Think about it: Your honeymoon is not some spur-of-the-moment road trip or who-cares-how-it-turns-out Spring Break jaunt. This is a vacation that, hopefully, the two of you will cherish for a lifetime. Whether you’ve never left your hometown or you’ve got a passport crammed with exotic stamps, you’ll want expert advice when planning your honeymoon. That’s where travel agents come in - with travel smarts and budget-friendly deals, an agent can make sure you book a truly romantic retreat.

Who Needs A Travel Agent? You Do!
Buying airline tickets or surfing for vacation packages online may suit the Internet-savvy consumer in you. Yet even the convenience of cyber-shopping can’t compare to the peace of mind that comes from talking to an experienced professional. Consider the fact that you’ve probably never seen your honeymoon destination except in photos. A good agent, on the other hand, is intimately familiar with the area you’ve got your heart set on. Your agent can fill you in on all the juicy details, like where to get Jamaica’s spiciest jerk chicken, or how to procure London theater tickets on the cheap. If you haven’t nailed down a destination, an agent can help you pinpoint a locale based on your interests and budget. Plus, agents can offer deals you might not find on your own. After all, it’s their job to correspond with tour operators, be in the know about promotions and do the research you’d be doing if only you had the time.

Finding An Agent: Think Trust
View your travel agent as you would any other wedding pro, by taking the time to find the right one. “There’s no dress rehearsal for the honeymoon,” points out Carol R. Strauss, president of Travel Four Vacations, in Clifton, New Jersey. “Look for an agent who seems knowledgeable about properties and destinations around the world, not just a few regions.” Ask friends for recommendations, visit bridal expos, look online and make appointments for face-to-face meetings.

Strauss recommends asking agents the following questions: How many years have you been in business? How long have you been planning honeymoons? Are you a member of a professional organization? Remember: It’s part of an agent’s job to tour vacation spots frequently and to explore the world’s attractions. This allows agents to report back to their customers with recommendations and first-hand details about the places they’ve visited. If the agent relies on brochures only, or otherwise doesn’t seem creative or savvy, move on.

The Bottom Line: Value And Peace Of Mind
Travel agents work on commission, which means their customers (you) don’t pay for their services. Or, at least, that was traditionally the case. These days, with limits placed on how much commission an agent can earn per flight booked, the agency may impose a fee, says Richard Copland, president of the American Society of Travel Agents. “Recent changes in airline policy make this necessary,” he notes. Still, your fee should be no more than an additional $10 to $20 per ticket. Think of it as paying for peace of mind: Should things not go as planned on your honeymoon, you’ll always have someone to contact for information, options and assistance. As for other vacation essentials, such as rental cars, hotels, cruise packages, etc., Copland says your agent should be able to book these reservations for you without charging an extra cent.