travel agent trade school

A Complete Guide to Travel Agent Schools, 2024 [+Comparison Chart]

Travel agent schools are one of many travel agent training , education, and professional development opportunities. With so many choices, the decision can be mind-boggling.

Never fear. HAR's (Host Agency Reviews') goal is to de-boggle your mind. We'll help you decide if a travel school is right for you, give you a list of questions to ask before you take the plunge, and help you decide which travel agent school is best for you!

⭐️ HAR Article Highlights: ⭐️

Travel agent school preamble.

• A Comparison Chart of Travel Schools

Is a Travel Agent School Right for Me?

• How Do I Pick the Right Travel Agent School for Me?

What Travel Agent Schools Are Out There?

• Alternatives to Travel Schools

Completing a travel agent school is not a requirement to enter the industry.

In fact, no specific schooling is required to become a travel advisor . No diploma, no certification or professional certificate, no degree, no fancy letters after your name. Nada. You don't need any of it.

The most important consideration is the quality of the education and how the travel agent school will equip you to succeed as a travel agent.

If/when you pick a travel agent school, the most important consideration is the quality of the education and how the travel agent school will equip you to succeed as a travel advisor.

Wondering what a travel agent does ? We got you.

One of the challenges of choosing a travel school is that there is no standardization or quality control. There's no organization that comes out and says, "Hey, you know, in order to be a credible travel agent school, you need to hit all these marks."

What this means is that you are the one that needs to assess whether or not a travel agent school meets your educational needs.

Sound overwhelming? That's what we're here for! To help you create your own metric to decide if attending a travel agent school is the best choice for you!

Travel Agent Schools: Infographic + Comparison Chart

I released a few messenger pigeons to gather information on school programs. Below is an infographic that offers a list and comparison of travel agent schools, plus tools to help you decide if travel agent school is best for you and (if so) to help you decide which one fits your needs.

Before I launch in, it's important to note that the comparison chart only includes programs that are travel-agent-specific . I didn’t include hospitality, tourism, or events management programs. Those areas of study are a different beast entirely.

Here’s the info our messenger pigeons had in tow 🐦🐧. As it turns out, messenger pigeons have impeccable infographic-creating capabilities. Sign in below to download our comparison chart!

Now that you have the lay of the land of what's out there, we're going to dive into how to decide which program would be the best fit for you.

Here are a few things to help you determine whether or not a travel agent school is a good decision for you. (You can think of it as an un-failable quiz!):

1. are you totally new to the industry?

If you're really working from ground zero, a travel agent school is great way to help you get your bearings. Not only that, but if you do your due diligence and choose a great travel agent school, you stand to save some time by getting all the basic industry info you need in one place (rather than trying to cobble together your own education).

2. Do you want to earn a general degree or professional certificate?

If you want to earn an Associate's degree or a professional certificate then a travel agent school could be a great option for you. If you're in the market for a general degree, you'll want to be sure the travel school you choose is accredited.

If you're in the market for a general degree, you'll want to be sure the travel school you choose is accredited.

How can you tell if a school is accredited?

• Check out our travel agent school comparison chart , which indicates if a travel agent school is accredited. Don't see your school of choice on our chart? Drop me an email at [email protected] so I can add the school to our chart!
• Check on the travel agent school's website to see if they're accredited. (You can usually find this in the About [School] section . . . they'll want to brag about their accreditation, so it will be there if they have one!)

If you're looking to earn a professional certificate, you won't need to pick an accredited school, but you'll want to choose a program that's industry-recognized (more on that later).

3. Does the idea of a structured program & Peer Support motivate you?

A travel agent school can also be a good option if you find If you thrive off of the structured support of a set program—a syllabus, class schedule, homework, evaluation, deadlines, quizzes, etc.

Each travel agent school will be structured differently, so if there are some aspects of the school structure that are important to you, make sure that the travel school fits the bill for you.

Most of the travel agent schools are online, but this isn't necessarily at the expense of tight-knit peer communities. One way to evaluate a travel school is to check and see if they have active online groups of alums. You can also ask programs how much contact students have with one another during the course (we'll get more into the nitty gritty of evaluating schools soon.)

4. Is a Travel School in Your Budget?

The tuition for travel agent schools listed in this article ranges from $495 to $15,900. That's quite a range. In terms of making a sound financial investment, consider these questions:

1. How much do I want to spend on a travel school?

2. Is the travel school affordable?

3. Does it seem to offer a good value?

4. Is it a good value for what it offers (for example, you might consider how much it costs per credit or contact hours, rather than focusing on the total sticker price) .

5. Is it comparable in price to other training programs?

6. Can I pay in installments?

7. Can I get any scholarship, aid, loans?

One thing to factor in your decision is the income potential for a travel agent. How do you know what kind of income to expect? Our travel advisor research papers have income info for employees as well as self-employed travel advisors (both independent and hosted travel agents).

If you're thinking of starting up your own agency , we have info on how much it costs to become a travel agent that can help you benchmark.

5. Do You Have Time?

Travel agent schools are a time commitment as well as a financial commitment.

Like tuition, the duration of travel school programs varies significantly—from four weeks to two years . Additionally, the time you need to invest in your coursework will also vary.

Travel agent schools are a time commitment . . . Like tuition, the duration of travel school programs varies significantly—from four weeks to two years.

If you want to take the time to get your bearings the industry before you dive in, a travel school could be idea. If you want to start selling travel yesterday and are willing to learn as you go, it might not be the best fit (or you might explore a short or self-paced program.)

time to tally your score.

Yay! You finished your unfailable quiz!

If you answered yes to a majority of the questions, a travel school could be a great fit and you should probably keep exploring! So keep reading!

If you answered no to a majority of these questions, you should still keep reading because, let's face it, you're really thorough and you want to ensure you not missing out on any info!

But if you want to take a shortcut to explore alternatives, go here !

Listen to Lu Maggiora, chat on her travel agent school success story in Travel Agent Chatter Vol. 7:

Make a Travel Agent School Shortlist

A travel school is a good option for you?! *High five!* Now the kicker is this, how do you decide what program might be best for you?

Here's a list of questions to ask of your travel agent school programs to help you narrow it down:

1. Who teaches in the program and what is their background in the industry?

I'm going to be honest here.

There's a lot of travel agent training and education programs out there, and you deserve a program with someone at the helm who's invested in the travel industry. Look at their background, and gauge the industry engagement of the people who run and teach at the school.

There's a lot of training and education programs out there, and you deserve a program with someone at the helm who's invested in the travel industry

The most important quality of a travel agent school is the quality of its education, and choosing one with deep industry roots is a good indication that you'll be in good hands.

This means they should be going to travel industry events and have had real-life experience in the world of travel agents.

2. If you want a general degree, is the school accredited?

If you want a general degree in addition to earning a professional certificate at a travel agent school, you want (I'll go ahead and say need ) to pick a school that is accredited.

Here's another thing to consider: Do any of the credits from the travel agent certificate go toward the general degree? Hopefully the answer is a resounding yes (the more credits that apply to your degree, the merrier).

3. is the TraveL School's certificate recognized within the industry?

Most travel agent schools result in some kind of professional certificate.

in most cases, a travel agent certificate itself is not going to give you instant access to a higher pay scale. But a good program will help you cultivate professional skills, which will translate to a higher pay scale.

If you want to become an independent contractor, you may also want to consider if a host agency accepts the certificate in lieu of the host's education program (more on that later). How would you know that if a host is willing to make this accommodation? You can post a question on their host profile on this very site!!!

Click here to compare travel agent schools to host education programs.

