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Travel Agent Training (Exam Cost Included)

Train to become a travel industry professional in this flexible online course..

Requirements

Prerequisites.

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Together, travel and tourism make up one of the world's largest industries. While independent travel booking is on the rise, travel agents continue to play a vital role in luxury, corporate, and group travel. As the industry continues to expand, now is the perfect opportunity to become a skilled travel agent.

This online Travel Agent certification course will prepare you to work in the fast-paced travel industry. By completing your travel agent course, you will gain a deep understanding of both travel and tourism, so you can help clients research, plan, and book their trips.

What you will learn

• Everything you need to know about the travel industry, including airline and ground transportation, hotels and resorts, cruises, tours, specialty travel, and more.
• All about the international and domestic travel destinations that you are most likely to recommend and sell to your clients.
• How to market yourself as a Travel Professional
• Customer service skills needed as a Travel Professional

How you will benefit

• Upon completion of this course, you will be able to sit for the Travel Agent Proficiency (TAP) test, offered by the Travel Institute (formerly ICTA)
• You will have the knowledge you need to get started in your travel career
• Introduction to the Travel Industry
• Professional Skills
• Basic/International Geography
• Destination Geography
• Introduction to International Travel
• Introduction to Air Travel
• Transportation
• Career Development
• Sales and Marketing for Travel

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on either a PC, Mac, or Chromebook.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 8 or later.
• Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Adobe Acrobat Reader .
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.
• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment. The following textbooks will be shipped to you approximately 7-10 business days after enrollment:

• Travel Career Development and accompanying workbook
• Exploring the World and accompanying workbook

Please note: You will receive a digital book if the physical book is on backorder.

Prerequisites:

There are no specific prerequisites for this course. This course is for you if you want to enhance your travel industry knowledge or jump-start your career in the travel industry.

You've got questions. We're here to help.

Our highly knowledgeable Enrollment Specialists will answer any questions you might have about the course and payment options.

Helene K. Liatsos

Helene K. Liatsos is a consultant for small businesses, travel agencies, and home-based business startups with more than 25 years of experience. Along with a successful career in the travel industry, working with airlines, hotels, and travel agencies, Helene established her own business management company, Home Office Management Experts, and was awarded the 2004 Home-Based Business of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration. As a QuickBooks Certified Advisor, she provides bookkeeping, payroll and QuickBooks training services. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Fairleigh Dickinson University.

How much do travel agents make?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, travel agents earn an average income of $43,810 per year ($21.06 per hour). Top-earning travel agents (90th percentile) earn over $74,220 annually. This occupation has an expected growth rate of 20% by 2031, much faster than the average growth rate for all professions (5%). This translates into 7,500 openings for travel agents every year.

What does a travel agent do?

Based on information provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, travel agents sell transportation, lodging, and admission to entertainment activities to individuals and groups planning trips. They offer advice on destinations, plan trip itineraries, calculate total costs, and make travel arrangements for clients.

A travel agent's typical duties can include anything from organizing travel for business and vacation clients (planning and arranging tour packages, excursions, and day trips) to giving details on required documents, such as passports and visas, and on complying with cross-border entry requirements, such as health and safety protocols. Travel agents also describe trips to clients, advise about local customs and attractions, book reservations for travel, hotels, rental cars, and special events, and make alternative booking arrangements if changes arise before or during a trip.

What is a certified travel agent?

A certified travel agent has earned one of the available industry certifications, such as Certified Travel Associate (CTA) or Certified Travel Counselor (CTC). While they are not required to work in the industry, travel agent certifications can add prestige to your resume. When considering a CTA certification, it is necessary to first obtain the TAP certification. This course covers the fundamental knowledge necessary for this certification and serves as a solid foundation for your CTA certification journey.

Does this course prepare you for a certification?

The Travel Agent Training course will prepare you to sit for the TAP (Travel Agent Proficiency) test, offered by the Travel Institute (formerly ICTA), the registration fee for this test is included with this course. The Travel Agent Proficiency or TAP test is the first step towards professional recognition. The test allows students to demonstrate that they have mastered the basics of the travel industry – selling skills, basic geography, and the items/products sold by travel counselors.

When can I start the course?

This course is open enrollment, so you can register and start the course as soon as you are ready. Access to your course can take 24-48 business hours.

How long does it take to complete this course?

This course is self-paced and open enrollment, so you can start when you want and finish at your own pace. When you register, you'll receive six (6) months to complete the course.

