travel agent college major

The 10 Best Schools For Becoming a Travel Agent: Degree and Job Info

Find your perfect school.

Do you like to travel? If so, you should consider pursuing employment as a Travel Agent. What better way to combine your hobby with a career, right? If you are interested, check out our guide below and get started today!

Methodology

If you’re ready… Get ready for take-off… into an exciting new career in travel. These fine schools display the best programs for those interested in the field based on the following:

• Provides a comprehensive program in the field of travel, primarily for those interested in becoming a Travel Agent or would like to focus on Hospitality Management and the like,
• Displays proper accreditation to become a qualified Travel Agent,
• The curriculum ensures that the program covers topics such as travel industry regulations, booking procedures, customer service, sales, and marketing,
• Provides possible internship opportunities that offer internships with travel agencies or other related organizations to give students hands-on experience,
• Provides learning options, such as on-campus and online formats,
• Offers job placement services and networking opportunities.

To learn more, see our Methodology page.

10 BEST SCHOOLS FOR A TRAVEL AGENT DEGREE

Casper college.

(Online) Associate in Hospitality And Tourism Management

Casper College’s online associate in hospitality and tourism management degree is a 63-66 credit program that allows students to graduate without visiting the campus. Students who finish the program, taught by faculty members with industry expertise, can exhibit a current understanding of products and services supplied by various tourism/hospitality industry segments.

Students will also learn how to explain tourism/hospitality products and services that are distributed, advertised, and sold, appreciate the value of service in tourism/hospitality, display destination knowledge, and correctly use the specialist vocabulary used by industry professionals.

Students will be asked to contact local and regional business leaders for interviews, visits, evaluations, planning, and analytical-based projects.

Courses relevant to travel careers are:

• Introduction to Hospitality and Tourism Management
• Hotel Operations Management
• Sales and Customer Relationship Management
• Convention Sales and Management
• Tourism Management
• Legal Environment of Business 

The goals of this degree include delivering exceptional client service, managing accommodations, developing novel income streams, and conducting economic analysis, all of which are important in becoming a travel agent.

Check out Casper’s Online Associate In Hospitality And Tourism Management , see if the requirements meet your standards, and start making your dream come true. 

Highline College

(On-campus) Associate of Applied Science degrees in Hospitality and Tourism Management

An Associate of Applied Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management from Highline College is one of the best degrees to help you become a successful travel agent. Each student is given the option to work with a HOST advisor to create their specific degree plan. Because you will specialize in your chosen job route, you will only attend classes directly related to your path.

A Flight Certificate program, also offered at Highline College, is intended for those who are interested in the aviation industry and its three focus areas:

• Airport operations and management

Individuals who complete this course of study will be adequately schooled in the logistical parts of the three aforementioned focus areas, resulting in a comprehensive understanding of the flight business. This course option includes all of the elements required to succeed as a professional in the aviation, airline, or airport industry.

Program courses include:

• Travel Geography
• Customer Service Operations
• Airline and Aviation Operations
• Airport Operations
• Travel Counselor
• Destination Marketing Organization

Highline College’s Flight Certificate is one of the most well-known certificates for those looking for work in a travel agency. This degree and certificate will undoubtedly enhance your resume. Learn about the school’s Associate of Applied Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management and Flight Certificate program .

Georgia Piedmont Technical College

(Online) Associate In Marketing Management 

Marketing and branding tactics, finding new ways to sell products and services, and remaining competitive are critical components of sustaining a positive client relationship in the travel agency industry. These topics are covered in the Associate in Marketing Management online program at Georgia Piedmont Technical College for aspiring professional travel agents.

The online associate in marketing management degree at GPTC offers several concentration options, including retail management and entrepreneurship. Students acquire hands-on experience by participating in a marketing internship or practicum.

Core courses include:

• Professional selling
• Business regulations and compliance
• Digital technologies in business

Pursuing this marketing degree is one approach to honing your customer service and sales abilities. It provides a curriculum that will assist you in understanding consumer behavior, needs, or desires and developing solutions to address them.

The career center at the college fosters favorable results by assisting students in developing resume writing, interviewing, and job-hunting skills. Go to the Associate In Marketing Management page to learn more if you’re ready to join GPTC’s nearly 100 percent success record after graduation.

Westchester Community College

(On-campus) AS in Marketing

The Associate of Science in Marketing program combines hands-on experience with academics to prepare students for a career in marketing and various industries in the twenty-first century. The program includes hands-on class projects with real-world applications, a core set of general education courses, and specialized marketing courses in consumer behavior, advertising, professional selling, and strategic marketing management.

Students will work in groups to develop new product developments, sales presentations, and advertising media plans, all critical components when selling tickets or vacation packages. The curriculum is intended to prepare students for transfer to SUNY and private four-year institutions.

Students can join the American Marketing Association and the Marketing Club and gain experience in internship positions in manufacturing, consumer goods, services, retailing, distribution, advertising, promotion, direct marketing, e-commerce, international marketing, and many other industries.

Program electives include:

• Entrepreneurship
• Professional Selling
• Digital Marketing
• Market Research
• Market Internship

An aspirant travel agent with a marketing degree may work with a tour company, cruise line, or resort. Visit Westchester Community College and begin your career with one of the best AS in Marketing programs available.

Seminole State College of Florida

(On-campus, hybrid, and online) AA in Advertising/Public Relations

Advertising and public relations are critical in generating more revenue for any travel company. Travel agencies require public relations to help them gain recognition and establish a brand for themselves. This AA degree teaches you marketing communications, how to deal with various types of customers, and how to defend your company’s reputation.

