In the olden days you went to, or called, a travel agency to get airline tickets, book hotels, rent a car or plan a cruise. That was the only way you could do things unless you wanted to go through the hassle and expense of doing it all yourself. You never knew whether you got a good deal or not, or what other options were available, and keeping track of all the paperwork and reservations was a nightmare. Then came the Internet and things got a whole lot simpler for travelers. Airline reservation systems went online early on and so it became possible to check airfares and schedules. Hotels and car rental places took longer but they eventually got online as well. Then came online services that did it all for you. They were like an electronic travel agent, only faster and more efficient. So now you could book world travel and cruises online.

Unfortunately, no good thing can last. Online car shopping used to be a great way to get a good quote without the hassle of dealing with pesky scar salesmen. These days the systems insist on a phone number, and then you get peppered with sales calls anyway. It's not quite as bad with the big online travel agencies like Travelocity and such, but it's getting there. Everything has become over-complicated, confusing and misleading. I fully expect to be tricked every time I use one of those mega travel hubs.

It doesn't have to be that way. The big travel hubs do not have a monopoly. Online technology is there for all to use. Sure, it requires a good effort to create you own online travel system, but there are a number of local travel agencies who have successfully done it. In my experience, with them you have a much better chance to get personalized service, all the selection the big websites offer, AND a good price. In fact, I've actually paid LESS with some of the smaller outfits.

For the most part, those smaller online travel services are run by the same experienced people who used to operate travel agencies. They know their stuff whereas with the major players you often only get some call center abroad. There are differences with the smaller travel sites as well, of course. Combining all the travel booking tools and services available out there into a fast, friendly and logically arranged website is not easy.

A good online travel system lets you do it all. You should be able to get flights, examine vacation packages, peruse resorts & spas, get info on cruises or book quick getaways all on the same site, with a friendly, easy-to-use interface. And just like you used to be able to pick an agent's brain on the best deals and secret favorites, a friendly site will provide advice, suggestions and information without blatantly hawking come-on deals. And if you have questions, you can simply pick up the phone and talk to the people who actually own the site.

It IS possible to book world travel and cruises online, and a whole lot more, AND do it all without getting lost on some giant website full of pitfalls and devoid of personal service. You can still get friendly service and efficient trip planning if you know where to look.