Fora’s Guide to Travel Agent Training

Fora Advisor Swaylah Faroqi

Travel agents are not going anywhere. In 2023, the travel agency industry accrued $289 billion in revenue. That figure is projected to reach $295.7 billion in 2024. People want to travel, and they want to travel well. The personalized touch of a travel advisor is in high demand.

There’s never been a better time to jumpstart your travel agent career. If you’re just getting started, you’ll want to participate in a travel agent training that equips you with everything you need to build a thriving, fulfilling travel business.

“I love being a travel advisor because it truly doesn't feel like ‘work,’” Fora Advisor Danielle Fisher said. “I get to help others while doing something I'm passionate about and enjoy.”

If you’re wondering about how to become a travel agent, joining a travel host agency like Fora is the first step. You’ll get access to a robust and flexible training program that will help you build a strong foundation (and you can expand to an advanced curriculum when you’re ready).

"If I had to describe Fora's training program in one word, it would be robust," Fora Advisor Caroline Weilert said. "I love that Fora considers all angles related to training - business planning, destination overviews, hotel spotlights, mentorship programs, partner overviews – and that it provides webinars, live trainings, recordings and best of all, access to the entire supplier community. Everyone at Fora is a learner and a trainer because we all have different types of knowledge to share with each other."

Read on for some frequently asked questions about travel agent training programs and travel agent education. Then, apply to become a Fora Advisor today to get access to our comprehensive digital training program (and everything else you need to run your business as a travel advisor).

Travel agent training FAQs

Read on for a few answers to common questions about travel agent school and travel agent education in general.

What kind of training does a travel agent need?

As a travel advisor, you’ll work in a role that is centered on planning and booking travel for clients. You’ll need to learn things like the logistics of booking travel (and how to earn money), as well as customer service skills. You’ll also want a training program that is designed to help you scale and grow your business.

Our expert-led education program covers everything from the ins and outs of bookings and cruise lines, travel insurance, scalable business practices, travel packages and more.

Is there a best degree for travel agents? Do you have to go to school to become a travel agent?

Some universities offer degrees in travel- or hospitality-related fields, and many vocational schools offer travel agent certification programs. But there’s no universal travel agent education system — it’s not like law or medicine, where a governing body has set regulations.

A bachelor’s degree in a related field such as hospitality, tourism or business management may grant holders a useful perspective. But there’s no widely accepted “best” degree, nor is one event required.

Fora does not have any degree requirements.

How many years of experience do you normally need to be a travel agent?

Fora welcomes individuals who are passionate about travel, have a roll-up-your-sleeves attitude and have a desire to learn and grow. We offer entry-level courses and advanced trainings alike.

Are there any state or local requirements to become a travel agent?

You do need an IATA number in order to sell and book travel. When you join Fora, you obtain access to our IATA number.

Most places in the United States do not have additional legal requirements, however, there are a few that do require Seller of Travel Registration (such as California, Florida and Washington; Fora has a Seller of Travel Registration in each of these states). We have a state-by-state guide to becoming a travel agent if you want to cross-check the State you live in (or, you can also double check when you apply; our membership team would be happy to help you).

If you are not based in the United States, you can typically still join Fora and operate under our licenses. Ask our membership team when you apply to learn more.

Do you need any certifications to become a travel agent?

Again, there’s no universal or required training program to become a travel advisor. However, training programs – and certification – is widely recognized and encouraged. It adds legitimacy to your clientele that you’re certified, plus it equips you with the knowledge you need to successfully run your business.

If you find yourself asking if getting travel agent certification worth it, the answer is a resounding yes.

What are the requirements to become a certified travel agent? How long does it take to become a certified travel advisor with Fora?

There are different requirements to become certified as a travel advisor, depending on the program you participate in. At Fora, our certification program is designed to give you a comprehensive understanding of how to run a successful travel advisor business. Our online course will ensure you build your travel agent proficiency and help you get your business up and running. The initial certification is a month-long program that you can take at your own pace to become a certified travel associate.

More advanced trainings, which can be picked up at any point as you launch your new career (at no additional cost) are ongoing.

Related Article: How Long Does It Take to Become a Travel Agent?

What does Fora’s travel agent certification program look like?

You’ll learn all the basics of the travel industry to get certified. The coursework covers everything from how to book hotels and how to market your travel business to building itineraries and honing stellar interpersonal communication and customer service skills.

You’re able to learn all the necessary subject matter at your own pace — which is especially ideal if you’re doing this in addition to a full-time career or caregiving duties. Our training is largely conducted via both live and asynchronous webinars. If you can’t make a live session, you can view recordings soon after to catch up at your convenience.

