Okay, well, I may have a stupid question that is not mongering-related. But this board is filled with seasoned travellers, so I thought I'd ask it here:

Are travel agencies allowed to keep 100% of your money if you decide to cancel your share of a group travel arrangement a week prior to departure?

My daughter's soccer team will be travelling to Las Vegas next week for a national tournament, and I am one of the parents who will be chaperoning. Two months ago we paid in full for air and hotel. However, I am now unable to go because now is a bad time for me to leave my shops (I just terminated a key employee, so I need to fill for him until I can find a replacement). The travel agency refuses to refund the cost of the airline ticket -- and I think this is bullshit.

Does anybody know if there is any recourse for me, besides filing a complaint with my local Consumer Protection Division?

If you used a consolidator, you're out of luck. If you used a regular travel agent who simply booked you a flight with an airline, then you should be able cancel the flight and get credit, minus the $100 change fee, on that airline for a flight good for one year from the day canceled.