I always get questions about the benefit of what I do compared to just booking a vacation online.  Why do I need you to do the work that I can do myself??

The question of whether or not to use a travel agent is ultimately up to you, but I can provide some very compelling reasons to do so.  Booking your trip with a professional travel consultant rather than a website will actually save you time and money.  Reputable travel agents/consultants are plentiful, however, I suggest you do your due diligence and ask for references.

When you’re ready to select a travel agent, it helps to ask friends and family who they use.  If they have had good results and a pleasant experience working with a particular travel agent, there is a good chance that you will too.   It is important that you have a good relationship with your travel agent and that you feel comfortable working with them.

The reason many people resist using a travel agent is because they feel they can find better deals on those cookie cutter websites without having to pay a fee.  This may be true in some instances, but often a travel agent will be able to find exactly what you are looking for at a good price.  Many travel agents do not charge fees and simply make their income from commissions received from hotels, airlines, cruise lines, etc., while some will charge a nominal fee.  Most travel agents will charge a fee for booking airline tickets, though a travel agent might be able to get you better seats or another special deal that you may not be able to find on your own.  It’s best to find out up front if your prospective travel agent charges fees.

The benefits to you are that you can tell your travel agent exactly what you want, including the type of hotels, activities, and any special needs you have, and the travel agent can take care of everything.  If you are busy working and caring for a family, you may not have time to research vacations and select the best one, but your travel agent can do the planning for you.  They will also be able to add in free amenities that you will not get by booking online.

What happens if you have a problem at any time during your vacation??  Who do you contact??  Using a travel agent, you now have a point of contact.  For example, if you are unhappy at the hotel or with a rental car, you can contact your travel agent who can then contact the business for you.  Most businesses are more likely to listen to travel agents than an individual complaint, because they do not want to lose the relationship and repeated business that a travel agent provides.

If you still feel like you can get a better deal yourself, there is nothing stopping you from checking around online.  Many travel agents will offer a “beat or match” offer as I do.  If you shop around online and find a price lower than one quoted by me, I will beat or match that price.

But, if you are short on time and want to make planning a vacation a stress-free experience, using a travel agent might just be a good option for you.

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This article was reprinted from Cruise Critic.

When you surf over to a cruise agency’s Web site, or dial up their 800 number, you may be dealing with one of the top cruise-only wholesalers in the country, a local franchisee of a large full-service travel agency, or a very knowledgeable cruise specialist at a small travel agency. Or, it may be a novice working off of his or her kitchen table.

So, how can you tell the difference and find a good, reputable travel agent or agency — and avoid a bad booking experience?

Unfortunately, agents tell us that the travel industry is not well-regulated, and just about anyone can just print up business cards, hang out a shingle and start selling travel. The majority of states do not require any type of registration, certification, licensing or consumer protection measures for travel agencies, although this is beginning to change. Bottom line: It is crucial to know who you are dealing with.

Your best bet is to talk to friends, co-workers, relatives and associates and ask them if they know of a good, reputable, local agent who specializes in cruises. (And, of course, read our feature article on Finding a Good Travel Agent.) But here are a few more tips for avoiding cruise travel scams — and spotting a less-than-reputable agency and protecting your investment before it’s too late.

Pay with a credit card. For your best protection against either a dishonest seller of travel or possible supplier bankruptcy, always pay for your cruise fare — both the initial deposit and the final payment — with a major credit card such as Mastercard, Visa or American Express. Under the Fair Credit Billing Act, you are entitled to protection (via a chargeback of disputed fees to your account) if a merchant fails.

Important note: This protection may not apply to those using debit or check cards; it’s important to confirm policies with your issuing bank before you charge.

Ensure your money is in the right hands. After you’ve made a payment, review your credit card or bank statement and make sure that any applicable charges originate directly with the cruise line, not with the travel agency. That way, you’ll know that the cruise line has definitely received your money. If you must pay by check or money order, it should be made payable to the cruise line — not to the agency or to an individual.

Get proper confirmation of your booking. Insist on getting the actual cruise line’s confirmation numbers, not just a confirmation number from your agency. Not only will you then know that your information and money is in the right hands, but you’ll also be able to pre-reserve shore excursions, restaurant reservations and spa appointments (where available) on the cruise line’s Web site.

Purchase travel insurance — but do so wisely. Cruise Critic has long advised travelers to purchase travel insurance directly from respected third-party insurers rather than the cruise lines themselves, as the latter’s policies do not protect customers should the cruise line go out of business. Do note, however, that most insurers provide financial insolvency protection for cruise lines as well as airlines, hotels and tour operators — but not travel agencies. Learn more in our Travel Insurance: Pros and Cons.

Check up on an agency before giving them your business. Ask if the agency belongs to any of the following organizations: ARC, IATA, ASTA, ARTA, CLIA or NACOA. A legitimate agency should belong to at least one or two of these groups. Check, too, with the Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been registered about the agency. You may also want to contact the attorney general’s office in the state where you live and the state where the agency is based.

