But what if you're thinking about a second honeymoon or a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Europe or the other side of the world? Are you going to rely on a website or someone you can talk to face to face?

With money increasingly tight these days, it's important to get the most for every penny. And contrary to popular misconceptions, travel agents are still in demand and can help a lot with making a much-needed vacation as inexpensive and hassle-free as possible.

According to the American Society of Travel Agents, 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 hotel stays.

"There is no doubt that today's travelers have more options than ever before, from destinations, packages and pricing to booking methods and itineraries," said Chris Russo, president of American Society of Travel Agents. "Working with a professional travel consultant to plan your next trip, be it a grand tour of Europe or a long weekend, can save you both time and money."

Susan Greenberg, a travel specialist for Edgewood Travel, said she proves that theory every day.

"I booked a last-minute birthday getaway to Disney for a client's granddaughter, and they got a lot of extras they wouldn't have gotten if they booked it themselves online," she said.

Many agencies have access to special packages and offers that aren't available on regular sites. And since they know the best places to stay, the best sites to see and the best places to eat, they can save time and aggravation as well.

Greenberg became a travel agent because she loves to travel.

She has sailed on the inaugural cruise aboard the Celebrity Solstice as well as the MS Westerdam, MS Zuiderdam and MS Oosterdam, Celebrity Century and the Royal Caribbean Liberty of the Seas. She has been to Australia, Asia, Europe, the British Isles, Iceland, Canada, New England and the Mediterranean, so she has firsthand knowledge of a lot of places. And unlike asking a friend or relative about laws of the land or best places to shop in those exotic locales, Greenberg has those types of questions in mind when traveling.

"We look with the eye of professional and keep in mind pieces of information to make your trip run smoother," she said.

The best way to know whether a travel professional is right for you is to give one a try.

"Travel consultants are committed to making their clients' trip the best travel experience possible," Russo said. "So while the summer travel season is always a busy one, this year if you work with a travel consultant to plan your summer vacations, it doesn't have to be a frustrating one."

Arlinda Smith Broady can be reached at 912-652-0314 or by e-mail at arlinda.broady@savannahnow.com. Look for her blog, "Dollars & Sense," and her weekly Web chat at 10 a.m. Thursdays at www.savannahnow.com.