What if I don't have enough time to complete my course within the time frame provided?

The time allotted for course completion has been calculated based on the number of course hours. However, if you are unable to complete the course, contact the student advising team to see what options you may have available to work out a suitable completion date. Please note that an extension fee may be charged.

What kind of support will I receive?

Our courses are designed to accommodate various learning preferences. Depending on the course structure, you may get different forms of support. Self-paced courses are designed to be user-friendly and independent, minimizing the need for external support. In courses with instructors, our direct platform support feature includes opportunities for questions, discussions, and remediation, with email and phone support available for select courses. Our student advising team is available to guide you on program requirements and administrative requests, but they do not provide assistance with course content. Our goal is to provide you with the necessary support for success, whether it's through self-paced exploration, direct communication, or guidance from our advising team.

What happens when I complete the course?

Upon successful completion of the course, you will be awarded a certificate of completion. In addition, you will receive an exam voucher for the TAP (Travel Agent Proficiency) test, offered by the Travel Institute (formerly ICTA), after successful completion of the course and financial obligation.

Am I guaranteed a job?

This course will provide you with the skills you need to obtain an entry-level position in most cases. Potential students should always do research on the job market in their area before registering.

Can I get financial assistance?

This course is non-credit, so it does not qualify for federal aid, FAFSA and Pell Grant. In some states, vocational rehab or workforce development boards will pay for qualified students to take our courses. Additionally, some students may qualify for financial assistance when they enroll, if they meet certain requirements. Financing is available from select schools. Learn more about financial assistance.

How can I get more information about this course?

If you have questions that are not answered on our website, representatives are available via LIVE chat. You can also call us at 1-877-221-5151 during regular business hours to have your questions promptly answered. If you are visiting us during non-business hours, please send us a question using the "Contact Us" form.

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A Complete Guide to Travel Agent Schools, 2023 [+Comparison Chart]

Travel agent schools are one of many travel agent training, education, and professional development opportunities. With so many choices, the decision can be mind-boggling.

Never fear. HAR's (Host Agency Reviews') goal is to de-boggle your mind. We'll help you decide if a travel school is right for you, give you a list of questions to ask before you take the plunge, and help you decide which travel agent school is best for you.

⭐️ HAR Article Highlights: ⭐️

Travel agent school preamble.

• A Comparison Chart of Travel Schools

Is a Travel Agent School Right for Me?

• How Do I Pick the Right Travel Agent School for Me?
• Alternatives to Travel Schools

Completing a travel agent school is not a requirement to enter the industry. In fact, no specific schooling is required to become a travel advisor. No diploma, no certification or professional certificate, no degree, no fancy letters after your name. Nada. You don't need any of it. A travel agent school is something to consider if you're in it primarily for credentials.

The most important consideration is the quality of the education and how the travel agent school will equip you to succeed as a travel agent.

If/when you pick a travel agent school, the most important consideration is the quality of the education and how the travel agent school will equip you to succeed as a travel advisor.

One of the challenges of choosing a travel school is that there is no standardization or quality control. There's no organization that comes out and says, "Hey, you know, in order to be a credible travel agent school, you need to hit all these marks." What this means is that you are the one that needs to assess whether or not a travel agent school meets your educational needs.

Sound overwhelming? That's what we're here for! To help you create your own metric to decide if attending a travel agent school is the best choice for you!

Travel Agent Schools: Infographic + Comparison Chart

I released a few messenger pigeons to gather information on school programs. Below is an infographic that offers of comparison of travel agent schools plus tools to help you decide if travel agent school is best for you and (if so) to help you decide which one fits your needs.

Before I launch in, it's important to note that the comparison chart only includes programs that are travel-agent-specific . I didn’t include hospitality, tourism, or events management programs. Those areas of study are a different beast entirely.

Here’s the info our messenger pigeons had in tow 🐦🐧. As it turns out, messenger pigeons have impeccable infographic-creating capabilities. Sign in below to download our comparison chart!

Now that you have the lay of the land of what's out there, we're going to dive into how to decide which program would be the best fit for you.

Here are a few things to help you determine whether or not a travel agent school is a good decision for you. (You can think of it as an un-failable quiz!):

1. are you totally new to the industry?

If you're really working from ground zero, a travel agent school is great way to help you get your bearings. Not only that, but if you do your due diligence and choose a great travel agent school, you stand to save some time by getting all the basic industry info you need in one place (rather than trying to cobble together your own education).

