A couple contacted a travel advisor wanting to plan their honeymoon on Maui. The agent gave them quotes on resorts and, as they were looking for a great value, recommended another property, the Napili Kai Beach Resort, a nice group of condos on a great beach with swimming pool, putting green, beautiful grounds, and a nice restaurant.

They received a complete package including round-trip air on the flights they wanted, five nights in the room category they preferred, and a rental car for the entire period of their stay. Included in the quote was a very reasonably priced travel insurance policy that would allow them to change or cancel their reservations for any reason at any time.

They emailed the agent after pricing out the same package on expedia for a slightly lower price. Expedia's price did NOT include taxes and surcharges on the rental car. When booking with expedia, it's always important to read the fine print about taxes and fees. You usually need to click through to another page to get to that information.

If you're willing to do the research, booking directly online is the best way to go. But what you save in dollars you do give up in service. Consider the benefits of using a luxury travel consultant. There are distinct advantages of working with a trusted travel advisor.

• A no-walk guarantee. The travel agent should have a no-walk provision in their contract with every property they represent. You will not get to the resort and find that the hotel sold your room to someone else.
  
• An emphasis on service. While expedia does have an 800 number, I've read countless accounts of customers unable to get through in a timely way to get their problems resolved. Travel agency toll-free number to call 24/7 if they need help.
  
• Working with a human being. You have an experienced travel professional working for you. You can ask questions and get advice.
  
• Special requests. Would someone at expedia call the sales manager at Napili Kai, let them know a honeymoon couple is coming, and ask that they be VIP'ed for their stay? I don't think so ...
  
• Small touches like having all the paperwork for your rental car pre-filled so you won't have to wait in line for the rental car.