How to Become a Travel Agent in Indiana

The travel industry is experiencing a vacation boom! Tap into this trend and learn what it takes to become a travel agent.

Schools with Travel Agent Training

To understand the landscape of the travel industry, you will need to enroll in a comprehensive training program.

Benefits of Taking the Course

After completing the classes you can take TAP certification exam (Travel Agent Proficiency) from the Travel Institute (formerly ICTA).

Successfully passing the TAP test empowers you to launch your own agency and take on the dynamic world of travel.

Here are some more reasons that make it a good investment:

Boosts credibility and trust, which can help attract clients
Offers flexibility with a self-paced learning format
Provides a solid foundation and understanding of the travel industry
Delivers a comprehensive curriculum, ensuring all essential topics within travel industry are covered
Opens doors to advancement opportunities, including starting your own travel agency

In a nutshell, taking a comprehensive travel agent training course is not just about fulfilling regulatory requirements; it’s about setting yourself up for success in a fast-paced, dynamic industry.

How Long Is It?

It can be comfortably completed within 6 months. It is 100 course hours

If you have the time and dedication, you could complete it even quicker since it is online and self paced.

How Much Is It?

It costs $2,300, but you can also finance and pay in convenient installments.

What’s more, acquiring added certifications may involve extra costs, but they’re vital investments that will pay off significantly in your career.

What Will You Study ?

Topics include the following:

Getting to Know the Travel Industry
Building Up Your Professional Skills
Learning the Basics of Local and World Geography
Understanding Different Travel Destinations
Learning About Traveling Internationally
Understanding Air Travel
Learning About Different Ways to Travel
Improving Your Career Opportunities
Making Travel Sales and Marketing Work for You

A comprehensive and beneficial travel agent training course should covers a diverse range of topics designed to give you a well-rounded education in the sector.

Indiana Requirements

Being a travel agent requires minimal base qualifications: you have to be at least 18 years old and possess a high school diploma or GED.

There are no specific state regulations to comply with unless your work involves California, Florida, Hawaii, or Washington. In these states, you absolutely need to have a ‘Seller of Travel’ license (SOT).

Certification

In Indiana, certification isn’t a necessity, but it has incredible benefits. It distinguishes you from the competition and adds a layer of credibility in an industry where scams are unfortunately common.

Here are several certifications that can enhance your career as a travel agent:

Salary & Benefits

According to Indeed.com the median annual wage for travel agents across the United States was $56,162.

Below are some average salaries for cities in the state:

Trafalgar: $53,630
Evansville: $55,070
Terre Haute: $58,843
Indianapolis: $55,740

Indiana travel agents can expect salaries between $15 and $28 per hour, with corporate travel consultants earning on the higher end. BCD Travel offers VIP Travel Consultants salaries between $52,000 and $65,000 annually, while ADTRAV Travel Management pays $22 to $27 per hour for group air travel agents.

Many companies offer 401(k) matching, health insurance, paid time off, and performance bonuses. Commission-based roles provide opportunities for higher earnings based on sales performance.

Job Description

Travel agents are the people who help plan your next big trip. They’re on the front lines of the travel industry: they book flights, hotels, tours and other activities for their clients.

And it’s not just about booking trips anymore—today’s travel agents are also expected to advise customers on how to plan their itineraries and what to see and do while they’re away from home. If this is the type of job description you’re looking for, starting as a travel agent in Indiana might be the next best move.

Where Can You Work as a Travel Agent in Indiana?

Some of the general employment options include:

Cruise Lines
Corporate Travel Teams
Hotel Chains and Resorts
Tour Operators
Airlines

These versatile opportunities cater to diverse career preferences, offering a solid foundation to build your skill set and professional network in the travel industry.

Freelance Remote Work

Post-completion of a travel agent training course, many agents feel equipped to establish their own agencies. However, if you’re not quite ready to take that leap, starting at an existing agency can provide a solid foundation.

Here, you can hone your skills, build valuable industry connections, and garner hands-on experience before venturing out independently.

Why Might People in Indiana Want to Use a Travel Agent?

As our lives become increasingly busy, the need for professional help to arrange our travels is more apparent than ever.

