Which Training for Travel Agents?

[iluvtrvl]

After 30 years in banking and finance, I'm considering retiring from the games and politics of corporate America and moving into something that I truly enjoy - traveling. I'm considering becoming a travel agent because (1) I love to travel, (2) I love to tell my travel stories (3) I love to do research on new cultures and places and (4) I love to help people. With all of this said, now the question - where to I start? What training program is best? Should I consider a home based business (which the more I read the more I want to avoid this avenue), should I do online course studies, at home book studies or go enroll at the local community college or trade school?

I think I would prefer a storefront operation vs. at home, but I really need some honest feedback on this. I think I will get it from this site.....all opinions appreciated!

[jfrenaye]

I would think twice about a storefront as a start up. The costs are fairly significant and the revenues are not.

As for the education, check out ASTA (astanet.org), CLIA (cruising.org) The Travel Institute (thetravelinstitute.com), ARTA (artaonline.com), NACTA (nacta.org), and OSSN (ossn.com) for a series of great sites with good valid information to help guide your decision. NACTA and OSSN are for the home based market.

I would steer clear of any of the organizations that promise "credentials" and "free travel", and "highly discounted travel agent rates" for personal travel. Most are MLM schemes and will only serve to pad their pockets and deplete yours.

If you are serious on the storefront idea, I would suggest that you either be highly specialized and in demand or have another line of business that may compliment it.

You also need to decide if you want to sell airline tickets. If so, yo need to apply for accredidation with ARC (www.arccorp.com) which will require the posting of a bond or sufficient collateral. My suggestion is find someone else to do the air tickets--again, unless you are going to specialize in air.

So, there is a start for you! ANy questions, you can send me a PM and I will be glad to impart and share more of my wisdom (and I use that term very loosely)

John

[Jason's Storm]

I would suggest do business as a travel agent for a firm that already exist. Like a AAA office or another major firm.

~JS

[weblet]

I think it needs to be clarified whether the OP is intending to open an agency, or just wants to be an agent (in a storefront full-time/part-time, or as an independent contractor with a host agency). Both would entail far different approaches....

[Eileen Sellers]

I would start with a local community college or school that offers courses in travel and tourism. The school will also have a ready list of travel agencies that are willing to take in interns or outside sales people. This will get you started. You need to be with an agency before you can begin to be on your own.

[jjjenny]

Besides the local college, you might try Sabre school in Dallas. A friend went to this school for several weeks and then got a job in a travel agency. Sabre is an airlines computer reservation system. I also think before going on your own that you work in an agency that is already established. There is so much to learn and working with others you can learn many rules and tips, just by listening and watching.