If you have a background in communications, you may be perfect for a travel agent career. That type of customer service background is also ideal for the travel agent, especially if you have a natural enthusiasm for travel and an interest in other countries and cultures on your own. This enthusiasm can then also be considered an important skill or trait in itself.
Some of the best travel agent career options are those that are for independent agents. Because you can perform most of the duties of booking reservations and helping clients plan their own holidays with the right computer equipment, that’s something that once you put in place, you can operate alone. Independent travel agents find the freedom and flexibility to be quite attractive.
The education level that is needed will depend on what specific travel agent career options you are perusing. Some will decide to work for a larger organization that may ask their agents to have a basic qualifying level of education and experience. Others will work independently, and as a result will be able to make their own rules and craft their own skill sets with time.
Another area in which travel agents may find their career headed would be working in another large corporation, or as a personal assistant. With the world of international business being so global these days, travel is a very important component of any successful business venture, and agents are paid very good money to help facilitate this.
A travel agent career can involve a wide range of different opportunities. To narrow these down, it’s a good idea to evaluate what your personal skills are and how they could be applied to a career at an agency or elsewhere. Some will choose to work behind a reservations counter, for example, in order to gain the proper booking skills that will help you make more complicated reservations for clients in the future.
It’s also important to stay on top of the latest travel trends for the most fulfilling career in this field. That includes the need to read travel magazines and websites, to learn where people want to go. Being aware of any political situations or visa changes that may arise in terms of technicality also comes with the territory, and is vital for giving safe and accurate advice to clients, including the potential of advising them not to visit a certain region.