, and much more.

Here's a teaser!

There are travel agent training and education opportunities abound. They cater to newbies as well as seasoned pros who’ve been selling travel before Millennials were out of diapers. So how do you decide which programs will meet your needs?

Here’s a few questions to consider as to whether or not a travel agent training program is for you:

• Do I need a travel agent training or education program to join a host agency or consortium? Some hosts require either industry experience or an education program before you can sign on with them. If you’re interested in checking out host agencies as an option, be sure to check with your host to see what their minimum requirements are! (Pssst! You can ask them directly on the Q&A portion of their profiles! )
• Do I need a travel agent training program to be accredited? Some accreditation organizations require travel agent training and education before signing on. Others require a certain sales threshold. If you’re interested in pursuing your own accreditation, take a look here for their eligibility requirements.
• Do I have the time and resources to cobble together my own travel agent education? If you have time to research and explore, you can really get to know a ton of information about the industry . . . for free! With this route, you’ll have nothing to show for it but your sharp brain. But if you want structured guidance, a curriculum, a degree or certificate, and predetermined educational benchmarks to meet, then a program might fit the bill.

You might still be uncertain. That’s okay because it’s not a cut-and-dry question! Following we’ll review a few of the training agent training and education options that you can explore!

If you’re overwhelmed by travel agent training options, you’re not alone. Below we break it down into five main categories (with links in case you want to fast-forward to a particular option!):

1. Travel Agent Schools

2. host agency/ consortia education, 3. travel agent certification, 4. business and sales coaching, 5. other industry resources.

We’ll give you a brief overview of each type of training, including what type of agent it might be good for! Most sections also include a link to a more in-depth look at that specific type of travel agent training and education program.

Let the rodeo begin!

1. What is their delivery format?

When it comes to travel agent training, travel agent schools typically offer degrees or professional certificates to those who want to become a travel agent. Most travel agent schools are online, though there are still a few rare birds out there that offer a classroom setting.

2. Is it for me?

Travel agent schools can be a great option if A.) you know you want to become a travel agent B.) you are brand new to the industry with little or no professional background C.) You want a degree (or professional certificate) in addition to an education.

If you are already setting up your business, don’t want a degree or professional certificate, and have already established a niche and know exactly what you want to do, a travel school might not be the right tool for the job. (Or at the very least, you may want to evaluate other options.)

3. What’s the end game?

It depends on the school, but typically a travel school will offer a broad (and hopefully in-depth) look at the travel agent sector of the travel industry. Some identify their main goal as preparing for the TAP (Travel Agent Proficiency) test, and most conclude with a degree or professional certificate.

4. How much do they cost?

There is a huge range and it will depend on how many credits you take and whether or not you also want a general degree. But the cost will range from $395 (for one course) to $14,000 (for degree-seeking programs)

5. How Long does it take?

The duration of a program also varies widely. It depends on whether you want a degree, a professional certificate, or both. The programs listed in our travel agent school article range from two months to two years.

6. What are the prerequisites:

This will vary by program. However, if you want to receive a general degree you will likely need a high school diploma.

First things first: what is a host and what is a consortium? At its most basic, a host agency is an umbrella organization that an independent agency (that’s you!) can align with for better commissions, supplier relations, and marketing/tech tools.

A travel consortium is a collective of host agencies, travel agencies, and/or travel advisors that join forces to combine resources in order to increase their industry footprint. This gives them more including buying potential, benefits, & commission levels.

To make things more confusing, since hosts are members of consortia, they may use that particular consortium’s travel agent education program and/or tools. A quick overview of these terms will get you through the article, but be sure to check out the links for more in-depth information on hosts and consortia!

Attending your specific host’s education program can be a really good primer. Why? Because it will also give you a good feel for their company culture and prepare you for their specific tools and technology.

Distilling host and consortia education options into a singular profile are almost impossible. Why? Well, we have over 140 host agencies listed on our site. Some of those hosts will have travel agent education programs, some won’t.

Among those that do offer programs, they may use different educational tools, systems delivery methods, etc. It’s mind-boggling! But this info will give you a sense of what’s out there before your plunge into specifics.

