Becoming a travel agent gives you the opportunity to turn your passion for traveling into a profitable business.
Travel agents find and arrange the best trip options for their clients by sorting through vast amounts of information.
They may also visit destinations to get firsthand experience with the destinations they recommend to clients.
This profession is projected to grow 2 percent across the nation over the next decade.
Although the ability to use online resources to research vacations may limit the need for travel agents, people are expected to continue to ask them for advice.
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, Connecticut is the third-highest paying state for travel agents.
The mean annual wage reported by Connecticut travel agents was $63,060 as of May 2023.
While Connecticut does not require a college degree or formal registration for entry into this profession, you can improve your credibility by earning professional credentials.
Your training will typically prepare you for tasks such as:
- Arranging travel for business and vacations
- Determining clients’ schedules and budgets
- Finding fare and schedule information
- Booking reservations
- Giving details on required documents
- And more
Training programs are available on-site at several community colleges and universities and online.
To help you choose the format that best meets your needs, on this page we have compiled information about the best travel agent schools in Connecticut.
#1The Knowledge Academy
About the School
The Knowledge Academy offers online Travel Agent training in Hartford.
The program prepares students for roles, responsibilities, and skills needed to succeed in the travel industry.
The curriculum covers itinerary planning, booking systems, customer service, travel regulations, destination knowledge, and professional travel planning practices.
Students learn strategies to provide exceptional customer service.
They acquire proficiency in using booking systems for efficient planning.
The program covers training in travel destinations, products, and services.
The following training options are available:
- Online Instructor-Led Learning
- Online Self-Paced Learning
- Onsite Learning
Courses Offered
Course outline includes:
- Travel Industry
- International Travel
- Domestic Air Travel
- Destination Geography
- Ground Transportation
- How to Market Yourself as a Travel Professional
- Offering Travel Agent Services
- Professional Skills
- Customer Service Skills
Contact Information
- Phone: 720.445.4674
- Website: https://www.theknowledgeacademy.com
#2Pitt Community College
About the School
Pitt Community College offers a Travel Agent Training course designed to equip students with the skills and expertise needed to thrive in this dynamic field.
Students learn a variety of useful skills, from mastering reservation systems to providing expert travel advice.
The program can be completed in just six months and provides insights into the latest travel trends and regulations.
Students have access to hands-on training and information-packed modules.
After completing the course, graduates are well-prepared to offer exceptional service and embark on a successful career.
They are well-prepared to take the Travel Agency Proficiency test, administered by the Travel Institute.
Students develop a deep understanding of the travel industry, including airline and ground transportation, hotels and resorts, cruises, tours, specialty travel, and more.
Courses Offered
The curriculum includes:
- Introduction to the Travel Industry
- Professional Skills
- Destination Geography
- Introduction to Air Travel
- Transportation
- Sales and Marketing for Travel
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 2064 Warren Drive, Winterville, NC 28590
- Phone: 252-493-7200
- Website: https://pittcc.edu
#3The Travel Institute
About the School
The Travel Institute offers a Certified Travel Associate program that is available completely online.
The program can be completed by students at their own pace.
The certification is designed for working travel advisors who want to build credibility, improve client relationships, strengthen sales skills, and grow their business.
Students gain foundational cruise knowledge to help advisors understand cruise categories, itineraries, destinations, client matching, and positioning strategies.
The program explores new approaches to positioning and recommending today’s all-inclusive vacation experiences.
Courses Offered
The curriculum includes:
- Business ethics
- Business writing skills
- Customer service
- The art of listening and communications
- Time management
- Understanding customer needs
- Planning itineraries
- Selling cruises
- Touring the world
- Selling special interest travel
- Travel insurance
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 945 Concord St, Framingham, MA 01701
- Phone: 800.542.4282
- Website: https://www.thetravelinstitute.com
#4Goodwill Western & Northern Connecticut
About the School
Goodwill Western & Northern Connecticut offers an online travel agent course that covers a wide range of topics, from travel foundations and geography to air travel, technology tools, and professional skills.
The program can be completed by students in six months, at their own pace.
The 100-hour curriculum covers topics such as:
- Introduction to Travel Industry
- Basic Geography
- International Travel
- Types of Air Travel
- Sales and Marketing
- Technology Used in the Travel Industry
This program also includes a one-year subscription to Travefy as well as training resources and advanced software features.
The course is open enrollment, and students can register for the course as soon as they are ready.
This program costs $2,299 and also covers the exam.
Contact Information
- Address: 165 Ocean Terrace, Bridgeport, CT 06605, US
- Phone: 855.520.6806
- Website: https://careertraining.ed2go.com/gwct
#5CT State Community College
About the School
CT State Community College offers more than 300 degrees and certificates, making it easy for students to match their career aspirations.
The Business and Professional Studies program includes a Hospitality and Tourism pathway.
