tour agent salary

THE JOURNAL

Travel Advisor Resources

How Much Do Travel Agents Make? Fora’s Full Guide

The Modern Travel Agency

Fora Travel

https://www.foratravel.com/the-journal/how-much-do-travel-agents-make

How much do travel agents make? What factors go into how much a travel agent — or as we prefer, travel advisor — earns? We’re telling all. 

Alternatively, you can learn exactly how much you can make by becoming a Fora Advisor . Sign up today and we’ll answer all your questions. 

First, is there a high demand for travel agents? (Hint: yes!)

And demand is growing. Since travel restrictions were lifted after the COVID-19 pandemic, more people than ever are going on vacations and business trips (check out jobs where you travel ) — more importantly, they’re smarter about how they go about it. And there’s no better way to book a trip than to use a travel advisor to get awesome perks, deals and the kind of personal touches that turns a good trip into a great one. 

(Wondering how to become a travel agent ? Our guide has you covered.)

How do travel agents get compensated?

There are a few different ways travel advisors earn income, and the source typically depends on the service. Here’s how it breaks down.

(Wondering about startup and upkeep costs? Check out our guide to how much it costs to become a travel agent .)

Travel partners (or suppliers, in industry lingo) pay commissions: think hotels, travel insurance, rental cars, cruise incentives, tours…

Image courtesy of Turtle Bay Resort

A large portion of a travel advisor’s income comes from commissions, which are a percentage — usually between 10 and 15 percent — of whatever service their client is benefiting from, be it a hotel reservation, travel insurance and so on. (Here are 5 types of bookings you can make as a Fora Advisor that aren’t hotels .)

Suppliers, such as hotel brands, cruise lines and rental car providers pay these commissions; and Fora Advisors don’t charge their clients for commissionable services. In other words? Fora Advisors get paid, and their clients don't have to pay anything extra.

The cool thing is that many of the best hotels and services know that happy travel advisors will send new clients back, so the suppliers will throw in complimentary perks to sweeten the deal. This is why Fora Advisors can offer the same rate as an online travel agency for a hotel room at, say, Virgin Hotels New Orleans (one of the most unique places to stay in New Orleans , by the way), yet offer cool extras for their clients at no additional cost. 

Our guide to how much do travel agents make per booking gets into the details of the process if you’re curious.

Clients pay planning & service fees: non-commissionable bookings, vacation packages & custom itineraries…

Besides commissions, planning and service fees are the other major sources of income for travel advisors. 

Why might advisors charge fees? In most cases, an advisor may charge a fee to develop a custom itinerary for a client. In this case, the client compensates the advisor for their time, much in the same way one would pay a financial advisor. 

At Fora, it’s generally up to the advisor to decide how much to charge (if at all) for custom itineraries.

How much do travel agents make exactly? It depends

There’s no simple answer to this question, because Fora Advisors have the flexibility to work as much or as little as they want. Some treat their advisor position as a travel side hustle , only spending a few hours per month on booking rooms for friends and family, while others make a very lucrative living. 

Can you make ‘good’ money as a travel agent? You bet

Is being a travel agent worth it ? Fora Advisors will say yes. Many top Fora Advisors earn six figures per year. Again, when you join Fora, you can work as much or as little as you'd like, so the money earned will vary, but regardless, we'll teach you how to maximize your earnings.

Ready to start your lucrative career in travel? Become a Fora Advisor today .

What’s the average travel agent salary in the USA?

We can’t speak for all travel agencies, but some of the top Fora travel advisor salaries are measured in seven figures. And while such a salary is quite a bit above average, these top earners put in a lot of work, and have been doing this for a while.

On the flip side, plenty of Fora Advisors treat their travel business like a side hustle on top of their day job, earning an extra couple of hundred to several thousand dollars per month.

Factors that might affect how much a travel agent makes

A lot of factors go into how much travel agents make per month. Here are some of the most common.

Remote vs. brick-and-mortar travel agencies

There are a lot of advantages to becoming a travel agent online , but the biggest might be the substantial difference in overhead. 

Travel agents who work from brick-and-mortar establishments have to pay rent or property taxes for office space. Remote travel agents only have to worry about internet connection and a comfy spot to sit.

In either case, you have to factor in your expenses when calculating how much you’re making as a travel agent, and remote agents have a clear advantage.

Independent vs. employed travel agents

Let's break it down. There are essentially three different types of travel agent jobs .

Employed travel advisors — that is, advisors who work for a company that sells travel — typically earn base pay, but there are a lot of trade-offs that make this business model less attractive to the advisor. Most importantly, there may be caps on the number of clients you have and / or reduced commissions that severely impact your bottom line. 

One potential positive: marketing resources may be available through the company, but oftentimes, they’re not exactly modern in their approach (unlike Fora's!). And finally, employed travel advisors generally have to adhere to a traditional nine-to-five schedule — with little flexibility.

Fully independent travel advisors, on the other hand, can enjoy all the flexibility they want. But, as business owners, they also have to consider things like licensing fees, marketing materials, business insurance and so on that employed advisors don’t have to worry about. These fees and extra expenses can dampen profit margins, and can be prohibitive for prospective advisors who don’t necessarily want to risk the startup costs. 

Our guide on how to start a travel agency from scratch provides more details, but we’ll be frank: there’s a much easier path to making great money as a travel agent.