Host agencies and consortia offer every kind of education under the sun . . . that is, depending on what host you join! Here’s just a few of the educational formats they provide:

• Online Education
• Vendor training
• Conference calls
• Conventions or Meetings
• Hosted FAM trips (when an agent visits a site/ destination)
• Seminars at Sea
• In-person training
• Mentoring/ Coaching
• Niche or destination education

Some hosts and consortia will require some form of education or comparable travel agent experience before you sign on with them. If you plan to go with a host agency, and you know you want a travel agent education, their education programs might be a big determining factor for you.

However, if you want to join a host that has little or no educational support, then you may want to choose a different type of program to supplement your learning.

Also, some agents express that they don’t want to wait to complete a host’s education program before they’re able to book travel. So be sure to ask your shortlist of host agencies how soon you’ll be able to sell travel after signing on if this is a concern for you.

Not to sound like a broken record, but it depends. Different educational formats will have different goals. Basic programs may familiarize you with a host agency and the industry at large. But a marketing-specific program might have goals like, “launch your travel agency website” or “increase your client list by 10%.”

Among hosts that offer education programs, 65% reported that their education fees are included in their startup or sign-on fees. Among hosts that do “itemize” the cost for their education ranges from a low average of $2,135 to and high average of $2,475. Of the consortia who replied to our questionnaire, the cost ranged from zero to $150.

Among hosts that offer education programs, 65% reported that their education fees are included in their startup or sign-on fees.

The cost of a host agency or consortia education program will depend on a few things including of its intended participants (new or experienced agents), the scope of content (is it general or specific), and its duration (e.g. a one-off webinar vs. a week-long in-person intensive).

5. How long does it take?

Hosts' responses to how long their education program takes ranged from one day to 6 months (for a coaching program). Many hosts have self-paced programs. The consortia programs listed (in the link above) range from 30-50min. Per training module, to 12 weeks.

6. what are the prerequisites?

Aside from being an IC (independent contractor) under a host or consortium’s umbrella, there are no set prerequisites for new agent education. For more experienced agents or specialized training (such as a FAM), the education may be invite-only or include a sales threshold.

When it comes to travel agent training options, travel certifications are tricky to pin down. But here’s how we classify a travel certification. They are:

• Travel-specific (often focused on a certain type of travel or niche)
• A comprehensive training program (not just a specific destination or vendor)
• Education that is NOT provided by a vendor, destination, or travel agency.

Most travel certifications result in giving you letters after your name (like ACC for “Accredited Cruise Counselor” or “VTA” for Verified Travel Advisor). This indicates to other industry professionals that you’re investing in yourself and your profession. (Most clients will not recognize a travel industry certification.)

Unlike a host or consortia program, most certifications culminate in a test you need to pass to be certified.

Unlike a degree or a professional certificate, many travel agent certifications must be maintained. What does this mean? It means that you’ll have to re-certify after a certain span of time.

Most certifications nowadays are online. Some also may include (or require) in-person conventions/training. Some are a mix of both.

At the end of the day, probably the best way to gauge whether or not a travel agent certification will be valuable to you and your business is to ask:

• Will it further my knowledge?
• Is this certification recognized by other industry professionals?
• Does it open doors for me? (e.g. with some certifications, it allows you to be listed in an organization’s travel agent database for consumers to find.)

Some certifications are more niche-specific, and some are more general. Many travel agent certification organizations have tiers that range from beginning to experienced agents.

Aside from (hopefully) gaining knowledge, a travel agent certification culminates in industry recognition (letters after your name).

4. How much does Travel agent certification cost?

Among the travel certifications, we list on our site the cost ranges from $70 - $550 (which would not include travel expenses)

Depending on the rigor of the program, the amount of time to become certified ranges from 3 months to 2 years.

6. What are the prerequisites?

Entry-level certifications usually don’t have any strict prerequisites. If a program has “tiered” certifications, you will need to complete them before you move on to the more advanced certifications. Some of the more advanced travel agent certifications also require you to meet a certain sales threshold.

Some travel organizations require that you’re a member if you want to certify through them. Also, some certifications are facilitated by travel organizations (like ASTA or CLIA ). If this is the case, you’ll need to be an affiliate or member of their organization.

These types of travel agent training programs) are run by industry professionals—travel advisors, travel industry writers, agency owners etc.

