My wife and I book all of our own basic travel, but when going on special trips often use an agent. We took a 31 day trip to New Zealand and Australia a while back and used an agent who specialized in those countries. Where we used award travel to and from, she set up all of the flights within New zealand and within Australia. She also helped book the award travel. We stayed mostly in small hotels or out of the way lodges. Our travel was on our own but we hooked up with tours, some private and some not, in many locations. I could not have planned as nice a trip on my own.

When we went to London we did the same thing. Our agent was located in California and found us a great hotel, well located and fairly priced, one we would have never considered. We used award travel and booked our own. The agent also helped set up some tours including a wonderfer few days in Scotland and London to Brussels by rail. In Brussels she booked a flea bag hotel (well located) that was just awful -- no one is 100%. all in all we were glad we used her.

Now agents do not know everything. We always do our own research and help the agent plan our trip. Your local travel agent often is not the one you need. Check with friends and find one who really knows the areas you plan to vist.