Professors who are specialists in their fields will also teach you how to create, develop, and launch campaigns. You’ll get hands-on experience with television and digital design projects here. This AA in Advertising/Public Relations is a great place to start a variety of vocations.

Available courses include:

• Principles of Public Relations
• Research Methods for Communication
• Digital Editing
• Advertising
• Interpersonal Communication
• Principles of Marketing
• Client Engagement

With 60 credit hours to complete, you will gain competencies needed in real-life circumstances, prepare to communicate the right message to clients to build long-term connections and discover how to develop travel promotion plans.

Students must collaborate with Student Affairs advisors, counselors, or specialists to ensure that required courses are taken and entry requirements for their desired college/university program are met.

Get a strong start as a travel agent at Seminole State College of Florida . 

Community College of Baltimore Country

(Online) Travel Agent Training Certificate

Community College of Baltimore Country has designed the Online Travel Training Certificate for students seeking a career in this rapidly growing industry. The program constitutes airline, ground transportation, hotels and resorts, cruises and tours, international and domestic travel, reservations and pricing, specialty travel, and other topics.

This certificate leads to a Travel Agent Proficiency qualification, recognized internationally by the travel industry, and ranges from entry-level travel agent knowledge to senior management for agencies or tour operations. ​

This online curriculum is divided into two modules, with students having up to six months to complete the course material. The first lesson is intended to teach students how to begin a travel career and the basic and destination geography that a travel agent is most likely to recommend and sell to their clients. Introduction to the travel industry, basic geography, professional skills, and destination geography are among the topics to be covered.

The second lesson will teach you how to establish a travel job and domestic and worldwide travel locations. The travel business will be discussed, including airlines, ground transportation, hotels and resorts, cruises, excursions, specialized travel, and more.

Jumpstart your travel career with a Travel Agent Training Certificate and be competitive in the industry. 

LeTourneau University

(On-campus or online) AS in Airport Management

The airport management associate degree program prepares students for careers in airports and related client businesses and industries. Students are immersed in real-world learning environments. Furthermore, LeTourneau University’s Associate of Science in Aviation Management degree blends the finest of LETU’s nationally known aviation program with excellent business training, resulting in a program poised to drive you into leadership positions in the aviation sector.

The associate degree in airport management program was created with a strong career focus in mind, giving graduates the knowledge and skills needed to enter the profession in entry-level employment. Many graduates of the associate degree in airport management program have gone on to work in airport management at surrounding airports, start their travel agency, work in national organizations, and even travel internationally.

As an airport manager and analyst student with a special focus on airport operations, you will gain extensive experience. This degree major will further provide you with the knowledge needed to handle the many areas of airport operation. Your courses will teach you how over 40,000 airports and airfields worldwide make daily and anticipated business choices.

Classes include:

• Aviation Management
• Flight Science
• Aviation Safety Factors

Check out the AS in Airport Management and get ready to build a strong foundation in various functional areas of aviation.

University of Massachusetts Amherst

(Online and on-campus) BS in Hospitality and Tourism Management

UMass offers one of the best Bachelor of Science in hospitality and tourism management and has been a doorway to student achievement for over 75 years!

Through coursework, industry leaders, hands-on experience, and international travel, you will discover how to be a great leader. The curriculum covers managerial areas such as lodging, food and beverage, customer experience, events, clubs, and revenue and data analytics. Take advantage of experiential learning opportunities by attending HTM Career Day and Marriott Meals, among other similar events.

The HTM major includes upper-level elective courses that allow you to tailor your academic curriculum to your own goals, interests, and needs. Among the HTM electives are:

• Convention Sales
• Club Management
• Beverage Management
• Special Event Management

Another advantage is that UMass offers this curriculum both on-campus and online. UMass Amherst grads are in high demand for careers! Ninety-five percent of alumni get employed by top firms such as Hillstone Restaurant Group, Encore Boston Harbor, Marriott International, and even Expedia and Twitter shortly after graduation!

Get your hospitality degree from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst , and open the door to a rewarding career in travel agencies.

Boston University

(On-campus) BS in Hospitality Administration

This degree is for students who enjoy traveling and learning about various cultures. Boston University’s Bachelor of Science in Hotel Administration program requires overseas travel, which is advantageous for aspiring travel agents. You will firsthand experience what it is like to travel, and you will have a better understanding of the do’s and don’ts, which you can subsequently share with your clients.

You can specialize in either hospitality marketing, event management, hospitality real estate development, or revenue management. You will complete a blend of fundamental courses and SHA core and optional courses, including Hospitality Sales Management and Private Club Management, as part of this 128-credit hour program.

Hospitality Concentrations helpful in being a travel agent include:

• Hospitality Marketing
• Event Management
• Revenue Management & Analytics
• Hospitality Accounting & Finance
• Hospitality Entrepreneurship
• Hospitality Retailing

You will engage in the study abroad program in addition to two 400-hour work experiences – a fantastic opportunity! You can finish the dual degree, include hospitality management as a minor, or even take advantage of the 4+1 option, which allows you to complete both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in just five years.

Visit BUS’s BS in Hospitality Administration and learn more about the program along with their admission requirements. 

Arizona State University

(On-campus) BS in Tourism Development and Management

The Bachelor of Tourist Development and Management degree program at the W.P. Carey School of Business teaches students the marketing tactics and sound business foundations required for success in the tourism sector and allied professions. It covers core courses in tourism planning, convention sales and management, tourism and recreation policy, tourism marketing, and community development.

Students must take an honors thesis course and complete one- to twelve credits of internship work in the tourist industry to complete the program. Graduates can find a job in resorts, commercial recreation firms, tourism development corporations, and travel agencies.

