Independent Travel Agent FAQ4 Do I need qualifications?

Let me make one thing clear.....we all started somewhere. There are all different kinds of people in this industry. Some left school and started work in an Agency straight away, some will have worked 4 days and gone to college 1 day, some will have gone to college or University and studied Travel & Tourism. But they all started out knowing nothing. No one is born with a label saying Travel Agent. 

Many years ago when the internet started to get popular and people could search for holidays and then call a number to book I worked for a company that opened a call centre. We grew very fast and had to get bums on seats.... we recruited from anywhere and trained them for 2 weeks before letting them start making bookings. It worked and many of those people are still working in the industry. They learned by doing. There are people who will say....oh I did a 2 year apprenticeship, I went to college and try to make out that their way was the best and only legitimate way to get into the Industry.   

But I am going to say no. You don’t need qualifications to start. You need training and support which you will get if you sign up to join this business. Some companies charge £6000 to attend their travel academy. We charge nothing..... you will have access to training webinars, videos, supplier training and support from the team. We all want you to succeed and build a great business. If you have a passion for travel, can communicate clearly and are confident when checking details and doing basic maths.... you can do this.  

There are many supplier trainings you can undertake and many of those have a certificate for successful completion. You can get the certificates whilst you work. I would recommend doing these courses....they will make you more confident, they will expand your knowledge and add value to your business. There are people working with us that have worked for major travel retailers, there are people who have worked as overseas reps,people who have degrees in Travel and Tourism. But to me most importantly they have a passion for travel.     

There is a lot to be said for the school of life. Yes you could start in the business at 16 and go to college one day a week....but you earn peanuts and you won’t have travelled. All your knowledge at that age comes from what you learn and what is in the holiday brochure. If you are entering this business later on in life and with more life experience you have so much to offer your clients. You can give them advice based on your real experiences.  

I’m not saying one way is better than another. What I am saying is ...there is room for everyone. It is never too late to start doing something you love. Just because you didn’t go to college doesn’t mean you won’t be a great Travel Agent. Every experience you have had in life has taught you something.   

If you want this, I can help you make it happen. Message me today or email: dreamdestinationswithsandy@outlook.com