Travel plan idea blog

Job outlook for the hospitality industry

When we've talked about working in the hospitality industry on this site, we've talked about chefs and bartenders but not about hotel jobs.

We'll get to that eventually, I'm sure. Working in a hotel can be a great experience and can help you see part of the world you wouldn't have without the hotel job. For example I have a friend / former student who lived in San Francisco for a year while working at the front desk of a hotel. Since she was Korea, I'll have to ask her how she handled the visa stuff and taxes and everything but I do know that if it weren't for that job she wouldn't have been able to live in San Francisco for a year. I've never been to San Francisco so I'm a little bit jealous of her actually.

Anyway, I notice a lot of news articles lately about the job outlook for various industries. Well what about the hospitality industry? As of Octobver, the Utah leisure and hospitality industry had added 5100 new jobs over the past 12 months. I wouldn't mind living in Utah for a while - I hear it's really beautiful there. This makes perfect sense since tourists like going to nice places so the hotel jobs should be in pretty cool areas.

Tourism is actually down in the UAE but there are hotel jobs available since new hotels are being built and they need to be staffed. I know my wife has talked about living in the UAE as well. I hear it's nice and sunny.

In a report on how British employers don't really trust Brish employees these days, Gerwyn Davies, of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, said, "It is the employers' perception that workers from Poland and Lithuania demonstrate a greater work ethic. This is particularly apparent in the hospitality sector." It seems UK natives aren't trusted to provide great customer service.

That report in the UK reminds me how the same has been said to be true for the hospitality industry in America. And I was told that NCL tried staffing a ship with an American workforce instead of Filipino workforce. They went back to the Filipinos.

But anyway, working in a hotel could be a good way to see a nice part of the world that you wouldn't normally get to see and there do seem to be jobs available.

Airport Codes / World's Newest Country / TV Travel Shows (or lack of)

One of the things I realized when I applied for and got a job with an airline almost 20 years ago, is that you did not seem to need any particular qualifications. Not even a good knowledge of geography, which I would have thought was essential. And some people certainly don't have a good grasp of geography - these are supposedly real answers to geography questions, that were submitted. One of the biggest requirements for employment that I remember was having to learn and memorize all the airport codes for the places that the airline flew to at the time and there were probably around 200 of these. When we took the test, we had to get 100 percent, which I must have somehow done. Some codes are easy and everyone knows them, like JFK, but some are more obscure, like MSY for New Orleans. I don't know if this is still a requirement to learn all the codes or whether it has been relaxed, but I do know that once you have memorized these codes and used them every day for years, you could not forget them if you tried.

I read a couple of weeks ago that the world has a new country, although I'm not sure I will be going there any time soon. South Sudan became its own country, breaking away from the Sudan after 50 years of struggle and apparently has plans to become a major eco-tourism destination. I found this quite surprising, as I imagine the Sudan to be nothing but barren desert, almost as much as the fact that other unlikely countries seem to want to welcome visitors. Iraq seems to have its own ministry of tourism and I would imagine that working there must be quite a challenge. It seems that there is a lot of interest in parts of California becoming their own state as well as parts of Arizona. My wife and I drove through the Navajo Indian Reservation in Arizona / New Mexico a few years ago and that really was like entering another country, with big signs warning that you were subject to tribal laws. That sounded quite ominous, but fortunately I never found out what the tribal laws might be.

Anyone who reads my ramblings knows that it is a source of constant frustration to me that there are so few travel shows on American TV. I am sorry to say that this is still the case and I have sent emails to the Travel Channel asking them to put more actual travel shows on (Much of their current line up is shows about food) and giving suggestions for travel programs, such as the BBC in England did a while back - great railway trips and great river journeys. Of course, they did not reply to me which makes me wonder what is the point of having a 'contact me' section on your web site if you are not going to reply to someone who does contact you. I really feel the President should address this issue instead of wasting his time dealing with things like health care and the economy. There is one new show on ABC, called Expedition Impossible, in which teams have to travel across Morocco, dealing with such hazards as stubborn camels, mountain ranges and extreme heat. As it is literally 100 degrees here in New Jersey today, I have some idea of how they feel, although I have yet to ride a camel.

Guest entry by Mancunian

An old friend returns and talks about flying "free"

Well, its good to be back again, blogging about travel! I wish I could explain my absence during the last year, by saying something like I was trekking through the Amazon, or cycling across the USA, but the truth is, I have just been busy with jobs, kids, moving and all the other mundane stuff of life. I have a bit more time on my hands and missed posting on here, so here I am, courtesy of Jim. Comments and suggestions are always welcome!

I am still in beautiful New Jersey and like living here, other than the fact that to leave the state you have to pay a toll to drive over the bridge to either Delaware or Pennsylvania, on some of the bridges the charge is $5. (Its worth paying to leave New Jersey, as the old joke goes) This made me wonder what the most expensive bridge or road toll is in the US and one of the most expensive must surely be the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and Tunnel, (near Norfolk, VA) which costs $12 one way, although admittedly its quite a scenic journey. And I'm disappointed that I still haven't seen the Jersey Devil, a sort of mythical creature said to live not far from here.

I no longer work in the travel business and feel that 20 years was enough of irate passengers, delayed flights, missing luggage and stupid questions! But it did occur to me that the travel industry is still considered to be exciting and glamorous and there will probably always be a place for travel agents as there are still some people out there who don't like to book their trip on line, especially agencies that specialize in 'complicated' trips. So I thought I would write regularly in these pieces about what its like to work in the industry, the up and downs of working for an airline, how to go about it if the thought of working in travel appeals to you. and anything else relevant..

Of course, one of the big appeals of working for an airline is the free flights that everyone knows you get. (If I wasn't married I would have bought one of those tee-shirts that reads "I work for an airline, marry me and fly for free!" ) In reality, the flights are not free, as I remember having to pay various taxes, processing fees, etc that sometimes seemed to be as much as the cheapest coach ticket cost. And of course, it was often difficult to get a seat on the plane, especially in markets where there was just one flight a day. I sometimes wonder how much of my life I have spent sitting anxiously by the gate, waiting for my name to be called and hear the magical sound of a a boarding pass being issued. According to my friends who still work for a major airline, it is even more difficult now to find a seat as the airlines have cut back service and introduced smaller planes on many routes. Airline employees also get discounts on other airlines, although again this is not always easy as it involves flying standby and you cannot easily check flight availability. This site at least helps to make the whole process easier, although I don't remember this being there when I needed it. Anyway, there will be more on the ups and downs of working in the travel industry, meanwhile, as I say its good to be back on here!

Guest entry by Mancunian

Another job where you get to travel - MMA fighter

We had a little series going on jobs for travel lovers for a while with me writing about EFL jobs in Korea and a few good articles from Sharon including this one on ski instructing.

So while I'm sure it's not a career path for most readers of this blog, I did briefly want to mention this quote from MMA fighter Carlos Condit:

"That's the great thing about this job, you get to travel the world on somebody else's dime," said Condit, who in his career has fought four times in Japan and three times in Hawaii, and said he never had any problems with jet lag in those fights.

Of course in exchange for free travel you have to endure professional fighters trying to punch you, kick you, choke you, etc.

I'm not going to offer the usual advice on how to get into the field, but there is a less extreme option like various amateur tournaments, martial arts demonstrations, and so on.

Overseas Employment - Skiing & Snowboarding Instructors

Exciting job opportunities exist worldwide where skiing and snowboarding instructors are always in demand. Overseas ski resorts can be found in over 45 countries including the French, Swiss, & Italian Alps, the Pyrenees of Spain, Austria, Germany, Italy, Asia, Australia, Scandinavia, New Zealand, and South America; there are approximately 2500 in Europe alone.

The Tarentaise Valley of the Isere River in the French Alps has some popular ski resorts such as Paradiski, Les Arcs, and Les Espace Killy. Trois Vallee, considered the largest linked skiing area in the world, attracts visitors and instructors year round for piste and off-piste winter sports on its snow-covered slopes. One of the most popular resorts here is Courchevel, with its own private airport and links to other ski areas by highway. The airport is known for having one of the shortest runways in the world, a challenge for only the best certified airplane and helicopter pilots. Besides being the winter playground for travelers from Russia and elsewhere, Trois Vallee is recognized as a base for worldwide ski instructors, offering a number of jobs at various resorts.

Your first step to becoming a professional ski instructor is to complete a basic one to two week course, followed by specialized courses in alpine (downhill), piste and off-piste skiing, and cross country, usually offered by companies and resorts around the world. These courses are designed to run with the winter seasons, November to April in Europe, and April to November in the southern hemisphere. After obtaining your International Ski Instructors Association certification, you can work almost anywhere overseas, except in China. Many of these same companies and resorts will help you find employment, as well.

If time and finances permit, a short vacation might be fun and pay off in the long run by staying at one of the resorts, perfecting your skills on the slopes, making a few contacts and friends, and seeking employment at the same time. Many resorts offer hiring clinics at the beginning of the season, where they observe both your technical and interpersonal skills. Of course, a background in skiing, coaching, or physical education is always a plus, as are references.

If you prefer to pay more for specialized training, there are a number of ski and snowboard schools such as Ski le Gap at Mont Tremblant in Canada, and ski academies in Switzerland, New Zealand, and France. Intensive one to three month courses are offered for qualification at various levels of proficiency in different types of skiing or snowboarding, as well as ski patrol classes for those who may be interested in them. Costs and out-of-pocket expenses will vary, but most schools include accommodations, meals, and some even pay modest wages while in training

The popular Skiforce School is offering training in December of this year at Morzine in the Portes du Soleil ski area near Mont Blanc. Here you can get your British Association of Snowsports Instructor (BASI) certification, and after completing the BASI level 2, a full time job is guaranteed. (Note: Most ski schools will hire you as an instructor for children or beginners, but you can work up from there.)