Many times, these programs focus on a specific type of travel such as destination weddings or FITs. Many of them also include an element of coaching or mentoring. A few that come to mind:

• 20K System & Toolkit Destination Wedding Business Course: This course, created by Destination Wedding planner Tami Santini, addresses how to build a six-figure income while working with 5 to 10 couples per year. (Cost is $2,997 Tami is offering HAR readers 50% off which you can get by following this link . Full disclosure , this is an affiliate link, and will help the HAR crew feed our office dogs if you use it!)
• Travel Business Mastermind , developed by business management and digital marketing consultant, Richard D'Ambrosio, offers growth-centric training modules, master classes, and consultation for advisors at any stage on their career journey. Courses run $95 for an individual class to $1,000 for a package of 49 online courses. If you'd like to test the waters, you can sample a free course here .
• Romance Travel University, by DWHSA (Destination Wedding and Honeymoon Association): Offers niche-focused boot camps and events ($99/day for boot camps; $279 for membership; conference costs vary.)
• Travel Beyond the Obvious : Developed by destination expert and agency owner of Italy Beyond the Obvious. Training focuses on developing in-depth destination expertise (for any destination). ($249 per course, $1,499 for complete training; free sample course available)
• Travel Prolific & Kinship's Mentor & Coaching Program : Both programs are led by travel advisor and Kinship Vacations founder Ashley Metesh-McCoy, Travel Prolific offers hourly business/efficiency coaching for travel agents ($250/hr base price). Kinship's coaching & mentoring program is $1,500 for 12 months (for agents who are not hosted through Kinship).

Who better to learn from than people who have gone through it and succeeded? If there’s a program that fits your niche, and you like the person who runs it then I’d seriously consider it as a contender.

Oh no. Just when you thought you exhausted all travel agent training possibilities I throw in an “other” category. But here’s the deal: There’s a ton of other educational opportunities out there if you have the patience to cobble together your own schooling! Not only that, but many of these resources are free.

This option is great for DIY-loving newbies who may want to test the waters before investing in a travel agent training or education program. It’s also great for you if you just want a quick refresher in a specific niche, supplier, or type of travel.

Here’s some of what’s out there:

HAR’s 7 Day Setup

Speaking of free resources, we happen to have oodles of those on our site. But I have to say, that at this stage in the game our 7 Day Setup LITE takes the cake. Why? Because it connects you to all the resources you need to launch your agency in one week.

Destination/ Supplier Training & Webinars

It will come as no surprise to you that suppliers want you to be successful in selling their products and destinations. Want to get connected to a webinar? Check out what’s happening on HAR’s event page , for free training and webinar options.

Can’t find what you’re looking for? Check a supplier’s website, Facebook group, or social profile to see what they’re cooking (and then tell them to post it for free on our events page).

Industry Conferences & Events

Most industry conferences and events aren’t free, and you can quickly wrack up a steep bill with travel and lodging expenses. But these events can be an invaluable educational resource. Good events connect you with suppliers, provide educational panels, offer ample networking opportunities.

Want to go the extra mile? You can also tack on a cruise ship inspection or resort inspection.

How do you know what event to go to and make the most out of a travel conference? We wrote all about that topic here .

In each of our linked articles, we go into more detail on how to evaluate specific types of travel agent education and training. But if you really want to go the extra mile before you commit, here are a few extra steps you can take:

• Talk to agents who've taken the program. Ask the program director for emails of a few agents who have gone through the program (though most likely they will direct you to agents who have nothing but good things to say about it). Another good place to check? Facebook groups. If you’re interested in HAR’s 7 Day Setup (7DS) program, join our 7DS Facebook support group and snoop around.
• Ask for a sample course. Probably the best way to see if a program is good for you is to try it out. Ask the program if you can do a sample class or take a look at a recent syllabus. (They don’t have one?! Yikes!)
• Who runs the program? A travel advisor education will only be as good as the people “in front of the room.” Who runs the program? What is their industry experience? Who teaches the classes and how much real-life travel experience do they have?
• Ask for data. Nothing speaks louder than actions (errr, data). So what does their data tell you? How many agents complete education through the program? Do the agents find jobs? Do their sales increase? If the program boasts increased lead generation, do they have the numbers to back it up?
• Spy on their alumnus: Actions speak louder than words: Poke around on Linkedin or Facebook to see what career path alumnus followed after they complete their education.

Let’s Wind Up

I’m not going to lie. I’m impressed that you made it this far. You’ve conquered the Wild West of travel agent education and training opportunities.

