Career Change - Travel

threemuttleys

Hello

I hope someone can help me

I am currently (and pretty much have been all my working life) employed in retail and or food and beverage.

However, at the ripe age of 29, I want to change industries/careers. I would like to make the move into leisure/tourisim/travel

Thing is, I have no idea how to make that leap. Most of the adverts I see (and they are rare) call for extensive experience in travel or in the industry. That I do not have, but I do have oodles of customer service and retail experience.

So, can anyone help, or point me in the right directon?

Many thanks

C

InsideInsurance

Again, what do you actually want to do in that industry? Be a cleaner for the office? Work reception in a hotel? Do sales in a travel agents? Code the website? Negotiate with airlines, hotels and tour operators for preferential rates for the company?

mjbmjb

Don't let lack of experience stop you from applying. Use your strong points such as customer facing skills on your cv.

See if there's any books on Amazon about working in the travel industry.

Go for it!

threemuttleys

InsideInsurance wrote: »

Again, what do you actually want to do in that industry? Be a cleaner for the office? Work reception in a hotel? Do sales in a travel agents? Code the website? Negotiate with airlines, hotels and tour operators for preferential rates for the company?

I would prefer to work in the stores (sales agents) but would be willing to start at the bottom and work my way up. Just not sure the best way in

However, I am thinking maybe I should apply for a Holiday rep for 2013, and then I would maybe have a foot in the door...dont know what OH would think to that tho!

threemuttleys

mjbmjb wrote: »

Don't let lack of experience stop you from applying. Use your strong points such as customer facing skills on your cv.

See if there's any books on Amazon about working in the travel industry.

Go for it!

Thank you.

xxJudexx

I too have looked into working as a sales rep/travel agent. I have worked in retail since 16 (part time while at school and uni). I looked into it and contacted a few places (STA, Flight Centre etc) and they all said that the retail experience is great but they do need someone with extensive knowledge of other countries. It's because they want to be able to give the best advice they can. It's unfortunate but I really want to do a RTW trip one day so hopefully after that I will give it another try.
I think even if you were to do an inter rail trip through Europe it would be beneficial.
I did hear from a friend who booked her 4 month trip through STA that they offer everyone an interview once they have returned, that might be worth looking into!

Good luck!

threemuttleys

xxJudexx wrote: »

I too have looked into working as a sales rep/travel agent. I have worked in retail since 16 (part time while at school and uni). I looked into it and contacted a few places (STA, Flight Centre etc) and they all said that the retail experience is great but they do need someone with extensive knowledge of other countries. It's because they want to be able to give the best advice they can. It's unfortunate but I really want to do a RTW trip one day so hopefully after that I will give it another try.
I think even if you were to do an inter rail trip through Europe it would be beneficial.
I did hear from a friend who booked her 4 month trip through STA that they offer everyone an interview once they have returned, that might be worth looking into!

Good luck!

Hmmmm. thank you for that x

ohreally

If you can "embrace the naturist and alternative lifestyle" , I can pm you a company with many vacancies in differing locations, mainly France, Spain and Croatia.

[Deleted User]

This website seems to advertise various travel roles from cabin crew to sales, some suggest they provide training.

http://jobs.cabincrew.com/jobs/air_hostess_jobs/

hcb42

I entered into hotel mgt 9 yrs ago, and am in mid 40s, try the local hotels near you?

dandelionclock30

STA Travel, you'd do well to stay away from these absolute total jokers. I booked a hotel and flight though them to go to New York with a friend. Upon arrival at the hotel after a long flight I was told (in the middle of the night) there was no booking for us.They said that they had told STA travel this but STA they had failed to pass this info onto us.
My Friend started crying and we spent the best part of the night trying to get somewhere elce. What if I'd had an elderly relative or a little child with me? We had to shell out an extra grand in hotel rooms.
Upon return to the UK we contacted STA who basically treated us with contempt, they reinbursed the grand and an extra £50.00 or so. It didnt compensate for the upset and their attitude stank.
Basically I wouldnt book a holiday with them, work for them, or **** on them if they were on fire.

If your looking for a job, try and work for a reputable company, these are the Del Boy end of the market.