You have to be well versed in everything from climatic conditions peculiar to that nation, clothing to be worn to currency exchange rates. You will also be required to confirm each and every reservation something that can be very tedious, as most travel agents complain. A travel agent should have general business skills, sales skills, empathy and the knowledge of a seasoned traveller. A background in geography, communication, world history and computers and languages is an added bonus. You have to also update yourself on the latest happenings around the globe and handle the technical aspects of the job.
Many travel agencies recruit graduates who have a liberal arts or business degree.
Some specialised or international agencies require that their agents be fluent in foreign languages. If you are not a graduate, do not fear. Many people start off their career working in a related field, such as at a ticket agency and then work their way towards becoming a travel agent. Today, with the inroads that computerisation has made in every field, the basic know-how of computers is mandatory. Once you learn the ropes and have a steady clientele, you can even open up your own agency and go places literally speaking.