Despite the burgeoning of the Internet as a source of cheap air tickets and hotel rooms, dealing personally with a good travel agent for your trip arrangements remains the first choice of savvy travelers.

Indeed, travel agents currently book 70 percent of all tours and packages, 50 percent of all air travel, 30 percent of all hotel reservations and 85 percent of all cruise arrangements.

A skilled agent offers intimate destination knowledge, recognition of value and genuine bargains, advanced technology and resources to provide lowest prices, time-saving access to reliable information, and problem-solving when the unexpected happens. What's not to like?

Approach the selection of a travel agent with the same care you'd exercise when you choose your doctor, lawyer, or any other professional with whom you'd like to develop a long-term association. The travel agent you choose should be advised of your financial capabilities, physical abilities and particular travel interests, plus understand your tastes and sensibilities when it comes to accommodation, dining and entertainment.

Look for a "master cruise counselor" and "certified travel counselor." Both certifications require hands-on experience and educational courses.

Agency membership in the American Society of Travel Agents and the Association of Retail Travel Agents is a plus in establishing confidence in the solvency and integrity of the business.

The best way, of course, is by word-of-mouth recommendation. Solicit references from friends and family who know your travel goals and from travelers whose discernment is similar to yours. Ask how they use their travel agent and in what capacity. Most people will recommend a particular agent; do not assume that every agent who works at the same agency offers a similar level of care and competence.

Even if you need an agent only to issue a ticket you've booked yourself, give your business to one with whom you can communicate. Charisma counts. Be aware that most travel agents specialize and that they tend to focus on either a type of customer or a type of travel.

Specializations are business or leisure travel, budget or luxury arrangements, traditional touring and cruising or innovative adventures.

A good agent will develop a profile of your travel needs and preferences — keep track of your frequent flyer numbers, credit card details, hotel or airline favorites, and any personal requirements, such as special meals, airport wheelchair, seat selection, room/stateroom location, etc.

A good agent will contact you if an unpublished bargain becomes available for a destination or experience you're interested in; likewise, deals offered by your favorite frequent flyer programs and affiliated charge cards.

A good agent will advise if changing dates or an itinerary slightly means a lower fare and will notify you of any changes made by the airline on your itinerary. A good agent is truly "a pearl beyond price," and to such a professional, you should respond with loyalty, referrals and repeat business.

PICKING AN AGENT

Guidelines to finding a good agent:

• Make a list: Do you want an adviser who'll give you trusted recommendations? Or would you prefer to do your own homework online and use the agent as a clerk who then processes your tickets and reservations for a service fee?

• Visit the office to interview any travel agent you're considering. Ask questions to solicit an agent's expertise on hotels or destinations you know well. Is the agent familiar with Internet tools, such as airfare aggregator (comparison) sites.

• Check out the agency: does it have reservation computers with leading technology to search out the lowest airfares for your desired class of service? Is the agency willing to work with hotel and airline consolidators to reduce travel costs for its clients? Does it have an after-hours help line in case you are faced with an emergency situation during your travels?

• Ask what it charges:

Fees can run about $35 to $50 to issue an airline ticket and higher for more involved services. Substantial cruise or packaged tour bookings typically carry no fee but customized, time-consuming travel arrangements are not provided free. A good travel agent must be compensated for their knowledge and good service.

MY OWN STORY

I am a convert who has experienced two frustrating, glitch-riddled trips booked online.

I am looking for an agent who will handle my travel arrangements with knowledge and competence and invite me to phone anytime, from anywhere should a serious problem arise.

As much as I love researching my trips, and the Internet for great deals on air and hotels, I hate feeling helpless, angry and without recourse when something goes wrong. And the turmoil in the world economy is not likely to improve the ease of transport, always the most difficult part of travel.

The skilled agent who offers the best combination of quality arrangements, competitive prices, and attentive personal service is the one you should make your own.

Irene Croft Jr. of Kailua, Kona, is a travel writer and 45-year veteran globetrotter. Her column is published in this section every other week.