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The History of Travel
Travel has always existed as long as people have lived on this earth. It was originally undertaken out of necessity as ancient people would migrate to new places when disasters affected their land. Nomads roamed from place to place, as often as their herds consumed all the vegetation in a given area. Trade began to develop as people started to specialize in what they could make, grow, or mine from the earth, and travel was necessary for bartering of goods. We have come a long way from the early days of traveling on foot or horseback, but many people today still travel for business purposes or for vacations, making travel and tourism a huge industry. The opportunities for travel around the globe are endless, and travel and tourism play a huge and vital role in personal well-being and the health of our economy.
Recent Travel Industry News
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The Travel Industry
Many people travel for vacation or business purposes, helping make travel and tourism a huge industry. This industry includes travel agencies, resorts and hotels, airlines, cruise lines, railroads and bus lines, recreation and amusement parks, and other tourism-related transportation and venues.
Travel Agents
Travel agents give advice about destinations, make transportation, lodging, tour, car rental, and recreation arrangements, and sell travel insurance. They may be self-employed, or they may work for travel agencies, corporations, universities, or membership organizations. Full-time travel agent programs lasting for several months can be found through many vocational schools, and several colleges offer a bachelor's degree, or even a master's degree, in travel and tourism.
Lodging
Hotels and motels can be classified as commercial, residential, extended stay, resort, or casino. Employment opportunities vary, but most lodging facilities offer positions for front desk personnel, managers, housekeeping, marketing and sales, food and beverage, security, human resources, maintenance and engineering, uniformed service, and accounting and financial management. Many hotel employees receive on-the-job training and may take courses in hospitality offered by a technical school or community college.
Air Travel
Pilots and flight attendants work in the airlines industry, as do
reservationists and customer service personnel. Pilots are employed
by major airlines and commuter airlines as well as corporations and cargo
airlines. Helicopter pilots must have at least 250 hours of flight
time and an instrument rating, while airline pilots need 1,500 hours
of flight time and appropriate certification from the FAA.
The four types of certifications offered (student, private, commercial,
and air transport pilot) all have their own
aviation training requirements, but only
commercial and air transport pilots can participate in the commercial
travel industry. Flight attendants work on commercial airlines to
ensure that passengers have a safe and comfortable flight. They
stock supplies, greet passengers, assist in seating and storing of
carry-on luggage, instruct passengers in the use of safety equipment,
ensure proper seatbelt use, provide food and drink service, help
passengers deplane, write up reports, and clean up the cabin.
Flight attendants must usually complete up to eight weeks of intensive
training with the hiring airline, and be prepared to work unconventional
shifts. Reservationists and customer service agents work in the
airlines, as well as in other parts of the travel industry, including
hotel and motels, cruise lines, railroads, bus lines, and
car rental agencies. They answer customers' questions, offer
suggestions and information, and book flights, accommodations, cruises or
trips. Reservationists and customer service agents usually receive
on-the-job training but may also take hospitality courses offered by
technical schools or community colleges.
Cruise Travel
Cruise lines employ deck personnel, engine personnel, food and beverage
personnel, and accommodations personnel, plus a purser department, a
cruise department, and a service department. Deck personnel operate,
navigate, and maintain the ship. Engine personnel operate, maintain,
and repair the engine, as well as all electrical, plumbing, and mechanical
systems. Food and beverage employees include dining room managers,
chefs, waitstaff, cooks, bussers, and dishwashers, as well as bar
managers, bartenders, and wine stewards. The hotel department
includes a chief housekeeper, room stewards, cleaners, and
bellhops. The purser department is comprised of uniformed ship's
officers who handle all the administrative tasks relating to
passengers. The cruise department is responsible for entertainment,
and includes hosts and hostesses, a shore excursion director, a
recreation director, a children's activities coordinator, and musicians
and entertainers. The service staff includes photographers, gift
shop employees, beauticians, barbers, manicurists, masseuses, doctors,
casino dealers, and cashiers. The qualifications and educational
requirements for working on a cruise ship vary greatly, and depend on
the department and the position.
Bus Travel and Rail Travel
Many people travel by Amtrak or bus each year, and
the railroad industry provides opportunities for engineers,
conductors, and service personnel. Engineers operate the train,
while conductors and service personnel ensure the safety and well-being
of passengers. Bus drivers must possess a commercial driver's
license and pass a background check.
Automobile Travel
Most developed countries maintain extensive highway and road networks. So, despite the availability of public transportation and travel options such as airplanes, ships, buses and trains, many people prefer the flexibility and convenience of traveling in their own cars. The following video illustrates the enjoyable experience of driving along a road through the countryside.
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Traveling Along a Paved, Country Road
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Travel Destinations
Visit these websites and web pages to learn about travel destinations
and popular tourist attractions in and around North America.
- Alaska
Describes Alaska vacation destinations and outdoor activities as travel options to and within Alaska. - Caribbean Islands
Discusses the many attractions offered by the Caribbean islands as well as maps and info about specific islands. - Central America
Features maps and photos of Central America as well as information about the region's geography and attractions. - New England
Includes maps of New England as well as information about the geography, history, and culture of the New England states. - North America
Contains maps and photos of the North American continent as well as travel and tourism information about the continent. - The Bahamas
Highlights the Paradise Island and Freeport vacation destinations as well as the more laid-back Out Islands.
Travel and Tourism Industry Resources
More information about opportunities in the travel and tourism industry can be found on these websites:- American Society of Travel Agents
Founded in 1931, the ASTA represents travel agents and the traveling public. The association strives to protect and promote the mutual interests of its members, maintain a dignified code of ethics, combat unfair competition, stimulate the public's desire to travel, and promote the use of ASTA members' services. - American Hotel and Lodging Association
AH&LA represents every segment of the hotel industry including major chains, independent hotels, management companies, REIT's, bed and breakfasts, industry partners and more.