The best travel agents ask a lot of questions.
They won't know how to save you money until they understand your plans and preferences. So be patient! Answer their questions carefully and honestly.
You can ask a few questions, too.
Check references and associations.
The American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) is one of the world's most respected travel organizations. Their code of ethics requires each member to deal fairly with clients.
Don't automatically eliminate someone who does not belong to a group like ASTA. Just realize that these days, anyone with a modem and a printer can claim to be a travel agent. Check references. Ask friends and family for recommendations. Do your homework.
On that last point, do some checking on airfares, hotels, and car rentals prior to your visit with the travel agent. It's important to have baseline prices in mind. More importantly, it will show the travel agent that you're a savvy consumer.
