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Figuring out the kind of job that will make you happy and fulfilled is not always easy.
The best way to start the process is to decide to pursue a career in a particular field.
If you like people and love traveling, a career as a travel agent may suit you best.
To become a travel agent in North Dakota, you need experience in the industry and solid relationships with a range of transport and hospitality vendors.
Making these connections and growing your client base are the main elements of success in this field.
No license is required to work as a travel agent in North Dakota.
Article Table of Contents
What Does a Travel Agent Do?
Your main aim as a travel agent is to make traveling easier for your clients.
People with demanding jobs, hectic home lives, and busy social schedules are not keen on dealing with airlines, hotels, ground transport companies, restaurants, tourist operators, and other such vendors.
They would prefer to outsource the work required to make a perfect holiday.
That is where you come in.
As a travel agent, you will meet with clients to determine where they want to go, when they want to go, how long they want to stay, what they want to do, and how much they want to spend. A
After you have this information, you will be able to offer them a variety of travel packages which include transportation, accommodation, entertainment, and other arrangements.
To ensure that your clients can actually enjoy their vacation with a minimum of stress and worry, you will also carry out the following tasks:
- Review visa and vaccination requirements
- Handle payments and deposits
- Negotiate with hotels, resorts, and cruise companies on behalf of your clients.
You will also need to keep abreast of the latest weather conditions and travel advisories at client destination sites.
And there will be occasions when you will need to find solutions to emergent problems and difficulties.
How to Become a Travel Agent
North Dakota has many charms for those interested in outdoor recreation, but it is not a bastion of the hospitality industry.
This makes it one of the best places to be a travel agent.
There will always be a sizeable number of North Dakotans wanting to leave the state for warmer climes.
You can succeed as a travel agent in North Dakota.
Here are a few things you can do to improve your chances:
Education
Formal education is not required to enter the travel agency field.
However, pursuing a degree in hospitality management will give you an advantage.
If you are not in a position to undertake a degree program, it is still possible to join smaller programs.
North Dakota State University at 1301 12th Avenue North Fargo, ND 58108 is the only college in the state that offers courses in the tourism industry.
You must have a high school diploma or GED to enroll.
Such courses include:
- Introduction to the travel industry
- Professional Skills
- Basic and International geography
- Destination geography
- Introduction to international travel
- Introduction to air travel
- Transportation
- Career development
- Sales and marketing for travel
Gain Experience in the Industry
Direct experience is the easiest way to make inroads in the industry.
If you pursue a 4-year degree, then you will have the opportunity to do internships with hotels, airline customer service departments, and tour companies.
If you want to jump straight into the field, you will need to come in at an entry-level position such as receptionist, data entry specialist, or administrative assistant.
Develop Relationships With Clients and Partners
When you are ready to branch out on your own, you will need to establish and grow your own clientele.
North Dakota’s small population and close-knit communities can be an advantage here.
Once you have gained a reputation for being an honest, reliable, and effective travel agent, it will be easier to spread the name and contact details of your agency by word-of-mouth.
It is also possible for you to develop a specialty in arranging travel packages to North Dakota.
People who are interested in outdoor adventures or want a vacation that consists exclusively of hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting will find plenty to do in North Dakota.
And you can make the offering of such packages your brand specialty.
Whether you decide to help North Dakotans travel to other places or other people travel to North Dakota, you will need to cultivate relationships with hotels, car-rental agencies, tour operators, and other vendors.
Salary
The salary for a travel agent is $35,245 to $45,050 a year.
This will of course increase as you grow your business.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Fargo | $36,292 |
| Bismarck | $36,989 |
| Grand Forks | $34,122 |
| Minot | $36,408 |
| Mandan | $36,989 |
| Dickinson | $36,408 |
| Jamestown | $36,060 |
| West Fargo | $36,292 |
| Williston | $36,408 |
| Wahpeton | $35,712 |
Regional Salary in North Dakota
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bismarck, ND | 40 | $46,010 | $22.12 | $61,290 | $31,410 |
| Fargo, ND-MN | 60 | $46,090 | $22.16 | $61,050 | $32,040 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a license to work as a travel agent in North Dakota?
No.
There are no licensing requirements to do this job.
How do I make the transition from my current job to travel agent?
Unless you have prior experience in the hospitality industry, you will probably need to start at an entry-level position.
You should search online for new job openings at travel agencies near you.
Does being a travel agent pay well?
This will depend entirely on you.
The more effort you put into building your client base and travel industry partnerships, the more money you will make.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Travel Agent
Travel Agent License by State