Travel agents advise clients on activities in their destinations, help them get the best rates, and optimize their spending. They also leverage their understanding of culture and geography to craft personalized and fulfilling experiences that last a lifetime.
Des Moines, Iowa, has a demand for travel agents, and interested individuals are encouraged to launch a career in this field. The following guide showcases a list of top training programs that can help candidates achieve this objective.
We don’t just reveal the programs; we also discuss their length, duration, highlights, and other reasons why they deserve a place on the list.
How to Become a Travel Agent in Des Moines
As a resident of Des Moines looking for an opportunity to start a career as a travel agent, my first major objective would be to join a host agency. Later, candidates can start worrying about starting their travel agencies.
Education is paramount to joining a host agency. While some host agencies offer in-house education, most candidates must attend a training program, such as the ones we highlight below.
After training, candidates may have to become certified for career opportunities even though it is not a mandatory requirement. Some top organizations with well-rated credentials for travel agents in Des Moines are the American Society of Travel Advisors and the Travel Institute.
Top Travel Agent Schools in Des Moines, Iowa
The following schools boast excellent educational materials for prospective travel agents in Des Moines, Iowa.
Des Moines Area Community College
Online, IA Online Only
Des Moines Area Community College has a travel agent training program that contains 100 course hours of instructions and has an access period of 6 months.
Tuition
$2,245 per ProgramContact
(855) 520-6806
Eastern Iowa Community Colleges
Online, IA Online Only
Eastern Iowa Community College also offers an online program similar to the one available through DMCC. Again, this kind of program is perfect for candidates who would like to study in the comfort of their own homes without having to sacrifice other commitments in their lives.
Tuition
$2,245 per ProgramContact
(855) 520-6806
Iowa Central Community College
Online, IA Online Only
The business department of Iowa Central Community College offers career training programs for interested individuals across the country. Future travel agents can come here to receive online training through a program that is as comprehensive as it gets.
Tuition
$2,245 per ProgramContact
(855) 520-6806
Kirkwood Community College
Cedar Rapids, IA Campus Only
Kirkwood Community College offers a Hospitality Management training program that can be perfect for future travel agents in Des Moines and across the state. An associate degree program, graduating from here will open up the door to a career in several disciplines of travel and tourism.
Tuition
$217 - $290 per CreditContact
(319) 848-8770
hospitalityarts@kirkwood.edu
Iowa Lakes Community College
Estherville, IA Campus Only
Lastly, aspiring travel agents can consider starting their careers through the excellent culinary and hospitality management program offered at Iowa Lakes Community College. This program has a total of 72 credits, 36 for the culinary track and 36 for the hospitality management track.
Tuition
$211 - $216 per CreditContact
(712) 852-5256
jgrossnickle@iowalakes.edu
Explore nearby states for education and training:
Explore detailed steps and the state’s licensing requirements: