Travel plan idea blog

James, independent travel 'agents' have morphed into travel 'counselors' to update our image and differentiate ourselves from the online agent megafirms.

Expert counseling is what's needed in the current chaotic travel environment, as is having someone who's got your back throughout your vacation, honeymoon or cruise.

Personal travel counselors (few still work in retail storefront operations) are using sophisticated communication and social media tools to develop specialty niches and nurture client relationships. It's true that the average travel counselor makes peanut money, but if you work diligently and love the interaction with clients and suppliers, you can grow a good business, even today.

I am a travel agent, and "travel councelor" is a term many agents use these days - I guess it just sounds better. Actually, there is a certification for travel councelor, so you would want to use that term if you have achieved that certification; but it's still just another level of being an agent.

Agents do work very hard for the little they make, especially independent agents (ie, if you work from home rather than for an agency). In any case, you share your commissions with your host agency or employer (how much you share depends on your relationship); if you are independent you do NOT get a wage for your time. You only earn money when you actually complete a sale.

Many people are "tire kickers" who pick an agent's brain for ideas then book themselves online. You have the right to do that, of course, but I don't think people realize that the agent/councelor has put time and effort into helping you with your plans, and earns NOTHING if you don't complete the booking with them. (I'm sure most people would not deliberately cut the agent out of the picture if they knew this, especially if the agent's itinerary does not cost them any more). And a good agent will be there to help you out when your flight is cancelled at the last minute or other problems arise.

If you really like the "thrill of the hunt" and want to book your own trip, by all means, do so. But don't play games with an agent if you don't intend to book with them.

If you want someone else to do the legwork and back you up if you run into trouble, look to an agent.

Those of you out their who have had a positive experience planning travel with a travel agent also know that he/she is a travel "counselor". A counselor is defined as "one who gives advice". Travel agents ask questions that pertain to your lifestyle and they are able to listen and guide you into a great travel opportunity.

Hey I am thinking about going into tourism after high school and so i was wondering what kind of jobs are out there in this sort of field and second is travel agent and travel counselor the same or no if not what is their difference thanks