If traveling is your passion, why not make it your career? There are plenty of good reasons to become a travel agent, you should just do it. Not convinced? Here are 9 great reasons you should consider a career in the travel industry. Great things that becoming a travel agent has allowed me. In this article, I tell you all about the reasons to become a travel agent.
Young woman sitting in office of a travel agencyDo you hate your current job? If so, you aren’t alone; in fact, you are only one of 52.3% of Americans who are unhappy with their job.
It’s sad that so few of us aren’t happy with our line of work. Whether we make too little, aren’t challenged enough, or a combination of the two, who says it has to stay like that?
It’s never too late in life to start a new career, and why not pick the one you’ll find satisfaction in working, learn something new, and create your own hours? It sounds too good to be true, but we promise it isn’t.
Become a travel agent, and you’ll see, find how happy you can be at work. Need more reasons to convince you? Check out these 9 reasons why you should become a travel agent below!
Is Being a Travel Agent Worth It?
1. You Get to Travel
Being a travel agent doesn’t mean you get to plan everyone else’s vacations while you sit in an office in jealousy. To be a travel agent you have to know the destinations you’re selling… yes, you get to travel.
By researching certain destinations, flights, hotels, cruises, and attending annual network conferences you’ll educate yourself and have the answers for your clients when they’re ready to ask. Not only will you get to travel, but you’ll most likely get the experience at discounted rates.
Experiencing the vacations you plan for your clients gives you a firsthand experience of what will work for some families and what won’t. Plus, you’ll have more knowledge than an online travel agency (OTA).
2. You Plan Dream Vacations
Traveling the world and seeing new and exciting places will never go out of style. The hard part is planning the trip, which is where you come in. Travel agents have special expertise when it comes to planning a vacation and makes it easier for the family to really enjoy it once they get there.
The best part? You’re creating amazing memories for family and friends to look back on for years to come. By creating a perfect trip for your client, they’ll want to come back time and again.
This helps you get to know what they have on their bucket list, when special occasions are, and so much more.
3. Apply Social Media Skills
In today’s day and age, it’s impossible to have a job without some sort of social media aspect with it. By staying up-to-date on your social media, you can engage clients while promoting your travel agency.
Instead of shying away from social media platforms, use them to your advantage. Whether you’re advertising on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or a combination of all three, people want to travel and see the world. Engage and encourage them through social networking. The more skills you have, the better off you’ll be.
4. Work When You Want
Despite how it was 10 years ago, working a 9-5 job isn’t as average as it used to be. Want to get out of the office and make a living on commission or just some extra income part-time? Become a travel agent. You can set your own hours, make your own decisions, and be your own boss.
We dream of having all those things and more. Have faith in yourself and watch success come your way. Travel, make connections, help clients, and live the best life you can from anywhere in the world.
5. You Love Traveling
You have to love traveling to be a travel agent. Passion and investment are key components for this job. If you want to love your job and make money doing it, look no further.
Not every client will be easy to work with, but it’s all worth it when they arrive home from their trip with a smile on their face. Not only do you love making travel plans for others, but you get to travel as well.
As we mentioned earlier, you’ll get discounted travel opportunities to help explore destinations and learn about what your clients are looking for.
6. Everyone is a Potential Client
Everyone loves to travel, and those who don’t have traveled enough. Everyone you talk to is a potential client; half the work is done for you when you network and make connections.
The fun part is learning about someone’s dream vacation or trip and making it come true for them. You can start off a casual conversation at the gym or a coffee shop and the next thing you know, they are booking their next cruise with you.
7. Earn What You Want
Okay, so what have we learned so far? You get to travel at discounted rates, make your own hours, do what you love, and get paid for it, plus use social media.
What if we said you could earn what you want, too? No, we aren’t kidding! Travel agents choose which projects suit them, and since they are commissioned-based, they choose how many projects they want to work on in a week or month.
Whether this is your full-time gig from a mobile base or just a part-time job, you can pick smaller projects or big bonuses. Months you need some extra income to allow you to pick up some more clients. Months you want a break, just say no, thank you. It’s that simple!
8. It’s a Valued Profession
Some may think, with all the research and information available online, there is no need for travel agents. Those who think that is wrong. Becoming a travel agent is a respected professional who is a walking travel encyclopedia.
Ask them a question about a particular destination, and they can list cruise lines, tours, and recommend restaurants. Unlike OTA’s, they get to know their client’s likes and dislikes, which helps them choose the perfect activities and destinations for their vacation.
Despite the “lowest fee guarantee” online, travel agents work hard to find the best deal without hidden fees within the Terms & Agreements. Travel agents learn more for their clients, leaving all the fun and play for them.
9. The Industry is Growing
Not only are travel agencies not going anywhere, but the industry is actually growing. Travel will consistently be a popular activity to do with family and friends. But, people get overwhelmed with the information given to them online and aren’t sure which route is the best to take.
Enter travel agent. We already said they were walking encyclopedias who have the client’s best interest in mind, and they offer a personal touch that OTA’s don’t. The mobile travel agent business is continuing to grow and seems to be turning into a long-term field.
Become a Travel Agent
It’s hard to find a reason not to become a travel agent after taking a closer look at all the benefits. Working from home or anywhere in the world, learning about cultures, learning about clients, planning dream vacations… it sounds like a dream. Did you pinch yourself?
We promise it isn’t too good to be true. Learn more about becoming a travel agent by checking out our website or by contacting us!
