Travel Agents

Description

Travel agents give advice on how to get places. People may use travel agents for vacations or business trips. Travel agents make the arrangements for transportation, hotels and tours. They may also advise people on weather conditions, restaurants, tourist attractions and other details about the destination.

Working Conditions

Travel agents usually work forty-hour weeks and sometimes travel to learn about new vacation spots.

Salary

Self-employed travel agents often have very low earnings their first year since their income is dependent on commissions. Most travel agents earn between $17,000 and $30,000 per year.

Helpful Skills and Subjects to Study

Organization, accuracy and good sales skills are helpful for travel agents. Classes to take in school are English, social studies, foreign languages and business.

Related Jobs

Tour guides, meeting planners, airline reservation agents, rental car agents and travel counselors.

Education & Training

A high school diploma or equivalent and a 6- to 12-week travel agent program is usually all that's required. On-the-job training is sometimes also offered. Travel experience is a big asset for this job.

Job Outlook

The employment of travel agents is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2008. It is still unknown, however, what effect the internet will have on this occupation.

Sources for Additional Information

American Society of Travel Agents
Education Department
1101 King St.
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.astanet.com