They say a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. For people who want some personal help reaching their destination, the first step is to call a travel agent. Travel agents sell transportation, lodging, and admission to entertainment activities to individuals and groups planning trips. Travel agents sort through vast amounts of information to find the best arrangements for travelers. They find fare and scheduling information, calculate travel costs, and book reservations for everything from extended multi-country tours to short excursions nearby. Agents also provide information about required documents, local weather conditions, customs and attractions. Corporate travel agents specialize in making travel arrangements for businesses. Most travel agents work full time in offices but some work remotely, since so much of their work is done by phone and computer. Agents in call centers or large offices may work in noisy, crowded conditions. Dealing with travel emergencies and last minute schedule changes can be difficult. Typically travel agents require a high school diploma, but many employers prefer additional formal training.
What they do:
Plan and sell transportation and accommodations for customers. Determine destination, modes of transportation, travel dates, costs, and accommodations required. May also describe, plan, and arrange itineraries and sell tour packages. May assist in resolving clients' travel problems.
On the job, you would:
Collect payment for transportation and accommodations from customer.
Plan, describe, arrange, and sell itinerary tour packages and promotional travel incentives offered by various travel carriers.
Converse with customer to determine destination, mode of transportation, travel dates, financial considerations, and accommodations required.
Business
customer service
sales and marketing
Arts and Humanities
English language
Math and Science
geography
Engineering and Technology
computers and electronics
Basic Skills
listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
reading work related information
Social
looking for ways to help people
understanding people's reactions
Problem Solving
noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Verbal
listen and understand what people say
communicate by speaking
Ideas and Logic
notice when problems happen
order or arrange things
Attention
pay attention to something without being distracted
People interested in this work like activities that include leading, making decisions, and business.
They do well at jobs that need:
Attention to Detail
Integrity
Dependability
Self Control
Achievement/Effort
Cooperation
You might use software like this on the job:
Data base user interface and query software
Microsoft Access
Travel Agent CMS
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Calendar and scheduling software
Apollo Reservation System
Rezgo online booking software
associate's degree or high school diploma/GED usually needed
Get started on your career:
New job opportunities are very likely in the future.
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