Becoming a travel agent is a great career choice. You get to help people plan trips, explore the world, and even work from home. In this guide, you’ll learn how to become a travel agent in simple steps. We’ll also cover how to start with no experience and how to do this in different states in the U.S.
What Does a Travel Agent Do?
A travel agent helps people book trips. They plan vacations, flights, hotels, cruises, and tours. Agents give advice on places to visit. They also find the best deals for their clients.
Some agents work for big companies. Others work from home or run their own business. It’s a flexible job that can be done part-time or full-time.
Why Become a Travel Agent?
Here are some simple reasons why many people want to become travel agents:
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You love to travel
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You enjoy helping others
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You want to work from home
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You want a flexible job
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You like learning about new places
You can also get discounts on your own travel. This is one of the biggest perks!
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Become a Travel Agent
1. Decide If This Career is Right for You
Ask yourself:
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Do I enjoy planning trips?
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Am I good at talking to people?
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Can I work online or handle bookings?
If the answer is yes, you’re already halfway there.
2. Get the Right Skills
You don’t need a degree to start. But you do need some basic skills:
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Good communication
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Basic computer use
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Customer service
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Problem-solving
3. Take a Training Course (Optional but Helpful)
While not required, many agents take online courses. These teach you about the travel industry, booking software, and how to work with clients.
Some courses offer a certificate. These look good on your resume.
4. Join a Host Agency (Best for Beginners)
A host agency helps new agents get started. They offer:
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Booking tools
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Support
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Commission tracking
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Training
Many people choose a host agency when learning how to become a travel agent from home.
5. Start Booking Travel for Others
You can now begin working with clients. Start small with friends and family. Learn as you go. Build trust.
Always listen to your clients. Ask about their budget, preferences, and travel goals.
6. Market Yourself
Create a website or social media pages. Share travel tips. Show happy client reviews. The more people trust you, the more clients you’ll get.
Also Read: Viator Travel Agent Guide: Login, Program, Discounts & More
How to Become a Travel Agent from Home
Working from home is a top option in 2025. Here’s how:
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Join an online travel agency or host agency
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Use booking software provided by them
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Attend virtual training sessions
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Use email and phone to talk to clients
You’ll need a laptop, phone, and strong internet. That’s it!
How to Become a Travel Agent Without Experience
Many people start with zero experience. Here’s how to do it:
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Take a short online course
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Watch YouTube tutorials about booking and destinations
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Join a host agency that supports beginners
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Start by helping friends plan simple trips
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Learn while doing
Experience will come over time.
State-by-State Guide for U.S. Travel Agents
Some U.S. states have special rules. Let’s go through each of the popular ones.
How to Become a Travel Agent in Texas
Texas does not require a license to become a travel agent.
Steps:
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Choose a host agency or work independently
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Take a course (optional)
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Start booking trips
How to Become a Travel Agent in Florida
Florida has a Seller of Travel law. You may need to register if you sell directly to Florida residents.
Steps:
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Register with the Florida Department of Agriculture
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Pay a registration fee
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Join a host agency if you want to avoid registering
How to Become a Travel Agent in California
California also requires Seller of Travel registration.
Steps:
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Register with the California Attorney General
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Pay a fee
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Display your registration on your website
Note: You can skip this if you work under a host agency already registered.
How to Become a Travel Agent in Ohio
Ohio does not have special rules for travel agents.
Just follow the basic steps:
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Train
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Join a host agency
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Start your business
How to Become a Travel Agent in NC (North Carolina)
No license needed in NC.
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Take training
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Join a host
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Begin working from home or online
How to Become a Travel Agent in Georgia
Georgia makes it easy.
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No state license required
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Join a host agency
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Build your client base
How to Become a Travel Agent in Michigan
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No state license required
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You can work from home
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A host agency can help you start faster
How to Become a Travel Agent in PA (Pennsylvania)
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No license is needed
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Focus on learning the job
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Promote your business locally and online
How to Become a Travel Agent in Oklahoma
Oklahoma doesn’t have special rules.
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Take training if needed
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Start working with clients
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Use online tools for bookings
How to Become a Travel Agent in Tennessee
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No travel agent license required
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You can work as an independent contractor
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Use marketing tools like Facebook or Instagram to find clients
How to Become a Travel Agent in Louisiana
Louisiana is also easy to start in.
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No special license
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Host agency is a good option
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Build your brand with time
How to Become a Travel Agent in NY (New York)
NY requires Seller of Travel registration only if you have a physical office.
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No need to register if you work from home through a host agency
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Host agencies already have licenses
How to Become a Travel Agent in Illinois
No licensing rules for travel agents in Illinois.
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Great for beginners
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Focus on training and building experience
How to Become a Travel Agent in Missouri
Missouri has no special laws.
You can:
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Start working online
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Use free tools and training
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Get clients through social media
How to Become a Travel Agent for Disney
Many dream of booking magical Disney vacations. Here’s how to do it:
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Take Disney-focused training (e.g., Disney’s College of Knowledge)
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Join an agency that is an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner
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Learn the parks, hotels, and ticket options
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Promote Disney vacations to families
This niche is fun and can be very profitable.
Tools You Need as a Travel Agent
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Laptop or desktop
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Internet connection
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Phone
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Email and calendar
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Booking software (from host agency)
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CRM to manage clients
How Much Money Can a Travel Agent Make?
Earnings vary. Some make $1,000 a month. Others earn $100,000 a year or more.
Your income depends on:
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Number of clients
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Type of trips you book
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Commission rates
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Experience and marketing
Pros and Cons of Being a Travel Agent
Pros:
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Flexible hours
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Can work from anywhere
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Travel discounts
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Fun job
Cons:
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Seasonal ups and downs
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Must deal with client changes
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Needs patience and planning skills
Also Read: Allianz Travel Insurance: Full Guide to Plans, Review & More
5 Most Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I become a travel agent without going to school?
Yes. Most agents don’t need a degree. Online training or self-study is enough.
2. How long does it take to become a travel agent?
You can get started in 1 to 3 months. Some begin faster if they join a host agency.
3. Do I need to register my business?
Only in some states like California or Florida. If you join a host agency, they usually handle that for you.
4. How do travel agents get paid?
Agents earn money through commissions from bookings. Some charge service fees too.
5. Can I sell travel part-time?
Yes! Many agents work part-time. It’s a great side hustle or second income.
Final Thoughts
Now you know how to become a travel agent. Whether you want to work from home, start with no experience, or focus on Disney vacations, it’s all possible. Every state has simple rules.
Start by learning the basics. Pick a good host agency. Market your services online. Most of all—stay helpful and friendly. Your clients will come back again and again.
