Take it from Doctor Travel: using a travel agent to help plan your trip is a very good idea. Here's why: They know more than you do about travel. They know your flying profile (seat preference, special meals, frequent flyer number, etc.) so you don't have to repeat it every time you book a flight (as you would if you did your own bookings.)

• They save you time. Let the agent do the "walking." Because of their computer access, they know which airlines have the most convenient flights and connections.

• They give you more choices. When you call one carrier you only get that airline's itinerary and pricing. An agent has access to nearly all the airlines. (I say "nearly all" because some smaller, low fare or charter airlines may not be on the agent's computer system.)

• Travel agents get preferential treatment and you don't. Because of the volume of business an agent does with the airlines, they sometimes can clear a seat for you which might not be available if you called the airline directly.

• They are problem solvers. A good agent will know the ticketing rules, restrictions, and how to get around them if you need to do so.

• They provide one-stop shopping. In addition to booking your airline tickets, they can also get you car, hotel, train and cruise ship reservations.

• They don't charge a penny extra for their services.

For a reliable, dependable travel agent (Doctor Travel's agent!), call 1-866-300-1606 and tell them that Doctor Travel sent you!

For information about Business Travel Incentive Awards, click here.