2. Do you want to earn a general degree or professional certificate?

If you want to earn an Associate's degree or a professional certificate then a travel agent school could be a great option for you. If you're in the market for a general degree, you'll want to be sure the travel school you choose is accredited.

If you're in the market for a general degree, you'll want to be sure the travel school you choose is accredited

How can you tell if a school is accredited?

• Check out our travel agent school comparison chart , which indicates if a travel agent school is accredited. Don't see your school of choice on our chart? Drop me an email at [email protected] so I can add the school to our chart!
• Check on the travel agent school's website to see if they're accredited. (You can usually find this in the About [School] section . . . they'll want to brag about their accreditation, so it will be there if they have one!)

If you're looking to earn a professional certificate, you won't need to pick an accredited school, but you'll want to choose a program that's industry-recognized (more on that later).

3. Does the idea of a structured program & Peer Support motivate you?

A travel agent school can also be a good option if you find If you thrive off of the structured support of a set program—a syllabus, class schedule, homework, evaluation, deadlines, quizzes, etc. Each travel agent school will be structured differently, so if there are some aspects of the school structure that are important to you, make sure that the travel school fits the bill for you.

Most of the travel agent schools are online, but this isn't necessarily at the expense of tight-knit peer communities. One way to evaluate a travel school is to check and see if they have active online groups of alums. You can also ask programs how much contact students have with one another during the course (we'll get more into the nitty gritty of evaluating schools soon.)

4. Is a Travel School in Your Budget?

The tuition for travel agent schools listed in this article ranges from $495 to $15,900. That's quite a range. In terms of making a sound financial investment, consider these questions:

1. How much do I want to spend on a travel school?

2. Is the travel school affordable?

3. Does it seem to offer a good value?

4. Is it a good value for what it offers (for example, you might consider how much it costs per credit or contact hours, rather than focusing on the total sticker price) .

5. Is it comparable in price to other training programs?

6. Can I pay in installments?

7. Can I get any scholarship, aide, loans?

One thing to factor in your decision is the income potential for a travel agent. How do you know what kind of income to expect? We have some hard data on income for new travel agents , as well as how much you can expect earnings to increase as you gain experience .

5. Do You Have Time?

Travel agent schools are a time commitment as well as a financial commitment. Like tuition, the duration of travel school programs varies significantly—from four weeks to two years. Additionally, the time you need to invest in your coursework will also vary.

Travel agent schools are a time commitment . . . Like tuition, the duration of travel school programs varies significantly—from four weeks to two years.

If you want to take the time to get your bearings the industry before you dive in, a travel school could be idea. If you want to start selling travel yesterday and are willing to learn as you go, it might not be the best fit (or you might explore a short or self-paced program.)

time to tally your score.

Yay! You finished your unfailable quiz! If you answered yes to a majority of the questions, a travel school could be a great fit and you should probably keep exploring! So keep reading!

If you answered no to a majority of these questions, you should still keep reading because, let's face it, you're really thorough and you want to ensure you not missing out on any info! But if you want to take a shortcut to explore alternatives, go here !

Make a Travel Agent School Short List

A travel school is a good option for you?! *High five!* Now the kicker is this, how do you decide what program might be best for you.

Here's a list of questions to ask of your travel agent school programs to help you narrow it down:

1. Who teaches in the program and what is their background in the industry?

I'm going to be honest here. There's a lot of training and education programs out there, and you deserve a program with someone at the helm who's invested in the travel industry. Look at their background, and gauge the industry engagement of the people who run and teach at the school.

There's a lot of training and education programs out there, and you deserve a program with someone at the helm who's invested in the travel industry

The most important quality of a travel agent school is the quality of its education, and choosing one with deep industry roots is a good indication that you'll be in good hands.

2. If you want a general degree, is the school accredited?

If you want a general degree in addition to earning a professional certificate at a travel agent school, you want (I'll go ahead and say need ) to pick a school that is accredited.

Here's another thing to consider: Do any of the credits from the travel agent certificate go toward the general degree? Hopefully the answer is a resounding yes (the more credits that apply to your degree, the merrier).

3. is their certificate recognized within the industry?

Most travel agent schools result in some kind of professional certificate. If you're an independent contractor, a travel agent certificate itself is not going to give you instant access to a higher pay scale. But a good program will help you cultivate professional skills, which will translate to a higher pay scale.

