How to Become a Travel Agent in Virginia

Are you interested in becoming a travel agent in Virginia?

For that to happen, you need to take some steps first.

Have a look at the article here to find out more!

Travel Agent Job Description and Duties in Virginia

The main duty of a travel agent is to make suggestions of places to visit for your clients.

A part of your job will be visiting various destinations in order to make the best recommendations.

You will also assist with tasks such as:

• Transportation
• Accommodation
• Entertainment

Some of the most significant job assignments you will have include:

• Reviewing visas, vaccinations, and other travel necessities
• Keeping accurate records
• Finding solutions to issues and emergencies
• Handling payments and deposits
• Promoting the various packages resorts, hotels, and cruise companies offer
• Negotiating with hotels, resorts, cruise companies, and more

Some travel agents choose to get a specialization, which can be one of the following:

• Honeymoon
• Have some more family time together
• For business
• Go on a cruise
• Luxury
• Budget
• Relaxation

Travel Agent Job Requirements in Virginia

Keep in mind that you will need to have some skills, and these include:

• 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

If you are wondering about the certifications you need, you should know that in Virginia licensing is not required.

You may still want to pursue certification in order to get more job offers.

Many travel-related companies prioritize travel agents who have a license over the ones who don’t.

Education and Certification for a Travel Agent in Virginia

The first step in getting certified is searching for the right training program.

There are many schools where you can train in Virginia.

You should select a program that suits your needs.

For instance, you can opt for a physical one if you have the time.

If not, you can always choose a program online.

The programs you can join in person in Virginia are:

You can easily pursue a Bachelor’s degree if you enroll in a 2 to 3-year program.

To enroll in a program, you need a high school diploma or a GED at the minimum.

There are certain schools that have additional requirements for future students.

In class, you will study the following topics:

• 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 Virginia

So, you got a travel agent certification.

Now, the next step you should take is to find a job in the field.

This will be easy, but you have to decide whether to work independently or for a company.

If you choose to work by yourself, you have the option of starting a travel company.

However, keep in mind that you will need some additional certifications.

If you get hired by a company, you will work in the office and also travel sometimes.

The yearly salaries for travel agents in this state are promising.

The more experience and education you have, the higher your pay will be.

This is especially the case if you work for a big travel company.

Regional Salary

Additional Information for Travel Agents in Virginia

Your travel agent certification requires renewal once in a while.

For that to happen, you need to learn what the requirements are.

You can easily keep updated with the latest industry news if you reach out to your licensing agency.