Remember: If it sounds too good to be true… Be very cautious about dealing with any travel company that says you’ve won something or sends you a certificate in the mail for a trip that sounds too good to be true — because it probably is. Never give out your credit card number to a telephone solicitor (unless you have initiated the call and you know the company that you are dealing with) and never send cash, checks or money orders to a travel company that you do not know (unless all of the details of the trip are supplied to you in writing first).

–updated by Melissa Paloti, Managing Editor

One of my facebook friends LOVES MSC Cruises. But I’m sure many of you are wondering – who is MSC Cruises??? You’re familiar with Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Disney and maybe even Princess and Holland America. But — WHO is MSC????

The information in this note is taken from the MSC Cruises website. Experience MSC Cruises.

1. World’s Fastest Growing Cruise Line
Our growth has been phenomenal! From a fleet of three classic vessels in 2003, we have grown into a truly global cruise line that will boast two classic vessels and eight magnificent contemporary vessels by 2010. MSC Cruises is the world’s fastest growing cruise line!

2. European & Italian
Legendary film star and Italian icon Sophia Loren is the proud Godmother of our line, hence European and Italian ambiance abounds! From the genuine warmth of our Italian officers and Italian-inspired décor to our refined La Cucina Italiana and New World Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, you will enjoy a truly cosmopolitan vacation experience.

3. Unique Itineraries
MSC Cruises offers more than 150 itineraries calling on 130 ports – including many not-often-visited locales – allowing our guests to discover the world with itineraries featuring the best of the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Northern Europe and South America as well as unique Transatlantic Ocean Voyages.

4. White-Glove Service
On many cruise lines this is a lost art; on MSC Cruises it is a tradition that is proudly preserved. It starts from the moment you board the ship. Each and every guest is greeted by our white-gloved staff and personally escorted to their stateroom.

5. Quiet Ship | Refined Ambiance
There are times when less is truly more. Onboard MSC ships we fully embrace this, putting our guests’ experience first and foremost. Notable is the absence of non-stop broadcast messages – only essential ones are made. There are also no waiters pushing their drinks – only servers fulfilling your wishes. These subtle, unique MSC qualities provide our guests with a fulfilling vacation experience.

6. Freshly Prepared Cuisine
This allows us to offer guests a wider variety of dining and menu selections, from regional Italian specialties and gourmet offerings to a wide range of more traditional options.

7. Top Entertainment
Our entertainment gets standing ovations because we focus on hiring the finest international talent. It is recognized as the best entertainment at sea by agents, press and guests alike. With continuous evening entertainment throughout the ship and unique theme cruises on select sailings, there is always something for everyone.

8. Impeccable Décor & Cleanliness
MSC Cruises’ ships are thoughtfully designed with our guests in mind. The atmosphere is one of understated elegance, with subtle color palettes, fine artwork and plenty of open vistas. Our public rooms boast some of the highest space-to-guest ratios at sea. And our hallmark is that we operate among the cleanest ships afloat – our ships average scores of 99 out of 100 on USPH inspections!

9. Extraordinary Value | Uncompromising Experience
Our extraordinary product is perhaps the best value in cruising. We offer new ships, new itineraries and an abundance of onboard amenities at prices sure to put the wind in your sails, including our signature Kids 17 & Under Sail Free year-round program.

What I like about MSC Cruises are their THEME CRUISES. Expanding your horizons, pursuing a new passion and enhancing your skills can all be achieved with a unique selection of complimentary theme cruises, including:

BASEBALL GREATS CRUISES

THE LES DEMERLE BIG BAND

POLKA PARTY AT SEA

WELL-BEING THEME CRUISES

ASTRAL THEME CRUISES

HOBBY THEME CRUISES

CULINARY THEME CRUISES

GOLF THEME CRUISES

BRIDGE THEME CRUISES

CHRISTMAS CRUISE

NEW YEARS CRUISE

TEXAS HOLD ‘EM CRUISE

CULTURAL CRUISE

CHESS THEME CRUISES

I’ve had clients to gather a group of like-minded friends and sail on a Theme Cruise. Group space can be reserved on the ship where your activities and meetings can take place. This accomplishes a few things:

1. You get together with close family and friends.

2. You and your family/friends have the opportunity to take a great vacation while supporting your favorite activity or charity.

3. Combine and complete the business of your favorite charity with your vacation.

How about an MSC Cruise for you??

In my Facebook status earlier today, I mentioned that Congress is looking to standardize rules for carry-ons. These are just a few tips on packing lightly. Although, I know it may be tempting to pack everything you “think you might need” including the TV, it’s just not a good idea these days.

Airline restrictions are getting tighter and tighter with the amount of checked bags limited and overweight baggage being charged an extra fee. So for travelers, packing light is packing right. There are some tricks to making the allowance stretch without resorting to buying the pricey new light weight luggage.

A Smaller Suitcase

Huge suitcases when empty can almost push travelers past the allowable limit. Converting to the next size down saves weight that can be used for clothes and souvenirs. Soft sided suitcases are fine for non breakable items (like clothes).

