virtual travel agent training

THE JOURNAL

Travel Advisor Resources

Life as a Remote Travel Agent: Fora’s Guide

The Modern Travel Agency

Fora Travel

https://www.foratravel.com/the-journal/remote-travel-agent

Considering a career as a remote travel agent? We have all the details for you, from how remote travel advisors compare to in-person roles, to what the average day looks like. 

Already know what you’re signing up for? Apply to become a Fora Advisor today.

What does a remote travel agent do?

Nowadays, remote travel agents do just about everything in-person travel agents do, except everything they do is remote (no surprises here). 

Need to start from the beginning? Here’s exactly what a travel agent does .

Is a remote travel agent the same as a virtual travel agent? What services are offered by virtual travel agencies?

The two are one and the same. The only difference between a remote travel agent and a virtual travel agent is the title, which often comes down to personal preference. 

If you want a full breakdown of the different terms that travel advisors use, check out our guide to travel advisor versus travel consultant jobs .

Are remote travel agents in demand?

Every day, more and more travelers are seeking the services of travel advisors over online travel agencies like Expedia and Travelocity. Coupled with an exponential rise in travel over the past few years, remote travel agents are indeed still in demand. 

What does a typical day look like as a remote travel agent?

It’s hard to accurately define a “typical day" as a remote travel agent because every professional has a different schedule and process. 

However, most travel agents split their time between three major tasks: self-marketing, working with clients and research. At the same time, there’s not really a right way to divvy up each task — the cool thing about being a remote travel agent is that you get to decide what works best for you.

Self-marketing: earning new clients

As an independent travel agent , you’ll generally be responsible for promoting your business. Marketing is a huge part of any travel advisor business, remote or otherwise. Without it, no one will know who you are or what you do. 

The most successful remote travel agents typically boast a notable social media presence, run email campaigns and take advantage of other marketing tools. That’s usually in addition to serving their existing professional and social networks (i.e., friends, family, peers). 

If this sounds intimidating, don’t worry. If you sign up to become a Fora Advisor, our membership includes a wealth of travel agent training specifically meant to teach you how to market your travel business like a pro . Even better, we provide tons of marketing tools — from social media templates to your own landing page — to boost your business.

Working with clients: booking trips, planning itineraries & more

Helping clients figure out where to stay in Tokyo , planning trips to the best places to visit in Spain for first timers , booking the coolest hotels in Vegas …this is the fun part. Once you have a few clients in rotation, you’ll find that a good portion of your time as a remote travel agent is made up of planning and booking reservations. 

Not so coincidentally, this is another area where Fora offers a ton of help. Our proprietary booking platform allows Fora Advisors to make reservations at nearly 30,000 hotels globally, dramatically cutting down booking times. Plus, of those hotels, almost 5,000 and counting are preferred partners , where advisors can score their clients awesome perks.

Research & networking: improving your business across the board

Finally, the best remote travel agents devote a portion of their time to improving both their services and travel knowledge. This could be finding ways to improve their marketing efforts — like learning how to build a sales funnel within a travel context — working on supplier partnerships (e.g., hotels, tour operators, etc.) or simply researching destinations to craft better itineraries. 

Fora delivers here, too. All Fora Advisors can access Forum, our in-house community platform that allows travel advisors to ask questions — no matter how small — and share knowledge, tips and deals. It’s an inclusive environment that’s built around collaboration (rather than competition), and the wealth of material that exists within Forum is staggering.

Remote travel agent FAQs

Have more questions about remote travel agents? We have answers.

How exactly does remote travel planning work?

Just like in-person travel planning, except it’s usually done over a computer or phone. The exact methods are often left up to the advisor and client, but emails and calls (either via Zoom or over the phone) are typical. Likewise, communication between the travel advisor and supplier takes place remotely. 

Just as remote travel agents are happy to be able to work from anywhere, the same can be said for clients. Think of it from their perspective: would you rather travel to a brick-and-mortar office or work with an agent from anywhere in the world?

Is it worth it to become a remote travel agent?

