Trained Travel Agents Help Make Trips Run Smoothly

While most of us have discovered that we can save money by booking our own travel on the Internet instead of calling a travel agent, some of us still need travel advice and service from a travel professional--especially when booking longer tours. A Chicago Tribune article discussed ways of finding a good travel agent.

The Internet Can't Always do a Travel Agent's Job

The Internet has definitely given us much more information about leisure travel than we ever had ten years ago. It has also made it possible for us to deal directly with travel companies. Unfortunately, however, it is sometimes hard to organize all of this random information. And in this disorganization, we sometimes miss good deals. Travel agents are still useful resources when planning vacations and their industry knowledge can often help find packaged deals that we might miss on the web.

Skilled Travel Agents Generally Spent Time at Travel Agent School

A professional travel agent usually has to go through a travel agent training program. These programs are offered at travel agent schools, and through online degree and certificate programs. These distance learning degree programs are great for future travel agents, because the learning format is similar to their future jobs--they'll be using the Internet and other software programs to find good travel deals.

Broaden Your Horizons by Earning an Online Travel and Tourism Degree

If you're currently a travel agent who wants to potentially get into other areas of the travel industry, you may want to earn an online travel and tourism degree. An online travel and tourism degree can help you spruce up your resume and find work in a number of different travel fields. It may also help you build a professional network that will eventually make you a more effective travel agent.

About the Author
Kirk Bangstad is an artist manager and singer working in Chicago, IL. His previous experience includes consulting for technology companies in the Silicon Valley and serving as a field director and publicist for a statewide political campaign. Kirk holds a B.A. in government from Harvard University.