Travel agents efficiently streamline the process, providing tailored experiences for a stress-free trip.

Here are just a few reasons why someone in Indiana might seek the services of a travel agent:

Travel agents are trained to understand intricate details of travel planning with a deep knowledge of various destinations, resorts, cruises, and airlines.
They take care of every detail, from flight booking to hotel reservations, freeing up time for clients to focus on other aspects of their journey.
Travel agents often have access to great deals, insider tips, and promotional offers, ensuring value for money.
A travel agent can tailor a trip to the client’s specific wants and needs, crafting the perfect holiday.
In case of any unforeseen issues during the trip, travel agents provide round-the-clock support to ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience.

What Employers in Indiana Expect from Travel Agents

Core Skills and Qualifications

Employers in Indiana seek travel agents with strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and customer service experience. Companies like ADTRAV Travel Management and BCD Travel require candidates to have experience with Global Distribution Systems (GDS) like Sabre or Amadeus, as well as proficiency in Microsoft Office applications. For travel consultants handling VIP and executive-level clients, like those at BCD Travel, exceptional communication skills and the ability to provide concierge-level service are essential.

In addition to corporate and leisure travel, AAA Hoosier Motor Club and Internova Travel Group (ALTOUR) look for agents with experience in cruise bookings, tour packages, and international travel planning. Many positions require a high school diploma or associate’s degree, but hands-on experience with booking flights, hotels, and transportation is often prioritized.

Corporate vs. Leisure Travel Roles

Indiana employers offer a mix of corporate, government, and leisure travel opportunities. ADTRAV Travel Management and BCD Travel focus on corporate and government travel, requiring agents to manage business itineraries, handle expense tracking, and negotiate with travel vendors. These roles often include booking last-minute trips, processing changes, and ensuring compliance with corporate travel policies.

In contrast, agencies such as AAA Hoosier Motor Club and Internova Travel Group (ALTOUR) specialize in leisure travel, where agents sell vacation packages, cruise deals, and guided tours. These positions require customer relationship management skills and the ability to recommend travel options based on client preferences.

Remote, Hybrid, and On-Site Opportunities

Several Indiana travel agent jobs offer remote work options, particularly in corporate and government travel. ADTRAV Travel Management and BCD Travel allow employees to work from home while handling client bookings and vendor negotiations.

However, travel agencies like AAA Hoosier Motor Club and Internova Travel Group require in-office interactions for walk-in clients, especially in Indianapolis, Terre Haute, and Carmel. VIP Travel Consultant roles at BCD Travel require agents to work onsite in executive office settings, handling travel arrangements for high-profile clients.

Customer Service and Sales Requirements

Employers expect travel agents to deliver high-quality customer service and meet sales goals. AAA Hoosier Motor Club and Magnified Vacations LLC prioritize candidates with strong sales experience who can promote travel packages, upsell vacation add-ons, and maintain long-term client relationships.

Many travel agencies require agents to handle last-minute travel disruptions, rebook flights, and assist customers with itinerary changes, making problem-solving and time management critical skills. AAA Hoosier Motor Club, for example, encourages agents to cross-sell insurance, memberships, and credit cards to maximize revenue.

Crossover with Other Industries

Indiana’s travel industry connects with hospitality, finance, and government services. ADTRAV Travel Management and BCD Travel have government travel contracts, requiring agents to understand federal travel regulations and expense policies. Roles at Internova Travel Group and Magnified Vacations LLC focus on luxury and leisure travel, making them ideal for professionals with backgrounds in hospitality or high-end sales.

Additionally, airport-based roles, like those at Envoy Air Inc., require customer service and logistics skills, making them well-suited for former airline employees or hospitality professionals.

Conclusion

Employers in Indiana look for travel agents who are tech-savvy, detail-oriented, and customer-focused. Whether working in corporate, government, or leisure travel, agents must have GDS experience, strong sales skills, and the ability to handle last-minute itinerary changes.

With remote, hybrid, and on-site opportunities, Indiana offers a variety of career paths for travel professionals looking for stability, flexibility, or commission-based earnings.