Is being a travel agent worth it ? We sure think so. Of all the jobs in the travel industry , travel planning offers the most flexibility. There’s virtually no earnings cap. And your whole job is centered on making people happy (who doesn’t love to travel?). 

As far as being remote, it’s hard to complain about being able to work anywhere that has an internet connection. 

(Still unsure about becoming a remote travel agent? Hear 8 reasons to become a Fora Advisor , straight from the source.)

Do you have to work full time or can you sell travel as a side gig? Is this a good career path?

As far as careers in travel and tourism go, becoming a remote travel agent is a pretty sweet deal. Some travel agencies do require full-time commitments, but we prefer flexibility. At Fora, you can plan trips as a travel side hustle , travel agent career or anything in between. It’s totally up to you. 

Intrigued? Sign up to become a Fora Advisor today.

Do remote travel agents make good money? Can you earn a living?

It takes patience and dedication, but yes, remote travel agents can make very good money (see our guide to how much travel agents make for specifics). Our top earners make six figures, and the average Fora Advisor still makes enough to be comfortable (looking for the best remote jobs for moms , perhaps?). It’s also worth noting that many Fora Advisors pursue travel planning as a side gig, which we also fully support.

What’s the typical salary of a remote travel agent?

The typical Fora travel advisor salary varies. Again, many Fora Advisors choose to work part time, but many still earn covetable income. The more you book, the more you earn.

Are there different types of remote travel agents?

There are indeed different niches and travel agent jobs out there, including Disney travel agents , luxury travel advisors and corporate travel agents . 

Some remote travel agents also specialize in booking travel to specific destinations, such as the best places to visit in Hawai‘i .

(P.S. Love the idea of catering to a high-end clientele? Learn how to become a luxury travel agent .)

Is being a remote travel agent stressful?

Working as a remote travel agent can be overwhelming at first, but advisors who stick with the profession will tell you that the pros far outweigh the cons. We offer plenty of travel agent training and tips for how to be a successful travel advisor to get you through the tough parts. But as a Fora Advisor, you get to determine your own schedule, and can work as much or as little as you'd like. Over time, many find that managing the different aspects of being a remote travel agent is quite enjoyable.

Want to become a remote travel agent online? Join Fora

Ready to become a travel agent online ? Apply to become a Fora Advisor and kick off your travel career today.

Looking for more travel advisor resources? Check out these articles as well:

What Does It Take to Become a Travel Agent?  

How Long Does It Take to Become a Travel Agent?  

Travel Agent Certification: Options and FAQs  

How Do Travel Agents Get Paid (& Why Fora Does It Differently)  

Why Group Bookings Are Great: Tips from an Expert  

5 Types of Bookings You Can Make as a Fora Advisor (That Aren’t Hotels!)  

How Do Travel Agents Get Clients? Fora's Top 5 Tips

Are you the go-to person for travel tips?

Transform your passion for travel into your dream job. We'll set you up with everything you need to succeed as a travel advisor. From training to top-notch tech, marketing assets, community, commission tracking & payments (and more), we've got you.

7 Best Online Travel Agent Training Programs

Get information on Travel Agent Training programs by entering your zip code and request enrollment information.

With online studies, your career as a travel agent starts with a laptop, access to the internet, and a click.

If you spend hours daydreaming about the perfect vacation and love being a part of every last planning detail, a career in travel is right for you.

If you want smooth sailing and to help vacationers’ trips go off without a hitch, a travel agent career is for you.

Start turning travel dreams into a reality for clients.

How do you get the certification and training you need to launch a career as a travel agent?

Check out these best online travel agent training programs.

1. Penn Foster

2. the travel institute, 3. stratford career institute, 4. travel agent campus, 5. grand canyon university, 6. iap international association of professions career college, 7. ashworth college, what courses are in an online travel agent training program, can you earn an online travel agent training program certification completely online, how long does it take to earn an online travel agent program certification online, how much does an online travel agent training program certification cost, bottom line, best online travel agent training programs.

Most online courses prepare you to sit for the Travel Agent Proficiency TAP exam to earn your travel and tourism certification.

The TAP test takes two hours to complete.

The test consists of 100 multiple-choice questions.

Or, continue your education to get your Bachelor of Science BS degree in hospitality.

After obtaining the necessary credentials, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 66,300 jobs in travel await those who pursue them, with an anticipated 3 percent job growth.

Travel agents earn an average of $46,400 annually, or $22.31 per hour.

The American Society of Travel Advisors, ASTA, and The Travel Institute developed the TAP certification examination.

Pass the TAP to launch your travel agent career.

Earn your TAP certification and then continue your education by attaining your Certified Travel Associate CTA certification.

Or, specialize in specific types of travel like the following:

• Family travel
• Accessible travel
• Rural tourism
• Pet-friendly travel
• Cruise lines
• Sustainable travel
• Eco-friendly travel
• Solo travel
• Luxury travel
• Romantic getaways
• Destination weddings
• Honeymoon travel

Take a look at the best options for online travel agent training programs.

Check out the following top online training programs:

Penn Foster Online offers courses at levels from high school to college degrees.

Learn everything you need to understand about the travel and tourism industry through this accredited school.

Penn Foster offers an affordable and accredited online Travel Agent Career Diploma.

The program prepares students for entry-level travel agent careers.

Study at your own pace with access to a dedicated faculty.

The Penn Foster online program prepares students for the TAP Travel Agent Proficiency certification exam.

Studying through Penn Foster also allows you free enrollment in a Destination Specialist course at The Travel Institute to help prepare you for the Destination Specialist certification exam.

Fast-paced learners complete the course in as short of time as nine months.

The average student takes 15 months to prepare for work as a travel agent.

Go on to work in an agency, a tour company, an airline, or any travel agent capacity.

The travel agent certificate online program usually costs $989.

Catch a sale to find it as low as $799.

The Travel Institute has a history of preparing individuals for successful and rewarding careers in the travel industry since 1964.

More than 25,000 students claim success through learning with The Travel Institute.

With more than 50 years of training travel agents, the Travel Institute offers certification as a non-profit organization.

The online program aims to develop travel professionals who will better the industry and benefit travelers.

The online training offers their own TRIPKIT Travel Industry Introductory Program.

The Travel Institute also offers certification courses and training in areas of specialization in the travel industry.

Before deciding on a course, sign up for one of many free Webinars.

Gain a solid foundation of knowledge to kick-start your career in travel in up to 12 months of study.

Become a Certified Travel Counselor CTC for $550.

Or, if you already have five years of industry experience, take the Fast Track course.

The Travel Institute also offers Certified Travel Associate CTA and Certified Travel Industry Executive CTIE courses.

Stratford Career Institute is privately owned and established in 1991.

The Institute offers quality at-home vocational training programs to students in North America.

Stratford foresaw the need for emerging education for busy adults and offers distance learning.

SCI provides the opportunity for students to learn in the convenience of their own home with a flexible schedule.

This online school is a member of the United States Distance Learning Association, the Canadian Network for Innovation in Education, and the International Council for Open and Distance Education ICDE.

SCI also has academic affiliations with Institutional Accountants ICIA and The Travel Institute.

If you love to travel and want to turn travel planning into your career, Stratford Career Institute online offers a comprehensive travel and tourism course.

Learn the basics and then move into more advanced topics.

Delve into sales and marketing with this self-paced course.

Complete the course in a year or shorter.

Some students are ready for the next step after six months.

The Stratford Career Institute Travel and Tourism online course will prepare you to sit for the TAP test.

Learn everything you need about landing a job and continuing work as a successful travel agent for $1,049.

Catch the course on sale for $499 during Black Friday or other sales throughout the year.

The Travel Agent Campus is a highly sought-after travel agent/advisor online training and certification program.

Train with lessons developed by innovators of their independent home-based travel agent learning platform.

Learn from instructors who offer more than 30 years of training to those new to the travel business.

The Travel Agent Campus allows you to work at your own pace.

Learn everything you need to know to earn your online travel agent certification in two weeks.

Or, take less time.

Most students finish the course in about three to ten days.

