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How to Become a Travel Agent: Turn Your Passion Into Perks and Cash

After spending seven years in the U.S. Air Force as an Arabic linguist, Carissa is now a freelance writer using points and miles to fund a four-year (and counting!) adventure. She previously worked as a reporter for The Points Guy. Her writing has since been featured in numerous publications, including Forbes, Business Insider, and The Balance. When she's not flying, you'll usually find her in a Priority Pass lounge somewhere, sipping tea and cursing slow Wi-Fi.

Megan Lee joined the travel rewards team at NerdWallet with over 12 years of SEO, writing and content development experience, primarily in international education and nonprofit work. She has been published in U.S. News & World Report, USA Today and elsewhere, and has spoken at conferences like that of NAFSA: Association of International Educators. Megan has built and directed remote content teams and editorial strategies for websites like GoAbroad and Go Overseas. When not traveling, Megan adventures around her Midwest home base where she likes to attend theme parties, ride her bike and cook Asian food.

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Raise your hand if you love to travel. Whether you’re often on the road or take a vacation just once a year, you’ve probably heard of travel agents. These folks help plan and book itineraries for you, eliminating a lot of the pain points when it comes to traveling.

These days many people skip out on a travel agent in lieu of booking their trip online, but if you’re a frequent traveler, you may want to become a travel agent yourself. Why? Because it can save you a lot of money — and may even earn you some in the process.

Let’s take a look at how to become a travel agent, why it’s something you may want to consider and the ways it can work for you.

Why become a travel agent?

Have you ever obsessively researched the best hotels in a city you’re planning to visit? How about checking seat maps on an airplane? If getting into the nitty-gritty of travel logistics is something you do in your spare time, you might also enjoy becoming a travel agent.

Not only do you get to plan trips for others, but you’ll also be able to take advantage of special discounts on many facets of travel.

This is true for your clients, but also for yourself. Travel agents have access to a variety of discounted rates on both airlines and hotels, even when booking travel for themselves.

» Learn more: How to get a refund from a travel agency

How to become a travel agent

Find a program.

Becoming a travel agent isn’t as simple as declaring yourself one. Typically, the first step is to sign up for a program that’ll teach you the basics of running your own travel business.

There are a variety of programs to choose from, depending on your interests and career goals. Most programs will teach you about the business side of being a travel agent as well as how to plan trips, so your courses in itinerary planning and travel insurance will be coupled with business ethics and customer service.

If you’re wondering how to become a travel agent from home, don’t worry. Many of these courses don’t have to be done in person; there are online programs that will teach you everything you need to know from the comfort of your living room.

Apply for certification

Once you’ve completed your coursework, you’ll want to apply for certification. Although there is no single standard that designates you a travel agent, there are a number of different identifiers that you can acquire. Some of the more common ones are:

International Air Transport Association, or IATA, which allows you to book travel on domestic and international airlines.

Travel Industry Designator Service, or TIDS, which allows agents to book trips with a variety of travel suppliers and receive commissions.

Cruise Lines International Association, or CLIA, which provides agents the ability to book trips on cruises around the world.

In order to access Marriott’s travel advisor rates, for example, you can use any three of these designations, along with a variety of others.

Each of these associations and identifiers have different implications for your business, so you’ll want to be sure you’ve fully researched them before applying for membership.

» Learn more: Do travel agents really save you money?

Save money as a travel agent

Once you’ve qualified as a travel agent, what comes next? If you travel frequently, becoming a travel agent can be a huge benefit to you, as it offers discounted rates and access to luxury travel options.

Discounted rates

Travel agents have access to negotiated rates that aren’t available to the general public. The exact amount will vary depending on the business. Hilton, for example, will give personal travel discounts of 50% off at newly-opened hotels and up to 25% off at the remainder of hotels within Hilton’s portfolio.

Hyatt, meanwhile, will give you a discount on personal travel of up to 50%, but only during select dates of the year. And although not all airlines give discounts to travel agents, many do.

Regardless, these are some pretty spectacular savings, and if you’re looking to save money on your vacations, being a travel agent can help.

Luxury programs

Becoming a travel agent isn’t only about saving money, however. It also grants you access to many hotel chains’ luxury travel programs.

If you’re big into elite status benefits, this is definitely something you’ll want to consider — especially since you don’t need any status at all to receive these perks, as long as you book through the hotel’s agent portal.

Most major hotel chains have these programs, including Hyatt Privé, Hilton Impresario, Marriott STARS & Luminous, Four Seasons Preferred Partner, Belmond Bellini Club, Rosewood Elite, Mandarin Oriental Fan Club and Shangri-La Luxury Circle.

While benefits vary by brand, many of these offers include things like room upgrades, complimentary breakfast, early check-in or late checkout and credits for expenses like dining or spa services. General consumers aren’t eligible for these programs, but once you’ve become a registered travel agent, they become accessible to you; however, some programs — such as Hyatt Privé — are invitation only.

For the most part, booking rooms through these programs shouldn’t cost more than the standard rate you’d be paying anyway, so you have the potential to get big benefits without shelling out any additional money.

However, note that these numbers don’t take into account any other discounted rates for which you may be eligible, such as those offered to American Automobile Association members and veterans .

» Learn more: Uncommon tips for saving money on travel

Earn money as a travel agent

Of course, becoming a travel agent isn’t all about scoring discounts for yourself. If you’re looking to earn some money, being a travel agent can be a good way to do so.

Note that travel agents operate in a customer-facing role, so you’ll also need to be able to build client relationships and be comfortable with sales. Courses such as those mentioned above can help train you to do this and run a successful business.

If booking travel and organizing trips for others is something that appeals to you, there’s definitely money to be earned. Marriott, for example, gives agents a commission of between 8% and 10% for all eligible stays booked.

» Learn more: The pros and cons of booking through online travel agencies

If you’d like to become a travel agent

There are a few good reasons to become a travel agent, especially if you travel a lot. Although it takes time and effort to complete training and apply for accreditation, the benefits you’ll receive as a travel advisor can be significant. This is true whether you’re booking personal travel or have built yourself a client base. Either way, there’s money to be had — and saved.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

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1.5%-5% Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

Up to $300 Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

on Capital One's website

2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.

75,000 Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

7 Best Online Travel Agent Training Programs

Get information on Travel Agent Training programs by entering your zip code and request enrollment information.

With online studies, your career as a travel agent starts with a laptop, access to the internet, and a click.

If you spend hours daydreaming about the perfect vacation and love being a part of every last planning detail, a career in travel is right for you.

If you want smooth sailing and to help vacationers’ trips go off without a hitch, a travel agent career is for you.

Start turning travel dreams into a reality for clients.

How do you get the certification and training you need to launch a career as a travel agent?

Check out these best online travel agent training programs.

1. Penn Foster

2. the travel institute, 3. stratford career institute, 4. travel agent campus, 5. grand canyon university, 6. iap international association of professions career college, 7. ashworth college, what courses are in an online travel agent training program, can you earn an online travel agent training program certification completely online, how long does it take to earn an online travel agent program certification online, how much does an online travel agent training program certification cost, bottom line, best online travel agent training programs.

Most online courses prepare you to sit for the Travel Agent Proficiency TAP exam to earn your travel and tourism certification.

The TAP test takes two hours to complete.

The test consists of 100 multiple-choice questions.

Or, continue your education to get your Bachelor of Science BS degree in hospitality.

After obtaining the necessary credentials, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 66,300 jobs in travel await those who pursue them, with an anticipated 3 percent job growth.

Travel agents earn an average of $46,400 annually, or $22.31 per hour.

The American Society of Travel Advisors, ASTA, and The Travel Institute developed the TAP certification examination.

Pass the TAP to launch your travel agent career.

Earn your TAP certification and then continue your education by attaining your Certified Travel Associate CTA certification.

Or, specialize in specific types of travel like the following:

• Family travel
• Accessible travel
• Rural tourism
• Pet-friendly travel
• Cruise lines
• Sustainable travel
• Eco-friendly travel
• Solo travel
• Luxury travel
• Romantic getaways
• Destination weddings
• Honeymoon travel

Take a look at the best options for online travel agent training programs.

Check out the following top online training programs:

Penn Foster Online offers courses at levels from high school to college degrees.

Learn everything you need to understand about the travel and tourism industry through this accredited school.

Penn Foster offers an affordable and accredited online Travel Agent Career Diploma.

The program prepares students for entry-level travel agent careers.

Study at your own pace with access to a dedicated faculty.

The Penn Foster online program prepares students for the TAP Travel Agent Proficiency certification exam.

Studying through Penn Foster also allows you free enrollment in a Destination Specialist course at The Travel Institute to help prepare you for the Destination Specialist certification exam.

Fast-paced learners complete the course in as short of time as nine months.

The average student takes 15 months to prepare for work as a travel agent.

Go on to work in an agency, a tour company, an airline, or any travel agent capacity.

The travel agent certificate online program usually costs $989.

Catch a sale to find it as low as $799.

The Travel Institute has a history of preparing individuals for successful and rewarding careers in the travel industry since 1964.

More than 25,000 students claim success through learning with The Travel Institute.

With more than 50 years of training travel agents, the Travel Institute offers certification as a non-profit organization.

The online program aims to develop travel professionals who will better the industry and benefit travelers.

The online training offers their own TRIPKIT Travel Industry Introductory Program.

The Travel Institute also offers certification courses and training in areas of specialization in the travel industry.

Before deciding on a course, sign up for one of many free Webinars.

Gain a solid foundation of knowledge to kick-start your career in travel in up to 12 months of study.

Become a Certified Travel Counselor CTC for $550.

Or, if you already have five years of industry experience, take the Fast Track course.

The Travel Institute also offers Certified Travel Associate CTA and Certified Travel Industry Executive CTIE courses.

Stratford Career Institute is privately owned and established in 1991.

The Institute offers quality at-home vocational training programs to students in North America.

Stratford foresaw the need for emerging education for busy adults and offers distance learning.

SCI provides the opportunity for students to learn in the convenience of their own home with a flexible schedule.

This online school is a member of the United States Distance Learning Association, the Canadian Network for Innovation in Education, and the International Council for Open and Distance Education ICDE.

SCI also has academic affiliations with Institutional Accountants ICIA and The Travel Institute.

If you love to travel and want to turn travel planning into your career, Stratford Career Institute online offers a comprehensive travel and tourism course.

