A key factor in this growth phenomenon is the steady stream of baby boomers who are retiring, or getting ready to retire. In fact, baby boomers are retiring at a rate of one every eight seconds. Travel was rated the number one thing these baby boomers intend to do when they do retire.
There is now an increased demand for qualified travel agents, due to the explosive growth of the industry as a whole. To become a certified travel agent, your options are not limited to the traditional brick and mortar setting.
Many reputable travel agencies are now offering attractive options for the individual looking for a legitimate home based business.
If your goal is to work as an independent travel agent from the comfort of your own home, you may want to consider working as an online travel agent.
Here are some companies that you can research, that offer excellent income opportunities and complete training. Please note, that many travel companies that actively recruit agents to work from home, will hire their agents as employees.
There are also travel companies that recruit independent agents. This option will offer the agent the freedom of being self-employed, and the ability to set their own hours.
To take advantage of this option, be aware that there will be an investment required. The ability to make money will be solely at the discretion of the agent who chooses to invest in this business model.
On a positive note, many agents who have invested in this business model are making a very nice income, so be sure to research this option before ruling it out.
Travel companies that currently offer the independent agent business model include TraVerus Travel Network, Global Resorts Network, and Your Travel Business, also known as YTB.
Make sure to do your due diligence! Be sure to research each company carefully, and make it a priority to fully understand the compensation plan. You will also need to know what training is available, and whether the company will offer you the opportunity to become certified.
Don't be afraid to ask important questions, such as whether the company has IATA(International Air Transport Association), IATAN (International Airlines Travel Agent Network), and CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) Credentials. This is important information to know, especially if you intend to take advantage of the travel perks and benefits available to those in the travel industry.
Here are some questions to ask - What is the initial investment, if any? Are there any additional costs or fees associated with obtaining licensing, or becoming certified? And finally, if you are considering a work at home position, what kind of support and training is offered?
Next, determine whether you a right fit for the travel industry. Lets break down the qualifications that will determine whether you are suited for this challenging, but rewarding career.
Travel agents should have a minimum of a high school diploma. Agents should have a true love for travel,as well as a sincere enthusiasm and love for working with people, because these traits are crucial elements for success in this industry.
Travel agents should also possess excellent multi-tasking and organization skills. Attention to detail and accuracy are very important, along with great communication skills. In addition, good computer skills will be needed.
Travel agents should possess a professional, courteous demeanor when working with suppliers, and the general public. Sales ability and great interpersonal skills are an added plus.
The benefits of becoming a travel agent are many. I have listed the top three.
Travel agents save up to 80% on travel to many of the worlds exclusive resorts and destinations. These discounts include, but are not limited to:
a.Complimentary upgrades b.Hotel room upgrades and discounts c.Car rental discounts and upgrades d.Cruises e.Theme park discounts f.Vacation Packages
FAM trips, also known as familiarization trips. Suppliers will offer access to their facilities at substantial discounts so that travel agents will have first hand knowledge of their facilities. The travel agent will then be able to make recommendations and book travel for their clients based on their personal knowledge and first hand experience.
The supplier will roll out the red carpet for the travel agent to ensure the travel professional has an outstanding time.
There are also tax benefits for individuals who chose to do this profession as an independent travel agent. You should consult with your CPA or tax professional for more information regarding this benefit.
So, how do I become a travel agent? In summary, becoming a travel agent can be a lucrative and rewarding career. Should you decide that you possess the skills and abilities needed for success, you can look forward to a promising career.
In addition to the companies named in this article, you can do further research online at Google or Yahoo using the following keywords - become a travel agent, how do I become a travel agent, travel agent careers, or online travel agent.
Quick, What 7 Trillion Dollar Industry is the one most dreamed about? Travel. There are many options when Considering a , but most don't allow room for much profit. Everyone dream of trips to Mexico, Belize, Fiji, Walt Disney World, Australia, and Europe and that's what drives the dream.
Over the last few years, commissions for travel agents have gone down. Many talk about cruise lines eliminating the commissions they pay. It's not easy being a travel agent. You've got to advertise. You've got to have an office. There are phone lines required. And you've got to squeeze a profit from the 10% to 25% your paid.
When you consider becoming a , it's easy to lower the overhead but you've also got to realize that the #1 expense is still advertising. Here's an example of how travel agent commissions work. If you make 20% commission on a $1000 sale, you just made $200. You can quickly see that it's going to take alot of work to be successful as a travel agent. It's going to take $20,000 is gross bookings to even create a spendable income.
When it comes to home , there are few. Dugans travels, , and Joystar are a few options and YTB, World Ventures, and Traverus are some network marketing options.
Be sure you read the pay plan. You can plan on earning less from a network marketing company. When they say you'll earn 50%, know that the 50%, is 50% of the actual travel agent commission. So, in our $200 commission example you'd earn $100.
Having a niche, like Global Resorts' 5000 can assist you in making the most money in the travel industry. Global Resorts Network has 5000 worldwide and offers the best pricing on cruises as well. Members enjoy 3-5 star luxury condo resorts for $298 to $799 for the week. You get the same benefits as a timeshare, without the high investment and there are no maintaince fees. has become the top company for the travel industry with this unique niche.
Global Resorts pay plan allows affiliates to earn $1000 on each personal sale after they have refered one qualifying sale. So, most popular Platinum Membership sells for $2995 and your commission is $1000. You can quickly see how this would allow you to quickly earn spendable income over other travel agent opportunities.
Building a team of 600+ reps can quickly be done because the pay plan allows you to build as big as you wish. And the leverage can goto unlimited depth, so you are not limited in income. $1000 is paid on each sale from your personally sponsored team and you make $1000 on qualification sales as well. Building your own sales team is the smartest way to profit in the travel industry and is the best pay plan I've seen.
When you compare to other travel business opportunities, you quickly see that is a unique niche that will allow you to earn a sizable income in a very short period of time, without massive overhead and without a bunch of tests and certification to be called a travel agent.
Both Alecia Barnes & Jay Napier are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Alecia Barnes has sinced written about articles on various topics from Careers and Job Hunting, Home Based Business and Work From Home. Alecia Barnes is a successful Internet Entrepreneur and Network Marketing Professional who assists other MLM and Network Marketing professionals to build their home based businesses on and off line. Contact the author. Alecia Barnes's top article generates over 1900 views. to your Favourites.