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Home >> Careers In Travel >> Travel Agent CareersTravel Agent CareersTravel agent careers are limitless, and can provide a satisfying occupation for many personality types. Let’s take a look at some of the more interesting options.
Local Tour GuideLearn your favorite hot spot better than anyone. This job is great if you’re really, really interested in your location (be it the Winchester Mystery House, or the Tower of London). It also provides great stability, seeing that you don’t have to fly to conventions, sell clients on trips, etc. The flip side is that, after awhile, it could get very monotonous. Trip OperatorIn another lifetime I conducted three week tours across the United States. It would be a road trip, and every day was something new, and fascinating. Within just a few months I had already seen more of the US than most folks would see in their lifetime. The tradeoff is that while you’re always on the move, well, you’re always on the move. Having a wife at home is pretty strenuous, as you only get to see each other for a few days at a time. Still, if you want a crash course in travel management, and don’t mind a little adventure, I highly recommend applying with Trek America. Leisure Travel AgentInterested in helping people plan their dream vacation? A leisure travel agent is the job for you. There is nothing like the feeling you get when one of your clients return from their trip all wide-eyed and tell you “That was absolutely amazing!” However, I have never had any desire to be a leisure travel agent… it involves way too much selling for my taste, and the problem with many people’s dream trips is just that… they are dreams, not rooted in reality at all. I once had a client request a helicopter fly them from Bora Bora to Papeete (rather than wait for the weekly flight) and then complain that it was much too expensive! Corporate Travel AgentThis can be highly lucrative. The corporate sector is like the fine dining of travel agent careers; I’ve known dozens of travel agents gross well into the six figure status within two years. Also, unlike leisure travel, you don’t really have to sell the clients on a trip… the VP of Finance has a meeting in Beijing on Tuesday, and he has to get there before then. Case closed. The downside is that you are completely dedicated to these people, so don’t be surprised if you get a phone call at four in the morning if you make a mistake. As you can see, there are several travel agent careers available. While one may be right for you now, it may not be lifelong fit. Try a few of them out, and see how you like it; if it doesn’t sit well with, always remember there are other options. |
