Travel agencies in Iowa provide an invaluable service to both business and leisure travelers. A business owner doesn’t need to contact corporate travel agencies in Iowa in order to get the perks travelers have come to expect with those specialized agencies. Any professional, licensed IA travel agent has access to the latest deals and can get you rates just as good—or maybe even better—than those “other guys.” An added bonus of using a local travel agency is the personalized service that you will receive.

It is important to find an agent that will meet all of your business’ travel needs. Use these steps to find travel agencies in Iowa:

1. Research travel rewards programs.

2. Find a travel agent in IA.

3. Verify their professional credentials.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Ask your Iowa travel agent if you are eligible for any travel discounts

Travel agencies in IA will be able to tell you what travel clubs or rewards programs are available to you. Many credit card companies offer travel incentives and popular travel associations offer discounts on all aspects of your planning. Be sure to ask them about any little known or new offers they know about.

I recommend: If you have an AAA membership, then you have all of their member benefits available to you such as hotel and rental car discounts. They have offices throughout the state that will be able to get you started. American Airlines has their AAdvantage program where you can collect frequent flier miles to use for future flights, class upgrades and more. This program allows you to earn points for doing many things you already do and purchase. They also have their Business ExtrAA program, that will earn you travel rebates in a program that is specifically designed to lower your business travel costs. American Express has a small business travel rewards program where you can gain points on all purchases to use towards both business and leisure travel.

Search for Iowa travel agencies in your area

Many travel agents in IA have websites that you can browse to get an idea of the types of services they offer. You will save time if you find out that particular agency only books cruises or spiritual tours, for example.

I recommend: The Tripology.com website is a great resource that will put you in touch with the right travel agency in your area to meet your needs. Destinations Unlimited, Inc. is a travel agency in Cedar Rapids that utilizes online reporting to give you instant access to your travel reports. Travel and Transport has 60 years of experience in corporate travel and offers 24-hour emergency service as well as vendor negotiation assistance. They are located in Ames. Short’s Travel Management located in Waterloo has an online booking option as well as personalized traveler profiles to make travel planning quick and efficient.

Confirm the professional credentials of the Iowa travel agents you are considering

Make sure that the Iowa travel agent you are considering has the appropriate training and qualifications. Agents with certificates recognized by professional travel agent associations show a dedication to their trade and their customers alike.

I recommend: The National Business Travel Association (NBTA) is one of the largest professional travel associations available. Check their list of Allied Members to see if the Iowa travel agency that you are considering is a member. The Travel Institute offers various professional certification programs. Their website has a search function to find one of their certified members in your area. The American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) lets you search for accredited members throughout Iowa.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Travel agents in Iowa can access special non-advertised deals available to only select agencies. Discuss exactly what travel details you are looking for and chances are they will be able to find vendors that will fit your needs.