I need to become a travel planner...

[timandlesley]

Wow that was a reality check and truly busted my bubble. I guess I will stop dreaming now. What a shame that this industry is a dying breed.

Lesley

 

[Tigger&Belle]

Maybe I'll just stick to helping friends and giving advice to friendly firefighters.

T&B

 

[ILoveWDW2003]

If you go into being a travel agent as being your sole source of income, I think that you will have some difficulty.

My neighbor does it as a second job, just to make some money for his Disney trips, and he is doing great! His outlook for 2005 is pretty good, as he has booked a few large groups on Disney cruises and DisneyWorld trips.

But not enough to quit his day job....

Not yet anyway... ;-)

 

[gonga]

Sorry to break it to you guys....but the truth is the truth.

The main reason why I do not book trips for anyone-anywhere anymore is becuse I am a travel agent that actually travels all over. Actually, I travelled before becoming a travel agent. People used to ask me about the places I have been, they would see my photos, I would recommend them, they would go. I then worked for a large agency, booked trips, when I finially got my end of the commission, months later, my jaw dropped. People would call me, I would spend hours on the phones.....different air lines, resorts, room types etc...it takes a long time and patience because you have to price out 1 trip in a couple of different ways. I would then call the client and give them details and $$ and they would book it themselves. What happened is they picked my brain and used my travel experience and booked it without me. So now I do trips for family and close friends only. I opened my own home b ased agency, so I do not have to go thru someone elses. I do not take comission, so as an owner I can forefit that for my family, and it gets deducted off the price of their trip. I'm tired of giving out free advice based on my knowledge of airports, connecting flights, resorts, cruises, etc...

So as I see it there are so many travel forums to get the answers you need. Also cruise lines are trying to cut out TA's now too by offering the same pirce to all, no more discounting by agencies. Every resort has agents ready to book your vacation without a travel agent (the middle man) . The commission that is paid is paid by the resort or hotel, so they save lots of money by not paying these commissions. So what you are really doing is selling TRAVEL SERVICES. Selling travel services is different from being a travel agent as you do not book air. You are selling packages.

The travel world is changing and so is the way we book trips. For me, it is just not worth the costant stream of stupid questions, hours of being on hold, and being nickeled and dimed to death. When someone tells me they are thinking of going to the caribbean, I say how nice have a great time!

 

[gonga]

If you go into being a travel agent as being your sole source of income, I think that you will have some difficulty.

My neighbor does it as a second job, just to make some money for his Disney trips, and he is doing great! His outlook for 2005 is pretty good, as he has booked a few large groups on Disney cruises and DisneyWorld trips.

But not enough to quit his day job....

Not yet anyway... ;-)

The one thing you do get as a TA is discounts at Universal and WDW.

Disney world changes every year what they give to TA's Now I get 50% off rooms....up to a certain category no suites. And now the cut back - only the TA gets 50% off park tickets, they have to be bought 30 days in advance, on line and have to be approved by the WDTC. A faxed copy of your travel agent ID card and CLIA cedrtificate has to be faxed over after making the reservation. I used to get 50% off across the board...but no more. Pretty soon, there will not be any advantage to being an agent.

 

[luv2tvl]

To go with Gonga is saying.....

WDTC or Disney is one of the few places left where as an agent you can actually get any sort of discount. The cruise lines don't do any discounts, some tour companies will do a small discount, and some hotels on a limited basis will do a TA discount..... that's about it. I used to just work for the discounts not anymore!

 

[tiggergirlinMI]

I have to say a few things, Im sorry that you don't like being a TA Gonga but I DO love it and make enough money to live off of.You are wrong about one thing, YES you can get a CLIA card by paying 389 dollars for a year to join at first but to get an IATAN card you can't just sign up for one.You have to have a certain amount of sales then 6 months later you will get one, as I helped a girl who became a TA to get one.No you don't have to be licensed, my earlier post said licensed but I did take 16 college courses for it years back and can't see going into it blindly.Maybe that's why I am successful and you seem unhappy about being one.Sure people can get online and book things themselves, but I have a large senior clientele who neither have the time or want to do that.I also book for my father and brother's friends who work overseas a few months out of the year. I'm sorry you felt taken advantage of and don't like being a TA but some of us do like being a TA and enjoy our jobs.I was a teacher for 10 years and made just slightly more than I do now and talk about a job where you are not appreciated and overworked for very little money, so I quit and became a travel agent.If I had listened to the people like you who were so negative about it? I wouldn't be where I am today with my agency.When someone tells me TA are a dying breed, which they did years ago when I started? It just makes me want to prove them wrong.Maybe I am the exception, but I love being a travel agent and I know you were only trying to give a real view of it but it was so negative and all I can say is if you want something bad enough, you can achieve it, no matter how many people tell you it won't work.Have a magical Day!!!!

