Travel agents help individuals and groups plan and book their holidays or business trips. Their job involves advising clients on destinations, creating tailored travel itineraries, arranging flights, accommodation, car hire and excursions, and providing information on visas, insurance and health requirements. Travel agents need strong customer service and sales skills, as well as good knowledge of worldwide destinations. They often use computerised booking systems and may specialise in certain types of holidays, such as cruises or adventure travel. The role can be based in a high street agency, call centre, or increasingly, working remotely from home.
Travel agents in the UK typically earn between £16,000 and £30,000 per year, with experienced agents or managers earning up to £40,000.
There are approximately 25,000 people employed as travel agents and tour operators in the UK as of 2023.
Travel agents usually work 37 to 40 hours per week, with some weekend or evening work required during busy periods.
Works with clients to plan bespoke, high-end holidays, including exclusive resorts, private tours, and first-class travel arrangements.
Organises business travel for companies, managing bookings, itineraries, and travel policies for employees attending conferences or meetings.
Plans and arranges travel experiences focused on adventure activities, such as hiking, safaris, and cultural expeditions, tailored to thrill-seekers.
Gain a clear understanding of what a travel agent does, including daily tasks and key skills required.
Look up job descriptions for travel agents and read about their responsibilities. Speak to professionals in the field or watch interviews to learn about their typical working day. This will help you decide if the career suits your interests and strengths.
Learn about the different types of travel companies, destinations, and services offered.
Research travel companies ranging from independent agencies to large travel chains. Read up on popular holiday destinations, current travel trends, and industry challenges such as travel regulations and restrictions. Understanding the bigger picture will help you in future interviews and training.
Obtain at least GCSEs, particularly in English and Maths, to meet entry requirements for most travel agencies.
While formal qualifications are not always essential, having at least 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 including English and Maths is beneficial. Some travel agents also have A-levels or a relevant college course such as a Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Travel and Tourism.
Acquire strong communication, organisational, and computer skills, all of which are essential for travel agents.
Excellent customer service skills are vital as you will be dealing with customers and suppliers daily. Gain experience through part-time work or volunteering in retail, hospitality, or customer service roles. Familiarise yourself with booking systems, Microsoft Office, and basic computer skills.
Apply for work experience, internships, or junior roles at travel agencies to learn on the job.
Many travel agents start in trainee or junior positions and receive on-the-job training. Seek work experience placements or part-time jobs in travel agencies, tour operators, or related customer service roles. This is a great way to build your CV and learn practical skills.
Undergo training provided by your employer to learn about booking systems, travel regulations, and customer care.
Most employers will offer structured training programmes covering essential topics like using global distribution systems (GDS), sales techniques, product knowledge, and industry regulations. You may also have the chance to attend familiarisation trips to learn about destinations first-hand.
Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Travel Agent. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.
A Travel Agent and a Tour Manager both require strong customer service skills, knowledge of travel destinations, and the ability to organise travel arrangements. While a Travel Agent typically handles individual bookings, a Tour Manager oversees group travel experiences, making their qualifications and responsibilities closely aligned.
You can get into this job through:
You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a subject like travel and tourism management, although this isn't essential.
You'll usually need:
You could take a college course like a Level 4 Diploma in Tourism Management, which may give you some of the skills and knowledge needed for this role.
You'll usually need:
You may be able to get into this job through a travel consultant advanced apprenticeship.
You'll usually need:
You could move into this job after getting experience in a related role like a travel agent, tour guide or tour rep.
You can apply for jobs directly if you have:
You could join the Institute of Travel & Tourism, which offers industry training courses, news and networking opportunities to members.
You can find more information on careers in the travel industry from the Institute of Travel & Tourism.
Explore other careers or use our AI to discover personalised paths based on your interests.
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