Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Travel Agent
What travel agents actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
Respond to client emails and review bookings. From there, the day usually includes interview clients about trip goals and budgets, research destinations and options, and book flights, hotels, cruises and tours. Most work full-time or part-time with flexible hours, though clients may call during emergencies.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a travel agent working full time.
- Respond to client emails and review bookings.
- Plan a family trip to Italy and price options.
- Book a cruise and shore excursions.
- Help a client rebook after a canceled flight.
- Attend a supplier webinar on new resorts.
- Send itineraries and travel documents.
- Post travel tips on social media.
Where travel agents work
Travel agents work in offices or from home, mostly at computers and on the phone, with occasional familiarization trips.
Hours and schedule
Most work full-time or part-time with flexible hours, though clients may call during emergencies.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Interview clients about trip goals and budgets
- Research destinations and options
- Book flights, hotels, cruises and tours
- Explain travel documents and requirements
- Handle changes and cancellations
- Help clients during travel problems
- Market services and build a client base
Tools you’ll use every day
- Global distribution systems such as Sabre or Amadeus
- Supplier booking portals
- CRM tools
- Itinerary software
- Social media
- Email and phone
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Work from home options
- Travel perks and familiarization trips
- Help people create memories
- Run your own business
What’s hard
- Commission-based income for many
- Online booking competition
- Problem-solving during travel disruptions
- Building a client base takes time
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I love travel
- I enjoy planning details
- I like helping people
- I want to work from home
- I can handle travel problems calmly
- I might want my own business
Not sure? Take the free Travel Agent fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Share travel advisories with clients
- Recommend travel insurance
- Protect client data and payments
- Verify supplier reliability