BECOME A TRAVEL AGENT
FAQ
What does a travel agent do?
Travel Agent duties vary by the company and the specific travel agent. In this profession, the type of services that you provide will set you a part from other agents with other agencies. Here is the job description that Travel Agents at Catalyst Travel use.
Can I be a travel agent part-time rather than full-time?
Absolutely! As an Independent Contractor, you have the choice to work as much or as little as you want. This is a perfect role to have on the side or to build into a full-time career.
If you have an individual license with IATAN or are applying for one, the licensed requirement is that you work on travel-related business for at least 20 hours a week. While it is encouraged, it is not a requirement to be individually licensed with IATAN to be a Travel Agent with Catalyst Travel.
Travel Agent duties vary by the company and the specific travel agent. In this profession, the type of services that you provide will set you a part from other agents with other agencies. Here is the job description that Travel Agents at Catalyst Travel use.
Can I be a travel agent part-time rather than full-time?
Absolutely! As an Independent Contractor, you have the choice to work as much or as little as you want. This is a perfect role to have on the side or to build into a full-time career.
If you have an individual license with IATAN or are applying for one, the licensed requirement is that you work on travel-related business for at least 20 hours a week. While it is encouraged, it is not a requirement to be individually licensed with IATAN to be a Travel Agent with Catalyst Travel.
How long does it take to become full-time as a travel agent?
This varies depending on the individual agent.
There are three things to consider when answering this question:
1) How much does the Travel Agent need to make?
2) What is the Travel Agent's niche and how much does an average trip cost/how much commission does the average trip make the agent?
3) How many clients does the Travel Agent need to maintain on a weekly/monthly/quarterly/yearly basis?
Travel Agents who can answer these three questions can develop goals and strategies to become full-time within a reasonable amount of time. Since becoming full-time depends upon the book of clients that each agent has developed, it is critical for each agent to honestly answer these questions and set realistic goals and expectations. Some well connected agents have become full-time within a few months, while some agents take years to attain full-time status.
Here is an example of what an agent would need to become a full-time agent:
1) $45,000
2) Niche is luxury cruises that cost $5,000 - $20,000 per person and bring in $500 - $2,000 per person in commission.
3) In order to be full-time, the agent would need between 45 bookings double occupancy / 90 clients at an average booking of $5,000 per person to 12 bookings double occupany / 24 clients of $20,000 per person.
The agent can then set goals to achieve these numbers including goals about networking and finding new high net-worth clients that fit into their niche, group trip offerings that help to focus the agent's efforts, etc.
Here is another example of what an agent would need to become a full-time agent:
1) $50,000
2) Niche is international flights to a specific region. The agent charges a professional fee of $100 per ticket.
3) In order to be full-time, the agent would need to sell 500 tickets and charge their $100 professional fee in a calendar year to reach their goal. That is 125 tickets in a quarter or ~42 tickets per month or ~2 tickets per day if the agent wants to work 5 days a week throughout the year with a 2 week period off.
This agent would need to set goals to achieve these numbers including goals about networking with local communities who regularly need help booking international flights (possibly because of a language barrier or because they are booking for an entire family and want extra help).
This varies depending on the individual agent.
There are three things to consider when answering this question:
1) How much does the Travel Agent need to make?
2) What is the Travel Agent's niche and how much does an average trip cost/how much commission does the average trip make the agent?
3) How many clients does the Travel Agent need to maintain on a weekly/monthly/quarterly/yearly basis?
Travel Agents who can answer these three questions can develop goals and strategies to become full-time within a reasonable amount of time. Since becoming full-time depends upon the book of clients that each agent has developed, it is critical for each agent to honestly answer these questions and set realistic goals and expectations. Some well connected agents have become full-time within a few months, while some agents take years to attain full-time status.
Here is an example of what an agent would need to become a full-time agent:
1) $45,000
2) Niche is luxury cruises that cost $5,000 - $20,000 per person and bring in $500 - $2,000 per person in commission.
3) In order to be full-time, the agent would need between 45 bookings double occupancy / 90 clients at an average booking of $5,000 per person to 12 bookings double occupany / 24 clients of $20,000 per person.
