Welcome to our selection of the best travel agent schools in Michigan.
If you want to turn your passion for travel into a rewarding profession, becoming a travel agent may be the right fit for you.
Across the nation, this profession is projected to grow 2 percent over the next decade.
Although the ability to use online resources to research vacations may limit the need for travel agents, people are expected to continue relying on their services for advice on popular and unique travel destinations.
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, travel agents in Michigan earned $48,620 on average per year, but salaries vary depending on experience, credibility, and a variety of other factors.
In order to improve your credibility and become equipped with the skills needed for this profession, you can begin a career in this field by completing an online course and becoming certified.
University and college programs are available at local community colleges or universities.
You can also earn professional certifications through The Travel Institute or by joining an agency that provides training.
Your training will typically prepare you for tasks such as:
- Arranging travel for business and vacations
- Determining clients’ schedules and budgets
- Finding fare and schedule information
- Describing trips to clients
- Advising about local customs and attractions
- Booking reservations
- Giving details on required travel documents
- And more
We encourage you to read our list and find out more about the training options available to prospective travel agents in Michigan.
#1Central Michigan University
About the School
Central Michigan University offers an Online Travel Agent Training program that can be completed in six months.
The course prepares students with the essential industry knowledge to help them become fully prepared for a career in travel planning with an industry-recognized credential.
Students get a 12-month subscription to Travefy when they enroll in the program.
They become eligible for the Travel Agent Proficiency test, offered by the Travel Institute.
This program costs $2,495- exam cost included.
Courses Offered
The syllabus includes:
- Introduction to the Travel Industry
- Professional Skills
- Basic Geography
- International Travel
- Exploring the World
- Types of Air Travel
- Career Development
- Sales and Marketing
- Technology Used in the Travel Industry
Contact Information
- Address: 802 Industrial Drive, Mount Pleasant, MI 48859
- Phone: 855.520.6806
- Website: https://careertraining.cmich.edu
#2South & West Washtenaw Consortium
About the School
The South & West Washtenaw Consortium offers a Hospitality and Tourism Management program available for students in grades 11 and 12.
This is a full-year program that explores the business and management side of the hospitality and tourism industry, including lodging, food and beverage operations, attractions and travel services, and event management.
Students gain real-world experience by planning and executing leadership-driven events, giving them hands-on practice in project management, teamwork, and professional leadership skills.
They have the option to participate in hands-on learning experiences, including site visits to destinations such as the Detroit Auto Show, Shinola Hotel, Bavarian Inn Lodge, and the University of Michigan Stadium.
In-class speaker sessions will give them the opportunity to hear from industry professionals.
Students have the opportunity to earn the industry-recognized Hospitality and Tourism Specialist Credential.
Contact Information
- Address: 1300 Campus Pkwy. Saline, MI 48176
- Phone: (734) 401-4476
- Website: https://www.salineschools.org
#3Western Michigan University
About the School
Western Michigan University offers a Tourism and Travel program that includes a wide range of business and career opportunities.
The program is available at the School of Environment, Geography, and Sustainability.
The tourism and travel major is designed for students planning to pursue a career in the tourism industry.
Students are required to complete one of the following:
- Professional internship
- Research under the guidance of a tourism faculty member
- Study abroad experience
Recent graduates with this degree are working as travel agents, geographic area specialists, regional planners, or map curators.
Contact Information
- Address: Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5200 USA
- Phone: (269) 387-1000
- Website: https://wmich.edu
#4Michigan Hospitality Foundation
About the School
The American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) offers hospitality training, certification, and skill growth at every level of hospitality careers.
The institute provides the study materials and administers the certification process for nearly 30 certification designations trademarked by the American Hotel & Lodging Association.
Courses Offered
The HTM curriculum covers topics such as:
- What is Hospitality?
- Careers in Hospitality and Tourism
- Welcoming Guests
- Travel Tourism
- Attractions
- Resorts, Clubs and Gaming
- Cruise Industry
- Sales and Marketing
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 225 West Washtenaw, Lansing, MI 48933
- Phone: (800) 968-9668
- Website: https://www.mihf.org
#5Eastern Michigan University
About the School
Eastern Michigan University offers a variety of professional programs and training.
The catalog includes a Hospitality program and Travel Agent training.
The 100-hour Travel Agent course prepares students with the essential industry knowledge to help them become fully prepared for a career in travel planning with an industry-recognized credential.
Students get a 12-month subscription to Travefy when they enroll in the program.
They become eligible for the Travel Agent Proficiency test, offered by the Travel Institute.
This program costs $2,368- exam cost included.
Courses Offered
The syllabus includes:
- Introduction to the Travel Industry
- Professional Skills
- Basic Geography
- International Travel
- Exploring the World
- Types of Air Travel
- Career Development
- Sales and Marketing
- Technology Used in the Travel Industry
Contact Information
- Address:
- Phone: 855.520.6806
- Website: https://careertraining.emich.edu
#6Michigan State University
About the School
Michigan State University offers programs in more than 400 areas of study across 16 colleges.
