what is a travel agent?

Travel agents help others plan the trips they love. You start by meeting with your clients. While some now work entirely online, others work in an office setting. This helps you see what your clients need and help them make decisions. You can even help them decide on the top destinations and what they should do when they arrive. Travel agents help their clients book both accommodations and amenities.

As a travel agent, you also have the chance to work with big companies. You cater to diverse demographics, including corporations and individuals. Clients also expect you to help with exceptional negotiation and relationship-building skills to secure travel arrangements with various service providers. They know you have access to lower and more affordable rates than they have on their own.

Though you might think travel agents just book hotel rooms, they do much more. Travel agents also book vacation rentals, cruises, rental cars, and attraction or event tickets. You might work with individuals who need help planning a trip or groups who need accommodations for 10 or more people.

Would working as a travel agent suit your negotiation skills? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a travel agent role.

view jobs near you
1

average travel agent salary

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average salary for a travel agent today is $46,400 a year. If you work part-time, expect to earn around $22.31 per hour. This does not include the commission associated with the position. Travel agents often get a percentage of each booking they make. Some travel companies have a bonus structure, too. The more you book and sell, the bigger bonus you get.

Working with luxury vacation companies also increases your salary. These companies specialize in giving travelers amenities they won't find anywhere else. They may include moonlit tours of a harbor or adventure trips. Corporate travel packages are also likely to pay more than individual travel packages. You earn higher commissions when you book flights and accommodation for multiple clients. Some locations also warrant higher commissions, especially exotic tourist destinations.

The BLS found that agents with commissions earn more than hourly workers did. Those who work full-time or for major organizations also earn more. Some agents work part-time or for themselves.

Wondering what you can earn as a travel agent? Find out immediately with the Randstad salary checker! You can quickly and easily see what the average salary of a travel agent is.

Smiling female looking up while walking outside.
Smiling female looking up while walking outside.
2

types of travel agents

There are six types of travel agencies that hire agents. A niche agent focuses on helping clients book unique experiences, such as ecotourism and cultural tourism. Working as a leisure agent requires booking custom packages. Business agents know what CEOs and other professionals need. They're responsible for arranging trips for individuals and groups. Wholesale agents find deals from companies and pass them on to others, acting as a middleman. Other options include working for an online or offline agency. Offline agencies usually work out of offices. Online travel agents talk with these clients over email and use programs, such as Skype and Facetime.

3

working as a travel agent

If you love the idea of helping others with their vacation and trip plans, you may find working as a travel agent is rewarding. Read on to learn more about the duties and expectations of being a travel agent, where you work, and what kind of working hours you will have.

4

travel agent skills and education

The minimum education necessary to work as a travel agent is a high school diploma. If you did not graduate high school, you can apply for open positions with your GED. Many community colleges offer certificate programs with a focus on tourism. The programs teach you how to make the connections you need in the industry and use them to your advantage. Taking classes in tourism, hospitality, and marketing is also helpful. Most agencies offer on-the-job training that shows you how to use the booking software and other skills.

Some of the main skills you need to have as a travel agent include:

  • customer service skills: You interact with clients of different demographics and cultures. Your customer service skills help you maintain professional relationships. You should be friendly, approachable, and calm when dealing with complaints.
  • detail-oriented skills: Your job involves booking reservations for clients, from accommodations to travel arrangements. It is essential to be detail-oriented to avoid making mistakes in the reservations. Getting details wrong can cause serious inconveniences.
  • communication skills: To provide the best travel advice, you should listen to clients. Listening and communication skills help you discover the client's needs and provide relevant travel advice.

skills and competencies

In addition to the above skills, you need skills and competencies in other areas:

  • booking software: Without knowledge of booking software, you'll have a hard time on the job. You need to know how to search for accommodations or arrangements and book them for your clients. Community college programs often go over the basics of tourism software.
  • sales experience: Travel agents need sales experience because a big part of the job involves selling products. Any experience you have will help, even if you just worked in a clothing store.
  • time management skills: Having time management skills will help you divide your time between all of your clients. Travel agents often have a large roster with dozens of clients. You need to know how to give each one the attention they deserve.

As a self-employed travel agent, you need even more skills. You're responsible for taking care of your taxes and paying what you owe every year as well as saving money for your retirement. Remote agents also need to be familiar with programs and apps that help them keep in touch with their clients.

male and female walking outdoor
male and female walking outdoor
5

FAQs about working as a travel agent

Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about travel agents.

thank you for subscribing to your personalised job alerts.