The 55-hour program is available on-ground and online.
This program costs $2,500.
Students must be at least 18 years of age and hold a GED or high school diploma.
They learn how to maintain a safe and sanitary workplace environment.
The program includes a ServSafe Food Handler Certificate.
Students also obtain a Connecticut Tourism Coalition CHAT certificate.
Contact Information
- Address: 950 Main Street, Hartford, CT 06103
- Phone: 860-906-5000
- Website: https://ctstate.edu
#6American Cruise Lines
About the School
American Cruise Lines focuses on small-ship cruising, personalized service, and unique itineraries.
The company also offers a Travel Advisor program designed with students in mind.
Students not only receive guided training that includes how to sell American Cruise Lines cruises.
The program includes a series of eight videos that can be watched by students at their own pace and is designed to quickly and easily get students the information they need to grow their business.
Students learn about destination and fleet details and have the opportunity to become certified on all American Cruise Lines itineraries.
Contact Information
- Address: 741 Boston Post Road, Suite 200, Guilford, CT 06437
- Phone: 800-460-4518
- Website: https://www.americancruiselines.com
#7University of New Haven
About the School
The University of New Haven offers a Hospitality and Tourism Management program that provides the following concentrations:
- General Concentration
- Hotel And Resort Management
- Event and Tourism Management
Students learn the following skills:
- Front-office skills
- Culinary arts, guest services, and event planning
- Take field trips to conventions and trade shows
- Have the opportunity to study abroad
- Spend a day with hospitality industry executives
- And more
Courses include:
- Spa Design and Development
- Destination Marketing & Sales
- International Tourism
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 300 Boston Post Road, West Haven, CT 06516
- Phone: (203) 932-7000
- Website: https://www.newhaven.edu
#8Central Connecticut State University
About the School
Central Connecticut State University offers a Tourism and Hospitality program that leads to a Bachelor of Science.
Students have the option to attend classes full-time or part-time.
The flexible curriculum allows students to personalize their course of study.
Free on-campus child care available.
Courses Offered
The program includes courses such as:
- World Regional Geography
- Geography of Tourism
- Intro to Management Information
- Fundamentals of Marketing
- Tourism & Hospitality Operations
- And more
Students need 120 credits for a degree.
Contact Information
- Address: 1615 Stanley Street, CT 06050
- Phone: 860.832.3200
- Website: https://www.ccsu.edu
#9Southern Connecticut State University
Southern Connecticut State University offers a Tourism, Hospitality, and Event Management, Bachelor of Science.
Students have the opportunity to specialize through a concentration in one of three areas, including tourism, hospitality, or event planning.
Courses Offered
Students who choose a concentration in Tourism take classes such as:
- Introduction to Recreation and Leisure
- Leadership Development
- Inclusive Recreation
- Introduction to Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management
- Travel and Tourism: Principles and Practices
- Leisure in Contemporary Society
- And more
The program includes a nine-credit internship.
Major requirements include 60 credits in total.
Contact Information
- Address: 501 Crescent Street, New Haven, CT 06515
- Phone: (203) 392-SCSU
- Website: https://www.southernct.edu
#10Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy offers training designed to help students learn and retain information in fun and interactive ways.
Students earn Travel Institute CEU Credits.
The courses are compatible with an iOS tablet and allow studets to learn from anywhere on their own time, at their own pace.
Courses Offered
Course Catalog includes:
- AAT Kings A-Listers Program & Agent Academy
- Le Programme Specialiste Air France et Film
- Become a Houston Travel Pro
- Lopesan Specialist Program
- Greece Specialist Program
- Visit Florida Rewards Program
- Air France and KLM Specialist Program
- Baja California Specialist Program
- Choice Hotels’ Masterclass
- Costa Rica Specialist Program
- Dominican Republic Specialist
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 301 Route 17 N, Suite 1150, Rutherford, NJ 07070
- Website: https://www.travelagentacademy.com
Schools Summary Table
Travel Agent Average Salary in Connecticut
Estimated Earnings Range:| Item | Percent |
|---|---|
|
$36K
|
|
|
$66K
|
|
|
$102K
|
Travel Agent Salary by Metro Area in Connecticut
| Metro Area | Employed | Avg. Annual | Avg. Hourly | Top 10% | Bottom 10% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury, CT | 230 | $68,420 | $32.90 | $107,800 | $43,680 |
| Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT | 130 | $64,100 | $30.82 | $102,170 | $36,560 |
| New Haven, CT | 40 | $71,880 | $34.56 | $102,230 | $33,470 |
| Waterbury-Shelton, CT | 40 | $61,430 | $29.54 | $100,730 | $40,030 |
* Employment opportunities may differ based on your location.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have read our selection of the best travel agent schools in Connecticut, it’s time to continue your research and apply for the program that best fits your budget, learning style, and career aspirations.
Take your time and make an informed decision.
