What I Wish I Knew Before Becoming a Travel Agent

I entered the world of travel at the ripe age of 21. I was bubbly, enthusiastic, (probably annoying), and completely blind to the path I had ahead of me. It’s been twelve years and my career has taken twists and turns I never expected. Working in travel can lead you to incredible places around the world while also giving you the opportunity to build a career you’re proud of. To do something you’re passionate about and share that with your clients. Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately, travel is learned by doing. Mistakes will happen, growth

Travel Agents are needed.

happen, and you’ll learn. But if I can impart some words of wisdom onto advisors starting out, there’s a few things I wish I knew before becoming a travel agent. 

I know that seems like a silly thing to know before becoming a travel agent, of course you think they’re needed, you want to become one! But I used to think travel agents were a dying job and that eventually my job might be obsolete. The truth is the opposite. Every year it becomes more and more evident how desperately the world needs travel advisors to help people find the destinations that are right for them. Think about it this way, how many times have you scrolled through seven different tv subscriptions before ultimately giving up on what movie to watch? That’s how people feel scrolling Expedia for the right all inclusive resort. There’s hundreds! How do they even decide what island to choose? Where do they even begin? The answer is, with you! It’s an important message you must always keep in mind as you begin booking travel. You are needed, your assistance and guidance is vital to successful travel planning, and your work matters. 

It is work and some days it’s really hard work.

“Do what you love and you won’t work a day in your life”. Listen, I love to travel and it’s a great reason I began this career, but every day over the last twelve years has been work, and some of them were difficult. Building your business takes work. Dedicating yourself to continuing your education takes work. Learning booking platforms and learning how to market yourself, takes work. Whether you’re looking to become a full time agent, or something you’re doing part-time, it is a real job with ups and downs that requires a lot of time, attention, and dedication to do it right. 

It takes a village.

The beginning will be overwhelming. There’s no avoiding that. You need advisors around you that have been there and know the ropes. You need guides, training, and expert advice/feedback. You need a safe place to raise your hand and say “I need help”. Most importantly though, you need a strong village that encourages you to take on new destinations and bookings you never dreamed you’d do! I’m immensely grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to grow as an agent because someone believed in me. In the beginning, it’s great to sell what you know, but with the right support, you’ll find yourself soaring to new heights and new destinations. 

Take the Emotion out of the Price.

My final piece of advice is one that took me years to learn, and easily my most valuable. Remember the phrase, “My budget is not their budget”. Maybe a thirty thousand dollar trip to Australia isn’t something you can swing this year, but luxury travel exists and is growing rapidly. I strongly encourage new advisors to not make the mistake of putting yourself in a “discount travel” box. Not everything needs to be about deals, specials, and discounts. When potential customers request quotes, don’t apologize if the price is higher than they’d like. It’s important to set realistic expectations. The price is what it is, and as an advisor you’ll do your best to explain the value of a package, or help them find something that’s in line with their goals and budget. Never attach moral value to the dollar amount at the end of your proposals. It will often surprise you the success you’ll find confidently presenting your proposals with value and your expertise. 

Repeat to yourself, “I am needed, I can rely on the strength and expertise of others, and through hard work, I can deliver my services confidently.” 

When there is a worldwide system outage and you have 32 guests with canceled flights, repeat it to yourself again. 

When you help a couple plan a trip for their final days, repeat it to yourself again. 

There will be terrible days and joyous days and these are just a few of the things I’d impart on a new advisor. I’m sure there’s a longer list of all the things I wish I knew. It takes time though, and you won’t learn everything in a day, or a week, or even 5 years. In travel, you’re always growing, always learning new things, and that’s what makes a travel agent a great advisor.