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Home >> Careers In Travel >> Travel Agent Classes

Travel Agent Classes

There are many places where you can take travel agent classes.  Here is a brief list that I’ve found classes in the past. Adult education short courses are a great way to go; sign up at your local community colleges.  These fall in a variety of depths: I’ve seen a three hour class that outlines the strategy of getting a travel agent position, as well as a six week course that teaches you how to use a Global Distribution System.

Online courses are always an option. Just make sure that you are dealing with a reputable source. My advice would be to work with education programs that sponsored by travel agencies, or travel providers.

GDS tutorials: I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: If you want to be a successful travel agent, learn to use a GDS. This is the language of a travel agent, and classes on how to use a GDS like Worldspan, Sabre, Apollo or Galileo can make the difference between a call back and a job offer. Learn a GDS!

In addition to travel agent classes per se, you should also consider the following classes:

Learn another language. Travel agents deal with a wide variety of cultures, and the ability to switch languages as needed is a valuable one. The most successful travel agent I’ve ever met speaks English, Spanish, French, Italian, Turkish and Hebrew…fluently. It’s no surprise he makes six figures a year working six hours a day… the guy can talk to anybody!

Special vendor classes. Enroll in Marriot’s Excellence program, and learn their hotels in and out. How about a class on Hertz? Vendors are more than happy to educate travel agents; take advantage of this and rise above the competition.

Computer classes. You’d be amazed how handy computer skills are in a travel agency. For example, you could help create a presentation for prospects on the benefits of your agency; manage excel spreadsheets  to help understand travel trends, etc. This is all part of making you a more valuable asset to your company.

All in all, there are many travel agent classes available, and the more you take, the higher a salary (or commission agreement) you can command.