4. Is their curriculum current, thorough and useful?

Evaluating the strength of a travel school's curriculum may seem hard if you have no industry experience. But I'm here to give you a few pointers on how to gauge if it's up to snuff for what you need:

• Does it cover a variety of topics? Does it go into as much depth as you need such as marketing, sales strategies, legal & regulatory topics, an industry overview, trip planning? Is there any focus on some popular niches such as destination specialty, cruise, etc (especially if it aligns with what you want to do).
• Does it focus on topics that you don't need? Okay. I'm about to say something controversial: Unless you want to be a corporate agent , you don't need a curriculum that focuses on GDS (Global Distribution System) . There. I said it. You can throw flaming bags of dog poop on my porch, but I stand behind this because A.) 99% of the time, GDS is not the right tool for the job for leisure agents and B.) It's a waste of your time and money to spend so much time learning a tool you probably won't use. Do you want to be familiar with what it is? Sure. But if you're going to sell leisure, you don't need 20% of your coursework dedicated to it.

Looking to be a corporate advisor? Take a listen to the stories of two advisors focused on corporate:

• Is it current? When is the last time the travel agent school updated their curriculum? Do they talk about current issues in travel? If you're not sure just by perusing their site, give them a holler and ask.
• Do specific areas of focus align with what you want to do? Some travel agent schools will have specific areas of study that might be optional. This may include focusing on a particular destination or niche . This is fabulous . . . unless you don't really care about that area of study. So if a program has an entire unit on, let's say, Jamaica, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic, that's not going to be very helpful to you if you primarily want to book adventure trips to Alaska and the Arctic regions. But there's an exception . . .
• Does it prepare you to become an independent contractor or an employee? A curriculum will be very different based on whether or not you want to become an employee or an independent contractor . If you want to work for a retail location as an employee, familiarity with GDS may be an asset; a broad overview of cruise lines and popular destinations like Jamaica, Mexico and Europe is likely critical. But if you're going to be an independent contractor, it's important that the area of study aligns closely with what you want to sell. It might seems like choosing a niche is putting the cart before the horse, but homing in on a specialty can help you choose a travel agent school.

5. What are the program goals & do they succeed?

You have a good handle on your goals, but how do they align with the goals of a travel school? More than that, does the travel agent school achieve the goals they set out for themselves as a program? Here's a few questions to consider.

• What are the goals of the program (and does it fit with your professional goals)? Is it to prepare you for the Travel Institute's TAP (Travel Agent Proficiency) test? (Here's a hint: If prepping for the TAP test is your primary initiative, you can get a study guide for the TAP test and take it on your own for what could be a fraction of the cost to attend a travel school.) Is it to eventually support you with job placement? Is it to make you an expert on selling cruises? Is it to give you a broad overview of the industry? (Another hint: If that's the case, check out the American Society of Travel Advisor's (ASTA) Roadmap to Becoming a Travel Advisor course written by HAR's founder which will be much more cost-effective.)
• Does the travel school have follow-up employment services? Will they continue to support you once you're out in the world? How do they do that?
• Are their alumnae ending up where you want to end up? Are their alumnae doing the jobs (or creating the jobs) that you want to do? (Check out HAR's travel jobs board for opportunities.)
• What does their data say? Beyond graduation/completion rate, how long does it take their students to get settled into the industry?

Now that you know how to find a good fit for a travel agent school, you're probably curious about what options are available to you! 

Unlike other areas of study, you won't be overwhelmed by choices! Here's a list of a few players!

• Los Medanos
• Ashworth College
• Penn Foster
• Direct Travel Academy (fka Rejuvia)
• Travel Leaders Independent Learner Program
• Travel Leaders Virtual Campus

Also, shoutout to Wake Tech which offers a "Path to Become a Travel Agent" course as a part of its hospitality program! While it's not a travel agent school per se, the course includes ASTA's Roadmap course and is structured with ample "face-to-face" time for students! Win win!

Alternatives to Travel Agent Schools

Maybe you've gotten this far and decided that a travel agent school is not right for you. But you don't need to throw your arms up in surrender just yet because there are other options.

What are they you ask? Read on!

1. Travel Agent Certification:

Certifications allow you to add fancy letters after your name that will (hopefully) be recognized by the travel industry.

They're often provided by organizations such as  travel consortia , accreditation organizations ( more here on travel agent accreditation options ), and travel industry membership groups such as Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) or The Travel Institute .

A comparable example to travel agent certification might be like a CPA (certified professional accountant). You can still be an accountant without your CPA, but it helps potential clients know that you're the real deal. If you're looking for certification (in addition to/ rather than training) we have a resource for you!

We have an in-depth article on travel agent certifications that you can find here .

2. Host Travel Agent Education Programs:

Host agencies and travel consortia also have loads of education opportunities. In fact, some of the travel agent schools listed above were founded by folks who run host agencies. (They're busy!)

What the heck is a host agency and travel consortium? At its most basic, a host agency is an umbrella organization that an independent agency (that’s you!) can align with for better commissions , support, and marketing/tech tools.

A travel consortium is a collective of host agencies, travel agencies, and/or travel advisors that join forces to combine resources in order to increase their industry footprint. This gives them more including buying potential with preferred suppliers , perks, & more favorable commission agreements.

Read about the host agency and consortia education programs out there.

School's Out for the Summer

Yay! Your education on travel agent schools is complete. You can now consider yourself well prepared (if not over-prepared) to decide if a travel school is for you, and (if it is), which option is your best choice.

Have you gone to a travel agent school? Let us know the good, bad, and ugly in the comments below!

⭐️ Don't Miss HAR's Travel Agent Training & Education Series! ⭐️

• Travel Agent Training and Education: This is the motherboard for all travel agent training options.
• A Guide to Host Agency and Consortia Education: Details on host and consortia education, plus a comparison chart.
• Travel Agent Certification: Want to read up on what certification options are out there? This is for you.

Editor's Note: This article was originally published in Dec. 2019. We annually update and republish this article to include the latest information about travel agent school programs. The article was updated and republished on the post date listed at the top of the article.

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Best Trade Schools

Home » Programs » Travel Agent Programs

Travel Agent Programs

Becoming a travel agent is a popular career choice among well-traveled individuals with customer service experience and exceptional trip-planning skills. Completing a travel agent program through a trade school or community college can help aspiring travel agents prepare for rewarding careers in the tourism and travel industry.

Education & Training

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

Several trade schools offer travel agent certificates, diplomas, and degree programs that teach students the ins and outs of the industry. Those hoping to run their own travel agency or work with high-profile clients might consider getting a travel agent degree to gain a more in-depth understanding of the hospitality and tourism field.

How Long Does it Take to Complete Travel Agent Training?

100 course hour programs, such as the ones above, are designed to be completed in 6 months.   If you enroll in a diploma program that offers an official certification exam at the end, you might complete your courses in 1 to 2 years.

How Much Does it Cost?

Expect to pay between $2000 to $3000 for a decent online training program.

What is the Training Like?

During travel agent training, many employees and students start by learning how to use industry-specific software and databases to plan vacations and business trips. You might also receive training on particular sales techniques that encourage customers to purchase travel bundles and all-inclusive resort packages.

What Do You Study in Travel School?

Many travel agent schools and trainers also teach:

• Effective customer service protocols
• Different approaches to corporate and luxury travel planning
• Itinerary creation
• Domestic and international travel regulations
• Travel insurance coverage options

Are Travel Training Programs Legit?

Yes, but you should look for a program offered in conjunction with a local school that you can trust.  A legit program will also prepare you for the Travel Agent Proficiency test from the The Travel Institute.

If you don’t have any experience, enrolling in an online travel agent course is an excellent way to acquire skills vital to the job and bolster your reputation with prospective clients and employers.

How Much Do Travel Agents Make?

On average, full-time travel agent jobs pay about $46K to $50K per year. However, you might be able to negotiate a higher wage if you have a travel agent degree or work for a high-profile company.

Self-employed travel agents usually make more than others, earning roughly $70,000 per year or more, depending on their rates and clientele.

Below are wages and salaries per state:

source: data.bls.gov

Occupation:Travel Agents(SOC Code413041); Period:May 2022

Career Overview

How do travel agents get paid.

Travel agents typically have a standard service fee that each client must pay when booking a trip. If a traveler requires extra accommodations in addition to the basic service package, the agent may choose to increase their rates. On a corporate level, travel agents sell travel packages and bundles to make money through resort, airline, and cruise line commissions.

What are the Qualifications to be a Travel Agent?

