Help me avoid a travel agent faux pas

[suzi]

I live in a small town and thought it would be nice to use the local TA for our upcoming vacation plans. They are very nice but probably are not used to dealing with an internet deal stalker like myself. I've asked them about certain cruises and have been able to come up with the same prices but more knowledge of room availablility than they have (early on at least). There is an online cruise TA that offers a nice on board credit for the one I have looked for. Is it tacky to ask my local TA to match this? Am I now obliged to go with her even if she can not give me the best deal? Need some advice!!!

[wellyes]

I'd just buy online and not go back to her. Asking her to match the deal might giving be her the choice of saying no OR asking her to do work for you without making any money.

I think these days the point of travel agents is that they are there for people who are uncomfortable with online shopping - that is their customer, and that's not you, so feel no guilt not using her.