It’s time to mosey on: drop a comment below about you personal experiences with travel agent training programs, or give me a holler at [email protected]

⭐️ Don't Miss HAR's Travel Agent Training & Education Series! ⭐️

• A Guide to Host Agency and Consortia Education: Details on host and consortia education, plus a comparison chart.
• Travel Agent Certification: Want to read up on what certification options are out there? This is for you.
• Travel Agent Schools, A Complete Guide: Want to look into a degree program or a professional certificate? Go here!

Editor's note: This was originally published on December 18th, 2019 and updated and republished Feb. 22nd. 2021.

photo credits: Austin Distel and Yudi Susilo

About the Author

Mary Stein has been working as a writer and editor for Host Agency Reviews since 2016. She loves supporting travel advisors on their entrepreneurial journey and is inspired by their passion, tenacity, and creativity. Mary is also a mom, dog lover, fiction writer, hiker, and a Great British Bake Off superfan.

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This is our signature and most popular program. Careers on Vacation™ is a 12-week immersive mastermind program. Agents on our experienced track skip the basics and get access to exclusive training, tools and resources designed to help experienced agents scale and grow quickly. We are an ASTA affiliated travel school, and as a graduating participant, you will receive the industry-recognized Careers on Vacation certification to use in your marketing.

We offer full support as you set up your marketing machine, sales, service and operational systems. Get access to our personal team of leading experts as we support you in the real world set up and application; this is what is so different about our program and why we have the best results in the industry.

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Raise your hand if you love to travel. Whether you’re often on the road or take a vacation just once a year, you’ve probably heard of travel agents. These folks help plan and book itineraries for you, eliminating a lot of the pain points when it comes to traveling.

These days many people skip out on a travel agent in lieu of booking their trip online, but if you’re a frequent traveler, you may want to become a travel agent yourself. Why? Because it can save you a lot of money — and may even earn you some in the process.

Let’s take a look at how to become a travel agent, why it’s something you may want to consider and the ways it can work for you.

Why become a travel agent?

Have you ever obsessively researched the best hotels in a city you’re planning to visit? How about checking seat maps on an airplane? If getting into the nitty-gritty of travel logistics is something you do in your spare time, you might also enjoy becoming a travel agent.

Not only do you get to plan trips for others, but you’ll also be able to take advantage of special discounts on many facets of travel.

This is true for your clients, but also for yourself. Travel agents have access to a variety of discounted rates on both airlines and hotels, even when booking travel for themselves.

» Learn more: How to get a refund from a travel agency

How to become a travel agent

Find a program.

Becoming a travel agent isn’t as simple as declaring yourself one. Typically, the first step is to sign up for a program that’ll teach you the basics of running your own travel business.

There are a variety of programs to choose from, depending on your interests and career goals. Most programs will teach you about the business side of being a travel agent as well as how to plan trips, so your courses in itinerary planning and travel insurance will be coupled with business ethics and customer service.

If you’re wondering how to become a travel agent from home, don’t worry. Many of these courses don’t have to be done in person; there are online programs that will teach you everything you need to know from the comfort of your living room.

Apply for certification

Once you’ve completed your coursework, you’ll want to apply for certification. Although there is no single standard that designates you a travel agent, there are a number of different identifiers that you can acquire. Some of the more common ones are:

International Air Transport Association, or IATA, which allows you to book travel on domestic and international airlines.

Travel Industry Designator Service, or TIDS, which allows agents to book trips with a variety of travel suppliers and receive commissions.

Cruise Lines International Association, or CLIA, which provides agents the ability to book trips on cruises around the world.

In order to access Marriott’s travel advisor rates, for example, you can use any three of these designations, along with a variety of others.

Each of these associations and identifiers have different implications for your business, so you’ll want to be sure you’ve fully researched them before applying for membership.

» Learn more: Do travel agents really save you money?

Save money as a travel agent

Once you’ve qualified as a travel agent, what comes next? If you travel frequently, becoming a travel agent can be a huge benefit to you, as it offers discounted rates and access to luxury travel options.

Discounted rates

Travel agents have access to negotiated rates that aren’t available to the general public. The exact amount will vary depending on the business. Hilton, for example, will give personal travel discounts of 50% off at newly-opened hotels and up to 25% off at the remainder of hotels within Hilton’s portfolio.

