Does it really take 2 years to become a travel agent?

[roliepolieoliefan]

I'm an RN, who was looking to earn some extra money on the side. Alot of my friends have me book their trips anyhow, so I mind as well get some perks for it. Like the travel discounts and such.
I just called a local tech school and he just told me its a 2 year Associate degree, Are there different types of degrees or does it really take that long to become an agent? Gees that seems forever. Not that a travel agents job isn't important, but it took me 2 years to become an RN. Any advice appreciated.

 

[Chicago526]

While a 2 year degree would be the Gold Standard, you don't really need it to be a travel agent. My local community college had a 14 week course that I took. 7 weeks learning the airline reservation system, and 7 weeks classroom training. I got a job as a reservationist for a travel wholesaler for two years, then moved to a corporate agency where I've been for the last 7 years.

That said, if all your looking for is money on the side, that means you'll be part time. And that means no travel benifits. Those are for full time agents only. Doing it on the side is fun and you can make a little extra money from it, but unless you're really dedicated or have a lot of wealthy friends and family that take lots of expensive trips, you most likely won't make that much, especially at first while you're still trying to build a client base. Other Diser's actually do this, so they'd have better info for you on how to get started.

 

[CapeCodTenor]

I'll *bump* it for you.

 

[preb]

Clean out your PM's!

 

[lynetteSC]

My experience has been that different agencies have different requirements. (I am not trying to be snippy ... haha!) Example, I did a earn a travel degree in a local school 10 yrs ago. I was hired directly from there into corporate travel. From there, I moved to a leisure agency. Those two places wanted you to have a degree/certificate. The place I worked for before ds was adopted didn't want people with any travel agency experience only sales. The owners thinking is they can "train" them themselves. I now work
p-t from home with that agency. So, if I were you, I would check around to the agencies in your area to see what requirements they have. We often got calls from people interested in the type of degree or experince you need! Good luck. There are not as many discounts/incentives as there were when I 1st started, but I do enjoy it (most days ... except for hurricanes and such... )

 

[Judy from Boise]

I tried this for a while....and it all came down to the fact that as an RN I could pick up an extra shift through an agency and make very nice money. The discounts and commissions I earned as a travel agent were piddly compared to my earning power as a nurse.

 

[poohkie]

How odd I should find this now. I start classes tomorrow for hotel management. In my school you can get a certificate, diploma or degree. Before I picked this up I asked the head of the program if it mattered weather I had a degree or a diploma. He told me in this field it really doesn't matter as long as you have something past highschool. I'm going to be getting my certificate and diploma at the same time. My program is a year and half. I'm assuming it's the same for the travel agent students as well who are getting diplomas. The way it works at my school is you do your core classes (english math so on) then you do what they call Essential Technical Courses. After you finish all that you go into one of the three fields they offer (Hotel Management, Food and Beverage Management or Tourism Management.) I know it's not quite the same thing. But I hope it helps none the less.

 

[safetymom]

I took the 2 year degree program and thought it was worth it. There is a lot to learn and the more you know when you are done the easier your job will be. If you have to spend time learning while on the job you won't have as much time to make money.

 

[MagicalMom]

It seems like a lot of nurses have thought of being travel agents! I agree you could probably make a lot more money by just picking up an extra shift every now & then. I just increased my 12 hour Sunday shifts to 16 hours. Once you've had the same patients for 12 hours, what's another 4? Good luck with whatever you decide.

 

[Antonia]

Another RN here who wants to be something fun for a change. I would even like to arrange flowers or something. Just for the break from being a nurse. I've been one 23 years.

 

[grlpwrd]

I've worked for 2 different airlines (American Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines) and co-owned a travel agency at one time.

No, it's not necessary to get a 2 year degree.

I got hired with no prior experience and started working in reservations. That's where I learned how to work the computer system. When I had my travel agency many of the folks that entered the field started as an outside sales agent with us. You can get your foot thru the door doing this or by other means besides a degree. You will want the access to ticketing and commission rather than the degree, really.

With the computer making it easier for anyone to get good prices I think service is what will set you apart. You can specialize in Disney trips which will set you apart from the pack and if you can bring in the sales even better.

GL!