A high school diploma is the minimum requirement for becoming a travel agent. However, some companies might also prefer applicants to have previous customer service experience. To give yourself an advantage over other candidates for travel agent jobs, you might consider getting an official travel agent certificate, diploma, or degree.

Do You Need a Degree to be a Travel Agent?

It is possible to qualify for a travel agent job if your only credentials are a high school diploma and some on-the-job training. However, obtaining a certificate, diploma, or degree from an accredited travel agent school can improve your chances of getting attractive job offers from some of the industry’s top travel agencies.

What Skills are Needed to be a Travel Agent?

While knowing the ins and outs of the travel industry is essential for aspiring agents, they also need a range of interpersonal and intrapersonal skills in order to succeed in travel agent jobs.

Some of the most important traits a travel agent can have include:

• A friendly and professional attitude
• Computer skills, speed, and efficiency
• Problem-solving skills for handling issues that occur during clients’ trips
• Charismatic sales knowledge and techniques
• Money management skills to ensure they stick to the client’s budget
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
• Attention to detail and organizational skills

If you’re planning to start your own travel agency or work as a freelancer, you’ll need a certain level of business sense, as well. You’ll need to develop effective marketing, advertising, networking, and accounting skills to be a self-employed travel agent.

Is it a Legit Career Path?

Yes, a career as a travel agent is entirely legitimate. Travel agents are pivotal in demystifying their clients’ diverse and often overwhelming options, ensuring a safer, more affordable, and more reputable travel experience. According to the  Bureau of Labor Statistics , the average annual wage for travel agents is $46,400 per year, or $22.31 per hour. With over 65,000 positions opening annually over the next decade, a career as a travel agent is enterprising and lucrative for those seeking to make a difference in a vibrant and diverse field. 

Job Description

What Do Travel Agents Normally Do?

Travel agents perform several tasks in the process of planning trips and vacations. Each time they take on a new client, a travel agent must:

• Collect information about the client’s travel plans, including the reason for the trip, their chosen destination, trip duration, and travel budget
• Research lodgings, restaurants, events, and venues near the travel destination that suit the traveler’s needs
• Communicate with other travel and tourism professionals to find deals and discounts that fit within the client’s budget
• Obtain any required documentation from the traveler, including passports and travel insurance information
• Book flights and hotel stays, purchase event tickets, and make restaurant reservations for the client
• Maintain communication with the traveler throughout their trip to ensure things go smoothly.
• Handle any issues that occur during the trip, including lost passports and missed flights

How to Get a Job as a Travel Agent

After you’ve obtained the necessary education and customer service skills for a travel agent job, you can take the following steps to begin your career in the industry:

• Choose the travel agency you want to work for and research their hiring criteria.
• Take the company’s required training course to familiarize yourself with the practices and policies of that particular agency.
• Create a resume detailing any travel agent school, on-the-job training, or customer service experience you have.
• If applicable, submit a travel portfolio of past vacations and trips you’ve planned.
• Apply for a job with the company OR, if you have the proper amount of experience and business sense, consider opening your own.

Can Travel Agents Work from Home?

While some travel agents work out of traditional office spaces, people in this profession can also perform their duties from home.

An organized, efficient workstation is essential if you plan on working remotely.

Travel agents who work from home will need the following:

• A laptop or desktop computer
• Document filing and recordkeeping software
• Internet service
• A phone to keep in touch with clients and contacts

At-home travel agents also need quiet, comfortable workspaces where they can take phone calls and conduct video meetings without interruption. Quickly responding to all calls and emails is a must for remote travel agents, so they need to be available during all hours of the day and night.

What is the Difference Between a Travel Agent and a Travel Advisor?

While the terms are often interchangeable, a travel agent typically focuses on booking and arranging travel logistics. In contrast, a travel advisor emphasizes personalized and consultative services, offering tailored recommendations based on clients’ preferences.

Travel advisors often build long-term relationships, providing in-depth destination knowledge, curated experiences, and additional assistance beyond essential bookings. The role of a travel advisor involves a more comprehensive and client-centric approach, aiming to enhance the overall travel experience with expert advice and attention to individual preferences.

Do Travel Agents Have Other Career Options?

Many of the skills you need to enjoy a rewarding travel agent career translate to other sectors of the hospitality and tourism industry. For example, travel agents might consider using their expertise to qualify for concierge careers at high-end luxury hotels and resorts.

Others may prefer to become hotel and restaurant managers, tour guides, and event, meeting, and convention planners.

Summary: How to Become a Travel Agent

Although the path to a travel agent career varies depending on your skills, experience, and location, most people become travel agents by taking the following steps:

• Obtain a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
• Consider gaining customer service experience at another entry-level job or through some type of community outreach.
• Complete on-the-job training OR enroll in one of the following:
• Specialized training courses at a specific travel agency
• Certificate or diploma programs at a travel agent school
• Associate, bachelor, or graduate-level degree programs for hospitality and tourism or a related field
• Earn a Certified Travel Agent/Associate (CTA) credential through an accredited school or certifying agency.

Local Guides

• Becoming a Travel Agent in AL
• Becoming a Travel Agent in CA
• Becoming a Travel Agent in GA
• Becoming a Travel Agent in FL
• Becoming a Travel Agent in IL
• Becoming a Travel Agent in IN
• Becoming a Travel Agent in LA
• Becoming a Travel Agent in MD
• Becoming a Travel Agent in MI
• Becoming a Travel Agent in MO
• Becoming a Travel Agent in MN
• Becoming a Travel Agent in NC
• Becoming a Travel Agent in NV
• Becoming a Travel Agent in OH
• Becoming a Travel Agent in OK
• Becoming a Travel Agent in PA
• Becoming a Travel Agent in TX
• Becoming a Travel Agent in VA
• Becoming a Travel Agent in WA
• Becoming a Travel Agent in WI

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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Trade Schools Home > Articles > How to Become a Travel Agent

How to Become a Travel Agent and Start Prospering

By Publisher | Last Updated August 1, 2023

Are you a frequent explorer who enjoys assisting other people? If so, learning how to become a travel agent might be worth more than any other journey you've ever undertaken. Imagine having a career that involves learning about new travel destinations firsthand and recommending ways for other travelers to experience them. With travel agent training, you can begin establishing a professional life that gives you fresh opportunities to explore the world while helping others do the same.

After all, the travel industry is huge. According to the U.S. Travel Association , in 2021 alone, domestic and international travelers within the U.S. directly spent $910 billion on travel. Plus, even though the Internet has become a major source of travel deals, many people still seek the services of professionals when planning and booking their vacations or business trips. So, a lot of travel agencies continue to prosper.

That means you can benefit from the travel and tourism industry's ongoing success, both in America and around the world. Travel agents often receive discounts or upgrades on hotels and transportation when taking trips. And every new day offers the opportunity to share in the delight of excited and appreciative clients, both before and after their own journeys.

Becoming a Travel Agent: A Brief Overview

Establishing a travel career is usually a straightforward process, especially when you're just getting started. As you move further along in your career, you'll likely discover that many options exist for increasing your professional knowledge and earning power. And those options sometimes get a little more complex. That's why it's a smart idea to explore the general path that you might follow in becoming a travel agent and advancing your career.

So, how do you become a travel agent who prospers? The basic process generally involves the following steps:

• Learn what a travel agent really is , as well as what travel agents do
• Understand what a typical travel agent salary might be
• Research the job outlook for travel agents
• Get travel agent training
• Comply with any seller-of-travel laws that might affect you
• Attain voluntary travel agent certification
• Consider working at home or starting your own travel agency
• Follow time-tested tips for achieving success as a travel agent

Keep reading in order to learn more about each step in greater detail. Use this comprehensive guide to discover what it truly takes to become a travel agent in today's Internet-driven economy.

What Is a Travel Agent?

In simple terms, a travel agent is someone who provides professional assistance with planning and making travel arrangements. A travel agent's clients can include individual travelers as well as groups of travelers. Plus, a travel agent generally offers a much more personalized level of service—and a broader range of trip-planning services—than what you can get through discount travel websites.