Hyatt, meanwhile, will give you a discount on personal travel of up to 50%, but only during select dates of the year. And although not all airlines give discounts to travel agents, many do.

Regardless, these are some pretty spectacular savings, and if you’re looking to save money on your vacations, being a travel agent can help.

Luxury programs

Becoming a travel agent isn’t only about saving money, however. It also grants you access to many hotel chains’ luxury travel programs.

If you’re big into elite status benefits, this is definitely something you’ll want to consider — especially since you don’t need any status at all to receive these perks, as long as you book through the hotel’s agent portal.

Most major hotel chains have these programs, including Hyatt Privé, Hilton Impresario, Marriott STARS & Luminous, Four Seasons Preferred Partner, Belmond Bellini Club, Rosewood Elite, Mandarin Oriental Fan Club and Shangri-La Luxury Circle.

While benefits vary by brand, many of these offers include things like room upgrades, complimentary breakfast, early check-in or late checkout and credits for expenses like dining or spa services. General consumers aren’t eligible for these programs, but once you’ve become a registered travel agent, they become accessible to you; however, some programs — such as Hyatt Privé — are invitation only.

For the most part, booking rooms through these programs shouldn’t cost more than the standard rate you’d be paying anyway, so you have the potential to get big benefits without shelling out any additional money.

However, note that these numbers don’t take into account any other discounted rates for which you may be eligible, such as those offered to American Automobile Association members and veterans .

» Learn more: Uncommon tips for saving money on travel

Earn money as a travel agent

Of course, becoming a travel agent isn’t all about scoring discounts for yourself. If you’re looking to earn some money, being a travel agent can be a good way to do so.

Note that travel agents operate in a customer-facing role, so you’ll also need to be able to build client relationships and be comfortable with sales. Courses such as those mentioned above can help train you to do this and run a successful business.

If booking travel and organizing trips for others is something that appeals to you, there’s definitely money to be earned. Marriott, for example, gives agents a commission of between 8% and 10% for all eligible stays booked.

» Learn more: The pros and cons of booking through online travel agencies

If you’d like to become a travel agent

There are a few good reasons to become a travel agent, especially if you travel a lot. Although it takes time and effort to complete training and apply for accreditation, the benefits you’ll receive as a travel advisor can be significant. This is true whether you’re booking personal travel or have built yourself a client base. Either way, there’s money to be had — and saved.

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Home » Programs » Travel Agent Programs

Travel Agent Programs

Becoming a travel agent is a popular career choice among well-traveled individuals with customer service experience and exceptional trip-planning skills. Completing a travel agent program through a trade school or community college can help aspiring travel agents prepare for rewarding careers in the tourism and travel industry.

Education & Training

Get information on Travel Agent Training programs by entering your zip code and request enrollment information.

Several trade schools offer travel agent certificates, diplomas, and degree programs that teach students the ins and outs of the industry. Those hoping to run their own travel agency or work with high-profile clients might consider getting a travel agent degree to gain a more in-depth understanding of the hospitality and tourism field.

How Long Does it Take to Complete Travel Agent Training?

100 course hour programs, such as the ones above, are designed to be completed in 6 months.   If you enroll in a diploma program that offers an official certification exam at the end, you might complete your courses in 1 to 2 years.

How Much Does it Cost?

Expect to pay between $2000 to $3000 for a decent online training program.

What is the Training Like?

During travel agent training, many employees and students start by learning how to use industry-specific software and databases to plan vacations and business trips. You might also receive training on particular sales techniques that encourage customers to purchase travel bundles and all-inclusive resort packages.

What Do You Study in Travel School?

Many travel agent schools and trainers also teach:

• Effective customer service protocols
• Different approaches to corporate and luxury travel planning
• Itinerary creation
• Domestic and international travel regulations
• Travel insurance coverage options

Are Travel Training Programs Legit?

Yes, but you should look for a program offered in conjunction with a local school that you can trust.  A legit program will also prepare you for the Travel Agent Proficiency test from the The Travel Institute.

If you don’t have any experience, enrolling in an online travel agent course is an excellent way to acquire skills vital to the job and bolster your reputation with prospective clients and employers.

How Much Do Travel Agents Make?

On average, full-time travel agent jobs pay about $46K to $50K per year. However, you might be able to negotiate a higher wage if you have a travel agent degree or work for a high-profile company.

