What is the difference between a travel agent and a travel broker?

What's the difference between a Travel Broker and a Travel Agent? Anyone can become a travel agent with very little industy or travel experience. Travel Brokers have both years of industry experience and have had plenty of trips overseas. Brokers work in much the same way as travel agencies.



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Travel agencies are basically categorized into two types-: Retail Travel Agency and Wholesale Travel Agency. A retail travel agency sells tourists products directly to the public on the behalf of the products suppliers and in return get commissions.

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  • You're Not The One Planning Your Travel. While not planning your travel is a pro to some, for other travelers, it's a major con. ...
  • You Add Another Person To The Equation. ...
  • You Actually Have To Find The Agent. ...
  • They're Not Great For Spur-Of-The-Moment Changes.


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The cost of using a travel agent is generally marginal, and often, they won't charge you at all. Much of their money comes from commissions the hotels and wholesalers pay them. Before you decide to book with a travel agent, inquire whether or not they charge fees.

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Generally, leisure travel agencies' main revenue is from commissions vendors pay on vacation packages, cruises, air, and other add-ons. However, consultation fees and service fees are becoming more common as agencies try to diversify income sources to become less dependent on supplier commissions.

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Travel agents typically do the following:
  • Arrange travel for business and vacation clients.
  • Determine clients' needs and preferences, such as schedules and costs.
  • Plan and arrange tour packages, excursions, and day trips.
  • Find fare and schedule information.
  • Calculate total travel costs.


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Travel agents can use various skills depending on their specific duties, but most travel agents have these basic skills to be successful:
  1. Customer service. ...
  2. Reading comprehension. ...
  3. Scheduling. ...
  4. Negotiation. ...
  5. Sales. ...
  6. Information technology. ...
  7. Money handling. ...
  8. Time management.


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It's easier than you think, and with the right attitude, resources, and community, it's not just possible, but achievable. In fact, the path to becoming a successful travel agent doesn't require you to invest in an expensive college hospitality program or vocational training.

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I know it is trendy to use other names, such as Advisor, Consultant, Travel Junkie, Travel Ninja, Travel Designer, etc – but in the end, I really think most people just think of us as a Travel Agent and not in a negative way.”

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Do travel agents get discounts on flights? Generally not, and especially not for short distances. For the most part, any discount you'd get from using a travel agent would be for a combined package. Still, it never hurts to ask if your travel agent can get you a deal on your flight.

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Demand is projected to increase for travel agents' expertise in recommending options to clients seeking personalized travel experiences. People are expected to continue relying on travel agents for their advice on popular or unique destinations and for their ability to handle travel issues.

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A travel agent's role is to help people plan, choose and arrange their holiday. They will usually work to a budget set out by whoever is planning the holiday. They also offer advice and opinions on where to go and local tourist attractions, events and customs.

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Weigh all the pros and cons of being a travel agent before jumping in as a franchise owner.
  • Pro: You Can Work Anywhere & Set Your Own Hours. ...
  • Con: You Can Work Anywhere & Set Your Own Hours. ...
  • Pro: You Can Travel the World. ...
  • Con: You Might Get Calls at All Hours. ...
  • Pro: No College Degree Required. ...
  • Con: You Are in Control.


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Some agents charge fees by percentage, ranging from 5 percent to 15 percent of the trip's cost. Others may charge a flat rate, anywhere from $100-$500 on average. You may have to pay an hourly rate for travel agents to research, plan or arrange your trip.

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Travel agents save clients money, but the benefits of booking with a travel agent go way beyond. Travel agents also create high-value travel over OTAs because (the living, breathing, talented humans that they are) are able to advocate for clients when things go awry.

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If you want this to be a six-figure income career for you, then you need to invest in yourself. This may include things like education, FAM trips, marketing, websites, associated costs to branding, a CRM or a travel agent portal to manage your business. Many host agencies will even provide some of these tools for you.

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How much money do travel agents make? This comes down to certain factors such as the type of clients, level of expertise and the ability to offer specialized services. According to Indeed, the average salary of a travel agent in the US is $49,608 but there are many making up to six-figure incomes.

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