Italy travel deals abound on the Internet, but browsing through all of them could take too much time and effort. More importantly, even if you have the patience to go over all of them, there’s no guarantee that you’ll indeed find the best travel deals to Italy.

There are a few strategies to ensure you get the best possible deal. You could search for the cheapest possible air fare, hotel room, or tour package, but that is often easier said than done. And even if you do find a good rate, often times a travel professional, or a travel agent can offer you a better deal.

The benefits of this type of travel expert are that they work within the industry every day, and they often have many contacts that work within the same niche, so they can find you the best deal possible.

These Italian travel experts often are able to beat the online prices because they buy airfare tickets in bulk and have relationships and partnerships with different hotel networks, resorts, bed and breakfast owners, etc.

However, enlisting the help of the wrong travel expert can turn your dream vacation into a nightmare.

So how do you choose the best travel agent for your trip to Italy?

Ask your friends on facebook, or twitter, or within your social network, your job, etc.

Read the online reviews on various travel sites.

There are also sites like Angie’s List (paid) that can give you some unbiased reviews.

Get involved in your local Sons of Italy lodge or chapter. They often have members that have utilized services of a travel expert and can make a recommendation.

Sign up for the various newsletters when you find a site that you like, that way you can see if the expert might fit your needs. They often advertise special deals and promotions that are not advertised via traditional means because they do not last that long. So you may be able to get a jump on these deals if you are ready to act.

Once you do find a travel agent, here are some questions that you should ask:

Find out how long have they been in the business. Are they a part-time travel agent looking to supplement their income, or are they a full-time professional.

Do they have any reviews or letters of recommendation from previous clients.

Let them know what your budget is so they can plan the proper tour for your needs.

Make sure that the tour guides that they work with are fluent in Italian and English. You want someone with a good local grasp of the language that way they can deal with local merchants better to help you get better deals on your overseas purchases.

There are many ways to travel to Italy. Many people utilize the services of a travel agent, especially if it is their first time, or if you are not fluent in the language. And there are ways to do it yourself. Whichever way you choose, with the proper planning and research, you can have the vacation of your dreams next time you visit Italy.