Pay $995 in full, or break it down into monthly payments.

Once you start your travel career, earn as much as 70 percent to 90 percent commission.

Learn at home about the vast travel industry and tourism at your own pace in partnership with TPI Travel Planners International.

Get started in your career of planning, researching, and booking trips with the help of this online course.

Grand Canyon University GCU offers a private for-profit university.

GCU is the largest Christian university in the world, teaching 70,000 online students and 20,000 on-campus learners.

Take your time and earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Hospitality Management.

By attaining a BS in Hospitality Management, you open doors to a solid career in travel.

With Grand Canyon University, earn your degree after studying 120 credit hours at approximately $485 per credit.

The online courses each last eight weeks and are self-paced.

You may participate in Web chat sessions or view lectures online throughout the courses.

If you have already earned college credit, transfer credit hours to reduce your overall expenses.

Apply for scholarships to save more on tuition costs. Also, enjoy extensive discounted tuition for active military personnel.

Study online to receive your travel consultant certificate from a program featured by Oprah, ABC, CNN, and The Wall Street Journal.

IAP Career College offers a private online career learning opportunity.

This online college allows students to develop skills to advance their careers or start a business.

Learn the principles and techniques of the travel industry through an affordable online program.

IAP Career College online Travel Consultant Certificate Course takes approximately six weeks to complete.

Some students get done faster, by four weeks.

Others take a full 12 weeks to complete.

Work online at your own pace without teaching assistance.

The IAP course costs approximately $377.

Catch a special sale to get it for as inexpensive as $149.00.

Ashworth College offers career education that teaches practical skills employers want without breaking the bank.

This online school is among the most affordable online schools available to gain travel agent certification.

All of the career-focused courses at Ashworth College include books, lessons, study guides, and academic guidance.

Earn your certification among more than 300,000 students who have graduated from Ashworth.

Ashworth College offers an online travel agent training program to prepare you for work in the travel industry.

The course of study covers reservations, customer service, and geography.

Study entirely at your own pace to prepare for the TAP test certification in less than a year.

Earn your travel and tourism diploma to work with planning tours and management positions.

Pay $989 with monthly payments of $799 paid in full.

Ready yourself to take the Travel Institute Travel Agent Proficiency Test after completing the course.

Ashworth College additionally provides a toolkit with resume templates and other resources to help you land a travel career.

Online travel agent training programs offer courses that teach everything you need to prepare you as a travel agent.

Some of the typical courses included in travel agent training programs include:

• Air travel ticketing, reservations, and baggage handling, including North American Air Travel
• Geographic studies, including popular travel destinations, cultures, customs, and top attractions while exploring the world
• Tourism and the History of tourism, including types of tourism and how travel impacts the economy
• TAP Travel Agent Proficiency Certification studies include customer service, consumer-focused professionalism, specialized travel sales techniques, marketing, office skills, and time management.
• Advanced skills in journey pricing and ticketing
• BSP Agent billing reports and agent remittance procedures
• Learn about required documents for international trips
• Intro to Tourism Management to establish a foundational understanding of the tourism business
• Delve into the challenges of the hospitality industry as a career
• Aspects of Transportation Learning how to navigate domestic and foreign transportation systems such as air, railway, or cruises
• Convention and Special Event Planning, including conferences, trade shows, arranging travel, lodging, booking the best venue, and organizing food services
• World Regions, including time zones, weather, and climate
• International Travel Documentation
• Customer-focused selling and understanding customer needs
• Accepting and processing payments
• Travel Insurance
• Car Rentals
• Tour Sales and Niche Marketing
• Hospitality
• Global Distribution System GDS and establishing Passenger Name Record PNR
• Career Options in Travel
• Types of Tours and Tour Operators
• Fares and ticketing
• How to start an at-home travel agency
• Business Ethics and writing skills
• The Art of listening and communicating

Several online colleges, universities, and career training centers offer a complete program to attain the skills needed in the travel industry.

One of the benefits of studying online is that you learn at your own pace.

Earning an online travel agent certification varies in how long it takes .

