You're online and see a beautiful cruise ship on the screen and with a few clicks you've found the vacation of your dreams--that second Honeymoon that's been calling to you for years now.  It sounds like a great deal.  Is it?   The ship is nice, the cabins look good.  However, you've never been on a cruise and there are just some questions you have.  Does that rate include taxes and port charges? Gratuities?  ALL meals and drinks?  Hmm, what to do?  Maybe, you'll pay a visit to that travel agency located across from your business in the morning.  They might have some information for you.  You've made a smart decision!

Who wants to be in this position:  you booked and paid for your cruise online.  You needed airline tickets, so you bought those online as well, to arrive at your cruise port ONE HOUR BEFORE THE SHIP SAILS!  By a miracle of a taxi driver (you missed all of the cruiseline's coach transfers), you make it to the ship to check in, and discover that you NEED A PASSPORT to sail.  But the ship is leaving from Puerto Rico--why would you need a passport?!  Yes, but it's visiting several islands in the Caribbean where a passport is required.  Unfortunately, that ship sailed--without you.

Time and again we hear stories about internet-booked trips gone bad.  The fact is, when you want a simple airline ticket, you may find a great fare online.  When you want an extensive vacation involving detail, it pays to consult with a professional, someone who knows the "ins and outs" of your destination.

Here are some reasons to use a travel consultant:

Convenient One-Stop Shopping

Travel agents can handle every aspect of your trip from airline tickets to lodging, ground transportation, activities, tours and more.

Consumer Advocate

If you should have a problem during your trip, travel agents can act on your behalf to see that proper restitution is made.  Would your online agent answer the phone?

Expert Guidance

Travel agents are experts in helping travelers get where they need to go and in helping to create possibilities most people never would have dreamed of.

Updated Information

Travel agents are constantly communicating with the travel community, thus giving you the most up-to- date info on airlines, hotels, car rental agencies, travel visas, and other travel services to consider as you plan your trip.

Travel Documentation

Travel agents can help you to prepare and organize necessary documents that you may need in order to travel outside of the country.

Travel Expertise

Many travel agents are considered experts in the area where you will be traveling and have likely already been to your chosen destination.

Financial Planning

Travel experts can help you to create a budget to stick to while you are on your trip, so you can have a good time and not break the bank.

Travel Agents Must Be Doing Something Right.  According to the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA), travel agents still sell 51 percent of all airline tickets, 87 percent of all cruises, 81 percent of all tours and packages, 45 percent of all car rentals and about 47 percent of all hotels.

Less Stress

Planning a trip can be stressful.  All those hours at the computer!  All the self-doubt!  So many options and details to worry about! Travel agents do the work = less stress for you!  Once you find a good travel agent, your dream vacation is just a phone call away.

Finally....who doesn't want to say, "I can't talk right now; I'm on the phone with my travel agent!"