When Becky Engman first stepped into the travel industry, she didn’t just find a career—she found a way to help others explore the same path. Over time, she began guiding new travel agents as they built their own paths, offering mentorship, training, and steady encouragement along the way. 

For more insights on pursuing a career that aligns with your passion for travel, visit Becky’s profile on Instagram, where she shares her experiences with aspiring travel agents. Becky’s support system has helped many new agents gain the skills to turn their love of travel into a flexible career.

Starting with the Right Qualities

Not everyone who enjoys traveling is automatically suited to be a travel agent. Becky has seen firsthand that successful agents often share a few personal traits, such as a genuine eagerness to help others, an openness to learning, and comfort in interacting with people from different backgrounds. Many successful agents are also naturally curious—whether about destinations, cultures, or how to solve problems for travelers.

While some new agents bring strong communication skills from past jobs, others gradually develop these abilities over time. What matters most, according to Becky, is the ability to listen, follow guidance, and stay committed even when the work feels unfamiliar.

Being coachable is important to early success. Agents who ask questions, take notes, and put into practice what they learn tend to find their footing faster. The role isn’t just about booking flights—it’s about managing details, expectations, and navigating the unexpected.

Learning Through Structured Training

To support those new to the field, Becky’s agency offers access to training programs designed to teach the basics and beyond. The host company provides courses that cover booking tools, compliance guidelines, and general business practices. These sessions aim to help new agents understand how to run their business responsibly and stay aligned with industry standards.

Each travel supplier also offers specific training. For example, one supplier might focus on cruises, while another specializes in tours or resort packages. These lessons equip agents with what they need to know about each destination or product. Many of the sessions end with short quizzes to reinforce the material covered.

With so many training options available, agents can gradually build their knowledge and even choose areas to specialize in. The goal is to grow steadily and gain more confidence with each booking, recognizing that mastery and success require continuous learning and practice.

Tackling the Common Challenges

Starting as a travel agent often comes with questions. Becky frequently hears from new agents who aren’t sure which supplier to use for a certain trip or how to ensure they get paid after a client’s travel. These are real concerns—and they’re common in the industry.

The agency’s back-office system helps by listing trusted suppliers, providing agents with a reliable starting point. When it comes to payments, mentorship programs guide them through how to record bookings and understand the timeline for receiving commissions.

Finding clients can also feel like a challenge. Many agents begin by reaching out to friends and family, while others leverage social media or participate in local events to meet people. Becky shares her own experiences to help new agents get creative with client outreach. While it may take time, consistent effort is key and can lead to meaningful progress over time.

Solving Problems On the Go

Even with good planning, travel doesn’t always go as expected. Flights may be delayed, hotels may lose reservations, and weather can interrupt schedules. Becky prepares her agents to handle these challenges with calmness and clear communication.

Problem-solving is a crucial part of the job. Agents learn how to assess the situation, ask the right questions, and offer realistic options that align with the client’s needs. Whether they’re helping a couple rebook a missed connection or adjusting a group itinerary due to a storm, agents rely on their training and judgment to maintain smooth progress.

Agents also develop the skill of tailoring trips to fit different situations. Planning for a honeymoon differs from planning a family vacation or a business trip. By learning how to ask the right questions about budgets, preferences, and priorities, agents offer solutions that make sense for each individual situation.

Building Confidence with Technology

Technology plays a major role in travel planning today. Becky’s team becomes familiar with booking platforms, supplier portals, and communication tools as part of their day-to-day work. Many of these systems are taught directly through supplier training, so agents gain hands-on experience with the tools they’ll use regularly.

This also helps agents stay organized and reduce the likelihood of errors. By understanding how each system works, they’re better prepared to manage bookings, check confirmations, and keep track of important details. It’s not just about using software—it’s about building habits that help clients feel supported and cared for.

Some suppliers also offer rewards or perks for completing training, which adds a little motivation. But the real value comes from knowing how to handle tasks independently and serve clients with accuracy and professionalism.

Looking Toward the Future

The travel industry is always evolving, and Becky encourages agents to keep learning long after they get started. New tools, trends, and destinations continue to shape how people travel, and agents who stay up to date are better equipped to help their clients.

Success in this field doesn’t come from shortcuts. It grows from learning, asking questions, and staying committed—even when things feel uncertain. For people who enjoy planning, problem-solving, and helping others explore the world, it can be a steady and rewarding path.

For Becky, a fulfilling part of her work is watching others grow. By offering the right support, realistic expectations, and a commitment to ongoing learning, new agents can develop meaningful careers in the travel industry and grow at their own pace.

Disclaimer: This document contains testimonials that reflect personal experiences and are not guarantees of future results. Actual outcomes may vary based on effort, experience, and commitment. This document also contains forward-looking statements that are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements due to various risks and uncertainties. Use your judgment.

Published by Jeremy S.