The third option (and sweet spot)? Join Fora. Fora Advisors are technically independent travel agents — sometimes referred to as independent contractors — except they operate under Fora’s licenses and have access to an incredible wealth of resources (including extensive travel agent training ).

Plus, thanks to Fora's global network of travel partners, our advisors unlock tons of exclusive client perks at thousands of hotels. 

Want to learn more? Here’s how to become an independent travel agent through Fora. 

In a literal sense, how do travel agents get paid?

Across the industry, travel advisors are paid via the old-school, commission-check-in-the-mail method. At Fora, travel advisors are paid via direct deposit. And our advisors don't have to chase down their commission payments. We take care of all that.

Read about how travel agents get paid for more details.

Are there ways to maximize the earnings a travel agent makes?

Certainly. How much a travel agent makes depends heavily on factors like their niche, host agency (if applicable) and — of course — travel planning skills.

Can’t wait to start your travel career? Become a Fora Advisor .

1. Consider adopting a niche

A niche can go a long way in boosting how much a travel agent makes because it gives them a focus. Rather than trying to be good at everything, niche travel agents become great at only one or two aspects of travel — at least to start. This allows them to build a wealth of knowledge in their niche that will impress clients, potentially drawing in business from new clients seeking a similar trip. 

At Fora, there’s no limit to the type of niches an advisor adopts. You could specialize in selling cruises, Disney vacations, trips to a certain location (such as Las Vegas or Barcelona) — whatever you’re most passionate about.

(BTW: learn how to become a cruise travel agent or how to become a Disney travel agent .)

2. Expand your partnerships with hotel reps, tour operators and other travel-related services

Image courtesy of The Rubens at the Palace

Incentives like VIP hotel perks — complimentary hotel upgrades, meals, etc. — give travel advisors an edge over online travel agencies (OTAs) like Booking.com. As such, expanding these partnerships allows travel advisors to offer a wider range of trip benefits while remaining competitive. 

Fora Advisors can unlock awesome perks for their clients at over 4,500 hotels around the world and counting. And Fora’s HQ is constantly working to expand its network of partnerships.

3. Work with a travel company that cares about your success

This may be a shameless plug, but our advisors will back us up on this one. Just check out our advisor-sourced guide to the best reasons to become a Fora Advisor . 

In any case, your choice of host agency is critical. Plenty of old-school agencies essentially throw their advisors into the wild, only stepping in if sales quotas aren’t met.

At Fora, we offer unwavering support to all our advisors, plus loads of awesome resources, including a bevy of marketing materials, thorough travel agent training and access to an engaged community filled with travel experts. 

Here are a few insider tips for how to be a successful travel advisor . 

4. Give your clients the star treatment (because thoughtful advisors will get repeat business)

Possibly the most important factor affecting how much a travel agent makes: their customer service skills. 

The simple truth is that clients will only use your services if you actually help them. Putting the time and effort into making sure your clients have an amazing experience will pay dividends later. Not only will you likely win their future business, but you could win the business of their family members, friends and peers, too. 

(Read about how travel agents get clients .)

5. Keep at it: being a travel agent can be stressful, but so worth it

Finally, patience and dedication have a dramatic effect on how much travel agents make. 

Chances are, you’re not going to start with a dozen clients planning 20 trips. It takes a lot of time and effort to get to that point, but if you can, you’ll find that travel planning can be a very rewarding career. 

Need to know more? See what it takes to become a travel agent .

How much do travel agents make? Ask (or become) a Fora Advisor

Ultimately, the best way to find out how much you can make as a travel agent is to try it out for yourself. Sign up to become a Fora Advisor today .

Not quite ready? Check out these travel advisor resources, too:

How to Market Your Travel Business Like a Pro: Tips from the Experts  

How to Become a Luxury Travel Agent: the 2023 Guide  

Travel Agent Certification: Options and FAQs  

Debunking 3 Myths about Becoming a Travel Advisor  

A Window into Fora's Certified Training   

Book a Cruise With a Virgin Voyages Travel Agent   

Why Group Bookings Are Great: Tips from an Expert

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.

Travel Agent Salary in the US

Travel agent - average salary, travel agent salary range, travel agent - salary differences, travel agent - pay by experience level in the united states, how work experience affects the salary of a travel agent, gender breakdown, travel agent - jobs by location, travel agent - related salaries.

Frequently asked questions about the salary of the Travel Agent

Travel Agent Salary

How much does a Travel Agent make? The average Travel Agent salary is $59,081 as of February 26, 2024, but the salary range typically falls between $51,165 and $67,449 . Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education , certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target. 

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Travel Agent Salary in Major Cities

Travel agent salary by state.

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Recently searched related titles: Corporate Travel Agent , Travel Associate , Travel Counselor

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Jobs with a similar salary range to Travel Agent : Hotel Reservations Agent , Ticketing Agent , Mailhandler

Last Update: February 26, 2024

Travel agent salary

The average salary for a travel agent in the United States is around $43,810 per year.

Travel agents earn an average yearly salary of $ 43,810 . Wages typically start from $ 28,280 and go up to $ 74,220 .

31 % below national average ● Updated in 2021

Travel agent earnings by seniority

Approximate values based on highest and lowest earning segments.

Travel agent salary by state

How do travel agent salaries compare to similar careers.

Travel agents earn about the same as related careers in the United States. On average, they make less than truck drivers but more than estheticians.