Self-employed travel agents usually make more than others, earning roughly $70,000 per year or more, depending on their rates and clientele.

Below are wages and salaries per state:

source: data.bls.gov

Occupation:Travel Agents(SOC Code413041); Period:May 2022

Career Overview

How do travel agents get paid.

Travel agents typically have a standard service fee that each client must pay when booking a trip. If a traveler requires extra accommodations in addition to the basic service package, the agent may choose to increase their rates. On a corporate level, travel agents sell travel packages and bundles to make money through resort, airline, and cruise line commissions.

What are the Qualifications to be a Travel Agent?

A high school diploma is the minimum requirement for becoming a travel agent. However, some companies might also prefer applicants to have previous customer service experience. To give yourself an advantage over other candidates for travel agent jobs, you might consider getting an official travel agent certificate, diploma, or degree.

Do You Need a Degree to be a Travel Agent?

It is possible to qualify for a travel agent job if your only credentials are a high school diploma and some on-the-job training. However, obtaining a certificate, diploma, or degree from an accredited travel agent school can improve your chances of getting attractive job offers from some of the industry’s top travel agencies.

What Skills are Needed to be a Travel Agent?

While knowing the ins and outs of the travel industry is essential for aspiring agents, they also need a range of interpersonal and intrapersonal skills in order to succeed in travel agent jobs.

Some of the most important traits a travel agent can have include:

• A friendly and professional attitude
• Computer skills, speed, and efficiency
• Problem-solving skills for handling issues that occur during clients’ trips
• Charismatic sales knowledge and techniques
• Money management skills to ensure they stick to the client’s budget
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
• Attention to detail and organizational skills

If you’re planning to start your own travel agency or work as a freelancer, you’ll need a certain level of business sense, as well. You’ll need to develop effective marketing, advertising, networking, and accounting skills to be a self-employed travel agent.

Is it a Legit Career Path?

Yes, a career as a travel agent is entirely legitimate. Travel agents are pivotal in demystifying their clients’ diverse and often overwhelming options, ensuring a safer, more affordable, and more reputable travel experience. According to the  Bureau of Labor Statistics , the average annual wage for travel agents is $46,400 per year, or $22.31 per hour. With over 65,000 positions opening annually over the next decade, a career as a travel agent is enterprising and lucrative for those seeking to make a difference in a vibrant and diverse field. 

Job Description

What Do Travel Agents Normally Do?

Travel agents perform several tasks in the process of planning trips and vacations. Each time they take on a new client, a travel agent must:

• Collect information about the client’s travel plans, including the reason for the trip, their chosen destination, trip duration, and travel budget
• Research lodgings, restaurants, events, and venues near the travel destination that suit the traveler’s needs
• Communicate with other travel and tourism professionals to find deals and discounts that fit within the client’s budget
• Obtain any required documentation from the traveler, including passports and travel insurance information
• Book flights and hotel stays, purchase event tickets, and make restaurant reservations for the client
• Maintain communication with the traveler throughout their trip to ensure things go smoothly.
• Handle any issues that occur during the trip, including lost passports and missed flights

How to Get a Job as a Travel Agent

After you’ve obtained the necessary education and customer service skills for a travel agent job, you can take the following steps to begin your career in the industry:

• Choose the travel agency you want to work for and research their hiring criteria.
• Take the company’s required training course to familiarize yourself with the practices and policies of that particular agency.
• Create a resume detailing any travel agent school, on-the-job training, or customer service experience you have.
• If applicable, submit a travel portfolio of past vacations and trips you’ve planned.
• Apply for a job with the company OR, if you have the proper amount of experience and business sense, consider opening your own.

Can Travel Agents Work from Home?

While some travel agents work out of traditional office spaces, people in this profession can also perform their duties from home.

An organized, efficient workstation is essential if you plan on working remotely.

Travel agents who work from home will need the following:

• A laptop or desktop computer
• Document filing and recordkeeping software
• Internet service
• A phone to keep in touch with clients and contacts

At-home travel agents also need quiet, comfortable workspaces where they can take phone calls and conduct video meetings without interruption. Quickly responding to all calls and emails is a must for remote travel agents, so they need to be available during all hours of the day and night.

What is the Difference Between a Travel Agent and a Travel Advisor?

