In the past decade, the vast majority of travel booking has moved online. Travel agents with virtual travel agencies are well-positioned to take advantage of that shift in business. Furthermore, a virtual travel agency has far lower overhead costs than a traditional storefront. Starting a virtual travel agency can be a great way to break into the business while keeping your start-up costs low. Here's how to get started.
Promote a Travel Agency Business
There were 105,300 travel agent jobs in the United States as of May 2008, with little or no change in employment is expected over from 2008 to 2018, according Bureau of Labor Statistics, a division of the U.S. Department of Labor. This means to stand out in this competitive business segment, you need to understand how to market and promote your travel services to help you bring in more customers than your competitors.
Get a Travel Itinerary for Passport Expedition
If you need an expedited new or renewed passport, Passport Services through the U.S. Department of State will issue it in less than two weeks as long as you provide the required documentation. In addition to providing two passport-sized photos, a birth certificate or expired U.S. passport and a completed Form DS-82 (available on the Passport Services website) and Form DS-11 (if necessary), you will need to provide a copy of your flight itinerary. If you're traveling internationally for business and don't have a ticket or flight reservations, your company can issue a Company Letter of Expedite. Printed on corporate letterhead, this letter signed by an authorizing manager should explain the purpose of your travel.
Set up a Travel Trailer at a Campground
Setting up your travel trailer when you arrive at a campground takes a few minutes and a little preparation; but if done right, you can enjoy your stay in comfort. Camping areas offer more amenities now than ever before: water, electric, cable, sewer and more in some locations. A spotter is a big help during the set-up process, but it can be done without one if you don't have anyone to assist you. If you are booking ahead of your arrival, be sure to discuss what you want or need on the site you will be using.
Incorporate Travel Into Your Resume
Whether traveling for business or pleasure, domestically or abroad, travel experience can teach workers to think on their feet, adapt to unexpected situations and communicate with persons who may not share their language or cultural norms. Likewise, travel can teach workers foreign-language skills, budget management, problem-solving and negotiation skills. When incorporating travel into your resume, translate descriptions of your trips into skills that add to your professional qualifications and the specific requirements of your target job.