If you want to become an independent contractor, you may also want to consider if a host agency accepts the certificate in lieu of the host's education program (more on that later). How would you know that if a host is willing to make this accommodation? You can post a question on their host profile on this very site!!!

4. Is their curriculum current, thorough and useful?

Evaluating the strength of a travel school's curriculum may seem hard if you have no industry experience. But I'm here to give you a few pointers on how to gauge if it's up to snuff for what you need:

• Does it cover a variety of topics? Does it go into as much depth as you need such as marketing, sales strategies, legal & regulatory topics, an industry overview, trip planning? Is there any focus on some popular niches such as destination specialty, cruise, etc (especially if it aligns with what you want to do).
• Does it focus on topics that you don't need? Okay. I'm about to say something controversial: Unless you want to be a corporate agent, you don't need a curriculum that focuses on GDS (Global Distribution System) . There. I said it. You can throw flaming bags of dog poop on my porch, but I stand behind this because A.) 99% of the time, GDS is not the right tool for the job for leisure agents and B.) It's a waste of your time and money to spend so much time learning a tool you probably won't use. Do you want to be familiar with what it is? Sure. But if you're going to sell leisure, you don't need 20% of your coursework dedicated to it.
• Is it current? When is the last time the travel agent school updated their curriculum? Do they talk about current issues in travel? If you're not sure just by perusing their site, give them a holler and ask.
• Do specific areas of focus align with what you want to do? Some travel agent schools will have specific areas of study that might be optional. This may include focusing on a particular destination or niche. This is fabulous . . . unless you don't really care about that area of study. So if a program has an entire unit on, let's say, Jamaica, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic, that's not going to be very helpful to you if you primarily want to book adventure trips to Alaska and the Arctic regions. But there's an exception . . .
• Does it prepare you to become an independent contractor or an employee? A curriculum will be very different based on whether or not you want to become an employee or an independent contractor. If you want to work for a retail location as an employee, familiarity with GDS is going to be an asset; a broad overview of cruise lines and popular destinations like Jamaica, Mexico and DR is critical. But if you're going to be an independent contractor, it's important that the area of study aligns closely with what you want to do. It might seems like choosing a niche is putting the cart before the horse, but homing in on a specialty can help you choose a travel agent school.

5. What are the program goals & do they succeed?

You have a good handle on your goals, but how do they align with the goals of a travel school? More than that, does the travel agent school achieve the goals they set out for themselves as a program? Here's a few questions to consider.

• What are the goals of the program (and does it fit with your professional goals? Is it to prepare you for the Travel Institute's TAP (Travel Agent Proficiency) test? 1 Is it to eventually support you with job placement? Is it give you a broad overview? Is it to make you an expert on selling cruises? Is it to give you a broad overview of the industry?
• Does the travel school have follow-up employment services? Will they continue to support you once you're out in the world? How do they do that?
• Are their alumnae ending up where you want to end up? Are their alumnae doing the jobs (or creating the jobs) that you want to do?
• What does their data say? Beyond graduation/completion rate, how long does it take their students to get settled into the industry?

Alternatives to Travel Agent School

Maybe you've gotten this far and decided that a travel agent school is not right for you. But you don't need to throw your arms up in surrender just yet because there are other options.

What are they you ask? Read on!

1. Travel Agent Certification:

Certifications allow you to add fancy letters after your name that will (hopefully) be recognized by the travel industry. They're often provided by organizations such as  travel consortia , accreditation organizations ( more here on travel agent accreditation options ), and travel industry membership groups such as GBTA or the Travel Institute.

A comparable example to travel agent certification might be like a CPA (certified professional accountant). You can still be an accountant without your CPA, but it helps potential clients know that you're the real deal. If you're looking for certification (in addition to/ rather than training) we have a resource for you!

2. Host Travel Agent Education Programs:

Host agencies and travel consortia also have loads of education opportunities. In fact, some of the travel agent schools listed above were founded by folks who run host agencies. (They're busy!)

What the heck a host agency and travel consortium? At its most basic, a host agency is an umbrella organization that an independent agency (that’s you!) can align with for better commissions, supplier relations, and marketing/tech tools.

A travel consortium is a collective of host agencies, travel agencies, and/or travel advisors that join forces to combine resources in order to increase their industry footprint. This gives them more including buying potential, benefits, & commission levels.

School's Out for the Summer

Yay! Your education on travel agent schools is complete. You can now consider yourself well prepared (if not over-prepared) to decide if a travel school is for you, and (if it is), which option is your best choice.