Spend a few days, two to three weeks, or stretch it out.

Combine your studies with an Associate’s or a Bachelor’s degree, and take two to four years.

Pursue one or all of the travel agent certifications, including the following:

• Travel Agent Proficiency TAP
• The Certified Travel Associate CTA – Requires one year of industry experience or completion of the Travel Agent Proficiency TAP exam.
• Certified Travel Counselor
• Certified Travel Industry Executive
• ASTA Verified Travel Advisor VTA from the American Society of Travel Advisors ASTA
• International Air Transport Association IATA
• Travel Industry Designator Service TIDS
• Certified Cruise Counselor CCC from the Cruise Lines International Association CLIA
• Accredited Cruise Counselor ACC
• Master Cruise Counselor MCC
• Elite Cruise Counselor ECC

Online training costs in the travel industry vary based on how long the program is, whether the institution is accredited, and any specializations you pursue.

It ranges in cost from approximately $100 to about $1,000 to complete certification.

Some online programs include an exam fee, so expect to spend about $2,000 or more.

Once you obtain the certification, expect ongoing studies to maintain the certification.

Agents must earn ten continuing education credits CEUs per year.

Pursue your dream of adventure and love for travel.

Obtain your certification to start work in the travel and tourism industry fast .

Study through the best online travel agent training programs.

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Travel Agent Training Course​ Outline

Module 1: Introduction

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Module 2: Basic and International Geography

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Module 3: Transportation

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Module 4: Sales and Marketing for Travel

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Module 5: Career Development Skills

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Who should attend this Travel Agent Training?

This Travel Agent Training is designed for individuals interested in becoming proficient Travel Agents or those looking to enhance their skills in the Travel and Tourism Industry. This course can be beneficial for a wide range of professionals, including:

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Prerequisites of the Travel Agent Training Course

There are no formal prerequisites to attend this Travel Agent Course.

The Travel Agent Training is a comprehensive course designed to equip aspiring travel professionals and industry enthusiasts with the knowledge and skills required in the dynamic world of travel and tourism. In a rapidly evolving industry, this Travel Agent Course offers invaluable insights into the latest trends, making it highly relevant for those seeking to excel in the field.

Proficiency in travel agency operations is crucial for travel enthusiasts, budding Travel Agents, and anyone wishing to make a mark in the travel industry. In a globalised world, Travel Agents serve as the linchpin, ensuring travellers' seamless experiences. This Online Travel Agent Training  is tailored for professionals who want to master the art of travel planning and provide exceptional services to their clients.

This 1-day Travel Agent Course by The Knowledge Academy is designed to give delegates a deep understanding of travel industry dynamics, including customer service, travel technology, destination knowledge, and marketing strategies. Delegates will learn to navigate booking systems, address customer needs, and create unforgettable travel itineraries. Whether starting or seeking career growth, this Online Travel Agent Course will enhance your competence and confidence.

Course Objectives

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• To acquire essential customer service skills for effective client interaction
• To master travel technology and booking systems
• To gain in-depth knowledge of popular travel destinations
• To develop marketing strategies for travel agencies
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• To understand the legal and ethical aspects of the travel industry
• To stay updated on emerging trends and innovations in the field

After completing the Travel Agent Course, delegates will receive a certification recognised by leading industry associations. This Online Travel Agent Course will validate their expertise and boost their credibility in the competitive travel industry, opening doors to exciting career opportunities and business success.

What’s included in the Travel Agent Training Course?

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Experience live, interactive learning from home with The Knowledge Academy's Online Instructor-led Travel Agent Training. Engage directly with expert instructors, mirroring the classroom schedule for a comprehensive learning journey. Enjoy the convenience of virtual learning without compromising on the quality of interaction.

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Unlock your potential with The Knowledge Academy's Travel Agent Training, accessible anytime, anywhere on any device. Enjoy 90 days of online course access, extendable upon request, and benefit from the support of our expert trainers. Elevate your skills at your own pace with our Online Self-paced sessions.

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Virtuoso Advisors help make the process of seeing the world a stress-free experience for the sophisticated traveler.

