online travel school

7 Best Online Travel Agent Training Programs

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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

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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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Become a Travel Advisor in as little as Four Months

Study at your own pace, avoid membership fees, and start profiting from your passion! Direct Travel Academy offers an online Travel Advisor certification that you earn on your own terms.

Scroll to learn more.

How our online travel advisor course works.

Course progress will be measured by online quizzes, assignments, and a final project. To graduate as a certified travel advisor, students must maintain an average grade of 80%.

Most students complete the course in around 4 months. You will have access to all chapters and resources for the remainder of the year, even if you complete the course ahead of schedule.

Your certificate of achievement will show travel industry employers you have the skills necessary for entry-level positions.

Career Benefits

Adventure for a living. Embark on discounted cruises with a companion of your choice, and accumulate free tropical resort stays as you meet sales goals.

Enjoy a career with a flexible work schedule. Work part-time, or full-time, from home, or at the office. The choice is yours.

Profit from your passion. Make money while helping your clients plan their dream vacation in a career that you love.

Why Choose Direct Travel Academy?

Direct Travel Academy is an online travel advisor school owned by Direct Travel . Our experienced professionals have been training travel advisors since 1985 and helping travelers plan vacations since 1973.

We offer exceptional, one-on-one assistance throughout your educational journey and will offer career placement assistance after graduation.

Enjoy a free cruise upon completion. This is your first travel benefit/familiarization trip as a travel advisor where you will start seeing things through the eyes of a customer.

Course Objectives

Upon completion of the direct travel academy, the graduate should be able to:.

• Research and investigate unfamiliar areas, terminology and identify reference sources.
• Develop a self-image that reflects professionalism and confidence.
• Identify current trends in the industry and recognize the importance of the trends to their personal future in the travel industry.
• Utilize time management techniques.
• Demonstrate the ability to be flexible and adaptable when dealing with clients.
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of the terminology, regulations, and services as a Travel Advisor.
• Demonstrate a knowledge of how to guide the client through the sales and booking process to complete the total travel transaction as a Travel Advisor.
• Demonstrate and show how to prospect for new and existing clients.
• Identify that they need to possess a passport for themselves as it shows they comprehend the need for it for future travel for their success.
• Achieve a Certificate of Achievement that shows employers you have the skills necessary for entry-level positions in the travel industry.

Affordable Tuition

A simple $499 deposit and six monthly payments of $183/month is enough.

Direct Travel Academy

• No membership fees
• Easy & secure online payments
• Convenient monthly recurring payments
• 12 month access to course material

Join Direct Travel Academy Today

Begin turning your passion into a profession today. We provide open enrollment, meaning you can start the class at anytime. Access to the online coursework will be granted after credit card payment has processed and a copy of your high school diploma or equivalent (G.E.D., certification, high school transcripts) is uploaded.

"I could not imagine jumping into this career without the training that I received. The instructors are very knowledgeable and the curriculum covers all aspects of the travel industry."

Krista P. | Travel Advisor

Ambassador Travel

This institution is regulated by:

5236 Vogel Rd. Suite B Evansville, IN 47715

Quick Links

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Direct Travel Academy is a division of Direct Travel, Inc.

The Journal

Travel Advisor Resources

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

The Modern Travel Agency

Fora Travel

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

Learning how to become a travel online agent has never been more accessible. With a plethora of online courses and resources available, you can gain the necessary knowledge and skills from the comfort of your own home — or anywhere, for that matter. Whether you are passionate about helping others plan their dream vacations, seeking a flexible career path (or career pivot) or wanting a creative outlet, travel advising is a fulfilling, flexible way to enter the travel industry.

Fora Advisor Danielle Fisher has two young children, and has stayed home with them full-time since her first was born — just weeks before the Covid 19 pandemic.

“I have always been passionate about travel planning and intended to go back to work once my kids were both in school,” she said. “But the opportunity to become a travel advisor with Fora fast-tracked that plan and gave me a tremendous flexible opportunity I didn't even know existed!”

• Family Travel ,
• Caribbean ,

This guide breaks down how to become a travel agent online, with the necessary steps, pros and cons, tips and more. When you’re ready to jump in, apply to become a Fora Advisor . In the meantime, read on for an overview of what the life of a travel advisor entails.

How to become an online travel agent: the steps

Read on to learn how to become a travel agent online. For additional context, also check out our guide to how to become a travel agent .

Find the right host agency

Most contemporary travel agents partner with a travel agent host agency . The agent remains an independent business owner, but makes use of the agency’s extensive resources (including their relationships and IATA number , an industry-wide stamp of credibility) in exchange for a commission split and/or subscription fee. 

Exact prerequisites for joining vary by agency, but Fora welcomes anyone who loves travel and has a roll-up-your-sleeves, entrepreneurial mindset. When becoming a travel agent, you’re building your own business, which is no small task. We’ll be with you every step of the way, of course, and the hard work is worth it.

Fora’s travel partnerships , many of which are invitation-only or exclusive to Fora, unlock VIP perks for Fora travelers, which makes booking with one of our advisors all the more special. When you join Fora, you’re joining a well-connected club of travel enthusiasts from around the world. 

To further set our advisors up for success, we also offer a full suite of marketing and customer-relationship management tools. These include an in-house booking platform that streamlines hotel reservations and commissions tracking; the Vault , which securely stores client information; Forum , a community app that allows travel advisors to share intel, tips and more in a collaborative environment; and, an expert-led, online training program that covers everything travel agents need to know to run their businesses successfully. 