Verbier resort in Switzerland is, without a doubt, one of the most prestigious ski and snowboarding schools in Europe, open to participants worldwide. At $14,500 for a 10-week course, it is certainly not cheap, but you do get a lot for your money. You will receive over 250 hours of coaching by some of the best instructors in the world, 75 hours in the classroom, which will include courses in first aid, avalanche, and mountain safety, and 70 hours of skiing alongside these professionals. Accommodations are provided in mountain chalets with views of the Matterhorn and surrounded by the beauty of the Swiss Alps. Breakfasts and dinners are included, as well as uniforms, cleaning, full season lift passes, club and equipment discounts, and transportation from the airport. Successful completion of internship at Verbier will definitely assure you of employment as a ski or snowboarding instructor.
(Note: You can find more information on these and other ski and snowboarding schools and job placement online.)

You won't need a visa to work in the EU countries, but a working holiday permit will be required in others. Since the skiing seasons vary in each hemisphere, you could conceivably be employed year round. This might be the best of both worlds, seeing different areas, meeting different people, and teaching at the finest ski and snowboard resorts. After the season ends, you may decide to move on to another part of the world for their seasonal jobs, or remain at the same resort for year round employment. Although you may not be instructing during the off-season lull, there will be other types of odd jobs to fill. You may be asked to take part in pre-season events, promotions, and races to prepare for yet another enthusiastic group of travelers ready to hit the slopes with the next big snowfall.

Be prepared for the cold, fog, and wind chill by purchasing the proper clothing and equipment, as well as personal insurance in case of injury. Snow conditions will vary, so overall good physical condition is a must, and physical tests may be a requirement for employment. As a minimum, your accommodations, meals, and season lift passes will be paid for by your employers. Salaries are based on your actual teaching hours, and will vary from country to country, resort to resort, with your first year hourly pay averaging around $8 an hour, climbing to $15, or more as your experience grows and your expertise is recognized.

Don't expect tips, but depending on the resort, you may be pleasantly surprised, as repeat customers, tour groups, and wealthy travelers are more likely to give that something extra. Besides teaching beginners, the intermediate, and the advanced, you may be required to instruct children, or the physically handicapped, which will be rewarding in itself. As with any kind of teaching job, additional money can be made through private lessons. Once recognized as a qualified, reliable instructor, you will find individuals or families may hire you as a personal instructor, which pays quite well.

For anyone who loves the mountains, the snow, and winter weather, then a job as a ski or snowboard instructor offers excitement and an opportunity to work at some of the most scenic destinations in the world. It is a chance to meet interesting people, socialize, and teach others the thrill of skiing or snowboarding at the most beautiful resorts around the world. As might be expected, social skills, a great deal of patience, and definitely a good sense of humor will be required. Remember, most people aren't training for the Olympics; they just want to learn how to ski, improve their skills, and have fun doing it. You must be able to balance technical instruction with an understanding that some students will always be better than others. You will gain satisfaction knowing that most students will respond well to your instruction, if you're good at what you do and enjoy what you're doing.

Sharon L Slayton

Teaching English as a foreign language or TEFL

One way to see the world is to teach English in foreign countries. You get to experience slow travel as you spend months or even years living in each place. For example I have a friend who spent a few months teaching English in Costa Rica whereas I have been teaching English for over 9 years in South Korea. Other people stick with EFL but move around (a few years in Thailand, then Korea, then Japan, then Saudi Arabia, etc.). Some of the most common countries for EFL jobs are in Asia with Korea and Japan offering the best money. China and Thailand are very common Asian destinations for EFL teachers as well. Americans have a tough time getting jobs in EU countries as the paperwork is much easier for people from the UK.

It helps greatly if you are a native speaker of English and in some countries you can start off with just a native accent and a college degree. Korean hagwons, for example, are notorious for hiring just about any white person with a pulse.

Undergraduate degrees

There is nothing to worry about here if you already have your B.A. or B.S. degree (though you will be expected to have one - not an Associate's). Of course if it's not too late, education degrees are helpful. English education is a great choice, educational psychology is good, etc. Some universities even offer degrees directly related to teaching English to non native speakers - look for names like TESOL, ESL, EFL, TESL, TEFL.

Interestingly though, most EFL teachers don't have these kinds of degrees and they really are not necessary to teach English abroad.

TESOL certificates

While not required everywhere in the world, certificates are very helpful in getting ELT (English langue teaching) jobs. If you want to work in most European countries, a 4 week certificate course or better is a necessity. The two most recognized are the CELTA and the Trinity. Both offer programs all over the world and promise that the course is standardized so you should be able to take a CELTA anywhere in the world and get an equally valuable degree.

Two of the more famous schools for the CELTA are the British Council and International House. Doing the degree course can be a travel experience in itself as both the British Council and International House have branches running the CELTA all over the world. I did mine at International House Rome - Manzoni and though I thought most of the trainers were weak educators I did learn something and I loved Rome.

If you're not looking to teach in Europe, many universities in America and around the world offer TESOL certificates. I am a teacher trainer for the Hankuk University of Foreign Studies TESOL certificate course, a program designed for non-native speaking English teachers.

There are numerous online certificate programs but I don't know of any that carry the same weight as offline programs (because a good offline TESOL course will include some practical teaching).

Graduate degrees

My CELTA trainers made a big deal about how in Europe schools would rather hire an inexperienced teacher with a 4 week CELTA than with a Master's degree because the CELTA has supervised teaching practice.

I'm not sure I agree with this philosophy because I learned far more doing my Master of Applied Linguistics than I did doing my CELTA. In Asia, at least, the best positions tend to be university ones where a graduate degree is either preferred or required. Some schools will settle for any graduate degree and some don't care what the degree is in if you are an experienced teacher. However, the best degrees are TESOL, TESL, Applied linguistics, and various education degrees.

Working conditions & salary (in Korea)

Working conditions vary widely and I'm most familiar with those in South Korea where a teacher with no experience or qualifications is looking at a hagwon job. A hagwon is a private school totally unlike private schools in America. It's a place where kids from pre- school to high school go (after school if they are old enough for public sch0ool - hence the split shift) to get extra study time in. The schools are often run by a person who knows nothing about education and they are often small (I worked in one that had 2 Korean teachers and 3 native English speaking teachers). It's a different culture and hard to describe.

Depending on who runs the school you may be fine or you may have a tough time. The owner of my school was a real bastard who loved me when I first arrived but began to resent me when I started spending less time with him and more time with the friends I was making. Eventually it got pretty messy with me running to my girlfriend's (now my wife) house at 4:00 AM one morning and him threatening to hire gangsters to come after me.
Almost everyone who has been teaching in Korea for a while has a hagwon horror story - it's just part of the experience I guess.

At a hagwon you're usually looking at provided housing (normally shared with one or two other teachers) for a 12 month contract with airfare to Korea taken care of. You'll likely be teaching 6 days a week, about 30 hours a week. There is often a split schedule where you work in the mornings and evenings but not in the afternoons. Pay is generally around 2 million KRW/month - recently the exchange rate has been in the 1100 to 1200 KRW / 1 USD range. People sending money home to pay off loans or whatever need to worry about exchange rate fluctuations. You can save a lot of that salary if you want because taxes are low and cost of living can be quite low, especially outside of the big cities. You usually get a week for vacation.

If you have some teaching experience and a graduate degree you may be able to land yourself a university job. Here the salary is about the same on average but the teaching load is more like 15 hours per week. Normally you're looking at a much better schedule, often 4 days a week. Vacation will be 3-5 months and it is paid so not only do you get the travel experience of living in a foreign country but you get some time freedom to travel during the summer and winter as well. Universities usually offer housing (not shared) but many do not pay for your flight. Also, many do not do phone interviews so teachers already in Korea have more options.

Note also that salaries vary widely from the average. I have a friend who was making 10 million KRW / month at a hagwon because the owners gave him a percentage of the tuition. He eventually gave that up to make 2.5 million /month at a university for the better hours and vacation time. Professors at the bigger name universities will usually get closer to 3 million / month and sometimes far more depending on experience. The salary can be augmented by teaching private lessons where it's hard to pin down an average but most people charge between 25,000 KRW and 100,000 KRW an hour. Teaching privates is usually not allowed (by the contract you sign with your employer and by law) but it remains very common.

Conclusion

Whether you do it for a few months or for your whole life, teaching EFL can be a rewarding way to experience other cultures.

Travel & Adventure - Overseas Jobs

Are you someone who dreams of hiking through the Amazon rainforest, climbing the mountains of Peru or Tibet, trekking across the Sahara desert, or traveling on safari through Africa? Maybe you're an individual who seeks more excitement and adventure in a career. If this is you, then a job as a tour leader may be just your thing. Of course, if you have a family who depends on you, or a relationship that would suffer from your absence, then traipsing around the world may not be possible. But, if you are young, or young at heart, single and somewhat of a gypsy, the job of adventure tour leader certainly has its appeal.

