How to Become a Travel Agent: Get Paid to Book Trips!
Do you share a passion for travel and a desire for ultra-flexible income? You may want to become a travel agent!
The travel industry is making a grand recovery, with folks all over the world participating in “revenge travel.” In other words, taking those trips they’ve always longed for that may have been postponed by the pandemic.
As an independent travel agent, you can take advantage of this travel boom, helping you earn extra income to reach your financial (and travel) goals.
In this post, we’re covering how to become a travel agent, with salary expectations, experience needed, and companies hiring RIGHT NOW!
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What does a travel agent do?
A travel agent takes the stress off the consumer, helping folks plan their ideal vacations including cruises, all-inclusive resorts, flights, and more.
Travel agents often sell packages that include all transportation, excursions, and even travel insurance.
Plus, when they’re backed by a travel agency, travel planners have access to an extensive catalog of deals, exclusive to agents.
What are the perks of becoming a travel agent?
Becoming a travel agent is a great way to earn extra money on your own schedule, picking your hours, how often you work, and where you work from.
With this low-stress side hustle, you can work from anywhere in the world. This is excellent for anyone with a love for travel.
Speaking of travel hacks – as a travel agent, you’ll make connections within the industry, including airlines and hotel chains. This will earn you discounted rates on personal travel.
How do travel agents get paid?
While some travel agents receive a set salary, most are paid by commission. In other words, they make a percentage back on every vacation package they sell.
Luckily, these commissions often extend past traditional flights and hotels.
You’ll make a commission on each part of a vacation package. These can include:
- Flights
- Hotels
- Cruises
- Resorts
- Excursions
- Guided tours
- Airport transport
- Travel insurance
- Meal vouchers
- Local shopping vouchers
- And more!
How much do you make as a travel agent?
Commission rates vary drastically based on the company that you work with. Rates typically range anywhere from 5% all the way to 30% of the package sold.
Many do travel planning as a side hustle or part-time retirement career, though salaried employees can expect higher earnings.
According to Glassdoor, salaried travel agents earn on average $54K USD per year, with an additional average of $31K USD in commissions.
Do you need experience to become a travel agent?
No prior experience is required to become a travel agent. All you need is a passion for travel and a desire to help folks plan incredible vacations.
When you sign on with a travel agency, they’ll offer you specific training to help you in your career. Depending on the company, this training is often self-paced and online.
Many travel agencies also offer regular retreats to help continue your education, with conferences and workshops taking place in top tourist destinations.
Some companies may even send you on trips to learn about the latest and greatest travel destinations (hello perks!).
Skills required to become a travel agent
Like any job, a set of skills are needed to excel in this profession. These skills include:
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Problem-solving
- Knowledge of booking systems
- Awareness of top travel destinations
- Research skills
- Organization and time management
How to become a travel agent: Companies hiring
Convinced that travel planning is the right job for you? Here are some of the top companies that are currently hiring independent travel agents.
Nexion
Nexicon Travel supports travel agents of all levels, welcoming new travel agents to their team with dedicated support and training programs.
Their supplier partners offer agents heavily discounted travel rates and free travel opportunities. Commission rates vary based on the membership you sign up for.
Dream Vacations
Dream Vacations Advisor hires independent travel agents, offering high commissions (60% on each sale) for a low monthly rate ($69 for the initial fee, with $39/month after).
This company is highly respected in the industry, offering incredible travel perks and a dedicated support team to help you each step of the way.
They also welcome beginner travel agents.
Travel Planner International
Travel Planner International boasts the most innovative travel marketing tools to help propel your small business.
They put on over 150 meetups per year where you can learn more about the industry and network with your fellow travel planners.
Commission rates are 16%.
Travel Edge
Travel Edge specializes in building luxury travel packages and streamlining once-in-a-lifetime vacations for their customers.
For beginner travel advisors, Travel Edge offers easy-to-use booking tools, a helpful community of peers, and direct mentorship from more experienced members.
They also have a wide network of preferred suppliers from around the globe, including hotel groups, restaurants, and tour companies.
Commissions range per item booked, though rates can reach as high as 95%.
Key Travel
Key Travel is a travel management company specializing in faith, academic, and humanitarian travel. They support non-profit organizations, saving them up to 80% on their travel expenses.
Unlike the other companies on this list, Key Travel employees are full-time, salaried remote travel consultants.
While less flexible than other travel agent opportunities, these positions offer reliable income while supporting non-profit organizations.
Current listings request two years of experience and offer a salary range of $48,500.00 – $55,000.00 per year.
Find job opportunities with Key Travel here.
How to become a travel agent: Final thoughts
Learning to become a travel agent isn’t only one of the best summer side hustles, it can be a profitable career if you’re passionate about the work.
If you’ve always wanted to work in travel, be your own boss, and live a flexible, nomadic lifestyle, travel planning may be the perfect job for you.
Happy travels folks!