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Salary for Travel Agents

Also known as:  Auto Travel Counselor, Certified Corporate Travel Executive, Certified Travel Counselor, Corporate Travel Expert, Travel Agent, Travel Consultant, Travel Counselor, Travel Service Consultant

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The annual compensation for this career has gone up since 2004. Salaries have increased by an average of 57.37 percent nationwide in that time.

Travel Agents tend to make the most in the following industries:

In general, they earn less within the industries below:

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Travel Agent salary

Average travel agent salary, $15.93 hourly, how much does a travel agent make.

The average travel agent salary in the United States is $33,128. Travel agent salaries typically range between $26,000 and $41,000 yearly. The average hourly rate for travel agents is $15.93 per hour.

Travel agent salary is impacted by location, education, and experience. Travel agents earn the highest average salary in Wisconsin.

Average travel agent salary by state

The average travel agent salary in Wisconsin, Maine, and Indiana are the highest in the U.S. The lowest average travel agent salary states are North Carolina, Alabama, and Nebraska.

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Highest paying states for travel agents

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Highest paying cities for travel agents

The highest-paying cities for travel agents are Madison, WI, Chicago, IL, and Los Angeles, CA.

Travel Agent salary details

A travel agent's salary ranges from $26,000 a year at the 10th percentile to $41,000 at the 90th percentile.

What is a travel agent's salary?

Highest paying travel agent jobs.

The highest paying types of travel agents are certified travel counselor, corporate travel expert, and travel manager.

Top companies hiring travel agents now:

• American Express Jobs (260)
• Expedia Group Jobs (103)
• The Walt Disney Company Jobs (77)
• RCI Jobs (32)
• World Travel Holdings Jobs (108)

Which companies pay travel agents the most?

Travel agent salaries at Perkins Coie and Rich Products are the highest-paying according to our most recent salary estimates. In addition, the average travel agent salary at companies like THS National and Volt Systems LLC are highly competitive.

Travel Agent salary by industry

The average travel agent salary varies across industries:

• The average travel agent salary in the technology industry is $33,813, the highest of any industry.
• The average travel agent salary in the finance industry is $33,411.
• Travel agents in the professional industry earn an average salary of $32,486, the lowest of any industry.

Highest paying industries for travel agents

High paying travel agent jobs, travel agent salary trends.

The average travel agent salary has risen by $6,586 over the last ten years. In 2014, the average travel agent earned $26,542 annually, but today, they earn $33,128 a year. That works out to a 16% change in pay for travel agents over the last decade.

Compare travel agent salaries for cities or states with the national average over time.

Average travel agent salary over time

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Travel Agent salary by year

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Travel Agent Salary in The United States

The average Travel Agent Salary in The United States is $45,600 per year . Salaries range from $38,400 to $59,900 . The average Travel Agent Hourly Wage is $14.25 per hour . Hourly wages range from $12.00 to $18.70 . Salaries and wages depend on multiple factors including geographic location, experience, seniority, industry, education etc.

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How Much Do Travel Agents Make?

If you possess an entrepreneurial spirit, love visiting amazing destinations and enjoy the freedom to work practically anywhere, then becoming a travel agent may be just the right career move for you. Best of all, you’ll get paid for doing what you love!

Therefore, one of your first questions before making the decision to start your own travel business will most likely be, “How much money do travel agents make?” Providing an answer to the seemingly simple question of travel agent pay is a lot more complex than you might think.

Our comprehensive guide below will address all your travel agent salary questions as you consider embarking on an exciting new career in the travel industry!

How Much Do Travel Agents Make Working From Home?

If you are considering starting your own home-based travel business, you’ll naturally want to know how much your travel agent salary will be. Unfortunately, there is no easy answer to the question, “How much do travel agents make working from home?” That’s because travel agent salary varies depending on several factors, including:

• Location — Average travel agent salaries vary considerably according to where you locate your business. Remember that it doesn’t necessarily matter where you live, it’s more important how and where you market to travelers that will make the difference.
• Niche — Setting yourself apart from other travel agents by specializing in specific types of travel or destinations can increase your travel agent salary.
• Experience — Becoming an expert in specific destinations can help you gain new clients and increase your travel agent income.
• Marketing Strategy — Marketing your business directly to target clients will determine the amount of leads you will receive and sales you will make.

Other issues to consider when trying to figure out how much travel agents make include the average hours worked per week, travel industry training, and whether being a travel agent will serve as your primary income.

Another important factor when considering travel agent salary is getting the right tools and partnerships in place to make your travel business successful. This involves connecting with a host agency such as TPI to provide the expertise and resources you need to start your own travel business. Your travel agent salary can increase significantly through the partnership with a host agency.

What Do Travel Agent Salary Surveys Tell Us About Travel Agent Income?

Beware of typing “travel agent salary surveys” into Google because you will come across a lot of wildly fluctuating travel agent salary data. For one thing, there are a variety of different types of travel agents – ranging from home-based travel businesses that partner with host agencies to traditional storefront travel agents and corporate travel agents.

Therefore, lumping all the different kinds of travel agents into an average travel agent salary can result in very misleading data to say the least. If you want to find out more specific data related to travel agent salaries, you’ll need to search by the specific type of travel agent (for example, “average home-based travel agent salary for 2021”).

