Travel education and training can give you the knowledge you need to become a successful travel agent. Many people are attracted to the idea of a career in travel, but they lack the travel training necessary to make a living at it.

If you are truly committed to the profession, you can gain a travel education in a few short years. This will give you the proper qualifications. However, you should note that your education never really ends. You should work hard to continually learn new things about the industry.

With travel agent training, you can:

1. Start your own business as an independent travel agent. Many agents choose to work for a travel agency, but if you want the flexibility of working on your own, travel education and training can make that a reality.

2. Receive discounts on travel. Hotels and other businesses that focus on tourism realize that if you like their services, you will bring them business. Because of this, many companies offer discounts to those with a travel agent education.

3. Increase your tourism marketing knowledge. Specialized seminars, such as business travel training, will help you to learn about a particular market and their travel patterns.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Train to become a travel agent and get a degree in travel

You need to have training regardless of what career you choose. By getting a degree as a travel agent, you will show both travel agencies and clients that you have the training necessary to make their travels a success.

I recommend: Search for schools that are members of the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA). If you can't find a college in your area, Canyon College offers online travel agent training courses that lead to certification.

Increase your knowledge with travel agent training seminars

Once you're already a licensed travel agent, you should still work to increase your knowledge to expand your business. You can easily learn about new programs or better ways to market travel through a seminar.

I recommend: Learn while you cruise with a seminar at sea from TravelAgencySolutions.com. Many countries have a department of tourism and travel that gives seminars to travel agents, such as the one that Monaco offers. This is a great way to learn about the benefits of a particular destination.

Take a specialized travel agent training class to boost your business

You can get more business as a travel agent when you specialize in a particular niche. This allows you to focus your advertising campaigns in a more direct manner. Find something that you enjoy and look for classes that teach about it.

I recommend: If you are looking for business travel education, then check out the courses offered through the National Business Travel Association. Cruises are another popular specialization. As a member of Cruise Lines International Association, you receive access to specialized courses.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  There are many programs online that claim that through them you can 'train to be a travel agent.' Some of these programs may not be what you think they are. Do diligent research to make sure you understand what you're buying.