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Your Travel Agent Career
Starts Here

Whether you’re changing careers, exploring a flexible work-from-home opportunity, or taking your first step into the travel industry, every successful travel advisor starts with a strong foundation.

For more than 60 years, The Travel Institute, a nonprofit leader in travel industry education, has helped aspiring travel advisors gain the knowledge, confidence, and professional skills needed to begin their careers with confidence.

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Enroll in TRIPKIT

The Travel Introductory Program, or TRIPKIT℠ 6th Edition, is our most comprehensive program for future travel agents. Designed for beginners and career changers, it provides practical, industry-recognized training to help you build confidence and become job-ready.

TRIPKIT brings together expert-written digital textbooks, insider sessions, a guided study plan, and preparation for the industry-recognized TAP® Test, creating a clear and supportive learning experience.

Build a Strong Foundation for Your Travel Career

Beginning a career in travel is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. Before choosing a host agency, building a client base, or selling your first trip, it’s important to understand how the industry works.

TRIPKIT was designed to provide that foundation. Whether you plan to work for an agency, join a host agency, or build your own travel business, you’ll develop the knowledge and confidence to take your next step.


Industry-Recognized Program

Self-Paced and Flexible

Practical, Real-World Learning

Job-Ready Skills

TAP® Test Included

Graduates may choose to join our HIRE ME List, a resource used by agencies seeking trained new advisors.

TRIPKIT was such a huge help when I was starting out! I felt so lost and the TRIPKIT was there to provide some amazing knowledge and after I passed the test I really felt like I was prepared to jump into travel! Since then I have sold over $1,000,000 worth of travel, built a team of six, have many satisfied customers, and all 5 star reviews! This was the best investment I've made for my small business!
Stephanie Samson headshot. Woman with long brown hair and white shirt smiling.
Stephanie Samson
Owner, There and Back Again Travel

What You’ll Learn and Gain​

TRIPKIT helps you build confidence through practical, foundational learning, including:

  • Understanding the role of a travel agent
  • Travel terminology and industry operations
  • Client communication and service basics
  • Designing and selling travel experiences
  • Destination knowledge and geography
  • Travel technology fundamentals
  • Business operations and professional standards

This foundation helps you take informed next steps—whether that’s joining an agency or continuing your professional development.

Your Professional Journey Doesn't End Here

Every travel advisor starts somewhere. TRIPKIT is designed to be the first step in a lifelong journey of professional growth.
Your learning pathway may look like this:

  • Build your foundation with TRIPKIT
  • Validate your knowledge by passing the TAP® Test
  • Begin working with clients
  • Earn your CTA® certification as your career grows
  • Continue advancing through specialized education and certifications

 

Whether you’re just getting started or planning your long-term career, The Travel Institute is here to support every stage of your professional journey.

TRIPKIT Frequent asked questions

  1. How long is the TRIPKIT?
     You have 12 months to complete the TRIPKIT program at your own pace. Most students spend 40–60 hours actively learning, depending on their schedule and study style.
  2. Does this give me a certification?
     TRIPKIT prepares you for the TAP® Test—the industry’s most trusted entry-level proficiency exam. Passing TAP earns you a recognized certificate of completion.
  3. Do I need to be certified to sell travel?
     No. Certification isn’t a legal requirement. But having a strong, critically-grounded education is essential if you want to sell travel responsibly and successfully.
     Once you complete TRIPKIT with an 80% or higher, you can move on to the Certified Travel Associate (CTA®) program—the industry’s first certification and your next step in professional development.
  4. If I can’t complete the program in 12 months, can I extend?
     Yes. You can extend your access for an additional fee.
  5. What if I don’t pass the TAP® Test—can I retake it?
    The passing grade is  70%, and if you are not successful the first time you can retake the test for an additional fee. If you get an 80% of higher, you can move onto the Certified Travel Associate (CTA®) program
  6. Do you have a job placement program?
     Not formally. However, you’re welcome to join our Hire Me List, where agencies actively look for new employees or independent contractors.
  7. Once I finish this program, do I get my “selling travel number”?
     No. TRIPKIT is an educational program—it does not issue any travel seller IDs. That said, the program includes an entire section explaining how to obtain your travel seller credentials, step-by-step, depending on your business model and location.
  8. If I have questions, who do I call? 
    Our team is here, ready to help you. You can call or submit a ticket on our website, anytime. 
  9. If I live in another country does this program help me? 
    This program was designed for North America professionals. However, 80% of the content is applicable regardless of where you live. But when it comes to running a business, air and crossing boarders sections, those may not apply to you. 
  10. Can I take this program, even if I am already with a Host Agency? 
    Absolutely! This program is designed to complement and supplement what you are currently learning at your host or franchise agency. 
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As the founder of Rainbow Getaways Travel Network, I recommend the TRIPKIT to anyone considering a career as a travel advisor because it creates a strong foundation as they grow in this industry. Advisors who complete the TRIPKIT come in better prepared, understand how the business actually works, and tend to reach their first sales faster than those who jump in without any formal education. That’s why all new advisors joining Rainbow Getaways Travel Network are enrolled in the program. It helps new advisors avoid costly early mistakes and build their business on something solid instead of guessing!
Scott Wismont, CTA. A man looks at the camera smiling with hand on chin. Travel Advisor Scott Wismont, CTA looks at the
Scott Wismont, CTA
Owner, Rainbow Getaways