Articles About Travel

Become a Travel Agent - Why the Timing is Right

The travel industry is a seven trillion dollar industry expected to double to fourteen trillion dollars within the next decade. This lucrative industry is currently growing 23% faster than the global economy.

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.

Learn more about travel agent careers 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. Free Tips and Strategies For Online Success Traverus Travel Information

Other Article Sites

findabook.com  moneycd.info  a-mortgage.info   about-lemon-laws.info  aboutstudentloans.info
all-about-publishing.info  auctions-articles.info  bestcollege-university.com  bestispconnection.com
biblefolder.com  blogger-website.com  books-used.info  brokers-guide.info  buywindows.info  cable-dsl.info
career-miner.com  carpel-tunnel.info  cashinaflash.info  cashloanreviews.info  casinobell.com  chat-house.info
clearmycredit.info  collegeloantips.info  crones.info  depression-articles.info   dirnic.net  dishguides.info
divers-below.com  expodog.info   financewizz.com  fire-insurance.info  getgood.info  handleit.net   it-idea.info
health-supplies.info  hosting-right.com  insidealert.com  insurance-facts.info  jobs-employment.info
justgood.info  lookgold.net   lowcost-travel.info  money-source.info  myhostzone.info  numisblog.com
peoplesearchfinder.info  pr-articles.info  realeas.com   refinancing-guides.info  spyware-remove.info
telelot.info  the-law.info   toppaid.info  travel-deals.info  travelcorrect.com  wedding-guide-site.com
your-blog.info  your-credit.info

MORE ARTICLES:

Dare to Understand Travel Terms, Then Sit Back and Enjoy Tra
PERMISSION TO REPUBLISH: This article may be republished in newsletters and on web sites provided attribution is provided to the author, and it appears with the included copyright, resource box and live web site link. Email notice of intent to publish is appreciated but not required.

The Jointure Holds Informative Meetings For New Travel Program
In order to provide the public with greater detail about the various tours, The Jointure will hold an information session on Tuesday, November 28 from 7 to 9 p.m. for those interested in a cruise vacation and on Thursday, November 30 from 7 to 9 p.m. for those interested in the other escorted trips, at the Bridgewater-Raritan Middle School in Bridgewater, NJ.

Portsmouth Tourist Information & Travel Guide
Portsmouth, the Waterfront City, is the UK?s only island city. Separated from the mainland by a narrow creek, it has only three approach roads with which to enter the city. The Main M275 links from the M27 down into the centre of the city, the A2030 ?Eastern Road? into Southsea, and the A3, the main arterial road through the city.

Reckers Featured 2007 Adventure Travel World Summit Speaker
The Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) has named PixelMill Inc. CEO Jason Reckers as a featured speaker at the global trade organization's third annual Adventure Travel World Summit in Whistler, British Columbia, Canada, October 4-7, 2007.

The Professional's Guide to Air Charter Travel
Charter airlines and private jets provide business professionals with the greatest flying experience imaginable I write this article from direct experience with private jets, so my aim is to transmit this information directly to you, the reader

50 Fabulous Adds Travel Section for Boomer Women to its Website
Offers information specifically targeted at the 50 woman traveler.

Travel Savings For The Business Traveler
Of course the employer pays for the bill for most business travel. But if you are in business for yourself or the employer isn?t footing the bill, it is important to look for travel savings. If you are a recreational traveler, the tips outlined here will be of equal benefit to you.

Finding The Best Online Travel Websites
There are certainly a number of travel websites in the Internet today The problem is how would you know which online travel website would be best for you

Travel And Tourism: Like Never Before And Never After
With the latest mount in communication and transportation, traveling, both internationally and domestically has become absolutely trouble free. Whether the reason for your traveling is vacation, business or just an adventure, the large numbers of people involved in travel and tourism industry makes the experience absolutely trouble free.

Tough Times are Good Times for Those Seeking Travel Bargains on Skyauction.com.
In these uncertain economic times, consumers can find many more travel bargains than just a few months ago on Skyauction.com, but they have to learn to bid to acquire them.

New Website for Italian Villa Rentals Provides Enhanced Information on Travel to Italy
While most villa rental agencies are merely intermediaries between owners and renters, the owners of Italian Vacation Villas have personally visited all the properties listed on their website. The site emphasizes the value of choosing a villa rental instead of a hotel for those who are seeking a base for sightseeing, more space, and a local experience with more access to Italian cultural life and provides enhanced photos, a database for the selection process, and in-depth tips on traveling to Italy.

Mexican Living: Bus Travel Mexican Style
When I was in college, in the prehistoric days, I was a veteran bus traveler. I am not talking about the city buses but the kind you would take from city "A" to city "B" three states apart.

Want To Stay Free When You Travel? Swap Homes
For purposes of home exchanges, what is a home?A home can be a single family home; condominium, rental apartment; yacht or sailboat; motor home; or houseboat.How do you exchange homes?Once you find out if you are a good home exchange candidate, you can begin the home exchange process.

Sherman?s Travel Magazine to Now be Sold on Newsstands at Major Bookstores Nationwide