Wynnwith asked:


For the millions of people around the world that travel by train for business, leisure, and other reasons on a daily basis, there is often a lack of appreciation for the advancement of rail technology. This lack of appreciation is not exclusive to passengers and railway professionals often overlook how far their industry has come in such a short time. After all, rail travel was not commercially viable until the middle of the 19th century and was only made paramount to national travel after World War I. While some travellers take the train to get from one place to another without the hassles of driving, tourists and others see the train as a connection to a humbler past. Railway professionals should keep this in mind during their daily work.

Rail drivers, mechanics, and station personnel can benefit from thinking about how far rail technology has come in only the past few decades. Steam and coal locomotives of the past have given way to electrified rails which can promise higher speeds and lower commute times. Track signals have gone from men waving flags to the computerised systems of today, with onscreen notifications of track changes ahead. As well, the interior cabins and control stations have advanced considerably to reflect the rapid advancement of ergonomic technologies over the last two decades. An appreciation of these quick changes can make the drudgery of the average day seem more like a historical journey.

In addition, rail professionals need to understand that travel options have advanced parallel to the advancements in rail technology. People can choose any number of ways to go across town, country, or continent, unlike the past. Train travel may be improving by the day but so are automobiles, planes, and buses. Workers, tourists, and travelling groups can take a car or a bus to get to their destination but largely choose the railway. This choice is something that railway professionals should ponder throughout their work day.

Rail workers need to understand both the history and the importance of the railway for the future of the United Kingdom and Europe. Tourism for the European continent relies heavily on the efficient functioning of national and international rail systems, which are inexpensive ways to get from one place to another. Railways also need the daily customers that help form the majority of their revenues, which requires expert service and efficient daily routes. In the end, rail workers need to appreciate rail history in order to put the importance of their jobs in perspective.

highposition asked:


Marketing managers in the Travel Industry have a tough job. They need to get the message out to as many travel agents in the industry as possible within a tight budget.

Increasingly the trend now is to take travel training online. Here we look at the 10 reasons why this is happening:

1. Reaches more people

The traditional method employed by destination marketing companies is to organise road shows where they would hire a room in a town and invite all the local travel agents to come along for a presentation with food & drink.

This is a tried and tested approach and is certainly effective in getting the message across but of course it relies upon the agents actually being available and willing to attend – sometimes giving up their evening. Also unlike the internet, road shows cannot be held in every town so people will always be missed.

2. More cost effective

Cost is always a key element to consider and road shows can be expensive in relation to online training. Once room hire, prizes, food, drink & transport is considered a Roadshow event might cost 500 pounds-1000 each, per town… The cost of an online travel training course is significantly less to reach the same or more agents.

3. If you like that, you’ll like this

The travel industry has experienced a huge amount of mergers in recent years with holding companies owning several unrelated companies. By taking travel training online companies are able to cross-promote products and services.

4. Connect with students & non-agents

Many travel students are the agents of the future so it makes sense to connect with them and provide them with the chance to learn about their product. In addition, there are benefits from the public taking training courses too as it would engage them with the product and encourage them to purchase a holiday.

5. Never gets out of date

As the training is online the copy never gets out of date. Companies can easily update the copy in a cost effective way and keep things fresh. This is not the case for brochures and exhibition stands.

6. Less time required to manage – in the end!

The initial set up of training can be time consuming and bears consideration for anyone considering this route. However, there are significant benefits in the long run from this initial investment.

Probably the best way to approach training set-up is to work backwards. Companies need to think ‘what are the 10 key things that we want to get across to travel agents’. You can then work backwards from there and create the right type of copy to get those 10 messages across. Once this is all set up, the training can run itself with minimal running costs.

7. Appear Web-savvy

Having an online travel presence is very ‘now’ and any company embracing this approach will no doubt gain extra kudos in the industry.

8. Supports flexible working

There is an increasing trend for home working in the travel industry via companies such as travel counsellors. Online training fits this model perfectly and allows home workers to keep up to date with product knowledge even though they no longer work in a high street agency.

9. Broadband

Online training at home would have been a painfully slow experience a few years ago. However, more people have broadband at home, which makes it possible to have an attractive training product with colourful branding and supporting photos.

10. Fastest way to market

Online travel training is the fastest method of getting the message across to agents. If a tourist board has a new attraction it wants to promote, they can easily add a module to the course. They can also e-shot the database to invite them to take the course to learn about the product. This coupled with maybe a free gift promotion is a great way to get the message across.

Josh Stone asked:


Some people are adventurous and outgoing; too adventurous, in fact that they tend to find someone to share the adventures with. More than sharing their adventures, they want to educate people on the places that they have been to. This is the usual last frontier that traveling people face. By offering their services as travel guides, they are not only able to repeatedly travel to places that they have fallen in love to but they can also share their experiences and adventures to other people.

People also resort to travel guide occupations not only to be able to share their adventure but also to meet people. Meeting all sorts of people is always an exhilarating experience, especially to foreigners with an eye for curiosity. These people are like children that never tire to look the beauty and know the history of the places and monuments that they encounter in their travels. In fact, travel guide professionals must have a good deal of knowledge in history to be able to answer the inquiries. He must also be ready to do animations, improvisations and representations in topics or subjects that are very hard to understand for the foreigners.

