How to Become a Travel Agent | Salary/Pay & 2025 Requirements

Love to plan trips and explore new destinations?
Becoming a travel agent allows you to turn your passion for travel into a rewarding career helping others experience the world.

Travel agents plan and book travel arrangements for leisure or business. They coordinate flights, hotels, tours, and insurance while providing expert guidance to make trips stress-free and memorable.

Popular Travel Agent Programs:

What Does a Travel Agent Do?

Travel agents act as planners, consultants, and problem-solvers. They handle every detail of a client’s trip while offering professional advice about destinations, budgets, and experiences.

Typical Responsibilities

• Research and recommend destinations, flights, and accommodations
• Create customized itineraries for individuals and groups
• Stay updated on travel regulations, visas, and safety guidelines
• Manage bookings, cancellations, and travel insurance
• Build strong client relationships and handle special requests

The best travel agents combine hospitality, organization, and creativity to make each journey seamless.

Key Skills and Qualities

Common Work Environments

• Travel agencies or tour operators
• Corporate travel departments
• Cruise lines and resorts
• Home-based or remote agencies
• Online travel platforms and host agencies

Many agents now operate fully online through host partnerships, giving them flexibility to work remotely.

How to Become a Travel Agent in 2025

Step 1: Complete Your Education

A high school diploma or GED is typically required. Courses in business, communications, and geography can strengthen foundational skills.

Step 2: Complete Travel or Tourism Training

Enroll in a travel, tourism, or hospitality program to learn reservation systems, travel law, and itinerary design.
Training is available online or in person and often includes global distribution system (GDS) practice such as Sabre or Amadeus.

Step 3: Gain Industry Experience

Entry-level positions such as travel assistant, booking specialist, or customer support representative offer valuable experience before managing your own clients.

Step 4: Get Certified or Licensed

While most U.S. states don’t require individual travel agent licensing, certifications help demonstrate credibility.

Popular Certifications:

• Certified Travel Associate (CTA) – The Travel Institute
• Certified Travel Counselor (CTC) – The Travel Institute
• Verified Travel Advisor (VTA) – American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA)
• IATA Accreditation – International Air Transport Association

Step 5: Start Your Career or Home-Based Agency

After gaining experience and optional certification, you can join an agency, partner with a host agency, or establish your own business.
Many agents specialize in niche markets such as cruises, destination weddings, or luxury tours.

Travel Agent Training & Certification Overview

Travel Agent License Requirements by State

While travel agents generally don’t need individual state licenses, some states require Seller of Travel registration for agencies operating independently.

States with Seller-of-Travel Laws (core SOT states):

• California
• Florida
• Hawaii
• Iowa
• Washington

For a deeper breakdown of who must register and what disclosures are required, see our Travel Agent License Requirements by State guide.

Career Growth and Opportunities

With experience, travel agents can progress into:

• Corporate travel management
• Cruise or luxury travel consulting
• Destination marketing or tour operations
• Agency ownership or franchise management

Agents who develop digital marketing skills and specialize in trending travel niches often build sustainable, independent businesses.

Training Costs and Duration

• Typical Tuition: $2,000–$7,500 depending on program and format
• Duration: 6 months to 2 years
• Certification Fees: $150–$400
• Startup Costs (Home-Based Agency): May include registration and host agency fees

Pros and Cons

Find Travel Agent Training Programs Near You

Quick Facts: Travel Agent Salary, Education, and Outlook

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I become a licensed travel agent?
In most states, you don’t need a personal license. However, if you operate independently, states such as California, Florida, Hawaii, and Washington require Seller-of-Travel registration.

Do I need certification to work as a travel agent?
Certification isn’t mandatory but can enhance credibility. The Travel Institute and ASTA offer respected credentials recognized across the industry.

How long does it take to become a travel agent?
Programs typically range from 6–12 months, while associate degrees take about two years.

Can I work from home as a travel agent?
Yes. Many agents now work remotely using host agency systems and online booking platforms.

What skills help travel agents succeed?
Strong communication, organization, destination knowledge, and marketing abilities are essential for building a loyal client base.

Travel Agent Salary by State