Learn the basics and then move into more advanced topics.

Delve into sales and marketing with this self-paced course.

Complete the course in a year or shorter.

Some students are ready for the next step after six months.

The Stratford Career Institute Travel and Tourism online course will prepare you to sit for the TAP test.

Learn everything you need about landing a job and continuing work as a successful travel agent for $1,049.

Catch the course on sale for $499 during Black Friday or other sales throughout the year.

The Travel Agent Campus is a highly sought-after travel agent/advisor online training and certification program.

Train with lessons developed by innovators of their independent home-based travel agent learning platform.

Learn from instructors who offer more than 30 years of training to those new to the travel business.

The Travel Agent Campus allows you to work at your own pace.

Learn everything you need to know to earn your online travel agent certification in two weeks.

Or, take less time.

Most students finish the course in about three to ten days.

Pay $995 in full, or break it down into monthly payments.

Once you start your travel career, earn as much as 70 percent to 90 percent commission.

Learn at home about the vast travel industry and tourism at your own pace in partnership with TPI Travel Planners International.

Get started in your career of planning, researching, and booking trips with the help of this online course.

Grand Canyon University GCU offers a private for-profit university.

GCU is the largest Christian university in the world, teaching 70,000 online students and 20,000 on-campus learners.

Take your time and earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Hospitality Management.

By attaining a BS in Hospitality Management, you open doors to a solid career in travel.

With Grand Canyon University, earn your degree after studying 120 credit hours at approximately $485 per credit.

The online courses each last eight weeks and are self-paced.

You may participate in Web chat sessions or view lectures online throughout the courses.

If you have already earned college credit, transfer credit hours to reduce your overall expenses.

Apply for scholarships to save more on tuition costs. Also, enjoy extensive discounted tuition for active military personnel.

Study online to receive your travel consultant certificate from a program featured by Oprah, ABC, CNN, and The Wall Street Journal.

IAP Career College offers a private online career learning opportunity.

This online college allows students to develop skills to advance their careers or start a business.

Learn the principles and techniques of the travel industry through an affordable online program.

IAP Career College online Travel Consultant Certificate Course takes approximately six weeks to complete.

Some students get done faster, by four weeks.

Others take a full 12 weeks to complete.

Work online at your own pace without teaching assistance.

The IAP course costs approximately $377.

Catch a special sale to get it for as inexpensive as $149.00.

Ashworth College offers career education that teaches practical skills employers want without breaking the bank.

This online school is among the most affordable online schools available to gain travel agent certification.

All of the career-focused courses at Ashworth College include books, lessons, study guides, and academic guidance.

Earn your certification among more than 300,000 students who have graduated from Ashworth.

Ashworth College offers an online travel agent training program to prepare you for work in the travel industry.

The course of study covers reservations, customer service, and geography.

Study entirely at your own pace to prepare for the TAP test certification in less than a year.

Earn your travel and tourism diploma to work with planning tours and management positions.

Pay $989 with monthly payments of $799 paid in full.

Ready yourself to take the Travel Institute Travel Agent Proficiency Test after completing the course.

Ashworth College additionally provides a toolkit with resume templates and other resources to help you land a travel career.

Online travel agent training programs offer courses that teach everything you need to prepare you as a travel agent.

Some of the typical courses included in travel agent training programs include:

• Air travel ticketing, reservations, and baggage handling, including North American Air Travel
• Geographic studies, including popular travel destinations, cultures, customs, and top attractions while exploring the world
• Tourism and the History of tourism, including types of tourism and how travel impacts the economy
• TAP Travel Agent Proficiency Certification studies include customer service, consumer-focused professionalism, specialized travel sales techniques, marketing, office skills, and time management.
• Advanced skills in journey pricing and ticketing
• BSP Agent billing reports and agent remittance procedures
• Learn about required documents for international trips
• Intro to Tourism Management to establish a foundational understanding of the tourism business
• Delve into the challenges of the hospitality industry as a career
• Aspects of Transportation Learning how to navigate domestic and foreign transportation systems such as air, railway, or cruises
• Convention and Special Event Planning, including conferences, trade shows, arranging travel, lodging, booking the best venue, and organizing food services
• World Regions, including time zones, weather, and climate
• International Travel Documentation
• Customer-focused selling and understanding customer needs
• Accepting and processing payments
• Travel Insurance
• Car Rentals
• Tour Sales and Niche Marketing
• Hospitality
• Global Distribution System GDS and establishing Passenger Name Record PNR
• Career Options in Travel
• Types of Tours and Tour Operators
• Fares and ticketing
• How to start an at-home travel agency
• Business Ethics and writing skills
• The Art of listening and communicating

Several online colleges, universities, and career training centers offer a complete program to attain the skills needed in the travel industry.

One of the benefits of studying online is that you learn at your own pace.

Earning an online travel agent certification varies in how long it takes .

Spend a few days, two to three weeks, or stretch it out.

Combine your studies with an Associate’s or a Bachelor’s degree, and take two to four years.

Pursue one or all of the travel agent certifications, including the following:

• Travel Agent Proficiency TAP
• The Certified Travel Associate CTA – Requires one year of industry experience or completion of the Travel Agent Proficiency TAP exam.
• Certified Travel Counselor
• Certified Travel Industry Executive
• ASTA Verified Travel Advisor VTA from the American Society of Travel Advisors ASTA
• International Air Transport Association IATA
• Travel Industry Designator Service TIDS
• Certified Cruise Counselor CCC from the Cruise Lines International Association CLIA
• Accredited Cruise Counselor ACC
• Master Cruise Counselor MCC
• Elite Cruise Counselor ECC

Online training costs in the travel industry vary based on how long the program is, whether the institution is accredited, and any specializations you pursue.

It ranges in cost from approximately $100 to about $1,000 to complete certification.

Some online programs include an exam fee, so expect to spend about $2,000 or more.

Once you obtain the certification, expect ongoing studies to maintain the certification.

Agents must earn ten continuing education credits CEUs per year.

Pursue your dream of adventure and love for travel.

Obtain your certification to start work in the travel and tourism industry fast .

Study through the best online travel agent training programs.

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7 Best Online Travel Agent Programs (Complete Guide)

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Many people’s dream job is to travel and get paid!

While travel agents are only sometimes traveling, as they need to help plan and use their resources to set itineraries while getting the best deals, they must be knowledgeable about various places.

If you’re interested in becoming a travel agent, several educational paths exist to help you reach your goals.

The most common approach is an online travel and tourism diploma program, which is readily available.

If you want to dive deeper into the field, associate and bachelor’s degree programs are available but still require the fundamental core classes and can take up to four years to earn.

On the other hand, a certificate degree can be achieved in under one year.

If you’re interested in becoming a travel agent and are searching for a reputable online program, keep reading to learn more!

Best Online Travel Agent Programs

Despite being necessary for tens of thousands of travelers worldwide, travel agency positions are relatively niche.

Therefore, only a few online travel agent programs exist, including the following:

American Society of Travel Advisors

The ASTA offers a Verified Travel Advisor certification program, which helps students hone travel and tourism skills while providing a broad industry perspective.

This online, self-paced course is highly flexible, as students can complete the required coursework on their own terms.

Lessons for the primary certification include the following:

• Advanced Public Speaking – improves public speaking capabilities through actionable information.
• Agency Relationships and the Law – learn about your legal obligations to your clients, liabilities, and legal rights.
• Ethics for Travel Advisors – students must review and agree to the 12-point Code of Ethics, which builds client trust.
• Legal Overview for the Travel Agency Industry – taught by an attorney about legal issues surrounding taxes, liability, insurance, fees, and more.
• Marketing YOU! – maximize your value by promoting your business using effective marketing tactics.
• Project Management and Planning for the Travel Advisor – learn how project management and planning are critical to the industry and how to apply these techniques within your business.
• Real-World Sales Tactics – learn tactical solutions for improving your consulting and selling skills.
• The Art and Science of Negotiation – negotiating is a critical aspect of a successful travel business that allows you to get the best prices for your clients.
• U.S. Travel Agency Regulatory Compliance – helps travel advisors avoid costly regulatory mishaps.

The ASTA member program price is $399, the non-member independent travel advisor cost is $627, and the non-member travel advisor price is $789.

For those seeking re-certification, the tuition cost is $179.

Ashworth College

As one of the leading online vocational schools, Ashworth College helps students explore travel and tourism careers.

Their diploma in travel and tourism comprises coursework like The Global Distribution System, Types of Travel, and Travel Geography.

The program begins by teaching students the business fundamentals and ends with how to establish an exciting career as a travel agent or in other travel-related fields.

Program graduates have moved into numerous careers, from corporate travel at significant companies to starting a travel agency business.

Cayuga Community College

The entirely online Tourism Management certificate from Cayuga Community College is a 30-credit-hour program that prepares students for entry-level careers as travel agents, destination marketing organizations, tourism bureaus, tour companies, or working for tourism promotion agencies, hotels, inns, cruise lines, and visitor centers.

This self-paced certificate program allows students to work and attend school on their own schedule.

The faculty teaching these courses is the same online as on-campus, and students can transfer credits from other schools instead of retaking the class.

Colorado State University

CSU offers an online master’s degree in tourism management for those looking to make a career change or advance further in the industry.

This program focuses on developing students’ business management insight, helping them understand global tourism’s environmental and social impacts, and enhancing their knowledge of standard industry practices.

Furthermore, the faculty focuses on new technology, an evolving marketplace, and international events impacting tourism activities.

Throughout the nine-month program, students will learn more about financial management tools and processes, effective communication and marketing strategies, how to use data to guide business strategies, and how to manage resources and people ethically and strategically.

The program has 30 total credits and costs $794 per credit hour, regardless of if you live in-state or out-of-state.

Cruise Lines International Association

CLIA offers numerous online certification programs, including Accredited Cruise Counselor, Certified Cruise Counselor, Master Cruise Counselor, Elite Cruise Counselor, and Travel Agency Executive (TAE), a broader certification beyond cruises.

TAE was developed for management travel agency professionals currently employed by a CLIA Affiliate Agency and may be selling travel products.

To be eligible, candidates must work in a leadership capacity within the travel industry.

Those accepted into the program have two years from enrollment to complete the program and submit the required documentation.