What is a Travel Advisor?

A travel advisor is an expert in crafting personalized, seamless, and extraordinary travel experiences. As a travel advisor, you will be the architect of dream vacations. the trusted guide to exotic destinations, and the curator of lifelong memories.  

Traits of a Great Advisor

Are you a creative problem solver? Do you have an insatiable curiosity for the world's wonders? Are you a master at planning and building relationships? If you crave the excitement of discovery, the joy of exceeding expectations, and the satisfaction of making dreams come true, travel advising could be your ideal career. 

Your Perfect Fit with Virtuoso

Virtuoso agencies have been carefully vetted to provide best-in-class experiences through our 2,300+ global Preferred Partners. Luxury travel advising with high-net-worth clients takes luxury-level white-glove service. If you're looking for a career focused on luxury leisure travel, a Virtuoso agency is the right fit for you.

Become a Luxury Travel Advisor

How to apply  , what to expect, questions about getting started we have the answers..

• Curate travel experiences that weave together the finest details with highly organized logistics
• Design and document itineraries
• Manage and complete bookings
• Invoice and track payments

Many of our most successful advisors employ assistants to help with these tasks.

It can typically take 3-5 years to generate a steady income as a travel advisor. It’s not about just studying or training hard enough. Consider the following:

• Growth is based on the number of clients you start with, how you build a client base, and the trip volume.
• You should be prepared to go a year without making significant income.
• Most of our Members are looking for full-time dedicated luxury advisors.
• Virtuoso’s Core Training and Virtuoso Certified Travel Advisor program can help you ramp up your career more quickly.

A host agency works with independent contractors to help them grow their travel business. The agency:

• Provides access to products and services that will help them grow their business and earn more revenue.
• Usually charges a commission split or a monthly fee depending on the sales volume and the needs of the advisor.

Interview several different types of agencies to determine the right fit for your business. Consider the products and services they offer, as well as the agency culture.

There are many different factors to consider when deciding between being an independent contractor or a staff advisor.

There are many different agency models, but there are two primary revenue sources:

• Customer-paid fees based on transaction or service provided.
• Partner-paid compensation (commissions, overrides, or incentives), which generally happens after travel is completed.

Additional Resources for New Advisors

• Get inspired! Learn about what it's like to be a travel advisor and prepare yourself to take the plunge with some solid advice about how to turn your travel dreams into a career.
• Lila Fox went from being an engineer to a Virtuoso member travel advisor. Read her tips on how to make the shift successfully.

TRAVEL IS YOUR PASSION, SO MAKE IT YOUR CAREER

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Do you want to know how to become a travel agent? Successful travel agents have several things in common. They are highly motivated, put a 110 percent into their clients and they are passionate about travel.

Our goal is to develop both the knowledge and skills you need to become a travel professional so that you can work as an employee or independent contractor with a travel leaders group wholly owned, franchise or member-based agency. we work together with you to find the best fit for you., learn more about the travel leaders of tomorrow program or.

"I have spent a long time "dreaming' about being a TA and now I can actually feel more confident in taking this huge leap! Thanks to Rich and Martin for being outstanding educators and coaches!!"

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As part of the Travel Leaders family of companies, Travel Leaders of Tomorrow offers participants the unique benefit of exposure to and networking with personal connections in all sectors of the industry during the program. I was able to attend a major industry conference, speak directly with suppliers and meet people working in all areas of the industry.

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"The travel business is as robust as ever, and the Travel Leaders of Tomorrow program intends to infuse it with fresh energy and talent, which will continue to sustain it for years to come."

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"I feel so grateful that I've chosen Travel Leaders of Tomorrow as my vehicle to learn about the travel industry. I've seen firsthand that Travel Leader's connections are reputable and highly respected."

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The program helped me develop an invaluable support network of experienced industry professionals as well as peers; ensuring help is always available when needed. After completing the curriculum, I feel prepared to focus on growing my business with confidence.

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"The weekly meetings were a huge part of learning...the interaction made the program feel more real! AWESOME!!"

