i think the REAL way is to either go to school, or to start entry level in an agency and learn the ropes, those online "schools" and agencies are not so great from what i have heard. If your going to be a full time travel agent it helps to have a big company's name or at least a brick and mortar building that you work in. who would you rather book with, Jan the Travel agent at the Local
AAA office, or Jan the travel agent that works out of her house and has no One to back her up if things go wrong. Mistakes happen in the travel business, hopefully not often, but they happen. If your client gets booked on the wrong cruise or something horrible like that, are you going to pay out of pocket to get them on the right cruise? things like that happen more often than you might think. AAA wont be affected in the least, but it could wipe out a Solo Travel agent.
Also you REALLY need someone who can teach you about destinations and experiences. A class room can teach you where Rio is, but only colleagues can tell you about the great family owned restaurant in Rio that is famous for their weekend BBQs and Dance party. Its the little details like that that can make or break a deal with a client, you just cant learn all of that on your own, you need support.
Also it is pretty easy to get onto the Disneytravelagents.com website. All you need is a company's IATA number and you can set up an account in just a few clicks. Are you supposed to be doing this? no way, is it breaking the rules ? im sure it is. Does anyone really care? i highly doubt it. Disney has VERY few benefits for travel agents though, im very disappointed with their benefits compared to a lot of other companies out there. Most of the time you can find a better deal just by booking one of their promotions. the website is mostly to teach you how to make reservations thru their site and basic parks and cruise line knowledge. The coolest thing is the ability to order promotional materials sent directly to you. I have some one the way to me right now ! Thanks Former
Travel Agency that i used to work for , for not changing your IATA number ! I appreciate it very much !
Only a TRUE Disney Geek would enjoy this site though, there is MUCH more info on the DIS than on that website.
Sooooo anyone know of a good program to become a travel agent? When I google it the wealth of information is overwhelming and it is hard to sort through what is legit and what isn't. Thank you!
