The typical travel agent is a broker who has a portfolio of transportation, housing and sightseeing options that he will sell you

You expect him to get the best price and schedule for transportation, reserve rooms at hotels, and/or with a tour and that's about it.

He has no expertise or knowledge regarding the area you will be visiting, other than second-hand information from travel books or possibly from a previous personal visit.

It is very unlikely that he is updating himself.

You go to him because its more convenient than doing it all yourself, but he really doesn't provide any value-added or personalized service beyond what you would have thought of yourself.

He treats all customers alike, fitting the pegs in the holes, and you are just another customer.

That's why "do-it-yourself" internet sites are giving the ordinary travel agents a rough time.

Limited interaction, responsivity, and self rather than user orientation.

After you are out the door, you are out of mind as far as he's concerned. If anything goes wrong or is not what you expected, it's up to you to work it out.

His responsibility ended when you paid him.

He may or may not be interested in feedback when you return, but he won't ask for it: you'll have to initiate the information.

If you are really unhappy, all you can do is find another travel agent

He's not going to change his ways.