If my travel plans consolidate for my dream trip in 2013, I will definitely want to use competent TA's. I found a place in Chicago called Select Italy and they specialize in Italian (Italy only) travel..no other countries. These folks can offer pre-arranged trips to completely custom ones (for a fee of course)... what makes these folks appealing is their ability to arrange multiple events (food, wine and/or music) and have contacts in the major Italian opera houses (not just La Scala in Milan) as well as numerous vineyards. Since I am an unabashed classical music geek/wine lover this gets me all warm and fuzzy.

Call me an old fart, Luddite, flat earther, etc but I still prefer to use, if available, a quality agent/adviser as opposed to sitting in front of a screen all day looking to save $5. I will gladly pay their fees if they provide good service...and yes, there are indeed still good agents out there...

Now, if I could find an agency like Select Italy....for France, Germany and Spain

Cheers,