Tour leaders are responsible for just about everything including arranging meals and accommodations, transportation, native guides and bearers. There will be daily reports to prepare, but you are your own boss, with no supervisor looking over your shoulder, staff meetings to attend, or confined space to work in. Expect to travel light; be eager and ready to go on each new day's adventure. You should be prepared for any delays, problems, or emergencies that may occur along the way. There will be time, however, to pursue some of your own interests, reading, writing, or studies, while your group is busy taking pictures or you're spending hours on buses, jeeps, or trains going from one place to another.

The groups on tour are usually small, about 16 people, so everyone gets involved in the activities. A tour leader must be familiar with the language and the culture of the country they visit, and be able to answer questions about the history, religion, and the people, as well. The basic job requirements are straightforward, as companies are primarily looking for people with good communication skills, entertaining and friendly personalities, patience, confidence, and proven leadership ability to ensure the group has a fun-filled, safe adventure.

Tour leaders take groups to fascinating places such as the castles in Scotland, Ireland, France, and Spain, and to the ancient ruins of civilizations in Greece, Italy, Egypt, and Central and South America. Your travel as a tour leader may take you as far as Australia, New Zealand, Asia, or Antarctica, or to the islands of the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, the South Pacific, and the Indian Ocean.

Some tours will be more demanding than others, as you may lead groups of hikers, mountain climbers, or whitewater rafters and kayakers on exciting journeys requiring considerable skill and stamina. Others will be just as interesting, but more leisurely eco-tours or sightseeing adventures to popular tourist attractions and world heritage sites throughout the world. Depending on the destination, your accommodations will vary from camping outdoors to cabins on riverboats, village hostels, and rustic lodges on mountain slopes, or just backpacking through the countryside. The more expensive tours suggest modern hotel rooms, fancier restaurants, and more amenities for you and your group.

You'll find that the larger companies offer a much wider choice of destinations for travelers and adventure tour leaders. Companies such as Exodus, Explore, and Dragoman may look for tour leaders that meet certain age requirements and have more travel experience. Most large and small companies require standard first aid and CPR certification, and a good health record. You must pass an extensive background check, usually attend a training program within the home country, and arrange for a personal interview before you're hired. You'll find that only a few companies provide paid holidays and sick days; however, Intrepid based in Australia is one. Some offer some type of health insurance, but probably no retirement or pension plan. Gap Adventures out of Canada does reimburse you for airfare after completing a contract with them. You can find more information on these and other tour companies online, even applications in some cases.

Adventure tour companies may hire you for an extended contract to a specific country or region, which will require proficiency in the language spoken, especially in Central and South America, and thorough knowledge of the customs to follow while there. Or, you may be called on to travel with groups in different areas for shorter assignments, which some may consider a drawback, but it does add variety to the job. You'll need a work permit or visa, and a driver's license is a necessity for overland tours.

Since these are challenging jobs requiring considerable endurance and adaptability to a very transient way of life, tour leaders may choose to complete a two to three year contract, renew or sign another, or decide to settle down closer to home. A few exceptional performers may be offered permanent jobs in the administrative or business end of the company. The average monthly salary, anywhere from $800 to $1500, may not sound like a whole lot, but don't forget the tips you'll no doubt receive from each traveler in the tour group. You probably will receive gifts from vendors in some countries, who welcome the money your group is spending in their stores or marketplace. There are not many jobs where your expenses are usually fully covered, however, so the money you earn as a tour leader, for the most part, is free and clear. At the end of your contract, you'll not be wealthy by any means, but you will have put aside a nice amount to take back with you.

There is a constant demand for tour leaders worldwide, as there will always be something new to discover, somewhere historic to visit, or something unusual to see awaiting travelers everywhere. As a tour leader, you'll have a great opportunity to learn, work, travel, and play, while you become a part of life's great adventure.

Sharon L Slayton

Careers Beneath The Sea - Underwater Photography

From the first attempts at underwater photography in the mid-1800's, followed by others such as the renowned Jacques Cousteau, oceanographers, environmentalists, marine biologists, and scuba divers have explored and filmed the world below. A rare opportunity to capture mesmerizing images of coral reefs and changing formations, the fascinating, unusual creatures living among the crevices and caves of the sea, and more amazing discoveries in the deep awaits the underwater photographer.

Once no more than a hobby for a few, an exciting career in underwater photography has become even more popular through the years as modern equipment and advanced techniques have been introduced. Digital cameras enclosed in some type of underwater housing such as plastic or aluminum have replaced, for the most part, the cumbersome waterproof 35mm cameras used by most photographers in the past. Wide angle lenses, light filters, and powerful flashes are considered necessities today to produce good images and adapt to the limited visibility, color, and contrast as you go further down in the depths of the sea. There are excellent photography courses you can take to learn more about the complexities of underwater photography.

Underwater photography, of course, goes hand in hand with proficiency in scuba diving. You may seek employment first as a professional scuba diver to provide some income while you learn the skills required for underwater photography. Jobs are available in many countries at dive schools, resorts, and for cruise ship tours, but our focus in this article will be on underwater photography. The first requirement if you're considering a career in underwater photography is to obtain certification by the PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors). Your training will begin with confined and open water courses for basic certification, and you can continue advancing to master scuba diver and divemaster in about three months. There are over 25 additional specialty courses available including buoyancy control, rescue, deep diving, cavern, night diving, and techniques of digital camera photography, all of which will further enhance your skills and assure your prospective employer of your qualifications and expertise.

You can enroll in courses online to gain some familiarity, but many job seekers may prefer to combine their travel with training that is offered at over 5,000 dive shops and dive resorts in numerous locations around the world including South Africa, New Zealand, Malaysia, Australia, Hawaii, Thailand, Egypt, the Caribbean, and Mexico. Pursuing a career in underwater photography will take some money upfront, but the cost of training does vary depending on the location. Keep a record of your diving hours as part of your resume, and continue to build your portfolio. Broaden your knowledge of the sea and marine life, and learn as much as possible about the equipment you will use if you want to be a successful underwater photographer.

After you have completed the diver's instruction courses, you are ready to find a job. Jobs are available for instructors in underwater photography, on assignment with National Geographic, the Smithsonian, and scuba magazines, as well as for TV programs such as Discovery and Animal Planet. At some time, but certainly not overnight, there may be opportunities to work in the motion picture industry. Once you are recognized as an expert in your field, the sky's the limit in your career, with some professionals earning as much as $1,500 a day. Underwater photography is challenging, and perhaps not as safe as staying on dry land with your camera and tripod by your side. The more risk involved with the videography of what lies beneath the sea, the better the salary; however, you can expect some strong competition for such high paying jobs.

Some underwater photographers find exciting careers in filming shipwrecks for deep sea explorers, salvage companies, and adventurers on scientific and historical expeditions looking for sunken treasure, lost ships, and artifacts. Of course, these jobs will require more expensive equipment, which may or may not be provided by the employer, and considerably more experience in underwater photography and deep water diving ability to deal with the dim light and decreased visibility near the ocean floor.

Several overseas companies can be found online that offer on the job training, or you can apply as an assistant to an established professional in the field. Another option is to contract as a freelancer with an independent agent or photographer, create your own website, or register with one that will offer your photographs for sale and give you a commission. This may not provide much income, however, but it is a start and a way to get exposure and hopefully an offer for long-term permanent employment. As you gain experience and add to your photography portfolio, travel assignments will be more plentiful, and many will offer generous salaries and benefits for your services.

The unusual life style of a career beneath the sea may have been something you thought about, but really didn't know where to begin. If you already have a genuine interest in photography, whether as an amateur or a professional, with the proper equipment, motivation, and expert training, underwater photography can be an interesting and rewarding career.

Sharon Slayton

Let me just take a few lines to thank Sharon for all the great articles she has been writing for us. Also, I'll add my comment on this one - despite what I wrote before about childhood dreams of a career in underwater photography, I'm not ready to change careers just yet.

Yachting - Careers At Sea

Many of us, at one time or another, will look for something different in the way of employment, to escape from the tedium of paying rent, fighting traffic and crowds, and just managing to get by on a paycheck that is never quite enough. We may be lured by the "call of the sea and the vagrant gypsy life" that Masefield spoke of in his poem "Sea-Fever." Owning a yacht is a rich man's dream, but working on one is an adventure that can be a well-paid reality for some. Although much has changed since the sailing days of Masefield and others before him, distant places and foreign shores still hold a fascination for world travelers today.

Yachting and careers at sea offer excitement and an opportunity to see the world from a different perspective. Your working environment can be compared to a floating hotel, where you are surrounded by luxury and ultra-modern conveniences. You can forget paying exorbitant airline fees and transportation costs, finding accommodations, and deciding what and where to eat, once you're hired, onboard, and heading out to sea. Crew members and deck hands will find their jobs are demanding ones, however, as yacht passengers and owners are used to the finer things, expecting not only the best, but sometimes the impossible. True enough, there is not a whole lot of privacy, but there are other benefits worth considering.

Yachting has several advantages over cruise ship employment, with fewer guests to please and a smaller crew to work with. The pay will vary, but will usually be more than on large cruise ships, and the tips will be quite generous. These are definitely not 9 to 5 jobs; you'll work hard and your duties may go beyond a set routine or job description, but once in port there will be time to relax or go ashore. Of course, one real plus is the variety in these jobs, which you will gain from experience, the possibility of working for more than one employer, and the interaction with a diverse group of people, as you travel to unusual places.

