Why I Became a Travel Agent and Why I Left

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If you ever wanted to know what it’s like to be a travel agent, then check this post on Why I Became a Travel Agent and Why I Left.

Travel agents are a popular subject in the travel industry. Are they even necessary in this day and age of modern technology? It’s so easy to make travel reservations today. A few swipes and a couple of presses on your phone is all it takes. Just think about all the different apps you have access to that will help you plan your next travel adventure.

I’m very well aware of people’s thoughts and opinions on travel agents. I spent close to ten years of my life as one. Despite the questioning need for travel agents, I often find that people are intrigued when they learn of my past profession. A variety of questions are often sent my way. How did I become an agent, are travel agents even needed anymore, and why did I leave are common. Today I thought I would answer a couple and share with you Why I Became a Travel Agent and Why I Left.

When I was starting my career as a travel agent in 2008 I was aware of the competition out there. I just had no idea how much it would increase in the next ten years. I also kind of came into it at a low point in the industry thanks to the financial crisis that year.

Nevertheless, I was undeterred. I still had images of jet setting around the world in my downtime thanks to what I believed were incredible travel agent discounts. Of course, things aren’t always what they seem. Yes, there are discounts at times with tour companies, cruises, and hotels. Airfare on the other hand, not so much.

I still loved the essential basics of the work. I loved researching destinations, accommodations, and sightseeing to help send clients on the travel adventure of their dreams. I’m a natural planner and even before I became a travel agent I loved spending time planning the perfect getaway.

I was fortunate starting out. One of my dad’s oldest friends owned a local travel agency. I called her to get some advice on what steps to take. She had me come in to learn the booking system and in no time I was an intern getting on-the-job-training.

I quickly learned there’s a lot more to being a travel agent than the fun stuff. There are many travel rules and regulations that you have to know and continue to learn as they are constantly changed and amended.

The booking system is not as easy to learn as you may think, either. I usually pick up computer programs fairly quick but this was a whole different story. Of course, that’s the way it is with most jobs. There are always technical aspects to learn. There are fun parts and not so fun parts.

A little over a year later Derek was transferred to Naples. Although I didn’t feel a hundred percent ready to start my career as a home-based agent, I didn’t want to leave all that training behind. I did like the flexibility of being a home–based agent offered. It was also helpful since we ended up moving four more times in my ten years as an agent.

It also made getting clients more difficult. I no longer had access to walk-in clients and not every area we lived was great for my business prospects.

A couple of years ago the agency’s owner decided to sell the business. I was absolutely thrilled for her. She was going to continue to work the agent side of things without having to worry about running the business. Nothing was supposed to change besides that.

It really didn’t too much. The real changes were the industry. My last two years as an agent made it harder and harder to make any money. Commissions were reducing and I felt like I was killing myself just to make pennies.

Even my most loyal clients would only use my services part-time and book many things online themselves, which is an unfortunate trend right now. The worst part is that I actually understand. Sometimes it’s quicker to go ahead and click and book that hotel rather than call, text, or email your agent. Especially when there are hotel brands out there that advertise lowest rates when you book directly through them. Of course, they can offer cheaper rates when they don’t have to pay out a commission.

Agents are starting to feel that they need to brand themselves as specialists of a specific niche in the industry to bring in business. I never really cared for that. In ten years my clients’ destination choices changed dramatically. When I was first starting out I booked a lot of Europe and cruises. At the end of it, my clients were still cruising but there was more interest in exotic locations. I didn’t want to limit myself in what I could do for my clients. There’s nothing wrong with having a niche but I felt more is expected from a specialist.

Last year I reached a point where I felt that it was time to leave. Derek understood and agreed with me. I felt that those last couple of years I was just trying to hang on. The joy that I had originally felt when I first started had long gone. There are days when I still miss it but I miss the early days before so many changes happened.

Although I’m no longer a travel agent, I will always recommend their services. I still feel that travel agents provide great value. There are definitely times that their services should be utilized. Even with my own experience, there will be times when I will use their services for my own personal travel needs in the future.

Stay tuned next month for the second installment of this travel agent series. I will share with you a few reasons why you should use a travel agent.

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