What Does a Travel Agent Do?

Travel agents help people plan, book, and arrange various kinds of trips to locations far from home. They use their special knowledge of travel destinations, transportation options, and accommodations to help turn their clients' wishes into successful and satisfying getaways. On any given day, a travel agent might:

• Gather information about a client's budget, timing, and preferences
• Offer recommendations about particular destinations and travel packages
• Research rates and availability for lodging and transportation
• Book air travel, hotels, and car rentals through a computerized reservation system such as the Sabre Global Distribution System (GDS)
• Book cruise packages or rail tickets
• Sell and make reservations for destination-specific activities, tours, and excursions
• Plan and organize trip itineraries
• Provide advice about destination-specific weather and cultural practices
• Provide details about visas, passports, or other necessary travel documents
• Provide information about any necessary or recommended vaccinations
• Visit a destination to evaluate its resorts, hotels, restaurants, and attractions

Many travel agents specialize in serving a particular type of clientele. For example, leisure travel agents serve clients who want to book vacations. Within that broad market, travel agents might further specialize in serving specific types of leisure travelers such as adventure seekers, families, couples, singles, vegetarians, or senior citizens.

In addition, corporate travel agents specialize in arranging business trips for employees of various organizations. And international travel agents specialize in helping clients arrange trips outside of the U.S. while often focusing their expertise on just a few specific overseas destinations.

Travel Agent Salary Estimates

Working as a travel agent often comes with the advantage of earning a flexible income. For instance, depending on your particular employment arrangement, you may get the opportunity to earn commission on the hotels, transportation, and activities that you book for clients. As a result, many travel agents are able to directly impact the amount of yearly pay that they earn by controlling how much time and effort they put in to their jobs. In other cases, travel agents may earn set salaries and receive year-end bonuses based on their agencies' performance.

According to Occupational Outlook Handbook program data, the median yearly pay of U.S. travel agents was $43,810 in 2021.* However, in some states, the median was a lot higher.

Plus, the top-earning travel agents in America made over $74,220 in 2021. As travel professionals advance in their careers and move into management positions or start their own agencies, their salary potential increases significantly.

Travel Agent Job Outlook

Even though many people now book their own trips through travel websites, a lot of opportunity still exists for agents who offer expert, personalized assistance to clients who need or prefer a higher level of service. And consider these facts:

• The travel and tourism sector tends to grow more quickly than the overall global economy, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).
• In 2019 alone, the global travel and tourism industry supported about 330 million jobs and generated almost nine trillion dollars, according to WTTC.
• Because many experienced travel agents in the U.S. are transferring to different occupations, about 7,500 job openings are expected to become available between 2021 and 2031 to help replace them. That's according to employment projections from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Travel Agent Training

Many different options exist for learning how to be a travel agent. After all, the industry doesn't really endorse just one standard path of entry. Aspiring travel agents can often find training through industry associations, host agencies, hotel and transportation consortiums, and various other travel suppliers. However, going to a travel agent school is definitely one of the most popular options. And it sometimes represents the best value.

In fact, through online programs, some schools can even help you learn how to become a travel agent from home. So you may not necessarily need to attend class on campus. Plus, a lot of schools offer programs that are designed to help you attain industry recognition.

For example, you might be able to prepare for a widely respected exam such as The Travel Institute's Travel Agent Proficiency (TAP) test. It's a test that measures a new travel agent's entry-level knowledge in areas such as:

• Sales skills
• Basic cultural and physical geography
• Identifying and recommending various travel products and services

Travel agent schools also frequently teach students how to communicate effectively, market their services, use computerized reservation systems, and stay on top of domestic and international travel regulations. In addition, some programs offer more in-depth education related to different global regions, tourist destinations, and types of attractions.

You don't necessarily need a degree in travel or tourism, but getting some formal college-level training in the subject can definitely boost your chances of entering the industry successfully. So it might be worth your time to find a travel school where you can get a focused education in this field. And remember: You can even find convenient programs that allow you to learn how to become a travel agent online.

Seller-of-Travel Laws

Currently, only four states in America require travel agents to register or obtain a special license in order to sell travel products and services that aren't insurance-related. However, the specific requirements in each of those states vary significantly. So it's important to understand how the laws might affect you if you plan on working as a travel agent in one of those states or selling travel to clients in one or more of them. Look into:

• California's Seller of Travel (SOT) laws and regulations
• Florida's Sellers of Travel laws
• Washington's Sellers of Travel laws
• Hawaii's travel agency licensing requirements

At the federal level, no licensing requirements exist. But keep in mind that some local municipalities do have laws that can affect travel agents. Regardless, it is often a good idea to consult with a travel attorney in order to ensure that you will be in compliance with any laws that could affect you. That's especially true if you intend on opening your own travel agency or selling travel across state lines or to people in other countries.

Travel Agent Certification

Becoming a certified travel agent is completely voluntary unless you're seeking a job with an employer that requires particular credentials. But a lot of travel agents still choose to get certified since it can be a good way to increase their knowledge and earn greater respect among their clients and peers.

The Travel Institute offers some of the most popular travel agent certifications . You can earn designations such as:

• Certified Travel Associate (CTA): This certification is a possibility for any travel professional, regardless of experience. However, it is designed for those who have at least a year and a half of travel agency experience. Candidates are given one year to complete 12 courses and pass an exam. You must complete eight core courses related to selling, business writing, customer service, professionalism, interpersonal communication, understanding client needs, touring the globe, and special-interest travel. You also must complete four elective courses from a list that includes courses in teamwork, time management, itinerary planning, credit card fraud prevention, niche markets, specific destinations, effective listening, and selling travel insurance, escorted vacations, or all-inclusive resort packages.
• Certified Travel Counselor (CTC): In order to qualify for this certification, you need at least five years of professional experience in the travel industry and also need to have already earned the CTA designation. If you meet those requirements, then you'll need to go through a series of online training modules and white papers that are focused on the travel industry. Subjects include management-relevant topics such as creativity, negotiating, team building, conflict management, accounting basics, mentoring, project management, emotional intelligence, and behavior assessment. After completing those modules, you'll need to pass an exam and write your own white paper related to some aspect of travel agency management.
• Certified Travel Industry Executive (CTIE): Leadership is the focus of this certification. You'll need a minimum of five years of experience in the travel industry. And you'll need to complete a series of web-based modules, pass an exam, and write an industry-relevant white paper or submit another project such as a published article that you've written, slides from a seminar that you've presented, or a summary of a seminar that you've attended. Topics of the training modules are related to coaching, team building, creativity, emotional intelligence, coping with change, and becoming an excellent leader through strategic and transformational leadership.

For travel agents who sell of a lot cruise packages, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) offers the chance to earn various certifications . In order to be eligible for any of them, you need to be an active member of CLIA. And each level of certification requires that you go through a certain amount of training (in person or online) and meet specific sales requirements. For the more advanced certifications, you also need to demonstrate a certain level of product knowledge and prove that you've had a particular number of personal cruise experiences. The most common designations include:

• Certified Cruise Counselor (CCC)
• Accredited Cruise Counselor (ACC)
• Master Cruise Counselor (MCC)
• Elite Cruise Counselor (ECC)

When it comes to corporate travel, the most popular certifying organization is the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA). It offers the opportunity to become a Global Travel Professional (GTP) , which is a designation indicating that you're certified in business travel management. To qualify, you need at least three years of professional experience related to selling or buying business travel services. Then you need to pass an exam, which can be prepared for by studying subjects such as travel program administration, strategic business planning, the relationship between buyers and sellers, and data, finance, and analytics.