Its catalog includes several tourism programs, including:
- Michigan Tourism Training & Engagement
- Understanding Tourism for Michigan Communities
- Planning for Tourism
- First Impressions Tourism Assessment
- Rural Tourism Assessment
- Strengthening Tourism Leadership: Facilitation Tools to Move Community-driven Tourism Forward
- Custom Tourism Programs
The Michigan Tourism Training & Engagement is an interactive 2.5-hour training program designed for frontline employees and supervisors who interact with visitors.
The Planning for Tourism workshop walks communities through a facilitated process centered on understanding life-cycle models grounded in tourism scholarship.
There are multiple in-person and web-based program delivery options available for communities or organizations interested in this program.
Contact Information
- Address: Michigan State University, 426 Auditorium Road, East Lansing, MI 48824
- Phone: (517) 355-1855
- Website: https://www.canr.msu.edu
#7The Travel Institute
About the School
If you want to learn the ins and outs of this profession from the comfort of your home, the Travel Institute offers a Certified Travel Associate program that is available completely online.
The program can be completed by students at their own pace.
The certification is designed for working travel advisors who want to build credibility, improve client relationships, strengthen sales skills, and grow their business.
Students gain foundational cruise knowledge to help advisors understand cruise categories, itineraries, destinations, client matching, and positioning strategies.
The program explores new approaches to positioning and recommending today’s all-inclusive vacation experiences.
Courses Offered
The curriculum includes:
- Business ethics
- Business writing skills
- Customer service
- The art of listening and communications
- Time management
- Understanding customer needs
- Planning itineraries
- Selling cruises
- Touring the world
- Selling special interest travel
- Travel insurance
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 945 Concord St, Framingham, MA 01701
- Phone: 800.542.4282
- Website: https://www.thetravelinstitute.com
#8Travel Agent Academy
About the School
Travel Agent Academy offers training designed to help students learn and retain information in fun and interactive ways.
Students earn Travel Institute CEU Credits.
The courses are compatible with an iOS tablet and allow students to learn from anywhere, on their own time, at their own pace.
Courses Offered
The course catalog includes:
- AAT Kings A-Listers Program & Agent Academy
- Le Programme Spécialiste Air France et Film
- Become a Houston Travel Pro
- Lopesan Specialist Program
- Greece Specialist Program
- Visit Florida Rewards Program
- Air France and KLM Specialist Program
- Baja California Specialist Program
- Choice Hotels’ Masterclass
- Costa Rica Specialist Program
- Dominican Republic Specialist
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 301 Route 17 N, Suite 1150, Rutherford, NJ 07070
- Website: https://www.travelagentacademy.com
#9Penn Foster
About the School
Penn Foster offers a Travel Agent training program that can be completed online in eight months.
Classes are flexible, so students learn how to become a successful travel agent on their schedule, from home.
This program costs $799.
Students prepare for entry-level jobs as travel agents in a variety of settings, including travel agencies and tour companies.
The training covers essential topics such as:
- How to arrange all modes of transportation for travel
- How to book hotels and resorts
- How to recommend popular tourist destinations
- And more
As part of the program, students sit for the Travel Agent Proficiency certification exam.
The course includes 12 courses and 21 exams.
Contact Information
- Address: 200 Hickory Street, Scranton, PA 18505 USA
- Phone: 800-275-4410
- Website: https://www.pennfoster.edu
#10The Knowledge Academy
About the School
The Knowledge Academy offers online Travel Agent training.
The academy has more than 10 years of experience in quality, instructor-led training and prepares students for the roles, responsibilities, and skills needed to succeed in the travel industry.
The curriculum covers itinerary planning, booking systems, customer service, travel regulations, destination knowledge, and professional travel planning practices.
Students learn strategies to provide exceptional customer service.
They acquire proficiency in using booking systems for efficient planning.
The program covers training in travel destinations, products, and services.
The following training options are available:
- Online Instructor-Led Learning
- Online Self-Paced Learning
- Onsite Learning
Courses Offered
Course outline includes:
- Travel Industry
- International Travel
- Domestic Air Travel
- Destination Geography
- Ground Transportation
- How to Market Yourself as a Travel Professional
- Offering Travel Agent Services
- Professional Skills
- Customer Service Skills
Contact Information
- Phone: 720.445.4674
- Website: https://www.theknowledgeacademy.com
Schools Summary Table
Travel Agent Average Salary in Michigan
Estimated Earnings Range:| Item | Percent |
|---|---|
|
$36K
|
|
|
$48K
|
|
|
$62K
|
Travel Agent Salary by Metro Area in Michigan
| Metro Area | Employed | Avg. Annual | Avg. Hourly | Top 10% | Bottom 10% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ann Arbor, MI | 30 | $50,850 | $24.45 | $65,050 | $38,360 |
| Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI | 530 | $50,550 | $24.30 | $63,410 | $38,910 |
| Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI | 140 | $47,280 | $22.73 | $59,580 | $37,570 |
* Employment opportunities may differ based on your location.
Final Thoughts
By working as a travel agent, you have the opportunity to turn your passion for traveling into a profitable business.
Now that you have read our selection of the best travel agent schools in Michigan, it’s time to continue your research and apply for the program that best meets your learning style and career aspirations.
