What Does a Travel Agency do?
The central obligation of a travel agency is to make the course of travel planning simpler and easier for their consumer and them experience an adventurous trip. Travel agencies work together with the public and communicate with their clients to come up with the best possible accommodations, transportation and travel destinations arrangements that suit their individual client’s needs. They can provide their clients with travel packages from several cruise or resort lines or offer suggestions based on their experiences. Travel agents are often expected to work on a budget, thus compelling them to be highly organized to be in a position of offering their clients travelling arrangement that suits both their leisure travel expectation and financial constraints.

Secret to Picking a Reputable Travel Agency
Needless to say, I am sold that a good travel agency can offer way more things than any search engine can ever do. Here are a few guidelines that are handy when it comes to choosing a travel agent:

Go for the right Certification
I have to commend the ASTA connections; Always go with ASTA certified agency. ASTA certifications ensure the agency adheres to its code of conduct, ASTA has a Consumer Affairs Department where one can register complaints against any of its members. A travel agency with ASTA certifications implies it has a reputation to uphold. You can look up ASTA-affiliated agents from the organization website TravelSense.org.
(Notably, ASTA affiliation is not a guarantee, buts it is a good place to start)

How do they Operate Under Pressure?
Does the agent offer you all the information you need? When you dislike a specific airline, departure date or connection, do they shift their gears on the spot to find you other alternative or attempt to force issues? If your travel agency responds well in such circumstances, stick by them.

If at all possible, go Local
There is never a substitute for a personal touch. The ability to meet an agent shake their hand, look the agent in the eye is a gift that no online travel agency can match. The only exception to this recommendation is if you are looking for a sought-after specialty.