This degree program offers the following concentrations:

• Tourism Development and Management (Meetings and Events)
• Tourism Development and Management (Resort and Hotel Leadership)
• Tourism Development and Management (Sustainable Tourism)

Visit ASU’s BS in Tourism Development and Management , learn more about this degree, and see if it fits your standards. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Aren’t vacations supposed to be fun and relaxing? Planning a trip can be stressful. You must secure a plane ticket, get a hotel reservation, plan activities, and everything in between. Most people let Travel Agents handle the arrangements to avoid stress.

What a fun industry to consider if you like to travel… or help others enjoy their vacations! There are many travel industry jobs to consider, such as: 

• Travel Agent
• Director of Tourism
• Event & Meeting Planner
• Spa Manager
• Cruise Ship Director
• Amusement Park Worker
• Casino Worker
• Recreation Director
• Flight Attendant
• Customer Service Agent
• Hotel Manager

Travel Agents wear many hats. They help their clients plan trips for business or pleasure. They offer valuable advice about travel destinations, as well as the best attractions and hotels. 

Travel Agents also assist with: 

• Setting a travel budget
• Getting the best deals
• Planning excursions
• Book reservations 
• Provide proper documentation requirements, such as health, passport, or security details
• Researches group rates and travel package deals

As a Travel Agent, you very well may get to visit the destinations in which you are trying to market to others. As you experience destinations yourself, you will know what to recommend based on what you see.

Generally, travel can be categorized into two categories, such as: 

• Corporate – Focuses on making travel arrangements for employees who need to go on business trips. They arrange for travel and hotel accommodations while business is being conducted.
• Fun & Leisure – Focuses on making dream vacations coming true for individuals or families. They book air flights, rental cars, hotel accommodations, day excursions, amusement park attractions, and much more! 

To enter into a career as a Travel Agent, you will need a high school or equivalent education. In some instances, employers may require a certificate from a technical training program in the field. Often, you can locate a program at your local community college or online. 

If you would like, you can also earn a bachelor’s degree in hospitality and tourism. 

According to the BLS , Travel Agents earned $46,400 per year, as of May 2022. The highest 10% earned upwards of $64,100 annually.

Between 2022 and 2032, the BLS estimates a job growth rate of 3%, adding 8,600 new options over the next decade.

Although the COVID-19 pandemic put a damper on the travel agency, things are on the upswing… which is contributing to the increased job growth rate.

While licensure is not required, earning certifications will help you exhibit your skills and knowledge. There are a couple to consider, such as: 

• Travel Agent Proficiency Test
• American Society of Travel Advisors

Perhaps first and foremost, you must like to travel yourself. That’s the fun part, right? However, while working with clients you will need to excel in communication, organization, and sales skills. You also need to be detail-oriented, personable and have excellent customer service skills.

Related Article: The 40 Highest Paying Jobs With a Trade School Education

Malcolm Peralty Chief Editor

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Online Bachelor Degrees

The 4 Best Bachelor’s Degrees for becoming a Travel Agent

Are you interested in a bachelor’s degrees for becoming a Travel Agent? Do you ever wonder how people organize grand trips and make their planning seem like a breeze? Do you love to create well-laid travel itineraries and find the best price for a trip around the world? Have you ever wanted to have a career that involves travel and helping other people? Then, becoming a Travel Agent might be the right job for you.

In 2022, the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics recorded that the median annual wage for a travel agent is $46,400 . While the job outlook is projected to be “slower than average,” we can hope job prospects, especially for travel agents who specialize in destinations, to be increasing. The BLS projects a 3% positive job outlook between 2022 to 2032, albeit slowly. Travel agencies are the largest employer.

In 2019, the U.S. Travel Association also recorded a whopping $792.4 billion for both domestic and international leisure travel spending, which includes the market share of travel agents. So, the travel industry is growing exponentially!

Travelers still prefer travel agents so they can turn to an expert to help them when things go wrong. They may also find that some travel websites can be overwhelming and complicated, so they hire travel agents for some serious planning.

Is it all about vacations and free travel perks? Is it as easy as using travel apps or accessing tools to make perfect itineraries? It is common for people to think that being a travel agent could get you a fabulous career with VIP treatments that give you a chance to travel like a Rockstar.

The truth is, there is a lot of hard work in this career, day in and day out. People go to travel agents for information and the need to organize their travel seamlessly.

If you are considering becoming a travel agent , let’s explore some behind-the-scenes looks at a travel agent’s work-life scenario!

Become a Travel Agent

While a high school diploma or an associate degree can get you hired as a travel agent, most travel service employers will look for applicants who have earned a college degree. Some employers will require specific training that involves travel planning courses and other types of on-the-job training rather than just a high school diploma alone.

Travel agents come from different walks of life. Some have earned college degrees, and some have not. There is no particular degree to be a travel agent, but a bachelor’s degree will undoubtedly open up more job prospects. Employers will most likely prioritize applicants with a bachelor’s degree.

Below are some of the best bachelor’s degrees for becoming a Travel Agent !

Top Online Bachelor’s Degrees for Becoming a Travel Agent

Bachelor’s in tourism and hospitality management.

Although a high school diploma may serve you well, prospective travel agents should have special training to perform their job duties efficiently. Programs leading to a bachelor’s degree in tourism and management offer training and courses that apply to the field of travel consultancy.

This degree program may help you stand out and lead you to advanced positions in the future through its comprehensive curriculum and hands-on industry experience.

The courses relevant to a travel agent’s career are Hotel and Lodging Operations, Accounting, Computer Technology, Hospitality Services Marketing, Legal Business, Organizational Management, and more. Hospitality management goals include providing excellent customer service, managing accommodation, creating innovative income sources, and economic analysis, all of which are useful in becoming a travel agent.

