There are many reasons why you should become a travel agent in Minnesota.
This state has a growing tourism industry, so landing your first job will be easy.
But, before you do, that, you will need to know what the steps are to get started.
Read on below to find out more about training and certification.
Travel Agent Job Description and Duties in Minnesota
First, you should know what are the most important responsibilities of a travel agent in this state.
Your main job duties will usually consist of:
- Transportation
- Accommodation
- Entertainment
You will also have to:
- 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
You will also get the option to choose one single specialization area.
You can choose from:
- Honeymoon
- Family-oriented
- Business
- Budget
- Cruise
- Luxury
Remember that you will need to learn more about the areas you are recommending to your clients.
Requirements to be a Travel Agent in Minnesota
You should also improve some particular skills, like:
- 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
- Liking and having the ability to travel
In Minnesota, there are no regulations regarding travel agents requiring a license.
Still, you may wish to get a certification or complete higher education.
For example, getting a Bachelor’s degree will offer improved career opportunities.
You will also travel to many destinations in order to get the right information for your clients.
Education and Certification for a Travel Agent in Minnesota
The most convenient method to ensure you get hired is by getting a travel agent license.
You can do this after you complete a training program or pursue a degree in tourism.
You can choose a physical program or join online classes.
Taking classes online is a good idea for those who have a job.
The schools that offer in-person travel agent programs in Minnesota include:
Top 10 Schools in Minnesota
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Alexandria Technical and Community College | 1601 JEFFERSON STREET ALEXANDRIA, MN 56308 |
| Central Lakes College | 501 WEST COLLEGE DRIVE BRAINERD, MN 56401 |
| Concordia University | 1282 CONCORDIA AVE SAINT PAUL, MN 55104 |
| Dakota County Technical College | 1300 145TH STREET EAST ROSEMOUNT, MN 55068 |
| Metropolitan State University | 700 EAST SEVENTH STREET SAINT PAUL, MN 55106 |
| Normandale Community College | 9700 FRANCE AVE S BLOOMINGTON, MN 55431 |
| St. Cloud State University | 720 FOURTH AVE. SOUTH SAINT CLOUD, MN 56301 |
| Saint Paul College | 235 MARSHALL AVE SAINT PAUL, MN 55102 |
| Southwest Minnesota State University | 1501 STATE ST MARSHALL, MN 56258 |
| University of Minnesota | 2900 UNIVERSITY AVE CROOKSTON, MN 56716 |
Schools in this state only require a high school diploma or a GED.
After you get into a training program, you will take the classes below:
- 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 Minnesota
There are many advantages that travel agents have.
You can have a work schedule of your choosing, or work while traveling.
You also have the option to create your own travel business, for which you will need additional certifications.
On the other hand, you can also choose to work in an office for a travel company.
Maybe you want to know how much you will earn in this industry.
Your salary you be based on your experience, education, credentials, and where you live.
However, it is generally quite easy to get hired in this state, as the industry keeps on growing.
| Item | Percent |
|---|---|
$35K | |
$39K | |
$46K |
Average Salary of Travel Agents in Minnesota
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Minneapolis | $40,896 |
| St. Paul | $40,896 |
| Rochester | $37,177 |
| Duluth | $36,409 |
| St. Cloud | $36,432 |
| Eden Prairie | $40,827 |
| Lakeville | $40,643 |
| Burnsville | $40,781 |
| Minnetonka | $40,896 |
| Moorhead | $36,014 |
Regional Salary
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duluth, MN-WI | 30 | $43,350 | $20.84 | $54,130 | $35,590 |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | 610 | $49,040 | $23.58 | $59,230 | $35,790 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Additional Information for Travel Agents in Minnesota
You can join the Minnesota Travel Industry Association in order to find a better job.
Once you receive a travel agent certification, you have to keep it current and renew it when it expires.
The renewal process may involve you taking some additional hours of education.
If you want to know when you need to renew your license, reach out to the agency that licensed you.
Can Travel Agents in Minnesota charge a non refundable Plan to go fee? The fee would be applied to their vacation, however if they don’t go, it’s non-refundable.
As a travel agent, you have access to a wealth of travel knowledge and resources, enabling you to craft personalized itineraries and offer valuable advice to your clients.