Become a Travel Agent

Get Started: Travel Agent License & Training Requirements 

Becoming a travel agency franchise owner is a dream job for many – meeting interesting people, visiting exotic locations, owning your own business and bringing joy to others who share your love of traveling. But in order to do all that, do you need a travel agent license? What about travel agent training? 

To jump into this amazing career opportunity, you’ll want to make sure all your ducks are in a row — and that you’re connected with the right organization to help you thrive. 

How to Become a Travel Agent 

Becoming a travel agent from home is a big decision, but there are proven, time-tested routes to begin this career whether you start off part-time or jump in full-time immediately. Chances are, you have experience, education or training that will help you run a travel agent business from home – even if you’re new to the travel industry. 

In fact, many people who start a travel agency franchise business have no past travel agent experience. Skills in business, finance, organization, marketing, event planning and other areas can help you become a successful travel agent. However, it is important that you love working with people and have a passion for the travel industry. By becoming a Dream Vacations travel agency Franchise Owner, we’ll guide you through all the training and resources you need to succeed! 

What Do You Need to Become a Travel Agent? 

Travel agent requirements will vary depending on where you live, what services you provide and whether you are working alone, for a company or with a franchise. A home-based franchise model like Dream Vacations already has a successful system in place with a proven track record. The Dream Vacations team will help you with any regulations to be aware of, plus things like travel agent certification or franchise training and support. 

Dream Vacations will walk you through expectations and guidelines, and assist as you navigate travel business laws for your city and state. How to get a travel agent license in California may differ, for example, from the process for a Texas travel agent license. 

The information below will give you a broad understanding of common travel agent requirements and how to get started. 

What Kind of Travel Agent Training and Education is Necessary? 

Fortunately, you can become a travel agent without prior travel industry experience or higher education degrees.  

Certainly, there are higher education opportunities available that can be helpful, if that is a path you select. Your university may offer degree programs such as Tourism & Hospitality Management or Travel & Tourism. A degree in business, like marketing, could also teach you valuable skills you can use in your travel agent business. You can also take individual electives in your degree program. Some classes may include travel management, hospitality management, business accounting, tourism marketing or event planning. 

Whether you choose to earn a degree before becoming a travel agent or not, there are other training options available to enhance your skills. It is wise to continue to seek learning opportunities even after completing a degree and/or starting your business. Industry standards and trends may change over time, and it is great to stay up to date and refresh your memory from time to time. 

A significant benefit of becoming a travel agency franchise owner with Dream Vacations is our robust Learning Center, offering more than 1,500 virtual training courses to keep you at the cutting edge of the industry. 

Do You Need a Travel Agent Certification? 

Travel agent requirements do not necessarily include certifications, so if you want to get started without one, it is absolutely possible. However, there are certificate programs that provide valuable training and accreditation, which helps build trust with your clients.  

In most cases, earning a certificate means passing a comprehensive exam and proving you have specific experience. By joining Dream Vacations, we will help you learn more about the certifications that may be beneficial to you. 

Do You Need a Travel Agent License? 

Obtaining a travel agent license is a task many aspiring travel entrepreneurs are curious about. The requirements depend on your state and location – the Dream Vacations team will help you determine what your needs are and guide you through the process of setting up your franchise. 

Travel Agent License vs. Business License 

Fortunately, starting a travel agency often means working from home, which means startup costs are minimal. As a Dream Vacations Franchise Owner, you also have the benefit of an established, respected brand. When you get started, you’ll discover the differing legal setup options that are available and choose the right option for you. 

What Skills Do You Need to Be a Successful Travel Agent? 

As a travel agent, you will be in the unique position of helping clients plan the majority of details for the perfect vacation. You will need to be familiar with a variety of vacation products, such as resorts, tours, cruises and more, as well as destinations across the globe. Each type of vacation has varying price ranges and amenities. For example, some resorts have family-friendly activities while others cater to couples and adults. 

You will also need to know about excursions, tours and landmarks. It helps if you can get your clients into the popular activities as well as recommend unique experiences and “secret” spots. Dream Vacations travel agents have a vast library of information at their fingertips to become vacation experts. 

Pay Attention to Overlooked Details 

Details that many travelers need assistance with include local transportation and how to get where they need to. You may even help them arrange to be picked up and dropped off for different activities. 

It also helps if you can recommend the best places to eat in the area that meet their specifications, such as family-friendly, romantic or budget-conscious. You’ll learn the best times of year to visit destinations, like when the weather is best or the crowds or prices are lower. 

The Business Side of Things 

In addition to a familiarity with the destinations you offer, you will need to know how to run your business successfully. This means you are capable of marketing your business and bringing in enough clients to stay in business year-round. It also means understanding accounting and taxes. 

You will need to know the logistics of booking, such as researching availability, finding promotional offers, putting together travel packages and how to get in touch with all your contacts that provide these services. Dream Vacations Franchise Owners get the training needed to grow all these skills and more. 

Skills to Invest In 

Below are just a few of the skills and interests that can help you: 

• Customer service 
• Computer skills 
• Problem-solving 
• Salesmanship 
• Accounting and bookkeeping 
• Working within a set budget 
• Organizing 
• Researching 
• Communication (both with clients and vendors) 
• Ability to make applicable recommendations 
• Networking 

Get Started With Dream Vacations Franchise 

A Dream Vacations franchise can help you start your travel advisor career by providing all the necessary resources, including travel agent license options and ongoing training. You’ll also have access to web-based technology systems for booking reservations, keeping track of customers and more. Plus, you’ll have continuous support from helpful and experienced members of the travel industry.  

And of course, there are always the travel perks that make it easier for you to get out and see the world, rather than just sending your customers. 

Learn more about Dream Vacations Franchise and how you can get started with your own franchise today. Give us a call at 800-892-3928 or sign up to watch our webinar.