To begin with, you should establish your own area of specialization. Note that it is very hard to know everything about traveling in a short period of time as traveling has so many phases. So, identify a specific thing and know all about it. You will be better placed and in very high demand if you're recognized and associated with a specific thing. Most of the travel agents could not explain the difference while booking a flight to no mans land or offering you a cruise to nowhere.

Today, many people who are traveling especially those who take legal or business trips are supposed to get all their stuff notarized. Thus, you should endeavor to be a notary public. The process of finding a notary public today is very tough thus you'll be a valuable possession to many travelers. You will be in high demand and of course you will make some few extra bucks in the process as you'll meet so many people.

Never commit yourself by signing an exclusivity contract, no matter of the kind of agency you might work for. Being an independent travel agent, you shouldn't be forced to sign such legally binding contracts. However, seek legal assistance and clarification from your lawyer regarding such a matter but most experts in the field will strongly oppose it.

Even with the many travel agents in the market today, people still find it hard to get a travel agent, because, well, good travel agents are rare to find. Being a travel agent has incalculable benefits that you ought to utilize by knowing everything there is to know about your stuff. You will literally sell yourself because travelers will come looking for you and not the other way round. This translates to making more money, which can come in handy at such an exigent economic time.