The swirl of travel research and shopping sites on the Web can leave you wondering whether the best option is yet to be explored. One new website attempts to cut to the chase for travelers who know what they want, but need guidance in pinning down a specific itinerary.
The method may seem almost quaint: It involves travel agents. Rumors of their demise appear to be greatly exaggerated; a recent industry survey indicates that up to 87 percent of all cruises, and 51 percent of airline tickets, are still booked by travel agents . Tripology.com puts travel professionals -- but no more than three at a time -- at the service of consumers who provide information detailing their trip's location, purpose, size of the party, dates, and activities they want to pursue. The website has more than 4,500 travel agents to offer expertise and personal attention. Agents pay a fee to contact consumers, which helps ensure that they can provide the needed specialization. Consumers can choose to be contacted by e-mail or telephone.
tripology.com, 800-924-0722 . 