In addition, Host Agency Reviews offers a detailed breakdown of different travel agent salaries in its annual Travel Agent Income Survey. Another important travel agent salary resource to consult is the Travel Institute’s report, The Changing Face of Travel Agents, which covers the four “Cs” of today’s rapidly changing travel agency environment: composition, certification, contentment and compensation.

How to Become a Higher-Earning Travel Agent with TPI

Higher-earning travel agents usually possess more travel industry training and experience than those less experienced travel agents who are just starting out. However, by partnering with a host agency like TPI, these higher-earning travel agents can get even more revenue out of their travel business. That’s because they can enjoy the rewards of the host agency’s strong vendor relationships, which will, in turn, allow them to earn higher commissions.

Why Earning Commission Means You Can Make More As A Travel Agent

Starting a travel business out of your home means that your earnings will typically come in the form of commissions, as well as service fees. A commission is simply a percent-age of the total cost of the booking that gets set aside for the travel agent who booked the trip. Therefore, the more you book, the more commissions you earn!

Travel agents receive commissions from various suppliers such as:

• Hotels and Resorts
• Ocean and River Cruises
• Tour Operators
• Car Rental Agencies
• Travel Insurance Carriers

For example, if you book a cruise for a client that costs $1,500 and your commission is 10 percent, you will earn approximately $150 from booking the cruise.

When you work with a host agency like TPI, you pay a travel agency fee. TPI determines its fees based on our commission split structures. We offer multiple split structures, so you decide how much you pay in fees and how much of your commission you keep.

In exchange for the resources and benefits of partnering with a host agency like TPI, you can expect to take home approximately 70 to 90% of your total earned commissions. Since major vendors work in bulk with host agencies, you can expect to earn higher commissions.

Now Is The Perfect Time To Become A Travel Agent

After a turbulent year in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, now is the perfect time to become a travel agent and run you own travel business! That’s because the travel industry has regained momentum in 2021 for the following reasons:

• Travel restrictions have become less stringent in many of the most sought-after destinations.
• Most Americans have received vaccinations and are anxious to travel and explore the world again.
• These travelers will want to rely on the expertise of travel agents to navigate the ever-changing travel landscape brought forth by the pandemic.

Best of all, an experienced host agency like TPI can support you on the journey to a successful career as a travel agent. With our extensive training and support system, you will learn all the ins and outs of the travel industry. From then on, you’ll be on the path to achieving success as a travel agent in no time!

Rockstar Success Stories

I started my career like many others, with big dreams and a passion for travel. I opened my business in 2010 as an independent agent — working on my own trying to take on the world. After finding a mentor in the industry, I was introduced to the idea of host agencies. I worked with several host agencies over the years, but joining TPI in 2012 was the best move for my business.

Steven Gould Goulds Travel

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a travel agent’s salary.

How much money a travel agent makes depends on a variety of factors, including where you live, how much experience you have, your marketing strategy, and what kind of travel niche you choose to focus on, among others.

How much money does a travel agent make in Florida?

As one of the world’s top vacation destinations, Florida is home to world-famous theme parks and a cruise industry that’s on the verge of a major post-pandemic comeback. Therefore, travel agents who start their businesses in Florida typically make salaries slightly above the national average.

How much money do travel agents make per booking?

How much a travel agent makes per booking varies widely depending on the type of booking. That’s why many travel agents wisely choose to specialize in a lucrative niche travel market.

What is the average salary of a travel agent?

According to Host Agency Reviews, the average annual salary for a hosted travel agent with 3+ years of experience was $44,312 in 2020. Keep in mind that travel agent salaries fluctuate significantly based on many of the factors listed throughout this article. In addition, since the travel industry is gaining post-pandemic momentum, the average 2021 travel agent salary should end up being higher than the past year.

How do travel agents get paid?

Travel agent pay usually comes from commissions vendors provide on vacation packages, tours, cruises, hotels, resorts, travel insurance and other add-ons.

Partner with TPI for Travel Agent Success

If you’re ready to become a successful travel agent and rock the travel industry, TPI is here for you! At TPI, we will provide you with all the training, marketing tools and latest technology you need to get started as a home-based travel agent. Then you can start growing your travel business very quickly. Find out how you can connect with TPI today.

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• United States

Travel Agent

$58,083 (usd)/yr, $27.92 (usd) /hr, $6,738 (usd) /yr.

The average travel agent gross salary in United States is $58,083 or an equivalent hourly rate of $28. In addition, they earn an average bonus of $6,738. Salary estimates based on salary survey data collected directly from employers and anonymous employees in United States. An entry level travel agent (1-3 years of experience) earns an average salary of $34,803. On the other end, a senior level travel agent (8+ years of experience) earns an average salary of $72,384.

Data powered by ERI's Salary Expert Database .

This page is a promotion for SalaryExpert’s Assessor Platform and is not intended for professional use.

Professionals should subscribe to SalaryExpert’s Assessor Platform .

ERI’s compensation data are based on salary surveys conducted and researched by ERI. Cost of labor data in the Assessor Series are based on actual housing sales data from commercially available sources, plus rental rates, gasoline prices, consumables, medical care premium costs, property taxes, effective income tax rates, etc.

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$65,243 (USD)

Based on our compensation data, the estimated salary potential for Travel Agent will increase 12 % over 5 years.

This chart displays the highest level of education for: Travel Agent , the majority at 46% with bachelors.

Typical Field of Study: Tourism and Travel Services Marketing Operations

the United States

Cost of living is calculated based on accumulating the cost of food, transportation, health services, rent, utilities, taxes, and miscellaneous.

