Travel Agency School – What you need to know before you get involved
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While not a requirement, getting additional training at a travel agency school is becoming increasingly important. This article will show you what you need to know.
Types of Schools
Becoming a travel agent isn’t a centralized vocation, like so many others. This leads to there being a list of different kinds of schools that run long and wide.
Many schools and training programs wrap around a given specialization (such as cruise planning). This makes it easier for the graduate to monetize their new skill in the real world. Clients want experts these days… general travel agents are falling out of favor.
The length of your training will depend on the school you choose and your area of specialization. Some last 2 years or longer, while others can be completed in less than a month.
Depending on the school, you may have at-home correspondence (for the busy professional) or possibly have to go to a local campus (usually a state run college).
What travel agency school is most popular?
There is no definite answer for this. However, I will fill you in on three of the most popular destinations for training and certification:
ASTA – The American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) is renowned for their training and certification programs. Prices vary, and they offer everything from basic courses to specialized courses (such as leisure sales) to frequent virtual seminars.
The Traveler’s Institute – These guys have been around since 1964, and have built up a good reputation in the mean time. In addition to individual training courses, they also put together conferences to keep you up to date on recent developments.
The Traveler’s Institute Website
Cruise Planners University – This is one of the specialization schools I mentioned earlier. They recently released a two year virtual course to prepare you to be a Certified Cruise Planning Expert. Many folks are saying good things about it.
Cruise Planners University Website
Something of note…
If you plan on running your travel agent business from your home, going to an established travel agency school isn’t necessary. In fact, it may be a deterrent.
Reason being, traditional vocational schools are geared toward preparing you to work for somebody else. A cog in the wheel, if you will.
While this is perfect for those looking to work at an established travel agency, it leaves those looking to start an at home business in the dark. Many of the things you need to know to be successful on your own simply won’t be covered.
Not to mention that traditional schools are expensive.
There is an alternative!!
Home study courses for the aspiring travel agent are a goldmine. Not only do they cost less than a traditional school, they are often up-to-date and cover the information you need to be successful in today’s environment.
The three resources that I’ve heard nothing but good things about are offered by Amazon. You can find out more about them at the link below.
In association with Amazon.com How to start a home based travel agency the easy way Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/careers-articles/travel-agency-school-what-you-need-to-know-before-you-get-involved-1523652.html
