How to Become a Travel Agent in Maryland

Are you thinking of becoming a travel agent in Maryland?

There are a number of travel agents in this region.

I think that doing more research before jumping into this profession should be something beneficial.

The last thing that I think anyone wants to do is to enter an industry that is highly saturated without background knowledge.

For one, this can impact having a competitive advantage.

Nobody wants to start something that they are not certain about.

If you want to know how to become a travel agent in Maryland, you are not alone.

I think that you should read on to get some of what I think are the most helpful tips to launch your career.

Duties as a Travel Agent in Maryland

First things first, I think that anyone who wants to succeed as a travel agent in Maryland, or anywhere for that matter, should have basic knowledge of the duties and requirements.

There are several responsibilities that I think a travel agent should expect.

While normal work done by any travel agent includes providing essential services such as accommodation, transportation, and entertainment, the following are other services that should be made available:

• The reviewing of visas, any travel necessities, and vaccinations.
• File accurate records of each client.
• Be able to come up with reliable solutions for any expected and unexpected emergencies.
• Have a system that handles all payments, and deposits way before the confirmed travel dates.
• Do promotions on any of the packages from hotels and resorts that a travel agent is in partnership with.
• Knowing the responsibilities that come with the job is not the only significant thing that I think a travel agent should consider.

There are additional tasks that I think are also very crucial for meeting the travel needs of your clients.

This is why I believe that it is equally important for a travel agent to know as much as they possibly can about each location.

Licensing Requirements to Become a Travel Agent in Maryland

I was surprised to find out that in Maryland there is no law that requires anyone to become a fully licensed travel agent before venturing into this profession, besides the standard age requirement where one should be at least 18 years or older to become one.

In addition, I also learned that you do not need to have had completed a higher degree to start as a travel agent.

However, I think it goes without saying that when you have a higher degree or something equivalent, it helps to advance your career faster than someone who does not.

And, with any other job that you get into, I believe that there are certain skills that you should have.

The most common ones that I found to be recommended by experts are these:

• Be an exceptional communicator.
• Have some aboveboard management skills.
• Have great problem-solving skills.
• Be detail-orientated and have a certain level of research skills.
• Be able to speak at least more than one language.

Travel Agent Programs in Maryland

As I have mentioned above, there is not a legal requirement for a person to have a license or higher degree to become a travel agent in Maryland.

Yet, having some certification should help anyone to make the most out of their career.

Getting a license should also improve employability with renowned travel agents around Maryland.

Fortunately, we live in a time when getting any form of education has become easier.

There are various online and in-person programs that I think should be worth looking at.

There is a specific diploma program that is available for travel agent certification.

Alternatively, I can recommend that you get a tourism degree.

I find that it is always easier to enroll in an online course if this is something you are doing while already working.

Average Salary for a Travel Agent in Maryland

After analyzing various cities in Maryland such as Baltimore and Bethesda, I have managed to understand what the average salary for a travel agent in this state is.

The average that can be made is approximately $39 000.

But, this salary range can fall between $36 000 and $46 000.

I can safely say that it depends on a number of factors such as your experience, as well as your level of education in certain cases.

The great thing is that I have discovered that Maryland is one of those states where the minimum wage is higher than the Federal minimum wage.

Currently, it is estimated to be $11.75.

Regional Salary in Maryland

Travel Agent License by State