How To Become A Travel Agent

If you love exploring new destinations, planning unique trips, and helping others experience the world, becoming a travel agent may feel like the perfect career. But if you are new to the industry, you may be wondering where to start. Do you need a license to sell travel? Is certification required? How much training do you need? And what is the best way to turn your passion for travel into a profitable business? 

The truth is that in most U.S. states, you do not need a license to legally sell travel. However, building a successful travel career requires more than just enthusiasm. You’ll need to choose the right business model, invest in training, understand the legal requirements, and develop the skills and tools that allow you to stand out. 

In this guide, you’ll discover exactly what a travel agent does, the requirements to get started, certification options, training programs, tools, income potential, and the steps to launch your travel career. 

What Does a Travel Agent Do? 

A travel agent — also known as a travel consultant — is far more than someone who simply books flights or hotels. Today’s travel advisors act as planners, problem-solvers, and trusted guides who deliver value that online booking engines cannot replicate. 

At the core, a travel agent’s role is to listen to their clients, understand their goals, and design travel experiences that fit budgets, preferences, and expectations. For example, planning a honeymoon in Italy may involve booking flights into Rome, arranging a high-speed train to Florence, scheduling a private wine tour in Tuscany, and confirming hotel reservations with romantic extras included. 

Travel agents also design comprehensive travel packages that bundle together flights, hotels, transfers, tours, and even insurance. By doing so, they remove the stress and uncertainty from the process, ensuring that every element of the trip flows seamlessly. 

Advisors rely on professional booking systems like Amadeus or Sabre, which give them access to flights, cruises, resorts, and supplier rates that may not be available to the public. They also manage essential travel documents, ensuring that clients have the right passports, visas, and insurance before departure. 

Another critical part of the role is destination expertise. Agents are expected to advise on where to go, what to do, and how to experience a destination safely and authentically. Some specialize in particular niches, such as luxury getaways, VIP travel, destination weddings, group tours, or international travel. 

Finally, a successful advisor also needs marketing and sales skills. The most profitable agents know how to promote their services through social media, networking, and referrals, while also mastering upselling and cross-selling techniques that increase commissions. 

To get a deeper look at the daily responsibilities, see our dedicated guide on what a travel agent does.

Do You Need Certification to Become a Travel Agent?

The first question most aspiring advisors ask is whether they need certification to sell travel. The short answer is no. Certification is not required to legally operate in most U.S. states. 

That said, there are exceptions. States like California, Florida, and Washington require travel agents to register under their respective Seller of Travel laws. These are compliance regulations designed to protect consumers. They are not professional credentials and do not involve exams or coursework, but failing to comply can prevent you from legally operating in those states. 

So if certification isn’t required, why do so many agents pursue it? Because it provides tangible benefits. Clients tend to trust certified travel agents more, suppliers often recognize certified professionals with higher commission tiers or exclusive perks, and structured certification programs help advisors improve their sales, service, and destination knowledge. 

Programs such as the Certified Travel Associate (CTA®), Certified Travel Counselor (CTC®), and CLIA’s cruise certifications are widely respected across the industry. 

Learning exactly what travel agent certification is will help you understand the role it plays in your career. If you are still unsure, our article on whether you really need certification to become a travel agent breaks down the advantages and limitations in detail. 

Step 1 – Choose Your Career Path 

Every travel advisor begins by deciding how they want to structure their business. This choice determines how you access suppliers, what kind of training you receive, and how much independence you’ll enjoy. 

One option is to work as an independent travel agent. In this model, you create your own travel agency, register your business, and secure supplier contracts. You may also need an IATA number or ARC accreditation to book directly with airlines and hotels. While this path offers complete independence, it requires significant startup investment and can be difficult for beginners who lack industry connections. 

A second option — and the most common entry point — is to partner with travel agent host agencies. Host agencies provide accreditation, supplier relationships, booking platforms, and training. By joining one, you gain access to industry resources without having to negotiate contracts on your own. The trade-off is a commission split, but for most beginners, the benefits outweigh the costs. 

The third option is to invest in a travel franchise, such as Cruise Planners. Franchises combine independence with the support of a nationally recognized brand. By purchasing a franchise, you receive a turnkey business model complete with supplier access, award-winning technology, marketing tools, and structured training through STAR University. This approach is ideal if you want to start strong with proven systems in place. 

Step 2 – Get Training and Education 

While certification may not be legally required, training is essential to build confidence and credibility. Fortunately, there are many paths to education. 

Some agents begin with travel agent schools, which may be local or online. These institutions provide foundational knowledge in travel and tourism. Others enroll in programs through online travel advisor programs which offer the CTA® for newer advisors and the CTC® for experienced professionals. 

For those who want to specialize in cruises, CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) provides certifications such as Accredited Cruise Counselor (ACC) or Master Cruise Counselor (MCC). 

