What does a Travel Agent do?
Travel consultants assist clients with the planning and partaking of their travel needs. They research various destinations and means of travel and consider the prices, customs, and weather conditions. Clients share insight including their specifications and wishes, and travel consultants research and suggest appropriate travel packages or services. They organize travel from beginning to end and book tickets, accommodation, secure rental transportation, and arrange for meals when requested. They supply travelers with necessary information and useful travel material, including event programs or maps.
Travel consultants prepare promotional materials to sell itinerary tour packages and all-inclusive adventures. They handle unforeseen problems and complaints and determine eligibility for refunds if necessary. Travel consultants also attend conferences to stay apprised of the latest tourism and travel trends and create an updated electronic record of clients. They maintain relationships with key players in the field and keep financial statements and documents. Travel consultants need a degree in hospitality, travel, tourism, business, or related fields.
- Ensure the accuracy and completeness of travel policies and process documentation.
- Prepare travel authorizations in accordance with the agency's travel regulations.
- Adhere to travel policies and procedures to maintain QC.
- Obtain country clearances and assure appropriate accounting information is included on all Travel Authorizations (TAs).
- Identify and recommend opportunities for efficiencies through consideration of best practices.
- Process reimbursements for payment and ensure accurate recording into the accounting system.
- Maintain physical and virtual document filing systems.
- Maintain project physical files and real time record of all current travelers and their itineraries.
- Maintain, actively communicate and seek expansion of current knowledge of the state of the various travel industries supported.
- Perform follow-up as needed and within the time frame promised to the customer.
- Proactively provide feedback to management to avoid future customer issues.
- Bachelor's Degree in business or finance.
- Strong leadership, problem solving, and critical thinking skills.
- Able to maintain a strong work ethic and positive attitude.
- Strong command of English language and good communication skills.
- Requires careful attention to detail.
How much does a Travel Agent make?
Base Pay
Additional Pay
$60,280
/ yrTravel Agent Career Path
Learn how to become a Travel Agent, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Average Years of Experience
Travel Agent Insights
Abercrombie & Kent“Some of the management is not great and will hold people back based on personal bias.”
Paintmytrip.com“never found any cons here... it was a great opportunity to learn and get better....”
Paché Montessori“Upon asking for help/guidance in career development I was told to be more “self sufficient” and try YouTube.”
British Airways“The salary was ok...easy incentives and night allowance is an extra boost to work.”
Click Travel“There are always things going on to keep things fun so employee engagement is great.”
Trailfinders“Although you get great deals it is almost impossible to book them because of the ridiculous holiday policies.”
Mindbloom“This work is great but we are not supported to bring the best energy to our work.”
“I loved working as a team to make the best vacation experience for our clients.”
Frequently asked questions about the role and responsibilities of travel consultants
A travel consultant uses their expert knowledge to arrange and make reservations for flights, hotel stays, travel excursions, and vacation packages. They speak with contacts at properties across the globe to help customize clients' vacations to their needs. They recommend restaurants, sightseeing destinations, and may arrange travel discounts.
Though travel consultancy is often relegated to online services, travel consultants still remain relevant for clients who want a customized vacation experience beyond what can be found online. With proper experience and expertise in the field, travel consultants can establish a strong list of clients who rely on the consultant's advice and expertise, providing good job security.
On average in the United States, a travel consultant is paid $60,280 per year. With experience, a successful travel consultant may get paid up to $329,826. Depending on the clients and the job, a travel consultant may also receive tips to supplement their income.
Working as a travel consultant is not usually considered a difficult job as long as you possess the right skill set, like good people skills, attention to detail, and the ability to handle logistics and coordination. If you're considering becoming a travel consultant, it's important to be an excellent communicator both electronically and over the phone, with the majority of time spent working out details with other people. For example, professionals may have to deal with frustrated or demanding clients. The job demands organization and the ability to troubleshoot problems such as missed connections and bad weather.