Travel Agency

If you love to travel and would enjoy helping others plan a vacation, consider opening your own travel agency. Travel agencies also help clients buy airline tickets or plan a cruise. Having some experience helps in this kind of endeavor.Before looking for employment in the travel industry, you’ll need a high school diploma or complete the high school equivalency test. If you would like to open your own travel agency, you can learn the ins and outs by working with an agency. Several travel agencies offer on-the-job training. Get a travel agent certificate.

Consider taking a few college courses such as business, marketing and communications. Learning basic computer skills is also helpful. In addition, you may want to learn a foreign language and become fluent in Spanish, French or Chinese. Once you have the experience and credentials to open your own travel agency, you’ll need to apply for a loan. Before submitting a loan application, check your credit and maintain a solid credit history. You’ll need a business plan and collateral. If you own a home, use your home’s equity as collateral. The start-up cost for a travel agency is approximately $20,000.

With any business, a good location is essential. Choose a location that’s visible from roadways, perhaps in a major shopping center. Advertise your travel agency. To maintain steady business, you’ll need new customers and repeat customers. Place classified ads, build a website or experiment with direct mail.