Have you gone to a travel agent school? Let us know the good, bad, and ugly in the comments below!

⭐️ Don't Miss HAR's Travel Agent Training & Education Series! ⭐️

• Travel Agent Training and Education: This is the motherboard for all travel agent training options.
• A Guide to Host Agency and Consortia Education: Details on host and consortia education, plus a comparison chart.
• Travel Agent Certification: Want to read up on what certification options are out there? This is for you.

Editor's Note: This article was originally published in Dec. 2019. We annually update and republish this article to include the latest information about travel agent school programs. The article was updated and republished on the post date listed at the top of the article.

• Here's a hint: If prepping for the TAP test is your primary initiative, you can get a study guide for the TAP test and take it on your own for what could be a fraction of the cost to attend a travel school. ↩

About the Author

Mary Stein has been working as a writer and editor for Host Agency Reviews since 2016. She loves supporting travel advisors on their entrepreneurial journey and is inspired by their passion, tenacity, and creativity. Mary is also a mom, dog lover, fiction writer, hiker, and a Great British Bake Off superfan.

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How to Become a Travel Agent: Turn Your Passion Into Perks and Cash

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

Raise your hand if you love to travel. Whether you’re often on the road or take a vacation just once a year, you’ve probably heard of travel agents. These folks help plan and book itineraries for you, eliminating a lot of the pain points when it comes to traveling.

These days many people skip out on a travel agent in lieu of booking their trip online, but if you’re a frequent traveler, you may want to become a travel agent yourself. Why? Because it can save you a lot of money — and may even earn you some in the process.

Let’s take a look at how to become a travel agent, why it’s something you may want to consider and the ways it can work for you.

Why become a travel agent?

Have you ever obsessively researched the best hotels in a city you’re planning to visit? How about checking seat maps on an airplane? If getting into the nitty-gritty of travel logistics is something you do in your spare time, you might also enjoy becoming a travel agent.

Not only do you get to plan trips for others, but you’ll also be able to take advantage of special discounts on many facets of travel.

This is true for your clients, but also for yourself. Travel agents have access to a variety of discounted rates on both airlines and hotels, even when booking travel for themselves.

» Learn more: How to get a refund from a travel agency

How to become a travel agent

Find a program.

Becoming a travel agent isn’t as simple as declaring yourself one. Typically, the first step is to sign up for a program that’ll teach you the basics of running your own travel business.

There are a variety of programs to choose from, depending on your interests and career goals. Most programs will teach you about the business side of being a travel agent as well as how to plan trips, so your courses in itinerary planning and travel insurance will be coupled with business ethics and customer service.

If you’re wondering how to become a travel agent from home, don’t worry. Many of these courses don’t have to be done in person; there are online programs that will teach you everything you need to know from the comfort of your living room.

Apply for certification

Once you’ve completed your coursework, you’ll want to apply for certification. Although there is no single standard that designates you a travel agent, there are a number of different identifiers that you can acquire. Some of the more common ones are:

International Air Transport Association, or IATA, which allows you to book travel on domestic and international airlines.

Travel Industry Designator Service, or TIDS, which allows agents to book trips with a variety of travel suppliers and receive commissions.

Cruise Lines International Association, or CLIA, which provides agents the ability to book trips on cruises around the world.

In order to access Marriott’s travel advisor rates, for example, you can use any three of these designations, along with a variety of others.

Each of these associations and identifiers have different implications for your business, so you’ll want to be sure you’ve fully researched them before applying for membership.

» Learn more: Do travel agents really save you money?

Save money as a travel agent

Once you’ve qualified as a travel agent, what comes next? If you travel frequently, becoming a travel agent can be a huge benefit to you, as it offers discounted rates and access to luxury travel options.

Discounted rates

Travel agents have access to negotiated rates that aren’t available to the general public. The exact amount will vary depending on the business. Hilton, for example, will give personal travel discounts of 50% off at newly-opened hotels and up to 25% off at the remainder of hotels within Hilton’s portfolio.

Hyatt, meanwhile, will give you a discount on personal travel of up to 50%, but only during select dates of the year. And although not all airlines give discounts to travel agents, many do.

Regardless, these are some pretty spectacular savings, and if you’re looking to save money on your vacations, being a travel agent can help.

Luxury programs

Becoming a travel agent isn’t only about saving money, however. It also grants you access to many hotel chains’ luxury travel programs.

