Agents have the advantage when it comes to discounts and can help you get the best deal during a recession.

In a tough economy, both business and leisure travelers have an alternative to Internet travel sites for deals on airfares and vacation packages. Travelers looking for ways to deal with the recent fuel price-driven spike in travel costs need to take a second look at their local travel agency.

Surprised? You shouldn't be. Your travel agent is a secret weapon for finding you the best travel deals. Why? Because travel agents have exclusive access to technology, techniques, and relationships that will get you the biggest bang for your buck.

Of course, keep your corporate travel policy in mind. But if your company permits it, a travel agent can help you save real money on business trips.

From the technology perspective, agents are ahead of the power curve vs. travel websites, because travel websites don't give you access to the specialized computer systems that agents routinely have on their desktops.

In fact, whether it's an all-inclusive stay in the Caribbean or a short-drive vacation limited to a single tank of gas, travel agents are an invaluable resource for digging up deals even when the economy is booming.

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Key trends are altering the way road warriors work in the airport, on the plane, and in the hotel.

This year, one of the most crowded air travel years on record, has been a tough one on anyone who's had to conduct business on the move.

In a year of delays and cancellations, business travelers have had to call on all of their resourcefulness and creativity to stay productive. To say that the needs of business travelers have not been helped by the current realities of air travel is to put it mildly. It has been a banner year for missed flights and therefore missed meetings. Business travelers have had to depart ever earlier for the airport, yet have set records worrying about missed connections.

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The future of travel is here: get an expert's view on how increasing customization and an emphasis on delivering choice will make the air travel experience that much more pleasurable.

Travelers want value, not the cheapest ticket.

Heresy! you might cry. But it's true and the conventional wisdom is wrong.

Ordering à la carte is how the public likes to fly. And now the airlines are serving up the menu.

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