The United States of America (USA or U.S.A.), commonly known as the United States (US or U.S.) or America, is a country primarily located in North America, between Canada and Mexico. It is a federation of 50 states, a federal capital district (Washington, D.C.), and 326 Indian reservations. Outside the union of states, it asserts sovereignty over five major unincorporated island territories and various uninhabited islands. The country has the world's third-largest land area, largest maritime exclusive...

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How to Become a Travel Agent—Because, Believe It or Not, the Industry Is on the Rise

By Scott Bay

There’s a reason “how to become a travel agent” has been a continuously trending search phrase on Google—it is a career path that offers a flexible work environment and schedule, ample travel opportunities, and an immersion into a supportive world-wide industry. It's a surprise to some in 2023: Once the internet became widely available, it was largely believed that needing a travel agent was obsolete. However, even though the brick-and-mortar agencies with punny names in strip malls have vanished, the career is on-the-rise .

New software options are making it easier than ever for people to make money planning trips, either as a side hustle or as a full-time business. That’s why Cherikonda, India-based stay-at-home mother, Maya Kapoor-Miller, decided to enter the professional world as a travel agent this year, at 31. “I knew nothing about the travel industry prior to signing up,” says Kapoor-Miller, who decided to use San Francisco-based booking platform Dreamport to establish her online travel advisor business. “It is my first business in life, and the only one that you can start with no investment.”

But there's also a rise in demand. When people ventured back into the world after the pandemic, travel agents saw an overwhelming amount of business . And that momentum hasn’t stopped—when travel is complicated, like it was in 2020 and 2021, travelers turned to professional trip planners to create a seamless vacation. For better or worse, traveling has remained complicated and chaotic, with new rules being implemented (like Americans needing to pay a fee to visit Europe in 2024 ) and airline strikes and staffing issues. Offloading all of the nitty-gritty details to someone else is more appealing than ever.

For those entering the field, there's also the age-old motivator: a love of travel. 

Shelton Ellis, who is based in North Carolina, recently saw these opportunities and left behind more than 20 years in public relations and global advertising to turn his passion into a career. “I was born with a wanderlust that would wear Rick Steves out,” Ellis says. “I decided to take the leap and follow that lifelong yearning. Transitioning into this role was really about learning how to monetize what I'm passionate about.”

Whether you are looking for a new career path or a lucrative side-hustle—or simply curious about those taking the plunge—here’s how to become a travel agent, from the qualifications and education required, to anticipated earnings, according to those who have made the shift in the past year. 

What exactly does a travel agent do?

Travel agents, or travel advisors (the term is mostly interchangeable), manage everything that goes into a trip for their clients: the flights, car transfers, accommodations, restaurant reservations, and more—they even inspire the itinerary. The reason people turn to travel agents, aside from having a helping hand during any travel chaos , is also to tap into the travel agent’s first-hand knowledge of destinations, and their industry partnerships, which often lead to perks such as hotel upgrades, ideal airplane seats, and experiences that can’t be found on a search engine.

“You have to remember that as a travel agent, you will be a guide for people during their happiest moments—family reunions, weddings , baptisms, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences that people have dreamt of,” says Kapoor-Miller. “It has been one of the most rewarding aspects of being a travel agent. You navigate people, inform them, and help them choose.”

So, how do you become a travel agent?

There are many ways to become a travel agent, from joining an existing travel agency , to starting an independent business from the ground up. Others are opting for one of the buzziest start-ups in the travel industry, Fora . When it launched in 2021, the software company, which trains and provides search engine-optimized profile pages to advisors—at one point had a waitlist of over 30,000 people eager to begin a part-time gig. Travel photographer and Condé Nast Traveler contributor Amanda Villarosa is currently in the process of joining.

“I'm the person that friends and family come to for travel recommendations, tips and tricks, and general travel advice,” says Villarosa. “After discovering Fora and looking into it, I realized that it could be the perfect side-hustle, considering I'm already so involved in the industry.”

With additional flexibility, Villarosa was able to move from New York City to splitting her time between Denver and Los Angeles . She says that the sign-up was quite straightforward. “You're given a dedicated Fora email and have access to advising tools and fellow Fora advisors,” she says. “The training is in the form of Zoom meetings and videos, which you have the option to watch at your own pace. Once completed, you take a certification quiz and you're on your way to advising.”

The other ways in are slightly more involved. To begin an independent practice, you go about it like many other businesses. You will have to create an LLC, establish a business name, cultivate marketing materials, build a website, find clientele, and more.

Ellis found something in the middle, choosing to connect with an established travel agency. “Don't be afraid to reach out to an agency looking to take on new advisors and is willing to mentor," says Ellis. "I was fortunate to learn so much from Annie Chambers, the owner of Crafted Escapes , who has seven years in the business.” He now knows the ropes on everything from using itinerary-building software to destination-specific training, to the sales and marketing aspects of the trade.

Is there required education or qualifications?

Ellis says that there's no certification, per se, required to become a travel advisor, but there are countless training courses available like Departure Lounge ’s classes on navigating the industry through hotels and tour operators. He said it’s also important to stay on top of travel trends. Ellis recently completed travel agent training programs provided by premier cruise lines such as Virgin Voyages , Ritz-Carlton Yachts , and Cunard to help agents sell their products more accurately.

