Career and School Info for Travel Agents

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Degrees and Schools

Numerous vocational schools provide travel agent training programs. Community colleges and online companies also provide training. Some colleges provide bachelor's degrees in travel and tourism.

Travel and Tourism Management degree programs review the concepts and practices of the travel industry. Bachelor's and master's degrees are available. An Associate Degree in Business Administration - Travel Counseling is also available at some schools. Many programs provide internships with companies in the tourism industry.

Experienced travel agents may earn the Certified Travel Associate and Certified Travel Counselor certificates offered by the Travel Institute. The institute also offers sales and marketing programs and destination specialist programs.

Certifications in Global Leadership Professional, Corporate Travel Executive and Corporate Travel Expert are provided by the National Business Travel Association.

Classes

Students typically study the following subjects:

• Business management
• Accounting
• Geography
• Hospitality and tourism marketing
• Foreign language
• Travel technology and microcomputers
• Logistics
• International customs law

Online Classes and Programs

Associate, bachelor's and master's Travel and Tourism Management degree programs are available online. Prospective students should inquire if the online programs provide an internship with companies in the tourism industry.

It's important for students to take an online program which has been accredited by an agency approved by the United States Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education.

Employment Requirements

Usually, travel agents are required to have a high school diploma. Some employers prefer to hire those with an associate or a bachelor's degree. Due to new technology and computers, many travel agencies seek travel agents that have some vocational training. Some travel agencies prefer agents who have an extensive traveling background.

The major employers of travel agents are travel agencies, tour operators and travel arrangement and reservation services.

How to Evaluate Schools and Programs

The answers to the following questions can help students select the appropriate school:

• Training - Does the program provide plenty of hands-on training? Does the program include an internship with a company in the travel sector? Do students have a variety of internship choices?
• School's Reputation - Is the school recognized for its travel and tourism programs? What kind of reputation does the school have in the travel industry?
• Job Placement - Are students provided job placement services? Does the school provide job fairs?
• Curriculum - What type of electives are offered? Can students select an area of specialization?
• Financial Aid - What types of financial aid are available? Is the school qualified to provide federal financial aid?
• Accreditation - Is the school accredited by an agency which has been approved by the the United States Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education?

Travel Agents Job Description

Travel agents make recommendations on attractions to see, activities to do, exhibitions to visit and tours and cruises to take. They also help their clients select accommodations and transportation. A travel agent searches for bargains and discounts. They use an array of published sources and the Internet to obtain information. Occasionally, travel agents visit the hotels and resorts they recommend to check the quality of the destinations. Some agents specialize in areas such as leisure, business, or specific areas of the world such as Europe or Asia.

Some travel agents work primarily with travel speciality companies, travel tour operators and resorts and sell their vacation packages. They also sell travel programs to businesses, social groups and a variety of organizations.

Shown below are some of their responsibilities:

• Obtain air travel departure and arrival times
• Make transportation and accommodation arrangements for clients
• Review the required papers, such as visas and passports for all their client's destinations
• Provide recommendations for travel destinations
• Review social customs and customs regulations of foreign travel destinations
• Check hotel and resort ratings
• Search for bargains and discounts for clients

Resources

• American Society of Travel Agents, Education Department
• National Business Travel Association
• The Travel Institute

• Lodging Managers
• Meeting And Convention Planners
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