I'm thinking of using Liberty Travel to book my trip to Hawaii. Positive or negative experiences?

Eh. They do their job, and give you a pretty good deal. But don't expect them to go out of their way to get you any "extras." We booked a trip to Four Seaons Wailea (hence, a pretty pricey trip with a big, fat commision for our agent) and she did not do anything beyond simply booking our trip - no upgrades, no champagne in our room (which I have gotten from other agencies).

If you are referring to Liberty/Go-Go Travel, they are a huge agency with buying power.

Have used them only once and would not do it again. they can book what you find in their brochures - but don;t know anything else - or care to. In my experience few of their "agents" have ever traveled beyond orlando - or know anything much about travel. (One kept insisting to me that the only St. Petersburg was in florida - I couldn't convince her there was another in Russia - even after I showed her their own brochure.)

We used Liberty Travel based on a friend's recommedation for our Maui/Kauai trip in 2003. I *think* she got us good deals and was a huge help with some logistical flight issues we had. When we checked into the Princeville in Kauai, in which we had paid for a moutain view room package, we were delighted to find out we received one of the best rooms view-wise in the hotel. It was really incredible! On the bed lay a little gift bag with a note from our agent. wasn't expecting that! Also, we had some snafu during the planning, can't remember exactly what, but she/Liberty Travel ended up eating the costs of our interisland flights.

I could be naive but I really thought she went above and beyond and did a nice job for us.

If you would like I can give you her name and number. My friend that referred her to me also works in the travel business, but for bulk/corporate sales, and she said that the agents at Liberty are salaried, and do not work on commission.

aloha!