Working at Home or Starting Your Own Travel Agency

However, it is also possible to start your own travel business. And you don't necessarily need a lot of industry experience before going that route. In 2021, 16 percent of all travel agents in America were self-employed. Some of the things that you might need include:

• Travel agent training
• An understanding of how travel agencies generate revenue (e.g., by earning sales commissions on bookings, charging booking and planning fees, or by marking up the net rates of suppliers, which are the retail rates minus the amount that is designated for commission)
• A solid business plan, which you can learn how to create by taking some business courses
• A standard business license from your municipality
• A seller-of-travel license within California, Washington, Iowa, Florida, and/or Hawaii
• An ARC (Airlines Reporting Corporation) number and/or an IATA (International Air Transportation Association) number

ARC and IATA Numbers

The ARC and IATA are organizations that control how money flows between consumers, travel agencies, and airlines. Without proper recognition by them, an agency can have trouble selling air travel products, issuing airline tickets, or earning commissions from such sources. So getting IATA or ARC numbers is a way to legitimize your business. However, you need to meet certain requirements in order to obtain them.

For example, to become an ARC-accredited agency in the U.S., your business may need to complete an application, submit a fee, complete an interview, provide a deposit of at least $20,000, meet specific security standards for ticketing, and ensure that someone in your agency has passed the ARC Specialist exam.

To obtain an IATA number in the U.S., you will need to go through the International Airlines Travel Agent Network (IATAN) . Your agency will have to pay a small accreditation fee and prove that it is legally authorized to do business, is committed to the travel business, follows ethical and trustworthy business practices, and has qualified staff. If someone in your agency doesn't have at least two years of experience or CTA certification, then you may also need to purchase errors and omission insurance, which is a form of liability insurance. Once your agency is approved, you will receive an IATA/IATAN ID Card that includes your IATA number.

Host Travel Agencies

Does the above all sound a little too complicated? If so, don't fret. Another option is available for starting your own travel business. And it's an option that can enable you to offload some of the administrative responsibilities while still earning good commissions.

By setting up your business under a host agency, you can bypass a lot of the legwork above. You still get to use your own business name, find your own clients, and decide on your own business hours. But you can use the host agency's ARC and/or IATA numbers. When you book airline tickets, all transactions will run through the host agency's office and accounting system. You might just need to pay some kind of fee or provide another form of compensation to the host agency. Each agency is slightly different in what it requires.

Plus, many host agencies will work with travel agents who have little or no experience. Examples of host agencies that accept travel agents at all stages of their careers include:

• Allure Travel
• American Discount Cruises & Travel
• Archer Travel Group
• Authorized Agents
• Cruise & Travel Masters
• Cruises Inc.
• Departure Lounge
• Dugans Travels
• Expedia CruiseShipCenters
• Gateway to Magic
• Incentive Connection Travel, Inc.
• KHM Travel Group
• Leisure Travel Alliance Central
• Montecito Village Travel
• MyAgentDeals.com
• OutsideAgents.com
• Preferred Travel of Naples
• Rennert at Home
• TerraMar Travel, Inc.
• Ticket to Travel
• Travel Leaders
• Travel Planners International
• Travel Quest
• Uniglobe Travel Center
• VIP World Travel
• WorldTravelService
• Your Travel Concierges

11 Powerful Tips for Achieving Travel Agent Success

1. Focus on clients who have more money than time.

Why compete with discount travel websites? They cater to people who have limited budgets and the time to explore options and book trips themselves. But that still leaves a lot of potential clients who are willing to pay for the expertise and comprehensive services of a travel agent. In fact, people who are super busy, stressed out, or looking to avoid hassles represent a lucrative market for travel agencies, especially if they fall within higher income brackets.

2. Keep traveling.

It's hard to learn about new places if you never visit them. Most clients will expect you to know a lot about the destinations that you recommend. Firsthand knowledge is the best source of that kind of information. And clients can often sense when you aren't sure about something or haven't had any genuine experiences at the destinations that you're talking about. So it's essential to travel as much as you can.

3. Specialize.

Increasingly, it helps to be a specialist in particular destinations or travel interests. Clients who book through travel agents are often seeking assistance from professionals who understand their specific travel goals better than anybody else.

For example, maybe you can focus on serving clients who are seeking unique wedding destinations, honeymoons, golf getaways, luxury villas, ski vacations, wellness vacations, adventure activities, or tours for seniors or single people. All kinds of travel opportunities are related to special interests.

Or maybe you can specialize in planning travel itineraries for a few popular or emerging tourist regions that you enjoy visiting yourself. In 2020, the most popular destinations for international tourists outside of the U.S. included France, Spain, China, Italy, Turkey, Mexico, Germany, Thailand, and the United Kingdom.

4. Sell truly distinctive experiences.

You can provide tremendous value to travel clients if you become good at getting them special access to hard-to-book events, activities, or tour guides. The more you can customize your clients' trips, the more your services will stand out and be promoted through word of mouth. So it can pay to nurture your relationships with suppliers in the destinations that you regularly visit.

5. Offer highly personalized and responsive service.

If your clients perceive you as someone who is trustworthy and can be reached easily, then your value to them will likely remain high. This level of service is more about building relationships and trying to exceed your clients' expectations than it is about selling. It's about matching your clients with the travel arrangements that make the most sense for them. And it's about timely and personalized communication, regardless of whether that occurs in person, over the phone, or through email or social media.

6. Make connections.

Networking with other professionals in the travel and tourism sector is essential. After all, a lot of travel agents get new business through referrals from people that they've developed good working relationships with—even from other travel agents. Referrals are especially common between travel agents who specialize in different market niches.

Plus, you never know who might become a potential client. That's why it's always a good idea to develop a short pitch about how you are different from other travel agents. Every new interaction is an opportunity to make a great impression.

7. Get professional support.

Various travel industry associations offer special events, training opportunities, and other benefits to their professional members. Getting involved with such organizations can be a good way to meet other successful travel agents, expand your knowledge, and discover new ideas that enhance your career. The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) is one popular example of an organization where you might find this kind of support.

8. Get every detail right.

9. Nurture your reputation.

Your professional reputation will be your most valuable asset. That's why it is essential to do anything you can to help it grow and be seen in a positive light. Having your own well-designed website with engaging content is one way to help establish your brand. But it's also a good idea to join the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and engage with people on social media platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Quora. Find places—both online and in your community—where you will be seen as an expert. Submit press releases and travel-related story ideas to local media outlets. Eventually, you might earn some free publicity.

10. Test new approaches.

You don't necessarily have to adhere to certain business practices just because they are entrenched throughout the travel industry. As long as you operate ethically, within the law, and in your clients' best interests, then why not experiment a little in how you do things? It could be as simple as changing how you get paid (e.g., using net rates and fees vs. taking commissions) or enlisting the help of a marketing firm to generate quality leads when looking for new clients. Let your imagination run free and see what you come up with.

11. Embrace change and keep adapting.

The travel and tourism market is always evolving. Some people might ask, "How can I become a travel agent who prospers over the long term when change keeps happening?" The simple answer is that you have to stay flexible and remain constantly aware of what you're offering.

Are you following current best practices? Are you offering competitive prices to your clients? Do your clients expect any new services that you've somehow overlooked? Are you making the best use of current technology in order to keep your processes as efficient as possible?

Set aside some time every week to reflect on the value that you deliver to your clients. Then be honest with yourself and identify any areas that could use some improvement.

Set Your Professional Journey in Motion

Knowing how to become a travel agent is just step one. The next step is to take action and find training. Discover a travel agent school—online or close to home—by entering your zip code into the following program finder right now!

* Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook (visited July 27, 2023).

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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

Online Travel Agent Training Programs

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

Computers and the Internet have given everyone the ability to be their own travel agent.

This may make it a little harder to be a travel agent, but it is still a viable career option with a lot of rewards.

There are no requirements to become a travel agent, but an online course can give you accreditation that will give you credibility in the industry and with clients.

Online courses can be completed fairly quickly and you can be on your way to becoming a travel professional.

As a travel agent, you can work from anywhere, and you will have a lot of opportunities to travel.

