A good friend of mine is a travel agent. (Mine, in fact). She works from her home because everything is done on computer these days. I am sure there are different ways to go about it, but here is what she does: She frequently travels with other agents to new resorts and hotels, where they check out the facilities so they can recommend them to clients. While there the group goes on tours, excursions etc. Wherever she goes she takes her phone and a laptop in case a client calls with a problem since she is responsible to fix it. If someone misses a flight, she gets on the computer to find a new one. When the H1N1 virus broke out in Mexico she spent several frantic days rescheduling vacations for families who didn't want to go there. Personally, I wouldn't want to be "on call" all the time, but that's just me. She is pretty much an independent agent, although she works under a larger company's name. If you were in an office, you might have someone who could take your emergencies while you were away.
She doesn't make as much money as she used to. The airlines no longer pay a commission for booking with them. Lots of hotels offer free stays instead of a commission (book 7 client weeks, you get a free week). She does charge a fee for booking through her. Her husband provides the income they live on. With such access to booking information from Travelocity, Priceline, etc. many people no longer use a travel agent. Her money is basically extra for vacations and other extraneous non-necessities. I don't know if you can make a living at it. She has gotten to go to some great places on her "working" trips, but she never knows who her roommate will be (another agent).
Have you been through a travel agent training course? I would start with the companies in your area, calling to get information on how to get a job with them. I bet the larger ones have their own training courses. If not, AAA offers on-line travel agent training. Once you find out how to apply for a job, send your resume' and credentials. Do your background work first to make sure you meet their requirements. Get friendly with a local agent. They can have lots of insight on how to get your foot in the door. Randomly asking people online for a job is not likely to get results, especially in this economy. You are going to have to sell yourself. Good luck- I always like it when someone lands their "dream job"!
http://www.travelagenttrainingcenter.com/
Please register to participate in our discussions with 1.5 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
