How to Become a Travel Agent in Minnesota

Minnesota borders Canada and Lake Superior, which is the largest of the Great Lakes.

This makes it a popular U.S. travel destination.

If you love travel and helping others, you should consider becoming a travel agent in Minnesota. 

Let’s take a look at the steps you need to follow to start your new career as a travel agent. 

Travel Agent Duties in Minnesota

As a travel agent in Minnesota, you’ll be responsible for helping your clients make travel plans.

This includes discussing destinations, helping to create an itinerary, and ensuring that travel documents are in order. 

Of course, you’ll also be responsible for booking flight or transportation reservations and hotel accommodations.

You may also need to book tours and events for your clients. 

You may choose to work with clients who live in Minnesota, those who are traveling to Minnesota, or both. 

Specific duties for a travel agent in Minnesota may include:

• Making reservations for flights and hotels  
• Recommending specific destinations and attractions 
• Booking tours and dinner reservations
• Creating a schedule or itinerary
• Making sure that any needed passports or visas are in order
• Providing advice or information about the destination

You can choose to work independently, and begin your own business as a travel agent.

You can also choose to work with a travel agency.

Working independently puts you in complete control of your business, while working with a travel agency can make it easier to work with airlines, hotels, and cruise lines as a travel agent. 

Licensing Requirements to Become a Travel Agent in Minnesota

There are no licensing requirements to become a travel agent in Minnesota.

However, becoming certified is still a good idea. 

Because the industry is unregulated, there are many scammers that claim to be travel agents.

This makes potential clients cautious to work with new travel agents. 

When you are certified, this tells clients that you are a legitimate travel agent.

It also demonstrates your skills as a travel agent. 

There are five states that have licensing requirements for travel agents.

If you are working with clients who live in these states, you’ll need to be licensed in the state.

These states are California, Florida, Hawaii, Iowa, and Washington.

Travel Agent Programs in Minnesota

The Travel Academy

The Travel Academy offers a Travel Agency & Reservations Systems program.

You can take the program online, or on campus.

You’ll complete the program in only 3 weeks, so you can get your career started quickly. 

There are a few things that set this program apart from similar programs.

They focus on giving you the experience you’ll need to be a successful travel agent.

The Travel Academy also has lots of industry connections.

Once you complete the program, they can help you get started on your own, or with a travel agency.

They even have a career services department. 

During the program, you’ll learn about airlines, how to use a reservation system, and how to meet your client’s travel needs.

You’ll also receive training in landing a job as a travel agent, and how to communicate with clients effectively. 

The program costs $4,900, and $500 scholarships are available. 

Minnesota State College South East

Minnesota State College Southeast offers a travel agent program as well.

The program is completely online, and you have 6 months to complete it.

The course is 100 hours.

Many students finish the program in a few months, however. 

Once you’ve completed the program, you can take the Travel Agent Proficiency, or TAP, test from the Travel Institute.

This entry-level certification allows you to show clients your skills and that you are serious about being a travel agent. 

During the course, you’ll learn about the travel industry, including ground and air transportation, and popular destinations you may want to recommend to your clients.

You’ll also learn the customer service skills you’ll need, and how to market yourself as a travel agent. 

The cost of the program is only $2,245 and includes the cost of the TAP exam. 

Travel Agent Representative Schools in Minnesota – Summary Table

Salary 

The average yearly salary for a travel agent in Minnesota is $41,286.

Salaries range from $37,621 to $48,083.

How much you earn as a travel agent will depend on your skills, education, whether you specialize in a certain type of travel and your experience.

Annual Salary Range: Annual Salary by Location:

Location	Avg. Annual Salary
Minneapolis	$39,111
St. Paul	$39,111
Duluth	$35,150
Rochester	$36,802
Saint Cloud	$35,209
Eden Prairie	$39,045
Lakeville	$38,869
Minnetonka	$39,111
Afton	$38,825
Burnsville	$39,001

Regional Salary in Minnesota

* 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

Are travel agents in demand in Minnesota?

Yes.

Travel agent positions are expected to grow by 20% in the next decade.

This growth rate is much higher than average.

You’ll have great job security as a travel agent.

How can I get started as a travel agent in Minnesota?

The easiest way to get started as a travel agent is to take a training course.

Experience in a related field, like wedding or event planning or marketing can also help you get started.

What skills do you need to be a travel agent in Minnesota?

To be a successful travel agent in Minnesota, you’ll need to have strong customer service skills and be highly organized.

Attention to detail, marketing skills, and a passion for travel are also essential for success.

Travel Agent Info by State