Have you always enjoyed traveling and visiting new places?
If that is the case, you should consider becoming a travel agent in Maryland.
There are many job openings in this state, which will make it easy for you to get hired.
But, before that, make sure to read the article below for info regarding training.
Travel Agent Job Description and Duties in Maryland
As a travel agent, you will have several job responsibilities.
Your work will mostly consist of providing:
- Transportation
- Accommodation
- Entertainment
Travel agents also need to:
- Review visas, vaccinations, and other travel necessities
- Understand the needs and desires of their clients
- Keep accurate records
- Find solutions to issues and emergencies
- Handle payments and deposits
- Promote the various packages resorts, hotels, and cruise companies offer
- Negotiate with hotels, resorts, cruise companies, and more
You could achieve more success if you pick one area of specialization.
The main areas are:
- Honeymoon
- Family-oriented
- Business
- Budget
- Cruise
- Luxury
You should also know as much as possible about the locations you will suggest.
Taking care of additional tasks and traveling from time to time will be common occurrences for these professionals.
Requirements to be a Travel Agent in Maryland
There are several skills you need to develop.
Some of the skills required for a travel agent are:
- Good communication skills
- Good management skills
- Able to use various computer programs
- Good problem-solving skills
- Great marketing skills
- Able to work full-time
- Detail-oriented
- Being confident
- Be at least 18 years old
- Having a clean criminal record
- Being honest
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Speaking a foreign language
- Liking and having the ability to travel
In Maryland, there are no requirements to get a license or complete higher education.
But, having a diploma or a Bachelor’s degree can help you further advance your career.
A travel agent also travels to many remote destinations in order to gather more information.
Education and Certification for a Travel Agent in Maryland
The easiest way to make sure you can get hired is by getting a license.
You can get a license after completing a diploma program or finishing a tourism degree.
You can pick a program in person or join courses online.
Online courses are a better choice idea if you are already working.
The schools that offer travel agent programs in Maryland are the following:
Top 12 Schools in Maryland
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Allegany College of Maryland | 12401 WILLOWBROOK RD SE CUMBERLAND, MD 21502 |
| Anne Arundel Community College | 101 COLLEGE PKY ARNOLD, MD 21012 |
| Chesapeake College | 1000 COLLEGE CIRCLE WYE MILLS, MD 21679 |
| College of Southern Maryland | 8730 MITCHELL RD LA PLATA, MD 20646 |
| Frederick Community College | 7932 OPOSSUMTOWN PIKE FREDERICK, MD 21702 |
| Howard Community College | 10901 LITTLE PATUXENT PKWY COLUMBIA, MD 21044 |
| Montgomery College | 51 MANNAKEE STREET ROCKVILLE, MD 20850 |
| Morgan State University | 1700 EAST COLD SPRING LANE BALTIMORE, MD 21251 |
| Notre Dame of Maryland University | 4701 NORTH CHARLES STREET BALTIMORE, MD 21210 |
| Prince George's Community College | 301 LARGO RD LARGO, MD 20774 |
| University of Maryland Eastern Shore | J.T. WILLIAMS HALL PRINCESS ANNE, MD 21853 |
| Wor-Wic Community College | 32000 CAMPUS DRIVE SALISBURY, MD 21804 |
Schools in Maryland only ask for a high school diploma or a GED.
While in the program, you will take courses such as:
- 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
Travel Agent Salary and Employment in Maryland
The best thing about becoming a travel agent is that you can travel.
You can also work when you want, and out of an office while you are visiting destinations.
Some travel agents prefer to work for a travel agency, in an office.
Another option is starting your own travel agency, but you will need more certifications.
The yearly salary for a travel agent in Maryland depends on several factors.
You can earn more if you have a degree, a diploma, or some years of experience in tourism.
Those who reside in a big city also have more work opportunities.
Keep in mind that it is generally easy to find a job as a travel agent in Maryland.
| Item | Percent |
|---|---|
$36K | |
$39K | |
$47K |
Average Salary of Travel Agents in Maryland
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Baltimore | $39,461 |
| Columbia | $39,397 |
| Germantown | $41,474 |
| Silver Spring | $42,731 |
| Waldorf | $42,616 |
| Ellicott City | $39,435 |
| Frederick | $41,231 |
| Glen Burnie | $39,461 |
| Gaithersburg | $42,616 |
| Rockville | $42,680 |
Regional Salary
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | 190 | $43,040 | $20.69 | $59,420 | $29,650 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Additional Information for Travel Agents in Maryland
You can get increased career opportunities if you become a member of the Maryland Travel Industry Association.
Once you get a license, you should be aware that it will need to be renewed.
To do that, you could be required to take some extra hours of class.
You can keep updated with the renewal process if you keep in touch with the agency that issued the certification.
I am looking to switch my career to something else and always thought about becoming a travel agent, I just don’t know if this is for me and if I will have much business now after the pandemic.
Anyone else in Maryland working as a travel agent that can share some advice, please do.
As a Maryland resident, I’ve always dreamed of turning my passion for travel into a career! Thanks for breaking down the steps to becoming a travel agent in our state. Excited to embark on this journey!
I had no idea there were specific requirements for becoming a travel agent in Maryland. This guide is incredibly helpful in understanding the necessary steps.
I’ve been considering a career change and becoming a travel agent sounds like a perfect fit. Thanks for providing such clear and concise information on how to get started in Maryland.