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Have you considered becoming a travel agent?
People still use travel agents all the time to plan their next resort vacation or cruise.
It is an exciting career that presents new and interesting challenges and experiences on a daily basis.
If you have a passion for travel and helping others, you should look into becoming a travel agent in Massachusetts.
The following is everything you need to know to get started.
Article Table of Contents
Travel Agent Duties in Massachusetts
As a travel agent, your services for your clients are comprehensive, meaning you will help them with every phase of their vacation from start to finish.
This starts the second they walk in your door or call you to start planning their trip.
Here are some of the daily duties you will have for your clients as a travel agent in Massachusetts.
Planning
When you first meet with customers, you will have a consultation with them to decide what kind of vacation is best for them.
There are a few things to consider here.
First, you have to consider what kind of vacation they want.
Do not book them on a cruise if they want to stay in one place and relax, for example.
The second thing to consider is what their budget is for the trip.
If you can stay under their budget, they are more likely to work with you in the future.
For some clients, the budget is the most important thing.
Others may have a budget that is more of a gray area.
You also want to consider how many people are going on the trip.
Do not book a romantic vacation for someone who is clearly traveling with their family.
Booking
Your next step is to actually book all the transportation, lodging, meals, and entertainment for your guests.
In some cases, you can do all this pretty quickly by booking them at an all-inclusive resort.
Other times, you may have to design a vacation for them a la carte.
Customer Service
Because you have a relationship with the hotels, rental companies, and airlines, your clients will contact you if they have any issues.
You can then use your communication skills and industry knowledge to help them navigate any issues they might be having.
Your job does not just end once you book everything.
Licensing Requirements to Become a Travel Agent in Massachusetts
There is no specific state license required to work as a travel agent in Massachusetts.
If you want to maximize your potential, you can get certified, though.
A certification proves that you have passed the Travel Agent Proficiency exam with at least a 70%.
This is a great way to gain industry knowledge if you do not have any experience.
Travel Agent Programs
The following are some travel agent programs you can take advantage of if you are interested in becoming certified:
- The Travel Institute – This is one of the most popular online schools for travel-based careers. There is an online travel agent program that you can do completely at your own pace. The comprehensive coursework will teach you everything you need to know to get a perfect score on the test. The total price for the program with tuition and materials is $440.
- The Travel Academy – The travel academy has a 300-hour program designed to give you a full understanding of the travel industry. The travel agent program has total tuition of $8,999 but there are scholarships and other tuition assistance programs available.
- Penn Foster – The online school, Penn Foster, offers a travel agent program for those that wish to learn online. The total price of the program is $799 and you can take classes whenever you want. The coursework is geared towards the TAP exam.
Average Salary of Travel Agents in Massachusetts
The average salary for a travel agent in the state of Massachusetts is $38,347 to $49,014.
The salary ranges because you are likely to get paid more as you gain experience and build a solid customer base.
The salary can also range depending on whether you work for an agency or as an independent contractor.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Boston | $43,584 |
| Worcester | $40,733 |
| Springfield | $40,134 |
| Lowell | $42,164 |
| Cambridge | $43,584 |
| Brockton | $41,894 |
| New Bedford | $40,772 |
| Fall River | $40,772 |
| Lynn | $43,584 |
| Quincy | $43,584 |
Regional Salary in Massachusetts
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH | 1,330 | $55,610 | $26.73 | $78,780 | $33,950 |
| Springfield, MA-CT | 50 | $46,680 | $22.44 | $75,880 | $30,300 |
| Worcester, MA-CT | 50 | $44,140 | $21.22 | $61,830 | $30,510 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to work for a travel agency?
No.
You have the option to either work for a travel agency or be self-employed as a certified travel agent.
It is a good idea to work for an agency when starting out though.
This will help you gain valuable experience more quickly than if you started out on your own.
Do I get paid by clients?
No.
Instead of getting paid by the clients, you are paid by the resorts and cruise lines you book with.
This is ideal as a salesperson because it makes you more trustworthy to the customers.
What test do I need to take to be certified?
To get the certification, you will need to pass the Travel Agent Proficiency exam with a score of at least 70%.
Most travel agent programs are designed for you to get a perfect score on the exam when you are done.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Travel Agent
Travel Agent License by State