A travel gnome coming to the rescue of vacationers in distress. Suburban housewives challenged by a game show host to find the cheapest trip to Cancun. William Shatner, touting the cheapest flights to be found on the Internet.

With all the television commercials for online discount travel services, one could think that travel agents are an endangered species.

But Joyce Small of Clinton disagrees.

People appreciate the interaction with a knowledgeable travel agent, Small said. Because if problems arise, an agent can find ways to help.

She should know. Small, a travel industry veteran who has worked for Pan American World Airways and her own agency in California, now runs a home-based travel agency called Travel Designs.

Developments in the travel sector show a trend toward fewer paper tickets and more reliance on high tech as well as online marketing.

Many people are convinced they can save money that way, Small said.

“Sometimes, yes, particularly with point-to-point air,” she said.

“I know that a lot of people think the Internet has the best prices. They don’t. We have the same prices. Sometimes even better, especially on international flights,” she said.

However, many clients discover that an experienced and savvy travel agent can help them save money and time, Small added.

Small does about 90 percent of her business by e-mail, phone, fax and Fed-Ex. But if somebody needs extra help, she’s there to assist.

Small’s business is a piece of a larger network; her agency is part of Travel Experts, a Virtuoso member based in North Carolina.

Another trend in traveling is eco-tourism — and Small has made it one of her priorities.

“I’ve noticed people being interested in adventure travel and independent travel instead of guided tours,” she said.

“I put itineraries together based on what they want to do,” she said.

Small especially likes Lindblad Expeditions. She personally tailors trips to places where people can have a once-in-a-lifetime experience without having a hint of traveler’s remorse.

Responsible eco-tourism includes programs that minimize the adverse effects of traditional tourism on the natural environment, and trips that enhance the cultural integrity of locals.

Eco-tourism focuses on cultures, wilderness adventures, volunteering, personal growth and learning new ways to live with the planet. It is typically defined as travel to destinations where the flora, fauna and culture are the primary attractions. Lodging facilities usually have a smaller footprint and use eco-friendly methods to run the business.

An integral part of eco-tourism are initiatives by hospitality providers to promote recycling, energy efficiency, water re-use, and the creation of economic opportunities, Small said.

For many countries, eco-tourism is not so much seen as a marginal activity intended to finance protection of the environment than as a major sector of the national economy and a valuable magnet for attracting tourists.

In countries such as Costa Rica, Ecuador, Nepal, Kenya, Madagascar and Antarctica, eco-tourism represents a significant portion of the gross domestic product or economic activity.

As an expert on the matter, Small will offer an eco-tourism seminar at 7 p.m. Oct. 5 at the Bayview Cash Store Front Room.

Michaela Marx Wheatley can be reached at 221-5300 or mmarxwheatley@south

whidbeyrecord.com.