Imagine arriving at a "first class" European hotel only to find it's actually very ordinary and not at all luxurious. Most consumers, especially those booking via the hotel's Web site, would be unaware that in the rest of the world, a first class rating actually means average. A seasoned travel professional can provide this insider information. But, most importantly, she can be the key in making sure your expensive vacation turns into a personalized and positive experience.

The Travel Institute provides the following tips to help ensure a personalized vacation planning experience and great service from a travel professional:

1. Check your agent's background. Check for the CTC (Certified Travel Counselor), CTA (Certified Travel Associate) or DS (Destination Specialist) professional certifications. Typically, certified agents proudly display their credentials on business cards, advertisements, in storefront windows or the yellow pages. Otherwise, just call and ask. The CTC certification is the travel industry's highest level of professional achievement. It is granted to professionals with at least five years of travel experience and who have completed a rigorous academic study program and exam, assuring travelers they are dealing with the travel industry's most knowledgeable and reputable professional.

2. Think of your agent as an "information sifter." Become an educated consumer by reading guidebooks, travel magazines and surfing travel Web sites. Present your findings to your travel agent, and she'll use her knowledge and experience to help you sift through the information to locate options that are best suited to your budget and taste.

3. Plan ahead. The earlier you start to plan, the better; especially if you are planning a vacation during the busy holiday and school vacation weeks. Booking holiday travel at least 4-6 months out will better your chances of choosing from the best options and price selections.

4. Describe the people you would most like to meet while traveling. A travel agent can provide the "insider" knowledge (i.e. a general profile) of other travelers you are most likely to encounter on your trip and can match your personal interests to a vacation where you will feel most comfortable.

5. Openly discuss your vacation budget. To help you arrange a truly great vacation, your agent needs to know what you can and cannot afford. They can help create a travel experience best suited your style and price range.

6. Provide details on travel partners. If you clue in your agent on the likes, dislikes, personality and style of each member of your traveling party, she can suggest destinations, options and activities to suit everyone.

The Travel Institute encourages travelers to work with certified travel professionals when making their travel arrangements. They offer unparalleled destination knowledge, have attained years of experience satisfying their customers needs and work with top travel wholesalers to pass along savings to consumers