How much does a travel agent make?

What a travel agent earns depends on how many trips they successfully book for their clients. The entire model is commission-based, meaning agents earn a percentage of the total cost of the vacation they orchestrate. Many travel advisors choose to charge a flat-rate planning fee in addition to their commission, but balance is key—if you charge a high planning fee, it could lead to potential clients going elsewhere.

Stacey Lastoe

Tonya Russell

Steph Koyfman

Emily Pennington

Fora ’s website states that “some of our full-time, expert advisors earn well into the six figures (or beyond).” So a lucrative career may be on the horizon, for those who are able to build a robust client base and excellent industry connections.

How much you make can also depend on where you live around the world. “I am being paid in dollars,” says India-based Kapoor-Miller. “So the currency fluctuations of the local exchange rate are not something I am worried about.”

What are the key skills required to become a travel agent?

“Travel agents need a mix of customer service, communication, destination knowledge, organizational, and problem-solving skills,” says Kapoor-Miller. “But I would say that adaptability, flexibility, curiosity, and cultural sensitivity top them all—you have to put yourself in other's shoes, and understand the requirements, hopes, and expectations of your clients along with any worries and questions they may have.”

It’s vital to have a passion for traveling, even the aspects of the process that aren’t as exciting, such as learning about new airline routes, train schedule updates, and industry news. “It can be an information-heavy hustle, and I believe it's important to be excited about it as that energy definitely transfers to your clients and partners,” Villarosa says.

Should travel advisors choose a specialization?

Many travel advisors have found success through becoming an expert in a few types of travel and destinations. “It's important to become an authority and learn as much as you can through personal experiences and continuing education,” says Ellis. “As a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community , an avid snow skier, and scuba diver, I know not only the popular destinations but others that are off the beaten path, equally safe and adventurous for all travelers.” This helps travel agents establish a competitive edge, and hopefully convince potential clients to choose them for their expertise.

What are the benefits of being a travel agent?

“Flexibility tops them all,” says Kapoor-Miller. “And the ability to start without industry knowledge. If you worry that you are too old for this job, the good news is that this is a job you can enter and enjoy at any age.”

Another great perk is the "Familiarization trip,” says Ellis. “Tourism boards and hotels invite agents to visit and familiarize themselves with a particular country and its properties. After all, any accomplished salesperson should learn everything they can about their products first-hand...even if they're in Bora Bora.” It's hard work, but someone's got to do it. 

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8 Jobs People Are Quitting (& Where They're Going)

Posted: January 22, 2024 | Last updated: January 22, 2024

Jobs People Are Fleeing From and Where They're Going

Travel Agent (Fleeing)

A median salary of $36,460 (according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics) for just a high school diploma doesn’t sound too bad, but this career is quickly disappearing. With the rise of online searches and bookings, the need for travel agents has been slowly dying out. They’ll be a forgotten species soon enough. 

The Bureau of Labor Statistics suspects that this trend will continue, projecting a 12% decline in this job by 2024. Things aren’t looking good for in-person travel agents at this point, so it’s no wonder that many in this profession are looking for an exit. We don’t expect this trend will improve in the future either. 

Information Security Analyst (On the Rise)

Many people don't even know what an information security analyst does, but it's actually a pretty important job in our high-tech society. These professionals are responsible for helping to prevent security breaches and cyberattacks, as well as train employees on how to avoid these problems in the first place. 

As the potential dangers of the internet continue to rise, so does the need for information security analysts. It's expected that this is one career that will rise in demand by more than 30% in the coming decade. When you couple this rise in opportunities with an average median salary of more than $100,000, this is one job that doesn't sound half bad! 

Textile Machine Operator (Fleeing)

Another career that doesn’t require a college degree. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates you can make about $27,227, which is on the lower end of the spectrum, but even if it’s something you want to do, this job seems to be disappearing fast. The BLS expects over 21% of those remaining textile operator jobs to be gone by 2026. 

So what’s causing this drastic decline in textile machine operators? Like some of the other dying professions on this list, advances in technology have made this occupation increasingly irrelevant. Humans will always need textiles in some form, but it doesn’t appear that we will always need humans to man the machines that create them. 

Derrick Operator (On the Rise)

Derrick operator is not really a job that many people think about, but they're incredibly important within the industries of oil and natural gas. These professionals are responsible for overseeing the operation of derricks—the large metal machines responsible for pumping oil and gas out of the ground. 

This is a promising industry, especially for those with no higher education, as these sorts of operator jobs typically require none. However, the pay is still decent for these jobs, with a median salary of almost $50,000. It's also an industry expected to grow by 30% over the next decade, which means that opportunities abound for those looking for work. 

Social Workers (Fleeing)

It takes a brave soul to take on a system built around dysfunctional families and abused or neglected children. Every day brings a new set of challenges and horrors, from drunken fathers to battered mothers to kids who haven’t eaten in three days, all living in roach-infested living spaces. And to top it off, many of these families are not pleased with the state’s intrusion.

Perhaps the hardest part of the job is knowing when to stop – how to leave work at work, how not to give away too much of the self. It’s a job that burns employees out pretty quickly and certainly doesn’t pay well enough. A study in North Carolina by Darcy Siebert found 19% of the social workers surveyed had depression. Another one in England discovered upwards of 15-16%, which is three times the rate of the general population. 

