Travel Agent Schools in Maryland

Candidates looking to become successful travel agents in Maryland must possess strong organizational skills, interpersonal skills, and a deep knowledge of geography and tourism. Individuals must cultivate these skills before embarking on the journey.

As with most things in life, people possess unique dispositions that make them more suitable for one approach over the other. Below, we explore all possible pathways for candidates to become established travel agents in Maryland.

We look at possible educational options, employment pathways, certification requirements, and prospective salary.

How to Become a Travel Agent in Maryland

Below are the major considerations for candidates looking to become successful travel agents in Maryland.

Preparing for Training

In preparing for their training as prospective travel agents, individuals may get relevant documents such as their high school diploma and birth certificate ready. Those who don’t have a high school diploma may use a GED equivalent.

Choosing a Specialty

Travel agents in Maryland may consider several specialty areas. Some work solely on cruises and destination travel, while others specialize in adventure travel.

Specialization can start as early as possible or after basic training. Either way, choosing a specialty area will facilitate focus and a more targeted customer base.

Completing a Program

For their training, candidates may attend an academic program where they will study for a few months before securing employment. Some individuals may even dedicate a couple of years to receiving a degree in hospitality and tourism before starting their travel agent careers in Maryland.

It is also worth pointing out that candidates with busy schedules don’t have to receive their training in person. Several high-quality online options can also do the job.

Job Placement

Lastly, candidates may secure job placement with a host agency after completing their training. Here, they will have access to valuable tools and resources to settle into the job as smoothly as possible.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• Learn how to become a home and building inspector in Maryland

Licensure & Certification Requirements

One resource candidates get from joining a host agency is an IATA number. This number is important for bookings and reservations.

Licensure and certification are not mandatory for travel agents in Maryland, and the latter is only a matter of preference. Many travel agents choose to become certified, though, thanks to the several benefits that come with it.

For instance, the American Society of Travel Advisors issues certifications that may help candidates improve their standings with customers and potential host agencies.

Some other notable mentions for highly-rated credentials are the International Air Transport Association and the Travel Industry Designator Association.

Top Travel Agent Schools in Maryland

These programs are among the best for future travel agents in Maryland:

Explore travel agent schools in Maryland by city:

• Travel agent schools in Baltimore

Salary & Career Outlook

Gaithersburg, with an average annual salary of $50,934, and Silver Spring, with an average annual salary of $48,732, are the cities with the highest pay for travel agents in Maryland. Those working in Potomac, Capitol Heights, and Waldorf are among the top five highest earners, with annual average salaries of $47,522, $44,779, and $44,599, respectively.

However, even though location can strongly influence the average annual salaries of travel agents, as seen above, it is not the only factor to consider. Experience, specialty, employer, and more are also crucial components.

However, a survey of travel agents in the state showed that the annual average salary for these professionals in Maryland is $38,651. Those lucky enough to be in the top 10% can earn as high as $68,424, while the lowest-paid in the bottom 10% still take home an average salary of around $23,778 at the end of each year.