Most schools require classwork and at least 500 hours of paid or unpaid internships in the industry. You should earn 120 credit hours in two to four years to earn the degree. To become a travel agent, earning this degree may be of most help to you!

Bachelor’s of Tourism and Hospitality Management Programs

Grand Canyon University Florida International University Fort Hays State University American Public University Eastern New Mexico University Johnson and Wales University Washington State University

Bachelor’s in Marketing

Creating marketing strategies and branding, gathering innovative ways to sell products and services, and staying competitive are all essential parts of maintaining a great relationship with clients in the travel agency business. As mentioned earlier, you will need excellent customer skills to maintain positive customer engagement.

Pursuing a marketing degree is one of the ways you can sharpen your customer service and sales skills. Typically, a bachelor’s degree in marketing offers a curriculum that will help you understand consumer behavior, needs, or wants and develop strategies to address them.

Some Bachelor’s in Marketing courses include Strategic Marketing, Digital Marketing, Promotion, Brand Management, Marketing Research, Consumer Behavior, International Marketing, and more. These skills are valuable to travel agents.

Bachelor’s of Marketing Programs

University of Minnesota – Twin Cities Colorado State University-Global Campus Arizona State University – Skysong Minot State University Saint Mary of the Woods College Bellevue University University of Minnesota – Crookston Indiana State University California Baptist University Metropolitan State University

Bachelor’s in Business Administration

Business Administration majors acquire the sales skills needed to establish, operate, and maintain a business. You will gain broad business knowledge of finance, accounting, product management, human resources, marketing, and operations. Some colleges and universities offer degree concentrations if you wish to further your studies and specialize in a particular field.

Employers hire applicants with a Business Administration degree whom they expect are prepared to create and present innovative solutions to business challenges. Independent travel agents often open their own businesses or offer technical consulting services to their clients.

You can obtain the degree after four years after meeting the required credit hours of at least 120. Some schools also require internships or research projects for the final year.

Bachelor’s of Business Administration Programs

Oregon State University Pennsylvania State University University of Florida Fort Hays State University University of Massachusetts Amherst Arizona State University University of Arkansas Drexel University

Bachelor’s in Public Relations

Public relations for any travel business plays a vital role in bringing in more business. Travel agents need public relations to help them be recognized and create a brand for themselves. A bachelor’s degree in public relations teaches you marketing communications, handling different types of customers, techniques for protecting the image of the business, and ways to promote your products and services.

Prospective travel agents can explore courses such as Principles of Public Relations, Research Methods for Communication, Digital Editing, Advertising, Interpersonal Communication, Principles of Marketing, Client Engagement, and much more.

With 120 credit hours to complete, you develop competencies needed in real-life scenarios, prepare to deliver the right message to build lasting relationships with clients and learn how to develop strategies for promoting travel.

Bachelor’s of Public Relations Programs

University of Memphis Florida International University Montana State University – Billings Franklin University University of Florida Appalachian State University Drexel University Southern New Hampshire University Old Dominion University

What are you waiting for? Become a travel agent today! It’s easy to get started on fun and exciting career-planning travel destinations for your clients… and yourself! This list of the best bachelor’s degrees for becoming a Travel Agent should get you prepared!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is it like to be a travel agent.

First off, sales and customer service skills fuel the travel industry. As a travel agent, you will have daily tasks that include communicating with clients to figure out their needs, preparations, and other interests that would help make their trip successful.

You need to possess the outstanding ability to listen to clients and ask them the right questions and offer them the right proposals.

What will my job duties be as a Travel Agent?

As a travel agent, you will be tasked to handle calls and emails, arrange flights, process payments, send documents, and negotiate deals. In addition, you will arrange complex bookings and meetings and handle complaints. Therefore, a travel agent needs excellent customer service skills and good communication practices to execute all these efficiently.

You can’t be without organization skills as a travel agent because you will be making travel arrangements and bookings for your clients. In the travel business, no two days are the same. You should learn to be highly organized because planning and processing itineraries require a balancing act.

Travel agents must be competent in handling payments, researching the best travel routes and activities, and obtaining relevant documents. All of these can be quickly done with the help of technology, so technical skills are essential for getting information and learning new information systems.

In the travel industry, you will also need a lot of patience in answering endless questions and repetitive inquiries, dealing with unsatisfied clients, and performing thorough research. This will help you overcome even the most complicated issues. Having a passion for the travel industry and geography will help you develop the patience you need when dealing with drawbacks in your day-to-day work.

What are the pros and cons of becomi ng a Travel Agent?

Pros of becoming a Travel Agent:

• Flexible working hours: You can choose the hours that best fit your lifestyle and schedule.
• Opportunity to travel: As a travel agent, you can take advantage of discounted travel options to explore the world.
• Variety of work: Every day brings a different challenge, and you could be helping people plan their dream holidays, book flights, create itineraries, and more.
• Rewarding work: Helping people plan their dream holidays and seeing them off on their travels can be incredibly rewarding.

Cons to becoming a Travel Agent:

• Extended hours: During peak seasons, you may need to work long hours to meet customer demand.
• High pressure: As a travel agent, you will need to be able to handle customer queries and manage difficult situations with grace.
• High competition: With more people booking their own travel online, travel agents need to remain competitive to stay in business.
• Limited career progression: As a travel agent, you may find it difficult to progress beyond a certain level.

Will This Career Truly Make You Happy?

It’s hard work but worth it… Becoming a travel agent is both exhausting and rewarding. Typically while working in travel agencies, you will have to work in an office environment and spend most of the time talking on the phone and using your computer. Travel agents work full-time and additional hours for peak times. This means holidays will most likely be the most stressful days of work. It’s not all sunshine and rainbows!