Nurse Practitioner (On the Rise)

When you're a nurse practitioner, you can expect to do a little of everything in the medical field. These professionals are responsible for everything from diagnosing problems and prescribing medicine to assisting doctors with any other tasks associated with patients. While this career requires a master's degree, it's definitely well worth the effort. 

The median salary for nurse practitioners nationwide is a whopping $117,670. On top of that amazing salary, it's expected that the demand for these medical professionals is only going to rise in the next decade, with a projected 52% rise in the growth of these jobs. 

Casino Cashier (Fleeing)

This job almost sounds fun, right? I mean, what’s more glamorous than working at a casino? However, AmoMedia shows that this job isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. With an average annual salary of only $22,300 and a projected job growth rate of only 2%, it’s almost not worth it. Most casinos are choosing to cut the cost of employees and invest in machines instead.

While this is one profession that is not dying as quickly as the others, 2% growth is nothing to write home about. When you couple that slow growth with the low pay and demanding tasks, we wouldn’t be surprised to see this profession take even more of a downturn that it has already expected. 

Statistician (On the Rise)

Statisticians are able to work in a wide variety of fields, from medicine to politics, thanks to the important skills they bring to the table. There are many organizations out there looking for people who can collect and correctly analyze data to help better inform their business decisions. 

When it comes to statisticians, the pay isn't half bad, with a national median salary of $92,270. On top of all that, it's expected that this field will continue to grow in the coming years by at least 35%. While this is one job that will take quite a few years of college, the rewards may just be worth all that hard work. 

Data Entry Clerk (Fleeing)

A $39,240 paycheck is nothing to turn your nose up at, but according to AmoMedia, data entry workers just aren’t that needed. AmoMedia projects that the jobs for data entry workers will decline by 5%, mostly thanks to the rise of technology. The same source also estimates that by 2020, almost 16,000 of these workers will have lost their jobs.

While companies will almost certainly need to keep some humans around in their data entry departments, it just doesn’t make financial sense to keep a large group around for the job when it can be accomplished more cheaply through automated technology. 

Occupational Therapy Assistant (On the Rise)

The qualifications to become an occupational therapist can be quite rigorous and often include a master's degree or even a doctorate. However, while some training is still required for occupational therapy assistants, it's not nearly as much, and the field is looking promising in the coming years. 

Over the next decade, it's predicted that the field of occupational therapy assistants will grow by almost 35%. When you consider the ample opportunities available in this career and the solidly decent $62,940 median salary, this could be a smart career move if you're willing to put in the time to get an associate's degree. 

Bookkeeper (Fleeing)

This one isn’t quite as bleak as many of the others on this list, but it’s definitely not the most viable career out there. According to AmoMedia, bookkeepers make a median of $39,240, but the number of jobs is expected to shrink by about 1% over the next decade. 

Sure, that’s not that bad, but it will steadily increase with the rise of technology, making it easier for everyday consumers to access their own bank information without a bookkeeper. We don’t expect this growth (despite how small it already is) to continue indefinitely because of these advances in technology. 

Home Health Aide (On the Rise)

The American population of people over 65 continues to rise each year, and as our citizens get older, the demand for home health aides has risen. These medical professionals visit patients' homes to help them with everything from completing everyday tasks to administering medication. It's a demanding job, but it can be a rewarding one as well. 

The average median salary for home health aides isn't the greatest in the world at $27,080, but considering that these kinds of jobs typically only require a high school diploma, it still can be a promising outlook for those with no formal training. Additionally, it's projected that the demand for these jobs will rise by 34% in the future, meaning opportunities should be plentiful. 

Telemarketer (Fleeing)

Let’s be real here, is anyone really upset to hear about this? Telemarketers are insanely annoying, and thanks to the rise in online marketing (not to mention the now ubiquitous caller ID on your phone), telemarketers will soon be a thing of the past. According to Fairy Godboss, this job has seen an 18% decline since 2015.

For most people, the decline of telemarketers probably sounds like a welcome development, but it could be troubling for those involved in the profession. Considering that most people don’t answer unknown numbers these days (and most phones have spam detection), it’s not likely that this career will be viable anytime soon. 

Speech Pathologist (On the Rise)

Speech pathologists (sometimes referred to as speech-language pathologists) help patients with speech disorders caused by both injury and chronic issues. This can range from helping a child with a stutter to helping an older person who has difficulties swallowing after a stroke. However, getting one of these jobs will require some planning on your part. 

At the very least, being a speech pathologist will require a master's degree, and it might even require more training than that. However, it's expected that these kinds of jobs will increase by 25% over the next decade, which is a good sign for those interested in breaking into the profession. 

Jeweler (Fleeing)

All you need is a high school diploma and some on the job training to be a jeweler, and just with that, you’ll make about $38,200, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, most of these jobs are being sent overseas for cheaper labor, and the BLS estimates that jeweler jobs will decline by 11% by 2024.

While this is not the most common job in the world for people to have, these statistics should be troubling to those inside the business. According to current research, all signs point that this decline will continue in the future as more operations in this industry are outsourced to overseas. 

Animal Caretaker (On the Rise)

It seems like people love their pets more than ever these days, and that's reflected in the rise in demand for animal caretakers. This is a profession that encapsulates a wide range of activities, from being a dog walker to being a pet groomer. The pay may not be much, but the opportunities are there and only continue to rise. 