Suppliers also offer training programs. For example, Disney provides the Disney College of Knowledge, Marriott runs the Hotel Excellence! Program, and Hawaii offers a Destination Specialist certification. These courses not only build expertise but often unlock booking perks. 

Another option is STAR University, which combines certification with hands-on business launch training as part of Cruise Planners’ franchise program. 

If you are debating between formal education and certification, it helps to understand the difference between travel agent training and certification, since each path supports your career differently. 

Step 3 – Understand Legal Requirements and Licenses

As mentioned earlier, most states do not require licensing for travel agents. However, certain states enforce Seller of Travel laws. 

In Florida, registration with the Department of Agriculture is required. In California, agencies must register under the California Seller of Travel program and disclose financial protections. And in Washington, agents must register with the Department of Licensing before selling travel services. 

If you live in or plan to sell to residents in these states, you must comply with these requirements. For a detailed look at regulations across the country, see travel agent certification by state.

Step 4 – Build Your Skills and Tools 

To thrive in this industry, travel agents need both the right tools and the right skills. 

On the technology side, you’ll need access to professional booking systems for travel agents such as Amadeus, Sabre, or CruisePro. These systems allow you to search for flights, cruises, and hotel rates not visible to the public. You’ll also want a CRM (customer relationship management) system to track client information and manage reservations. An IATA number is valuable for recognition by global suppliers, while software for managing travel documents keeps client passports, visas, and insurance organized. 

On the skills side, successful agents rely heavily on their marketing skills. Attracting clients requires building an online presence, networking locally, and using referrals effectively. Strong sales skills are also crucial, since upselling or cross-selling tour packages and travel insurance increases commissions. Finally, excellent customer service skills help you manage cancellations, travel restrictions, or unexpected emergencies, all of which can strengthen client loyalty. 

Many of the most successful advisors specialize in niches such as luxury escapes, group travel, cruises, or international tours. Specialization helps you stand out in a competitive market. 

Step 5 – Launch Your Travel Career 

With your training complete, your tools in place, and your business model chosen, it’s time to launch your travel career. 

Most agents begin by booking trips for friends, family, and referrals. This not only gives you practice but helps you build your first testimonials. From there, you can expand your reach through a professional website and active social media presence. Many agents also find success by joining local networking groups, chambers of commerce, and attending supplier webinars or travel expos. 

Choosing a niche is another way to accelerate growth. Whether you focus on cruises, destination weddings, corporate accounts, or VIP travel, specialization helps you become the go-to advisor for your market. 

Many advisors discover that the real breakthrough comes when they learn how to turn their passion for travel into a profitable career by combining niche expertise with exceptional service. 

How Much Do Travel Agents Make? 

One of the most common questions about becoming a travel agent is how much you can expect to earn. The answer depends on your experience, specialization, and business model. 

Research from Travefy’s travel agent income report shows that new agents who partner with a host agency and operate full-time typically earn around $44,000 in their first three to five years of business. As advisors gain experience and build a loyal client base, incomes often rise significantly, with mid-career agents averaging between $66,000 and $79,000 annually. Data from Career Guide’s salary analysis further indicates that agents who operate independently or specialize in luxury and high-end travel frequently surpass $100,000 a year, especially when they establish strong supplier relationships and focus on profitable niches. 

Income streams come from multiple sources, including commissions paid by airlines, hotels, cruises, and tour operators. Many agents also charge service fees for itinerary planning or complex arrangements. In addition, high-performing advisors may qualify for preferred supplier bonuses, which increase overall income. 

For a detailed breakdown of salary expectations and earning potential, see how much travel agents make. 

Benefits of Becoming a Certified Travel Agent 

Although certification is not required, it can make a significant difference in your career. Certified travel agents often enjoy higher commission rates, especially from suppliers who prefer working with trained advisors. Certification also boosts credibility, reassuring clients that they are working with a knowledgeable professional. 

Other benefits include access to networking opportunities with other industry professionals and the ability to stay competitive through ongoing education. Certifications from organizations like The Travel Institute and CLIA are recognized across the travel sector and can help you establish authority in your market. 

If you’d like to explore the advantages in more detail, read about the benefits of becoming a certified travel agent. 

Is Becoming a Travel Agent Right for You? 

Becoming a travel agent is a flexible, rewarding career that combines independence with the opportunity to build a business around your love of travel. You do not need a license in most states, and certification is optional, but training, tools, and dedication are essential. 

Whether you choose to operate independently, join a host agency, or invest in a franchise, your success will depend on how well you develop your skills, attract clients, and deliver exceptional service. For many advisors, the role provides freedom, flexibility, and the ability to create a profitable career doing something they love. 

If you’re ready to move from research to reality, become a certified travel agent today. With structured training, supplier access, and a proven franchise model, STAR University gives you everything you need to start your own travel agency and succeed in the industry.