The American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) is celebrating National Travel Agent Day Wednesday by highlighting all of the immense knowledge, experience and power travel professionals bring to the table. While agents are more popular than ever, many travelers still stand to benefit from learning why they should put their next trip in the hands of an experienced travel advisor.

We have spent most of our careers establishing and building relationships with our supplier and destination counterparts, so that our clients can enjoy exclusive access, VIP treatment and special amenities wherever and whenever they travel. In some cases these benefits are complementary to the traveler-just one more way travel advisors provide superior value. (Amy McMurrey, Precision Travel, a Virtuoso Agency)

If you can't afford to lose everything you've paid for your trip-say if you fall and break your leg two weeks before you are supposed to travel-you need to buy travel insurance. Being young and healthy doesn't mean you don't need insurance. And your U.S. health insurance may not offer medical coverage outside the U.S. Travel insurance is for unexpected emergencies, regardless of your age or health. (Helen Prochilo, Promal Vacations)

We rely on our personal experience, not reviews on websites from people you don't know. And if we haven't been to your resort-we usually know someone who has and can give you first-hand feedback. (Helen Prochilo, Promal Vacations)

The more information clients can give us about their preferences and interests, the better. We can tailor tours towards your interests-for example, a family traveling to Europe and the teenage boys are musicians and really into music. In London, we've created a tour of London that incorporates rock-themed sites, including 94 Baker Street where John Lennon and George Harrison had a boutique clothing shop, Paul McCartney's house, Abbey Road's Studios, Hendon Street, and more. (Laura Hanaford, The Trip Trotter/Tzell Travel Group, a member of Signature Travel Network)

Sometimes there are "cheaper" options but if we don't mention them to you there is a reason and the price saved is truly not worth it. (Laura Hanaford, The Trip Trotter/Tzell Travel Group, a member of Signature Travel Network

Most of the time clients don't need to make changes to bookings once an itinerary is set. However, we never recommend or advertise an advanced/pre-pay rate to a client; it's always that one time the client insists on a prepay rate that changes need to be made.(Laura Hanaford, The Trip Trotter/Tzell Travel Group, a member of Signature Travel Network)

Within each trip, we are doing research for our clients so that we can place them at the right resorts and we can be sure we are providing the correct information at all times. Most familiarization trips include anywhere from 5 to 15 hotel site visits and every activity and meal is documented so that we can pass on this knowledge to our clients. While our social media accounts may look like a permanent vacation, it is hard work.

Travel consulting is a profession that requires ongoing training just like any other profession and these "vacations" are part of our training. (Lauren Cardinale, Travel Design Co., a member of Signature Travel Network

You have no idea who that reviewer is, what their expectations are when it comes to a hotel stay and what "their perception" of great is. We choose hotels based on "your needs and expectations." Just because a vacation was great for someone else, doesn't mean the same vacation will be great for you. Getting to know and understand my clients' needs and wishes are my top priorities, so we can advise you on the best choices for "your" vacation. (Toni Lanotte-Day, Toni Tours)

We can add value to your reservations with complimentary breakfast daily, possible upgrades, and a special amenity like a spa or food and beverage credit. (Renee D'Avirro, World Travel Bureau, a Virtuoso Agency)

Did you know that we can help you coordinate your air travel providing the best logical routing, connecting times, baggage restrictions and also assist with canceled flights, missed connections and schedule changes? (Renee D'Avirro, World Travel Bureau, a Virtuoso Agency)

We are very well-traveled, typically having been to dozens of countries and we share our first-hand insights with clients. Chances are they have been where you are going! (Amy McMurrey, Precision Travel, a Virtuoso Agency)

The cruise, tour or resort, dining reservations, shore excursions, etc. should be booked early. It'll get you the best pricing and selection for what you are looking for. (Robert Torte, Illuminations Travel, An Independent Agency in the Avoya Network)

I am your advocate and have no reason not to get you the best price possible. (Judee Davis, Journeys by Judee LLC, An Independent Agency in the Avoya Network)

We will ask the right questions, listen to your answers and offer expert advice to guide you in making the right decision regarding how to spend your vacation time. We take a critical look at the moving parts of your trip to make sure that each component fits-like a giant jigsaw puzzle. (Sabina Long, Coast To Coast Travel Group, LLC, An Independent Agency in the Avoya Network)

You can't hit re-do on a vacation and your time is your most precious asset. Let us take the stress out of planning-or if you like planning-let's do it together. (Erika Richter, Communications Director, American Society of Travel Agents)