How To Become a Travel Agent

Interested in becoming a travel agent? Here’s how, straight from the perspective of a former travel agent.

If you’re a lover of travel and enjoy helping others plan unforgettable experiences, this career can be incredibly rewarding. Being a travel agent isn’t just about booking flights and hotels—it’s about turning someone’s dream holiday into reality, whether it’s a romantic getaway, a family adventure, or a bucket-list trip. You get to share your knowledge of destinations, provide personalised advice, and create experiences that your clients will remember for a lifetime. For anyone passionate about travel and custo

mer service, becoming a travel agent offers the perfect blend of creativity, problem-solving, and the joy of helping others explore the world.

Starting at School

If you’re still in high school, there are ways to start building the foundation for a travel career. Subjects such as Tourism, Geography, Business Studies, and Languages are highly relevant.

Tourism classes teach you about destinations, customer service, and travel trends.
Business studies give you insights into running a small business, marketing, and finance.
Languages are a huge advantage if you want to work with international clients.

Some schools also offer Work Experience Programs with travel agencies, giving you valuable hands-on exposure to the industry and helping you build contacts before you graduate.

Another great option is to enrol in TAFE while still at school. Many TAFE providers offer programs where you can attend one day per week, allowing you to complete a Certificate III in Travel and Tourism by the time you finish high school. This gives you a recognised qualification early and a head start if you want to begin working in the travel industry right away.

Studying Through TAFE

TAFE is one of the most common pathways for aspiring travel agents in Australia. The Certificate IV in Travel and Tourism is highly recognised and often required for employment in retail or corporate travel agencies.

TAFE courses teach:

How to research and plan travel itineraries
Airline and accommodation booking systems (GDS systems like Galileo, Amadeus, or Sabre)
Customer service and sales skills
Travel insurance, visas, and legal requirements

TAFE courses can usually be studied on-campus or online, giving you flexibility if you’re working or living outside a major city. Graduates often have the option to progress to a Diploma of Travel and Tourism Management, which can open doors to higher-level roles like travel consultancy, management, or corporate travel.

Online Courses and Short Programs

For those looking for a flexible or fast-track option, online courses are a great choice. Several accredited providers offer Certificate IV and Diploma programs online, allowing you to study from home at your own pace.

Benefits of online study include:

Flexible learning hours
Ability to work part-time or gain experience while studying
Access to industry-recognised certifications that are valued by employers

Some online courses also include practical training modules, virtual placements, or mentorship programs to give you real-world experience before you start working as a travel agent. For students still at school, some online providers even allow you to start modules alongside your high school courses. Combined with TAFE or weekend study, this can mean you graduate with practical skills and a recognised certificate ready to enter the workforce or continue to higher-level travel studies.

Studying online is a smart choice for anyone who wants to get qualified efficiently, build skills while maintaining other commitments, and enter the travel industry with confidence.

Gaining Practical Experience

No matter which study pathway you choose, hands-on experience is key. Many travel agencies offer internships or cadet programs for TAFE or online course graduates. This lets you:

Learn booking systems and software used in the industry
Gain customer service experience
Build your professional network

Starting in a smaller agency can also help you gain exposure to multiple areas, from cruise bookings and flights to tours and luxury travel.

Skills You’ll Need to Succeed

Being a successful travel agent is more than just knowing destinations. Key skills include:

Strong customer service and communication skills
Attention to detail for itineraries, bookings, and legal requirements
Ability to sell packages and travel experiences
Problem-solving skills for dealing with last-minute changes or issues
Knowledge of digital booking systems and online tools