 

[ILoveWDW2003]

tiggergirlinMI - well said!

 

[gonga]

I have to say a few things, Im sorry that you don't like being a TA Gonga but I DO love it and make enough money to live off of.You are wrong about one thing, YES you can get a CLIA card by paying 389 dollars for a year to join at first but to get an IATAN card you can't just sign up for one.You have to have a certain amount of sales then 6 months later you will get one, as I helped a girl who became a TA to get one.No you don't have to be licensed, my earlier post said licensed but I did take 16 college courses for it years back and can't see going into it blindly.Maybe that's why I am successful and you seem unhappy about being one.Sure people can get online and book things themselves, but I have a large senior clientele who neither have the time or want to do that.I also book for my father and brother's friends who work overseas a few months out of the year. I'm sorry you felt taken advantage of and don't like being a TA but some of us do like being a TA and enjoy our jobs.I was a teacher for 10 years and made just slightly more than I do now and talk about a job where you are not appreciated and overworked for very little money, so I quit and became a travel agent.If I had listened to the people like you who were so negative about it? I wouldn't be where I am today with my agency.When someone tells me TA are a dying breed, which they did years ago when I started? It just makes me want to prove them wrong.Maybe I am the exception, but I love being a travel agent and I know you were only trying to give a real view of it but it was so negative and all I can say is if you want something bad enough, you can achieve it, no matter how many people tell you it won't work.Have a magical Day!!!!

I am far from unhappy.....My husband and I have another business that affords us lots of freedom from the work a day world. We make more money than we ever dreamed. We also worked very very hard to get here, took risks, and at 40, we are pretty much set. WHY? Because we think bigger than just being able to pay bills. I was just informing people that being a TA may look like more fun than it actually is. For the work you do, you certainly do not make any money. I think people should know that if they think they will earn "vacation" money their vacations will be few and far between. Just because I am not a so called success at being a TA, does not mean I am not a success....actually my accountant loves the fact that I have my own agency....it's a write off!

I also am not slanted in my opinions of travel agencies, and being an agent in the present day. I really do not care about the commissions, and if you notice, I forefit my comissions to friends and family anyway. Some of the best TA's I have known have never taken classes....they travel. Another one of my gripes with TA's is that they do not travel...mainly because they cannot afford to. Selling WDW is one thing, but you cannot live on that (10% what a joke), I have lots of knowledge and specialize in luxury travel. Every destination I have sold is a place I have been. I know all about resort layouts, airports, restaurants, specialty stores etc...for many many locations because I have been there probably more than once. And no I am not willing to spend hours between clients and 800 phone numbers to only to be "shopped". My time is valuable, and I do not work for free. The last clients I spoke to I started charging a consulting fee of 75.00 and to tell you the truth, even that is not worth it. Until the travel industry does a complete 180, and it is actually worth being an agent again, then maybe. Also an IATA card means ablsoutely nothing anymore...it's the same as having a CLIA card. Sorry not impressed, it does not add any more 0's to the end of my commission. The only way I get a good "deal" is thru my personal travel agent at AmExpress Platinum travel services....Now those people really work magic. We have 24/7 travel assistance AND concierge service......the travel agencies I know are closed at 6 and weekends and can't get you last minute reservations to a completely booked popular restaurant- but they can. They are so good, I don't need a travel agent, including me!

I just don't think that telling people that it "pays the bills" really means anything. Paying bills is a relative term, and is different for everyone. I am glad you are happy in what you do. But do not lead anyone down the primrose path...face it, travel agents are being squeezed out and are becoming a thing of the past. You are being squeezed out by less agent benefits and lower commissions. which means, every year you are going to have to sell more and more just to keep your gross sales what they were the year before. Trying to do that in a market where booking on line is user fieindly, secure and also gives incentives in form of $ off or reward points....I would say you have your work cut out just to kep your head above water. Anyone thinking about doing this, even part time should know these facts.

 

[tiggergirlinMI]

Wow, I didn't even read your whole entry as all I hear is "blahblahblah" at this point.When you read each of your posts in this thread, there seems to be such anger in there, or irriatation and wow it is so down to read. I am not leading anyone down any primrose path, yes "paying the bills" is a relative phrase.I was just saying we don't all dislike our work and geezzz,sorry I said anything.I don't like hostile people on here and this is why I usually just read and don't offer advice or comments. I leave for Disney in 8 days and can't wait to be at my second "home"......Sorry for mentioning anything positive, I know we seem to be dealing only with negativity at this point in this thread so I will just shush....Didn't mean to encourage anyone or show that it's not all negative....Take care and good luck!

 

[harmony29]

I don't want to get into the middle of someone's argument, BUT, I do have to agree with a lot of what gonga is saying. Being an agent is not all it is cracked up to be, especially if you work in an agency and not in a home on your own. I gave up a very good career to go into travel because I was just burned out and 6 years later I found myself unemployed because all the agencies are closing up. It's true, most agents don't make much, when I got laid off, I was making $11 an hour, hardly much to live on in my opinion. I love the travel industry as a whole, but too many people out there are looking through rose colored glasses and don't know all the particulars about it. Quite honestly on my upcoming trip the only agent perk I am using is on my car rental. Everything else I got better deals using Hotel points, etc. Yes Disney does have some deals for agents, but they are dwindling. Even Universal, last time I was there all I had to do was walk up to the ticket counter, show my IATAN card and I received free admission as many times as I wanted. Now you need to pass their course online and once you do you get ONE ticket for ONE day's admission, that's it, hardly worth it in my opinion. I am fortunate that I work in meeting and event planning, so I sort of get the best of both worlds, but I would never go back into an agent environment, just too many headaches.

 

[gonga]

Wow, I didn't even read your whole entry as all I hear is "blahblahblah" at this point.When you read each of your posts in this thread, there seems to be such anger in there, or irriatation and wow it is so down to read. I am not leading anyone down any primrose path, yes "paying the bills" is a relative phrase.I was just saying we don't all dislike our work and geezzz,sorry I said anything.I don't like hostile people on here and this is why I usually just read and don't offer advice or comments. I leave for Disney in 8 days and can't wait to be at my second "home"......Sorry for mentioning anything positive, I know we seem to be dealing only with negativity at this point in this thread so I will just shush....Didn't mean to encourage anyone or show that it's not all negative....Take care and good luck!

No anger what so ever, I have nothing to be angry about.

Have fun on your trip, I'm sure you worked hard and saved a very long time for it. It sounds like you need a vacation.


PS...sometimes the most important facts for someone else may appear to you as "BLAHBLAHBLAH" pay attention, you may learn something.

 

[Tigger&Belle]

Wow, I feel like I'm watching a tennis game.

I really do appreciate having the two viewpoints.

Being the OP, I started out by just posting a funny experience and I really didn't mean to have a debate about the travel industry, but it has been an eye opener on many levels.

First, not that I ever have, but I would only contact a travel agent to get a quote if I am serious about using their service. I did get a cruise quote from DU late last year, and the expense of it made us decide to wait a year to take a cruise, but I will be contacting them again when the 2007 rates are out and will book with them, assuming that I am happy with the price and service.

Also, it really is good to get both sides concerning a job selling travel services. It's something that I've considered before and it's good to go into anything with ones eyes wide open.

The internet has changed the way people book travel, but many, like my mother, don't have means to book via the internet. To her, an 81yo woman, the services of a travel agent can be a real help.

T&B

 

[ILoveWDW2003]

A good reference is http://hometravelagency.com/ - really tells it like it is, no sugar coating - also no harsh words either - just straight talk and reality.

My neighbor is already planning his second trip to Disney in 2 years, based solely on his commissions, and it is not his primary job - it is his hobby. So you can make enough money to take a vacation - and he doesn't rely on the agent discounts, and he stays at the WL and AKL...

but he works on it constantly, has a great website, has even taken on an outside agent to assist with the work - and he has only been doing this for 14 months.

