Travel Agents are responsible for helping travelers to make the best possible travel arrangements. They make arrangements for hotel accommodations, tours, car rentals, among other related services. These professionals also advise clients about destinations, including information about attractions, exhibitions, local ordinances, customs, weather conditions, etc. They may also visit restaurants, hotels and resorts in order to evaluate them and create better recommendations.

Travel Agents usually perform many of the following tasks:
• Providing valuable information to travelers.
• Advising about destinations.
• Booking tickets.
• Helping clients to find travel package deals.
• Planning family holidays.

• Having interpersonal skills.
• Being able to persuade customers.
• Having good written and verbal communication skills.
• Being able to work without time constraints.
• Having IT skills.
• Being self-motivated.
• Having time-management skills.
• Having basic knowledge about geography and international topics.
• Being able to work under stressful circumstances.
• Having knowledge about marketing strategies.

Applicants for Travel Agent job placements must have a School Diploma and, in most cases, a Bachelor´s Degree in Travel and Tourism. It is recommended that candidates also have courses in geography, world history, computer science and knowledge of foreign languages. Travel Agent courses are offered in community colleges, public adult education programs, and online courses. Bachelor´s and Master´s degrees in Travel and Tourism are offered by few colleges. In order to gain work experience, professionals in this business should start working as reservation clerks or receptionists in travel agencies.