Travel agents can work in a travel service company or build their own travel consultancy business. Working as a travel agent means ensuring you commit a minimal margin of error since a single mistake can affect the whole itinerary of your client. In other words, the confirmation for bookings, reservations, and payments must always be done.

The pressure to close sales and make commissions can be taxing. Stranded travelers, inevitable disruptions, delays, and cancellations of flights and bookings are all part of a travel agent’s work experience. A trip could all go wrong, and you have to take quick action to assist your clients.

On the flip side, travel agents will find this career worth all of their efforts when a client speaks highly of the work they do for them. Learning that they had the best time of their lives during a trip will keep you going. Satisfied clients will hire you again and again, which will make up for all the days and nights you spend worrying about whether the job is for you.

Travel agents who do well with their jobs get free or discounted travel or are sent on familiarization trips to selected countries or fly to a country for conferences. These regular travels will help you meet people and develop close business relationships with travel or hotel representatives. Talk about job perks!

Want to know more?

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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

Education Requirements for Travel Agents

Getting started as a travel agent.

• What is a Travel Agent
• How to Become
• Certifications
• Tools & Software
• LinkedIn Guide
• Interview Questions
• Work-Life Balance
• Professional Goals
• Travel Agent Resume Examples
• Travel Agent Cover Letter Examples

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Do You Need a Degree to Become a Travel Agent?

Educational backgrounds of travel agents, a glimpse into the educational fabric of travel agents, current educational trends among travel agents, essential education and skills for aspiring travel agents.

• Industry Knowledge: A formal education in travel and tourism can be beneficial, but it's not mandatory. Knowledge of the industry can also be gained through certifications, such as the Travel Institute's Certified Travel Associate (CTA) or Certified Travel Counselor (CTC) programs.
• Customer Service Excellence: Skills in customer service are paramount, often honed through experience in hospitality, retail, or other service-oriented roles.
• Geographic and Cultural Expertise: A broad understanding of world geography, cultures, and languages, which can be acquired through academic studies or personal travel experiences.

Charting a Course in the Travel Industry: Education and Beyond

• Practical Experience: On-the-job training or work in customer-facing roles can provide invaluable insights into the travel industry.
• Lifelong Learning: Staying current with industry trends, destination knowledge, and travel technology through workshops, webinars, and travel conferences.
• Networking: Engaging with industry professionals and organizations can offer mentorship opportunities and insider knowledge.

The Bottom Line: Varied Educational Paths, Common Passion

Most common degrees for travel agents, travel and tourism management, business administration, communications, geography or cultural studies, popular majors for travel agents, international relations, foreign languages, popular minors for travel agents, foreign language, event planning, environmental studies, why pursue a degree for a travel agent career, networking and professional development in travel agent education, facilitating career transition and advancement for travel agents, exploring career paths with a degree in travel and tourism, degree alternatives for a travel agent, industry certifications, online travel and tourism courses, apprenticeships and on-the-job training, networking and professional associations, travel blogging and content creation, navigating a travel agent career without a degree, gain industry knowledge, acquire hands-on experience, develop strong communication skills, build a professional network, embrace technology, offer exceptional customer service, get certified, specialize in a niche market, education faqs for travel agent, do you need to go to college to become a travel agent, is it worth it to get a degree for a travel agent role, how important is continuous learning for a travel agent.

Travel Agent Certifications

More Education for Related Roles

Creating memorable guest experiences, driving service excellence in the hospitality sector

Driving customer satisfaction, resolving issues with empathy and efficiency

Fostering customer loyalty and business growth through personalized relationship management

Driving customer satisfaction and loyalty through proactive relationship management

Ensuring passenger safety and comfort, creating memorable travel experiences

Crafting unforgettable journeys, tailoring travel experiences to individual desires

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

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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 our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

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

on Chase's website

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

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.

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Travel Agent Degree - Online and Campus Programs

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The Future of Travel Management

Accounting | Administrative Assistant | Auditing | Bookkeeping | Business Administration | Business Communications | Business Management | Business | Commerce | CPA | Customer Service Management | E Commerce | Economics | Entrepreneurship | Executive Assistant | Fashion Merchandising | Finance | Financial Planning | Hospitality Management | HR | Human Resources | International Business | Loss Prevention | Management | Management Info Systems | Marketing | Non-Profit Management | Office Administration | Operations | Property Management | Public Administration | Real Estate | Retail Management | Secretarial | Small Business | Tourism Management

Bachelors In

Travel & tourism degrees, why we love it.

• $30,870 Potential Avg. Salary*
• Growing Demand Job Outlook

* Salary & growth data is based on the recent Bureau of Labor and Statistics data published at https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes396012.htm for 39-6012 Concierges 11/2021. Based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary.

With a bachelor of science in travel and tourism, you’ll be well-qualified for a number of diverse roles in the travel and tourism industry. Graduates work as marketers for local tourism bureaus, as travel agents, and in hospitality as concierges, managers, and customer service representatives.

This degree program provides you with the tools you need to help people take delightful and rewarding vacations.

What is a Degree in Travel & Tourism?

A bachelor of science in travel and tourism is a multi-faceted degree that is focused on geography, marketing, and hospitality. Traditionally, this degree was designed for aspiring travel agents, though that profession has decreased in demand as a result of self-service online trip planning.

Even so, many individuals seek the assistance of educated travel and tourism professionals when planning vacations and trips, and there are many ways for travel and tourism program graduates to make use of their degrees.

