Content

• Steps
• Warnings

As a travel agent, you can start a good home based business or find work from home, depending on what kind of travel agent you want to become. There are many online travel agencies offering training, certification and the ability to start your own travel agency. The job responsibilities of online travel agents can range from helping to book and sell a reservation to sending customers to travel booking sites where you get a portion of the commission. The following steps will help you become an online travel agent.

Steps

1. 1 Explore tourism schools and education systems. Get your travel agent training at a college or independent training school.
   • Colleges can offer degrees or certifications in tourism and hospitality, and provide broad or in-depth study of all aspects of the travel and hospitality industry.
   • Travel agent training schools, on the other hand, offer the opportunity for more accelerated programs that specialize in specific travel agent responsibilities, such as exploring travel destinations, booking systems, or sales and marketing.
2. 2 Get a certificate. Certification shows clients that you are familiar with the standards and professional ethics set by the certification body or educational institution in your field of study. The tourism industry has several widely recognized certification bodies.
   • The Travel Institute offers a range of certified programs (Certified Travel Counselor, Certified Travel Associate, or Certified Travel Industry Executive).
   • The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) also offers industry-respected and recognized certification programs.
3. 3 Find a job. To become an online travel agent, look for a job at a travel agency from home or contact a leading agency to help you manage your travel business.
   • Work with a reputable travel agency. Many travel agencies make a higher stay at home possible by working online through their resources and computerized systems. The advantage is that you can be a full-time employee with the support, resources, salary and benefits that the company offers.
   • Find a lead agency to start your own independent travel agency. The premier travel agency offers tour operator services, marketing support, online assistance, and access to booking sites and travel service providers. If you work with a leading agency, you receive only commission.
4. 4 Find out about the requirements for registering a travel agent in your area or country. Some states in the United States require travel agents to be registered as travel sellers. This regulatory condition helps protect the consumer and ensures that travel agencies follow the law when implementing travel offerings. In addition, countries such as Australia provide a travel agent license, which you should be aware of when starting your online travel business.Make sure you comply with local regulations as set out by local authorities.
5. 5 Become a member of travel associations, societies and organizations. Joining travel associations is considered a great way to stay connected with news and trends in the travel industry. Travel associations can also offer support and continuing education to their members.
   • The International Air Transport Association (IATA) / International Airlines Travel Agent Network (IATAN) are important merger organizations if you intend to book flights as a travel agent online.

Warnings

• There are a number of major travel agencies that offer questionable business opportunities and tout large financial rewards with little training. You need to do a thorough research of such businesses before you start working with them. Be sure to browse the internet for reviews of major travel agents to see what other travel agents have to say about their experiences with them.