About Joel Linton Expertise I have travelled on business to 37 countries in the past 4 years -- visiting 4 or 5 major cities in one 7-day trip ! All this out of Chicago (my home base). I can assist with itinerary planning, suggestions what to pack, how to get to locations, and can answer general questions about what to do during non-work time, and how to survive "on your own" on the road. I have a few "tips" on how to make a 7 to 10 hour plane ride more comfortable, less jet-lagged and what to take on board to assist.
Experience
Past/Present Clients Current client : Coca-Cola company
Question Hello Joel,
Is it possible for one to become a free lance travel agent solo out of their home with a phone/computer...without having to work out of an agency? Agencys I see hiring are usually wanting so many years experience. Is any certification(s) required and can one get enough training from books, CDs, online, etc?
Thank you very much!
Sincerely,
Mike Eidson
Answer Hi Mike
This is an interesting question, and something that I have thought about doing myself actually !! You definitely need some sort of "accreditation" because of the strict regulations in the industry (commissions from service providers like hotels, airlines and car rental companies), but from time to time I see some TV ads about local colleges offering courses (not a long period of study).
Then I have found one or two companies (via internet searching) that will train you and then allow you to operate independently using their "main office" as the base -- but somehow I did not trust that situation and could not get to talk to anyone as to how they would pay commissions and at what rate -- at that stage I decided not to pursue my interest.
You definitely need accreditation to operate -- and that means a certificate and travel agent number (registration with the travel agent main body). But as I said, not a difficult situation to get such registration.
After that, you need to know that the travel industry operates with some very sophisticated computer software -- and most agents link in directly to all airlines and hotel networks -- this gives them the "real time" availablity of space and prices. How you would get this as a free-lancer is something I do not know -- but am sure available for purchase once you are registered. I guess those are the tools of the trade that one must have to operate.
If you are well travelled and experienced, you could also consider operating as a "tour guide" and link yourself to an agency that will take the number crunching task off your hands allowing you to "sell your services" as a guide focusing on certain areas, regions, countries or special needs. There are a lot of people out there who would pay for luxury of having someone else work out travel details -- e.g take a tour to New Mexico to see the latest crafts or some fair etc etc. Or take a small group to Rome ! or Venice or Hong Kong !
Travel is always exciting ... and am sure there is something for you to do while getting your registration sorted out.
Take care and good luck -- and if you ever get into your own business, let me know !
