Travel Agent
What does a Travel Agent do?
Travel Agents provide travel information and make travel arrangements which
meet the client's budget, interest, and time. They use timetables, travel
manuals, and rate books to plan routes, compute ticket costs, verify arrival and
departure times, as well as seating space. Some specialize in domestic or
international travel, in one popular destination, in a mode of transportation,
or a kind of client such as clients with disabilities, business travelers, or
professionals. They spend a great deal of their time talking on the telephone
and using a computer terminal.
Salary and Employment Outlook:
EDD Labor
Market Information
Occupational Outlook Handbook
Career Info Net
Typical Employers:
Travel Agents are employed by independent travel agencies, large and small,
which may specialize in one form of transportation, or make travel arrangements
for all modes of transportation and accommodation. Membership organizations may
have their own Travel Agent as may large organizations, private or public. Some
employ Travel Clerks to handle travel arrangements for their employees. Bus
lines may have several Travel Agents and, like airlines, have Ticket and
Reservations Agents.
Preparation:
Most prospective Travel Agents should have a year of training beyond high
school. Some specific college courses are desirable. A broad educational
background in history, foreign languages, geography, and business administration
is recommended. Many community colleges have programs in travel, tourism, and
travel agency operations. You can also take correspondence courses. Former
airline ticket or reservations experience is helpful, although, some agents hire
trainees. Most airlines have their own training programs. Many people enter this
field as clerks or Secretaries and are then promoted.
Educational Program(s):
- Travel and Transportation Management
Related Programs: Foreign Languages, Interdisciplinary/Liberal Studies,
Secretarial Studies and Office Administration
Web Resources:
EDD Labor
Market Information
Occupational Outlook Handbook
ONet Online
Career Info Net
Career Zone
CollegeBoard.com
American Society of Travel Agents
|