How to Become a Travel Agent in South Dakota

Becoming a travel agent in South Dakota is a rewarding career.

Not only will you be able to travel, but you can also get paid well and build a solid career in the field.

But, before that can happen, you need to learn more about the licensing requirements.

So, have a look at the article below in order to get more info.

Travel Agent Job Description and Duties in South Dakota

As a travel agent, you have to offer assistance to clients regarding places they will visit.

You have to be ready to visit various destinations in order to get info on them.

You will offer suggestions and recommendations, but also help with:

• Transportation
• Accommodation
• Entertainment

Some other responsibilities you will have include:

• Reviewing visas, vaccinations, and other travel necessities
• Keeping accurate records
• Finding solutions to issues and emergencies
• Handling payments and deposits
• Promoting the various packages resorts, hotels, and cruise companies offer
• Negotiating with hotels, resorts, cruise companies, and more

You can also choose a specialization out of the following:

• Honeymoon
• Have some more family time together
• For business
• Go on a cruise
• Luxury
• Budget
• Relaxation

Travel Agent Job Requirements in South Dakota

Just like with any other job, you will need to develop some job-related skills.

Travel agents need to have the skills below:

• 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
• Having a clean criminal record
• Being honest
• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Speaking a foreign language
• Liking and having the ability to travel

In South Carolina, you don’t have to attend university to be able to work.

If you do get a diploma or a Bachelor’s degree, it will be helpful in your job search.

Education and Certification for a Travel Agent in South Dakota

First of all, you should consider joining a program in an education facility if you decide to go that route.

Many training programs are available through schools in South Dakota.

A few programs require physical attendance, but you can also choose an online program.

Online programs are a good choice for those who are working.

The schools that offer in-person courses in South Dakota are listed next.

To attend a program, you need to have a high school diploma or equivalent.

Some facilities have extra requirements.

The topics you will study are:

• 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 South Dakota

In South Dakota, you can choose an office job and be employed by a travel agency.

If you want to work alone, you will need extra credentials.

This will enable you to work independently and even start your own travel agent company.

In case you want to know more about the salaries, these vary according to your education.

If you complete a Bachelor’s degree, you will get paid better compared to someone without an education.

Salaries are also lower for travel agents who are just starting their careers.

If you live in a metropolitan area, you will be paid better as well.

Regional Salary

Additional Information for Travel Agents in South Dakota

You should know that certifications expire after a certain period of time.

In order to keep working, you have to get your license renewed.

There are several requirements to getting your license renewed.

One of these is taking some additional hours of education.

If you want to know more about the industry changes, make sure to contact your agency.