The internet has made planning your own vacations easy - simply log in, check prices, click and book. While this is convenient, it is not always in your best interest to eliminate using a Travel Agent.

Can you get airfare yourself at a great price? In many cases, yes, especially booking directly through an airline's website. Many travel agencies do not book airfare only as a result. But when planning a tour or cruise, tour and cruise operators may have the ability to book bulk airfare, which can sometimes be less expensive.

Booking a cruise? You travel agent, as part of a large agency, may have group space available for the particular cruise you are interested in. That space might include discounts, such as shipboard credits or amenities such as a bottle of champagne or wine. Booking directly through a cruise line would not offer discounts you might be able to receive through a travel agent.

Planning a European, Hawaiin, Australian or anywhere else tour? Agents have multiple supplier sources they can access to create the vacation you want, rather than a standard vacation you might find on a website. Why limit yourself to going on an Italian tour that leaves on Saturdays when you'd rather fly in on a Thursday or Friday and begin your tour? Are you really interested in a tour of Ireland with a visit to a horse farm, or would you rather have time to shop at the Waterford Factory? Your travel agent usually has sources to customize your tour the way you want it.

Tour operators also have contracts with various hotels in the cities you'd like to visit at discounted rates. Check with your travel agent and see.

Your travel agent is a great source for travelers who have little time to spend with endless details in planning a trip - they will deal with ensuring you are aware of passport requirements, cross their p's & q's to ensure your documents are prepared correctly and add details of fun places to visit near where you are staying.

Think you can call a discount travel supplier while you are on your trip for help if you have a problem? You can call your travel agent. Need help with your travel insurance? Your travel agent can provide you with answers.

Many travel agents are also certified as specialists by suppliers, such as Disney, Sandals, Beaches, etc. and can give you great advice on different properties because they have been to them as part of their training. They can give you an honest assessment of amenities on site.

Yes, the internet has made traveling easier to book on your own, but make sure you don't discount the use of a travel agent.