We're heading into the busy summer travel season. Despite rising gas prices and word that airlines are cutting back on local service, AAA said more people are expected to leave home for Memorial Day weekend.

Bad weather and a meltdown with US Airways' computer system left many passengers stranded St. Patrick's Day weekend, and JetBlue blew it when the airline kept people onboard grounded planes for hours in February.

The Internet has given us a lot of options to find cheap flights and make hotel reservations, but travel agents said they are noticing a resurgence in business.

Andrea Wagner, a senior travel agent for AAA, said the personal touch is not only something that's more attractive in the digital age, but it can also make traveling easier.

"We answer questions," said Wagner. "We get everything done. Their trip is basically in our hands."

"Because a lot of people have come to realize that being your own travel agent can be very, very difficult and very time-consuming," said Jim Lehman of AAA.

Travel Web sites sometimes offer bargain prices, basement prices that are hard to beat, but there is a lot of fine print that can cost you big if you need to change your plans.

And if there's a problem during your trip, you're stuck with e-mailing for help or trying to get through to a 1-800 call center.

"We can book seats that the consumer can't, so we have access to that," said Wagner.

Travel Agent services are usually free to customers. The companies they book with pay agents a commission.

AAA said it charges a nominal fee for issuing airline tickets, but most of its services are complimentary with membership.

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