Rolling Clothes

You’ve moved to a smaller suitcase but how do you make all your clothes fit? A simple answer is to roll them. Rolling clothes takes up less room than folding them flat. Every section of the suitcase is filled, including air pockets. A bonus is the clothes normally have less wrinkles.

An Extra Duffel Bag

I always pack an emergency soft sided duffel bag just in case I make more purchases than I plan. They also come in handy as a dirty clothes bag, limiting laundry needed.

Black Running Shoes

Shoes are perhaps the heaviest items to pack. That’s why making pairs stretch to numerous occasions make sense. Planning on packing a sporty shoe to reduce pain while touring around cities by foot. Make it a black running shoe. Not only do these shoes fit in better in European countries (where few people wear running shoes for everyday wear) but they can also pass at other events (where often no running shoes are allowed).

Wash And Wear Flying Clothes

Luggage gets lost or delayed. That is a reality of flying. So unless you wish to spend money on an entire new wardrobe while waiting for your luggage to be found, I suggest wearing clothes, while flying, that can be easily washed and quickly dried. Not only do I wear a set of easily wash and dried clothes but I carry on an extra set also.

Make Purchases With Luggage Restrictions In Mind

On my first trip to Mexico, I bought a hat for a friend. Not only did I have to carry it to every city I went but I had a difficult time bringing it back on the flight.

On the other hand, once I purchased a wall sized painting from Bali. I broke down the frame, rolled the canvas, and wrapped it in plastic similar to a pair of skis. I had zero difficulties bringing it on the plane as the airline was accustomed to shipping skis.

When I make any purchase while on a trip, my first thought is “How am I bringing this back?” If I can’t put it in my luggage or pack it as a separate piece, I consider shipping it directly. If that isn’t financially feasible, I leave it.

With the tighter and tighter luggage restrictions, it makes sense to reduce the amount of luggage needed as much as possible. Using these tips will save space, hassle AND reduce your frustrations.

With summer upon us, those who’ve put off making travel plans for 2009 out of economic fear, guilt or otherwise — may come out ahead as airlines, hotels and resorts continue to roll out screaming-good deals.

I posted a couple of deals at 4:00 pm today (June 15) and within 5 seconds I had requests for quotes. I worked for 3.5 hours on quotes for people with 3 commitments for travel. Not bad for one afternoon.

Travel industry insiders point out that now more than ever people are looking for travel packages that are surprise-free, the more all-inclusive the better. And given the state of the economy and industry, it’s as if the vacation stars have aligned in the consumer’s favor — especially if the shopper is willing to be flexible on dates.

It’s definitely a buyer’s market out there, and it is the right time to ask — if these add-ons aren’t already offered — for free breakfasts, room upgrades and, for example, free access to a property’s gym.

Resorts, too, should and are ponying up plenty of perks. Seek out those free spa treatments, meals and rounds of golf.

One hot spot for deal seekers is Mexico, which is struggling to reclaim its place on the tourism map. In the aftermath of the H1N1 flu virus scare, vacation destinations there “were just brutalized. As a result, resorts in places such as Cozumel and Cancun are slashing package prices by as much as 50 percent, CNN reported late last month.

Flights to Mexico and Caribbean destinations, which are generally more affordable this time of year anyway, are even more enticing because of even greater prices and because the airlines are waiving the need to buy tickets in advance in order to secure the best rates.

Navigating the deals and best steals can be overwhelming, which is why turning to a travel agent for help can make a difference. A travel agent, for example, can sift through all the options, often secure different packages and can help prospective travelers figure out what destination is best for them.

There are so many deals out there, consumers will tend to get confused. Add reviews in which are all over the place and they will “bang their heads on the wall” as one of my clients put it. Going to a professional who can tell you what the traditional prices are … and give you some good old-fashioned advice is best for consumers.

Just this week I heard a story of a client who booked with an online travel site in an effort to “save money”. The person only looked at the price and not the description. She purchased a “small” room with one queen bed for herself and a friend. She needed to book a room with two double beds. She is now waiting to see if her credit card company will help her out or if the travel company will let her have the room with two doubles for the same price as her one queen. Now a person who’s experienced in booking travel is attempting to “put the milk back in the carton”. That’s not an easy job to do. I made a post earlier that it costs no more to use a travel agent than it does to book online. Additionally, the agent knows how to find many value-added features that you cannot get online.

Money and savings aside, the importance of getting away from the daily grind, even for a couple days, doesn’t fade away during tough economic times. There are plenty of options available for “Staycations”. There’s also a surge of interest in weekend escapes. Likewise, the road trip is getting good play.

I have a client who’s going on a road trip this month and just needs hotel rooms. She booked two rooms online to save money. Then she thought to ask me about my rates. I got the exact same hotels for her at rates less than she was able to get. She saved $50 and was grateful!!

So because it’s already June does not mean you can’t get a decent vacation this summer. Let us help you with a memorable trip for 2009!

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