Learn how to get clients & navigate the industry as a home-based travel agent

Fora’s online training program is split up into different tiers. Our Certified curriculum covers the basics, like earning commissions from hotel and other bookings (cruises, tours, et. al.) itinerary planning and taking advantage of Fora’s preferred partnerships to VIP a client. Our Advanced topics cover more nuanced topics like group bookings, brand-specific bookings, planning trips to unique locales and more. Best of all, all of our training is completely online and can be completed at your own pace. And you can start booking from day one. 

Fora’s various training tiers allow anyone to make the most of their time at Fora, whether they’re new to the industry or a seasoned pro.

“There's industry terminology I wasn't familiar with but could learn quickly,” Fora Advisor Sequoia Armstrong , who already had a travel-planning business when she joined Fora, said. She had been planning trips for years, “but even a more experienced advisor might have to learn something for a new client or a [travel brand’ they haven't worked with yet.” 

In addition to deepening one’s hard knowledge, Fora is big about imparting the requisite soft skills to help our advisors succeed. 

“The training helped give me a deeper understanding of how I could confidently communicate how I can help a potential client,” Sequoia added.

• Solo Travel ,
• Off-the-Beaten-Path ,

Learning how to get clients is also a major topic of Fora’s training program. In fact, we recently launched a dedicated “Find Clients” curriculum, complete with tailored courses on getting your foot in the door, best practices and more. It takes time, but from here, you can start building your clientele with Fora’s ongoing support.

Pros of becoming a travel agent online

Becoming a travel agent online offers a high degree of flexibility; remote travel agent jobs allow you to work from anywhere (especially ideal if, like us, you love to travel). Plus, Fora’s online travel agent training is constantly being updated to remain relevant. We have our finger on the pulse of the industry at large, and adjust our lessons and webinar schedules accordingly. It’s dynamic, current and always evolving. You get to complete our training at your own pace. If you can’t make a live session, recordings are most usually available, and many sessions are repeated at various times throughout the month.

Cons of becoming a travel agent online

Although some clients still prefer in-person exchanges, this is no longer the industry norm. At the same time, working remotely does not necessarily preclude you from working with clients in-person, though it is less common. 

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

(Check out more jobs in the travel industry or jobs where you travel .)

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

We’ve covered the basics of becoming a travel agent online, and Fora is one avenue forward. We offer flexibility and consistent support. We’re big on inclusivity, and are proud of our dynamic, diverse, kind and fun community of travel advisors. When you join, you’re still an independent travel agent , but with an entire community behind you.

If you’re ready to get started, apply to become a Fora Advisor . 

Become a travel agent online with Fora’s comprehensive training & tools

Between top-tier training taught by industry experts and a bevy of high-tech marketing and CRM tools, Fora is the ideal host agency for those interested in becoming a travel agent online. Apply to become a Fora Advisor today, and get access to our top-tier training taught by industry experts, bevy of high-tech marketing and CRM tool, vibrant community, in-person events and so much more.

How to become an online travel agent: FAQs

Read on for answers to common questions we receive on the process for becoming a travel agent online.

Can you become a travel agent online part time?

Yes. In fact, most Fora Advisors have other roles and responsibilities. 

“I'm able to work around [(my kids’]) schedules and find pockets of time throughout my day to email clients, talk to suppliers and curate amazing travel experiences for so many,” Fora Advisor Danielle Fisher explained.

Some plan travel part time (nine-to-fivers, we see you), while others decide to pursue travel advising full time. You do you. 

What are the logistics of becoming a travel agent from home? What do you need?

If you join Fora, you need an internet connection and either a smartphone or computer. All of Fora’s apps — our booking platform, Forum and marketing tools — are mobile friendly. Additionally, being labeled as a “home-based” travel agent does not mean you have to work from home. 

“‘WFH’ means I work from anywhere: sitting in the car at school pickup, waiting in line to order a coffee or while cooking dinner for my kids at home.” Danielle shared. “I've become a multi-tasker extraordinaire.”

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

You do not need industry experience or advanced degrees become a Fora Advisor. We offer all the online travel agent training and travel agent certification programs you need to run your business. These courses can be completed at your own pace, and topics range from the basics of booking hotels to how to build a sales funnel and beyond.

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

With great flexibility comes great ranges of Fora travel advisor salaries . The more you book, the more you earn. Check out our guide to how much travel agents make , and for a deep dive on commissions, see how much travel agents make per booking .

How does Fora pay remote travel agents?

Fora Advisors are paid via direct deposit. Our guide to how travel agents get paid offers an in-depth explanation.

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

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

Related article: How Long Does It Take to Become a Travel Agent?  

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

At Fora, we charge a monthly subscription fee that covers our training program, access to our advisor community — which has an incredible depth of travel expertise — extensive marketing resources, access to our proprietary booking platform and much, much more.

It costs $49 per month or $300 annually for a subscription (and most advisors make back their membership fee within the first month).

Related article: How Much Does It Cost to Become a Travel Agent? Fora Tells  

More travel advisor resources

Check out more travel advisor resources:

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

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

How to Become a Luxury Travel Agent: the 2023 Guide  

How to Become a Disney Travel Agent  

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

The Destination Management Company: A Travel Advisor’s Ace  

What Is an IATA Number & Why Do Travel Agents Need One?  

Are you the go-to person for travel tips?

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