The travel industry is booming. If have exceptional customer service skills, and enjoy planning vacations and events, then this career path may be perfect for you.
Education and Training
Begin the journey to becoming a California travel agent by exploring the training programs below.
How Will You Benefit?
Upon successful completion of our course, you will be able to sit for the Travel Agent Proficiency (TAP) test, offered by the Travel Institute (formerly ICTA).
What Do You Study?
Courses will cover topics such as:
- How to market yourself as a travel professional
- Customer service skills needed as a travel professional
- Key fundamentals of the travel industry
- Airline and ground transportation, hotels and resorts, cruises, tours, specialty travel, etc
- All about the international and domestic travel destinations that you are most likely to recommend and sell to your clients
How Long is the Travel Agent Program?
It will take about 6 months.
Other programs might take eighteen weeks or even a full year to complete.
Those who are pursuing hospitality and tourism degrees complete their courses in two, four, or six years, depending on the program they choose.
How Much Does It Cost?
$2,300 (about $110 per month if you finance).
Additional Classes
If you’re planning to start your own travel agency, you can also take business classes to learn the accounting, human resources, and advertising skills you need.
Other hospitality and tourism courses might be a good idea if you hope to form business connections with luxury resorts, hotels, and airlines.
California Travel Agent Requirements
Those wondering how to become travel agents in California need a diploma or GED to meet the minimum educational requirements for workers in the tourism industry.
From there, you must complete on-the-job training or enroll in a certificate, diploma, or degree program at a California trade school or college.
Certifications
Although unlicensed individuals can qualify for travel agent jobs in California, having an official certification can make it easier to find well-paying positions in the industry.
Below are some certifying institutions.
Founded in 1964, The Travel Institute has become the leading certification authority for travel professionals. It provides a range of educational programs, learning solutions, and certification paths. For those considering a credential in the travel industry, starting with a course certified by The Travel Institute offers a solid foundation.
Others include:
- The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA)
- The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)
- National Travel
- The International Air Transport Association (IATA)
- The Travel Agent Campus
Seller of Travel Registration
All travel agencies and travel agents in CA must register with the California Attorney General to become authorized Sellers of Travel. To complete your registration, you must take the following steps:
- Complete a California Seller of Travel Registration Application
- Pay a $100 registration fee.
- Submit your registration fee and application to the Seller of Travel Program at the Attorney General’s office.
- Wait one to three weeks to receive your California Seller of Travel Certificate by mail.
Who Needs to Register?
Those hoping to start their own travel agencies or work as freelancers will need to complete this registration process before they can legally operate in the state of California. If you plan on applying for entry-level travel agent jobs in California, use the Seller Search feature on the Department of Justice website to determine whether each potential employer has the proper registration.
On-the-Job Travel Agent Training
Some travel agencies are willing to hire and train inexperienced employees.
Many of these companies have their own learning modules that entry-level workers must complete before they can work with clients independently.
New hires typically learn the following after obtaining travel agent jobs in California:
- Company-specific scripts to use when talking to clients on the phone and via email
- How to fill in travel itinerary templates
- Sales techniques for offering travel insurance and up-selling travel packages
Aspiring travel agents in CA might prefer to enroll in an accredited training program to gain a more in-depth understanding of the travel and tourism industry.
Salaries in CA
How Much Can You Make?
While the average travel agent salary in California is about $56,720, wages vary across different agencies and travel companies.
Below are some average salaries and hourly wages for areas of the state.
| Location | Per Hour | Per Year |
|---|---|---|
| Fresno | $23.38 | $48,630 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim | $27.79 | $57,790 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura | $25.50 | $53,040 |
| Sacramento–Roseville–Arden-Arcade | $24.88 | $51,750 |
| San Diego-Carlsbad | $25.43 | $52,880 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward | $29.92 | $62,230 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara | $28.15 | $58,540 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara | $26.11 | $54,320 |
| Santa Rosa | $26.04 | $54,150 |
Occupation: Travel Agents (SOC code 413041)
source: data.bls.gov
A California travel agent with a hospitality or tourism degree may be able to negotiate a higher wage than a candidate with a certificate or diploma. High-end resorts and travel agencies typically pay these professionals more than the average salary since they work with exclusive clientele, booking luxury vacations and business trips.
Job Description
What Do They Do?
Whether they work at an agency or offer freelance services from their own homes, travel agents in CA must perform the following tasks to ensure client satisfaction:
- Gather information about the client’s travel plans, including whether their trip is for business or pleasure
- Research destinations, transportation, and lodgings that fit within the traveler’s budget
- Create an itinerary or activities to suit the client’s needs
- Offer travel packages from a particular network of hotel, resort, airline, and cruise line partners
- Collect the client’s passport and other travel document information for international trips
- Recommend travel insurance options
- Book flights and accommodations for the traveler
- Purchase event tickets, plan activities, and make restaurant reservations depending on the traveler’s needs
- Arrange tour guide and interpreter services as needed
- Maintain contact with the traveler throughout their trip
What Employers in California Look for in a Travel Agent
Key Qualifications and Skills
Employers in California seek travel agents with strong organizational, customer service, and communication skills. Companies like Guess?, Inc. and In-N-Out Burger require agents who can coordinate travel logistics, book accommodations, and adhere to corporate travel policies. Expedia Cruises of Carmel Valley values agents with a passion for travel and the ability to build relationships with clients. Ultimate Vacations and Carlisle Travel Management look for professionals with experience in reservation systems like Sabre or Amadeus, as well as knowledge of global destinations.
Required Education and Certifications
Most employers expect travel agents to have a high school diploma or GED, though some prefer an associate’s degree in travel, hospitality, or a related field. Certifications, such as Sabre certification, are often required. Additional training in customer service, business management, or travel planning can be beneficial.
Job Responsibilities and Expectations
The role of a travel agent includes booking flights, hotels, car rentals, and excursions. Agents must be proficient in reservation systems and travel software. Travel coordinators are responsible for handling travel invoices, tracking unused tickets, and maintaining vendor relationships.
Expedia Cruises agents focus on vacation planning, networking, and building a personal client base. Travel Placement Service and Carlisle Travel Management emphasize the ability to arrange travel for corporate clients, including large groups and VIPs.
Opportunities for Specialization
Travel agents in California can specialize in corporate travel, leisure travel, luxury travel, and event planning. Some roles, such as those at Ultimate Vacations, require expertise in international reservations, particularly for destinations like Australia, Hawaii, and New Zealand.
Expedia Cruises focuses on cruise vacations, all-inclusive resorts, and adventure travel. Agents at Carlisle Travel Management may work with high-profile clients, including celebrities and Fortune 500 executives.
Crossover into Other Industries
Travel agents often collaborate with professionals in hospitality, event planning, tourism, and customer service. Some agents assist with corporate incentive trips, while they ensure business travel aligns with corporate policies. Some agents transition into luxury travel consulting, concierge services, or airline and hotel management.
Remote and Independent Contractor Roles
California also offers opportunities for remote travel agents, such as positions at Kontra Leadership Group and Carlisle Travel Management. These roles allow individuals to work from home, set their own schedules, and earn commissions. Independent agents can benefit from travel discounts, flexible hours, and networking with top industry vendors.
Conclusion
Employers in California seek travel agents who are detail-oriented, tech-savvy, and customer-focused. Whether working in corporate travel, leisure tourism, or independent consulting, agents must be adaptable and knowledgeable about travel software, destination trends, and customer service best practices.
With salaries ranging from $16 to $29 per hour and opportunities for specialization, California offers a dynamic and rewarding career path for travel professionals.