Originally Posted by swrinfla

hernando:

As a former travel agent myself (retired from it some 9 years ago, shortly after 9/11), I've certainly got some ideas about what you should be looking for in a travel agent!

Today, so far as I know, almost none even issue airline tickets - they don't get commissions anymore, and it's almost universally cheaper for folks to book their own flights on line.

For tours and cruises, however, I strongly suggest finding a good agent to help you out. To me, a good agent has a lot of personal experience as well as a skill in understanding what you're looking for. That generally rules out the youngsters - that is, the cute young girls who haven't been anywhere but who are adept at repeating what their more senior/seasoned bosses tell them!

In the immediate vicinity of The Villages, I'd certainly start with AAA. Don't necessarily book with the first agent you talk with; develop a relationship and feel comfortable that he/she knows what you want, how much you're willing to spend, etc., etc.

There are others, and I have dealt with one or two who seemed to fit my needs. That said, I do my own research, then have a former colleague do the booking - usually for my cruises. This gives her a penny or two (she still works at the agency where I did, but also operates her own out of her home), and I benefit, too, because she always sends me at least one bottle of wine for my cruise!

Develop a trusting relationship and you should always have a good trip.

SWR