Some graduates work in marketing departments for local tourism bureaus, helping plan campaigns designed to drive visitors to the area. Some work for businesses and help plan the location, transportation, and lodgings for major industry events.

Others work in hospitality—hotels, casinos, and resorts—as managers, concierges, and customer representatives, helping visitors enjoy their trips to the fullest. With a thorough education in world geography and an understanding of vacation psychology, you’ll be well-prepared for any of these careers.

Recommended Schools

What courses would i take for a major in travel & tourism.

• Principles of Travel and Tourism

Hospitality Management

• Entrepreneurship in Tourism and Recreation
• Legal Aspects of Tourism
• World Geography and Vacation Destinations
• Leisure in Contemporary Society
• Travel Marketing
• Psychology of the Traveler

What Jobs Can You Get with a Degree in Travel & Tourism?

Tourism is a significant revenue source for many towns, cities, and countries of the world, so there are always opportunities available for talented travel agents and marketers.

From local visitors bureaus to business event marketing, and from transportation to lodgings, there are many ways for travel and tourism graduates to make a living after earning a degree. Some even start their own travel businesses, working as trip advisors, travel writers, or event planners.

How Long does it take?

A bachelors in Travel & Tourism will have a typical length of 4 years in a full time schedule. That said, there are many ways to speed up the timeframe by either taking more units via online coursework, community college, or taking free classes at OnlineDegree.com that could transfer to universities in the US.

Best Jobs for Travel & Tourism Degrees

The advantage of a bachelor’s degree in travel and tourism is its flexibility. You can work in a variety of industries with this degree, including travel and tourism, hospitality, event marketing, and travel writing.

And while not all of these industries require a degree to be hired, having a degree will help you stand out from the competition when applying for open roles, and may help you earn promotions later in your career.

Hotel Concierge

Hotel Manager

Bed And Breakfast Innkeeper

Event Planner

Cartographer

Casino or Gaming Manager

How to save time and money.

Our mission is to help you to avoid paying full price for college. We want your Travel & Tourism degree to be affordable and accessible. Here’s how you could save:

Create Your Free SmartPlan

There are many ways to make college affordable and accessible.

That’s why we created a helpful tool called SmartPlan .

It’s free, and helps you find potential ways to save and tons of information about each school you’re considering

Think of it as your “college blueprint”, to help you instantly craft a path to your degree:

• Which Colleges Match Your Needs
• Ways You Could Save Time & Money
• Free Courses You Could Take for Credit
• Valuable Data and Insights on Each College
• Detailed Steps You Should Take!

See what’s possible for you and generate a free plan within just a few minutes

Get a Certificate in Travel and Tourism First

If you start your educational career by earning a certificate in travel and tourism, you’ll be able to enter the workforce sooner, earning a living and experience while pursuing a bachelor’s degree.

Many bachelor’s degree programs also allow you to transfer certificate credits, so you may be able to reduce the number of credits you’ll need to take to graduate with a bachelor’s degree.

You Might also be Interested in

Many visitors who look for a degree in Travel & Tourism are also interested in the following degrees.

Latin American Studies

Culinary Arts

Travel & Tourism

Casino management.

Hotel & Restaurant Management

Start Towards Your Travel & Tourism Degree, Free.

Generate your free SmartPlan™ to identify schools you like, and potential ways to save on your degree or certification program with courses, offers, and much more!

Travel Agent Career

Job Description: Plan and sell transportation and accommodations for customers. Determine destination, modes of transportation, travel dates, costs, and accommodations required. May also describe, plan, and arrange itineraries and sell tour packages. May assist in resolving clients' travel problems.

Is Travel Agent the right career path for you? Take the MyMajors Quiz and find out if it fits one of your top recommended majors!

What Travel Agents do:

• Record and maintain information on clients, vendors, and travel packages.
• Compute cost of travel and accommodations, using calculator, computer, carrier tariff books, and hotel rate books, or quote package tour's costs.
• Collect payment for transportation and accommodations from customer.
• Print or request transportation carrier tickets, using computer printer system or system link to travel carrier.
• Converse with customer to determine destination, mode of transportation, travel dates, financial considerations, and accommodations required.
• Plan, describe, arrange, and sell itinerary tour packages and promotional travel incentives offered by various travel carriers.
• Book transportation and hotel reservations, using computer or telephone.
• Provide customer with brochures and publications containing travel information, such as local customs, points of interest, or foreign country regulations.

What work activities are most important?

Holland code chart for a travel agent.

What education do travel agents have?

Most travel agents have a certificate or associate degree. The most common areas of study are Hospitality Management , and Hospitality Management and Related Studies .

Certificate or associate degree

Degree level, hospitality management, most common degree, what degrees do travel agents have.

The most common degree held by travel agents is Hospitality Management , held by 2% of travel agents. Other common degrees include Hospitality Management and Related Studies .

Get a detailed breakdown of travel agents and the different types of degrees they hold:

Degrees that travel agents hold

What level of education do travel agents have.

Travel Agents often have similar levels of education. 55% of travel agents have a certificate or associate degree, with the second most common being a high school diploma at 31%.

Level of education that travel agents have

• Degree Abroad

13 College Majors That Allow You to Travel

Liz is a collector of grand adventures. She first discovered her passion for meaningful travel wh...

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How hard has the travel bug bitten you? Is travel a way for you to unwind for a week here and there in the midst of your busy life, or is travel your way of life?

Psst, ready for a secret? The best degrees for travel can help you make views like this a way of life.

If you have a true passion for travel, you don’t need to wait until you’ve saved a week of vacation time to see the world. Travel can be your livelihood. And in fact, it’s no longer the norm to graduate from college and spend your days sitting behind a desk. The best degrees for travel can set you on the right path if your life’s mission is to see the world.