The curriculum includes the following mandatory courses:

• Better Listening Skills for Better Business
• Building Client Loyalty
• Cruise Industry Leadership 501
• Cruise Industry Leadership 601
• Customer Relationship Management
• Effective Cruise Presentations 101
• Marketing 101
• Public Relations 101

Attendees must also select one elective training requirement: three CLIA online courses and live seminars, earning the CTA, CTC, or CTIE designation, or holding an undergraduate or graduate business degree.

Additionally, students must have two personal travel experiences: two cruises of at least two nights or be a CLIA Global Cruise Line Member.

Penn Foster Career School

Penn Foster and Ashworth College typically frequent the same list as best online vocational schools.

Like Ashworth, Penn Foster boasts an excellent travel agent diploma.

If you are passionate about travel, the program prepares you to work for tour companies, cruise ships, airlines, and travel agencies.

Many graduates also opt to open a travel agency business or in a corporate travel position.

The travel agent course prepares students for the Travel Agent Proficiency certification exam.

The curriculum includes Computerized Reservation Systems, Tours and Vacation Packages, Exploring the World, International Travel, World Geography, North American Air Travel, and The Travel Professional.

The school also offers a Destination Specialist course to expand student skills in the field further.

Tuition for the entire program, including materials, is $799, but the school offers flexible monthly payments for those who cannot immediately pay in full.

Stratford Career Institute

The Stratford Career Institute Travel Agent Program was developed for those who love to travel and want to transition that passion into a career.

The course covers basic and advanced topics that benefit aspiring travel agents and novices.

The curriculum includes Destination Geography, Travel and Booking Trends, and Corporate and Leisure Travel.

Students can expect to also learn about sales and marketing techniques, ticket prices and fees, and common fares within the industry.

The Travel Institute

Founded in 1964, The Travel Institute has granted just under 30,000 certifications since its founding.

The school has over 145 approved programs and has been awarded 3,600 scholarships since 2014.

The school offers a Certified Travel Associate (CTA) program, which covers 15 critical study areas developed to focus on the required skills for becoming a North American travel consultant.

To enroll in the program, candidates must have at least one year of industry experience selling travel products and services or pass the Travel Agent Proficiency exam with an 80 percent score.

To earn the certification, candidates must pass the CTA examination with at least a 70% score.

To maintain the certification, candidates must earn 10 continuing education units or more annually and be registered in the Certified Travel Agent Directory, which is a public document.

The skill modules range from travel insurance and planning itineraries to business ethics and business writing.

Best of all, the program can be taken entirely online in digital or digital plus print formats for those who prefer learning using physical materials.

The program offers peer support, one—on—one counseling, practice scenarios, and expert tips via videos from industry executives.

The digital version costs $550, while the digital plus print option costs $650.

What Courses Are in an Online Travel Agent Program?

Travel agent programs vary greatly based on the type and level of the coursework and the industry type.

The most common travel agent courses cover the following topics:

• Advising clients on local activities.
• Booking trends.
• Customer relationship management.
• Determining travel costs.
• Developing alternative travel plans when schedules change.
• Discuss essential information with clients.
• Informing clients about required travel documents.
• Legal aspects of the travel industry.
• Marketing techniques
• Negotiating hotel rates.
• Planning itineraries.
• Project management and planning.

Can You Earn a Travel Agent Certification Completely Online?

Since there is no in-person requirement to become a certified travel agent, all certifications can be completed online.

Depending on the educational level in the tourism industry that you wish to achieve, the school may require an internship to gain firsthand experience in the industry, dealing with clients.

Experts advise students at all levels to enroll in an internship, which can help make you marketable for future potential employers, develop professional contacts, have a higher probability for direct job offers, and expand your transferrable skills.

How Long Does It Take to Earn a Travel Agent Certification Online?

The online travel agent certification time commitment ranges based on the educational level you wish to achieve.

More basic certificates can be earned in a few months, whereas bachelor’s degrees in travel and tourism can take four years or more if you plan to enroll in an internship.

The primary difference between the certificate and diploma programs and the associate and bachelor’s degree programs is the latter requires foundational core classes, and the former focuses solely on travel agent topics.

However, the associate and bachelor’s degree programs tend to go more in-depth on many travel and tourism topics and offer additional opportunities to take specialized electives, which could also make you a more marketable candidate.

Also, the more education received, the higher salary you could earn after graduation compared to those with a lower level certification.

How Much Does an Online Travel Agent Certification Cost?

Like the time commitment required for travel agent certification, the cost varies based on several factors, including the training length, the school’s reputation, specialization, and financial aid availability.

The most basic certification programs cost between $330 and several thousand for a program lasting several months to one year.

Specialization programs for those with related training can cost around $550.

For those seeking higher education, an associate degree can range from several thousand dollars per year to over $10,000.

A bachelor’s degree can cost thousands of dollars for the entire program.

Suppose you’re considering a private school for associate or bachelor’s degrees.

In that case, it’s advisable to complete the core classes at a local community college with significantly less expensive credit hours, then transfer in the credits and take the travel and tourism classes at the private school.

This could save tens of thousands of dollars in the long term. Another option is to look for scholarships, grants, and financial aid opportunities.

As the world reopens, travel and tourism are at an all-time high for adventurers wanting to get outside and explore new cultures.

Although technology continues to improve and create itineraries and plans for travelers at the click of a button, travel agents are still needed due to their professional connections and relationships with hotels, travel and transportation companies, restaurants, airlines, and other travel-related businesses.

Therefore, they continue to be in high demand to get their clients the best possible prices.

For those looking to enter this dynamic and exciting field, there are plenty of online educational opportunities from which to choose.

Schools like The American Society of Travel Advisors and The Travel Institute focus on preparing students for industry certifications.

Ashford College, Penn Foster, and the Stratford Career Institute are some of the best online colleges available, so they use technology so students can succeed.

Cayuga Community College and CSU are more traditional schools with multiple educational levels beyond certificates, and the Cruise Lines International Association emphasizes coursework related to cruise travel.

Many options depend on your academic and career goals, so determine where you want to go next!

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How to Become a Travel Agent—Because, Believe It or Not, the Industry Is on the Rise

By Scott Bay

There’s a reason “how to become a travel agent” has been a continuously trending search phrase on Google—it is a career path that offers a flexible work environment and schedule, ample travel opportunities, and an immersion into a supportive world-wide industry. It's a surprise to some in 2023: Once the internet became widely available, it was largely believed that needing a travel agent was obsolete. However, even though the brick-and-mortar agencies with punny names in strip malls have vanished, the career is on-the-rise .

New software options are making it easier than ever for people to make money planning trips, either as a side hustle or as a full-time business. That’s why Cherikonda, India-based stay-at-home mother, Maya Kapoor-Miller, decided to enter the professional world as a travel agent this year, at 31. “I knew nothing about the travel industry prior to signing up,” says Kapoor-Miller, who decided to use San Francisco-based booking platform Dreamport to establish her online travel advisor business. “It is my first business in life, and the only one that you can start with no investment.”

But there's also a rise in demand. When people ventured back into the world after the pandemic, travel agents saw an overwhelming amount of business . And that momentum hasn’t stopped—when travel is complicated, like it was in 2020 and 2021, travelers turned to professional trip planners to create a seamless vacation. For better or worse, traveling has remained complicated and chaotic, with new rules being implemented (like Americans needing to pay a fee to visit Europe in 2024 ) and airline strikes and staffing issues. Offloading all of the nitty-gritty details to someone else is more appealing than ever.

For those entering the field, there's also the age-old motivator: a love of travel. 

Shelton Ellis, who is based in North Carolina, recently saw these opportunities and left behind more than 20 years in public relations and global advertising to turn his passion into a career. “I was born with a wanderlust that would wear Rick Steves out,” Ellis says. “I decided to take the leap and follow that lifelong yearning. Transitioning into this role was really about learning how to monetize what I'm passionate about.”

Whether you are looking for a new career path or a lucrative side-hustle—or simply curious about those taking the plunge—here’s how to become a travel agent, from the qualifications and education required, to anticipated earnings, according to those who have made the shift in the past year. 

What exactly does a travel agent do?

Travel agents, or travel advisors (the term is mostly interchangeable), manage everything that goes into a trip for their clients: the flights, car transfers, accommodations, restaurant reservations, and more—they even inspire the itinerary. The reason people turn to travel agents, aside from having a helping hand during any travel chaos , is also to tap into the travel agent’s first-hand knowledge of destinations, and their industry partnerships, which often lead to perks such as hotel upgrades, ideal airplane seats, and experiences that can’t be found on a search engine.

“You have to remember that as a travel agent, you will be a guide for people during their happiest moments—family reunions, weddings , baptisms, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences that people have dreamt of,” says Kapoor-Miller. “It has been one of the most rewarding aspects of being a travel agent. You navigate people, inform them, and help them choose.”

So, how do you become a travel agent?

There are many ways to become a travel agent, from joining an existing travel agency , to starting an independent business from the ground up. Others are opting for one of the buzziest start-ups in the travel industry, Fora . When it launched in 2021, the software company, which trains and provides search engine-optimized profile pages to advisors—at one point had a waitlist of over 30,000 people eager to begin a part-time gig. Travel photographer and Condé Nast Traveler contributor Amanda Villarosa is currently in the process of joining.

“I'm the person that friends and family come to for travel recommendations, tips and tricks, and general travel advice,” says Villarosa. “After discovering Fora and looking into it, I realized that it could be the perfect side-hustle, considering I'm already so involved in the industry.”

With additional flexibility, Villarosa was able to move from New York City to splitting her time between Denver and Los Angeles . She says that the sign-up was quite straightforward. “You're given a dedicated Fora email and have access to advising tools and fellow Fora advisors,” she says. “The training is in the form of Zoom meetings and videos, which you have the option to watch at your own pace. Once completed, you take a certification quiz and you're on your way to advising.”

The other ways in are slightly more involved. To begin an independent practice, you go about it like many other businesses. You will have to create an LLC, establish a business name, cultivate marketing materials, build a website, find clientele, and more.

Ellis found something in the middle, choosing to connect with an established travel agency. “Don't be afraid to reach out to an agency looking to take on new advisors and is willing to mentor," says Ellis. "I was fortunate to learn so much from Annie Chambers, the owner of Crafted Escapes , who has seven years in the business.” He now knows the ropes on everything from using itinerary-building software to destination-specific training, to the sales and marketing aspects of the trade.

Is there required education or qualifications?

Ellis says that there's no certification, per se, required to become a travel advisor, but there are countless training courses available like Departure Lounge ’s classes on navigating the industry through hotels and tour operators. He said it’s also important to stay on top of travel trends. Ellis recently completed travel agent training programs provided by premier cruise lines such as Virgin Voyages , Ritz-Carlton Yachts , and Cunard to help agents sell their products more accurately.

How much does a travel agent make?

What a travel agent earns depends on how many trips they successfully book for their clients. The entire model is commission-based, meaning agents earn a percentage of the total cost of the vacation they orchestrate. Many travel advisors choose to charge a flat-rate planning fee in addition to their commission, but balance is key—if you charge a high planning fee, it could lead to potential clients going elsewhere.

By CNT Editors

By Madison Flager

By Melissa Liebling-Goldberg

By Caitlin Morton

Fora ’s website states that “some of our full-time, expert advisors earn well into the six figures (or beyond).” So a lucrative career may be on the horizon, for those who are able to build a robust client base and excellent industry connections.

How much you make can also depend on where you live around the world. “I am being paid in dollars,” says India-based Kapoor-Miller. “So the currency fluctuations of the local exchange rate are not something I am worried about.”

What are the key skills required to become a travel agent?

“Travel agents need a mix of customer service, communication, destination knowledge, organizational, and problem-solving skills,” says Kapoor-Miller. “But I would say that adaptability, flexibility, curiosity, and cultural sensitivity top them all—you have to put yourself in other's shoes, and understand the requirements, hopes, and expectations of your clients along with any worries and questions they may have.”

It’s vital to have a passion for traveling, even the aspects of the process that aren’t as exciting, such as learning about new airline routes, train schedule updates, and industry news. “It can be an information-heavy hustle, and I believe it's important to be excited about it as that energy definitely transfers to your clients and partners,” Villarosa says.

Should travel advisors choose a specialization?

Many travel advisors have found success through becoming an expert in a few types of travel and destinations. “It's important to become an authority and learn as much as you can through personal experiences and continuing education,” says Ellis. “As a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community , an avid snow skier, and scuba diver, I know not only the popular destinations but others that are off the beaten path, equally safe and adventurous for all travelers.” This helps travel agents establish a competitive edge, and hopefully convince potential clients to choose them for their expertise.

What are the benefits of being a travel agent?

“Flexibility tops them all,” says Kapoor-Miller. “And the ability to start without industry knowledge. If you worry that you are too old for this job, the good news is that this is a job you can enter and enjoy at any age.”

Another great perk is the "Familiarization trip,” says Ellis. “Tourism boards and hotels invite agents to visit and familiarize themselves with a particular country and its properties. After all, any accomplished salesperson should learn everything they can about their products first-hand...even if they're in Bora Bora.” It's hard work, but someone's got to do it. 

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TRAINING AND CERTIFICATIONS

Whether you’re considering entering the travel industry, looking to build specific travel agency business skills, or want to develop expertise and become certified in a destination or specialty niche, ASTA offers top-notch training at every level.

Our premier training for experienced travel advisors is the Verified Travel Advisor (VTA) certification program . The VTA curriculum hones your skills and provides a broad perspective of the industry. Benefits include referrals and the respect that comes with having earned your VTA designation.

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These courses are from our archives and are priced accordingly. They continue to provide useful and relevant information and are a great value. Since there are no exams or assignments for these courses, there are no certifications for completion.

If you're looking for a more traditional experience with coursework and face to face support with an instructor, we have partnered with Wake Technical Community College. Click for more information .

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7 Reasons Why You Should Become A Certified Travel Agent/Advisor

Online training and certification, 7 reasons why you should become a travel agent / advisor.

• Be Your Own Boss - Work When Ever You Want! We Help You The Entire Way!
• Get Your Travel Advisor Certification In Just Days!
• Travel the World While You Work - Travel At Discounted Prices!
• Do This - Full-Time, Part-Time, Side Gig / Hustle, or Book Your Own Travel!
• Unlimited Earning & Growth Potential - While Helping Others With Their Travel!
• Travel Advisors Are In High Demand - Consumers Are Looking For You!
• No Sales Quotas - No Limitations - Do As Much Or As Little As You Want!

You are on your way to enjoying the high-earning potential, excitement, and discounts of the travel industry. Traveling and promoting travel is what travel agents and advisors do for a living. It's easy to get involved, and we will train you step by step on how to do it all. We have been training travel agents since 1988!

Have you ever dreamed of starting your own business, becoming your own boss, working the hours that suit your lifestyle, and determining your own income?

Do you want to travel the world and visit exotic destinations in Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Antarctica, Europe, Australia, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Islands?

Do you have a desire to plan dream vacations for friends, family, or the general public, sending them on vacations, cruises, or escorted tours?

You can also go with them as their tour guide if you wish.

Are you ready to take control of your destiny and make these dreams a reality?

View this post on Instagram Developed by the innovators of the independent home-based travel advisor concept, our training is the most sought after online certification in the industry. Start your certification today! A post shared by Travel Agent Campus (@travelagentcampus) on May 6, 2020 at 1:15pm PDT

How Does The Program Work?

What is the process of becoming a travel agent from beginning to end.

If you are new to the industry, we’d like to share with you how this works. Our goal is to train you on what you need to know and help you get set up to become a successful travel agent / advisor from home!

• You decide on the Course / Certification you want to take based on your preferences and goals.
• You will learn this exciting material from the convenience of your home.
• Training is self-paced and a combination of blended online learning with electronic textbooks.
• Immediately receive an email with your receipt and a downloadable "Welcome Letter" to start your training.
• Your electronic textbook(s) will be emailed to you. They are not needed until after watching the video training.
• Start your training and complete it at your own pace. The average completion time is 3 to 10 days.
• Instructors can be available 24/7 if you need them by LiveChat, Email, and via phone during business hours.
• Finish your training and receive your Travel Agent / Advisor certificate of completion.
• After your name on your business cards and your website, you can add your certification credentials (TAC)!
• Your certification credentials will be emailed to you (with a special link to connect you to TPI) and copied to TPI.
• Directly connect with TPI: VOTED #1 HOST SUPPORT TRAVEL AGENCY by ASTA, with 30+ years in business!
• Subscribe via the special link to TPI (from $40 per month for full support and a 24/7 agent portal to make your Travel Reservations). (TPI requires an internet evaluation, an electronic agreement, a credit card for monthly membership fees, up to a $459 setup fee, must be a U.S. citizen or a green card holder, have a U.S. address, have a U.S. bank account, and a social security number to verify your identity.)
• Your home-based Travel Agency opens for business with full support from TPI.
• Get access via TPI to the IATA/ARC/CLIA number(s) to make travel reservations.
• Get access to the exclusive Travel Agent reservations systems to make travel reservations. Easy Point-n-Click systems and Professional GDS systems are available - Sabre, Amadeus, Galileo, and Worldspan.
• Start promoting travel (TPI has a dedicated marketing dept. to assist) and start earning up to 90% commissions.
• Tell everyone you are a Certified Travel Agent / Advisor.
• Work wherever and whenever you want. Make as much money as you want! No restrictions.
• Enjoy travel benefits and discounts.
• The entire process from beginning to end can be finished in a matter of 2 weeks.

Welcome to Travel Agent Campus where we will help you realize these dreams by providing you with travel industry training and prepare you to work with our host / support travel agency TPI.

Learn how to become a Certified Travel Agent at home and at your own pace with Travel Agent Campus, in partnership with TPI - Travel Planners International a Host / Support Travel Agency.

Because you are starting a new business in an unfamiliar industry, it is crucial to your success to gain the proper knowledge, skills, and abilities from an industry-specific training program. The Travel Agent Campus internet-learning program can be your passport to an exciting future as a Travel Agent. You can train quickly and conveniently from home and learn the skills you need to succeed.

With TPI, our Host / Support Travel Agency partnership, you'll be up and running selling travel as soon as you successfully complete our training. (TPI requires an internet evaluation, an electronic agreement, a credit card for monthly membership fees, up to a $459 setup fee, must be a U.S. citizen or a green card holder, have a U.S. address, have a U.S. bank account, and a social security number to verify your identity.) 

Upon successful completion of your training, you will be directly connected to TPI - Travel Planners International. Before you know it, you will be selling travel and enjoying all the travel benefits. Start packing your bags!!

How Does The Program Work? What is the process to become a travel agent from beginning to end?

• You will learn this exciting material from the convenience of your home. 
• Start your training and complete it at your own pace. The average completion time is 3 to 10 days. 
• Subscribe via the special link to TPI (from $40 per month for full support and a 24/7 agent portal to make your Travel Reservations). (TPI requires an internet evaluation, an electronic agreement, a credit card for monthly membership fees, up to a $459 setup fee, must be a U.S. citizen or a green card holder, have a U.S. address, have a U.S. bank account, and a social security number to verify your identity.) 
• Get access via TPI to the IATA/ARC/CLIA number(s) to make travel reservations

Call, Live Chat 24/7 or Email us for any questions. We are here to support you.

How much is it bronze - travel advisor course.

PAYMENT PLAN - OPTION FOR BRONZE COURSE

6 monthly payments of $145.83

Minimum Down Payment of $316.72, Then $145.83 / month for the remaining months. (includes a one-time electronic book package fee of $99.95, plan setup fee of $49.95, processing fee of $20.99, and optional upgrades. Upgrades can be removed by clicking on the X at checkout.

PAY IN FULL - OPTION FOR BRONZE COURSE

Was $995. NOW $300 OFF REGULAR PRICE- Only $695

(plus a one-time electronic book package fee, processing fee, and optional items/upgrades)

CLICK HERE FOR: Additional courses and certifications.

Do I Get Training and Certification?

You will receive your training and certification to become a travel agent from home through Travel Agent Campus. We are an approved TPI training provider and leaders in the industry who share a passion for educating and helping our trainees succeed. Our self-paced, blended online learning with textbooks makes it easy for you to learn about the industry and get involved — even without any prior experience!

Which Host / Support Travel Agency Do You Use?

We work with TPI, Travel Planners International, which has been in the travel industry for over 30 years. It’s the preferred Host Travel Agency that supports all your efforts!

TRAVEL PLANNERS INTERNATIONAL - HOST / SUPPORT TRAVEL AGENCY

What do I get when I join the Host / Support Travel Agency TPI - Travel Planners International?

