Why would I want to use a travel agent?

With so many ways to purchase travel on the internet, why might it pay to use a travel agent?

Well, for one reason, the fact that there simply are so many travel-selling sites. Some, like Expedia or Hotels.com are well known and have good reputations. In fact, they are travel agencies, and if you are doing a simple air flight this may be the way to go.

But what about those sites that pop up when you are researching your travel destination? Before the days of the internet there were travel scams, and the prevalence of the internet in our daily lives has only made it easier to find the less-than-reliable travel suppliers out there.

So, why would you want to use a flesh-and-blood travel agent?

- You can talk to a real person without wading through the airlines’ or travel company’s ‘phone trees.’ In fact, your phone is usually answered in 3 or fewer rings.
-Two words: Personalized Service. An experienced travel counselor can sort through all the available offerings and show you those most appropriate to your individual circumstances. S/he can tell you the difference between the resort that costs $70 per night per person and the one that costs $150. S/he can choose the available cabin on the cruise ship that is best for you.

- As your travel counselor becomes familiar with you s/he can alert you to travel sales or deals that might interest you.

- A travel agent will keep your basic information on hand, such as frequent flyer numbers or hotel frequent guest numbers, and will automatically enter these into your reservation.

These are just a few of the reasons you may want to consider talking to a travel agent before planning your next vacation.