Looking at training to becoming a travel agent

[kimk73]

My name is Kim and I live in B.C. and I am researching becoming a travel agent. This board has so many knowledgeable Canadian travel agents so I was hoping to gain some information as to the right way to pursue this career.

1. what kind of training or schooling do you need? are there good online courses available?
2. what are the best travel host agencies in Canada(B.C.)?
3. what kind of start up costs are involved?
4. what is the average pay starting out at a travel agency?

The travel industry does interest me and I love to research and talk to people, would love to help others plan their trips. Just trying to find out everything before I start down this path.
Thanks so much for you time!
Kim Kelly

 

[My 2 princesses]

I have been thinking of this part time as well (heck, it will help if I am my only customer LOL) but I have not investigated further. From reading on here before, it appears you just need to pass a test (TICO for Ontario, not sure what it is out there) and you can start selling travel. I do know that there are some agencies that offer you to start with them but not sure about the $$'s involved.

I'm sure you will get more answers here and I'll be following this thread as well. Good luck OP.

 

[Susan2771]

There are a number of threads on the board about this topic. If you do a search you will get some information.

If you really want to work in a travel agency, I would suggest applying for a travel and tourism program with a good co-op placement. Many travel agencies look for past experience and a college program with a great co-op placement program is a great way to get your foot in the door. Many won't look at a resume unless the applicant has some previous experience.

Like I always tell people when they ask me, working as a travel consultant/agent/planner/concierge service/specialist, it is a sales position and its a big part of the job. It's great if you have a passion for travel, but are you are you also great at sales and going after that sale? That is what pays your salary after all, and if you don't have that sales part that is required of the job, it could be a struggle. Of course your managers and employers are going to expect you to close those sales and sometimes within a certain time frame. There is also so much learning involved and things change in the industry every single day. You really have to be on top of it and be prepared to deal with fires when you least expect them before, during and after that vacation. There is so much more involved than just getting your TICO certificate and then you are off to the races.

In terms of start up costs, are you thinking about becoming an independent consultant? The start up costs would depend on what company you sign up with and what they include. If you are going to be independent, it would be helpful to have an idea on how to run a business, marketing, accounting, and all that fun stuff.