Ask for a friend.

She wants to make a trip to Europe. SH to Frankfurt. Or, SH-Rome? (Not that I know there is direct flight).

Is it better to book ticket directly with Lufthantha or through a travel agency? Can you recommend a good/friendly travel agency?

With travel agency or directly doesn't matter that much. Although the travel agency can be a little bit more expensive. Mostly with travel agengy they want to offer a complete package but oreder only a ticket is fine too. I did the same and I belief there is indeed direct flight from SH to Frankfurt

Ivo

Ok, so it's better book ticket with airline.
I know if go from States, you have to connect via munich or frankfurt. Is there direct flight from SH to Milano or Rome? Approxi. cost?

Are there any online sites that will book trips from around here? I know travelocity has some, but they seem overpriced.

AIR CHINA FLYS DIRECT TO MILANO MALPENSA
KLM DIRECT TO AMSTERDAM SCHIPPOL
FROM JUNE THERE IS GOING TO BE A DIRECT FLIGHT SHINGHAI-VENICE (tHE REAL ONE IN ITALY I MEAN)
NOT SURE EXACTLY WHEN...
I BELIVE AIR CHINA IS GOING TO BE THE CHEAPEST.

Ivo, Alessadro, thanks for the info.

jibekat, I found two sites, here are the links, www.flychina.com, www.elong.com. Hope it helps.