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If you are someone who loves traveling, enjoys interacting with others, and wants to give the gift of a good experience, then becoming a travel agent may be right for you.
Below are the duties and requirements that are associated with this career if you live in Indiana.
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Travel Agent Duties in Indiana
As a travel agent in Indiana, you have a variety of duties required for each client you work with:
- Schedule lodging
- Travel accommodations
- Travel Insurance
- Schedule events and excursions
As a travel agent, you must take care of your clients’ needs when booking their trips.
Whether they plan to travel to a different part of Indiana or somewhere outside the state, they are often seeking you out for services because they have never traveled to the area.
Your job is to help them cover all the most significant obstacles they will encounter, including the aforementioned duties.
Travel agents who want to take on clientele for a niche vacation can also do that by specializing in different types of vacations, such as the following:
- Business/Corporate Retreats
- Cruise trips
- Destination-specific
- Honeymoons
These are just a few of the different types of vacations you can offer and build packages around.
When you specialize in one of these niches, you can negotiate with hotels and resorts in these areas to make your packages more attractive to your clients.
Licensing Requirements to Become a Travel Agent in Indiana
In the state of Indiana, you are not required to have a particular certification to take on this career at the state level.
If you decide to join a travel agency as an entry-level agent, they may require you to take a few classes or review your background to see what your current qualifications include.
Agents who decide to take on this career must have the following skills to work with both businesses and clients looking to travel:
- Quality communication in all forms
- Be at least 18 without a criminal record
- Detailed-oriented and marketing focused
- Problem-solving and negotiations
However, those agents who have specific skills and have completed various programs are often recommended to have the best partnerships and build clientele.
The most successful travel agents often have memberships with some leading organizations for travel agents, such as the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA), where you can gain access to several resources and gain certifications.
The ASTA does offer its members the opportunity to gain their own professional development certifications and courses that travel agents can use to increase their certifications and build their resumes.
Travel Agent Programs in Indiana
Although a program is not required by the state of Indiana to get a license, there are some program options where you can get a degree in Tourism.
The following universities offer bachelor degrees in Hospitality and Tourism where many travel agents have a background:
- Purdue University
- Vincennes University
- Indiana University
If you are not looking to pursue a full 4-year degree, then there are some online programs that are recognized and encouraged by organizations like ASTA:
- Travel Agent Campus
- International Travel Institute
- The Travel Institute
All of these programs have specialized programs tailored directly for someone who is looking to make a career as a travel agent both nationally and internationally.
They focus on the different duties that a travel agent must do in their position while also teaching how to research and negotiate when necessary.
Travel Agent Salary in Indiana
If you are looking to get into the travel agent career field, you can expect to average around $35k to $45 annually in Indiana according to Salary.com.
This salary is ideal for those just starting out into the industry.
It is important to note that your business is what you make in this industry, so the larger the clientele, the larger the salary you earn.
You have the potential to grow your salary even more than the average, especially if you are working smarter and continuing to build your client list.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Indianapolis | $37,639 |
| Fort Wayne | $36,088 |
| Evansville | $36,562 |
| South Bend | $36,474 |
| Gary | $38,943 |
| Hammond | $38,943 |
| Bloomington | $35,632 |
| Muncie | $35,681 |
| Anderson | $35,820 |
| Terre Haute | $35,515 |
Regional Salary in Indiana
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson, IN | 370 | $49,970 | $24.03 | $65,960 | $34,510 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Sources
Getting Your Indiana Travel Agent License (travelsafe-abroad.com)
Travel School Listing (asta.org)
Travel Agent Salary in Indiana | Salary.com
PLA: PLA Online Services: Free Search & Verify
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to register and obtain an official license as a travel agent in Indiana?
The answer is no, there is no state license for this position according to the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency and the 38 licenses they issue annually.
Is there a travel agent program available in Indiana physically?
All the current travel agent programs that are available to those looking to pursue a career as a travel agent are located online for Indiana residents.
If you want to get a full degree in tourism, however, you do have several universities in the state that offer a degree in that industry.
Is there still a demand for travel agents in Indiana?
Absolutely.
As the largest working class in American history enters retirement, the need for traveling and travel agents will continue.
One of the growing trends for travel agents in Indiana is the need to specialize in certain vacation niches, so your clients get exactly what they are looking for in their vacation and return the following year.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Travel Agent
Travel Agent License by State