Aside from this, it is also a sort of nationalistic pride that fires the travel guide professionals to their work. They do their best to promote the tourism and beauty of their country. In doing so, they feel contented that they are able to do service to their country in their own little way as travel guide professionals.

Common Tasks Of Travel Guide Professionals

Travel guide professionals plan and organize expeditions, tours and cruises that are usually long distance travels. They usually book the tour or cruise details such as accommodation, transportation, equipment and even availability of medical aid. The arrangement usually takes place after he is able to reach a specific required quota in the number of customers.

If necessary, the travel guide professional is responsible for securing the visa, passport and health certificate needs of his tour participants. These permits and important; they are necessary to afford convenience in travel for tour participants. Usually, assistance from the travel guide professional is enough for the tour participants. But nowadays, because of the seemingly never-ending travel requirements, travel guides form partnerships with agencies for securing such important documents.

Throughout the tour, the travel guide professional must attend to the needs of his tour participants, while also giving advice and tips on the best sightseeing or shopping areas available. Some travel guide professionals usually have pre-formed partnerships with shopping establishments or sightseeing areas regarding his tour participants.

In each stop of the travel, he will have to discuss the significance of the area, why they have traveled on those parts and what part in history took place there. Throughout the tour, the travel guide professional already did a research on the best possible travel routes and the destination sites. Also, while on tour, he will evaluate the services received during the duration of the tour, the results of which will be reported to the organizers of the tour beside him.

Tours are usually not free from problems. The travel guide professional must be ready to resolve any problem in accommodation, service or itineraries, and to verify the amounts or fees as well as quality of the equipment to be used prior to the expedition and tour. These types of problems, nonetheless, are manageable for a professional travel guide. More alarming and pressing problems are usually in the form of mishaps or accidents during the tour that can do harm on the health or may even cost the lives of the travelers. In this case, the tour guide must be ready to administer first aid to injured patrons and be able to get medical aid or ambulance for the seriously hurt, immediately.

The travel guide professional must also be adept in various skills. He must be knowledgeable of existing hunting or fishing laws enforced in the area and capable of explaining it to his tour participants. When required, he must be ready to instruct his tour participants in climbing and mountaineering techniques, wilderness survival and be able to demonstrate the use of equipment used in fishing, hunting and climbing.

Characteristics Common To Travel Guide Professionals.

Travel guide professionals must be realistic since his occupation usually includes practicality and ability to manage hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with real-time situations that need fast decision-making attitudes. Since the occupation requires one to work continuously outside, the travel guide professional must be street smart and knowledgeable in current issues and trends. He does not do a lot of paperwork and usually exposes himself or herself to the outside world.

A travel guide professional must be artistic as he is realistic. Artistic in a way as to allow self-expression and does his work without a clear set of rules to follow. He needs to be creative in presenting the various tour stops to his participants. He must try different strategies to avoid letting his participants to be bored with the tour.

A travel guide professional must also be sociable and willing to interact with all sorts of people, of various race and nationalities. Primarily, the occupation of travel guide professionals aims to share interests and experiences to other people and so great people skills are required.

Although it is not necessary, travel guide professionals will be at the advantage compared to other individuals if they are knowledgeable in one or two foreign languages. The English language, although being universal is not very helpful in times of explaining the significance of a particular event in history to a foreigner with a different tongue. Speaking to foreigners in their native language will make them at ease and comfortable throughout the trip.

Travel guide professionals must also have thorough knowledge in geography and also in public safety and security. Knowledge in these areas will make the travel guide professional more effective in ensuring the safety of his tour participants. Knowledge in geography will also arm him with better decisions especially in times of weather change. The comfort of the tour participants is the prime objective of the travel guide professional.

Alecia Barnes asked:


The travel industry is a seven trillion dollar industry expected to double to fourteen trillion dollars within the next decade. This lucrative industry is currently growing 23% faster than the global economy.

A key factor in this growth phenomenon is the steady stream of baby boomers who are retiring, or getting ready to retire. In fact, baby boomers are retiring at a rate of one every eight seconds. Travel was rated the number one thing these baby boomers intend to do when they do retire.

There is now an increased demand for qualified travel agents, due to the explosive growth of the industry as a whole. To become a certified travel agent, your options are not limited to the traditional brick and mortar setting.

Many reputable travel agencies are now offering attractive options for the individual looking for a legitimate home based business.

If your goal is to work as an independent travel agent from the comfort of your own home, you may want to consider working as an online travel agent.

Here are some companies that you can research, that offer excellent income opportunities and complete training. Please note, that many travel companies that actively recruit agents to work from home, will hire their agents as employees.

There are also travel companies that recruit independent agents. This option will offer the agent the freedom of being self-employed, and the ability to set their own hours.

To take advantage of this option, be aware that there will be an investment required. The ability to make money will be solely at the discretion of the agent who chooses to invest in this business model.

On a positive note, many agents who have invested in this business model are making a very nice income, so be sure to research this option before ruling it out.

