How to Become a Travel Agent in Idaho

Are you thinking about becoming a travel agent in Idaho?

Travel agents have the opportunity to turn their love of travel into a lucrative career that can last a lifetime. 

Keep reading to learn about becoming a travel agent, travel agent duties, and travel agent programs in Idaho.

Later we provide brief insights on Idaho travel agent salaries and answer frequently asked questions about becoming an agent. 

How to Become a Travel Agent in Idaho

Prospective travel agents in Idaho can become travel agents by meeting the state minimum age requirement of 18 and having a clear criminal background. 

When you’re ready to become a travel agent, it is up to you to decide if you want to start out as an independent agent working from home or if you want to join a host agency of experienced agents. 

Your education, training, and licensing requirements may differ depending on your choice.  

Idaho Travel Agent Duties 

Travel agent duties revolve around crafting memorable adventures for clients and families.

As such, a travel agent must have extensive knowledge of the travel industry and deeply understand the needs of their clients. 

Travel agent duties can include any or all of the following.

Providing Travel Consultations for Excited Travelers

People hire travel agents because they are seen as experts in the travel industry.

A primary duty of Idaho travel agents is to provide one-on-one consultations with their clients to learn about their needs and wants for travel.

Travel consultations help clients make vital travel-related decisions based on their preferences, needs, and available budget.  

Booking Flights, Rental Cars, Hotels, Cruises

Securing their clients’ best rooms and rates is a top priority for Idaho travel agents.

They take advantage of networking and educational opportunities that put them in touch with travel partners and advocates that can make using automated booking systems easier. 

Complex Travel Planning Support

A travel agent’s duties go beyond booking hotels and finding the best rates on airline tickets.

Travel agents often help clients through completing complex travel-related tasks like completing VISA applications, safeguarding their trips with the best travel insurance, and coordinating intricate details for adventure travel, destination weddings, and other travel-related events where attention to detail is required. 

Idaho Travel Agent Programs

If you; ‘re considering becoming certified or accredited as an Ohio travel agent, there are several online and in-person coursework opportunities at local colleges, universities, and vocational schools. 

Many travel agents invest in online courses that lead to travel agent certification or accreditation with the following reputable agencies. 

Get Certified as a Travel Agent Online

American Society of Travel Agents

The American Society of Travel Agents offers introductory and continuing education coursework for travel agents.

Travel agents who are serious about their careers can join this national organization to gain access to certification and accreditation opportunities as well as industry toolkits and resources. 

https://www.asta.org

The Travel Institute

The Travel Institute partners with a wide variety of US-based schools that offer travel education.

New agents can visit the Travel Institute online to learn about their online travel agent courses and certification programs that are required in some states.

The Travel Institute also hosts the TAP prep test on their website.

https://travelinstitute.com

Travel Agent Representative Schools in Idaho – Summary Table

Idaho Travel Agent –  Salary

Idaho travel agents make an average annual salary of around $40,000 annually.

This is close to the national average for agents working in other states.

While most travel agents in Idaho and the US make around the average, other agents make almost double this amount. 

Travel agents with more years of experience and those who earn industry certification or accreditation report higher salaries that can include commissions and bonuses based on a higher number of bookings.

Niche-based agents specializing in a specific area, like adventure travel, destination weddings, or cruises, may also have higher earning potential than traditional agents. 

Annual Salary Range: Annual Salary by Location:

Location	Avg. Annual Salary
Boise	$34,187
Nampa	$33,820
Pocatello	$31,901
Idaho Falls	$33,371
Meridian	$34,150
Coeur d'Alene	$35,844
Twin Falls	$31,864
Lewiston	$37,626
Caldwell	$33,783
Moscow	$35,844

Regional Salary in Idaho

* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Travel Agents, OCC Code 41-3041, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a license to become a travel agent in Idaho?

No!

You don’t need a license to become a travel agent in Idaho.

Still, they require you to register your travel business with the state and pay an annual registration fee.

The Idaho Division of Revenue collects the fees and issues occupational licenses.

Contact the IDOR directly to learn more about fees and renewal costs.

How long does it take to become a travel agent in Idaho?

The time to start working as a travel agent depends on each individual.

After meeting the basic requirements of being at least 18 years of age with no criminal background, the next step is to register with the IDOR and enroll in a self-paced or online travel agent program to learn basic, intermediate, and advanced skills.

What critical skills are needed for travel agents in Idaho to succeed?

Becoming a travel agent in Idaho requires agents to be dedicated to learning and researching in and around the travel industry.

This means taking online courses and attending industry networking events to stay up on the latest technology, trends, and customer service tips to be a successful agent.

Travel Agent Info by State