This page on how to become a travel agent in New Orleans will give you step by step instructions. If you weren’t born into the jet setter lifestyle, a job as a travel agent might be the next best thing. Travel agents spend their day helping people have fun and for their efforts, the travel agent gets deep discounts and perks to travel to amazing locales. New Orleans has its own share of culturally fascinating experiences to offer would-be travelers such as Bourbon Street, authentic jazz, and for the truly adventurous, a voodoo shop or two. New Orleans is a hop, skip and jump away from the Caribbean, Mexico, South America and worldwide adventure.

To get started, you should thoroughly understand the job requirements. Louisiana has an occupational license fee required to be a travel agent. Travel agents throughout the United States must adhere to the Department of Transportation’s rule 399 on advertising. Learning how to become a travel agent in New Orleans requires a little preparation, but in a short time you can be booking your first trip for people eager for your services. The other great advantage to preparing for a job in the travel industry in New Orleans is that the job market is not saturated.

The travel agent career sounds pretty straightforward, but what does the job entail. CTI Career Search says a travel agent is responsible for finding the best destination prices and most convenient travel plans.http://www.citytowninfo.com/education-articles/career-guides/how-to-become-a-travel-agent This one aspect often requires extensive research. Your time is often spent on the computer searching schedules, on the phone with hotels, car rental companies and airlines. Then, you'll be talking with anxious customers about dates, times, weather, passport issues, and every other question the customer needs answered to feel comfortable embarking to a destination.

If you are still excited about the industry, continue researching the career aspects. What is the industry outlook and what is the salary potential are important questions when preparing for your future. Some highlights of the travel agent job are provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics 13% of U.S. travel agents were self-employed in 2006. The job market is fairly stagnant, especially in a difficult economic market. Salary averages in 2006 were $29,210 a year. http://www.bls.gov/

According to Job-hunt.org, most travel agents are expected to have a degree. 49% of people in the industry have some college education, although 25% have only a high school education. http://www.job-hunt.org/careers/travel-sales-agents.shtml New Orleans has a good job density percentage of -56%, which means the number of people in the vocation compared to population.

Attempting to obtain a job as a travel agent in New Orleans without some education is not going to speed your career, but hinder it. Many schools offer career certificates or degrees in the travel and tourism business. For example, World Wide Learn offers an online training class that takes 18-24 months.

Education doesn't just take place in classrooms. Travel is one of the best experiences to learn the insiders view of tourism. For people who can't afford to pay to travel, consider volunteering abroad. Transitions Abroad http://www.transitionsabroad.com/listings/work/volunteer/index.shtml provides options for traveling, learning, and working abroad.

With some solid education in the tourism industry and some world experience, your career as a travel agent will be well-rounded. Not to mention the stories you can share with potential customers. Relating your travel experiences to customers shows your expertise and builds confidence that you understand the industry.

If venturing out on your own is a little intimidating, consider interning at a travel agency. Most intern programs are non-paid positions or very low pay, but the wealth of experience can't be beat. You'll quickly learn the insiders view of tourism. http://www.travelagentcentral.com/agent-profiles/results-are-we-reveal-2009s-30under30-winners If you can't find an intern position, go to a travel agent and offer to work as an unpaid intern.

To begin a career as a travel agent in New Orleans, plan a thorough course to obtain your goal. Get the education you need. Get whatever travel experience you can. Gain experience in the industry. If you already live in New Orleans, learn the history of the city by reading, researching and visiting the places from a tourist perspective. Learn what it has to offer out-of-towners. Thoroughly understand the hot spots like the best jazz clubs, the tours, the must-sees. Then, continue to learn about the history of the city. Learn what makes it unique. When selling the New Orleans experience to guests visiting the city, you are the expert. People want your enthusiasm. For your career, even if you can't afford to travel yet, you can learn about what's outside your back door.

If you maintain your excitement for the job, it will show as you interact with clients. They will feel comfortable and trust you to arrange their vacation experience.

Also, as you explore either New Orleans or surrounding areas, look for additional opportunities to build on your career. If you find a hidden treasure many tourists might find interesting, why not write about it? While you are gaining clients, you can earn money from travel writing. As you begin to get travel opportunities to research destinations, write about what you find. Or, if you enjoy photography, take pictures and research selling them.

If this isn't something you are interested in, are there memorable things you can offer your clients to boost you above the competition? Maybe they would appreciate a memory photo album or a care package of sunblock and necessities for their travels. These ideas aren't musts, they are a launching board for creative thinking. Figure out ways to make your service memorable and you will have a steady stream of repeat customers.