The agent can then set goals to achieve these numbers including goals about networking and finding new high net-worth clients that fit into their niche, group trip offerings that help to focus the agent's efforts, etc.
Here is another example of what an agent would need to become a full-time agent:
1) $50,000
2) Niche is international flights to a specific region. The agent charges a professional fee of $100 per ticket.
3) In order to be full-time, the agent would need to sell 500 tickets and charge their $100 professional fee in a calendar year to reach their goal. That is 125 tickets in a quarter or ~42 tickets per month or ~2 tickets per day if the agent wants to work 5 days a week throughout the year with a 2 week period off.
This agent would need to set goals to achieve these numbers including goals about networking with local communities who regularly need help booking international flights (possibly because of a language barrier or because they are booking for an entire family and want extra help).
What are the benefits of being a travel agent?
There are so many benefits to being a travel agent. Not only are there opportunities to advance your travel aspirations, there are significant opportunities to increase your own personal and professional development in this role. Some of the benefits include:
There are so many benefits to being a travel agent. Not only are there opportunities to advance your travel aspirations, there are significant opportunities to increase your own personal and professional development in this role. Some of the benefits include:
- Set your own schedule
- Work from home overwhelming, you can save time
- Save on commuter costs
- Flexibility to do what works best for you – set your pace, your own focus for your career, your own customer boundaries
- You can make extra income without having to leave your other job OR you can work to make this your future job if you prefer to do it full time
- The ability to join world wide travel networks with professional recognition
- Travel discounts are given to agents
- Opportunities to explore the places you send people to (the more trips you take to Hawaii, the better you can sell it, etc)
- Some trips able to be deducted as a business expense
- Commission-based system rewards your sales skills as they grow
- No special training required to get started
- Become adept with travel partners including booking portals to ensure best deals and best client experience
What is a FAM trip and when can I go?
A FAM trip is an industry term for a "familiarization" trip. The theory is that by going on a FAM trip and experiencing the product yourself, you will be in a better place to recommend and sell it to your contacts and clients.
These trips are typically offered at a discounted rate or free. Most often, places offer significant discounts for their tours. For example, cruises offer a free cruise fare rate; however, the agent still needs to pay the taxes, fees, port fees, and any extra's (like drink packages, etc.). A cruise that would have cost $1,600 per person is now only responsible for possibly $300 per person + add ons. Another example, at an all-inclusive resort, the FAM trip may cover your entire stay, but you'll still be responsible for any fees associated with getting to the destination like airfare or car rental.
*Familiarization trips are different than TC's which agents can receive as a benefit in their group tours.
How do I get more clients?
Networking. Networking. Networking. There are a couple more ways to get more clients, but this is the most important. The more you network, the more people will know who you are and what you do. The other important ways to getting more clients goes along with how to be a good networker: perfect your introduction (who are you and what do you do), consider how you'll follow-up from your first and subsequent encounters, and maintain your professionalism wherever you go--you will never know who is watching you and making a judgment on whether to use you professionally or not.
Join your nearest chamber of commerce, pick up a hobby with a regular group, or become a member of a club. By regularly doing something with a professional networking group (and staying connected/involved), you will grow your network even more!
How many clients should an average travel agent maintain?
This depends on the sales goals of each travel agent, the type of travel that the agent specializes in, the average cost per trip per person, etc. If a travel agent has active clients who travel multiple times per year, the amount will be less than clients who only travel once every couple years.
Overall, each full-time equivalent travel agent with Catalyst Travel is recommended to have a client list of at least 100 - 200 active clients. This can seem daunting to a new agent, but over time, developing and curating your client list will come second nature to you. The most effective way to do this is by 1) using your existing network for referrals, 2) creating a new network by getting involved in your community, and 3) asking for referrals, referrals, referrals. *Most successful travel agents have a substantial list of clients who are referrals from other clients.
How often should I contact my clients and contacts?
This is dependent on your personal style, niche, and clientele. Active clients tend to like engagement so contacting them at least monthly is suggested. In addition to regular contact in between trips, it is recommended that Catalyst agents contact their clients before the final payment, the week before their trip, during their trip (if appropriate), and after their trip. By having this type of engagement, travel agents can anticipate their clients' needs and make last minute adjustments, if necessary. Ultimately, making a happy client who regularly comes back and gives referrals.