Article Table of Contents

• 1.1 Some of the courses include:
• 2 Can You Earn a Travel Agent Certification Completely Online?
• 3 How Long Does it Take to Earn a Travel Agent Certification Online?
• 4 How Much Does an Online Travel Agent Certification Cost?
• 5.1 Flexible training
• 5.2 Learn the secrets
• 5.3 Lower cost
• 5.4 Become a specialist
• 6.1 The main drawback is similar to the main benefit
• 6.2 Finding the right one can be difficult
• 6.3 No placement help
• 6.4 Isolation
• 7 Benefits and Drawbacks of Online Travel Agent Training Programs – Summary Table
• 8.4 Trip Kit
• 8.5 Destination Specialist (CDS)
• 8.6 Niche Travel
• 9.1 Get organized
• 9.2 Set your boundaries
• 9.3 Consider specialties
• 9.4 Learn intentionally
• 10 Schools Offering Online Travel Agent Training
• 12.1 Are there any legal requirements for becoming a travel agent?
• 12.2 Can you be a travel agent from home?
• 12.3 Since there are no legal requirements, what is the point of getting an education?
• 12.4 What related classes would be good to take for an aspiring travel agent?

What Courses Are in an Online Travel Agent Program?

The Travel Institute is one of the most respected names in the travel industry.

They offer several accreditation services that are recognized throughout the travel industry.

There are eight basic courses and four advanced courses.

Completing these will give you a Certified Travel Associate (CTA) certificate.

Some of the courses include:

• Customer-focused selling is where you learn travel salesmanship that focuses on the customer’s needs.
• Business writing helps you learn effective writing skills for business settings.
• Understanding customer needs can help you learn the motivation of different types of travelers, and the best travel products to offer them.
• Special interest in travel considers how to plan travel for specialized interests, and how to meet those unique needs.
• Customer service and communication. Learn how to relate to your customers in a way that will make them want to trust you, and therefore purchase travel packages from you.
• Some electives include:
• Planning itineraries is a class in how to adjust when what a customer wants does not fit into any of the packages that are available.
• Preventing ID theft and credit card fraud.
• Time management, because being a travel agent can eat up a lot of time.
• Destination specialists and niche market specialists are two more courses that can be helpful. The destination package focuses on learning about different parts of the world. The niche market focuses on certain types of travel like golf, luxury,  adventure, and other special interests.

Can You Earn a Travel Agent Certification Completely Online?

Yes, you can earn your certification completely online, and this is the best way to get the certificate.

In the modern world, most of the work travel agents do is online, so it makes sense the training would be as well.

There are traditional classroom courses you can take concerning the travel industry, but those are not needed for a travel agent certificate.

The essential classes you need to be a certified travel agent can all be taken online.

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

The time it takes to earn your certificate can be as little as two or three weeks, or as long as three or four years.

Some recommend combining your certificate with an associate’s or a bachelor’s degree in tourism or some other related field.

That might help, but it is not a legal requirement.

The Travel Institute’s program takes a year to complete, and you have to pass your final exam to pass the course.

You could complete it in less time if you desired.

You must also work for a professional travel agency for a certain amount of time to get your final certificate.

You must also complete continuing education classes in order to maintain certification from the Travel Institute.

There are other institutions offering similar courses and similar certifications that take less time.

It is a good idea to check to make sure the certificate you earn will be accepted in the job you want to pursue.

How Much Does an Online Travel Agent Certification Cost?

There are free programs you can download, and they offer training.

The certificate is not highly regarded though, but you could make it work if you already have some background in the travel industry or plan to start your own agency.

The Travel Institute charges $379 for its certification program that includes the exam at the end of the course.

If you want more specialized training, there are additional classes at an additional cost.

Generally, the cost of getting the basic certificate ranges from just a few dollars to $500 or more.

Consider how the certification from that institute will be regarded by the industry when shopping for a program.

Benefits of Online Travel Agent Training Programs

Flexible training.

You can work this class into your schedule instead of having to adjust your life to a traditional classroom.

You can take as long or as short of a time as you wish to complete the class.

If you are working now, it will cause no disruption to your job.

Learn the secrets

Being a travel agent is harder than ever.

You will need some inside knowledge on how to best plan travel for people.

Using specialized computer programs is something you need to learn to be a good travel agent.

Learning how to access airlines, hotels, and how to manage that knowledge is something that will help you be a success.

You could get a four-year degree in the travel and tourism industry, and that would help a lot, but you can become a travel agent with a lot less effort and expense.

Certification courses are done online, and the cost is very low.

It is much lower than in traditional classroom settings or colleges.

Become a specialist

Many travel agents do well by specializing in or finding a niche.

You can get detailed training in a niche such as wedding travel, adventure travel, or any other area of travel, with an advanced online class.

Drawbacks of Online Travel Agent Training Programs

The main drawback is similar to the main benefit.

The flexibility to study where and when you cant can end up making it take you longer, or you could get distracted and never finish.

It takes more self-discipline with an online course.

Finding the right one can be difficult

Since there are no requirements for becoming a travel agent , there are very few objective measures to consider when looking at online training options.

Look for the type of accreditation they offer, and make sure it is the kind people in your area like, or that is credible in the area you want to specialize in.

No placement help

The online courses give you the know-how and a credential, but they do not normally help you with finding a job.

Many people start their own agency or start working as freelance travel agents when they begin work.

When you finish the course you are on your own as far as career development.

One disadvantage to all online education is one of isolation.

It is missing the human connection of seeing teachers and fellow students in the flesh.

That missing interaction can be an obstacle for some people.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Online Travel Agent Training Programs – Summary Table

Types of travel agent certifications.

Here are the types of travel agent certifications available from the Travel Institute.

There are other institutes, and the certifications are very similar.

The Travel Institute is widely recognized as a professional training organization for travel agents.

A Certified Travel Associate is the basic certificate, and the one most necessary for basic sales of travel packages.

This covers 15 areas of study, such as planning itineraries and customer service.

A Certified Travel Counselor is a program for business owners or managers.

It is more for those managing travel agents.

Certified Travel Industry Executive.

This is a certificate for advanced agents who have become managers or leaders in their agencies.

This is a program that goes beyond the CTA with greater detail for group travel, such as schools or other organizations.

Destination Specialist (CDS)

As the name implies, the focus of this certificate is destinations around the world.

In this course, students learn about different locations and popular travel areas.

Niche Travel

This one is similar to the destination specialist but focuses on various interests.

Examples of this could be golf vacations, weddings, luxury travel, adventure travel, and things of this nature.

You could develop a niche in one of these areas, and in this course, you will learn how to narrow the trip to suit those interests.

4 Self-Study Tips for Travel Agent Online Students

Get organized.

The greatest advantage is also the greatest disadvantage when it comes to online study.

There is no one telling you to study, or when to go to class.

Organize your studies and stay organized so you can focus on learning instead of getting ready to learn.

Have a desk, or an area, set up in a way that is comfortable for you, and where you can focus on the class, without distractions.

Set your boundaries

Set a specific time to study if at all possible.

This will help you stay organized and focused, and make it less easy not to study on a particular day.

Tell people in your house when you will be studying so they will know you should not be interrupted during that time.

Consider specialties

As you study, see what areas of travel interest you most.

Travel agents do better when they specialize in one area instead of trying to be all things to all people.

Pay close attention to the areas that are described in the lectures and in the written material you have for the class.

Learn intentionally

Take notes as you listen.

Go over your notes later, and maybe even type them up.

This is a way to reinforce what you have learned, and it will cause you to think about it more.

Talk to yourself about what you have learned without looking at your notes.

Give yourself short exams to see where you need to study more.

Involve yourself as much as you can, and as many areas of your senses as possible.

Schools Offering Online Travel Agent Training

Anyone can make their own travel arrangements now, but travel agents are still valuable for many reasons.

Someone who is an expert on a certain area, for instance, would do better at planning a trip to that area than someone who is casually looking at a computer.

The value of travel agents was once in making arrangements.

Today their value lies in their knowledge of travel itself.

This puts more pressure on travel agents, but it is also more rewarding when they make the dreams of travelers come true.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any legal requirements for becoming a travel agent.

Anyone can make travel arrangements for anyone, and that is essentially what a travel agent does.

While there are no legal requirements, most employers expect some training and a certificate of some kind.

The value of a travel agent is in their knowledge of destinations and the ins and outs of travel itself.

Can you be a travel agent from home?

