October 18, 2009
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New travel agent
I have changed career paths — I was a freelance editor for many years, and now I’m studying to be a travel agent. I’m taking a six-month, full-time program at a tiny private travel college run by a very knowledgeable woman who can tell the most interesting, sometimes hair-raising travel stories.
Although I feel I haven’t learned much yet, I am about three-quarters of the way through the course already. There was a huge geography lesson, of course, and lots of information about fares and ticketing, travel insurance, and the different kinds of jobs out there in the huge tourism industry. I know what a “trade discount” is (yay!) and how much it costs to open your own travel agency (whoa!). I have also learned how travellers are pretty well protected by TICO here in Ontario, so that if anyone, anywhere in the world, buys their travel services from a TICO-registered travel agent, they will be covered up to $5,000 for undelivered travel services in the event that a supplier (e.g., a tour operator) goes bankrupt. Pretty cool.
So my head is exploding at the moment. I have not got much time to write or reflect, and I have no idea where I’ll end up after I’ve got my diploma, but I’m excited to be doing something new. I love to travel myself, which is what convinces me that I could encourage others in their plans to do so.
If you find yourself in a rut — try something new!
Comments (7)
What a wonderful thing to do! I always thought working in travel would be interesting and kind of fun.
@rawtunaandgreens -
We shall see! I am not naive and know it can be very exacting and difficult work, but I am hoping to focus on the positive. I’d love to sell cruises — they are so fantastic! :coolman:
That is really awesome! You impress me so because you are always wanting to learn more about everything it seems. I wish I was a little less tentative about doing such things.
RYC..Have you taken the H1N1 shot? It is really scaring me. There are so many people around here that are getting sick. Makes me want to stay inside and keep my family inside as well. We took the seasonal flu shot, but the H1N1 has only been made available to children and expectant mothers at this point.
@Emme402 -
The H1N1 shot is not available here yet, but I will be taking it as soon as may be. I have my elderly parents to think about, as well as my mother-in-law, not to mention everyone else I come in contact with all winter. The shot carries a vanishingly small risk of hurting anyone — it is the next thing to perfectly safe — whereas the H1N1 influenze? I hear that’s very dangerous.
I’ll post when I take the shot. Not sure when it will be available in Ontario — you’ve reminded me to check.
Sounds daunting, but fun!
How very exciting! I hope you get lots of perks and can travel to lots of beautiful and fun places!
Simply awesome. Traveling is my passion and I hope to join you soon. :spinning: