Are you searching for a side hustle to help you make extra cash?
What about a remote position that will let you put your research skills to good use?
As a travel agent, you can do both.
But what really makes this side hustle worth it for so many people is the opportunity to assist friends and family in finding the best deals for their dream vacations.
All this sounds fine and well, but what about the downsides?
Is being a travel agent a good hustle overall?
Let’s take a more in-depth look.
Contents
Flexible Schedule
One of the main reasons so many people jump at the chance to become travel agents on the side is the flexible schedule.
But what does this entail, exactly?
As it turns out, a flexible schedule can be both a blessing and a curse.
On the one hand, a flexible program allows you to work around your day job, manage your own time, and work remotely from the comfort of your home.
On the other hand, a flexible schedule means being on-call for any changes in your client’s travel plans or emergencies that may arise with their trips.
So, before deciding whether this side hustle is for you, keep in mind that there may be times when you will have to assist your client in the middle of the night or at other inconvenient times.
Building a Network
This is, by far, one of the most important aspects of a travel agent’s job.
Allow me to explain.
As a travel agent, your main focus is providing clients with the best deals and discounts that fit their needs and wants.
To do this, you must first become familiar with the types of deals and discounts that are out there.
Once you have identified them, you want to compare and contrast these deals.
For example, if a client of yours plans to take a trip abroad for Christmas, your first step will be to consult with various airlines to see who offers the best deals.
Similarly, multiple hotels may provide similar prices.
In contrast, this one family-owned inn may offer a deal that blows all the other ones out of the water, and it is your job to research, compare, and negotiate on behalf of the client.
However, creating this network may be daunting to many since it may involve more than they bargained for.
For example, it entails working extra hours to find the right people and businesses, joining social media groups, participating in workshops and conferences, and building and updating a personal website where you can promote your business.
It may also involve negotiating with certain businesses on behalf of your clients to find the best deals.
Building a network involves a lot of work.
To some, the social aspect may be the easiest part, while others may dread the highly interactive part of the job.
If you are in the latter category, remember that the job of a travel agent involves being highly interactive and communicating with people (whether orally or in writing) most of the day.
Growth Potential
One of the upsides of starting a side hustle as a travel agent is the continual potential for growth.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, we will see an overall growth of 3% in this field by the end of the decade.
But how does this look in practice?
Imagine that you have been doing this work on the side for a little over a year when you decide to pursue a full-time career in this field.
By this point, you already have a solid network of trusted associates and vendors and have gained enough experience to feel confident that you will succeed.
You are ready.
Now what?
This is when you start to switch your focus from short- to long-term goals.
In other words, whereas your foundation so far was made of sand, this time around, you need to put down roots and build that solid cement foundation.
But what exactly does that mean?
For starters, familiarize yourself with the state and federal laws and regulations regarding starting a business as a travel agent.
Then, identify your specific niche and start working on promoting yourself and your business.
Discounts
Some of the biggest perks of becoming a travel agent are, by far, the discounts.
As mentioned above, in this field, you will be responsible for building a network of trusted associates and vendors whose services you can use to provide your clients with the best deals that suit their needs.
But what exactly does this type of network get you?
Among other things, it provides you with great deals that may not be openly available to anyone scouring the internet for cheap flights to their desired destinations.
For example, the businesses you have partnered with or whose services you have used before may send you promotional emails regarding discounts or offers that may not be readily accessible to the public.
After all, these businesses have a vested interest in providing travel agents with good deals, thus ensuring that they use their services again.
And then, there are the discounts.
Businesses love returning clients, and airlines and hotels reward their partners through discounts that travel agents can use for themselves or a loved one.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I promote myself when I first start out?
There are many ways to go about promoting yourself.
For example, you can use social media to post on various groups, create stories, include client testimonials, and post pictures and videos of your work.
Another great way to promote your business is through word of mouth.
Inform your family and friends of your new endeavors, and ask them to spread the word.
Ask your clients for testimonials, which you can post on your social media pages and website (if you have one).
Will I need formal training to become a travel agent?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, a high school diploma is a minimum requirement for becoming a travel agent, though higher education is usually recommended.
Those unable or unwilling to pursue a college degree can also opt for shorter and more affordable programs.
For example, many organizations offer vocational training courses, whereas some community colleges offer travel agent certificate programs.
You can find multiple examples of such programs on the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics official website.
What does a typical day in the life of a travel agent look like?
This is an essential question since we know that practice does not always look like what we imagine.
As a travel agent, you should expect to spend a large part of the day in front of a computer, communicating with vendors, booking flights, and making reservations.
You should also expect the occasional late-night phone calls from clients who are experiencing issues like their flight being canceled.
If you choose to work for yourself, however, remember that you will also have to dedicate a significant portion of your time to promoting your work through regular social media posts or daily stories, for example.