That’s right—your post-grad life can look any way you imagine, and it’s fully possible to land your dream career while becoming a citizen of the globe. It all starts with your studies. While your college degree doesn’t necessarily hold you to any particular job post-graduation and it’s common to shift gears every once in a while, it’s a good idea to consider your goals before choosing your major.

If you want to see the world, there are plenty of college degrees that allow you to travel. Some degrees offer study abroad opportunities, others open up doors to travel post-college, and many offer the best of both worlds.

13 best degrees for travel

When it comes to choosing majors that allow you to travel , there are a few important things to consider. Most college majors that allow you to travel will help you gain valuable skills and knowledge to adapt to new cultures, communicate internationally, and cope with language barriers, while others will open doors to life on the road.

Consider what your ideal path looks like—what are the non-negotiables of your dream career when it comes to salary, work-life balance, and opportunities for growth and advancement? Here you’ll find the best majors for travel that can open doors in any direction:

1. International Relations

If you want to see the world, international relations is one of the best college degrees that allow you to travel. Your studies will focus on teaching you how to understand and analyze different world issues. You’ll gain a solid background in social sciences, economics, political science, and environmental science while also learning about cultures around the world.

A degree in international relations can open doors to a wide range of jobs, from journalism and foreign relations to community development and human rights advocacy. You’ll also gain knowledge and skills to help you land a job in many international organizations all over the world.

• Find International Relations degrees abroad
• Find International Relations study abroad programs

2. Education

Your love of teaching can turn into an international career.

Education is one of the best degrees for travel because teaching jobs are available all over the world. With a degree in education, you’ll combine a wide range of classes in child psychology, development, and curriculum development with real-world teaching experience, setting you up for success.

An undergrad degree in education lets you graduate with a solid foundation to transition into teaching English as a second language, and you’ll have much more experience and knowledge under your belt than you would by just taking a TEFL course. Teaching English abroad opens doors to an international career, and jobs usually include perks like complimentary accommodation and assistance with the nitty gritty travel details so you can travel the world without the stress.

• Find Education degrees abroad
• Find Education study abroad programs

3. Business

One of the best majors for travel is a major in business. Business degrees will always be in high demand and are often one of the most employable degrees worldwide. If you want to keep your options open post-graduation, a degree in business will leave you well-rounded.

You’ll gain knowledge in everything from project management to administration, finance to human resources to international marketing. You’ll learn how to understand the ever-changing global market, allowing you to land almost any kind of job. Your degree will also equip you with skills to create your own business and live as an entrepreneur on the road.

• Find Business degrees abroad
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4. Journalism

Imagine traveling the world as a freelance journalist, being on the front line of breaking news, writing and broadcasting stories that intrigue you, all while visiting places around the world that are on your bucket list. The best thing about journalism is that it’s easy to work remotely, making it one of the best college majors that allow you to travel.

All you need is a laptop, a camera, and a solid internet connection. Journalism is often a go-to degree for those who are passionate and curious about the world and other cultures, and who are good at communicating and enjoy talking to people from different backgrounds. It’s one of the best majors for travel and can open doors to jobs in both writing and broadcasting.

• Find Journalism degrees abroad
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5. Marketing

You can leverage your marketing skills into a job just about anywhere in the world.

Marketing is one of the fastest growing industries and is one of the best majors for travel if you want an employable degree that can be used anywhere. With a degree in marketing, you’ll learn diverse skills in communication, public speaking, technology, and most importantly, how to sell—and that’s valuable no matter where you are in the world.

Marketing degrees can be the gateway into the world of web design, copywriting, social media marketing, or even logo design, making it one of the best majors for creatives who want to communicate through their artistry. If you’re from the United States, you’ll have a leg up in an international career. Many companies actively seek American nationals to help them break into the American market.

• Find Marketing degrees abroad
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6. Web Design & Development

When choosing college majors that allow you to travel, consider those that open doors to remote work . Web design and development majors are one of the best degrees to do just that. Combine your creative skills with technical skills to land high paying jobs that you can do from anywhere in the world.

Working in web design and development often offers flexibility. Most of the work is on your own time, so you can live and work across time zones and create a schedule that allows you to travel and sightsee in between your working hours. All you need is clients to take on the road with you virtually.

• Find Web Design & Development degrees abroad
• Find Web Design & Development study abroad programs

7. Linguistics

Language studies are obvious if you want to travel the world, but linguistics is about more than just language. A degree in linguistics helps you to understand the history and nuances of many different languages around the world, improving your overall communication skills and making it one of the best college majors that allow you to travel.

Translate your studies into a job that lets you travel and explore.

Whether you want to work in teaching, journalism, research, or break into the expanding market of translating and interpretation, a degree in linguistics is one of the best majors for travel. Your degree will even help you have a full grasp of communication across cultures.

• Find Linguistics degrees abroad
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8. Human Resources

When many think of human resources, their minds go to the image of working behind a desk in a stuffy office, climbing the ladder of corporate America. However, a degree in human resources actually opens endless travel opportunities. Human resources is one of the best majors for travel because it’s well-rounded.

Your studies will include classes in business, marketing, and interpersonal communication, allowing you to pick up skills and knowledge that are relevant across industries. Your options will be endless with a degree in HR—whether you want to work for large international companies with regular travel opportunities, break into the hospitality industry and spend months at a time in dream holiday destinations, or use your knowledge to enter the entrepreneurial world.

• Find Human Resources degrees abroad
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9. Hospitality

If you’re looking for the best college degrees that allow you to travel, you can’t go wrong with hospitality. Hospitality isn’t just about waiting tables. It’s an opportunity to work in some of the most lush environments in the world, make good money, connect with important people in high places, and travel the world.