Learn more about our travel agent certification program.

Can you take a travel agent online course?

Yes, there are great online travel agent courses available. At Fora, we have a robust online curriculum that includes both live and recorded sessions, and they are just a tap away from either your mobile or laptop device.

Our community app Forum is another great resource to continue your education. It’s a treasure trove of knowledge where travel professionals (fellow advisors and Fora HQ) alike offer tips and trip feedback, give advice (like if you’re a budding wedding planner tackling your first destination wedding, for example), celebrate each other’s wins and share exclusive partner updates and promos.

You can also access in-person learning opportunities through our annual summit, Live Forum as well as our local chapters.

How flexible is a travel advisor training program?

Fora is accessible to anyone willing to put in the work. We welcome career pivoters, five-to-niners, full-time caregivers, seasoned advisors and anyone wanting to combine their entrepreneurial spirit and love for travel.

You can complete our in-depth training at your own pace.

"Fora's self-paced training program was a game-changer," Fora Advisor Timadge Berkhadley said, explaining that it complemented her role as a mom and her other career as well. "Juggling other commitments, I could learn at my own speed, yet the content was rich and comprehensive. This empowered me to confidently navigate my client calls, feeling well-equipped with the knowledge to succeed."

How is Fora’s travel agent training different from other programs?

Fora is the modern travel agency. Our training program is designed to meet you where you’re at in life: our flexible approach allows you to take courses online and at your own pace.

There are Zoom-based interactive sessions led by members of Fora HQ, including the three co-founders. We have multiple partner trainings each week where you can connect directly with leading industry brands, as well as weekly destination debriefs that offer a comprehensive overview on a specific destination. In total, there are more than 80 live online training sessions over the course of any month. And all of these training sessions are edited and stored in a searchable training portal.

And there are no hidden fees; your growing library of training content is included in the cost of your membership.

We take an open, ever-evolving, tech-enabled and inclusive approach. Our enrollment model is based instead on adding value to our growing community of travel enthusiasts.

Additionally, Fora supports its advisors far beyond our training program. You’ll also get access to end-to-end tech tools that make a travel advisor role far more efficient and fun. Our integrated booking platform makes booking a breeze, and our extensive network of preferred partners ensures both advisors and their clients get treated like the VIPs they are. We take care of all the nitty gritty — like invoicing hotels and tracking commission payments — so you can focus in the fun stuff.

Are Fora Advisors free to establish their own niche?

Absolutely. Many of our advisors specialize in a specific destination, effectively becoming a destination specialist for somewhere like Europe. You can book domestic and international travel, or both. You might decide to focus on a travel type (such as corporate travel or honeymoons).

If you’re curious about how to become a cruise travel agent, we’ve got your back. Or perhaps you’re more interested in how to become a Disney travel agent. We’ve got you there, too. Regardless of whether you want to be a generalist or a specialist, our training covers it all.

Is it expensive to become a travel agent? How much does it cost to become a travel agent with Fora?

Fora’s monthly membership costs $49. You can also opt for an annual membership for $299 (which saves you nearly 50 percent).

Fora sought to offer for more accessible pricing than traditional travel agent schools. In addition to travel agent training, our membership includes access to our proprietary booking platform, community app Forum, marketing resources, one-on-one support and more.

Related Article: How Much Does It Cost to Become a Travel Agent?

Can I work as a travel advisor while I am participating in a training program?

Yes, absolutely. At Fora, you can start booking and crafting memorable travel experiences from day one, even as you work your way through our training course.

We also offer support for you to build your book of business. Our training program has best practices on how to find new clients. We also have marketing resources, such as a profile on Fora’s website where you can create visually appealing guides, itineraries and trip reports with the click of a button, complete with clear calls-to-action (CTAs) encouraging prospective clients to reach out and book their next trip with you. Learn more about how Fora helps travel advisors build their clientele.

Related Articles:

• Travel Agent Commission: How Does it Work?

• How Do Travel Agents Get Paid? (And Why Fora Does it Differently)
  
  

Launch your travel agent career with Fora

Fora’s training program is designed to give you an in-depth understanding of how to run a successful travel advisor business. You will be able to become a certified travel agent and start your own business in the travel and tourism industry.

Plus, you’ll get access to everything else you need to run your business (like tech, partnerships, commission tracking/payments and more). And, you’ll be welcomed into a global, thriving, collaborative community of passionate travel lovers, all of whom have your back.

Interested in joining us? Apply to become a travel advisor with Fora.