Travel agents in Washington provide an invaluable service to both business and leisure travelers. A business owner doesn’t need to contact travel agencies in Washington that specialize in business travel in order to get the perks expected with those specialized agencies. Any professional, licensed WA travel agent has access to the latest deals and can get you rates just as good—or maybe even better—than those “other guys.”

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

1. Locate Washington travel agencies online.

2. Check into their professional credentials.

3. Find out about travel rewards programs.

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

Search for a travel agency in Washington in your area

A travel agency in WA may have a website that you can browse to get an idea of the types of services they offer. You will save time and money if you find out ahead of time that a particular agency does not meet all of your needs.

I recommend: Tripology.com is a great resource that will put you in touch with the right travel agency in your area to meet your needs. Highlands Travel in Renton is a full-service travel agency with many years of corporate travel planning experience. JW North Signature Travel, Inc. is located in Seattle. They offer custom itineraries for each of your trips. Finally, Valerie Wilson Travel, Inc. has an office in Bellevue. They have custom reporting options as well as 24-hour emergency service.

Confirm the qualifications of the travel agent in Washington state you considering working with

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

I recommend: 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 Washington. 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 travel agency that you are considering is a member.

Ask your travel agent in Washington if you are eligible for any travel discounts

Your WA travel agent 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. 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 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. 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 an office in Seattle that will be able to get you started. 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.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  A travel agent in WA can access special non-advertised deals available to only select agencies. Discuss your business' specific travel needs and chances are they will be able to find vendors that will fit your needs.