•     A hefty 70% commission on your travel reservations. 80% and 90% also available.
•     24/7 Access to your web-based Travel Agent Only Portal to do Travel Reservations for airlines, car rentals, hotels /resorts, vacation packages, and cruises.
•     Ongoing Facebook Live / Live Stream training.
•     Marketing / Promotional support.
•     Social Media support.
•     How-to training videos.
•     CRM - Contact Relationship Management system - TPI Suitcase
•     Back office accounting support.
•     Mentoring and coaching from dedicated travel professionals.
•     TRAVEL DISCOUNTS AND BENEFITS

*( TPI requires an internet evaluation, an electronic agreement, a credit card for monthly membership fees, up to a $459 setup fee, must be a U.S. citizen or a green card holder, have a U.S. address, have a U.S. bank account, and a social security number to verify your identity. )

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How to Become a Travel Agent Online: Fora's Full Guide

The Modern Travel Agency

Fora Travel

https://www.foratravel.com/the-journal/become-a-travel-agent-online

You want to become a travel agent online. Is it easy? Are there any education or experience requirements? We’re answering all your questions and then some.

Want to check out the coolest travel agent remote jobs for yourself? Apply to become a Fora Advisor today.

First off, what is an online travel agent?

The only real difference between an online travel agent — we prefer the modern term, travel advisor — and a travel agent who works in a brick-and-mortar environment is, well, their setting. 

We could get into the nitty gritty comparisons — remote travel agents have more flexibility, in-person travel agents offer face-to-face meetings and so on — but at the end of the day, the locale is the only major difference.

(Need to back up and ask, “ What does a travel agent do? ” Our guide has all the answers.)

Next, the vital question: can you become a travel agent online?

Absolutely — and there are a ton of advantages to becoming a travel agent online, as compared to traditional travel agent schools .

(BTW: this guide focuses purely on the remote aspects of becoming a travel planner. If you’re looking for a more comprehensive look, check out how to become a travel agent .)

Pros of becoming a remote travel agent

Becoming a travel agent online offers a high degree of flexibility that more traditional travel agent jobs can’t match. 

For one, remote travel agents can work from anywhere, while brick-and-mortar agents are tied to a specific location. 

It’s also worth noting remote travel agents can be much more in tune with the contemporary travel industry. Many traditional travel agent schools have outdated curriculums that haven’t kept pace with the rapid modernization of the field.

Best of all, online travel agents can work with anyone around the world. Face-to-face interactions, while still possible at the discretion of the agent, simply aren’t necessary nowadays. Everything from bookings to travel planning can be completed over the internet — and most customers are just as interested in being able to consult a travel advisor from the comfort of their home.

Cons of becoming a remote travel agent

Simply put, there aren’t any major disadvantages to becoming an online travel agent versus committing to a brick-and-mortar office. Although some clients still prefer in-person exchanges, this is no longer the industry norm. 

If you love travel, you have what it takes to become a travel agent . But it certainly helps to have interpersonal skills, industry knowledge and a rolodex of relationships with travel partners around the world — all of which we provide in our online travel advisor training program.

(P.S. Looking for more jobs in the travel industry or jobs where you travel ? See our guides.)

What are the benefits of becoming a remote travel advisor with Fora?

We’ve covered the basics of becoming a travel agent online, but here’s why your choice of host agency matters. Fora offers unparalleled flexibility and support to all Fora Advisors. We’re big on inclusivity, and we always advocate for our own. All that said, you’re still in complete control of your travel business (learn how to become an independent travel agent with Fora).

Already convinced? Sign up to become a Fora Advisor .

(Prefer to fly completely solo? Here’s how to start a travel agency , but be warned, it’s no easy endeavor.)

Can you become a travel agent online as a side hustle?

Yes. In fact, a large number of Fora Advisors run a travel side hustle and nothing more. If you’re only interested in booking the occasional vacation for family or peers, it’s completely fine with us.

Do you need any certifications or degrees to become a travel agent online with Fora?

No experience or education is required to become a Fora Advisor. We offer all the travel agent training and travel agent certification programs you could possibly need to be successful. Plus, these courses can be completed at your own pace. 

Topics range from the basics of booking hotels to how to build a sales funnel and beyond.

How much money can you make as an online travel agent with Fora?

With great flexibility comes great ranges of Fora travel advisor salaries .

Obviously, the Fora Advisors that spend the most time honing their craft and selling travel make the most money. And many of our independent travel planners are only interested in making side money.

Need more details? Check out how much travel agents make , and for a deep dive on commissions, see how much travel agents make per booking .

How does Fora pay remote travel agents?

Fora Advisors are paid via direct deposit, a rarity in an industry that often still relies on the 20th-century method of paying by paper check. Our guide to how travel agents get paid offers an in-depth explanation.

Ready to work with a host agency that embraces new-age tech? Become a Fora Advisor .

How long does it take to become a travel agent online with Fora?

Becoming a travel agent online with Fora doesn’t take very long at all. The application process is easy, and you’re allowed to start booking travel as soon as you’re accepted as a Fora Advisor.

Wondering, " How long does it take to become a travel agent ?" See our guide for more intel.

How much does it cost to become a travel agent online?

Other agencies handle this differently, but at Fora, we charge a monthly subscription fee that covers our comprehensive training, access to our peer community — which possesses an incredible depth of travel expertise — extensive marketing resources, access to our proprietary booking platform and much, much more.

Currently, it costs $49 per month or $300 annually for a subscription (BTW: most advisors make their membership fee back within the first month). As far as becoming a travel agent online, few host agencies even compare — and many don't offer the perks that we do. 

Is becoming a travel agent online worth it?

It’s fair to wonder if being a travel agent is worth it . But if you love travel, you're already most of the way there. We'll teach you everything you need to know to build a thriving travel business you love.

That being said, if you’re wondering whether it makes sense to become a travel agent online or at a designated office, there’s no competition. Remote travel agent jobs are quickly becoming the standard — there simply aren’t any major advantages to brick-and-mortar travel planning nowadays.

Join Fora and become a travel agent online today

Ready to become a travel agent online? Why not join a host agency that puts your success front and center? Sign up to become a Fora Advisor today.

Looking for more travel advisor resources ? Check out these guides, as well:

Take it from Our Advisors: 8 Reasons to Become a Fora Advisor  

How Do Travel Agents Get Clients? Fora's Top 4 Tips  

How to Become a Luxury Travel Agent: the 2023 Guide  

How to Become a Disney Travel Agent  

  A Window into Fora's Certified Training  

How to Market Your Travel Business Like a Pro: Tips from the Experts  

How to Be a Successful Travel Advisor: Insider Tips from the Pros

Are you the go-to person for travel tips?

Transform your passion for travel into your dream job. We'll set you up with everything you need to succeed as a travel advisor. From training to top-notch tech, marketing assets, community, commission tracking & payments (and more), we've got you.

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Everything You Need to Know About Becoming a Travel Agent

Here's what you should know before becoming a travel agent.

If you're someone who spends your days scanning flights , loves hotel rewards points, and in general, is a fervent traveler, you've probably wondered how to become a travel agent.

And, while it's true that living in the age of Expedia means travel agents are not as vital as they once were, people use them a lot more than you might think. Just because travelers aren't calling up an agent every time they need to book a quick flight doesn't mean they don't want to consult an expert for a big trip. This holds especially true when it comes to honeymoons or experiential trips that have a lot of moving parts — coordinating tour companies , translators, or multiple resort stays, for example. It's often easier to leave the logistics to someone else: travel agents.

You don't need a specific employment background to become a travel agent, so if you're looking for a fresh career start, that's totally OK. You have to start somewhere on your path to becoming a travel agent, and the sooner you jump in, the sooner you'll build your client base. On the other hand, if you're hoping to parlay your experience in a semi-related industry, be it marketing or hospitality, that can help because you'll have even more context for your new gig. Either way, this can be a rewarding career path (with some fun perks), so here's what you need to know to become a travel agent.

Formal Training Needed to Become a Travel Agent

While some four-year colleges, community colleges, and trade schools offer tourism certifications, it is not a requirement for those trying to become travel agents. Certificates of tourism can be very helpful, but so can previous training in marketing, hospitality, or even event planning. Ultimately, your knowledge of destinations, sales, itinerary planning, and booking software will be crucial for your career as a travel agent.

In terms of the training time you need to put in before becoming a fully-fledged travel agent, it depends. You could start your career right after high school, or you could put in one to four years to earn a certificate, associate's, or bachelor's degree in tourism. Of course, you could also change course from a related job, and morph your experience as, say, a destination wedding planner into a career as a travel agent.

Training Programs Available

You could take classes with a company like The Travel Institute to earn your certification. Not only will they teach you the basics of planning itineraries, but they'll also make sure you're learning about new cultures, world geography, and experiences you can have all over the world. They'll also help you decide what business route you want to take.

How to Become a Travel Agent: The Logistics

Becoming a travel agent will likely mean starting your own business . On the plus side, it requires relatively little overhead. If you're becoming a small business owner by opening a yoga studio, for example, you will need to rent a space, deal with permits, buy supplies, build a website, and pay yoga teachers and someone to work the front desk. However, if you're starting a travel agent business, you can operate from your living room and there aren't nearly as many upfront costs.

You will have to think about what type of business you want to become. Do you want to incorporate or become an LLC? Would you rather be a sole proprietor? Incorporating takes the most effort, and is often the most expensive. Becoming an LLC is a good happy medium because it can help protect you as a business entity without having as many associated costs. Small business owners typically become an LLC to protect their personal assets. If you get sued as an LLC, someone can come after your business holdings, but can't come after your house, car, or personal savings.

If you choose to remain a sole proprietor (which doesn't require any fees or legwork), you are essentially a freelancer or independent contractor. You can be an LLC and an independent contractor, too — they aren't mutually exclusive. If you want to be an independent contractor, it likely means you're working as part of a larger host agency, which is smart to do when you're starting out as a travel agent. Down the road, you can also own a travel agency franchise. Owning a franchise might come with more overhead costs, and that would be a reason to incorporate.

If you're an independent contractor, you should know that your taxes aren't going to be as straightforward as a full-time employee's might be. You may have to start keeping track of your business expenses, as you might be able to write them off. You also might not get things like health benefits from your employer. As you plan your new career, consider sitting down with an established travel agent to ask them some logistical questions: Where do they get their health insurance? How do they keep track of their income and expenses? Do they use an accountant to do their taxes? While meeting with the travel agent, you can discuss the pros and cons of working for a larger agency, too. If you're not sure how to get in touch with other travel agents, consider using social media, like LinkedIn or even Instagram.