Sandy N. (Participant 2016)

"I was NOT expecting the outpouring of support, assistance and camaraderie that I felt in each class and continue to feel after the program ended. The people connections are what make this program special, you can’t find this in any other “off the shelf” online school."

Ashley M (Participant 2015)

"It is very difficult sometimes when life gets busy and unexpected things come up to stay on track, and having the study group helped me keep pace when I fell behind. I would not recommend it any other way, plus I got to meet some fun and great people along the way."

"I didn’t have a lot of confidence with myself. The more time I spent in class, the more I got comfortable talking to my fellow students about my love for travel. When I started receiving positive feedback from other students telling me they can hear so much passion when I talked about travel, I knew I was going to be able to connect well with future clients."

"I have been considering this for some time but struggled with the idea of attending an online course. Once I got going it was much easier than I anticipated and I enjoyed learning all the different aspects of the travel industry."

"Thank you Travel Leaders of Tomorrow for giving me the knowledge and courage to pursue this new career!"

The Travel Leaders of Tomorrow is a program designed to attract and train new travel agents to ideally place in Travel Leaders Group wholly-owned, franchised or member based agencies. With this goal in mind your application is reviewed by the Travel Leaders of Tomorrow Program Director or coordinator.

Completion of the program does not guarantee job placement, but it is our intent to assist in placing as many qualified participants as possible., there is no cost to submit your application..

Military Veterans and active-duty spouses interested in training for a career in travel should visit the Veterans in Travel website for scholarship opportunity and application.

Travel Leaders of Tomorrow is partnered with well known travel companies. Our travel partners provide us with amazing support including access to their training content and Guest Faculty webinars designed with the new travel professional in mind.

• remote job search
• remote job search tips
• remote jobs
• remote travel agent jobs
• remote work
• work from home jobs

• Skye Rodgers
• January 28, 2022
• 5 minutes read

How to Find Remote Travel Agent Jobs

If you enjoy traveling or yearn to be a digital nomad with a fully remote workplace, then work from home travel agent jobs might be your ticket to a fulfilling new life. With COVID safety protocols in place, the travel industry is beginning to recover from the pandemic, and ads for remote travel agent jobs can once again be found.

Travel agencies took a big hit during the pandemic, and travel-related jobs made up 65% of all jobs lost in the U.S. due to COVID-19. However, despite continued pressure from COVID variants, travel spending in October 2021 reached $88 billion , just 12% below October 2019 levels. And although the holiday travel numbers aren’t in yet, indications are positive for near pre-pandemic levels.

With international travel resuming, demand for travel agents is also recovering. In fact, travel agents are more relevant than ever to help clients navigate new complications arising from COVID-19, including erratic airline schedules and constantly changing tests and vaccinations required for travel.

How to Become a Remote Travel Agent

A high school diploma is the minimum education for most travel agent positions; however, many employers will require additional training or certification. Training programs are offered by a wide range of education providers, including trade and vocational schools, community colleges, and industry associations. Four-year degrees in travel and hospitality are also available from some colleges and universities.

Professional associations and certifications play a crucial role in the travel agent industry, and new agents need to research and obtain memberships in those most relevant to their niche or specialization. In addition to offering credentials, they provide access to training opportunities and industry resources that help to build clientele and access relevant travel providers. Below are a few of the most important associations :

• The Travel Institute is primarily an education provider that collaborates with industry leaders to create and deliver professional travel education. The Institute offers the following credentials: Travel Associate (CTA), Certified Travel Counselor (CTC), and Certified Travel Industry Executive (CTIE).
• ASTA (American Society of Travel Advisors) is the largest association of travel professionals, and members include travel agents and tourism companies such as tour providers, cruise lines, hotels, and car rental agencies. Their credential is the ASTA Verified Travel Advisor (VTA) certification.
• CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) offers recognition from the cruise lines and access to perks. In addition, the association offers travel agents access to the Cruise Counsellor Certification program. Credentials include the Accredited Cruise Counsellor (ACC), Master Cruise Counsellor (MCC) or Elite Cruise Counsellor (ECC) designations.

