Travel Agent

Working Schedule

Travel Agents may work either full or part-time. They might have longer hours during peak travel seasons.

Typical Duties

• Meet with clients to discuss their travel needs, schedules, and budgets
• Ask questions to determine if clients qualify for special rates (such as AAA members, AARP members, students, military personnel, government employees, etc.)
• Offer advice and suggestions based on personal knowledge and experience
• Share information related to particular travel destinations, including attractions, local customs, travel documents required, and health and safety tips
• Look for discounts and packaged deals. Promote special packages offered by resorts
• Coordinate with airlines, cruise lines, hotels, and tourist attractions
• Calculate total costs. Arrange customized travel package options. Review options with clients
• Book flights, lodging, and car rentals, as requested
• Purchase tickets for events, venues, or activities (such as day trips or excursions)
• Share itineraries, tickets, and destination information with clients
  
  Make alternative arrangements if necessary due to unexpected changes
• Visit destinations and take notes about the experience, to pass on tips to clients

Additional Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough research into popular destinations
• Help to create flyers and brochures, ensuring information is up-to-date
• Put together promotional packages
• Stay updated on travel advisories and restrictions

If running your own business, you’ll also have to:

• Manage and train staff members, as applicable
• Prepare tax documents; pay business-related taxes on time
• Maintain diligent business records
• Manage supplier relations and partnerships
• Execute effective marketing strategies
• Manage budgets, invoicing, and profitability
• Ensure legal adherence to travel regulations
• Address customer service complaints and service issues
• Grow your professional network
• Utilize modern, relevant systems to stay competitive
• Plan for your business’s growth and market adaptation

Soft Skills

• Ability to work independently
• Attention to detail
• Cooperative
• Customer service
• Dependability
• Empathy
• Methodical
• Networking
• Patience
• Relationship building
• Strong communication skills, including active listening
• Time management

Technical Skills

• Business intelligence and data analysis software (DataSwell, Illusions Online Illusions OnDemand)
• Calendar/scheduling programs (Apollo Reservation System, Rezdy)
• Customer relationship management
• Database user interface and query (Galor Travel Booster)
• General office programs, including word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation software
• Knowledge of destinations and travel industry trends
• Proficiency in travel booking systems (like the Global Distribution System)
• Branding, sales, and marketing skills
• Social media marketing
• Videoconferencing 

• Travel agencies
• Corporate travel departments
• Online travel companies

Travel Agents must navigate a complex landscape of airline flights, hotel arrangements, and ticket buying for tourist attractions. It’s a constant juggling act, trying to find the best options at the best prices while meeting the schedule, personal tastes, and budgetary goals of clients.

Agents are expected to know how to find money-saving deals, obtain hard-to-get tickets, and be able to make changes at the last minute (even if they’re no longer at the office).

They must also stay current on local, national, and international travel trends and regulations, which can be a full-time job all by itself! Meanwhile, with the rise in popularity of travel websites, more consumers are opting to do everything on their own, not appreciating the value that Travel Agents can bring to the table with their years of experience and inside knowledge of the industry. Thus, agents have to find ways to reach potential customers and convince them of the benefits of their services! 

The blend of business and leisure is reshaping travel norms, as more people work remotely. Many destinations and accommodations are adapting by offering amenities that cater to both work and play. In addition, travelers are more frequently prioritizing eco-friendly, socially responsible choices, driving demand for sustainable tourism options.

Meanwhile, advancements in AI and other technologies are enabling more personalized travel experiences, including tailored recommendations which might cut into the role of Travel Agents. Ideally, agents should learn how to harness the power of AI tools themselves, to enhance their business services. 

Travel Agents may have grown up loving to travel themselves. They could’ve been curious about history, geography, foreign destinations, and different cultures. They’re often outgoing and friendly—traits that developed on their own or from family and school situations. They are also usually meticulous and good at sales, which could also be natural traits.