What to Think About When You Become a Travel Agent

Once you've secured work as a travel agent, you'll want to think about how you can earn more money and distinguish yourself from other agents. Here are three things to consider as you start your career.

Making Commissions: If you're working for a larger travel agency as an independent contractor, how do commissions work? Make sure you have this conversation early on before accepting the position. When you're starting out, you want to make sure the commission rate you're receiving is similar to the industry standard.

Growing Your Client Base: How do you make more money as a travel agent? Clients, clients, clients. You want happy customers who will return to you every time they want to book a travel experience. You'll want to keep your clients happy by finding them great deals, curating unbelievable experiences for them, and simply being great to work with.

Establishing a Niche: This is by no means a requirement for becoming a travel agent, but as you establish your career, you may want to consider focusing on a specific niche. For example, perhaps you're someone who focuses on honeymoon travel , luxury travel, or adventure travel . Your niche can help you attract clients, and it can be anything in the travel realm, as long as there's a need for it.

Related Articles

How to Start a Travel Agency

Most travel agencies earn revenue through commissions. Consumers often choose agencies because they help cut down on time needed to research various locations and book accommodations. A popular trend in the industry is online agencies, which operate mostly or exclusively online.

Learn how to start your own Travel Agency and whether it is the right fit for you.

Ready to form your LLC? Check out the Top LLC Formation Services .

Start a travel agency by following these 10 steps:

• Plan your Travel Agency
• Form your Travel Agency into a Legal Entity
• Register your Travel Agency for Taxes
• Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
• Set up Accounting for your Travel Agency
• Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your Travel Agency
• Get Travel Agency Insurance
• Define your Travel Agency Brand
• Create your Travel Agency Website
• Set up your Business Phone System

We have put together this simple guide to starting your travel agency. These steps will ensure that your new business is well planned out, registered properly and legally compliant.

Exploring your options? Check out other small business ideas .

STEP 1: Plan your business

A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. A few important topics to consider are:

What will you name your business?

• What are the startup and ongoing costs?
• Who is your target market?

How much can you charge customers?

Luckily we have done a lot of this research for you.

Choosing the right name is important and challenging. If you don’t already have a name in mind, visit our How to Name a Business guide or get help brainstorming a name with our Travel Agency Name Generator

If you operate a sole proprietorship , you might want to operate under a business name other than your own name. Visit our DBA guide to learn more.

When registering a business name , we recommend researching your business name by checking:

• Your state's business records
• Federal and state trademark records
• Social media platforms
• Web domain availability .

It's very important to secure your domain name before someone else does.

Want some help naming your travel agency?

Business name generator, what are the costs involved in opening a travel agency.

While some sources suggest you can pay a host agency $400 to $1,200 to get started from home, there are host agencies that don’t charge you anything to use them as your host. A host agency basically takes care of all the regulatory and back office requirements and splits the commission with you as the business owner.

To start your own independent agency may cost you between $1,000 and $10,000, depending on the markets you serve and your existing book of clients.

What are the ongoing expenses for a travel agency?

Fortunately, expenses for this type of business are low and are limited to printed brochures and typical office paperwork. If you are working through a host agency, some or all of your advertising may be paid for.

Who is the target market?

Most clients and customers are people who want to travel to another country. While domestic agencies do exist, the market is really in international travel these days. The types of clients an agency might serve depend entirely on the current market place. Client needs range from simple vacations to corporate retreats to medical tourism.

How does a travel agency make money?

Commissions are the way in which travelling agencies have traditionally made the majority of their income. Airlines and hotels would pay agencies a certain fee for utilizing their companies when booking for a client. However, with the recent proliferation of booking technology, including Google Travel, travelling apps, and company websites, these businesses are more accessible to consumers and no longer rely on travelling agencies to promote their services. For this reason, airlines and hotels have largely stopped paying travel agencies commissions. As a result, travel agencies have been forced to adapt, focusing less on simple bookings and more on navigating complex itineraries and the legalities of travelling in specific regions or countries. They have shifted to charging flat rates for bookings and hourly rates for consulting services related to planning travels and navigating legalities.

Travel agents working independently typically charge $30 for booking a flight, $50 for sleeping accommodations in a single destination, and $100/hour for research and planning advice. If a travel agent manages to procure commissions from an airline or hotel, these will typically be around 10%.

How much profit can a travel agency make?

First-year income for a home-based agency is between $30,000 and $50,000. As the business expands, revenues can rise to over $100,000, but this usually requires hiring other agents and staff support.

How can you make your business more profitable?

Travel agencies that specialize tend to make more money. For example, according to the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS), travel agencies can bring in between $30,000 and $50,000 per year. General agencies or agencies that offer only leisure travel services make the least, while corporate and medical tourism specialties tend to make the most.

There are several types of specialties in the travel industry:

• Leisure Agent
• Corporate Agent
• International Agent
• Medical Tourism Agent

A leisure agent books primarily leisure and vacation travel. For example, this might include family vacations or sabbaticals.

Corporate agents primarily book travel for corporations. Usually, corporate clients are looking for business trips or retreats. Often, the corporate client needs special attention, including complex booking schedules that include both accommodations, local travel, and entertainment

Medical tourism is a highly specific niche segment of the industry. These agents research countries for medical patients who want treatments that are either not available or are too expensive in their home country. For example, a patient may be looking for an experimental cancer treatment which is only available in a particular country.

International agents book international travel plans. These could be for corporate clients but are typically for individuals. These individuals may be looking for universities abroad, a new country to buy property in, or even a new country to move to.

Want a more guided approach? Access TRUiC's free Small Business Startup Guide - a step-by-step course for turning your business idea into reality. Get started today!

STEP 2: Form a legal entity

The most common business structure types are the sole proprietorship , partnership , limited liability company (LLC) , and corporation .

Establishing a legal business entity such as an LLC or corporation protects you from being held personally liable if your travel agency is sued.

Form Your LLC

Read our Guide to Form Your Own LLC

Have a Professional Service Form your LLC for You

Two such reliable services:

You can form an LLC yourself and pay only the minimal state LLC costs or hire one of the Best LLC Services for a small, additional fee.

Recommended: You will need to elect a registered agent for your LLC. LLC formation packages usually include a free year of registered agent services . You can choose to hire a registered agent or act as your own.

STEP 3: Register for taxes

You will need to register for a variety of state and federal taxes before you can open for business.

In order to register for taxes you will need to apply for an EIN. It's really easy and free!

You can acquire your EIN through the IRS website . If you would like to learn more about EINs, read our article, What is an EIN?

There are specific state taxes that might apply to your business. Learn more about state sales tax and franchise taxes in our state sales tax guides.

STEP 4: Open a business bank account & credit card

Using dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential for personal asset protection.

When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your business is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil .

Open a business bank account

Besides being a requirement when applying for business loans, opening a business bank account:

• Separates your personal assets from your company's assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
• Makes accounting and tax filing easier.

Recommended: Read our Best Banks for Small Business review to find the best national bank or credit union.

Get a business credit card

Getting a business credit card helps you:

• Separate personal and business expenses by putting your business' expenses all in one place.
• Build your company's credit history , which can be useful to raise money later on.

Recommended: Apply for an easy approval business credit card from BILL and build your business credit quickly.

STEP 5: Set up business accounting

Recording your various expenses and sources of income is critical to understanding the financial performance of your business. Keeping accurate and detailed accounts also greatly simplifies your annual tax filing.

Make LLC accounting easy with our LLC Expenses Cheat Sheet.

STEP 6: Obtain necessary permits and licenses

Failure to acquire necessary permits and licenses can result in hefty fines, or even cause your business to be shut down.

State & Local Business Licensing Requirements

Fourteen states require a Travel Sellers Registration License to sell travel. A license can be obtained through an application, which typically involves a fee and supporting documents such as membership in a professional association. Here is a list of states requiring Travel Sellers Registration Licenses.

Most businesses are required to collect sales tax on the goods or services they provide. To learn more about how sales tax will affect your business, read our article, Sales Tax for Small Businesses .

Certificate of Occupancy

A travel agency is usually run out of a physical location. Businesses operating out of a physical location typically require a Certificate of Occupancy (CO). A CO confirms that all building codes, zoning laws and government regulations have been met.

• It is generally the landlord’s responsibility to obtain a CO.
• Before leasing, confirm that your landlord has or can obtain a valid CO that is applicable to an travel agency business.
• After a major renovation, a new CO often needs to be issued. If your place of business will be renovated before opening, it is recommended to include language in your lease agreement stating that lease payments will not commence until a valid CO is issued.
• You will be responsible for obtaining a valid CO from a local government authority.
• Review all building codes and zoning requirements for you business’ location to ensure your travel agency business will be in compliance and able to obtain a CO.

STEP 7: Get business insurance

Just as with licenses and permits, your business needs insurance in order to operate safely and lawfully. Business Insurance protects your company’s financial wellbeing in the event of a covered loss.

There are several types of insurance policies created for different types of businesses with different risks. If you’re unsure of the types of risks that your business may face, begin with General Liability Insurance . This is the most common coverage that small businesses need, so it’s a great place to start for your business.

Another notable insurance policy that many businesses need is Workers’ Compensation Insurance . If your business will have employees, it’s a good chance that your state will require you to carry Workers' Compensation Coverage.

FInd out what types of insurance your Travel Agency needs and how much it will cost you by reading our guide Business Insurance for Travel Agency.

STEP 8: Define your brand

Your brand is what your company stands for, as well as how your business is perceived by the public. A strong brand will help your business stand out from competitors.

If you aren't feeling confident about designing your small business logo, then check out our Design Guides for Beginners , we'll give you helpful tips and advice for creating the best unique logo for your business.

Recommended : Get a logo using Truic's free logo Generator no email or sign up required, or use a Premium Logo Maker .

If you already have a logo, you can also add it to a QR code with our Free QR Code Generator . Choose from 13 QR code types to create a code for your business cards and publications, or to help spread awareness for your new website.

How to promote & market a travel agency

Most new agency owners come from an established agency and have a book of clients. If you don’t start with an established agency, you must advertise your services. The best source for clients are referrals.

