Can anyone recommend a helpful travel agent in the Chicagoland area for a first-time traveler to Europe? Thx.
Are you a AAA member? If so, check with their travel agents. We have foundt the ones here to be very well informed and helpful. If you are a member you also get discounts.
Here's my two cents: Unless you are looking for a package tour, you will probably do better to do your own reseach on the internet and the public library.
You want to be in London at the end of your trip - do you need to be there also at the beginning? You can book open jaw flights easily on the internet.
You can find hotels and B&B's in your price range (whatever that may be) and read reviews before you choose. Often you can book directly with the hotel at a cheaper rate than you would get through an agent.
Now the cheeky question: you are going to Europe for the first time and you aren't interested in the amazing art and architecture that span 500 years or more - and over 2 millenia in Italy?