The Internet can help people find cheap air fare, hotel rooms, and rental cars, but many people still prefer using the services of a travel agent to book flights and map out travel plans -- especially when planning trips to unfamiliar destinations.

The economic downturn reduced luxury travel and thinned the ranks of travel agents nationwide -- from 105,300 in 2008 to 76,990 in 2009, a decline of more than 26 percent. Job prospects are best for travel agents who have received travel agent degrees and specialize in a certain destination.

Many...

The Internet can help people find cheap air fare, hotel rooms, and rental cars, but many people still prefer using the services of a travel agent to book flights and map out travel plans -- especially when planning trips to unfamiliar destinations.

The economic downturn reduced luxury travel and thinned the ranks of travel agents nationwide -- from 105,300 in 2008 to 76,990 in 2009, a decline of more than 26 percent. Job prospects are best for travel agents who have received travel agent degrees and specialize in a certain destination.

Many colleges offer degrees in travel, tourism and hospitality, but there also are top online travel agent schools which offer travel agent degrees as well. Many licensed schools and online travel agent schools offer certification from The Travel Institute, a non-profit travel industry oversight and educational organization.

Travel agent degrees from The Travel Institute include: Certified Travel Associate (CTA), Certified Travel Counselor (CTC), Certified Travel Industry Executive (CTIE)

The Travel Institute has traditional campus programs in 12 states, but students from any state can pursue travel agent degrees from online travel agent schools. Coursework includes learning Federal Aviation Administration airport codes, geography, sales, marketing, and reservation and booking procedures.

Some entry-level jobs in the field include working as a receptionist at a travel agency, or at a hotel. Upon gaining experience in the field, you can advance to full travel agent duties. Some people may also prefer to start their own travel agencies.