Should I use a travel agent?
 

I want to plan a trip to Europe for our 30th anniversary. I usually do all my booking myself. I have lots of miles on several airlines, timeshare points, hotel points, etc. On my bucket list- Croatia, Italy (Tuscany,Venice), and Greece if it is safe (preferably the islands). I am not sure I can coordinate it all but I am not sure if a travel agent would be interested since I want most of it to be "free" or at least cheap, maybe using FF miles for upgrades. I guess I don't know where to start. Dates are flexible.

Also we live on west coast, USA. FLy east- stay in New York for a night or 2, or fly west?

For flights a TA will be happy to help even if they are free. TAs no longer get a percentage of the ticket so they charge a fee. If your ticket is free the TA will still charge you. Don't know about hotels.

If you are planning on using points to purchase the flights and hotels, I don't think a traditional travel agent is going to be of much assistance.

If you want some help, you might look for one of the award booking "consultants" that will search and book things for a fee. I have never used one myself, but I think there are a couple of FlyerTalkers and/or FF bloggers that run it as a kind of side business.

A big difference between an airline upgrade and a straight out award flights. Upgrades are never guaranteed and now days often only available from more expensive base fares (not discount fares)

A lot of travel agents have zero knowledge of freq flyer miles & hotel loyalty programmes. But you may find a TA who charge you a fee or hourly rate to sort it all out.

Look here:- http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trave...l#post26151912 These may or may not be registered insured travel agents.

Should I use a travel agent?
 

Since you are unsure if you should use a TA why not contact a local one and see what they can do and then proceed from there

Definitely fly east for a trip to Europe. The other way would take much much longer.

tuscany and croatia are tough with points/timeshares?

some Destination Management Companies allow clients to book directly with them, and offer a la carte services

as noted, if not paying for any hotels or premium air, can pay fee to agents/operators

Should I use a travel agent?
 

You can you a travel agent just ask them about award ticket fees and destination knowledge. Just like any professional you hire you should find someone who you like and works with your travel style. For this type of trip using points/miles most will charge planning fees and award ticket fees.

I'm working with a client now and I found her award ticket to South America and charged her a fee for my time researching and ultimately dealing with AA on phone .

There are many good advisors on FT to work with

seems more travel agents are getting into award flight booking for fee

and OP's EU trip doesnt need award fight booking 'expert'

Where did you get this idea? It might be true for airlines in Australia, but the USA legacy carriers give you a confirmed upgrade if inventory is available when you use instruments, which often don't require expensive fares. Similarly, free upgrades from domestic full fares (Y or Y and B or Y B M depending on the carrier and your elite level) can be confirmed at the time the ticket is purchased.

BTW, I agree with you that some of the award booking services don't seem to know much. AFAIK none of them are official travel agents, which means you really don't get any consumer protections in dealing with these services.