Becoming a travel agent in Europe requires significant education and training. There are various ways to earn a diploma - from taking home study or online classes, to attending classes at colleges and seminars held by travel agencies. Whatever you choose, upon receiving the appropriate travel agents in Europe education and training, you can work successfully in travel agencies in Europe.

Go to workshops and seminars held by European travel agencies to continue your education, receive up-to-date industry information and also to network with other European travel agents. Here are some additional things to consider about travel agents in Europe education and training:

1. Become a European business travel agent by taking home study classes.

2. Earn a diploma so that you can work at a Europe travel agent service by taking online classes.

3. Join associations for travel agents to get industry information about European travel agencies.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Take home study classes to learn about being an agent at a European travel agency

There are many home study classes where you can earn your travel agent degree in a few months. Many companies also offer European travel agent training which comes complete with all training materials as well as consultant services in case you need assistance or have questions.

I recommend: Become a European Quartet Specialist by taking the course at Travel Agent Academy. This program covers the countries in the Schengen zone which includes the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovenia. Take either the home-based study courses or the onsite study courses offered by Global Travel Training. Learn about how to become a travel agent in Europe and around the world by taking the course from Penn Foster Career School.

Take online classes so that you can work at a European travel agency

Earn your diploma by taking online classes and learn at your own pace so that you can work at European travel agencies. After you complete these classes, use the certificates to work as a professional travel agent in Europe or wherever else you choose.

I recommend: Learn about working as a European tours travel agent at Fox World Travel School. This program offers three different study modules that cover things from computer reservations systems to exploring world travel and communications. Take the classes at Travel Campus to earn a certificate as an individual or corporate agent.

Learn about working at travel agencies in Europe by joining groups for travel agents

Gather industry information and network with international travel agents in Europe by joining associations for travel agents. Many of these associations offer their members benefits as well as up-to-date information to help you run a successful business.

I recommend: Become a member of the International Society of Travel and Tourism Educators (ISTTE) to get access to their professional knowledge base, conferences and scholarship information as well the ability to network with other travel agents for Europe. Join the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) to use their e-library which features media resources, a technology center as well as a video and audio library. ASTA also features information on education programs for European travel agents.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Learning the language of your selected destination is a great way to ensure your success as a travel agent in Europe.

Travel agencies in Europe are as numerous as the options of where to go and stay. Narrow down the list to a travel agent that suits your business travel needs. The travel agent in Europe needs to accommodate travel requirements to and from your business headquarters.

Pick a travel plan from travel agencies in Europe that will minimize costs to your business. This plan should include not only travel to and from the country, but also things like transportation within the destination.

To pick a Europe travel agent service, consider asking these questions:

1. Does the travel agency in Europe know business travel, not just planning tours and vacations?
2. What is the expertise of the agents at the travel agency in Europe? They should have experience in U.S. business travel.
3. What technology does the travel agency in Europe use to find the latest on lowest business travel rates and prices?

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find a travel agency that knows U.S. travel needs

For smoother travel, you need a travel agent in Europe familiar with the latest U.S. laws for security and ease of travel. It's important the agent know the latest passport rules and other laws. The travel agents in Europe should give you business travel rates for hotel, airfare and transportation in U.S. dollars.

I recommend: The American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) includes a list of agents in Europe. Tripology matches you with European travel agents who have the appropriate expertise for your needs.

Ask a European travel agency about discount airlines

Low cost airlines are not unique to the United States. Europe has several airlines that may be of use to your business travel plan. The European business travel agent may also give discounts on group international airfare.

I recommend: Some of the larger discount airlines in Europe are easyJet and Ryanair.

Request that European travel agents make the most of your frequent miles

Ask the agency you select to help you know how and when to use your miles for saving on travel to Europe.

I recommend: Smarter Travel helps you determine what your miles are worth for Europe. Frequent Flyer Services specializes in the business travel market.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Don't just use the European travel agency for hotels and flights, ask them for any restaurant guides or personalized tours your business trip may require.
• •  Use European travel agents that can give you information on any customs or norms you need to know while doing business there.