Travel companies that currently offer the independent agent business model include TraVerus Travel Network, Global Resorts Network, and Your Travel Business, also known as YTB.

Make sure to do your due diligence! Be sure to research each company carefully, and make it a priority to fully understand the compensation plan. You will also need to know what training is available, and whether the company will offer you the opportunity to become certified.

Don’t be afraid to ask important questions, such as whether the company has IATA(International Air Transport Association), IATAN (International Airlines Travel Agent Network), and CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) Credentials. This is important information to know, especially if you intend to take advantage of the travel perks and benefits available to those in the travel industry.

Here are some questions to ask – What is the initial investment, if any? Are there any additional costs or fees associated with obtaining licensing, or becoming certified? And finally, if you are considering a work at home position, what kind of support and training is offered?

Next, determine whether you a right fit for the travel industry. Lets break down the qualifications that will determine whether you are suited for this challenging, but rewarding career.

Travel agents should have a minimum of a high school diploma. Agents should have a true love for travel,as well as a sincere enthusiasm and love for working with people, because these traits are crucial elements for success in this industry.

Travel agents should also possess excellent multi-tasking and organization skills. Attention to detail and accuracy are very important, along with great communication skills. In addition, good computer skills will be needed.

Travel agents should possess a professional, courteous demeanor when working with suppliers, and the general public. Sales ability and great interpersonal skills are an added plus.

The benefits of becoming a travel agent are many. I have listed the top three.

Travel agents save up to 80% on travel to many of the worlds exclusive resorts and destinations. These discounts include, but are not limited to:

a. Complimentary upgrades

b. Hotel room upgrades and discounts

c. Car rental discounts and upgrades

d. Cruises

e. Theme park discounts

f. Vacation Packages

FAM trips, also known as familiarization trips. Suppliers will offer access to their facilities at substantial discounts so that travel agents will have first hand knowledge of their facilities. The travel agent will then be able to make recommendations and book travel for their clients based on their personal knowledge and first hand experience.

The supplier will roll out the red carpet for the travel agent to ensure the travel professional has an outstanding time.

There are also tax benefits for individuals who chose to do this profession as an independent travel agent. You should consult with your CPA or tax professional for more information regarding this benefit.

So, how do I become a travel agent? In summary, becoming a travel agent can be a lucrative and rewarding career. Should you decide that you possess the skills and abilities needed for success, you can look forward to a promising career.

In addition to the companies named in this article, you can do further research online at Google or Yahoo using the following keywords – become a travel agent, how do I become a travel agent, travel agent careers, or online travel agent.

Ben Jordan asked:


Often people considering a career change look to the travel industry and decide to become a travel agent. Nearly everyone desires to travel and many seek coastal vacation travel destinations.

Most families take an annual vacation and many head to the closest beach. Anyone who wants to become a travel agent will seek this lucrative market with millions of eager customers.

The travel industry rarely experiences a severe downturn, even at time when the economy suffers.

An entrepreneur seeking to become a travel agent will provide costal vacations for consumers and enjoy the sun and surf with his or her family as well. Different consumers want different coastal vacation travel packages.

Some want cheap Hawaiian vacation packages, some want to head to Orlando, FL to see Disneyworld. Franchise owners who begin a home based business and become a travel agent learn how to promote these destinations and many more coastal destinations around the world.

When a consumer decides to become a travel agent, the research often involved costal vacation travel. Travel franchise owners consider this travel “research,” since their knowledge of these destinations helps them market the coastal vacations better after they become a travel agent.

Most consumers spot a “stupid” travel agent who does not possess a clue about what they promote. Knowledge put the home based travel agent ahead of the competition.

Completing the “research” represents only the first step after the person decides to become a travel agent. Finding potential customers and closing the sale of the coastal vacation travel package challenges even the most experienced marketing professionals.

These tasks intimidate most people but the successful travel franchise owners who become a travel agent rise above the challenges.

Those who succeed after they decide to become a travel agent will see everyone as a potential traveler. Almost everyone responds positively when asked if he or she would enjoy coastal vacation travel.

Prospecting–a term that describes identifying potential customers–makes or breaks a business. A successful person who decides to become a travel agent keeps a list of potential customers and checks in with them often.

While many travel franchise owners who decide to become a travel agent know many prospective customers, the ability to close the sale eludes them. They did not consider how they would close the sales when they decided to become a travel agent.

The travel franchise owner fails even if he or she knows thousands of potential customers wanting coastal vacation travel packages if they cannot close the sale.

Finding a sales support team can eliminate this lack of experience for those who decided to become a travel agent. A coastal vacation call center provides solutions.

Sales center employees know how to convince customers to sign on the dotted line. They receive extensive training on selling the coastal vacation travel packages and help those who decide to become a travel agent.

Franchise owners who decided to become a travel agent need this type of support to be successful when selling coastal vacation travel packages. Using a coastal call center gives the travel franchise owner a professional sales team.

The coastal call center employees do not compete with those who become a travel agent and credit all sales of coastal vacation travel packages to the travel franchise owner.

Instead, the professional closers call center team enhances the franchise owner’s home based travel agency and assists the owner in bringing in more profits.