Traveling agencies in Washington, DC provide an invaluable service to business and leisure travelers alike. You do not need to contact corporate travel agencies in Washington, DC in order to get the bonuses business travelers have come to expect with those specialized agencies. Any professional, licensed Washington, DC travel agent can book your business travel plans just as well as those “other guys.”

It is important to work with an agency that fits all of your business needs. If you’re looking for travel agencies in Washington, DC, these steps will get you started:

1. Inquire about travel rewards programs.

2. Find Washington, DC travel agents online.

3. Verify their professional credentials.

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

Ask travel agencies in the Washington, DC area about any discount programs available

Your travel agent in Washington, DC 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 in all aspects of your planning. Your agent will be able to input any membership numbers when making your plans to ensure you are credited the correct points and mileage.

I recommend: 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. American Airlines has their AAdvantage program where you can collect frequent flier miles to use for future flights, class upgrades and more. 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. Finally, if you hold a personal AAA membership, then you have all of their member benefits available to you such as hotel and rental car discounts and travel insurance. They have travel agencies in Washington, DC and Alexandria that will be able to get you started.

Pick a Washington, DC travel agency

The Internet is a great place to start. Many travel agencies in DC have websites that you can browse to get an idea of the services they offer.

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. Travel Express offers 24-hour emergency service. Passport Executive Travel offers customized reporting options. Executive Travel Associates offers online booking tools as well as personalized traveler profiles to make travel planning quick and efficient.

Verify the credentials of the travel agent in Washington, DC you are considering

Ensure that the Washington, DC travel agent you are considering has the applicable training and credentials.

I recommend: The Travel Institute offers various professional certification programs. Their website offers a search function to find one of their certified members in your area. 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 Washington, DC travel agency that you are considering is a member. The American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) lets you search for accredited members throughout Washington, DC.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Travel agents in the Washington, DC area have tricks of the trade to access special non-advertised deals. Discuss exactly what travel details you are looking for and chances are they will be able to accommodate you.