If you’re big into elite status benefits, this is definitely something you’ll want to consider — especially since you don’t need any status at all to receive these perks, as long as you book through the hotel’s agent portal.

Most major hotel chains have these programs, including Hyatt Privé, Hilton Impresario, Marriott STARS & Luminous, Four Seasons Preferred Partner, Belmond Bellini Club, Rosewood Elite, Mandarin Oriental Fan Club and Shangri-La Luxury Circle.

While benefits vary by brand, many of these offers include things like room upgrades, complimentary breakfast, early check-in or late checkout and credits for expenses like dining or spa services. General consumers aren’t eligible for these programs, but once you’ve become a registered travel agent, they become accessible to you; however, some programs — such as Hyatt Privé — are invitation only.

For the most part, booking rooms through these programs shouldn’t cost more than the standard rate you’d be paying anyway, so you have the potential to get big benefits without shelling out any additional money.

However, note that these numbers don’t take into account any other discounted rates for which you may be eligible, such as those offered to American Automobile Association members and veterans .

» Learn more: Uncommon tips for saving money on travel

Earn money as a travel agent

Of course, becoming a travel agent isn’t all about scoring discounts for yourself. If you’re looking to earn some money, being a travel agent can be a good way to do so.

Note that travel agents operate in a customer-facing role, so you’ll also need to be able to build client relationships and be comfortable with sales. Courses such as those mentioned above can help train you to do this and run a successful business.

If booking travel and organizing trips for others is something that appeals to you, there’s definitely money to be earned. Marriott, for example, gives agents a commission of between 8% and 10% for all eligible stays booked.

» Learn more: The pros and cons of booking through online travel agencies

If you’d like to become a travel agent

There are a few good reasons to become a travel agent, especially if you travel a lot. Although it takes time and effort to complete training and apply for accreditation, the benefits you’ll receive as a travel advisor can be significant. This is true whether you’re booking personal travel or have built yourself a client base. Either way, there’s money to be had — and saved.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1.5%-6.5% Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year). After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

$300 Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

on Capital One's website

2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.

75,000 Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

Your Passport To Learning

Follow your curiosity and see your business flourish!

Why Travel Agent Academy?

AWARD WINNING CONTENT

Designed to help you learn and retain information in fun and interactive ways.

EARN REWARDS

As graduates take advantage of rewarding loyalty programs available.

INCREASE BOOKINGS

Travel Agent Academy empowers agents to confidently sell as specialists.

CERTIFICATION

Show off your knowledge and expertise with Travel Agent Academy diplomas.

GAIN CREDITS

Earn Travel Institute CEU Credits. Some courses offer credits from the Association of Canadian Travel Agencies (ACTA).

LEARN ON THE GO

iOS Tablet compatible courses allow you to learn from anywhere on your own time, at your own pace.

course promotions

SUNNY ISLES MIAMI BEACH

Graduate from the Sunny Isles Beach Miami Specialist Program by April 19 to be entered to win a $75 gift card

FORT MYERS – ISLANDS, BEACHES AND NEIGHBORHOODS

Graduate from the Fort Myers Specialist Program by April 30 to be entered to win a $75 gift card!

Course Catalog

ALGVPro: Travel Advisor Special Program

Join over 120,000 of your fellow travel agents to earn, learn and grow in the premier leisure travel marketplace.  

Allianz Partners

Offering travel insurance is an important part of the travel sales process, because providing protection for those hard-earned vacations helps you deliver the best value and highest level of service to your customers.

Arizona Specialist Program

Arizona’s landscapes are brimming with natural beauty, adventure, history, wellness, art and culinary flavor. Enroll to help your clients discover the best of what the Grand Canyon State has to offer!

Aruba Certified Expert Program

Learn how Aruba is “One Happy Island” for couples, families, active vacationers and pure beach relaxation-lovers alike.

Atlantis Ambassador

Become empowered! Discover how to create unforgettable vacations at our unique resort destination, with unparalleled entertainment and awe-inspiring recreation.

The course is an insider’s guide to working with Audley, with details about the company’s  approach to travel and helpful tips on how to work with the company’s team of travel experts. By mastering the Audley approach to travel, advisors can provide clients with memorable travel experiences while at the same time powering your own business forward.

Catalonia Hotels and Resorts

Learn how Catalonia Hotels & Resorts can help you tailor seaside Mexican and Caribbean vacations to delight clients pursuing a wide variety of dreams.

