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Question: do you need to attend a specialized travel agent school to become a travel advisor? Answer: not in the slightest.
Our quick guide covers all the travel agent training you actually need. Ready to start your career in travel planning right away? Apply to become a Fora Advisor today.
Traditionally, travel agent school was necessary…
Historically, it wasn’t out of the question to attend a travel agent school, either in person or online, prior to becoming a travel agent. At the very least, an agency may have chosen a candidate with specialized education or training over someone without.
But nowadays you have more options. Now you can easily become a travel agent online without attending expensive travel agent schools. These schools still exist, though they are — in our opinion — outdated. (Check out more on Fora's approach to travel agent training).
Fora offers extensive travel agent training in lieu of attending a travel agent school
We can’t speak for all travel agencies, but at Fora, we offer our comprehensive travel agent training that teaches you everything you need to know to be a successful travel advisor.
Moreover, you don’t need any special education or prior experience in the travel industry.
However, there are certain skills you need to develop as a Fora travel advisor
What does it take to become a travel agent, or rather, travel advisor (we think the modern term better captures the position)? At Fora, we like to say if you have a passion for travel, you’re already 90 percent of the way there.
Travel agent school: FAQs
Read on for a few answers to questions about travel agent school.
If travel agent school is optional, how do you become a travel agent?
Our guide on how to become a travel agent covers this in detail. But here’s the short version.
Once you’re accepted to become a Fora Advisor, you’ll get certified to learn all the basics (and then some) of the travel industry. This covers everything from how to book hotels (as well as all the other types of bookings Fora Advisors can make) to how to market your travel business. As soon as you join Fora (even before completing our training), you’re free to start booking travel right away and / or continue with optional trainings, including advanced paths. As soon as you join Fora, you've effectively earned your travel agent certification.
Apply to become a Fora Advisor, and we’ll walk you through the entire process.
Does attending travel agent school affect how much money you make afterward? Does it alter your career outlook?
Unlikely on both accounts. Even assuming your travel agent school teaches a curriculum that prepares you for the travel industry of today (and not the late 90s), there’s nothing you would be learning in a travel agent school that’s not covered in our training, which means you can save all the money you would spend on tuition.
This also applies to special travel agent jobs or niches. You don’t need to attend a travel agent school to learn how to become a luxury travel agent, for example.
Do you need money to become a travel agent?
How much does it cost to become a travel agent with Fora? Probably not as much as you’re thinking. Our monthly membership currently costs $49, or you can opt for an annual membership for $299 (which saves you nearly 50 percent).
Either choice is a far cry from what you’d pay to attend a traditional travel agent school. Plus, a Fora membership also includes access to our proprietary booking platform, community app Forum, marketing resources and more.
Do you need any certifications or licenses to become a travel agent?
Again, this is an outdated requirement enforced by the travel agencies of the 20th and early 21st centuries. To become a Fora Advisor, you don’t need any special training, licenses or even knowledge of the travel industry.
Sign up to become a Fora Advisor today.
Are there any other state or local requirements to become a travel agent?
There may be requirements in select jurisdictions, but, usually, Fora Advisors can operate under Fora’s licenses. These include California’s Seller of Travel registration. However, to be safe, we do recommend checking the laws in your area before selling trips.
What does Fora’s travel agent education look like?
You’re able to learn all the necessary subject matter at your own pace — which may be ideal if you’re approaching this as a travel side hustle. If you can’t make a live session, you can view recordings soon after to catch up at your convenience.
This non-traditional approach to everything is one of the best reasons to become a Fora travel advisor. We are the modern travel agency, after all.
How long is Fora’s travel agent “school?”
How long does it take to become a travel agent with Fora? Most advisors finish the basic courses within a couple weeks. More advanced trainings, which are completely optional and can be picked up at any point in your travel career (at no additional cost) can take a bit longer.
Skip travel agent school and become a Fora Advisor today
Travel planning is one of the coolest jobs in the travel industry — and it’s only made better by the fact that you do not need to attend a travel agent school to get started. Instead, simply apply to become a Fora Advisor and you’ll take your first steps toward your new dream job.
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