Travel agents help travelers sort through vast amounts of information to help them make the best possible travel arrangements. They offer advice on destinations and make arrangements for transportation, hotel accommodations, car rentals, and tours for their clients. They are also the primary source of bookings for most of the major cruise lines. In addition, resorts and specialty travel groups use travel agents to promote travel packages to their clients.

Hours: Varies

Opportunities: Agency, Outside agent, In home agent, cruise line

Pay: Median annual pay is $30,000

Training: High school diploma or equivalent, travel school is helpful.

Citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition , Travel Agents, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos124.htm (visited July 22, 2009 ).