Jobs as Online Travel Agents (Plus 14 Industry Companies)
In a world where remote work options are becoming increasingly popular, the travel booking industry offers a plethora of opportunities for individuals seeking to work from home. Online travel agents utilize internet tools to assist customers with trip planning, flight bookings, hotel arrangements, and more. The flexibility of work hours and the convenience of working from home make this career path appealing to many individuals looking for a job in the travel industry.
Finding the right online travel agent job involves choosing a company that aligns with your work preferences and level of expertise. In this post, we provide guidance on entering the online travel agency industry and present a list of fourteen organizations that hire remote travel agents.
What is an online travel agent?
An online travel agent is responsible for providing customer support services related to travel planning, booking flights, accommodations, and other travel arrangements. These agents can work independently, operating their own online agency with the support of a host company, or as employees of an established travel agency. Virtual travel agents may assist clients with a variety of tasks, including:
– Booking flights, hotels, cruises, tours, and attractions
– Comparing prices to find affordable accommodations
– Arranging travel arrangements for corporate and government clients
– Planning group trips and offering discounts
– Managing customer travel programs, such as frequent flyer miles
– Assisting clients with booking issues and troubleshooting online platforms
– Offering exclusive vacation deals to past customers
– Following industry standards and staying updated on travel trends
– Handling cancellations and refunds for clients
14 companies hiring virtual travel agents
Whether you are a first-time agent or an experienced travel professional, the following organizations regularly recruit remote travel agents with diverse backgrounds and skill sets. Here are some well-known companies that offer opportunities for virtual travel agents to work from home:
1. ADTRAV Travel Management: Specializes in handling government and corporate travel bookings, providing security systems, expense reporting, and frequent flyer program management.
2. BCD Travel: Offers corporate travel management services and supports businesses in optimizing travel expenses.
3. Carlson Wagonlit Travel (CWT): Provides business-to-business travel services across six continents and manages hundreds of events for clients in various industries.
4. Ovation Travel Group: Contracts independent travel consultants to join its network and offers training and support to new agents.
5. Travel Leaders Group: Allows independent agents to customize their membership level and access pro-booking tools and marketing resources.
6. World Travel Holdings: Operates Cruises Inc., a branch that employs remote independent contractors to book cruises for customers.
7. Dream Vacations Franchise: Offers franchise opportunities for travel agents to work from home, providing training, support, and access to booking systems.
8. Princess Cruise Lines: Employs remote cruise vacation planners to sell cruise packages and build relationships with clients.
9. Hopper: Seeks travel agents to book flights and assist customers through email and chat support via their mobile app.
10. Carlisle Travel: Assigns remote travel advisors to offer services to clients as independent contractors and as host agents for other travel agents.
11. Online Vacation Center: Assigns independent travel advisors to assist with cruise bookings, offering inbound and outbound leads to qualified candidates.
12. Aspira: Invites customer service-oriented reservation agents to work remotely and assist customers with outdoor travel experiences.
13. Wyndham Destinations: Employs bilingual customer care agents to support overseas customers with bookings and marketing of travel services.
14. Quality Travel Solutions: Recruits remote travel consultants to help clients plan their travel arrangements, offering flexible, commission-based opportunities for qualified candidates.
How to become a virtual travel agent
If you are interested in pursuing a career as a virtual travel agent, follow these steps to get started:
1. Obtain a GED or high school diploma: Many virtual travel agent positions require a minimum of a high school diploma to ensure candidates have basic communication and math skills.
2. Gain travel experience: Traveling on your own can provide valuable insights into the trip planning process and help you better assist clients.
3. Work in customer service and sales: Experience in customer service or sales can prepare you to interact with clients and meet their expectations during the booking process.
4. Choose the right host agency: Look for host agencies that support independent contractors and offer training and marketing support for travel agents.
5. Apply for virtual agent positions: Submit your application to the host agency or travel company that aligns with your experience and preferences.
6. Set up your home office: Create a quiet workspace in your home with a reliable internet connection and minimal distractions to maximize your productivity as a virtual travel agent.
By following these steps and exploring opportunities with reputable companies in the travel industry, you can embark on a rewarding career as a virtual travel agent.
