Choosing a Travel Agent: Why It's Worth It

suebraybon
Oct 11
3 min read

Hello again and welcome back to Travel Hints for Women Over 60!

Today we’re diving into one of the biggest travel planning questions:

Do you book everything yourself, or hand it over to a travel agent?

I’ve done both—spent hours down rabbit holes comparing flights, hotels, and tours—and I’ve also let a professional take the reins. Both can work, but especially if you’re travelling solo, I think using a good travel agent is almost non-negotiable.

Why a Travel Agent Helps Solo Travellers

When you’re on your own, a travel agent is like a life saver you hope you’ll never need.If you miss a flight, need to change plans, or have an emergency, help is just a phone call or email away. That peace of mind is priceless—especially when you’re halfway across the world.

They’ve Been There (Literally)

Here’s something the internet can’t always give you: first-hand experience.

Many travel agents have personally visited the destinations they recommend. They know which hotels are truly central, which tours are worth it, and what little extras make a big difference. Their insights go far beyond online reviews.

Industry Perks & Real Relationships

Travel agents often have access to exclusive deals, upgrades, and insider extras you’d never uncover on your own. Because they work directly with airlines, cruise lines, and hotels, you might end up with a surprise room upgrade, onboard credit, or a perfectly timed airport transfer that feels like magic.

Save Time, Stress & Mistakes

Let’s be honest—travel planning can take over your life. You start with one hotel search and before you know it, you’ve got 25 tabs open and a mild headache.

A good travel agent does all that legwork for you, catching hidden traps (like sneaky flight layovers or awkward transfer times) and saving you from costly errors.

Plus, it keeps the excitement alive instead of wearing you down before the trip even starts.

Personalised Itineraries

A great agent actually listens to what you want. Whether it’s art galleries and slow mornings, or local markets and boutique hotels, they’ll shape the trip around your interests—not someone else’s checklist. You get a bespoke itinerary without the overwhelm.

Frequent Flyer & Upgrade Help

Frequent flyer points, partner airlines, upgrades—it’s a maze.

A good agent speaks that language fluently and can often help you make the most of your points or even snag a cheeky upgrade. That’s expertise you can’t Google.

Run It Past Your Agent

Even if you’ve mapped out your dream itinerary, it’s worth running it past your agent. They can fine-tune your plan, spot time-zone clashes, or suggest side trips you’d never have thought of.

My Own Experience

On one European trip, my agent casually suggested adding a couple of days in Prague. Brilliant idea! It ended up being one of the highlights—cobblestone streets, fairy-tale views, and the best coffee houses.

And during a Singapore stopover, my agent found a perfectly priced hotel right across from Raffles. When the afternoon humidity hit, I’d wander over for an extremely expensive (and very worth it) Singapore Sling, then stroll to nearby sights without ever needing a taxi.

Those small touches made a big difference—and I’d never have found them alone.

The Personal Touch

That’s the magic of a good travel agent: thoughtful extras that make your trip not just smooth, but special.

My Recommendation

If you’re looking for trusted experts, I highly recommend Travel Associates. They have agencies across Australia, and my own experiences with them have been first class from start to finish.