I feel like a salesperson when I call people about setting up their travel. Are there any templates or resources that will help me feel less like a salesperson?
Yes, in the section on templates and resources, there are templates for phone scripts, e-mail scripts, social media scripts, etc. While this may give you the verbiage to use, how you come across is built upon knowing your clients. When you get to know your clients, conversations (no matter the medium) become less "sales-like" and more personal.
While you are a professional with boundaries, in this type of industry, you get to know personal and intimate details about your clients. This allows you to connect with them in a more empathic way.
How much does the average travel agent make per booking?
Average bookings vary based off of the type of travel, the niche that the travel is in, if there is a professional fee associated with the booking, etc. On average, if you are selling a package or a bundle of items to a client, a travel agent can expect an average booking to make between $100 - $500.
How much does the average travel agent make per year?
Average salaries depend on each agent, their sales goals, niche, type of clientele, time investment, etc. There is a huge scale on the range pay for a travel agent's yearly salary. A part-time agent who only books travel for their family and close friends can make a couple thousand dollars a year. An engaged part-time agent who books 3-4 group trips for a well developed and curated client list can make anywhere from $10,000 - $20,000 a year. A 2019 study of independent full-time travel agents had an average salary of ~ $40,000 - $60,000 where the 2021 study had this same group coming in between ~ $20,000 - $30,000. This stew in data is reflective of travel during the pandemic where 2024 is viewed by many experts to have travel numbers equal or greater than pre-pandemic numbers.
Are there additional memberships or trainings that would be beneficial to my professional development?
Yes, yes, yes, and yes! Memberships are another way of networking and in this industry, everything rises and falls on who you know. IATAN is the best membership that every agent should become a member of. This membership is exclusive and requires that you have a certain amount of time as a travel agent and sales of at least $5,000 in 2 years. This should be at the top of each agent's goals and one of the first memberships that you are a part of.
Other memberships vary greatly on your niche. There are travel associations for groups, meetings and events, LGBTQIA+ travel, adventure travel, ... basically any major travel niche has an association that is beneficial to your overall network and development as an agent.
Other memberships to be a part of are memberships that grow your client network. Chambers of Commerce are exceptional membership groups to join since there is a built in networking platform for you to engage in. Other business networking groups are advantageous if you engage with them and use them to your advantage.
The key to any membership is engagement and being active!
Does Catalyst Travel offer additional trainings, workshops, or opportunities for networking with other travel agents?
Yes! The next training Cohort will start on November 11.
Be on the lookout for additional trainings and workshops done by Catalyst Travel. Additionally, Catalyst Travel will for the first time in 2024 offer special travel agent fares and training opportunities during the 2024 Spring Training Tour. This will be a yearly networking opportunity for agents to get to know each other and also to see one of Catalyst Travel's premier trips from its history.
A FAM trip is an industry term for a "familiarization" trip. The theory is that by going on a FAM trip and experiencing the product yourself, you will be in a better place to recommend and sell it to your contacts and clients.
These trips are typically offered at a discounted rate or free. Most often, places offer significant discounts for their tours. For example, cruises offer a free cruise fare rate; however, the agent still needs to pay the taxes, fees, port fees, and any extra's (like drink packages, etc.). A cruise that would have cost $1,600 per person is now only responsible for possibly $300 per person + add ons. Another example, at an all-inclusive resort, the FAM trip may cover your entire stay, but you'll still be responsible for any fees associated with getting to the destination like airfare or car rental.
*Familiarization trips are different than TC's which agents can receive as a benefit in their group tours.
How do I get more clients?
Networking. Networking. Networking. There are a couple more ways to get more clients, but this is the most important. The more you network, the more people will know who you are and what you do. The other important ways to getting more clients goes along with how to be a good networker: perfect your introduction (who are you and what do you do), consider how you'll follow-up from your first and subsequent encounters, and maintain your professionalism wherever you go--you will never know who is watching you and making a judgment on whether to use you professionally or not.
