Should travelers use a travel agent or book trips themselves?

Travelers split evenly on this question, with no clear consensus favoring agents over self-booking. Those who consistently use agents cite the practical benefit of having a dedicated contact when problems arise during the trip — someone to call if a resort issue or travel disruption occurs. Those who book independently report successful vacations without agent assistance, handling reservations directly with resorts and airlines. The decision appears to hinge on individual comfort with travel logistics and the value placed on having a troubleshooting resource. Neither approach shows a pattern of better outcomes in the available reports.