A degree in hospitality will give you a well-rounded education in food safety, hotel management, business, laws, and ethics. You’ll graduate with the skills and knowledge to work in any hotel, resort, or restaurant in the world while integrating fully into some of your bucket list destinations.

• Find Hospitality degrees abroad
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10. Nursing

You might not think of nursing as a travel-focused career, but it’s actually an awesome way to see—and help—the world.

If you want to get into the medical field, nursing is one of the best degrees for travel. While there are many nurses who choose to work in their local clinics, travel nursing is constantly growing and opening up opportunities for nurses to work and travel across destinations.

Travel nurses have the ability to work across a variety of fields—from cardiology to oncology, pediatrics to emergency care—while learning how to work with people from various cultural backgrounds. As a travel nurse, you can work your way across the USA, go international by working alongside the military, or give back to global communities through volunteering abroad.

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11. Marine Biology

Marine biology is one of the best degrees for travel because it requires extensive exploration of the world’s oceans. You simply cannot make a name for yourself in this field without travel! If you love the sea and you’re passionate about protecting the world’s oceans, majoring in marine biology could be a dream come true.

With a degree in marine science and biology, you’ll spend hours at sea collecting data, analyzing it in the lab, and doing research. If you want to live in coastal destinations while studying one of the most diverse ecosystems that exists in the world, marine biology may be your answer to your dream career.

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12. Engineering

While engineering isn’t usually the first degree you think of when considering world travel, it’s actually one of the best majors for travel if you want to see the world and make a high salary. Engineering is a global industry and is perfect for those who want to spend lots of time outside of an office.

Depending on your area of focus, an engineering degree can open up your world to work in both cities and rural areas. Through your studies, you’ll have opportunities to learn about developing infrastructure, climate trends, and long-term solutions to some of the world’s biggest issues. You’ll make a lasting impact while creating a lifestyle that requires exploration and travel to broaden your perspective.

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Get matched with 5 degree abroad programs for FREE

College majors that allow you to travel will open up the world.

Go ahead, dream big. With one of these degrees under your belt, you’ll make travel your way of life in no time.

Who said you had to buckle down, stay in one place, and work from an office not far from where you grew up? Travel doesn’t have to be an escape from your daily life—it can be your whole life!

There are endless college degrees that allow you to travel the world while learning valuable skills and opening doors to international job opportunities. All you have to do is dream big.

Explore ALL Degrees Abroad on GoAbroad.com!

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Welcome to Southwestern College

TRAVEL & TOURISM

Program overview.

Travel and tourism is the study of the methods and means of moving individuals or groups from one place to another that involves transportation and accommodations with a focus on recreation and leisure. This program explores communication skills, reservation techniques, fiscal affairs, operations, computer applications, guiding practices and services.

• Catalog Page

Program Awards

Hospitality & tourism management - associate in arts.

• Program Hospitality & Tourism Management
• Award Type Associate in Arts
• Major Code 02963
• Field of Study Applied Technology & Hospitality Management
• Department Accounting & Business Administration
• School/Location School of Applied Technology & Hospitality Management
• Career Education Career Ed Info
• Career Ed Page

Hospitality & Tourism Management General - Associate in Arts

• Program Hospitality & Tourism Management General
• Major Code 02989

Hospitality: Hotel Operations Management - Associate in Science

• Program Hospitality: Hotel Operations Management
• Award Type Associate in Science
• Major Code 02991

Hospitality: Hotel Operations Management-Advanced - Certificate of Achievement

• Program Hospitality: Hotel Operations Management-Advanced
• Award Type Certificate of Achievement
• Major Code 02993

Hospitality: Hotel Operations Management-Basic - Certificate of Achievement

• Program Hospitality: Hotel Operations Management-Basic
• Major Code 02992

Hospitality: Travel & Tourism Management - Associate in Science

• Program Hospitality: Travel & Tourism Management
• Major Code 02997

Hospitality: Travel & Tourism Management-Advanced - Certificate of Achievement

• Program Hospitality: Travel & Tourism Management-Advanced
• Major Code 02999

Hospitality: Travel & Tourism Management-Basic - Certificate of Achievement

• Program Hospitality: Travel & Tourism Management-Basic
• Major Code 02998

Apply to SWC Register for Classes Apply for a Degree/Certificate

Points of Interest

Open the accordion rows below to reveal more information about Travel & Tourism.

Below is a sample of the career options available for the travel and tourism major. Most of these require a certificate or associate degree: travel agent, hotel/motel clerk, tour guide, ticketing agent, reservations clerk, travel agency owner, tour operator, cruise ship personnel, airline attendant, travel writer, hospitality specialist, accommodations critic, sales representative, conference coordinator, conference facility director, and meeting planner for business and industrial, governmental, or educational organizations.

Class Schedule Academic Calendar Important Dates

Program Contacts

Accounting & business administration, jennifer lewis dean.

• [email protected]
• (619) 482-6375

Elisabeth Shapiro Department Chair

• [email protected]
• (619) 421-6700 x5944
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Student Support

• Disability Support Services (DSS)
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Faculty Contacts

Laura gershuni professor.

• [email protected]
• (619) 421-6700 x5711

Faculty & Staff Directory

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Mortgage Rates

Mortgage tools, affordability calculator, rent or buy calculator, veteran home loan center, mortgage tips.

5 Most Common Questions About Mortgages—Answered

Learning the Lingo: Mortgages Explained, From ARMs to Points

Expert Home-Buying Advice for Our Nation's Veterans

How to Buy a Home With Bad Credit (Yes, You Can)

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