Although there are now plenty of easy ways to book a vacation online, no internet search engine can beat the experience of a travel specialist. You might have forgotten that travel agents even exist anymore, and it is true that this industry has taken a serious step back thanks to the internet. But companies planning frequent trips or individuals looking for the best bang for their buck still lean on those who make it their business to find the best deals and nail down travel options that take you outside of the tourist trap and off the beaten path. If you're willing to take the time to work with a travel specialist, chances are you've got a major trip ahead of you. And that person will make the process of planning and booking even easier than if you handled things online, with the added bonus of some unexpected perks. Yet you don't want to waste your money or energy on someone who can't offer any real benefit. Just because someone sells themselves as a travel specialist doesn't mean they're actually qualified. There are no educational requirements, after all. So here are a couple of tips to help you find a reputable travel specialist for your next trip.

It's always a great idea to start your search with your credit card provider. If you have a credit card known to assist travelers, such as an American Express card or a Visa or MasterCard tied into a rewards program, they may have a concierge who will work with you to find a travel specialist. These card programs often offer travel rewards, and those rewards don't just come from the brands themselves. The companies frequently work with travel specialists
and promote their recommendations. In addition, many of the card companies employ their own travel specialists, on hand to work with clients when planning a trip. This is a great way to get the best of both worlds, and to earn miles for anything you book as long as you put it on your card.

Next, consider starting your online research through some of the major travel outlets. Head to websites run by organizations such as Lonely Planet and Conde Nast Traveler. These companies publish magazines and travel guides that give out pointers and offer deals for all sorts of international destinations. And they often employee travel specialists as well, to conduct first hand research or suggest new venues or brands the editors should profile. Head to their websites and do a search for travel specialists. You'll probably find several great options here.

Now you should expand your search using a resource like Yelp. This review site allows people to post their thoughts and experiences with any sort of business, and you should find travel specialists here as well. The benefit of this approach is that you can search by zip code. So you'll find some great options that are also close to your home. You'll be able to see them at their offices in person, which will give you a great way to gauge their viability. Just make sure you choose a company with a solid online reputation. If you see a long track record of activity on Yelp and generally positive reviews you'll know you're headed in the right direction. And if the reviews mention one travel specialist by name over and over, chances are you can count on that person as a reputable partner when booking your next trip.