The average median salary for an animal caretaker is only $26,080, but these jobs typically only require a high school diploma, so there are some pros and cons to this type of work. It's expected that the demand for animal caretakers will rise by at least 23% in the next decade.

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Baltimore bridge collapse latest: Six missing workers 'presumed dead'; satellite images reveal scale of bridge damage

Officials say they are transitioning from a search and rescue mission to a recovery operation "based on the length of time" and the "temperature of the water".

Wednesday 27 March 2024 00:36, UK

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• Major bridge collapses in Baltimore after being struck by a cargo ship
• Six people still missing as two pulled from water
• Company says six workers are presumed dead
• Ship issued mayday before crash | Vessel appeared to lose power and start smoking
• Video of collapse | Satellite images reveal scale of damage
• Dali vessel involved in separate incident in 2016
• What is this bridge?
• Listen:  Expert view on the Baltimore bridge collapse

Thank you for following along. 

You can scroll down to catch up on the latest updates as happened during the day.

We'll be back with more news tomorrow. 

Officials say they are transitioning from search and rescue operation to a recovery operation.

US Coast Guard and Maryland State Police officials say that based on the frigid temperature of the water and the length of time that had elapsed since the bridge came down there was little if any chance that the six missing could be found alive.

Maryland's senator has praised the work of first responders, saying their heroism is a "ray of light on this dark day". 

Emergency workers managed to stop traffic along the Francis Scott Key Bridge after the Dali container ship put out a mayday call.

Chris Van Hollen said their actions "saved lives" and he was "thankful for them". 

A team of construction workers were repairing potholes along the bridge at the time it collapsed. 

Eight people were initially reported missing, but two people were found, with one suffering serious injuries. 

A short while ago, we heard from the executive vice president of construction company Brawner Builders, who confirmed the six workers still unaccounted for are presumed dead.

Six workers missing after the Baltimore bridge collapsed are presumed dead, the executive vice president of Brawner Builders has confirmed. 

Jeffrey Pritzker told our US partner site NBC News that there was one survivor. 

The company is not releasing names at this time.

Eight people, who were working on the bridge at the time it was struck by the Dali cargo ship, were initially reported missing. 

Two of them were found, with one suffering serious injuries. 

The other six have been missing for more than 12 hours. 

Maryland's emergency management department has raised its state activation level. 

It is now registered as 'full' - meaning an incident has occurred that may require significant resources. 

As a result, the state's emergency operations centre has been "fully staffed". 

The state's activation levels change based on a variety of factors.

The most influential factor is the occurrence of a significant incident, which is a term used to describe a single or multi-jurisdictional incident. 

A construction worker has said he was told his missing colleagues were on a break when the Dali ship crashed into the Baltimore bridge. 

Jesus Campos told the AP news agency some members of staff were sitting in their trucks when the bridge collapsed. 

The Brawner Builders employee said he learned about the disaster from a co-worker and immediately worried about colleagues he knew were working on the bridge. 

"When he told me that, they came to mind and I was praying to God that nothing had happened to them," he added.

"It is so hard for me to describe. I know that a month ago I was there, and I know what it feels like when the trailers pass.

"Imagine knowing that it is falling. It is so hard, one would not know what to do," he said. 

One person involved in the Baltimore bridge collapse has been discharged from hospital, an official at the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Centre has told AP. 

Dr David Efron did not comment on the nature of the patient's injuries, and the hospital has not released their name. 

Eight people were initially reported missing after the collapse. 

Two people have been found - one was said to have serious injuries, while the other did not require hospital treatment. 

Search and rescue operations are continuing this evening to find the six construction workers still missing. 

The US transportation secretary has said the path to rebuilding the collapsed Baltimore bridge will not be quick or easy. 

Pete Buttigieg described the bridge as "one of the cathedrals of American infrastructure". 

"It has been part of the skyline for this region for longer than many of us have been alive," he said.

He has also taken the time to thank first responders and offered comfort to those "who woke up today to the news that no one wants to receive". 

"This is an excruciating day for several families," he said. 

Clearer satellite images have emerged of the moment the Dali container ship hit the Francis Scott Key Bridge.

The vessel crashed into the structure after issuing a mayday call and losing power.

Earlier, Maryland governor Wes Moore said the ship was travelling at a speed of eight knots at the time it sent out its distress call.

Within minutes of departure on Tuesday, the faltering container ship crashed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge.

Here is a timeline of the Singapore-flagged vessel's collision, in local time (four hours behind British time).

1.04am: Loaded with shipping containers, Dali departs from Baltimore's port, heading to Colombo, Sri Lanka.

1.24am: Dali slowly approaches the Key Bridge, according to video captured by StreamTime Live.

1.24am and 33 seconds: The ship appears to suffer a total power failure as all its lights go out.

1.25am and 31 seconds: About a minute later, the ship's lights flicker back on. Black smoke starts rising from somewhere aboard the ship.

1.26am and 37 seconds: The ship's lights go dark again.

1.27am: Dali appears to be colliding with one of the Key Bridge's piers. The US Coast Guard receives the first report of a collision.

1.27am and 10 seconds: The ship's lights come back on.

1.28am and 48 seconds: The roadway of the Key Bridge begins collapsing.

1.29am: Most of the bridge's span has plunged beneath the water.

1.40am: Baltimore City Fire Department has dispatched rescue teams for the Patapsco River, with reports of multiple people in the water.

1.50am: The first fire unit arrives on the scene.

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