Yes, all you need is a computer and some connections.

Some people are freelance travel agents and work for agencies from home.

You could even be your own agency from your own home.

You do not need a brick-and-mortar building.

Since there are no legal requirements, what is the point of getting an education?

You could indeed declare yourself a travel agent and start making arrangements for people.

The problem is, not many people would take you seriously, and you would not have access to computer programs that allow you to officially book flights, rooms, car rentals, and so forth.

The value of education is the expertise you are equipped with to make arrangements for people.

You have to pass the exam at the end of the course to get a certificate that will make travel agencies willing to hire you.

What related classes would be good to take for an aspiring travel agent?

You could combine your travel agent certification program with an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in something like tourism or hospitality.

Having these degrees is not required but it would give you additional depth and expertise when it comes to actually being a travel agent.

Business, communication, and marketing are also good classes to take to make you a more effective travel agent.

Noteworthy Resources

• 14 Pros and Cons of Being a Travel Agent
• Online Freight Broker Training Programs
• Online Home Inspector Training Programs
• Online Interior Design Training Programs
• Online Paralegal Training Programs

I was skeptical about online travel agent training at first, but after completing a program, I can confidently say it exceeded my expectations.

The comprehensive curriculum and access to industry experts made all the difference.

I recently completed an online travel agent training program and it was such a game-changer for my career! The flexibility of studying from home while gaining practical skills was invaluable.

These are convenient and accessible, allowing individuals to pursue a career in the travel industry from anywhere with an internet connection.

These programs often offer a wide range of courses that cover various aspects of travel planning, from booking flights and accommodations to understanding travel regulations and trends.

Online travel agent programs can be cost-effective, as they eliminate the need for traditional classroom expenses, such as commuting or accommodation.

Many online programs provide certification upon completion, which can enhance your credibility and competitiveness in the travel industry.

Online travel agent training programs may offer internships or job placement assistance, helping students gain practical experience and launch their careers.

Murino is a town in Vsevolozhsky District of Leningrad Oblast, Russia, located east of and immediately adjacent to the city of St. Petersburg. Formerly a settlement, it was granted a town status on 27 March 2019. The population estimates of Murino are about 50 thousands.

More information and contact

Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murino,_Leningrad_Oblast

Coordinates 60°2'46.294" N 30°26'45.204" E

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Leningrad Oblast, Russia

The capital city of Leningrad oblast: Saint Petersburg .

Leningrad Oblast - Overview

Leningrad Oblast is a federal subject of Russia located in the northwest of the European part of the country, part of the North-West Federal District. The regional authorities are located in St. Petersburg (from 1924 to 1991 - Leningrad, hence the name of the region).

The population of Leningrad Oblast is about 1,911,600 (2022), the area - 83,908 sq. km.

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Leningrad oblast latest news and posts from our blog:.

9 September, 2021 / Entertainment near St. Petersburg .

3 June, 2021 / Vyborg Castle - a unique architectural monument for Russia .

2 February, 2021 / Ivangorod Fortress - the western outpost of medieval Russia .

17 October, 2017 / Picturesque views of Vyborg .

22 March, 2017 / Vyborg - the only historic town in the Leningrad region .

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History of Leningrad Oblast

The first settlements on the territory of the present Leningrad region appeared in the 9th-8th millennium BC, after the retreat of the glacier. By the middle of the 1st millennium AD, the Finno-Ugric tribes engaged in agriculture, cattle breeding, hunting, and fishing lived here. In the 8th century, the Slavic tribes came to the region.

In the 750s, Ladoga appeared (since the 18th century - Staraya (Old) Ladoga) - the most ancient Russian settlement. In the 9th-10th centuries, Ladoga became an important political and economic center of the ancient Russian state. At the end of the 10th century, Lagoda lost this role. Novgorod became the new center.

In the 12th century, Novgorod gained political independence, and the lands on the shores of the Gulf of Finland, Luga, Neva, Ladoga, Volkhov became part of the Novgorod Republic. In the 13th-14th centuries, this region became an arena of struggle of Novgorod and Pskov Republics against the Livonian knights and Swedish feudal lords.

More historical facts…

In 1240, the famous Battle of the Neva took place in which the Novgorod troops headed by Prince Alexander Yaroslavich defeated the Swedish troops. After the battle, Alexander Yaroslavich received an honorary nickname of “Nevsky” and became known simply as Alexander Nevsky.

In the 13th-14th centuries, for the protection of the north-western borders, several new fortresses were founded: Yam, Koporje, Oreshek, Korela, Tiversky town. In January, 1478, the Novgorod Republic was conquered by the Moscow principality. The region became part of the united Russian state.

In the early 17th century, during the Time of Troubles, Russia was cut off from the Baltic Sea. The north-east of the country was captured by the Swedes. In the early 18th century, during the Northern War, Russia regained control of the region and Saint Petersburg, a new capital of the state, was founded here.

In 1708, the Ingermanland region was formed. In 1710, it was renamed into Saint Petersburg, in 1914 - Petrograd, in 1924 - Leningrad oblast. During the Second World War, a large part of the territory was occupied by the Germans and the Finns and suffered greatly. In January 1945, the population of the region was 483,000. The population before the war was 1,258,000.

In the postwar period, the regional economy was restored, a number of new towns and villages appeared. In 1973, the Leningrad nuclear power plant was opened in Sosnovy Bor.

Nature of Leningrad Oblast

Leningrad Oblast landscape

Author: Roman Rozanov

Leningrad Oblast nature

Author: Igor Los

Field in the Leningrad region

Author: Vitaliy Karputkin

Leningrad Oblast - Features

St. Petersburg is not part of the Leningrad region. It is an independent subject of the Russian Federation, a city of federal significance. Leningrad Oblast is the only federal subject of Russia the authorities of which are located entirely on the territory of another federal subject.

Leningrad Oblast, located on the East European (Russian) Plain, stretches from west to east for 500 km, from north to south - 320 km. The region borders with the European Union: in the west - with Estonia, in the north-west - with Finland.

The climate is continental. Marine air masses cause relatively mild winter with frequent thaws and moderately warm, sometimes cool summer. The average temperature in January is in the range of minus 8-11 degrees Celsius, in July - plus 16-18 degrees Celsius.

Leningrad Oblast is rich in water resources - rivers and lakes. There are about 1,800 lakes including Ladoga Lake - the largest lake in Europe. Much of the region is occupied by marshes.

Industry is the backbone of the local economy. Such industries as food industry, transport equipment, oil product, pulp and paper industry prevail. Part of the Nord Stream gas pipeline passes through the territory of the region.

Leningrad Nuclear Power Plant is situated in the town of Sosnovy Bor. Machine-building plants are situated in different towns of the province. Ford Automobile Plant is situated in Vsevolozhsk, Caterpillar - in Tosno.

The transport network is well developed in the region. Saint Petersburg is one of the largest transport hubs of Russia.

The largest towns of Leningrad Oblast are Murino (89,600), Gatchina (87,600), Vsevolozhsk (76,600), Vyborg (73,000), Sosnovy Bor (66,000), Sertolovo (61,200), Tikhvin (56,700), Kudrovo (54,500), Kirishi (49,600), Kingisepp (43,900) Volkhov (43,300).

Attractions of Leningrad Oblast

In 1990, a number of monuments of history and culture of Leningrad Oblast were included into the list of UNESCO World Heritage:

• The fortifications on the shore of the Gulf of Finland: “Seraya Loshad” (Grey Horse) and “Krasnaya Gorka” (Red Hill),
• The historical part of the town of Shlisselburg,
• The fortress “Oreshek”,
• The palace and park ensembles in Ropsha, Gostilitsy, Taytsy,
• The palace and park ensemble and the historical center of Gatchina,
• Sologubovka War Memorial - the largest German military cemetery.

