Skip to the main content
Go to the search page
Travel agents advise travellers upon travel arrangements, make bookings and receive payment for travel arrangements made.

Main tasks

  • Advises on issues of currency, passports, visa requirements, insurance, car hire, vaccinations and other health precautions.
  • Informs client of any changes in travel arrangements.
  • Handles cash, debit and credit card payment.
  • Consults travel time-tables, books travel tickets and accommodation.
  • Establishes availability with tour operators and makes bookings.
  • Discusses client requirements and shows brochures containing suitable packages.

Source: Office for National Statistics.

Salary and earnings

Potential earnings

£48,994.08

Average earnings

£28,697.00

Source: Office for National Statistics' Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE).

Skills & knowledge

The top 5 most important skills and knowledge requirements relevant to this career.

Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Mathematics

Using mathematics to solve problems.

Geography

Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.

Clerical

Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.

Customer and Personal Service

Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Sales and Marketing

Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.

Computers and Electronics

Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

What course level do I need to study?

The level of study required will vary with each job, sector and company. The table below shows the level of study achieved by those currently working in this career choice.

Educational requirements: Level 2 NVQ; GCSE at grades A*-C

Source: Office for National Statistics.

Level of study Percentage achieved
Level 0 4%
Level 1 6%
Level 2 21%
Level 3 36%
Level 4-5 (Higher Education) 6%
Level 6 (Bachelors) 21%
Level 7 (Masters or equivalent) 5%
Level 8 (Doctorate) 0%

Source: Labour Force Survey (LFS) data.

Economic data for careers is provided by Lightcast and also available through our Career Coach app. Job postings, employment and earnings information is represented at the regional level for the East Midlands.