You can find jobs on all types of sailing vessels, from the smaller charter boats to the super yachts of the rich and famous, many of which are privately owned or managed by large corporations. Yachting to different countries and destinations are usually planned for different times of the year, based on the weather. Yachting points of departure can be found in the Caribbean, Mexico, the South Atlantic, and South Africa from January through March. Yachts leave frequently from ports on the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean in the months of April through July, and from both the South and North Pacific, and the South and North Atlantic countries from September through December. Being in the right area at the right season is important, as jobs will be more readily available when yachting ventures are planned. Many agencies and other resources can be found online that will provide more information and assistance in training and job placement.

From captains, engineers, and mates to deckhands, chefs, and stewards or stewardesses, all do require varying levels of experience, training, certification, and licensing. Depending on the size of the yacht, a qualified pilot may be hired by the owner(s), although usually this comes under the duties of captain, who carries a great deal of responsibility for the ship and crew based on his years of sailing experience. Occasionally, the job of purser may be available on the very luxurious yachts with a larger payroll and more guests to account for. Jobs are sometimes available for couples on the same ship, as well.

There are a number of training centers for yachting careers in various countries, such as Australia, the south of France, South Africa, and Florida. Since the UK is perhaps the best known for their noteworthy maritime history, we can use their guide as an example of some qualifications that are needed for employment on a yacht. If you're a beginner and considering a career in yachting, you will need to complete several basic Standard of Training Certificates and Watch Keeping (STCW) courses, which were established by the International Maritime Association. They include first aid, survival training, and fire and safety responsibility and can be completed in 5 days or less. Some yacht owners will prefer to do their own training and will hire deckhands and other crew members with little or no experience. A certificate of competency, issued by the prestigious Royal Yachting Association (RYA), is sometimes requested as it demonstrates your specialized skills in boat handling. For yachting jobs as stewards or stewardesses, you will need to complete some hospitality courses in the basics of managing and maintaining the interior of the yacht, serving food, and wine appreciation.

The Yacht Rating Certificate, indicating an advanced level of training, may be required for each crew member hired on a yacht. This provides proof of 6 months of onboard yacht experience, 2 months at sea, completion of basic courses, and medical certification for seagoing employment. You may gain some of this experience through short voyages, weekend excursions, and racing regattas, so it is important that you keep a logbook of the miles you do spend at sea, as this will help in finding permanent, long term employment.

You must be personable, like people, and love sailing to succeed in a yachting career. Visas for travel will be required by your employer, who will also act as your sponsor in obtaining a work permit once you're hired. It is always helpful to be familiar with one or more foreign languages, understand the computer, and know something about mechanics and plumbing, but above all, be adaptable to changes in weather and flexible in dealing with the unexpected. Owning a yacht is something most people can only dream about, but working and traveling on one is a very real and possible career for those who seek an unforgettable experience and adventure at sea.

Sharon L. Slayton

Hospitality Overseas - Professional Chefs

The idea of haute cuisine dates back to the late 1700's and early 1800's, with the French taking the lead as Marie-Antoine Carēme became known as the "King of Chefs." Professional chefs, at this time, were considered a privilege of royalty and the nouveau riche, where each tried to outdo the other in the preparation and intricate display of elaborate feasts. Of course, professional chefs today can be found at restaurants, hotels, resorts and spas, lodges, cruise ships, private yachts, and in the military, as well as on the personal staff of presidents, prime ministers, kings, and queens. Fine dining establishments will attribute much of their popularity and success to the reputation of an excellent chef. Many wealthy families and celebrities bring their own personal chef or chefs with them when they travel. Your services may also be needed by catering companies for banquets, special occasions, conferences, and other large gatherings.

At this point, we might make a simple distinction between a chef and a cook - "all chefs are cooks, but not all cooks are chefs." The chef is the "chief" and head of his kitchen staff and holds a highly respected position and title based on his experience, training, and expertise in the culinary arts. Often referred to as the head chef, executive chef, or in France as the chef de cuisine, his or her duties can range from preparing menus, ordering food, and supervising its preparation to hiring and firing of the staff and the overall management, arrangement, and presentation of meals.

An apprentice, or commis, to the head chef may be hired during or after completing training, and usually works directly under the chef de partie, or in a particular section of the kitchen. Professional chefs in Europe must complete a total of 4 years of training, with salary commensurate with their level or stage Formal training is usually for 2 years, and then an apprenticeship for another 1 to 3 years, depending upon individual motivation and ability. Some obtain employment that allows them to attend culinary school in their off-duty hours, while gaining valuable hands-on experience at the same time.

Kitchens in large restaurants that cater to a huge clientele will have several chefs, each assigned and often ranked in their particular specialty such as the top position of saucier, where the sauce may be the pièce de resistance, poissonier or preparer of fish, the rotisseur expert on meat, and the patissier who prepares those delectable pastries and desserts. The sous chef is the second in command, working directly under the head chef, supervising the specialty chefs, and filling in for special events, absences, or on many other occasions. Although the actual title and specialty may differ, there is considerable prestige associated with the position of a professional chef, and employment can be found in most every country in the world.

You will need either a college diploma or a degree and certification in culinary arts to work abroad and demonstrate your proficiency as a professional chef. Culinary arts schools can be found online and worldwide, with beginning courses in preparation of hors d'oeuvres, sandwiches, salads, and even ice carving. You will learn how to use the equipment, to coordinate the kitchen staff with the dining room servers, and to prepare a variety of styles and types of food such as Italian, Portuguese, Slavic, Asian, Greek, and French. Your training will include creating simple menus including a la carte, appetizers, entrees, and desserts, while the advanced classes may focus on international wine appreciation, buffet and table presentation, as well as the storage and quality standards required by different countries.

As might be expected, Paris is a well known city for culinary schools such as the Ecole du Cordon Bleu, the Ritz Escoffier, a good choice for those who do not speak French, and the L'Atelier de Chefs, which offers 2-hour classes at a reasonable price of 34 Euros. Many other cooking classes are offered as a part of a tour through certain countries such as France, Italy, and Spain; however, these can be expensive and might be considered only as something extra to add to your experience. Le Cordon Blue International is probably the best known cooking school with campuses worldwide including London, Mexico City, and Australia.

The exclusive Tante Marie cooking school in Woking, England, about a 25-minute train ride from London, is famous throughout the world for professional chefs' training with locations in numerous countries. Students receive the Cordon Bleu Diploma after completing 2 to 3 terms of 11 weeks each and are then eligible for the advanced level 4 diploma. Scholarships are available, and they offer 2-week specialty chef courses for around 300 Euros. Although their schools are expensive, about $22,000 U.S., they do have important contacts in the industry and offer professional advice and assistance in placing their students with well known hotels and restaurants. Students do not reside at the school, but a list of host families, self-catering accommodations, and various B&Bs nearby is available. Less expensive culinary schools can also be found in Scotland, India, the U.S, Europe, Asia, and Canada, with many offering job placement worldwide. Some exemplary students may be fortunate enough to be hired to work with a team of chefs in one of the many Gordon Ramsay establishments around the world.

There is a huge demand for chefs worldwide from Japan to Africa and New Zealand, with employers offering various benefits to potential employees such as paying your travel expenses. Working hours and conditions for professional chefs will depend on the establishment where you're hired, and the salary can vary within each country according to your experience and level of training. Most chefs are somewhere between the ages of 25 and 35, having taken time to acquire the proper training and experience, considerably more to be considered a Master Chef. This occupation does attract women, as well, although they are in the minority. The Internet is a good source for finding schools and long-term employment for professional chefs. There are a number of international organizations for professional chefs such as the International Association of Culinary Professionals and the World Association of Chefs Societies.

You may not achieve the worldwide recognition of Emeril Lagasse or Wolfgang Puck, but if you are eager, creative, and skilled in the art of cookery, there is certainly money to be made abroad as a professional chef.

(Note: I discovered an interesting bit of information while writing this article. In Buddhist monasteries, the chef is known as a "tenzo" or "heavenly monk," and holds a very important, highly esteemed position within the monastic order.)

Sharon L. Slayton

Hospitality Jobs Abroad - Bartenders

Bartending is not just knowing how to mix a drink, make a good cocktail, or garnishing that exotic drink your customer just ordered, it requires more than that. As a bartender, or bartendress, you are in a "front end" position, which means you interact closely with people coming to the establishment. You must like people, enjoy conversation, and be a good listener. After all, as most of us know, the stories often get longer and sadder, as the evening wears on. You really don't have to be a juggler, dancer, or a singer to please your customers, as we've seen in the movies. If you have such talents, however, you are skilled in "flairtending," as you've added entertainment and variety to the job of bartending. The best bartenders treat their customers well, remember their preferences, and greet them by name. In return, many of these satisfied customers will return again and again to the same club, bar, or pub where they feel at home in a friendly environment.

Bartending has come a long way from being just a job somewhere in a smoke-filled, dingy room to a very popular occupation, with annual worldwide conferences and competitions in the art of what is often referred to now as mixology. Bartending jobs can be found in every country of the world where people tend to gather and socialize frequently. Bartenders do not make a lot of money in many countries, and tipping outside the U.S. can be a sometime thing. However, there may be compensation of another sort in bartending jobs overseas. Some bartenders, especially those hired in Ireland and the UK, are often able to live at the same place where they work. This can be a good deal for young people without enough income to pay for separate accommodations, transportation, and even their meals. Of course, the downside to this is that you are more readily available and may be called upon to work longer hours, open and close, or fill in for other staff.

In addition to the small town, city, village pubs, and neighborhood bars, there are always jobs for bartenders at island resorts, restaurants, hotels, airports, and even on cruise ships. As you gain experience and recognition, your services may be in demand for private parties, weddings, and numerous other social events. For long term employment, you will need a work visa or some other type of permit in most every country. Only a few employers require contracts, but many will require that you have a sponsor in the country where you want to work. Since this may be a problem, some people will enter the country on a tourist visa, find a sponsor, and then apply for the bartending job. In countries, such as Mexico, you have to live there for 3 to 5 years before you can legally work. There are a couple ways to get around some of these restrictions, however. If either one of your parents or your grandparents was born in the UK, for example, you could work there for as long as 5 years on a so-called ancestry visa. In France, you may be able to obtain a private business permit, if you have the means to set up your own establishment. (This is probably impossible for a bartender who is just starting his or her career.)
The pay for bartenders in Australia is usually quite good, but your qualifications must include a Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) certificate. Courses are reasonable and can be completed online in about 4 hours, which will allow you to apply for most bartending jobs, except in New South Wales, where the course has to be completed there.

Formal training is usually not a requirement; however, a certificate of completion from a bartending school or other similar course, as well as references, will help considerably in your job search. Some employers may or may not require at least 2 years of experience, but if their turnover has been substantial, they will appreciate someone who is reliable, hard working, and seeking long term, permanent employment. There has been a recent trend to offering more extensive, professional training to help bartenders who want to become members of the International Bartenders Association and establish a profitable and rewarding career. A few schools do offer job placement overseas after you complete their course, and worldwide job openings are posted frequently on the Internet.

You should remember that bartending can be stressful, as are most customer service jobs. There may be complaints and unreasonable demands from impatient, weary travelers and out of town visitors. You have to welcome the regulars and after work customers, and have patience to deal with the loud, noisy crowds that descend during happy hours. On the plus side, however, bartending is a great option for anyone who is interested in interacting on a daily basis with people in another country. It provides an opportunity to earn some money, perfect the skills of your occupation, practice or learn a 2nd or 3rd language, and gain a real understanding of the country you work in and respect for the people you work with. Bartending can be interesting and fun wherever you decide to work, as people everywhere always appreciate good service and a pleasant personality.

Sharon Slayton

Worldwide Employment Opportunities For Au Pairs

If you're young, between 18 and 27, enthusiastic, and have a genuine interest in learning the culture of a foreign country, you may want to consider employment as an au pair. Au pairs have a wonderful opportunity to widen their perspective on the world, as they learn to appreciate the values and traditions of the people with whom they will share a unique and mutually rewarding experience.

Some of us may not realize the difference between a nanny and an au pair, since childcare is a major responsibility of both. A nanny is often more professionally trained to perform their duties and may or may not live with the family. As such, nannies may work in an efficient, yet impersonal way and may not establish as close a relationship with their employer. On the other hand, au pairs live and work with the family, and as the name implies, are treated and respected as an equal, rather than just a paid employee, babysitter, or servant.

The main qualifications to be an au pair are a love of children, good social and communication skills, and the ability to interact daily with the family you live with. Your employer will run a thorough background check, request a medical report, ask for character references, and in some instances, require you to have a driver's license. If you will be caring for infants or children under 2 years old, in particular, your experience should include at least 200 hours in this type of childcare. Of course, knowledge of the language of the country and that spoken at home is a necessity. This too offers a great opportunity to improve your skills in a foreign language in a warm and friendly environment.

Au pairs are paid a salary, which will vary from 260 Euros a month or more depending on your experience, the hours you work, the number of children you'll care for, and the country where you will be employed. Obviously, the more education and training you have, the better your salary. Au pairs are assured of at least one or two years of permanent long-term employment. Usually, they are required to work at least 25 hours a week, with occasional evenings and additional babysitting time. Most au pairs in Europe will have two days off and from three to five evenings free, as well as certain holidays and vacation time. If you're considered an au pair plus, you will work a few more daytime and evening hours, but your salary will be increased. Keep in mind that the majority, if not all your expenses will be paid by your host family including accommodations, meals, laundry, and various other items as agreed upon. Some families may pay for your bus or train passes, cell phone, Internet access, and even allow the use of the family car.

The majority of jobs for au pairs are found in the UK; however, au pairs are needed in numerous other countries including Germany, Italy, Spain, Austria, France, Switzerland, Denmark, and the Netherlands. Employment may also be available in Asia, India, Australia, the U.S., Canada, and South America. The Internet, depending on the country you live in, will be able to provide you with resources for finding suitable and reliable employment through au pair agencies and organizations. Both the family and the au pair will be carefully screened and interviewed before recommendations or referrals are made.

As with any type of employment, a legal contract prepared before employment begins is advisable and recommended in most countries. The terms of the contract should include names, addresses, and contact information for both the host family and the au pair. Salary amount, how paid and when, as well as vacation and holiday pay, should be included. If you work additional hours, be sure to ask about overtime pay and have that included in your contract. Usually, the foreign visa, if required, is paid for in full or for a specified amount by the host family. Information on taxes and details of health insurance and how they will be paid must also be addressed. A description of the accommodation you will be provided should specify what furniture, appliances, and other amenities are included.

You will have certain rules to follow as an au pair, such as smoking, drinking, and allowing visitors to the home, and these should be spelled out in the contract. As the children's au pair, you will have a schedule to follow, a list of their medications and special needs, if any, as well as discipline, safety, and emergency procedures and authorizations as agreed upon with the family. The contract should have a timetable for performance reviews and pay increases, if any, and the length of notice required in the event of termination.

Your interests and involvement are centered around the child or children, and will include feeding or preparing some of their meals, getting them dressed and ready for their day, helping them with their studies or household chores, arts and crafts, and whatever else their daily activities may be, whether it is school, play, or outdoor excursions. Frequently, your host family will encourage your taking language lessons and may pay for these, as well. As a member of your new, extended family, you will often accompany them on vacations, visits with relatives, and shopping trips, as well as attending cultural events and taking part in many other things that families enjoy.

There is an interesting alternative to being a full-time au pair, known as a "demi au pair." In this type of employment, you will work only in the afternoons for a maximum of 15 to 20 hours a week, with a few of the same duties, but you will have more time to study and focus on learning the language of the country where you are employed. You will be required to attend language classes in the mornings and still live with and maintain close interaction with the family to enhance your language skills and childcare training. The small salary or allowance, at least 50 Euros a week, you will earn as a demi au pair will provide you with spending money or go toward a longer stay and more travel abroad.

Besides the excitement and adventure of living and working in a foreign country and learning to be a responsible individual, the rewards of being an au pair cannot be measured in dollars and cents. In many instances, the close bond you establish with the family will last far beyond the term of your employment.

Guest article by Sharon Slayton

The David Neeleman story

This is a very interesting read (though you will have to put up with quite a few ads on the page).

David Neeleman is best known for starting JetBlue, but that was his 3rd airline (he's started 4). The first, Morris Air, he sold to Southwest and went to work for them but got fired. Then he started WestJet (not sure how he moved on to Jet Blue). Then JetBlue was 3rd and now he's working on Azul (operating in Brazil where Neeleman was born).

Anyway, my summary skips lots of good details so I highly recommend the article.

Anyone ever thought of becoming a travel counselor and getting paid to write travel plans?

I was reading this article in which Arthur Frommer recommends using a travel counselor to help you plan an itinerary.

Thinking up travel plans is pretty much the reason i started this blog so why am I not a travel counselor? I bet most of the people reading this blog also like coming up with travel itineraries so I'm wondering if anyone else has ever thought about the travel counselor gig.

Based on this article, the money seems pretty bad at $27,000 a year. I'm in education but even I make more than that. I don't think I would do it as a full-time job but I could see it working as a part-time job depending on how much work goes into each itinerary and how much money you get per itinerary.

Also, that article makes it sound like travel counselors work for agents with whom they share the fruits of their labors. I could consider that but I don't like paying commissions.

One weird thing is this:

The Internet will never replace the expertise and personal relationship travelers have with their travel agents.

Up until that point they were talking about being a travel counselor - not a travel agent. But at the very end they switch - it seems like just a mistake.

Rental advice, Hawaii deals, "free" travel, cruise ship comedian expereince

Here's an article on choosing a vacation rental. Since we talked about that for pet friendly stuff, the Outer Banks, and other places (like Hawaii rentals in the past) I figured this article was worth a link.

Speaking of Hawaii, these deals don't seem like true bargains and stay 4 nights, get the 5th night for $50 is far from free but I guess the recession doesn't make Hawaii that cheap...

Here's an article on going for really cheap vacations. Not quite free, but closer than any of those Hawaii deals.

One of the things they mention is traveling for free by becoming a travel agent or taking some other travel industry job. That brings me to this article, a very interesting one from a cruise ship comedian's perspective. He didn't actually seem to like being a cruise ship comedian but his story is interesting even though it's negative.

Basically it seems that the comedian wanted more VIP-type treatment than he got. At one point he complains that no one helped him find a hotel when a hurricane in Miami left him stranded in St. Thomas where the previous ship dropped him off. The poor guy had to find a hotel room all by himself.

And this story also talks about the not-quite special treatment:

A purser was supposed to escort guest entertainers down the gang plank, through customs and then through some secret door where I could get right back on the ship. Unless I latched onto one of the bigger entertainers on board that week, I was always sent down a wrong hallway, ending up outside and behind the three thousand people waiting to get on.

Sure I'd be angry if it happened to me, but I actually think it's pretty funny that the guy had to latch on to a "bigger" entertainer.

Can we use vacation time to get ready for a new career?

