Being a travel agent requires being good with information, technology and people.
Travel agent is one of those jobs that sounds glamorous. But it requires an enormous amount of multitasking, attention to detail and willingness to deal with customers in various states of congeniality. Many travel agents work their way up from receptionist, hoping to ascend to a role that will enable them to travel. The bigger agencies and those that deal with leisure travelers prefer an agent with at least two years experience.
Training
Some travel agents begin as receptionists or in other low-paying, low-skill jobs and work their way up. But most travel agencies prefer that agents have formal training, according to the Occupational Outlook Handbook of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Many vocational programs and community colleges offer specific certificates for travel agents. The American Society of Travel Agents has a list of member schools and programs. Some four-year colleges offer master's and bachelor's degrees in travel. A Universities information website has a list of bachelor's and master's programs in travel and tourism. There are many online travel programs, including the University of Phoenix.
Specialties
Some agents have basic knowledge of finding and booking flights, rental cars and hotels. Some agencies require different levels of education and expertise. Many agencies, for example, require experience in leisure travel. Others want someone who has expertise in government, family or business travel. Destination agents sometimes specialize in a particular part of the world. They are likely to have traveled to the country or countries often and have specialized knowledge of the language, culture, lodgings and entertainment. Most travel education programs have extra course offerings in specialty travel. Agents are expected to continually upgrade their education.
Computer Savvy
There are many computer programs involved in travel searches and making reservations. Many jobs on career websites searching for leisure and senior travel agents ask for experience with industry-specific software such as Sabre and Apollo.
Organization
Travel agents might need to plan several trips simultaneously in different places and with different customers. They have to deal with many airlines, flights and hotels. And a travel crisis, such as a flight delay, might arise in the midst of this. They need to be be highly organized and good at multitasking, according to the BLS.
Salesmanship
The last thing a travel agent wants is to answer questions for travelers who then go book their own trips. Travel agents need to have sales skills. They are selling their skills, and frequently they are selling destinations and hotels. They have to communicate effectively with customers and know their products.
