USNR

Travel has no more inspired me to become a TA than going to church has made me want to be a bishop.

When my son-in-law (who had never worked a day in his life) told me he was going to be TA, I made a few suggestions. It was like pounding mud through a concrete wall getting him to realize that being a TA was (horrors!): W O R K.

Because he lived in an area that was almost completely residential, with street after street of three-bedroom ranch houses, I suggested he get a flyer printed at Kinko's that would introduce him as the area's very own TA. That he was on hand at all times, that his services could save residents of his "farm" both time and aggravation. That he knew things and could suggest things that would make their next vacation or business trip both enjoyable and less stressful.

He looked at me as if I had lost all my marbles.

"You don't understand," he said. "We travel people are professionals...and selling is not part of our culture."

He is still blissfully unemployed. And that was more than seven years ago. Lucky for him, he married a medical doctor who supports him in his idleness and naive attitudes.

TopMan

Whereas travel itself might periodically make me think about those so-called perks travel agents get, reading comments on this, and other, message boards, has thoroughly convinced me being a TA is the LAST thing I would ever do.

Two examples:

"I thought the hotel was charming"

"I thought (the same hotel) was a dump."

I'm sure it is wonderfully rewarding for those that stick with it and I admire anyone who does so..but it isn't me.

Kavey

USNR I feel your pain... he sounds naive beyond belief. Either that or he knows darn well that travel is a business involving sales but is happy being a "kept" man and doesn't see the point of putting in all that effort.

If he truly thinks there is no culture of selling in the travel industry he must be from a parallel universe.

flygirl

USNR, at least you can console yourself that your daughter is a doctor?

amelia

People constantly suggest I be a travel agent--I like research, I'm organized, and I like hearing about what people prefer to do when they travel (or as others do, "vacation&quot.

My answer is always the same: "It's hard enough being responsible for the happiness of my own family. At least when they're unreasonable or irrational, I can call them on it. A client? No way."

As other posters say, too much can go wrong on a trip that is beyond anyone's direct control.

TC

Let me give you just two examples of the kind of "business" that made me run away from my career as a TA.

-I send gentleman and family from US to Cancun (back in the days when Cancun was a brand new destination). They fly first class, stay in a two bedroom ocean view condo for a week for pennies - the tour company was doing a huge promotion of this new area. The entire week literally cost him $300. His only comment upon returning -- "it was o.k. but the darned place (Cancun) was full of Mexicans" !!!

-I send lady and family to Florida for winter holiday because she doesn't want to leave the good old USA for warmer climates. Upon return her comment: "I'm suing your agency because it rained the entire week of my vacation".

To gentleman #1 I asked if he hadn't asked to go to Mexico for the culture. Well, yes but he thought that American owned hotels would be run by Americans and he wouldn't have to put up with "dirty locals".

To lady #2 I suggested that if I had the power to control weather I would hardly be sitting at a low paying desk planning her vacation. I think it was about this time when I knew my career was limited!

Not everyone travels with the saavy of Fodorites. Being a TA is the worst job. Don't take something you love and ruin it by turning it into thankless work.

There are lots of careers that offer the opportunity to travel as others have posted here. My husband worked in International marketing for many years and traveled the world on behalf of his company. He made great money, traveled on someone else's expense account, took a few extra days vacation while at interesting destinations and we had a ball. Its just one example of a way to travel and work and keep your sanity.

Munichgirl

Wow. I was all set to whole-heartedly agree that, after my wonderful experiences abroad, I too wanted to be a travel agent. How glad I am that I stumbled on this message board. At least now I have some honest opinions and real experiences from fellow Fodorites to consider. It sounds like great advice to not turn one's hobby into "thankless work". Thanks!

rj007

TC

I think thay anyone who has thoughts of becoming a TA should be required to read your post. The overwhelming majority of people that I have met in my travels have been good experiences. Then, there are the 2 idiots that you mentioned.

Several years ago, a friend of mine led tours to Africa and Madagascar. I remember her telling me about a woman who complained incessently about the toilets because they were not up to Western standards!

kjenn

After all of these comments, I think I will definitly pursue a different line of work and leave the traveling for my vacation time! Thanks for all the advice..

tondalaya

So many travel agents have closed shop. More and more travellers are doing business on line.

beachbum

Yes, travel inspired me to be a travel agent, which inspired me to go to college (graduated at 28) so I'd have a better chance at earning money to travel.

twoinluv

I have been a travel agent at a small agency that struggled to stay afloat after the airlines cut commissions. They went out of business after being in business for almost 20 years.

I have worked for Travelocity.com

And I have worked for American Airlines.

My suggestion is work for an airline. Not only do you fly for virtually nothing (just various taxes) you often get discounts on hotels, cars, etc just for being an airline employee. You don't get those perks as a travel agent.

TC

Twoinluv: Not sure when you worked for American Airline, but I have a good friend who currently works for Northwest and lives in the biggest NW hub city. She won't fly non-rev for her vacations because she's been bumped too many times and lost countless deposits on hotels and condos. Its a constant source of irritation at contract negotiation time. The airline offers lots of perks in the contract, but just like those frequent flier seats we all want, they are pretty difficult to collect. She always says that she'd rather just have the cash and buy her own tickets. I don't think even airline perks are what they once were.

francophile03

Sounds tempting but really the pay is lousy. Just have fun planning your own trips and those around you.

adoptionisfab

Isnt it sad that being a travel agent is no longer a way to make a decent living and that so many nice small agencies are closed?

Intrepid1

One of the recent posts on <b> this </b> very site which reminded me that I would never want to be a travel agent was the one from a woman who complained that, &quot;I'm intimidated when I walk across large hotel lobbies.&quot;

I can just imagine what itr would be like when she looked across the desk at you and demanded you find her a &quot;charming&quot; hotel.

dutyfree

The days of working for an airline (at least a USA based one) are LONG gone. (Pay cuts,longer hours with extra work situations,possible pension being gone,etc. do not make it the job that it once was.) Seriously, you can never get on a flight you want/deals at hotels and rental cars are no longer there-you get better deals from your own company and from your frequent flyer miles on your credit cards!Either marry wealthy or work for a company that will have you travel for them at their expense.

lyb

Work for Federal Express, you get the same benefits of free or almost free airfare and hotel discounts. Perhaps UPS, DHL...and others have the same benefits.