Join your nearest chamber of commerce, pick up a hobby with a regular group, or become a member of a club. By regularly doing something with a professional networking group (and staying connected/involved), you will grow your network even more!
How many clients should an average travel agent maintain?
This depends on the sales goals of each travel agent, the type of travel that the agent specializes in, the average cost per trip per person, etc. If a travel agent has active clients who travel multiple times per year, the amount will be less than clients who only travel once every couple years.
Overall, each full-time equivalent travel agent with Catalyst Travel is recommended to have a client list of at least 100 - 200 active clients. This can seem daunting to a new agent, but over time, developing and curating your client list will come second nature to you. The most effective way to do this is by 1) using your existing network for referrals, 2) creating a new network by getting involved in your community, and 3) asking for referrals, referrals, referrals. *Most successful travel agents have a substantial list of clients who are referrals from other clients.
How often should I contact my clients and contacts?
This is dependent on your personal style, niche, and clientele. Active clients tend to like engagement so contacting them at least monthly is suggested. In addition to regular contact in between trips, it is recommended that Catalyst agents contact their clients before the final payment, the week before their trip, during their trip (if appropriate), and after their trip. By having this type of engagement, travel agents can anticipate their clients' needs and make last minute adjustments, if necessary. Ultimately, making a happy client who regularly comes back and gives referrals.
I feel like a salesperson when I call people about setting up their travel. Are there any templates or resources that will help me feel less like a salesperson?
Yes, in the section on templates and resources, there are templates for phone scripts, e-mail scripts, social media scripts, etc. While this may give you the verbiage to use, how you come across is built upon knowing your clients. When you get to know your clients, conversations (no matter the medium) become less "sales-like" and more personal.
While you are a professional with boundaries, in this type of industry, you get to know personal and intimate details about your clients. This allows you to connect with them in a more empathic way.
How much does the average travel agent make per booking?
Average bookings vary based off of the type of travel, the niche that the travel is in, if there is a professional fee associated with the booking, etc. On average, if you are selling a package or a bundle of items to a client, a travel agent can expect an average booking to make between $100 - $500.
How much does the average travel agent make per year?
Average salaries depend on each agent, their sales goals, niche, type of clientele, time investment, etc. There is a huge scale on the range pay for a travel agent's yearly salary. A part-time agent who only books travel for their family and close friends can make a couple thousand dollars a year. An engaged part-time agent who books 3-4 group trips for a well developed and curated client list can make anywhere from $10,000 - $20,000 a year. A 2019 study of independent full-time travel agents had an average salary of ~ $40,000 - $60,000 where the 2021 study had this same group coming in between ~ $20,000 - $30,000. This stew in data is reflective of travel during the pandemic where 2024 is viewed by many experts to have travel numbers equal or greater than pre-pandemic numbers.
Are there additional memberships or trainings that would be beneficial to my professional development?
Yes, yes, yes, and yes! Memberships are another way of networking and in this industry, everything rises and falls on who you know. IATAN is the best membership that every agent should become a member of. This membership is exclusive and requires that you have a certain amount of time as a travel agent and sales of at least $5,000 in 2 years. This should be at the top of each agent's goals and one of the first memberships that you are a part of.
Other memberships vary greatly on your niche. There are travel associations for groups, meetings and events, LGBTQIA+ travel, adventure travel, ... basically any major travel niche has an association that is beneficial to your overall network and development as an agent.
Other memberships to be a part of are memberships that grow your client network. Chambers of Commerce are exceptional membership groups to join since there is a built in networking platform for you to engage in. Other business networking groups are advantageous if you engage with them and use them to your advantage.
The key to any membership is engagement and being active!
Does Catalyst Travel offer additional trainings, workshops, or opportunities for networking with other travel agents?
Yes! The next training Cohort will start on November 11.
Be on the lookout for additional trainings and workshops done by Catalyst Travel. Additionally, Catalyst Travel will for the first time in 2024 offer special travel agent fares and training opportunities during the 2024 Spring Training Tour. This will be a yearly networking opportunity for agents to get to know each other and also to see one of Catalyst Travel's premier trips from its history.
