Travel industry

[beggsie]

Hi
I'm looking for any advice or ideas that any of you might have!
I am 46 and within a couple of years, we will be empty-nesters. I am a qualified and time served solicitor but gave that up many years ago when we started our own business. My husband has been the absolute main driver in it but I have used my skills and kept involved over the years (HR, compliance, project management).
The time has come to do something for myself, and I'd really like to get involved in the travel industry. It's a passion and an interest but I have no idea how to start!
Any jobs advertised at travel agents require experience, of which I have none.
I do think I have a lot to offer - passion, drive, and competence. I just don't know where to start!
Any ideas? I don't need it to be a career as such, or highly paid - I just would like to do something!
Thanks!

@Eightytwenty

A huge amount of people across the industry have lost their jobs as a result of the pandemic. It will be interesting to see whether as things return, if roles will be filled by those who had to leave, or whether they will have moved on to new industries, in which case they’d likely be glad to give someone a chance.

Thanks for your reply.

I appreciate it might seem a bit strange to be thinking about this, in light of the horrible time the travel industry has had, and continues to have. I really feel for the whole industry at the moment.

On a personal level, I am in no rush but the pandemic has offered me a moment of clarity and reflection about the next direction in my life. The problem is, I have no idea how to get started and so would really appreciate any ideas that anyone might have!

I know people in travel industry, now is not the time to start. It will take many years to recover and very skilled qualified and experienced staff will be applying for lower level jobs as they need jobs. even those that have moved jobs still have their heart in travel and are waiting to return, not sure it is a industry you can break into easily over next five years at least

The travel industry is much more then travel agents (although they are important) some of your skills may transfer across to other roles. As a pp stated the industry is struggling at the moment so maybe not the best time. What is it that interests you about the industry?

I've worked in the travel industry for over 20 years. It's volatile and low paid. Redundancies have been common place every couple of years due to one thing after another affecting travel. Agents aren't used very much anymore and specialists probably have more experience than you could bring. I really regret getting into it and deskilling myself. The perks are worthless and the decent wages I started on have been chipped away at unless I'm on little more than minimum wage, and there isnt a huge amount of respect for travel workers. I'd have been better keeping my former career and just paying for my travel like everyone else. Most travel agents started as YT or now as apprentices. Most other travel jobs are either awful shifts (airport handling agent for example) or call centre (corporate travel, airline sales/customer services). If you love travel I'd buy a subscription to conde naste traveller and get another job. Sorry, but the industry is on it's knees, the timing is awful.

Ok heard loud and clear. Back to the drawing board for me. Thanks everyone.