How do you become a travel agent?

[ekatiel]

Anyone who is already a TA: What kind of schooling do you need? How do you get a job? Any other tips?

I have master's degree in teaching but am currently a SAHM. I sub once or twice a week at my boys' school. We don't really need me to work, but the little bit of extra money is nice (and usually goes to vacations). I'm sure like many of you on here, I am the "go-to" person in my circle of friends when it comes to vacations. They all come an ask me for advice, and I love vacation planning. Just wondering what it would take to put my skill set to use as a travel agent .

 

[powellrj]

This question is asked all the time. Not sure if the search button is working now, but you might want to do a search and see what all is involved. Its a career that is hard to make any serious money at and you have to be available 24-7. If your clients are on a trip that is not going well, its up to you to get them home again. I really felt for all of those travel agents when all the cruise ships were having problems. I figure they all gave up sleep and their home lives until everyone was home again.

When I read on here what many people expect out of their travel agents only to drop them, lets just say WOW, its amazing.

 

[eliza61]

I asked a good friend of mine this question. She has been a TA for about 20 years now Here are the tips she gave me.

1) She is a bit leary when she gets this question from SAHM. Most feel that this is some thing that can be done easily in between picking the kids from school. If you plan on being successful (and that definition changes) she forewarns you that this career is time consuming and often takes time away from the family.

As Power mentioned, if you have a client stuck in England because of a volcanic eruption in Iceland, you are humping 16 hours to assist that client.

2) My girlfriend got her start at a chain agency which trained her. She routinely is taking on line courses.

3) Once again not sure financially how in depth you want to go but she suggest "specializing" in an area. My girlfriend specializes in Luxury travel. Now with so many folks using the web, you have to give them a reason to use you.

4) she did ask me to tell you to think about, a) why you think you would be a good TA and b) have you ever worked with the general public before. LOL I have and let's just say, it ain't easy

I get the feeling that most folks think it's an easy occupation that lets them fly all over the world.

Good luck.

 

[eliza61]

Anyone who is already a TA: What kind of schooling do you need? How do you get a job? Any other tips?

I have master's degree in teaching but am currently a SAHM. I sub once or twice a week at my boys' school. We don't really need me to work, but the little bit of extra money is nice (and usually goes to vacations). I'm sure like many of you on here, I am the "go-to" person in my circle of friends when it comes to vacations. They all come an ask me for advice, and I love vacation planning. Just wondering what it would take to put my skill set to use as a travel agent .

Also remember being the "go to" person for your FRIENDS, is a heck of a lot different than dealing say with some one I know who will have you work 20 hours a day for 10 days straight and then tell you to scratch the whole thing, start all over again and oh can you have it done by tomorrow.

LOL your friends like you, your clients don't have to.

 

[summabreeze85]

the only way to make money as a ta nowadays is to work for a legit company. So you are either trekking into the office for 8 hours at apple or liberty or aaa or you can get a call center position w companies like mastercard. either way I personally feel you can make more income by doing other things that require less of you...ie selling stuff on ebay

 

[Shmily1]

Your best bet is to research companies that will take on independent contractors and find one that will give you good training and not take a huge chunk of your commissions. There are some that take way more than others. It's not that SAHMs can't do it, but unless you put a lot into getting your name out there, it is hard to build up enough clients to make really good. It is doable!

 

[nunzia]

I'm a TA. All this advice is good, but you don't have to work for a big company like Apple. Just research agencies that have home based agents, and contact those that are accepting applications. The agency will probably do some training but it may be sketchy, so be your own motivation and take all the training (free) on line that you can get from companies you are interested in working with that your host agency is registered with. It will take a lot of time and a good bit of money to get your name out there. It is very discouraging as you have to find folks who don't want to deal with planning their own travel. You WILL spend all day working up a schedule and researching rates and then never hear back from the person. You will NOT make a good deal of money, but over time, I know many who do OK..so it can be done.

 

[disneymagicgirl]

I'm a TA. All this advice is good, but you don't have to work for a big company like Apple. Just research agencies that have home based agents, and contact those that are accepting applications. The agency will probably do some training but it may be sketchy, so be your own motivation and take all the training (free) on line that you can get from companies you are interested in working with that your host agency is registered with. It will take a lot of time and a good bit of money to get your name out there. It is very discouraging as you have to find folks who don't want to deal with planning their own travel. You WILL spend all day working up a schedule and researching rates and then never hear back from the person. You will NOT make a good deal of money, but over time, I know many who do OK..so it can be done.

Do you have to already be with a host agency to take the classes through Disney?

 

[Shmily1]

Do you have to already be with a host agency to take the classes through Disney?

Yes, you do have to be.

 

[usnuzuloose]

Remember also you do not get paid until after they have taken their trip. I am one also, but I do not sell, I use it for our own advantage. I have no desire to sell it.

 

[momto2inKC]

You've been given a lot of good info! I am also a Disney TA. I actually wasn't even looking for work but was scouted out and offered a job due to word of mouth about me. I truly enjoy what I do but you can't be in it for the money, at least not at first. For me, i'm a stay at home mom who has 1 kid in public school (a JR) and a Freshman who is homeschooled. I have the time it takes to commit to the job. I think it would be a bit tough for someone with small children or kids who do a lot of extra curricular activities. It really is a lot of work. Like someone else mentioned, you'll spend hours gathering information and quotes, only to have the person book the trip themselves. It's definitely not for everyone but its perfect for me.
And to the person that asked, yes, you have to be with an agency to do the training.

 

[jbullard01]

All the advice sounds true and accurate - but there are also some good works too

Great deals on familiarization trips
Discounts on your normal trips
Special agent only trips and prices
Commission and discounts for your own trips

Of course everything else mentioned previously, could also happen.

I only do it part-time myself, and mostly to get that personal discounts - and to help friends and family

Oh and do not forget, within reason most of your families vacations can be tax deductible