He loves Disney and wouldn't even think of selling any other destination.

I don't think travel agents are dying - they are evolving - no one will ever replace good customer service - and many people just need to have someone else plan their vacation for them, because they don't want to or have the time to.

 

[Tigger&Belle]

I don't think travel agents are dying - they are evolving - no one will ever replace good customer service - and many people just need to have someone else plan their vacation for them, because they don't want to or have the time to.

Seems that the niche that travel agents and planners can fill is for the people not having time to plan and book a vacation. The same people who eat out or get take-out most meals and the ones who use all the prepackaged food that wasn't even around a generation (or even a decade) ago. These people have the disposable income for a vacation, but not the time (or perceived time) to plan it. Of course many these people also have to computer skills to know how to do things online, but for those that spend their days with computers that might be the last thing they want to do in their free time.

T&B

 

[tiggergirlinMI]

No anger what so ever, I have nothing to be angry about.( I disagree because you can't seem to just be quiet and accept that you and I have 2 different points of views)
Have fun on your trip, I'm sure you worked hard and saved a very long time for it. It sounds like you need a vacation.(Actually no I got a nice tax refund as I do every year and didn't have to save a penny, and I don't need a vacation because I work for noone but myself. See, I don't have to work, at 39,Im very financially secure,and own my own home, and being a TA is pure pleasure for me.I work out of enjoyment, not necessity.So I appreciate your concern but I vacation every 2 months wherever I choose to go with my kids.Yes, I know I am fortunate and I am thankful for that.)

PS...sometimes the most important facts for someone else may appear to you as "BLAHBLAHBLAH" pay attention, you may learn something.(You may think your words are important, but to me, I don't listen to negativity, plain and simple, I think you are very rude to tell someone to pay attention , they may learn something??? Who is it that needs a vacation???? Not me hun,lol, but I will take one because I CAN!!) Take care and happy arguing with others...because I'm done trying to just make you see I was only trying to show a positive side to being a TA!

 

[Tigger&Belle]

tiggergirlinMI,

I think that you have a successful business because you love what you do, have a great attitude and others are drawn to that. No, I'm not making any judgements on anyone else!!!

T&B

 

[tiggergirlinMI]

Thank you, I just hate negativity and I think it's funny because this post started as travel planners but I'm passionate about my job and I started by simply planning for others, like the OP stated of doing.
I appreciate your comments, I try to always be upbeat and look at the positive, and in return I have had positive results and attract positive people in my life, and just hate it when others try to be only negative.I've overcome so much in life to be where I am and right now, just want to make others happy, so I help them plan their vacations as well!

 

[gonga]

No anger what so ever, I have nothing to be angry about.( I disagree because you can't seem to just be quiet and accept that you and I have 2 different points of views)
Have fun on your trip, I'm sure you worked hard and saved a very long time for it. It sounds like you need a vacation.(Actually no I got a nice tax refund as I do every year and didn't have to save a penny, and I don't need a vacation because I work for noone but myself. See, I don't have to work, at 39,Im very financially secure,and own my own home, and being a TA is pure pleasure for me.I work out of enjoyment, not necessity.So I appreciate your concern but I vacation every 2 months wherever I choose to go with my kids.Yes, I know I am fortunate and I am thankful for that.)

PS...sometimes the most important facts for someone else may appear to you as "BLAHBLAHBLAH" pay attention, you may learn something.(You may think your words are important, but to me, I don't listen to negativity, plain and simple, I think you are very rude to tell someone to pay attention , they may learn something??? Who is it that needs a vacation???? Not me hun,lol, but I will take one because I CAN!!) Take care and happy arguing with others...because I'm done trying to just make you see I was only trying to show a positive side to being a TA!

I think what you just said....and your travel website speak volumes as to who you are. Nothing going on.......

 

[tiggergirlinMI]

I have a new website my son is designing for me, he is 15 and just learning to design, so please don't cut on that, thats so rude.I do all my business on the phone, he suggested the web site, you are rude to cut on his attempts at helping me expand.Nothing goin on?? Ok.......again, you are a very rude , negative person, but keep it going because you only make me stronger sweetie!