Working in a travel agents

simplysound_2

Hey not sure where this post belongs, I am basically after a job when i finnish uni to get some money together and do some travelling. I figured getting a job in a travel agents would sort of kill two birds with one stone (given they get can large discounts on holidays) and save me some money.

Has anyone got experience of working in a travel agents, I am currently thinking of STA travel, but any one know how they compare to the rest?



Cheers



Simply

dmg24

My friend is a travel agent. She enjoys her job but the money isn't great.

The discounts they get are not particularly good, in fact she now books most of her holidays online, as it works out cheaper!

Also, to qualify for the discount, the trip has to be taken whilst you are still employed by them.

TBeckett100

i hear dirty things happen at travel agents........ broom cupboard, etc

Sam_Bee

simplysound wrote: »

Hey not sure where this post belongs, I am basically after a job when i finnish uni to get some money together and do some travelling. I figured getting a job in a travel agents would sort of kill two birds with one stone (given they get can large discounts on holidays) and save me some money.

Has anyone got experience of working in a travel agents, I am currently thinking of STA travel, but any one know how they compare to the rest?

Post Uni I did something similar. I applied to STA, trailfinders, travelbag, flightbookers, and a.n.other and ended up working for a.n.other. You'll find their ads in the Guardian on Saturday, and on their websites. You'll need travelling experience, and you don't want to admit you're using them as a springboard for further travel (but it's encouraged if you're working for them in small doses!).

Contrary to what's said, if you're any good, you'll get plenty of perks such as vastly reduced airfares - I used to get round the world tickets for £200 (3 week validity!) travel to Asia for £100 (max), 1 educational a year (100% paid for), and in my first two years I won another 6 sets of long-haul flights (2 in business), 3 months unpaid leave every 2 years to satisfy your cravings, and a decent wage. Similar incentives remain in place in good companies. However, I can't comment on high street travel agents, and I was lucky enough to live in London where most of the companies had head and their main offices.

dianadors

My friend works for British Airways as Cabin Crew on Long Haul Flights - she gets paid to see the world. She also gets free travel for her holidays too.

Alikay

I left my job as a travel agent nearly 2 years ago after over 20 years working in Travel. If you live in London and can work for a specialized agency - eg a USA specialist, diving, trekking, eco-travel etc then it would be great, but if you're thinking more of a high street Thomas Cook type of set-up don't bother. You'll be getting a little over minimum pay, working weekends, have high sales targets and spend a lot of time researching holidays which your customer will then go home and book for less online!!

I got cheaper hols by booking online myself (although I always knew when the flights etc were going on sale earlier due to trade press, so could get in quickly!). I spent 10 years with an airline and the cheap travel was much better - 10% of (of, not off!) regular full fare with most IATA airlines, and sometimes free in my day(just for yourself usually, spouse/kids occasionally). Great job for a young single person!

deva

having done my time in travel agents- i would certainly avoid any of the big chains as it is simply a sales job and pretty ruthless... i ve heard my fill of lies.

after uni i became a holiday rep and would say it is the better option, some fantastic times, more money! and living in some fantastic places.

iwantitnow

TBeckett100 wrote: »

i hear dirty things happen at travel agents........ broom cupboard, etc

I worked in the travel industry in the 1980's for a firm called AT Mays, the pay was crap. However being a male in what was a predominantly female industry had its perks.

I am still living in the memories :j