Here's an interesting article on Vocation vacations, a company I mentioned way back when. The article seems to be suggesting that a vocation vacation might help you if you need to switch careers because of a layoff. Apparently customers agree:

And while the company still offers the same spectrum of more than 150 job mentorships, more people are thinking practical over pie in the sky. Vocation Vacations today are more likely to be booked to test jobs in the culinary field, freelance writing, or the nonprofit sector than something like a brew master or sports announcer — “whatever is the most pragmatic and can be done in a turnaround time of months versus years,” Mr. Kurth said.

Now you can accuse me of putting all my eggs in one basket, but I prefer to use my vacation time to do something noteworthy in my own field. For me that means publishing papers, giving speeches, earning extra degrees or certificates, etc. Maybe it's a little different for me because we need educators even during a recession but I'm confident that I could find another position easily thanks to the work I've put in. So I say try to become the best at what you do instead of getting ready for a new career (assuming you like your current career - if you want to do something new then you should certainly begin preparing for it).

Mobile technology, running a business, traveling

Here's an article about a traveler who runs her own business while she flies around doing her thing. It seems like more than I could ever organize:

Certainly, mobile technology is what frees up Fallis to criss-cross the continent while staying in touch with clients, following the progress of various projects, scouting decor ideas and managing a team of 30 assistants -- all in different locations.

The one idea that sounds pretty practical to me is to check Facebook to see who will be around wherever you're going.

Travel agents from England and UK come through

Here's an interesting story about a couple from New Zealand who went to Thailand on their honeymoon. They did it at the same time protesters shut down the airport... Apparently their travel agent helped them get to Phuket eventually. They seem to expect their travel insurance to cover at least some of the extra expense.

Here's a British article about another couple who went to Phuket. Their insuarnce does not cover "civil unrest" but they also credit their travel agent for getting them home.

Travel agent = low stress job?

Yahoo jobs is recommending travel agent (along with mathemetician, archivist, and conservation scientist) as a low stress job:

Travel Agents
Some aspects of this profession include computing costs of travel and accommodations, booking various tours, and selling travel packages. Although accuracy is paramount to success on the job, least stressful aspects include a comfortable pace and low frequency of conflict situations.

BLS notes the average earnings are $29,210 and Shatkin points out this job affords flexibility to be self-employed or work part-time.

"Stressors of any job include the duration of the work week, dealing with angry people, confronting situations and competition. People should look for a job situation where normal work hours are encouraged."

I am slightly surprised - I would have thought being a travel agent does get stressful fairly often. Of course that brings up the whole thing about card mills and real travel agents... If you can figure out the meaning of the last comment left on that entry I just linked, I'll owe you one.

Tourism classes in Japan

I'm not sure how many will find this article interesting. The short version is that tourism classes are becoming more popular in Japanese universities. Students think the courses look good on their resumes because Japan is trying to boost tourism.

Position Announcement: California University of Pennsylvania

California University of Pennsylvania, A proud member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education
College of Science and Technology
For full details please see: www.cup.edu/employment

Position: Tourism Studies Specialization in tourism geography with an emphasis on tourism planning and development. Online teaching experience is an asset.

Rank and Salary: This is a tenure track faculty appointment. Salary is competitive and commensurate with academic preparation and experience. An excellent fringe benefits package is included.

Application: To be considered, applicants must submit hardcopy all of the following before an on-campus interview is granted: full curriculum vitae; official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended (unofficial transcripts are acceptable for review purposes); letter of application highlighting the applicant’s qualifications and teaching interests; names, addresses, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses of three professional references who have current knowledge of the applicant's abilities. Veterans should forward a copy of form DD 214 to the Office of Social Equity, 250 University Ave, Box 9, California, PA 15419.

Application Deadline November 21, 2008.

Send complete application except DD214 (if veteran) to:
Dr. Susan Ryan, Chair, Search Committee
Department of Earth Sciences
250 University Avenue, Box 55
California University of Pennsylvania
California, PA
15419
Phone: 724-938-4531
Fax: 724-938-5780
Email: ryan@cup.edu

Integrity, Civility, and Responsibility are the official core values of California University of Pennsylvania, an affirmative action/ equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, veterans and the physically challenged are encouraged to apply.

Running a travel agency, running a hotel, Bermuda vacation package

Let me leave you with a short entry today since it's hard to think about travel when a new semester begins tomorrow. I'm thinking instead of all the impressionable young minds I have to help lead in the right direction...

So here I give you a "Girls just wanna have fun" vacation package in Bermuda. Only $12,000 for 4 people.

Speaking of Bermuda, here's an article about a woman who used to be a pharmacist but is now the boss of a Bermuda travel agency. This article mentions yesterday's topic:

One of the more controversial travel websites to hit the market of late was Your TravelBiz.com, against which California Attorney General Edmund Brown filed a lawsuit to shut it down last month. He alleged YTB was a "gigantic pyramid scheme" that recruited tens of thousands of members with deceptive claims that members could earn huge sums of money through its online travel agencies.

Ms Hayward-Chew admitted that while she is not against people wanting to become travel agents, the real agent is the website and those recruited to it rarely win financially.

It's true, to succeed in network marketing is extremely difficult. They say anyone can do it in order to recruit you, but most people can't do it.

And one last article, also on the topic of travel business and jobs. Patrick Elsmie talks about running a hotel.

YTB network marketing (MLM) - can regular folks make money?

I still have a travel plan in the works but for now, an article on YTB. One statistic that stood out was that YTB has gotten "130,000 people to pay money to YTB for the ability to sell airline tickets and cruises."

Most of those people don't make any money. They pay $450 = $50/month. This allows a few people to make fortunes but for most people there is no money:

YTB's 45,000 entry-level sales reps — the people who sell new travel agencies — on average earned $90.32 last year. And of the more than 200,000 people who paid the company as much as $1,000 to run a travel website in 2007, nearly 125,000 didn't earn a penny in commissions, according to Brown's lawsuit. Half of the rest earned less than $39. And while YTB took in $103 million last year from selling and maintaining websites, it paid out just $13.4 million in commissions for selling travel.

Clearly the company is making money - 100 million in income and 13 million in commission? Someone is getting screwed.

California Attorney General Jerry Brown says YTB is a scam. The fact that so few people make money means it must be a pyramid scheme. I don't think it proves this at all. It proves that some people don't understand network marketing. The whole point is that it allows you to start a business with a minimum investment. $450 + $50/month is more than other network marketing companies (at least the few I've heard of).

It also shows that joining YTB doesn't make someone a travel agent so it's still very difficult for YTB people to sell travel. Most of them don't make money because they don't sell travel and they don't recruit more 'agents'.

I'm not here to tell you what to do, but I will offer some advice. Unless you're confident that you can sell travel and recruit more people into YTB then it is not the business for you. You would need to be convinced that the YTB website is the best place to buy or sell travel. And that makes no sense because there are thousands of identical YTB 'travel agency' websites online... I have thousands of people who want to travel reading this blog, but I am not joining YTB. I don't want to try to sell you all travel.

It's been a while, but some of you will remember that we've talked about YTB and other 'card mills' before. Here, if you read the comments some YTB tool repeated calls me a liar - you still in business Earl? Here I mention another problem with GTI and YTB - since anyone can join you'll end up being in business with some real losers. In the comments Earl claimed that bad travel agents wouldn't last a day in YTB. I think he's full of crap. Here's the October, 2007 post when I first became aware of the issue.

A related post is that untrained travel agents are less likely to provide the kind of consulting many of us expect.

Easier to become a travel agent in Rhode Island

According to this article, there is now one state left in America that requires travel agents to be licensed. There used to be two but Rhode Island ended their licensing requirement because they felt that Rhode Island travel agents had a competitive disadvantage and could lose business to travel agents from other states.

I was curious about the other state that requires a license. All I could find was this page that lists states which have "examples of states that have specific laws for the regulation, registration, licensing, or bonding of sellers of travel."

I also wonder if repealing the state licensing requirement will be good for the travel MLM business.

Are American part time workers too lazy to compete with foreigners?

This article talks about the influx of foreigners working in US hotels and resorts. The hotels claim that US workers don't want the jobs ($7-$8/hour) but I wonder if that's the whole truth. After all even if foreigners get the same hourly wage, they are still cheaper than SU workers:

The foreign students typically earn the same hourly wage as their U.S. colleagues - around $7 or $8 an hour for most of the jobs. Employers don't provide health insurance - nor Medicare or Social Security - for J-1 workers, which saves some money. They must adhere to minimum-wage and workplace safety laws and pay unemployment.

So they probably wouldn't offer health insurance to Americans either but they would pay social security. Still a few percent of $8 an hour isn't about to put a resort out of business.

Perhaps the real reason is that Americans are less likely to care about the job:

Many American job applicants, she said, dress unprofessionally, yawn through interviews or quit after a day or two of work.

The foreign students have a better attitude, McCauley said. "They work very, very hard," she said. "And they are respectful."

I can see where a US college student might not be too worried about getting fired from a $7/hour job so why would they work hard?

Job opening - must be willing to travel

MI6 is advertising for spies (euphemistically called "operational officers") in the independent-travel magazine Wanderlust according to this article. I guess being a spy would be more exciting than teaching linguistics and I'm certainly willing to travel. Should I apply?

How are travel agents doing in the internet age?

This article talks about something that has become kind of a recurring theme on this blog - the role of travel agents. Here, they argue that travel agents are more relevant than ever and that the internet has helped travel agents by allowing them to work from home (although they do acknowledge that some agencies have gone out of business due to the internet).