Condor Airlines Specialist Program

Find out how Germany’s boldly evolving air carrier enhances the entire travel experience for your Europe-bound clients, while giving you a chance to earn commissions

Costa Rica Specialist Program

From its golden shores, playful waves and pristine waters to its mystical rainforests, simmering hot springs and majestic volcanoes, Costa Rica brims with "pure life." Learn how to tap into it!

Dominican Republic Specialist

Impress your discerning clients with tailored recommendations on the best attractions, activities, food, beaches and areas to stay in the Dominican Republic. Enroll today to bring a vacation of endless possibilities to life!

Fort Myers – Islands Beaches and Neighborhoods

Discover how to craft a vacation that will tempt even your busiest clients to slow down and soak in the good life!

Grand Sirenis Specialist Program

Discover the essence of what makes Grand Sirenis Hotels & Resorts an irresistible vacation choice in Punta Cana and the Riviera Maya.

Greater Miami and Miami Beach Specialist

Learn to sell Greater Miami both as a singular destination and a cruise extension to be explored by travelers with all sorts of interests, from cuisine to the arts to outdoor life.

Guanajuato Specialist Program

The state of Guanajuato invites all to come celebrate life in the heart of Mexico. Enroll to learn about its Magical Towns, vineyards and many historic, cultural and recreational attractions.

Hawaii Destination Specialist Program

This free, online educational program delivers in-depth insights as well as valuable sales tools so you can #LetHawaiiHappen for your clients. You can take it anytime, at your own pace, to become a booking pro.

Jamaica Travel Specialist Program

Discover how to send clients on a quest for their own authentic experience of Jamaica -- and strengthen your partnership with this ever-popular destination.

Japan Travel Specialist Program

Learn to sell Japan’s endless discoveries, including both modern and ancient treasures, as well as stunning natural landscapes with a beauty all their own.

Jordan Travel Specialist

Explore how Jordan, which once captivated ancient travelers, continues to enthrall a whole new generation as a modern, vibrant nation.

Key Lime Academy

Like the destination itself, Key Lime Academy has been designed to educate, inspire and entertain while unveiling all of what the Florida Keys has to offer.

Korea Specialist Program

Imagine your client’s dream vacation. Imagine their Korea! Explore this fascinating country’s incredible diversity of experiences.

La Paz Specialist Program

Located in an ever-trending tourism region, La Paz will immerse your clients in local living – a little off the beaten path but in the heart of culture and outdoor action in Baja California Sur, Mexico.

Loreto Specialist Program

A charming community that has long celebrated the best of life, Loreto truly fulfills the notion of a hidden gem within a trending vacation spot – in this case, the seaside coastline of Mexico’s southern Baja California peninsula.

Los Cabos Specialist Program

Check out the latest information on this ever-popular destination and explore Los Cabos' dynamic portal to strengthen business partnerships.

Majestic Resorts Specialist Program

From the best beach locations to the vast inclusions and special golf offerings, discover why your clients will be glad they vacationed with Majestic Resorts.

Malta Specialist Program

Malta is packed with pleasures: ancient towns and archaeological sites; expansive beaches and spectacular scenic vistas; award-winning diving experiences, and much more.

Nayarit Specialist Program

Learn about the many ways to experience an authentic side of Mexico and discover some surprises along the ever-popular Riviera Nayarit.

Oasis Hotels and Resorts Specialist Program - US and CA English

Learn how to match your clients to the perfect Oasis property – including all-inclusive beachside properties in Cancun and Tulum, EP hotels in downtown Cancun – with many choices for customization.

Oasis Hotels and Resorts Specialist Program - CA French

Disposant d'un nouveau chapitre sur le Grand Oasis Tulum, un sanctuaire de beauté situé sur une plage calme de la Riviera Maya qui offre un accés à tout, du paddle-board à la plongée sous-marine dans des eaux remplies de poissons -- ce programme vous aidera à vendre une gamme encore plus large d'expériences de vacances. 

Princess Hotels and Resorts

Become a Princess Hotels & Resorts Specialist With a Wedding Specialist Option

Puerto Vallarta Specialist Program

Enveloped in the beauty of a by-gone time, this colorful town on Mexico’s Pacific Coast is sure to win the hearts of your clients. Learn how to easily craft a great vacation here!

Saudi Expert Travel Training

Open up extraordinary realms of travel experiences, from outdoor adventure to vibrant cultural events. An excellent destination for clients seeking something new!

