Do you want to become an independent travel agent? There is cash to be earned but also lot’s of other advantages. And, most important fact, the entry barrier in the travel agents world can be easily passed with the assistance from the right tools, in this case i’m discussing about specialized independent travel agents platforms like globaltravel.com.
It’s common for people to mistakenly believe that travel agents get a lot of free travel or free travel perks like upgrades, etc. They don’t. Maybe they used to 25 or more years ago. But the free travel and VIP treatment is reserved mostly for agents or agencies selling a LOT of a specific travel supplier’s product. Yes, there are familiarization trips for a travel agent to experience the product, but they are fast paced, high intensity, long days, and require a lot of focus and energy. Simply put, they are no vacation.
Key qualities and skills for travel agents ? Many (home based) travel agents learn on the job, but there are also many schools that offer degree programs and certificates in hospitality & tourism. Here, they often focus on the business side of a travel agency, such as travel agent sales and marketing, pricing, planning itineraries and working with computer systems. There are also classed that teach you about specific destinations around the world, but of course that is best learned on location, so if you have a passion for travel, that is a plus! You can start working in this field right after high school graduation. See more info on Independent Travel Agent.
Travel agents advantages over online booking websites ? They advocate on your behalf. A Washington state family, as TMR previously reported, received an email a few weeks before its $874 vacation was cancelled due to overbooking. After hours on the phone, Holly Parsons walked away with $500 in Expedia vouchers and three nights in a Holiday Inn Express. “I feel for this family that has suffered a horrendous experience not only were they left with no refund but also a cancelled trip,” Mussolini said. That would never have happened if they used a travel agent. “Using one of those websites is taking a risk and can be a setup for a disaster. During peak seasons to find out your trip is cancelled and have no refund is the worst news – but on top of that, trying to scramble to plan something at the last minute is even worse.”
When booking online, you can save more money, be flexible about what you see and do and make changes on the fly. It’s easy to comparison shop. You don’t have the pressure of someone trying to sell you something. Designing your own itinerary may force you to do more research about your destination, which may give you insight on activities to do and landmarks to visit. You control what you do. You can also ask friends and family for recommendations, which can be invaluable. Once you get some experience putting together your own trip, you may have a better idea of what to do and what not to do on your next trip.
Even though you’re working from home and may be miles away from our home office near Orlando, Florida, you’ll always be connected to us. Our comprehensive password protected Agent Support Site will amaze you. In one convenient location, you’ll have access to a multitude of tools offered through Global Travel’s Agent-Only Support Site. It’s your one-stop resource for everything you want or need to know about GlobalTravel.com and your membership. Instant access to your account is available to every GlobalTravel.com Independent Travel Agent through the Agent-Only website. This is the place to go for submitting a Commission Tracking Form, viewing commissions, administering your personal ResMax travel business website and updating personal information. Source: https://www.globaltravel.com/.