Salary Information

The median annual wage for travel agents was $46,400 in May 2022, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Common Types of Remote Travel Agent Jobs

For the most part, travel agents consult with clients to find destinations, plan itineraries, and make arrangements for transportation, lodging, and entertainment. Agents collaborate with clients and build relationships with travel service providers on a daily basis. So, communication skills are the key to success in this job. In addition, good planning and organization skills are necessary to ensure that clients receive accurate itineraries and enjoy smooth travels.

The perks are the real draw! Travel agents frequently visit destinations for free or at a steeply reduced rate to gain firsthand knowledge. This experience is necessary to make qualified recommendations while also offering agents unequaled access to exciting travel opportunities. Below are a few common types of remote travel agent jobs.

Independent Remote Travel Agent Jobs

Travel agents already have a long history of working remotely. The work from home model was established in 2002 when airlines stopped paying commissions on airline tickets. In response to the drastic drop in income, many moved their businesses home to save on overhead. However, as travel agents adjusted, they found they still needed access to some key “appointments” offered by full-service agencies. “Appointments” refers to written agreements with third parties to sell their travel services. This led to the development of host agencies that maintain appointments and provide other needed services for home-based agents. In return, they charge a monthly/annual fee and/or commission split.

Corporate Remote Travel Agent Jobs

Another common category of travel agent is one who specialized in corporate travel. These agents work for specialized agencies or are employed in-house to book transportation and accommodations for employees traveling for business. Duties may also include group bookings for conferences and corporate meetings.

Entry-Level Remote Travel Agent Jobs

Entry-level employment as a travel agent can either take the form of joining a host agency as an independent agent (see above) or in an entry-level position with an agency or corporation. While many host agencies require no experience, it may take working on-site to secure a remote position as an employee.

Part-Time Remote Travel Agent Jobs

If you’re looking for part-time work or a side hustle, the hosted travel agent model is the way to go. Because you are your own boss, you are free to set your own hours.  

Companies that Hire Remote Travel Agents

The majority of remote travel agent jobs are in the travel arrangements and reservation services industry. This refers to travel agencies and host agencies. However, in-house jobs can be found in large corporations, global consultancies, and other businesses that require employees to travel frequently. Below are a few companies that frequently hire remote travel agents:

American Automobile Association (AAA)

American Automobile Association (AAA) is a non-profit network of travel service providers serving the U.S. and Canada. For an annual membership fee, AAA members may take advantage of travel services including roadside assistance, insurance, automotive services, travel services, and discounts at merchants nationwide.

BCD Travel is a privately-held, global, corporate travel management company that specializes in helping companies better manage their travel spending by advising clients on how to make their travel programs more efficient, safe, and productive.

Viking River Cruises Inc.

Viking River Cruises Inc . is a customer service-focused cruise line that tries to ensure every passenger has a great experience. This company’s cruises focus on the culture of the destinations and spend more time in each port than other cruise lines..

Travel agent jobs are a good option for people who want to work remotely and have a flexible schedule. With few educational requirements and the availability of entry-level positions as a hosted travel agent, this occupation is fairly easy to break into. Growth is projected to be slow due to advancements in online travel tools and DIY travel planners. However, there are still opportunities available, especially with travelers wanting personalized itineraries and corporate travel.

Which type of remote travel agent jobs sparked your interest? What excites you about travel agent jobs? Connect with Virtual Vocations on  Facebook ,  Twitter ,  LinkedIn ,  Instagram , and  YouTube  to share your thoughts and questions. We’d love to hear from you!

Joining  Virtual Vocations  grants you access to our hand-picked remote jobs database. Learn  how our service works , browse job leads by  location and career category , or search hundreds of hand-screened remote jobs to find legitimate work-at-home job leads that match your skills and background.  Register for free  or  contact us  for more information on our service guarantee. Check out our menu of Career Services provided by our team of certified professionals, including resume and career coaching services for remote jobseekers. Resume assessments and writing, LinkedIn profile enhancement, and cover letter writing are available to maximize the success of your remote job applications.  Discounts on all services available to subscription members,  become one now.

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