While the terms are often interchangeable, a travel agent typically focuses on booking and arranging travel logistics. In contrast, a travel advisor emphasizes personalized and consultative services, offering tailored recommendations based on clients’ preferences.

Travel advisors often build long-term relationships, providing in-depth destination knowledge, curated experiences, and additional assistance beyond essential bookings. The role of a travel advisor involves a more comprehensive and client-centric approach, aiming to enhance the overall travel experience with expert advice and attention to individual preferences.

Do Travel Agents Have Other Career Options?

Many of the skills you need to enjoy a rewarding travel agent career translate to other sectors of the hospitality and tourism industry. For example, travel agents might consider using their expertise to qualify for concierge careers at high-end luxury hotels and resorts.

Others may prefer to become hotel and restaurant managers, tour guides, and event, meeting, and convention planners.

Summary: How to Become a Travel Agent

Although the path to a travel agent career varies depending on your skills, experience, and location, most people become travel agents by taking the following steps:

• Obtain a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
• Consider gaining customer service experience at another entry-level job or through some type of community outreach.
• Complete on-the-job training OR enroll in one of the following:
• Specialized training courses at a specific travel agency
• Certificate or diploma programs at a travel agent school
• Associate, bachelor, or graduate-level degree programs for hospitality and tourism or a related field
• Earn a Certified Travel Agent/Associate (CTA) credential through an accredited school or certifying agency.

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How to Become a Travel Agent—Because, Believe It or Not, the Industry Is on the Rise

By Scott Bay

There’s a reason “how to become a travel agent” has been a continuously trending search phrase on Google—it is a career path that offers a flexible work environment and schedule, ample travel opportunities, and an immersion into a supportive world-wide industry. It's a surprise to some in 2023: Once the internet became widely available, it was largely believed that needing a travel agent was obsolete. However, even though the brick-and-mortar agencies with punny names in strip malls have vanished, the career is on-the-rise .

New software options are making it easier than ever for people to make money planning trips, either as a side hustle or as a full-time business. That’s why Cherikonda, India-based stay-at-home mother, Maya Kapoor-Miller, decided to enter the professional world as a travel agent this year, at 31. “I knew nothing about the travel industry prior to signing up,” says Kapoor-Miller, who decided to use San Francisco-based booking platform Dreamport to establish her online travel advisor business. “It is my first business in life, and the only one that you can start with no investment.”

But there's also a rise in demand. When people ventured back into the world after the pandemic, travel agents saw an overwhelming amount of business . And that momentum hasn’t stopped—when travel is complicated, like it was in 2020 and 2021, travelers turned to professional trip planners to create a seamless vacation. For better or worse, traveling has remained complicated and chaotic, with new rules being implemented (like Americans needing to pay a fee to visit Europe in 2024 ) and airline strikes and staffing issues. Offloading all of the nitty-gritty details to someone else is more appealing than ever.

For those entering the field, there's also the age-old motivator: a love of travel. 

Shelton Ellis, who is based in North Carolina, recently saw these opportunities and left behind more than 20 years in public relations and global advertising to turn his passion into a career. “I was born with a wanderlust that would wear Rick Steves out,” Ellis says. “I decided to take the leap and follow that lifelong yearning. Transitioning into this role was really about learning how to monetize what I'm passionate about.”

Whether you are looking for a new career path or a lucrative side-hustle—or simply curious about those taking the plunge—here’s how to become a travel agent, from the qualifications and education required, to anticipated earnings, according to those who have made the shift in the past year. 

What exactly does a travel agent do?

Travel agents, or travel advisors (the term is mostly interchangeable), manage everything that goes into a trip for their clients: the flights, car transfers, accommodations, restaurant reservations, and more—they even inspire the itinerary. The reason people turn to travel agents, aside from having a helping hand during any travel chaos , is also to tap into the travel agent’s first-hand knowledge of destinations, and their industry partnerships, which often lead to perks such as hotel upgrades, ideal airplane seats, and experiences that can’t be found on a search engine.

“You have to remember that as a travel agent, you will be a guide for people during their happiest moments—family reunions, weddings , baptisms, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences that people have dreamt of,” says Kapoor-Miller. “It has been one of the most rewarding aspects of being a travel agent. You navigate people, inform them, and help them choose.”

So, how do you become a travel agent?

