Hospitality studies online is not just for people who want to work in the hotel industry. In fact, there are many other courses and degrees to choose from that are geared towards other exciting industries such as travel and tourism. If you've ever been the person that people go to for advice on travel, hotels, where to go and what to see, then perhaps a career in tourism is exactly what you've been looking for.
What exactly do travel agents do?
Agents help to plan trips for people for all sorts of events. It could be a honeymoon, vacation, business seminar or any other type of trip. Travel agents are trusted for their knowledge of a place, but most importantly, they are trusted in the travel arrangement and execution of a trip. They can plan things down to the last detail for a person or company, or they can leave a lot open and suggest places. They generally have all the information a person needs, including legalities, safety tips and spots to see. Agents are expected to know the local customs, history and provide invaluable tips for the traveler about a destination.
Where to travel agents work?
Travel agents mainly work for tour and booking companies, hotel concierge and tourist companies or are self-employed. They generally work behind a desk and are on the phone a lot with hotels, airlines and travel companies. They are on the computer a lot looking for the best deals and researching other details. There are peak seasons, especially during summer, when the travel agent is especially busy. If an emergency happens or there is a missed flight, it is the travel agents that must reschedule or rebook.
Do travel agents actually get to travel?
This really depends on the type of agency you want to work in. For some agents, they generally work at a desk and are in constant communication with hotels and tourist companies. There are those that work from home or start their own business and get to go abroad in their own time since they get to "call the shots." However, companies want their workers to have first-hand knowledge of a destination or tour, so they have the agent travel and evaluate it themselves. Call them job "perks!"
Earning a degree through hospitality studies online can greatly increase your chances of being considered for a top travel company. It can also help you to advance through the ranks. Additionally, hospitality studies online also teaches students the ins and outs of the industry, which can greatly help an entrepreneur start their own business later on. Hospitality studies online is the perfect combo of earning a degree and gaining work experience at the same time.