Other places of interest:

• Staraya (Old) Ladoga - the ancient capital of northern Russia,
• Vyborg Castle,
• Assumption Monastery, the house-memorial of Rimsky-Korsakov in Tikhvin,
• Ivangorod Fortress,
• “Korela” fortress in Priozyorsk,
• Koporye fortress in Lomonosov district,
• “Priyutino” museum estate in Vsevolozhsk,
• Konevsky Monastery on Konevets Island,
• Wooden churches of Svir (“Golden Ring of Leningrad oblast”) in Podporozhsky district,
• Tervenichesky Convent,
• Zelenetskii Trinity Monastery,
• Lisino - the buildings designed by N.L.Benua,
• Museum estate of N.K. Roerich in Izvara,
• Museum “Stationmaster House” in Vyra.

Leningrad oblast of Russia photos

Leningrad Oblast scenery

Abandoned wooden church in Leningrad Oblast

Author: Sergei Baranov

Village of Leningrad Oblast

Author: Mikhail Petrov

Pictures of Leningrad Oblast

Classical Russian dacha in the Leningrad region

Author: Moskaluk Vitaliy

Wooden village house in Leningrad Oblast

Author: Zhelne Yuri

Winter in Leningrad Oblast

Author: Stanislav Kostin

Leningrad Oblast views

Railway bridge in Leningrad Oblast

Author: Antonio Racter

Abandoned church in the Leningrad Oblast

Author: Logutenkov Andrey

Church in Leningrad Oblast

Author: Semyonov A.V.

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15 Pros and Cons of Being a Travel Agent

Trade Schools / Travel Agent / 15 Pros and Cons of Being a Travel Agent

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The travel industry alone is a great way to open yourself up to a variety of opportunities.

Among the most popular are travel agents.

Whether you’re considering transitioning to a new career or adding a part-time hustle to your life, a travel agent may be the perfect career path.

This guide will provide you with some of the most well-known pros and cons of being a travel agent.

This will help you determine whether this career is a great choice for you.

Pros of Being a Travel Agent

Here is a list of pros of being a travel agent.

Flexible Career

Not only is a job as a travel agent flexible, but it also provides you with a lot of mobility.

You have the luxury of choosing your own location and hours to work.

One of the biggest benefits of becoming a travel agent is having a great deal of flexibility.

Your primary duty as a travel agent is to market and sell your travel packages and tickets.

Some travel agents work from home as a freelance agent, while others work from offices.

The choice is yours.

Be Your Own Boss

Another pro of being a travel agent is you have the option of becoming your own boss.

If you enjoy helping people with traveling and always dreamed of owning your own business, becoming a travel agent may be ideal for you.

More and more people are becoming independent travel agents.

All that’s required is a little bit of research on your end.

Self-employment gives you the ability to set your own work schedule and much more.

Many Opportunities to Travel

As a travel agent, you already have a good idea of travel deals and packages.

This gives you the benefit of actually taking advantage of some of the travel destinations you are selling to your clients.

Most of the time you will receive discounts for trips via FAM trips.

This allows you to get some assistance with your research and familiarize yourself with the services you are offering your clients.

Additional Training Isn’t Required

Travel agents don’t require certain training requirements, unlike other careers.

If you have a passion for traveling and helping others, a career as a travel agent may suit you well.

Additionally, there are accreditations you can receive online at no additional cost to you.

Whether you’re thinking about starting your own agency or working for a company, you are giving yourself more room for flexibility.

You can set yourself up to sell your travel packages right from the comfort of your own home as long as you have an organized plan.

Great Income

All travel agents aren’t created equal.

If you do your part and really market yourself well, your earning potential will be extremely rewarding.

One thing is for sure, being a travel agent does promise you a satisfying income.

Travel agents, on average can make $44,410 annually.

Depending on the type of travel agency job you have in addition to commission, your earning potential could be higher.

There are other reports that state travel agents can earn up to $500,000 each year.

An array of Job Opportunities

By becoming a travel agent, you have now opened yourself up to a vast range of job opportunities.

A job as a travel agent allows you to focus your attention on a particular area that you are passionate about.

For example, you may make the decision to only sell travel packages for honeymoons and cruises.

Or perhaps you want to focus on African safaris or Caribbean resorts only.

The opportunities are endless.

You are in control of where you’d like to work.

Maybe you want to work for a company overseas.

Or, maybe a large corporation better suits you.

Part-Time Options Available

If you’re looking for a part-time side hustle as a travel agent, you may be in for some good news.

Versatility is definitely on the table if you are considering becoming a travel agent.

This enables you to set your own schedule to fit in with the rest of your life.

In the future, if you decide to transition to working full-time, this type of job still gives you the advantage of adding another side hustle with no problem.

Exciting Career Choice

Let’s face it. Being a travel agent is exciting.

You can enjoy the luxury of traveling around the world.

You will also meet people from all different backgrounds.

These things combined will deliver some of the best experiences you’ve ever had in your life.

Rules, activities, and destinations will always change as a travel agent.

With this type of job, you’ll never get bored.

Cons of Being a Travel Agent

While a job as a travel agent may sound exciting and classy, there are also several disadvantages.

Read on to learn about some of the cons of being a travel agent.

Demanding Career

One of the biggest cons of being a travel agent is that it’s extremely demanding.

As a travel agent, you should be prepared to make yourself available all day, every day.

This mainly has to do with the time differences throughout the world.

If your clients are wanting to travel to a different part of the world, they may reach out to you if they have some questions.

These questions may come in at any time during the day.

It’s possible you may even have to respond to a phone call in the wee hours of the morning.

May be Stressful

You may not want to believe that being a travel agent could be stressful even with all the bonuses that come with it.

However, no matter the profession, every job faces challenges and disadvantages.

It’s typical for travel agents to become overloaded with demands from every side of their career.

They deal with pressure during the peak season.

They also have to work on commission pay only.

If you’re employed through an agency, there’s always a chance of being fired.

A lot of Competition

It’s not hard to become a travel agent, which is one of the reasons many people are choosing this career path.

With that comes the need for you to stand out and make yourself appear different from the rest of the competition.

People are always going to travel.

Travelers are also faced with a plethora of options for travel agencies.

This may make your job more challenging as you must find a distinctive selling point to gain new customers.

Stability is Lacking

Travel agents are not in demand as they once were years ago.

Times have changed.

Travelers now have access to information they didn’t have before.

This makes it easy for anyone to plan their own trips.

Customers can plan a trip online without the need for a travel agent.

This jeopardizes travel agent’s job stability.

If you work for an agency, you may have a quote to meet.

If you don’t meet that sales quota, your job may be at even more risk.

Customer Lawsuits are Possible

As a travel agent, you must tread very carefully.

Customers now have access to additional information where they can compare prices, etc.

If a customer files a lawsuit against you for misrepresentation or negligence, it can put a damper on your finances and reputation.

Customers tend to go the legal route these days when looking for a solution to a dispute.

While you can’t be held liable for things that go wrong during their trip, you are held to high expectations.

Low Annual Salary

Another huge disadvantage of being a travel agent is their annual salary.

On average, travel agents can expect to earn $48,943.

While this isn’t necessarily low, it could be better.

It’s possible for certain travel agents to receive a higher annual salary, but this would depend on several factors.

But, for the most part, it’s typical for travel agents to not earn more than $50,000 a year.

No Room for Growth

Many career paths have opportunities to advance and move up in your profession.

However, there’s only so much you can do as a travel agent.

This isn’t a career where you can really grow unless you work for a travel agency.

Working for an agency gives you the option to move up to a branch manager.

The best option you have when it comes to being successful as a travel agent is to open up your own business.

15 Pros and Cons of Being a Travel Agent – Summary Table

Should you become a travel agent.

It really depends on what you are expecting from the profession itself.

On average, you can earn up to $50,000 annually.

This doesn’t include commissions and bonuses.

Considering these factors, it may be worth your time to hold a job as a travel agent.

However, the job can come with some major drawbacks.

It can be demanding.

You also must make yourself available 24/7 to customers who may be traveling across the world.

But, even with the challenges, you can still benefit more from all the good things being a travel agent has to offer.

Additional Resources

• How Much Does it Cost to Become a Travel Agent?
• 7 Best Online Travel Agent Programs (Complete Guide)
• Travel Agent Certification Practice Test

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