Travel Agent Schools in Washington

Going on a trip to a place one scarcely knows can be challenging. It is hard to get everything right, and sometimes, the best one can hope for is a trip with no major highlights but no major hassles.

Thankfully, this doesn’t have to be the case. Travel agents help individuals do more than just get a non-eventful trip; they ensure that people get the most out of their money and journeys.

They ensure that travelers experience a trip they will remember for the rest of their lives.

In Washington, becoming a travel agent requires meeting a few requirements set by training programs and potential employers. Below, we review all of these requirements and more.

How to Become a Travel Agent in Washington

Aspiring travel agents in Washington may follow the steps below to start their careers properly.

Preparatory Requirements

Even though the state does not mandate it, training programs and potential employers usually admire prospective travel agents with a high school diploma or a GED. It also helps when candidates acclimatize themselves to their prospective duties beforehand.

Developing strong organization, communication, and interpersonal skills is also important.

Joining a Host Agency

Finding a host agency as an aspiring travel agent is possible without attending a formal academic program. This is usually common for those with prior experience in a related hospitality field.

With experience, it is possible, but a more advisable route exists.

This route involves attending a training program offered by an academic institution or private training providers. Here, individuals will learn all the skills needed to secure employment at a host agency or even start their own.

Of course, joining a host agency is much more advisable for someone just starting.

Getting your First Client

Host agencies do a lot to support candidates who are just starting their careers. They provide relevant documentation, marketing resources, training, and a comfortable environment for them to settle into their roles.

Of course, it still comes down to a travel agent securing their first client and building from there.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• Learn how to become a carpenter in Washington

Licensure & Certification Requirements

As a travel agent in Washington, you must acquire a surety bond and a business license. However, you may not need a business license if you work under a host agency.

Additionally, you may worry about certification, not because it is compulsory but for professional benefits.

The American Society of Travel Advisors offers a host of credentials through which candidates can set themselves apart. In addition to validation and credibility, professional credentials can make it easier to access educational materials, which helps facilitate career growth.

Even though certification is unnecessary for travel agents, all must have an IATA number. Candidates who work with a host agency won’t have to worry about obtaining one independently, as their host agency will handle that on their behalf.

Top Travel Agent Schools in Washington

The programs below are among the top options for prospective travel agents in Washington.

Explore travel agent schools in Washington by city:

• Travel agent schools in Seattle

Salary & Career Outlook

In Washington — as with anywhere else in the country — location plays a huge role in determining the annual average salary of a travel agent. Of course, this may not necessarily be the most important factor.

Things like reputation, credentials, and experience level also matter. Of course, the specific company and capacity for employment will also determine one’s earnings in this field.

Generally, though, it is common for travel agents in Washington to end with an average salary of $48,071 at the end of the year. This figure is relevant for the midpoint earners who comprise most of the profession.

In the top 10% bracket, travel agents in Washington earn an annual average salary of $72,055, while the lowest-paid still manage an annual average salary of $32,070.

As for locations within the state, Bothell, with an annual average salary of $72,835, and Seattle, with an annual average salary of $53,940, are the highest-paying destinations.