Is it worth it to be a travel agent?


Is it worth it to be a travel agent? Not only do you get to plan trips for others, but you'll also be able to take advantage of special discounts on many facets of travel. This is true for your clients, but also for yourself. Travel agents have access to a variety of discounted rates on both airlines and hotels, even when booking travel for themselves.


Can you make good money as a travel agent?

How much money do travel agents make? This comes down to certain factors such as the type of clients, level of expertise and the ability to offer specialized services. According to Indeed, the average salary of a travel agent in the US is $49,608 but there are many making up to six-figure incomes.


What is the day in the life of a travel agent?

Travel agents spend most of their time at their desks, and the majority of these hours are spent dealing with clients, whether in person or over the phone. The travel agency's hours accommodate its clientele, so most agents work more than forty hours per week in a variety of shifts.


What are the perks of being a travel agent?

10 Reasons Becoming A Travel Agent May Be Right For You
  • You Get To Work From Home. Some people like an office, but most of us prefer our homes. ...
  • The Perks Are Great. ...
  • Own Your Business. ...
  • Low Start Up Cost. ...
  • Flexible Work Hours. ...
  • You Can Start Part Time. ...
  • Training Is Easy. ...
  • Expand Your Network.


Are travel agents always free?

How much does a travel agent cost? The cost of using a travel agent is generally marginal, and often, they won't charge you at all. Much of their money comes from commissions the hotels and wholesalers pay them. Before you decide to book with a travel agent, inquire whether or not they charge fees.


How do most travel agents get paid?

Travel agents earn commissions from travel vendors that we book for our clients. This is the entire portion of our revenue. We make a small percentage from some airlines, but most of our revenue comes from commission paid to us by tour operators, cruises and hotels.


How do travel agents get paid 2023?

How do travel agents get paid? Commissions – you are paid a percentage of the cost. Service fees – you charge a fee for arranging each segment of travel. Salaries – you work for a large travel company.


How do I start a travel agency with no experience?

How to become a travel agent without experience
  1. Develop core skills and qualities. ...
  2. Earn relevant qualifications. ...
  3. Understand the industry's technical aspects. ...
  4. Complete an apprenticeship. ...
  5. Undertake an internship. ...
  6. Create a CV. ...
  7. Apply for an entry-level job. ...
  8. Set up a travel agency franchise.


Do travel agents make money off flights?

In addition to air, corporate travel agencies earn commissions from booking cars and hotels for business travelers. Corporate travel agencies make money mainly from service fees, net/private fares, and from airline commissions.


Why are travel agents disappearing?

Then along came online booking sites like Travelocity and Expedia. These and other web platforms gave consumers the ability to plan and purchase their own trips. Losing clients to online providers and reduced commissions hurt brick-and-mortar agencies, leading many to downsize or leave the industry altogether.


Is it worth signing up to become a travel agent?

If you're looking to earn some money, being a travel agent can be a good way to do so. Note that travel agents operate in a customer-facing role, so you'll also need to be able to build client relationships and be comfortable with sales.


Do travel agents have a future?

A 2023 consumer research survey from ASTA (the American Society of Travel Advisors) found that 50% of travelers are more likely to use a travel advisor post-pandemic. (This is a 7-point increase from 2022.) Here are the crib notes: There's no better time to become a travel agent.


Are travel agents making a comeback?

Today, despite multiple threats to their business model, travel advisors appear to be here to stay. Many expect a surge of 2022 bookings, with clients ready to travel again after a year and a half of pandemic lethargy.


Is there still a demand for travel agents?

Employment of travel agents is projected to grow 3 percent from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 8,600 openings for travel agents are projected each year, on average, over the decade.


How do you know if a travel agent is bad?

Does not follow up: A bad agent promises trip options and rates, but fails to deliver in a timely manner to the client, who then moves on to another agent. A bad agent also fails to follow up with the client after a trip that has been booked to see how it went.


What is the difference between a travel agent and a travel consultant?

The main difference between travel consultants and agents is that travel consultants plan trips, while travel agents book them. Travel agents may be better skilled at locating the best prices for flights and hotels.


How do I become a successful travel agent?

10 Keys to Success for New Travel Agents
  1. Be Confident. If you want to become a successful travel agent, you need the confidence to do so. ...
  2. Have Passion. ...
  3. Find Your Niche. ...
  4. Build Your Network. ...
  5. Get Educated. ...
  6. Embrace Marketing. ...
  7. Be Service Oriented. ...
  8. Become an Authority.


What percentage of a trip does a travel agent get?

The commission percentage agencies earn depends on numerous factors, the most important one being which private contracts you have access to. Here's a general rule of thumb on the airline ticket commission range you can expect as a travel advisor: Domestic: 0-5% International: 10-22%


What is the hardest part of being a travel agent?

Travel agents sometimes feel as if they're working “blind.” They don't have access to their clients' personal information, such as vacation dates and preferences. You can't plan a strategy, segment your client base, or know what to offer them without these details.


Are travel agents declining?

A significant reduction in the number of travel agents. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, full-time agents declined from a peak of 124,000 in 2000 to 82,000 in 2019. From 1997 to 2013, retail travel agency headcount fell by 59 percent—from 22,938 to 9,387, said Skift, a travel media and events company.


Is it hard to be a successful travel agent?

– but with the right mindset, hard work and an entrepreneurial spirit, you can begin your journey to becoming a successful travel agent. It's not easy, but there are few barriers, and the industry is so big you'll be sure to find a niche to fit into.


What are the disadvantages of being a travel agent?

  • Low average salaries. One of the biggest drawbacks of the field is the pay travel agents receive. ...
  • It can be a demanding job. Travel agents with clients traveling worldwide often have to be on call pretty much 24/7 due to the vast time differences. ...
  • Online booking/job security.


Is it worth becoming a travel agent in 2023?

With the growing demand for travel, this year is an excellent time to consider a career as a travel agent. In 2023, the earnings of a home-based travel agent in the United States can vary greatly based on factors such as experience, market demand, and the amount of sales made.