How to keep customers coming back

Agencies that are the most successful are specialty shops. For example, a travel agency might specialize in medical travel or corporate travel. A general agency will find it difficult to compete in today’s market.

STEP 9: Create your business website

After defining your brand and creating your logo the next step is to create a website for your business .

While creating a website is an essential step, some may fear that it’s out of their reach because they don’t have any website-building experience. While this may have been a reasonable fear back in 2015, web technology has seen huge advancements in the past few years that makes the lives of small business owners much simpler.

Here are the main reasons why you shouldn’t delay building your website:

• All legitimate businesses have websites - full stop. The size or industry of your business does not matter when it comes to getting your business online.
• Social media accounts like Facebook pages or LinkedIn business profiles are not a replacement for a business website that you own.
• Website builder tools like the GoDaddy Website Builder have made creating a basic website extremely simple. You don’t need to hire a web developer or designer to create a website that you can be proud of.

Recommended : Get started today using our recommended website builder or check out our review of the Best Website Builders .

Other popular website builders are: WordPress , WIX , Weebly , Squarespace , and Shopify .

STEP 10: Set up your business phone system

Getting a phone set up for your business is one of the best ways to help keep your personal life and business life separate and private. That’s not the only benefit; it also helps you make your business more automated, gives your business legitimacy, and makes it easier for potential customers to find and contact you.

There are many services available to entrepreneurs who want to set up a business phone system. We’ve reviewed the top companies and rated them based on price, features, and ease of use. Check out our review of the Best Business Phone Systems 2023 to find the best phone service for your small business.

Recommended Business Phone Service: Phone.com

Phone.com is our top choice for small business phone numbers because of all the features it offers for small businesses and it's fair pricing.

Is this Business Right For You?

This business is perfect for individuals who are passionate about travel, love learning about and visiting new places, and are very detail oriented. Travel agency owners have very flexible hours but usually only after they have an established book of clients.

Want to know if you are cut out to be an entrepreneur?

Take our Entrepreneurship Quiz to find out!

Entrepreneurship Quiz

What happens during a typical day at a travel agency?

Day-to-day activities of a travel agency owner include checking faxes, phone messages, and incoming emails. You may also meet with clients and book numerous client trips during the day.

What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful travel agency?

There is no formal education or certification required to become a travel agent, but some states require you to have a license to operate as an agency:

Aside from that, there are voluntary certification programs that may help you enhance your knowledge of the industry and of travel in general:

Certified Travel Associate (CTA)

To get the CTA, you must have 18 months experience in the industry. You must take 8 core classes and 4 electives. You can finish your course in 3-6 months, but you have up to 12 months to finish. Cost for this course and exam is $350 and $250 for the test only. To maintain this certification, you must complete 10 CE credits each year.

Certified Travel Counsellor (CTC)

You must have 5 years experience in the industry and a CTA designation. There are 10 courses to complete, including a 3,000 word “white paper” assignment (in which a complex issue is explained concisely in a report). You must finish in 12 months, but may finish in 9 months. Cost is $550 for the course and exam or $320 for the exam only. To maintain this certification, you must complete 10 CE credits each year.

Certified Travel Industry Executive (CTIE)

This designation is only for non-consumer sales roles. You must have 5 years experience. The course consists of 100 videos, each 10 to 15 minutes in length. You must also complete a 2,000 to 3,000 word “white paper.” It takes 18 months to complete the course. Cost is $550 for the course and exam or $320 for just the test. To maintain your certification, you must commit to the annual Travel Institute membership and take 10 CE credits each year.

What is the growth potential for a travel agency?

Most small travel agencies are started as home-based businesses. Larger agencies adopt a traditional office model. Agencies can be run as a single-owner business or as a multiple-employee organization.

TRUiC's YouTube Channel

For fun informative videos about starting a business visit the TRUiC YouTube Channel or subscribe to view later.

Take the Next Step

Find a business mentor.

One of the greatest resources an entrepreneur can have is quality mentorship. As you start planning your business, connect with a free business resource near you to get the help you need.

Having a support network in place to turn to during tough times is a major factor of success for new business owners.

Learn from other business owners

Want to learn more about starting a business from entrepreneurs themselves? Visit Startup Savant’s startup founder series to gain entrepreneurial insights, lessons, and advice from founders themselves.

Resources to Help Women in Business

There are many resources out there specifically for women entrepreneurs. We’ve gathered necessary and useful information to help you succeed both professionally and personally:

If you’re a woman looking for some guidance in entrepreneurship, check out this great new series Women in Business created by the women of our partner Startup Savant.

How and when to build a team

A travel agency can be built with a single owner. However, time is the limiting factor. Because this business carries a low overhead, your need for employees is limited by your time in the business. When it’s time to expand, most agency owners hire another agent or support staff so they can delegate responsibilities.

If you start with a host agency and want to move away from it, then you would expand by hiring administrative personnel to handle the regulatory and back office functions.

Useful Links

Industry opportunities.

• American Society of Travel Agents
• Franchise opportunity

Real World Examples

• Independent travel agency
• Large travel agency

Further Reading

• Courses and books on how to become a travel agent
• Description of different types of travel agents
• Advice on being a travel agent

Additional Sources

• Travel Institute
• Host Agency Reviews - How Much Do Travel Agents Make? A Travel Agent Salary
• Host Agency Reviews - Do You Need a Travel Agent License?

Have a Question? Leave a Comment!

• Business Essentials
• Leadership & Management

Credential of Leadership, Impact, and Management in Business (CLIMB)

• Entrepreneurship & Innovation
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• Harvard Business School →
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Business Strategy

• Leadership, Ethics, and Corporate Accountability
• Business Strategy →

Key Concepts

Who will benefit, mid-career professionals, general managers, consultants and investors.

What You Earn

Certificate of Completion

Boost your resume with a Certificate of Completion from HBS Online

Earn by: completing this course

Certificate of Specialization

Prove your mastery of strategy

Earn by: completing any three courses within this subject area to earn a Certificate of Specialization

Creating Value for Customers

• An Introduction to Value-Based Strategy
• Sales Success and Willingness to Pay
• Near-Customers

Featured Exercises

Adding value through complements.

• Understanding Complements
• Shifting Value
• Navigating the Frenemy Relationship
• Discerning Complements from Substitutes

Competing with Network Effects

• Understanding Network Effects
• Which Markets Will Tip
• Strategies for Underdogs
• Digital Platforms and Innovation

Creating Value for Talent

• Linking Productivity and Customer Delight
• Competing on Flexibility
• Compensation Policy

Mastering Productivity

• Measuring Productivity
• Economies of Scale
• Teaching and Learning
• Good Management

Implementing Strategy

• Evolving Your Value Proposition
• Connecting Strategy, Activities, and KPIs
• Execution Challenges

How to Formulate a Successful Business Strategy

Our difference, about the professor.

Felix Oberholzer-Gee Business Strategy

Dates & eligibility.

No current course offerings for this selection.

All applicants must be at least 18 years of age, proficient in English, and committed to learning and engaging with fellow participants throughout the course.

Learn about bringing this course to your organization .

Learner Stories

Business Strategy FAQs

What are the learning requirements in order to successfully complete the course, and how are grades assigned.

Participants in Business Strategy are eligible for a Certificate of Completion from Harvard Business School Online.

Participants are expected to fully complete all coursework in a thoughtful and timely manner. This will mean meeting each week’s course module deadlines and fully answering questions posed therein. This helps ensure your cohort proceeds through the course at a similar pace and can take full advantage of social learning opportunities. In addition to module and assignment completion, we expect participation in the social learning elements of the course by offering feedback on others’ reflections and contributing to conversations on the platform. Participants who fail to complete the course requirements will not receive a certificate and will not be eligible to retake the course.

More detailed information on course requirements will be communicated at the start of the course. No grades are assigned for Business Strategy. Participants will either be evaluated as complete or not complete.

What materials will I have access to after completing Business Strategy?

You will have access to the materials in every prior module as you progress through the program. Access to course materials and the course platform ends 60 days after the final deadline in the program.

How should I list my certificate on my resume?

Once you've earned your Certificate of Completion, list it on your resume along with the date of completion:

Harvard Business School Online Certificate in Business Strategy [Cohort Start Month and Year]

List your certificate on your LinkedIn profile under "Education" with the language from the Credential Verification page:

School: Harvard Business School Online Dates Attended: [The year you participated in the program] Degree: Other; Certificate in Business Strategy Field of Study: Leave blank Grade: "Complete" Activities and Societies: Leave blank

Description: Business Strategy is a 6-week, 30-35 hour online certificate program from Harvard Business School. Business Strategy equips professionals with a simplified framework they can immediately apply to create value for customers, employees, and suppliers while maximizing returns and an organization’s competitive edge. Participants learn to evaluate trade-offs and align, prioritize, and formulate strategic initiatives for the greatest business impact.

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CLIMB enables new and experienced leaders to ignite their careers with a combination of vital and forward-looking business skills, self-reflection, and an immersive cohort-based learning experience with a diverse global network.

Travel agents are back

Millennials and Gen Z are taking big trips — but they don't want to plan them.

I had just turned 9 when I discovered Anthony Bourdain's show "No Reservations." It wasn't like the other Travel Channel shows. Sure, the premise was straightforward: Bourdain traveled around the world to meet up with locals and try their cuisine. But instead of focusing on tourist hot spots and flashy, curated experiences, "No Reservations" was about traveling by the seat of your pants and getting as close to the local culture as any outsider could be allowed. I was an immediate disciple.

Travel shouldn't be about checking off items on a bucket list by sticking to sanitized excursions marketed to foreigners; it should introduce you to someone else's slice of life. On family trips to New York City, I cringed when my mother pulled out a paper map. "Everyone is going to know we aren't from here," I thought.

Though I grew less self-conscious over the years, that mentality remained. Others in my generation — I'm on the cusp between Gen Z and millennial — were on the same page, determined to seek out "authentic experiences." For years, people explored the world with the help of travel agents. But those services — sending you to places curated just for tourists — seemed to fly in the face of the Bourdainian ethos. Travel agents felt like vestiges of the preinternet world, like video-store clerks or pay phones, and I couldn't imagine ever needing them. What could they tell me that Reddit couldn't? Isn't it simpler to just book my own flights? Doing everything myself felt easier.

As of late, though, my attitude has changed.

