Working as a travel agent allows you to leverage your love for travel, as you help others plan unforgettable journeys. Plus the travel economy is growing.
With remote, hybrid, and on-site opportunities, Maryland offers diverse career paths in independent or corporate travel, government contracting, or executive-level travel services.
Online Travel Agent Schools for Maryland
Conclusion
Training programs in Maryland will help you learn the customer service expertise, technical proficiency, and knowledge of travel regulations that you need to succeed.
Advantages of Taking the Course
You will be taught how to take the TAP certification exam (Travel Agent Proficiency) from the Travel Institute (formerly ICTA).
You’ll be prepared for your career. You’ll learn everything you need to become a successful travel agent.
What Will You Learn?
By completing our training, students will gain:
- Mastery of key selling skills specific to the travel industry
- Comprehensive knowledge of products and services that travel counselors sell
- Introduction to the travel industry
- Professional development techniques
- Geography for travel agents
- In-depth study of travel destinations
- Basics of international journeys
- Primer on airline travel
- Insights into different modes of transportation
- Career progression in the industry
- Exam prep
How Long Is It?
These course spread 100 classroom hours over over 6 months.
Provided online, students can go at their own pace, giving a deep understanding of the work. With no prerequisites other than a high school diploma or GED, it is open to anyone interested.
How Much Is It?
These comprehensive travel agent courses are competitively priced at $2,300.
Students have the option of monthly installments of approximately $109.
Requirements or Certifications
Being a travel agent in Maryland is pretty straightforward when it comes to qualifications: the only real requirement is that you’re at least 18 and have finished high school.
But, if you want to really shine in your field and be noticed by potential employers, you might want to consider some voluntary certifications.
The following certifications can help put you on the fast track to success in the travel industry:
- Certified Travel Associate (CTA)
- Certified Travel Counselor (CTC)
- ASTA Verified Travel Adviser (VTA)
- Accredited Cruise Counselor (ACC)
Salary Range
The Bureau of Labor Statistics says that the average salary in the state is $48,740. Indeed.com puts that number at $44,368
According to ZipRecruiter, the top 5 highest paying cities for travel agents in the state are:
- Gaithersburg: $50,934 per year
- Silver Spring: $48,732 per year
- Potomac: $47,522 per year
- Waldorf: $44,599 per year
- Rockville: $44,046 per year
Travel agent salaries in Maryland vary based on industry and experience. For example, VIP Travel Consultants at ADTRAV earn between $27 and $31 per hour, while Defense & Government Travel Consultants at CWT make $33,280 to $39,000 per year.
Higher-paying roles include Travel Specialists at ECS Federal, who earn between $70,000 and $85,000 per year, and Corporate Travel Agents at M.C. Dean, who earn between $63,040 and $94,560 per year.
Work as a Travel Agent
As a travel agent in Maryland, you have the flexibility of choosing your workplace. Working remotely, you can enjoy a home-based career, creating travel plans across time zones.
Alternatively, joining an agency gives you a team environment and direct industry connections.
Selling Travel in MD
Travel is booming, and more people than ever before are visiting Maryland.
According to the Maryland Department of Commerce, the state saw a notable increase in visitation in 2021, hosting 35.2 million tourists that year, a substantial rise from 24.7 million in 2020.
Here’s why someone might want to use a travel agent in Maryland:
- Travel agents have expert knowledge about local attractions, often including hidden gems that aren’t commonly known
- Travel agents provide a safety net for travelers, handling any unforeseen issues that may arise during the trip
- Through their professional network, travel agents can offer clients exclusive deals and upgrades
- They streamline the travel planning process, which can save visitors time and stress
- Travel agents can use their knowledge and resources to curate unique experiences based on client preferences
Such offerings make the job of a travel agent both vital and rewarding, especially in a tourist-attracting state like Maryland.
Selling or Managing Travel for Corporate Employers
Core Skills and Qualifications
Employers in Maryland seek travel agents with strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and customer service experience. Companies such as ADTRAV Travel Management and CWT require candidates to have experience with Global Distribution Systems (GDS) like Sabre or Amadeus, as well as proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
For roles such as VIP Travel Consultant at ADTRAV, agents must be familiar with federal travel regulations, Fly America Act, and Open Skies Agreement.
Government travel positions, like Defense & Government Travel Consultant at CWT, require knowledge of government travel policies, military regulations, and secure travel arrangements.
Corporate, Government, and VIP Travel Roles
Maryland offers a diverse mix of corporate, government, and VIP travel opportunities. ADTRAV Travel Management and M.C. Dean specialize in corporate and VIP travel, requiring agents to book flights, hotels, and transportation for business travelers.
These positions demand handling last-minute changes, managing itineraries, and providing high-touch concierge service to VIP clients.
In contrast, government travel positions at CWT and S&K Federal Services involve handling domestic and international travel for federal employees, processing travel authorizations, and ensuring compliance with federal travel regulations.
These roles require familiarity with government booking systems like Concur Government Edition (CGE) and Foreign Travel Management System (FTMS).
Remote, Hybrid, and On-Site Opportunities
Several Maryland travel agent jobs offer remote work options, particularly in corporate and government travel. ADTRAV Travel Management hires remote VIP Travel Consultants, while CWT offers both on-site and remote positions for Defense & Government Travel Consultants.
However, on-site roles are common in government agencies and corporate travel offices. Travel Specialists at ECS Federal and S&K Federal Services work in government offices handling federal travel arrangements and compliance. M.C. Dean’s Corporate Travel Agents are required to work from their Frederick, MD office, managing large-scale corporate travel logistics.
Customer Service and Compliance Requirements
Many Maryland travel-related jobs emphasize customer service, regulatory compliance, and itinerary management. ADTRAV and CWT require agents to provide white-glove service to high-profile clients, manage last-minute booking changes, and troubleshoot travel disruptions.
Government travel positions demand strict compliance with federal regulations. Travel Specialists at S&K Federal Services and ECS Federal must follow government travel policies, verify travel authorizations, and process reimbursements accurately. These roles require knowledge of government systems like CGE and FTMS to ensure compliance.
Crossover with Other Industries
Maryland’s travel industry intersects with government, corporate services, and technology. Government travel roles at S&K Federal Services and ECS Federal require knowledge of federal regulations, security clearances, and government booking systems.
Corporate roles, such as M.C. Dean’s Corporate Travel Agent, involve logistics coordination for large-scale business travel. These positions require negotiating travel contracts, managing employee travel budgets, and ensuring compliance with corporate policies.