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If you are looking for a new career, consider becoming a travel agent.
Travel agents in Delaware help people plan and design their vacations to destinations around the world.
You will help them plan everything from start to finish and will also be the mediator between your client and the various companies they need to interact with along the way.
If you love to travel, this is the job for you.
Here is everything you need to know about becoming a travel agent in Delaware.
Article Table of Contents
Travel Agent Duties in Delaware
Your duties as a travel agent in Delaware start the second your client walks in the door of your office.
The first thing you will do is consult with them about what they want out of their vacation and what their budget is.
This will help you come to an agreement on the destination.
Once you have chosen the travel destination, the fun really starts.
This is where you plan all the day trips, entertainment, and meals during their vacation.
You will earn your reputation as a great travel agent if you do your job well.
In case your client is planning on taking a cruise, you can help them choose the cruise line, the amenities, and what kind of room they will be staying in during the cruise.
On top of planning the destination, entertainment, and amenities, you will help your clients plan the travel procedure during their trip.
This does not just mean their flights.
It means both the flight there and back, rental cars during the trip, and public transportation.
Essentially, your client is buying the vacation from you.
This is so they can be hands-off during the trip, enjoying it without the headaches of planning.
Licensing Requirements to Become a Travel Agent in Delaware
There is no specific license required to become a travel agent in Delaware.
The only thing that your clients will ask is that you are certified, so you can prove you have the experience and some education required to navigate the complicated travel industry without any issues for your clients.
Some skills that will help you once you are certified are time management, sales, simple math, and confidence.
You also must be 18 years old with a clean criminal record to be a certified travel agent.
In some cases, you can attend a trade or specialty school to prepare for the travel agent TPA exam.
You may also get the experience and training you need by getting an apprenticeship at a travel agency in your area.
Both are great paths that can work for you if you use them right.
There are continued certifications you can get with more experience and education in the industry.
Travel Agent Programs
If you are interested in attending a school to learn the basics of a travel agency before you take the TPA exam, there are a plethora of options available to you.
For your convenience, many of them provide the option to study completely online, so you can learn at home at your own pace.
Some local schools in Delaware may offer a brick-and-mortar option as well.
Here are some schools you can choose from:
- The Travel Institute – This is a national program that is completely online. The coursework is designed to be completed in 12 months, but you can move faster if you like. In total, the coursework and materials required to become a certified travel agent at The Travel Institute will cost you $440. Once you are certified, you can start working right away.
- Travel Agent Campus – This is another online school with a six-month certificate course. The Travel Agent Campus also offers payment plans to help students have a more affordable experience while they get their certificates. You will have to contact the school directly to find out more about pricing.
- Delaware State University – If you want to attend school in the state, Delaware State University has a travel agent program to help you get your certification. The program has comprehensive industry coursework and the total price is $1995. It is designed to get you ready for the TPA test at the end of the program.
Salary
If you become a professional travel agent in Delaware, you can expect to make an average salary of $37,008 to $47,302.
As you get more and more experience and return clients later in your career, you can expect to see that number rise.
It is a sales position, meaning that much of the salary is in your hands.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Wilmington | $41,236 |
| Dover | $41,168 |
| Newark | $41,205 |
| Milford | $41,267 |
| Seaford | $40,420 |
| Middletown | $41,095 |
| Bear | $41,190 |
| Smyrna | $41,124 |
| New Castle | $41,236 |
| Georgetown | $41,267 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do travel agents get new customers?
Travel agents get new clients much in the same way any other business does, through clandestine and online marketing, word-of-mouth, and walk-ins.
The best thing you can do to get as many clients as possible is to get great reviews each time you help someone so they recommend their friends.
Do travel agents get discounts on travel?
Not directly, but you will have such a deep understanding of the industry.
This will help you get the best deals possible when planning your own travel.
Why do people use travel agents?
The travel agent industry is growing all the time even with the advent of online vacation booking sites.
This is because the personal touch of being matched with the perfect trip for you by another person is something that cannot be matched by an algorithm.
Travel agents are not going anywhere.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Travel Agent
Travel Agent License by State