You’re considering a career in travel and tourism. What are the most common paths to follow?

1 Travel Agent

A travel agent is someone who helps customers plan, book, and arrange their travel needs. They can work for a travel agency, a tour operator, a cruise line, or independently. They need to have good communication, customer service, and sales skills, as well as knowledge of various destinations, products, and regulations. They may also need to have some qualifications or certifications, depending on the country and the employer. A travel agent can earn commissions, bonuses, or incentives based on their performance and customer satisfaction.

2 Tour Guide

A tour guide is someone who leads and informs groups of tourists around a specific location, attraction, or activity. They can work for a travel company, a museum, a national park, or as freelancers. They need to have excellent presentation, interpersonal, and organizational skills, as well as a passion for the subject matter and the culture of the area. They may also need to have some training, education, or licensing, depending on the type and the location of the tour. A tour guide can earn tips, fees, or salaries based on their experience and reputation.

3 Hospitality Worker

A hospitality worker is someone who works in a hotel, resort, restaurant, bar, or other establishment that provides accommodation, food, beverage, or entertainment to travelers. They can work in various departments, such as front desk, housekeeping, catering, or management. They need to have high standards of service, quality, and hygiene, as well as teamwork, problem-solving, and multitasking skills. They may also need to have some education, experience, or certification, depending on the position and the employer. A hospitality worker can earn wages, tips, or benefits based on their level and performance.

4 Airline Staff

An airline staff is someone who works for an airline, either on the ground or in the air. They can work as pilots, flight attendants, ground crew, customer service agents, or managers. They need to have strong safety, security, and customer service skills, as well as physical, mental, and emotional stamina. They may also need to have some education, training, or licensing, depending on the role and the airline. An airline staff can earn salaries, bonuses, or perks based on their rank and seniority.

5 Travel Writer

A travel writer is someone who writes articles, blogs, books, or other content about travel and tourism. They can work for a publication, a website, a company, or themselves. They need to have excellent writing, research, and storytelling skills, as well as creativity, curiosity, and flexibility. They may also need to have some education, experience, or portfolio, depending on the medium and the audience. A travel writer can earn fees, royalties, or exposure based on their quality and popularity.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?