So, if it’s not airline bookings, what’s generating sales in this market? According to the experts, a shift into niche and specialty markets has proved very profitable for travel agents. There are certain kinds of travel excursions that people aren’t going to plan without consulting someone with experience, said Mike Pina, director of public relations at AAA. Some of these specialty travel areas include adoption travel, health travel, volunteer travel and grandparent travel -- all of which require detailed itinerary planning and instruction, he said.

Now if grandparent travel just means traveling with grandparents I don't see why you need any special instruction. I went on a cruise with my grandparents years ago and it was pretty much the same as going on a cruise without them in terms of planning. I suppose if it were climbing a mountain or something you would need to be extra careful...

Anyway, not too long ago we had an example of a successful travel agent. And as many of you know I found that I needed one to figure out how to use my travel rewards from NCL (turns out they gave me the upgrade without charging me any points so I still have lots of points left).

Still I wonder if kids in high school and college now or adults looking for a new career should consider becoming a travel agent considering the challenges and change facing the industry. What do you think?

School got it right for this woman

The woman featured in this story got something unusual - good advice in high school about a future career: "I always wanted to travel and the careers adviser at school suggested I become a travel agent - since then it's been in my blood."

When I was in high school we had guidance counselors instead of careers advisers. After looking over the results of a motivation / aptitude / interest test, my guidance counselor and I talked about my future career.

Linguist didn't come up. Neither did travel blogger. I remember something about park rangers and lumber jacks. I guess I answered that I like nature and didn't want to sit at a desk all day.

I never did consider lumberjack but I did look into the park ranger thing. In the end I couldn't major in law enforcement because some of the cops in my town were horrible people and I resented law enforcement for a while (now many of my closest friends are cops and I'm no longer a long-haired teen guy so cops pretty much leave me alone I guess).

Anyway, she says that as a travel agent she gets to take about 4 trips a year. I bet she gets some good deals or freebies (even I got one from Royal Caribbean) whereas if I want 4 trips a year I can probably find the time but also need to find the money...

What do you say travel agents? Do you recommend your industry to high school and college students pondering their future career paths?

Travel & tourism classes in the UK

This article is an interesting look at Worcester college's travel & tourism major. It sounds like a program that offers students a lot of practical experience since the college runs its own travel agency and has an airline cabin for flight attendant training.

I don't remember my university offering travel & tourism classes. I wonder what my life would be like today if I had majored in a travel related field instead of in English.

So, you want to be a tour guide?

Hi everyone. Please welcome Mike Richardson to the blog. Mike is a tour guide based in Munich and my wife and I were lucky enough to meet him when we went to Salzburg. He has kindly agreed to share some of his travel knowledge and experience with us! Here is his first article:

So, you want to be a tour guide?

Well, tour guiding can be a great job and I completely understand why you would want to do it. I’ve been a tour guide for four years now and sort of fell into it myself.

Quite often I am asked by people on my tours how they could go about being a tour guide. Nearly every time they want to do it as a student job or just for one summer. Don’t get me wrong, there are tour companies that do hire for one summer and there are also tour companies who hire students; however I would not recommend working for them.

In major cities in Europe you have many options as far as tour companies. In most cases these companies range from:
1.) a couple of guys working under the radar of the law trying to make money and pay no taxes.
2.) Companies where their average clients are staying at the Hilton and they need to be air conditioned at all times.

Usually the companies that hire seasonal employees or students are at the very low end of the spectrum and aim at backpackers. Typically they will offer tours far under market value and pay their employees either (literally) nothing or very little, requiring the tour guides to beg for tips to somehow earn a living.

The majority of non-backpackers are not willing to take those tours, so go with a more reputable tour company, possibly one recommended by the local tourist information office. These companies are the ones you had in mind when you thought to yourself that you’d like to be a tour guide. If you want to be a tour guide for one of these companies, typically you should have at least a bachelor’s degree, have lived in that area for at least a year, and know a good amount of the history of the area before you go in for an interview.

If neither of those options seems to fit what you had in mind, one option might be to work in promotion for a tour company. Most of the companies hire at least one or two people (sometimes a lot more) to distribute their brochures and promote their tours around town while the office employees and the actual guides are too busy. Although this isn’t as glamorous an idea and doesn’t pay that well, it can still be a lot of fun and better pay than being a guide for “free tours” as an example.

-Mike Richardson, the professional tourist

Travel agents and the service they do or do not provide

This article talks about two things. One is the risk of Malaria in Punta Cana and elsewhere in the Dominican Republic. I didn't know that when I went...

The other thing is the role of the travel agent, something we have discussed here on this blog. Travel agents just aren't telling their customers about the Malaria risk. Whenever a travel agent comments on this blog about how necessary they are, they always imply that they would give their customers this kind of information.

I'm sure that some travel agents are good enough to give people all the relevant information, but are most travel agents good? The influx of "travel agents" from YTB and other card mills certainly isn't helping but even traditional travel agents don't always do that much for their customers.

I used a travel agent in New Jersey when I went to Cancun. I never went back to her because the service she offered was nothing special. In Seoul we have 2 travel agents that we use often because they really take care of us.

What will travel agents do differently in 2020?

This article talks about the IATA Agents Association of India (IAAI) annual convention with the theme, 'The travel agent by 2020 - Goals and challenges.'

One of the more interesting comments was this one, which makes it sound like travel agents will rely almost exclusively on wealthy customers (those who are willing to pay a travel consultant to help them plan a vacation):

Later, Raghavan offered travel agents a way by which they can resurrect their fate, considering the impending danger of zero per cent commissions by airlines. "With their major source of revenue being usurped by the online medium, now travel agents should no longer be agents; they should become consultants. They should start a system, wherein they charge a fee for every service that they offer. This will ensure a regular source of income for the travel agents," he said.

Would you pay for a travel consultant to help you with your vacation plans and reservations?

Becoming a flight attendant for Korean Air or Asiana

I wanted to share a story I heard recently. I heard it from a friend who I trust but he heard it from someone I've never met so it may not be true.

Anyway, the story goes like this: becoming a flight attendant is a big competition in Korea (I believe this part since many English majors I know personally want to become flight attendants) and they attend a special school affiliated with a university and one of the two major Korean airlines where only a certain percentage of them can graduate to become flight attendants.

The main part of the story though is that to get into this school they have an interview in which they are required to scrub all makeup off their faces in front of the interviewers (presumably so they can make sure they hire beautiful young women as flight attendants).

Again, I don't know that this is true but it is believable as many people who have flown Korean Air and Asiana have commented on how attractive the flight attendants are (especially compared to western airlines).

If you've never flown Korean Air or Asiana, here is a little demonstration of the type of flight attendants they choose. I didn't watch the whole thing as it's pretty long:

I just want to confirm that these women are probably not just models in the airline uniform. The women you see on the plane are equally attractive.

The fact that they are pretty much all young reminds me of another story a former student told me a long time ago. She said that she would only work for Korean Air (assuming she passed the interview and graduated from the competitive school) until she was 26 because after that the airline would want to move her to ticketing or something to make room for a younger woman on the plane.

Now I don't know if this is true and on each flight you see at least one woman who is clearly over 26, but it is easy to believe that most of the flight attendants are 26 or less.

It would be easy to say that this is unfair and something should be done. I'm sure some people would suggest not flying an airline until it became clear that hiring practices were fair. However there is a reason my wife and I like flying Korean Air, Asiana, JAL (which seems to hire attractive women as well though more of them seem over 26 if I had to guess). The service is much much better than we get on American Airlines, Continental, Northwest, etc.

So fair or unfair, we're flying with one of the Asian airlines whenever we get the chance.

Join a card mill / travel agency MLM?

I noticed a few more articles on those travel agent / "card mill" programs. This one says that you can get travel disocunts but that they might not be worth $500 + $50/month.

Then again if you're going to Europe for a month like I am, and you could get half price hotel rooms throughout your stay, you would end up saving a lot of money. I already have my reservations so I guess it's too late for me to consider this though.

This article looks at the business side of things. It's really a general criticism of the MLM industry that seems to have been written by someone with no actual network marketing experience (MLM and network marketing being the same thing).

The criticism starts and ends with the money you have to invest (they also mention how netowrk maketers will sometimes pressure frieds and family into wasting a lot of money but starting an MLM is not supposed to be expensive). In reality, if you enter an MLM the money you invest should be minimal. These travel agencies charging $500 and $50/month are much more expensive than regular MLMs like Amway and NuSkin/Pharmanex (which I've seen up close and personal).

Now I'm not here to defend the MLM industry either. I just want to point out that the financial investment isn't extreme (even the relatively high $500 is fairly cheap for starting your own business) as the strength of the MLM industry is that most anyone can join since it's so easy (cheap) to sign up.

Of course, that's also the weakness - anyone can join. I've met both great people and true scumbags who do network marketing. You can be arrogant, stupid, mean, whatever; someone will still sign you up. That's why I don't criticize Royal Caribbean for shunning business with these "card mills". If a company like YTB has zero quality control why would Royal Caribbean want to do business with those agents? Sure some will be fine, but some will be absolute scum.

Is it too easy to become a travel agent?

Apparently Royal Caribbean thinks so. According to Travel Weekly, the cruise line has ended sales partnerships with travel agents that could be viewed as "card mills", places where anyone can pay $500 plus $50 a month to get a website and a travel agent ID card.

Becoming a travel agent gets them a chance to earn commissions for referring travelers and a chance to get industry discounts.

