Chris, first I would like to say that I enjoy your show very
much. I have been watching TechTV for a number of
years and I like the easy and down to earh approach you
have. I am a computer consultant, and have been for
about 4 years and I pick up many tips from your show as
well as Screen Savers whenever I have the chance to
watch ( 4 year old daughter had tv priority). One
comment however, on your last show with the travel
segment. I have been in the travel industry for the
25+ years prior to my current career. Your guest was
doing self promotion and did not even answer your
question. The reason to use a travel agent is for
their expertise. Most often they have been there or at
least investigated the destination. The client does
not pay for the travel agents' service but gets the
experience and someone to look out for them in case
there are problems. I still book cruises for my
clients, and they have tried to find cheaper but
haven't yet. Some travel agencies will now charge a
service charge for airline tickets only because the
airlines have cut or eliminated the commissions, but
for tours and packages (group or individual), they
usually do not and are paid by the tour operator. A
client booking directly will not have that savings
passed on to them. Just thought you would like to know
the facts. [Mark Stechel]