How Much Does It Cost to Become a Travel Agent?

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Walkabout, wanderlust, or the travel bug, no matter what it’s called, traveling is part of our DNA.

If you dream of places unknown, then becoming a travel agent may satisfy a desire to learn about distant lands while enjoying a unique and flexible career.

Travel agents do more than book cruises and issue plane tickets.

They help people plan life’s unique and memorable adventures.

Travel agents work as independent agents or with host agencies such as AAA.

They also work in hotels and for excursion companies.

Travel agents can even be found in Fortune 500 companies arranging business travel for employees.

What Type of Schools Offer Travel Agent Education?

Getting a career as a travel agent takes time.

The fastest education pathway will take several months to complete, and a degree in travel and tourism may take up to four years.

Regardless of structure, the purpose of travel agent education is to prepare you for the career and provide you with enough knowledge to pass the Travel Institute’s Travel Agent Proficiency test.

Choosing the right program depends on convenience, program length, and overall cost.

Community Colleges and Courses

A high school diploma or GED is the basic educational requirement to begin a career as a travel agent, as many companies offer some on-the-job training.

However, relevant post-secondary education always drives compensation and is preferred.

Many Community Colleges or vocational schools offer Travel Service Certificates or an Associate of Science in Travel and Tourism.

These courses average $500 to $1,000.

Coursework for aspiring agents may consist of travel marketing, cruise and tour planning, and travel exchange programs.

Many programs offer financial aid, monthly payment plans, or partner with state work-education tuition programs.

University Programs

University programs combine hospitality, travel planning, and global tourism into a Bachelor of Science degree.

There is often a business component, as many travel agents are entrepreneurs.

The legal aspects of travel, visas, and sustainable travel are usually covered.

University degrees follow the admissions and cost a university and can reach $15,000 per year plus books, supplies, room, and board.

Online Courses

Travel agent certification from online providers combines travel knowledge with front-office skills.

Typical courses in a certification program include world geography, travel modalities, and reservation systems and software.

Online education sites such as Udemy offer courses in travel consulting and travel business management.

Online and self-paced courses for travel agents range from 70 to 100 hours, costing up to $2,350.

Supplies are often extra.

However, reputable courses include preparation for the TAP certification.

Professional Organizations

There are eight travel industry credentials, and many are overseen and awarded by travel-related non-profit organizations.

Each designation, from Certified Travel Associate (CTA) to Elite Cruise Counselor (ECC), indicates a different level of skill and specialty and offers a lifetime career pathway.

How Much Does it Cost to Complete a Travel Agent Program?

The complete cost of becoming a travel agent depends largely on the education pathway.

Education Type Cost Range Average Length

• Vocational: $495 – $900 1 to 8 weeks
• Online Programs: $850 – $2,000 2 to 6 months
• Certifications: $2,000 – $2,500 1 to 6 months
• University Courses: $2,000-$15,000, 2 to 4 years

Most program costs do not include:

• Travel time
• Non-profit dues
• Exam fees, preparation, and national certifications
• Printed certificates

How Much Does a Travel Agent License Cost?

Surprisingly, neither an exam nor a degree is required to order and sell travel.

However, most agencies will require education and experience before hiring, and many states have licensing or registration requirements for Travel Agencies.

A handful of states, California, Florida, Hawaii, Iowa, and Washington, require travel agents to obtain a seller of travel license before they can sell travel.

A basic license usually consists of a state application form and payment.

The cost ranges from $15 in Iowa to $300 in Florida.

What Are the Additional Costs After Becoming a Travel Agent?

In addition to licensing or state registration, additional costs involve specialization and professional development.

• Professional membership
• Annual host agency fees
• Continuing education
• Business networking
• Expansion of Credentials

Is Becoming a Travel Agent a Good Career Investment?

The most expensive part of becoming a travel agent is the initial education.

Once completed, there are numerous opportunities.

There is ample work for travel planners and agents in hotels, airlines, travel agencies, convention bureaus, travel non-profit organizations, and corporations.

Geography and type of agency greatly affect a travel agent’s earning potential.

Annual pay averages $12 for reservation agents to $25 per hour for consultants.

Travel Agents make, on average, $54,000, plus commissions, per year.

And many earn over $100,000 annually.

Roughly 20% of travel agents are self-employed.

Overall, employment opportunities within the profession are expected to grow 20% between 2023 and 2031 – 7,500 travel agent positions annually.

In other words, as the world continues to travel and move, there will be an increasing demand for travel agents and organizers for the next decade.

If this sounds like a plan, it’s easy to start your full or part-time career as a travel entrepreneur.

Key Takeaways For a Career as a Travel Agent

A career as a travel agent:

• Fun profession
• Has numerous education options: online and in-person classroom
• Minimal education requirements.
• High and ongoing demand provides room for growth.
• Livable wages throughout your career.
• The option of working part-time (or as a side hustle).
• Opportunities to work remotely or start your own business.