Maybe you want to start a career as a travel agent now that tourism is getting back on track.
If so, you should know more about what this job is all about.
This article will offer information on education and getting certification if you live in Indiana.
Travel Agent Job Description and Duties in Indiana
There are many tasks that a travel agent has to complete
Usually, your job will consist of assisting your clients with tasks like:
- Transportation
- Accommodation
- Entertainment
To do this, you first should:
- Review visas, vaccinations, and other travel necessities
- Understand the needs and desires of their clients
- Keep accurate records
- Find solutions to issues and emergencies
- Handle payments and deposits
- Promote the various packages resorts, hotels, and cruise companies offer
- Negotiate with hotels, resorts, cruise companies, and more
If you want to, you can choose an area of specialization, such as:
- Honeymoon
- Family-oriented
- Business
- Budget
- Cruise
- Luxury
These “specializations” will help you have more info about the destination you will be recommending.
Requirements to be a Travel Agent in Indiana
Travel agents also need to have certain skills in order to complete their jobs.
Some of the needed skills are:
- Good communication skills
- Good management skills
- Able to use various computer programs
- Good problem-solving skills
- Great marketing skills
- Able to work full-time
- Detail-oriented
- Being confident
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a clean criminal record
- Be honest
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Speaking a foreign language
Having experience in the industry can also help, even if it is not mandatory.
As a travel agent, be ready to travel a lot in order to learn more about the destinations.
Education and Certification for a Travel Agent in Indiana
While higher education and licensing are not mandatory, travel agents who have these are more successful.
Most travel agents decide to pursue a degree in tourism, and the most common is a Bachelor’s.
If you want to join a school, you will get to attend classes both online and physically.
Have a look at the next table to find the available schools in Indiana.
Top 14 Schools in Indiana
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Ancilla College | 20097 9B ROAD PLYMOUTH, IN 46563 |
| Ball State University | 2000 UNIVERSITY AVE MUNCIE, IN 47306 |
| Grace College | 1 LANCER WAY WINONA LAKE, IN 46590 |
| Indiana University | 107 S Indiana Ave, Bloomington, IN 47405 |
| Indiana University | 2300 S. Washington St. Kokomo, IN 46902 |
| Indiana Wesleyan University | 1900 WEST 50TH STREET MARION, IN 46953 |
| International Business College | 7205 SHADELAND STATION INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46256 |
| IUPUI | 420 UNIVERSITY BLVD INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46202 |
| Ivy Tech Community College | 50 W. FALL CREEK PARKWAY N. DRIVE INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46208 |
| Purdue University | HOVDE HALL OF ADMINISTRATION WEST LAFAYETTE, IN 47907 |
| Purdue University | 2200 169TH STREET HAMMOND, IN 46323 |
| Purdue University | 2101 E COLISEUM BLVD FORT WAYNE, IN 46805 |
| University of Indianapolis | 1400 E HANNA AVE INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46227 |
| Vincennes University | 1002 N FIRST ST VINCENNES, IN 47591 |
To join a program that a school offers, you need a high school diploma or a GED.
The programs usually include classes like:
- Introduction to the travel industry
- Professional Skills
- Basic/International geography
- Destination geography
- Introduction to international travel
- Introduction to air travel
- Transportation
- Career development
- Sales and marketing for travel
Travel Agent Salary and Employment in Indiana
There are quite a few advantages to becoming a travel agent.
You will have the option to travel to many places and work remotely.
This will also help you with staying informed of the changes happening at the destination you’re most familiar with.
Another option is working in an office for a travel agency.
Remember that you need extra certifications to work as an independent travel agent.
You will usually earn a better salary if you live in a big city, such as Indianapolis, Gary, and Hammond.
| Item | Percent |
|---|---|
$34K | |
$37K | |
$44K |
Average Salary of Travel Agents in Indiana
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Indianapolis | $37,349 |
| Fort Wayne | $35,811 |
| Evansville | $36,281 |
| South Bend | $36,194 |
| Carmel | $37,303 |
| Fishers | $35,469 |
| Bloomington | $35,359 |
| Hammond | $38,644 |
| Gary | $38,644 |
| Lafayette | $37,119 |
Regional Salary
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson, IN | 370 | $49,970 | $24.03 | $65,960 | $34,510 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Additional Information for Travel Agents in Indiana
In Indiana, you can consider joining the Indiana Travel Industry Association.
This might help in getting better career opportunities and you’ll appear more trustworthy in the eyes of your clients.
The travel agent certification needs to be renewed after some time has passed.
In order to know when you have to reach out to the agency that issued the certification.
I love organizing trips for friends and family, and this post makes me think I could turn that passion into a business. It’s good to know there are training programs I can take to sharpen my skills and get certified.
I’ve been thinking about becoming a travel agent for a while, and this guide really breaks down the steps clearly! It’s great to know that Indiana doesn’t have too many strict licensing requirements, making it easier to get started.
Looking to switch careers and working in travel sounds amazing. The flexibility and potential for working from home really appeal to me, and it’s good to know I can start without needing a specific degree!