St. Augustine | Ponte Vedra Specialist

Founded in the 16th century, St. Augustine's history runs deep -- and so does its sense of adventure. Learn about this multifaceted culinary magnet and neighboring golf paradise Ponte Vedra on Florida's Historic Coast.

Sunny Isles Beach Miami

Learn all about Sunny Isles Beach's pristine beaches, stunning resorts and lush parks, as well as the laidback elegance and easy pace that truly define a "getaway."

Find out about the brand’s award-winning Riviera Maya properties! Then craft vacations that truly immerse your clients in beauty that complements the lush, mystical host destination.

Tobago Specialist Program

Discover what all the happiness is about – and how to share it with your clients – by enrolling in the Tobago Specialist program!

Travel Technology Specialist Program

This course is designed for the ambitious travel advisors eager to boost their expertise in the intersection of travel and technology. 

Windstar Star Specialist Program

Learn what makes Windstar Cruises “180 Degrees from Ordinary” as you begin earning badges in three categories: Our Yachts, Our Destinations and Our Itineraries.

Testimonials

Since taking the Greater Miami Specialist course I have a greater understanding of the Miami area which in turn has helped me sell more vacations. I can better accommodate  the kind of vacation my clients specifically request. This has helped my business so much. I am so glad I took the time to take the course. Thank you!   Kathryn Rezza Travel Curator, Virgin Voyages

I received a recommendation for the Oasis Hotel and Resort training on Travel Agent Academy from a fellow travel agent.  I took the training and shared the training with my team.  Taking the training afforded me the knowledge to share with my clients, building trust and increasing my sales. The smooth process was captivating and left me eager for more. Having insights into the properties we recommend to our clients is essential. I've sent several clients to Oasis, and they came back with enthusiastic reviews. As a travel agent, receiving outstanding referrals is rewarding, especially when clients genuinely appreciate the property. Rita Wiggs The Travel Pit

Over the years I’ve completed several Travel Agent Academy courses. Most recently, because of a personal trip, I completed the course for the state of Guanajuato, Mexico. I had been to Guanajuato City previously but felt I needed to learn more about the state to fully embrace the destination. The course gave me an in depth understanding of this fabulous area from the quaint Pueblos Magicos (Magic Towns) to the thriving wine region to the amazing archeological sites. This training has it all. Most people know Guanajuato as the home to the colonial town of San Miquel de Allende but there is so much more. This course will help you plan an unforgettable vacation for your clients and have them experiencing a Mexico that few see. Brenda Thomas, CTA Somewhere Now Travel

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TWELVE 

ACROSS THE U.S.

Weekend classes for au pairs across the u.s..

BOSTON 36 Hour Cours es

CHICAGO 36 Hour C ours e s

HAWAII 72 Hour Courses

LOS ANGELES 36 Hour Courses

MIAMI 72 Hour Cours es

NEW YO RK CITY 36 Hour Cours es

SAN DIEGO 7 2 Hour Cours es

SA N FRANCISCO 36 Hour Cours es

SEATT LE 36 Hour Cours es

TEXAS 72 Hour Cours es

UTAH 72 Hour C ours es

WASHINGTON DC 36 Hour Cours es

Online courses also available choose between 36 hour and 60 - 72 hour options., 3 ways to earn the equivalent of 6 credits, do you need 60 - 72 credits simply choose one of the options below one weekend: register for an upcoming 60 - 72 hour in-person course [ view calendar ] two weekends: sign up for two upcoming in-person 36 hour courses. they can be in the same city or different locations  [ view calendar ] online and in-person: choose an upcoming in-person 36 hour course and add a 36 hour online class during checkout  [ view calendar ] online only: ​sign up for our combo make a difference & discover the u.s. online course [ view online courses ].

AN AU PAIR WEEKEND 

Our courses, click the images to learn about each curriculum, discover the u.s..

English Language Skills

Make a Difference

Explore Our Environment

Arts & Entertainment

New Arrival Track

WHY CHOOSE AU PAIR WEEKEND?

Our courses are...

Perfect for J-1 visa holders!  Through collaborations with academic institutions across the country, all Au Pair Weekend courses meet the U.S. Department of State education requirements for J-1 visas.

Convenient & affordable! Get your required hours quickly with a weekend course, or take your time with a self-paced online course.

Fun & engaging! Our courses will take you out of the classroom and into the community.

Want to know more.

Click here to view our Frequently Asked Questions