Booking direct or with a travel agent

[Maryann]

I do use a travel agent sometimes (my BFF), especially when there is a flight involved, as she always finds the cheaper flights. Also if there are problems with the flight or the room, she takes care of it, and I've had some serious issues that she has had to straighten out, one time at 3 a.m. Like Jaherring said, though, they are becoming extinct, kind of like traveler's checks, which I also still use.