Ever since the pandemic-era travel restrictions subsided, travel has boomed. Everyone is jetting off to Italy , Japan , and Costa Rica . Money spent on travel and entertainment surged 30% in 2023, fueled largely by young people. We're all desperate to make up for lost time, but there's a catch: Many of us 20- and 30-somethings are tired. It turns out that aspiring to be a DIY traveler takes a lot of energy — energy that we've already exhausted on careers, relationships, and day-to-day responsibilities. When we do finally have the time to venture away from home, we're burning ourselves out trying to coordinate all the details of our trip. Meanwhile, the sense of precarity we all felt during the pandemic hasn't left. Flight delays and cancellations from weather , short staffing, technical issues, and random bad luck are more common than before. The odds that something could go wrong feel higher.

Related stories

That's precisely why some are turning back to travel agents. In 2014, the number of travel agents was half of what it was at the industry's mid-'90s peak , with many expecting it to become obsolete. But by 2021, 76% of advisors were seeing more customers than before the pandemic. And in a 2023 survey of 2,000 American travelers, 38% of Gen Z and millennial respondents said they preferred a traditional travel agent over online booking. Only 12% of Gen Xers and 2% of boomers said the same. Whether we're bopping around the Mediterranean or just posting up at an all-inclusive resort in Mexico for a week, a lot of us are deciding we'd rather put the planning in someone else's hands.

Matt James, a 29-year-old software engineer in New York City, was initially excited to plan his summer trip to Vietnam himself. Like many his age, he's primarily interested in sightseeing in cities. "I found myself going down hourslong internet rabbit holes trying to hone in on a perfect itinerary," he said, "Googling 'best neighborhoods in Hanoi Reddit,' 'two-week Vietnam itinerary Reddit,' etc."

After a while, though, he said it was hard to find the time and energy to plan. Doing his own research was mentally exhausting. He decided to give up the hunt and hand the work over to a travel advisor who was also a family friend. "He was able to take care of booking visas, flights, hotels, and a few excursions," James said. "It was very tempting to have him take care of it all in one email thread for a couple-hundred-dollar fee." Now, he said, all that's left is deciding what to see and eat at each location — something that lets him satisfy his urge to rabbit-hole.

A flight to Mexico City and five nights at a boutique hotel in Coyoacán, however, feels a little more firmly within our grasp.

In a Business Insider survey, in collaboration with YouGov, millennials cited travel as one of their most important goals for the next five years, more important than having fulfilling romantic relationships, owning a home, advancing their career, or starting a family. In fact, the only two goals millennials considered more important than traveling were being financially stable and improving their health. Amid rising costs for housing, childcare, and everything else, key milestones get pushed further down the road. A flight to Mexico City and five nights at a boutique hotel in Coyoacán, however, feels a little more firmly within our grasp. In a 2023 Morning Consult survey , both millennials and Gen Zers were more likely than older generations to travel frequently, with half of each cohort saying they took three or more leisure trips a year. Gen Zers were also more likely to go overseas than their older peers.

For as little as $100 — or nothing at all, given that some agents work on commission from the hotels and other travel companies they work with — overwhelmed young travelers can have someone take all the pressure off the experience. There are travel agents specializing in just about every type of travel imaginable, from multicountry group tours to luxury all-inclusive trips. And different types of agents can offer different perks.

For complex overseas trips, where a million things could go wrong, it makes sense to hire an agent to not only ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible but also handle the rebookings in the event of a hiccup. When something goes awry, it's someone else's problem.

While James decided to have his agent handle just the basics of his Vietnam vacation, many agents can help curate the experiences in between, promising to find their clients the coolest markets to shop at or the most-recommended museums. On a different trip, to Oktoberfest in Germany, James' travel agent — a native German speaker — was able to secure all sorts of reservations that James would never have been able to land on his own.

Increasingly, travel agents are luring people in through social media, where they can speak straight to the millennial and Gen Z desire for a unique experience and a relaxing trip. "We can give you the special slice-of-life experience you want," they pitch, "just without the hassle." Companies like Fora, for example, use TikTok and Instagram to seed sleek ads for package trips to the Croatian coast or boutique hotels in the Florida Keys, with extra attention given to "sustainability" and travelers' specific "aesthetic" desires.

Agents elsewhere on TikTok tout all-inclusive trips where the point is to just lie on the beach and chill the hell out for a second. Searches for topics like "best all-inclusives Cancún" heavily feature travel agents promoting their services , ranking their favorite resorts and highlighting the perks they can offer clients who book with them. One of their main selling points: Their services are free. And many agents also claim that their customers can receive better deals thanks to the special pricing and perks available to agents.

"We can give you the special slice-of-life experience you want," they pitch, "just without the hassle."

"Many of my Gen Z clients are in entry-level careers, graduate programs, or saving for other big expenses, so they're often looking for destinations that allow them to relax while making the most of their limited vacation days and budget," said Kayla Smith, a travel advisor for Sojourney Travel, a company specializing in beach vacations, cruises, and theme-park trips.

Smith is a Gen Zer and said that over half her clients are Gen Z. "Going from school to the workforce is already a huge life transition, and when you add on a pandemic and varying career expectations, you're bound to see a generation who is experiencing burnout at a rapid rate," she said.

For that reason, resort groups like Sandals are seeing an influx of Gen Zers and millennials. Ashley Kooker, a senior business-development manager for Unique Vacations, a sales and marketing affiliate of Sandals and Beaches Resorts, said that these properties had been attracting younger customers in part by blending the all-inclusive format with the opportunity for more exploration. At Sandals Royal Curacao and Sandals Royal Bahamian, guests can opt to go off-resort and visit local restaurants as part of their all-inclusive plan — allowing experience-minded vacationers to have their cake and eat it, too.

Exhaustion aside, many of us 20-somethings still yearn for these hard-to-get-to, out-of-the-box journeys — the trips that make us feel like travelers rather than tourists. William Lee, a travel agent at Chima Travel , a family-owned agency in Ohio that's been operating for over 100 years, told me he often gets requests for obscure destinations young clients see on social media. "We had a client come in and ask us about Oeschinen Lake in Switzerland," he said. "They saw the lake on TikTok and wanted to go there. I had to let them know that to do so would require hiking into the Swiss Alps and going a bit off the beaten path."

I recently wrapped up a 10-day trip to Peru, where I hiked for three days through the Lares District, ate quinoa soup in the San Pedro Market in Cusco, and bar-hopped in Lima. It was a trip packed with experiences — the kind that my generation is always talking about prioritizing — but I don't think I relaxed for a moment. And that's despite leaving all the planning to my friends.

I'm already plotting my next big, multiweek international trip — I'm looking at Vietnam, myself — but before then, I need to book a few days somewhere where I can be by a pool with a margarita in hand. Where will I go? I'm not sure. That's for a travel agent to decide.

Magdalene Taylor is a writer covering sex and culture. She lives in New York City and publishes the newsletter Many Such Cases. 

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Cyprus says no let-up to fiscal discipline course as S&P raises country's credit rating to BBB+

Cyprus says it won’t let up on a course of strict fiscal discipline while supporting economically vulnerable groups and the middle class after credit ratings agency Standard & Poors upgraded the country’s rating to BBB+ from BBB

NICOSIA, Cyprus -- Cyprus said Saturday it won’t let up on a course of strict fiscal discipline while supporting economically vulnerable groups and the middle class after credit ratings agency Standard & Poor''s upgraded the country’s rating to BBB+ from BBB.

Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides said the ratings upgrade affirms the “correctness” of his government’s economic policy of responsible fiscal policies, banking sector stability and continuous reforms.

The agency also kept the outlook for Cyprus as positive, meaning that further upgrades could be possible over the next two years if banks continue to reduce the number of bad loans that burden them — a vestige of the 2013 financial crisis — and Cyprus continues to shrink its current account deficit.

“Access to international markets and attracting foreign investments, among other things, are essential elements to keeping the Cypriot economy on a growth trajectory,” Christodoulides said in a statement.

Outlining its rationale for the upgrade, S & P said in a statement Friday that it forecasts the Cypriot economy to grow by an average of 3% of gross domestic product over the next three years.

The agency also projects the country’s debt to fall below 60% by 2027, thanks to strong fiscal surpluses averaging 2.1% of GDP over the next three years, “our strongest forecast across all 20 eurozone members.”

The agency said its upgrade is also due to Cypriot banks’ efforts to strengthen their financial position through cost-cutting initiatives and moving away from non-resident depositors following the financial crisis that drove the island nation to the brink of bankruptcy.

S & P said Cyprus’ increasingly diversified economy in recent years — including the nascent information and communications technology sector — has allowed the country to shrug off the impacts of the global pandemic, the imposition of EU sanctions against Russia following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and the most recent Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.

Tourism, a key economic driver, is holding firm, with arrivals close to record levels last year.

S & P warned that it could revise the outlook on Cyprus if the country’s commitment to reducing its public debt wavers or its structural reform progress stalls, which could delay European Union funding.

The S & P upgrade comes a week after agency Fitch also raised Cyprus rating to BBB+ on the strength of the country’s heightened ability to withstand financial shocks, a commitment to fiscal discipline and a more robust banking sector.

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International travel documents for children

See what documents a child needs to travel to or from the U.S. alone or with a parent or relative.

Children traveling to the U.S.

All children, including infants, must have their own travel documents such as a passport or document from a Trusted Traveler Program to enter the U.S. If you travel or are going to travel with a child, consider taking the following documents:

• If the child is traveling with only one of their custodial parents, they must have a letter of consent, preferably in English and notarized, from the other parent or signed by both parents. The letter should say "I acknowledge that my son/daughter is traveling outside the country with [the name of the adult] with my permission."
• If one parent has sole custody of the child, a copy of the custody document can take the place of the other parent's letter.
• Parents who frequently cross the border by land with a minor must always carry a letter of permission from the other parent.

U.S. citizen children traveling abroad

Ports of entry in many countries have security measures to prevent international child abduction . If you are traveling alone with your child, you may be required to present documentation proving you are the parent or legal guardian. You may also need a letter of permission from the other parent for your child to travel. 

If your child travels alone, depending on the country, they may be required to present a notarized letter from both parents or their legal guardian. If a minor is traveling abroad and is not accompanied by both parents or a legal guardian, contact the embassy or consulate of the country you will be visiting and ask about entry and exit requirements for that country.

LAST UPDATED: December 6, 2023

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