Royal Caribbean did not identify the card mills, but two have identified themselves: YTB Travel Network and Joystar. Naturally they both argue that the Royal Caribbean decision makes no sense since they aren't card mills...

And I know I sometimes get comments on this blog that go something like "My wife and I just started our own online travel agency - go visit our site www.spammy-link-here.com/1234/" (obviously not a real link). Sometimes those commenters actually include some useful information on the blog, but often there is no 'real comment' so I end up deleting those comments because they look like spam.

So what do you think about Royal Caribbean's decision or becoming a travel agent in general?

Is it time to travel to Europe, become a travel agent, both, or neither?

I'm back with a few articles for you. The speech went well and seemed to impress my boss if you were wondering.

First, now that it's fall, traveling to Europe is becoming more affordable (but it's still expensive). Just not as bad as it was this summer when this article says prices could be $10 for a Pepsi! Now I guess it depends on where you shop for Pepsi too. In this article they give examples of declining hotel prices:

The Four Seasons Hotel in Prague, for example, is offering a Bed and Breakfast package from Oct. 17 to Dec. 27, with rates starting at 245 euros a night, or about $345 at $1.42 to the euro, down from 355 euros in high season. The Ritz-Carlton, Berlin is offering rates from 225 euros a night in November, including breakfast and two glasses of Champagne. Prices normally begin at 355 euros a night.

Not the first hotels I look at... The article does list some tour packages that are somewhat affordable.

No matter where you're going, you have to decide if you'll be using a travel agent or not. Apparently business isn't as bad as young people think it is because the ASTA feels that they need to do something to convince more people to become travel agents.

And speaking of travel agents, here's the story of how one business succeeded.

I suppose one of the things a travel agent might do is help you answer the questions found in this article:

1. HELP! My husband wants a romantic second honeymoon, but we're taking along our toddler. Where can we go and what can we do?

2. We want a big family vacation, but we're on a budget. What should we do?

3. I always wind up overpacking - and yet I still forget things. Any advice?

4. Our flight is nearly six hours long and we have two kids with us! What can we do to make the long trip less stressful?

5. Is there a way to make everyone happy on a vacation — two adults, a teenage son, an 8-year-old daughter and our 2-year-old?

6. What are some resources for family deals, trips, advice, etc.?

Position Announcement: Tourism Studies Specialization in tourism geography with an emphasis on tourism planning and development

This is a position announcement I heard about for California University of Pennsylvania, "A proud member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education"

College of Science and Technology

Position

Tourism Studies Specialization in tourism geography with an emphasis on tourism planning and development. Online teaching experience is an asset.

Rank and Salary

This is a tenure track faculty appointment. Salary is competitive and commensurate with academic preparation and experience. An excellent fringe benefits package is included.

Application

To be considered, applicants must submit in hard copy all of the following:

Letter of application highlighting the applicants' qualifications in teaching, research, and service;
A full curriculum vita;
Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended (unofficial transcripts are acceptable for review purposes);
Names, addresses, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses of three professional references that have current knowledge of the applicants' abilities in teaching, research, and service.

Please submit via regular mail (please no email or faxed applications). Veterans should forward a copy of form DD214 to the Office of Social Equity, 250 University Ave, Box 9, California, Pennsylvania 15419.

Application Deadline October 19, 2007. Electronic submissions are permitted.

Send complete application except DD214 (if veteran) to:

Dr. Susan Ryan, Chair, Search Committee
Department of Earth Sciences
250 University Avenue, Box 55
California University of Pennsylvania
California, PA 15419

Phone: 724-938-4531
Fax: 724-938-5780
Email: ryan@cup.edu

Integrity, Civility, and Responsibility are the official core values of California University of Pennsylvania, an affirmative action/ equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, veterans and the physically challenged are encouraged to apply.

Starting a travel business

I thought this article was interesting because really, what could be better than traveling for a living. Sure you might have to manage your business while you travel but still...

This article is about a business person who noticed the luxury travel niche was underserved in Scotland. She filled the niche with luxury yachts and business is good. Plus I guess she gets to enjoy luxury yachts more often than the rest of us.

Has anyone here ever seen an empty travel niche and thought of opening a business?

Presentations on how to be a travel agent who works at home

Thetradeshow is coming to Las Vegas in September and there's a definite focus on home-based travel agents. I get spammy comments from home travel agents sometimes where they say "visit my website for the best vacation deals" or something along those lines.

I delete them, but I'm still curious about how one becomes a travel agent, wherever you work. And I'm not saying that we don't have travel agents who leave valuable comments because we do.

Anyway, here are some abstracts for presentations at Thetradeshow in Vegas:

Should I Go Solo or Work Through A Host Agency? (Panel). Moderated by Gary Fee. Six panelists—three host agencies and three independent agencies—will discuss the pros and cons of working with a host agency, being an independent agency and working both ways. This panel will prove to be a lively debate that will help the audience with travel business decisions.

The Home-Based "Agency"-Taking Your Business to the Next Level. Presented by Gary Fee. This seminar is targeted to agents who are already selling travel from home, but want to learn more business options that will help their home-based business grow. Among the topics to be discussed are legal issues for home-based agents, use of Web sites, e-commerce, database systems, supplier recognition and the future for home-based sellers of travel.

How to Write and Execute an Effective Business Plan That Can Grow Your Sales 20% per Year! Presented by Mark McMullen, CTC. Attendees will learn the importance of having a written marketing and business plan, the steps involved in developing a solid promotional plan, and be given a real-world example that works.

What Are the Technology Needs for the Home-Based Agent? (Panel). Successful home-based agents will discuss which technologies have helped them become more efficient and profitable. Attendees will hear first-hand about their daily routine and the products these thriving home-based agents use – from phone systems, PDAs, printers, software and much more.

Home Alone? Legal Guidance for the Home-Based Agent. This seminar is designed to help home-based agents with both elementary and more complex legal issues. Advice will be given on topics such as: accounting issues, federal standards, registering with the state, new laws, accepting cash and checks in your own name and disclaimers.

Home-Based Travel Agents - Your Tool Chest for Success. Presented by Joanie Ogg, CTC, MCC. Marketing a home-based travel business requires a unique set of tools and a focused direction. In this seminar attendees will discuss such hot issues as which technology tools are key to a home-based business, how to create a business identity and how to take advantage of modern communication trends and a home-based agent’s mobility to create a successful business.

There Really Is No Place Like Home! Presented by Joanie Ogg, CTC, MCC. (Offered on Sunday, Sept. 9) Owning and operating a home-based travel business in the 21st century is a gold-mine of opportunity. Any agent thinking about becoming a home-based agent cannot afford to miss this presentation. Topics that will be covered include: being a hosted agent or going it alone; setting up a home office; and finding your travel passion and what you need to succeed in order to sell travel from the comfort of your home. Monday’s general session is also specifically designed for home-based agents. Among the scheduled speakers is Bob Abrams, best-selling author of Seizing Your Success, who will address the importance of focus and systems as it relates to running a successful business.

So if you might want to be a work-from-home travel agent, this could be the convention for you.

Lecturer in Tourism and Event Management at University of Central Lancashire

There is a university teaching position available for a Lecturer in Tourism and Event Management (One year limited term contract) at the University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK in the Lancashire Business School - Department of Tourism & Leisure Management - Division of Tourism and Hospitality.

The blockquote areas come from a current faculty member who was kind enough to answer a few of my questions.

Lecturer :£25,570 to £31,881 per annum (new Framework Agreement scales pending)

A suitably qualified person is required to fulfil an additional role of Lecturer in Tourism and Event Management, initially as cover for a member of staff on secondment. However, the role will provide an excellent development opportunity for the right candidate to establish an academic profile in Higher Education.

We are looking for candidates who can contribute and add value to our existing teaching provision, especially within the subject areas of tourism and event management. Thus, some experience of teaching these subject areas at Higher Education level is essential. Additionally, operational experience of tourism and/or event management is desirable. A good first degree within tourism, hospitality management or event management is also essential, as is a Masters degree in a related field of study. A research degree (e.g. PhD) is desirable, as is research potential and/or publications within a related field.

The role will involve teaching aspects of the subject/s of Tourism and Event Management on a range of modules and in particular teaching an introductory tourism module to tourism students. Desirable would be the ability to teach service operations management to students on events, tourism, and hospitality programmes. The role will also involve visiting students on Placement throughout the UK and, if appropriate, internationally.

The introductory tourism module is at Level One (1st year undergraduate), and examines contemporary issues of the tourism sector, either from socio-cultural, political and/or environmental perspectives. The module is already designed, although the successful candidate will have the flexibility to adapt the content, within the confines of set learning outcomes.

Tourism and Event Management is a growing area within the Department on many fronts. There is an increasing research culture and the Department will make a major contribution to the RAE profile of the Faculty. Already the Institute of Transport and Tourism, headed by Prof Les Lumsdon, is at the cutting edge of this contribution to new knowledge in the area. In the medium term there will be a step change in research capacity and the recent appointment of an additional Professor of Tourism will help to achieve this aim.

Reference Number: 248E-08-06
Closing Date: 22nd June 2007 at 4pm

For further information, job specification and an application form, please visit http://www.uclan.ac.uk/other/hr/jobs/external.htm#248

Interview: the life of a travel agent

This is a good interview with a travel agent who has about 15 years experience.

She talks about education and certification (not always necessary to become a travel agent). She mentions CTA, certified travel agent, and CTC, certified travel counselor. In future blog entries I'll try to post how you get those certifications.