What educational requirements do you need to become a travel agent?

Travel agents help their clients figure out how to get the best value out of their travel budgets; the agent does the legwork for his client, from making all the necessary airline, car rental, and hotel reservations to finding out about visa requirements or scouting weather forecasts. The travel agent is largely a salesperson, and so he must be familiar with his products and services. Once the customer settles on her travel plans, the agent makes all the arrangements using various computer sources, particularly the SABRE computer network. The agent then explains practical matters such as customs and currency exchange to the traveler and offers her advice on things like sightseeing and wardrobe. There is no margin for error in this career, since mistakes can leave clients stranded and frightened. This means the agent must always confirm every reservation. 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 Skills and qualifications - When wanting to be a travel agent the requirements are a high school diploma or equivalent; although some travel agents prefer applicants who have a college degree and business or travel experience, most of the training is provided on the job which most involves training on the reservations systems. The skills you may require are; - well organised - accurate - professional - good writing and interpersonal skills - sales abilities You would also advise customers about passports, travel insurance, visas, vaccinations and extra excursions. You may arrange refunds or handle complaints, referring serious issues to a manager or the tour operator. qualifications - To become a travel agent you do not necessarily need any qualifications, although employers prefer to have some knowledge and understanding of how the system works, you definitely need to have GCSE's grade A-C in maths, English and geography. However to be more successful in becoming a travel agent you could go to college and do; - BTEC first diploma in travel and tourism - BTEC national diploma in travel and tourism - BTEC HND/ HNC in travel and tourism management - Degrees in travel and tourism Travel agents help their clients figure out how to get the best value out of their travel budgets; the agent does the legwork for his client, from making all the necessary airline, car rental, and hotel reservations to finding out about visa requirements or scouting weather forecasts. The travel agent is largely a salesperson, and so he must be familiar with his products and services. Once the customer settles on her travel plans, the agent makes all the arrangements using various computer sources, particularly the SABRE computer network. The agent then explains practical matters such as customs and currency exchange to the traveler and offers her advice on things like sightseeing and wardrobe. There is no margin for error in this career, since mistakes can leave clients stranded and frightened. This means the agent must always confirm every reservation. 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 Skills and qualifications - When wanting to be a travel agent the requirements are a high school diploma or equivalent; although some travel agents prefer applicants who have a college degree and business or travel experience, most of the training is provided on the job which most involves training on the reservations systems. The skills you may require are; - well organised - accurate - professional - good writing and interpersonal skills - sales abilities You would also advise customers about passports, Travel Insurance, visas, vaccinations and extra excursions. You may arrange refunds or handle complaints, referring serious issues to a manager or the tour operator. qualifications - To become a travel agent you do not necessarily need any qualifications, although employers prefer to have some knowledge and understanding of how the system works, you definitely need to have GCSE's grade A-C in maths, English and geography. However to be more successful in becoming a travel agent you could go to college and do; - BTEC first diploma in travel and tourism - BTEC national diploma in travel and tourism - BTEC HND/ HNC in travel and tourism management - Degrees in travel and tourism