There are many ways to become a travel agent, from joining an existing travel agency , to starting an independent business from the ground up. Others are opting for one of the buzziest start-ups in the travel industry, Fora . When it launched in 2021, the software company, which trains and provides search engine-optimized profile pages to advisors—at one point had a waitlist of over 30,000 people eager to begin a part-time gig. Travel photographer and Condé Nast Traveler contributor Amanda Villarosa is currently in the process of joining.

“I'm the person that friends and family come to for travel recommendations, tips and tricks, and general travel advice,” says Villarosa. “After discovering Fora and looking into it, I realized that it could be the perfect side-hustle, considering I'm already so involved in the industry.”

With additional flexibility, Villarosa was able to move from New York City to splitting her time between Denver and Los Angeles . She says that the sign-up was quite straightforward. “You're given a dedicated Fora email and have access to advising tools and fellow Fora advisors,” she says. “The training is in the form of Zoom meetings and videos, which you have the option to watch at your own pace. Once completed, you take a certification quiz and you're on your way to advising.”

The other ways in are slightly more involved. To begin an independent practice, you go about it like many other businesses. You will have to create an LLC, establish a business name, cultivate marketing materials, build a website, find clientele, and more.

Ellis found something in the middle, choosing to connect with an established travel agency. “Don't be afraid to reach out to an agency looking to take on new advisors and is willing to mentor," says Ellis. "I was fortunate to learn so much from Annie Chambers, the owner of Crafted Escapes , who has seven years in the business.” He now knows the ropes on everything from using itinerary-building software to destination-specific training, to the sales and marketing aspects of the trade.

Is there required education or qualifications?

Ellis says that there's no certification, per se, required to become a travel advisor, but there are countless training courses available like Departure Lounge ’s classes on navigating the industry through hotels and tour operators. He said it’s also important to stay on top of travel trends. Ellis recently completed travel agent training programs provided by premier cruise lines such as Virgin Voyages , Ritz-Carlton Yachts , and Cunard to help agents sell their products more accurately.

How much does a travel agent make?

What a travel agent earns depends on how many trips they successfully book for their clients. The entire model is commission-based, meaning agents earn a percentage of the total cost of the vacation they orchestrate. Many travel advisors choose to charge a flat-rate planning fee in addition to their commission, but balance is key—if you charge a high planning fee, it could lead to potential clients going elsewhere.

Laura Walsh

Ryan M. Moser

Anastasia Miari

Meaghan Kenny

Fora ’s website states that “some of our full-time, expert advisors earn well into the six figures (or beyond).” So a lucrative career may be on the horizon, for those who are able to build a robust client base and excellent industry connections.

How much you make can also depend on where you live around the world. “I am being paid in dollars,” says India-based Kapoor-Miller. “So the currency fluctuations of the local exchange rate are not something I am worried about.”

What are the key skills required to become a travel agent?

“Travel agents need a mix of customer service, communication, destination knowledge, organizational, and problem-solving skills,” says Kapoor-Miller. “But I would say that adaptability, flexibility, curiosity, and cultural sensitivity top them all—you have to put yourself in other's shoes, and understand the requirements, hopes, and expectations of your clients along with any worries and questions they may have.”

It’s vital to have a passion for traveling, even the aspects of the process that aren’t as exciting, such as learning about new airline routes, train schedule updates, and industry news. “It can be an information-heavy hustle, and I believe it's important to be excited about it as that energy definitely transfers to your clients and partners,” Villarosa says.

Should travel advisors choose a specialization?

Many travel advisors have found success through becoming an expert in a few types of travel and destinations. “It's important to become an authority and learn as much as you can through personal experiences and continuing education,” says Ellis. “As a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community , an avid snow skier, and scuba diver, I know not only the popular destinations but others that are off the beaten path, equally safe and adventurous for all travelers.” This helps travel agents establish a competitive edge, and hopefully convince potential clients to choose them for their expertise.

What are the benefits of being a travel agent?

“Flexibility tops them all,” says Kapoor-Miller. “And the ability to start without industry knowledge. If you worry that you are too old for this job, the good news is that this is a job you can enter and enjoy at any age.”

Another great perk is the "Familiarization trip,” says Ellis. “Tourism boards and hotels invite agents to visit and familiarize themselves with a particular country and its properties. After all, any accomplished salesperson should learn everything they can about their products first-hand...even if they're in Bora Bora.” It's hard work, but someone's got to do it. 

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