Travel and tourism companies encompass a huge market for the travel industry. When you want to work in the field of travel, you have many options to choose from. There are hundreds of sub-categories in the tourism industry. Many companies book lodging for tourists at hotels, motels, vacation rentals, and bed and breakfasts. This category could be broken down even further to travel companies that specialize in vacation rentals at ski resorts, those who exclusively book bed and breakfast lodging around the world, and more recently, companies that work with clients who want to exchange homes for vacations.

Thousands of travel and tourism companies provide transportation, and if you don't have the experience or want a part-time job, transportation could be worth looking into. Tour operators provide transportation and drivers to take tourists to travel destinations and attractions. Anyone with a good driving record who has a good knowledge of a particular region could work transporting tourists. You could also get the necessary license to drive groups to vacation destinations and on shorter trips to local attractions. This could be a good choice for someone who is people-oriented, likes to drive, and wants to be able to visit locations they might not be able to otherwise.

When you have children and are planning a vacation or extended trip, travel and tourism companies that are family-friendly are the best choice for planning all of your activities. This niche in the industry has recently opened up and a lot of travel agents are taking advantage of the market. The market has become so big that many travel agents are taking courses to be certified as family-friendly travel agents. It's important to know where you'll be seated on a plane or what activities are offered for children and whether they're age appropriate. When choosing a travel agent to book a family vacation, ask questions about accommodations and activities for children. If you aren't satisfied, find an agent that will work with you.

Many travel and tourism companies offer private tour guides with customized tours to see the sights in locations around the world. Experienced tour guides who know the region including the best restaurants, attractions, nightlife, shopping, and out of the way places tourists don't usually visit. An experienced tour guide can make all the necessary arrangements for your tour, and can plan for one day or an entire week. They may arrange anything from a tour of museums or old churches, hiking and biking trips into the countryside, wine tours, or specialized itineraries to accommodate your wishes.

Some travel and tourism companies specialize in guided tours and walks. Travel specialists who conduct guided tours must know the area intimately. Guided tours may be to some of the world's most famous locations, or it could be a short excursion during the day to see some of a famous city's attractions. You could take a guided tour around Boston to see historic sites, or through Salem, MA, the scene of the famous witchcraft trials. Many cities offer guided ghost tours, which have become very popular. The tour guides must be trained and be able to answer questions about the sites you visit.