Anyone who wants to be a travel agent in Europe should learn the vocabulary that comes with the job. There's a number of acronyms that are specific to Europe and the travel industry, as well as terms that a layperson may not know. Whether the travel agent decides to join the ECTAA or the IRU, he or she should surely understand the rules associated with the Schengen zone and Eurorail if to ensure customers' confidence.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Schengen zone

The Schengen zone is an area of 15 countries in Europe that have entered an agreement to ease up on boarder restrictions. Because of this, tourists can freely travel between countries with just one visa.

I recommend: Eurovisa.info explains some of the history of the Schengen zone and lists the countries that are part of it.

IATA

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) monitors and regulates the airline business. While only airlines can join the organization, it also offers accreditation programs, which allow travel agencies to print tickets and receive special discounts.

I recommend: Learn about the IATA's mission and how accreditation can help travel agents in Europe.

ASTA certified specialist

Despite its name, the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) is a worldwide organization. The society offers certification for different types of travel as well as specific destinations. Being an ASTA certified specialist gives the travel agent an extra dose of credibility.

I recommend: ASTA discusses its certification programs.

CRS

Rather than making reservations over the phone, most travel agencies in Europe use a computerized reservation system, or CRS. This allows agents to have real time access to flight and hotel availability and rates.

I recommend: The OPERA Reservation System is an example of a CRS, and its website gives a good explanation of how the system works.

ECTAA, ETOA and IRU

The European Travel Agents' and Tour Operators' Associations (ECTAA), European Tour Operators Association (ETOA) and the International Road Transport Union (IRU) are the three associations that represent the travel industry. Serious travel agents in Europe belong to at least one of these organizations.

I recommend: Research the missions of the ECTAA, EOTA and the IRU.

Value added tax (VAT)

While rates vary, most European businesses must pay a value added tax, or VAT, on the goods that they purchase. This is similar to a sales tax, except that is charged at every stage of production.

I recommend: CNN describes how a value added tax works and the USCIB lists rates for various European countries.

Trying to find the best European business travel agent has been made a lot simpler with the advent of the Internet. In the past, company travel professionals relied on word of mouth or trial by error. By comparing services and pricing, you can ensure that you will get the most out of your travel budget.

If you don’t have the time or patience to start searching on your own, setting up a game plan to start with can help you use your time a lot more effectively. Begin your search for Europe travel agents by:

1. Exploring Web directories of European travel agents.

2. Visiting an association’s website where you can search for a travel agent in Europe.

3. Finding a travel agency in Europe where you can plan your trip or get advice.

4. Reading blogs where you can find information such as who is recommended as a Europe tour travel agent by other agents.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Go to an association website for European travel agents

An association website can provide information for several countries, which have collaborated to provide one place to compare and contrast information and which makes doing your research easier.

I recommend: The European Travel Commission is a non-profit organization that supports tourism in member countries and provides market intelligence reports as well as reports on studies and trends. The European Travel Agents’ and Tour Operators' Association is the professional association for travel agents in Europe where you will find press releases and position papers, which you will find informative.

Locate a site that has information on news and analysis for travel agents in Europe

Finding news on one site is a great way to save time when you want to find out about online marketing strategies or maximizing mobile strategies for travel.

I recommend: EyeforTravel offers the latest updates on news, events and analysis affecting European travel agents. EIN News has a site with news and information where you can search by topic or country.

Find a blog for real time feedback on travel agencies in Europe

To really get direct feedback and intelligence seek out blogs that give you specific information on travel agents in Europe. To dig even deeper, check out the source for intelligence provided by and for a European travel agency.

I recommend: The Blog Catalog offers blogs chock full of information on travel agents in Europe news and trends. Questex Media Group is a multimedia source for intelligence for international travel agents in Europe.