Why using a travel agent is still the best way to book your next trip?

International travel
In addition to providing some destination-specific advice, travel professionals can negotiate international hotel and flight packages for you to help trim the costs on a trip overseas. Pittman also stressed that things can get tricky when traveling abroad, especially if you're visiting a nation with complicated visa or passport requirements. Not only can you get a better value when you use a travel agent, but you also have the peace of mind that you won't get stranded in a foreign country.


Honeymoon travel
You've got enough on your plate when it comes to organizing your wedding -- let someone else plan the honeymoon. Not only can a travel agent get you discounted rates, but they can use their established relationships to provide you with special honeymoon perks like room upgrades, welcome amenities and candlelit dinners.


Large group and corporate travel
Thanks to their industry contacts, travel professionals can help you negotiate large-group discounts and organize all of your itinerary details so your family reunion or your corporate retreat goes off without a hitch.


Cruise travel
Planning a cruise may sound easy, but you have to consider a lot of variables. What itinerary is right for you? Will you be spending an extra night in the departure or arrival port? Do you need to book a hotel room or car rental? What shore excursions do you want to sign up for? A travel professional can help you sort out all of the intricacies of your cruise and use their connections to secure unadvertised deals.


Theme park travel
Theme park vacations can get expensive quickly, especially when you factor in daily park expenses like tickets and food. Though places like Disney World routinely advertise package discounts to entice vacationers, a travel professional can help you distinguish between a good deal and a deal that's too good to be true. He or she can also find you those under-the-radar discounts, such as special family or group rates.


Look for an accredited agent
ASTA is the only professional association that represents travel agents, and it's the only organization that has its own code of ethics (meaning ASTA members are required to respond to customer complaints). Many travel agencies include the ASTA badge on their websites, but you can also search for an ASTA-accredited professional on the association's consumer website, TravelSense.org.