How to become a travel agent without experience?

One of the most common questions we here at VacationLab get is… do I need some sort of prior experience to become a travel agent?

The simple answer is no, you don’t. Engineers can be travel agents, teachers can be travel agents and, yes, you can also be a travel agent. Some professions might make this job a bit easier, especially those that involve communicating with people or working in tourism. But like Bob Ross used to say, talent is a pursued interest. With the right mindset, you can start selling vacations in no time, even if you’ve never heard the words “travel agent” before.

You do need, however, a very particular set of skills (not related to Liam Neeson, promise) that will make your job much easier. The first is strong communication skills. Remember, you’ll be in constant contact with guests of all ages and backgrounds. You need to present information in a way that’s easy to understand and always be ready to help whenever your guests need you.

You also need to be tech-savvy. No, I’m not asking you to be a world-famous hacker, but you should know a bit more than just how to turn on a PC or send an email. Being a travel agent means working from home, studying through different training platforms, and using dashboards to plan trips and keep track of your guests. You and your computer need to be good friends!

You don’t need prior experience to be a travel agent, but you do need the knowledge to understand what you’re selling. Are you a big fan of Royal Caribbean, for example? Then you should research and understand everything about it, from what’s included on their ships to room options, what Icon of the Seas is all about, the launch of Star of the Seas, and more. In that scenario, you’re almost like a teacher, there to guide your guest and demonstrate your expertise.

It’s also a good idea to join a travel agency, especially when you’re just starting out. Travel agencies act like an umbrella, offering support to travel agents around the world. They provide specialized guidance, assist with supplier relationships, and can open doors to new opportunities. You can even join us here at VacationLab for the absolutely amazing price of… free! We have our own dashboard, offer support, charge zero fees, and provide hundreds of guides and reviews on some of the biggest travel suppliers in the world.

You’ll also need to complete specific training programs for the travel suppliers you want to sell. Are you a big Disney fan? Then you should complete the College of Disney Knowledge training program - it’ll definitely come in handy when it’s time to sell trips to the Happiest Place on Earth. See? Even without prior experience, the travel suppliers themselves help you stay up to date so you can stay on top of your game!

After all that, it’s a good idea to start by selling to close friends and family members. Experience will come with time, and selling to people you know will take the pressure off your shoulders. Remember to always research the travel supplier you’re selling, and don’t forget to use social media to market your skills. As always, we here at VacationLab are more than happy to assist you, so don’t be shy and send us a message. Au revoir!