How to Find Remote Travel Agent Jobs

If you enjoy traveling or yearn to be a digital nomad with a fully remote workplace, then work from home travel agent jobs might be your ticket to a fulfilling new life. With COVID safety protocols in place, the travel industry is beginning to recover from the pandemic, and ads for remote travel agent jobs can once again be found.

Travel agencies took a big hit during the pandemic, and travel-related jobs made up 65% of all jobs lost in the U.S. due to COVID-19. However, despite continued pressure from COVID variants, travel spending in October 2021 reached $88 billion, just 12% below October 2019 levels. And although the holiday travel numbers aren’t in yet, indications are positive for near pre-pandemic levels.

With international travel resuming, demand for travel agents is also recovering. In fact, travel agents are more relevant than ever to help clients navigate new complications arising from COVID-19, including erratic airline schedules and constantly changing tests and vaccinations required for travel.

How to Become a Remote Travel Agent

A high school diploma is the minimum education for most travel agent positions; however, many employers will require additional training or certification. Training programs are offered by a wide range of education providers, including trade and vocational schools, community colleges, and industry associations. Four-year degrees in travel and hospitality are also available from some colleges and universities.

Professional associations and certifications play a crucial role in the travel agent industry, and new agents need to research and obtain memberships in those most relevant to their niche or specialization. In addition to offering credentials, they provide access to training opportunities and industry resources that help to build clientele and access relevant travel providers. Below are a few of the most important associations:

The Travel Institute is primarily an education provider that collaborates with industry leaders to create and deliver professional travel education. The Institute offers the following credentials: Travel Associate (CTA), Certified Travel Counselor (CTC), and Certified Travel Industry Executive (CTIE).
ASTA (American Society of Travel Advisors) is the largest association of travel professionals, and members include travel agents and tourism companies such as tour providers, cruise lines, hotels, and car rental agencies. Their credential is the ASTA Verified Travel Advisor (VTA) certification.
CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) offers recognition from the cruise lines and access to perks. In addition, the association offers travel agents access to the Cruise Counsellor Certification program. Credentials include the Accredited Cruise Counsellor (ACC), Master Cruise Counsellor (MCC) or Elite Cruise Counsellor (ECC) designations.

Salary Information

The median annual wage for travel agents was $46,400 in May 2022, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Common Types of Remote Travel Agent Jobs

For the most part, travel agents consult with clients to find destinations, plan itineraries, and make arrangements for transportation, lodging, and entertainment. Agents collaborate with clients and build relationships with travel service providers on a daily basis. So, communication skills are the key to success in this job. In addition, good planning and organization skills are necessary to ensure that clients receive accurate itineraries and enjoy smooth travels.

The perks are the real draw! Travel agents frequently visit destinations for free or at a steeply reduced rate to gain firsthand knowledge. This experience is necessary to make qualified recommendations while also offering agents unequaled access to exciting travel opportunities. Below are a few common types of remote travel agent jobs.

Independent Remote Travel Agent Jobs

Travel agents already have a long history of working remotely. The work from home model was established in 2002 when airlines stopped paying commissions on airline tickets. In response to the drastic drop in income, many moved their businesses home to save on overhead. However, as travel agents adjusted, they found they still needed access to some key “appointments” offered by full-service agencies. “Appointments” refers to written agreements with third parties to sell their travel services. This led to the development of host agencies that maintain appointments and provide other needed services for home-based agents. In return, they charge a monthly/annual fee and/or commission split.

Corporate Remote Travel Agent Jobs

Another common category of travel agent is one who specialized in corporate travel. These agents work for specialized agencies or are employed in-house to book transportation and accommodations for employees traveling for business. Duties may also include group bookings for conferences and corporate meetings.

Entry-Level Remote Travel Agent Jobs

Entry-level employment as a travel agent can either take the form of joining a host agency as an independent agent (see above) or in an entry-level position with an agency or corporation. While many host agencies require no experience, it may take working on-site to secure a remote position as an employee.

Part-Time Remote Travel Agent Jobs

If you’re looking for part-time work or a side hustle, the hosted travel agent model is the way to go. Because you are your own boss, you are free to set your own hours.  

Companies that Hire Remote Travel Agents

The majority of remote travel agent jobs are in the travel arrangements and reservation services industry. This refers to travel agencies and host agencies. However, in-house jobs can be found in large corporations, global consultancies, and other businesses that require employees to travel frequently. Below are a few companies that frequently hire remote travel agents:

American Automobile Association (AAA)

American Automobile Association (AAA) is a non-profit network of travel service providers serving the U.S. and Canada. For an annual membership fee, AAA members may take advantage of travel services including roadside assistance, insurance, automotive services, travel services, and discounts at merchants nationwide.

BCD Travel

BCD Travel is a privately-held, global, corporate travel management company that specializes in helping companies better manage their travel spending by advising clients on how to make their travel programs more efficient, safe, and productive.

Viking River Cruises Inc.

Viking River Cruises Inc. is a customer service-focused cruise line that tries to ensure every passenger has a great experience. This company’s cruises focus on the culture of the destinations and spend more time in each port than other cruise lines..

Conclusion

Travel agent jobs are a good option for people who want to work remotely and have a flexible schedule. With few educational requirements and the availability of entry-level positions as a hosted travel agent, this occupation is fairly easy to break into. Growth is projected to be slow due to advancements in online travel tools and DIY travel planners. However, there are still opportunities available, especially with travelers wanting personalized itineraries and corporate travel.

Which type of remote travel agent jobs sparked your interest? What excites you about travel agent jobs? Connect with Virtual Vocations on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube to share your thoughts and questions. We’d love to hear from you!