Why Booking with a Travel Agent Matters More Than Ever

If we haven’t met yet, I’m Claire from Curated Travel. You may have read my previous features - the Ocean vs River Cruise guide and my Q&A introduction - where I shared a little about my background and passion for crafting meaningful travel experiences.

Since then, I’ve had the pleasure of speaking with many of you. From those conversations, one thing has become clear, most travellers fall into one of three categories:

"I usually book online because I think it’s cheaper.”

“I’ve used a travel agent before.”

“I only think to contact a travel agent for complex itineraries.”

What I hear most often is the belief that booking with a travel agent costs more.

In reality, the opposite is usually true - and here’s why.

Myth: Booking with a Travel Agent Costs More

Reality: I can often save you money and elevate your entire experience.

As an independent agent, I’m not tied to any single Tour Operator.

I work with hundreds of trusted suppliers, including many trade-only partners that aren’t available to the public online. This means:

• access to better prices

• exclusive promotions

• added benefits

• upgraded experiences

• unique itineraries not shown on booking sites

All with no booking fee.

In most cases, it’s the same holiday you could book online - except with a highly personalised service designed entirely around you.

Why Working with a Travel Agent Makes Such a Difference

1. I get to the heart of why you’re travelling - not just where.

One of the things I value most is understanding the reason behind your trip.Are you revisiting a place tied to a memory? Is this an adventure, a celebration, a reset, or a moment of reconnection? What emotions do you want to feel? What moments do you want to create?

Once I understand the “why,” everything else - the destination, the timings, the pace, the style can be curated with real intention.

That’s something online booking sites can never replicate.

2. Personalised, seamless planning handled for you.

I take care of every detail:

• flights

• hotels

• transfers

• car hire

• rail

• excursions

• attraction tickets

• lounge access

• fast track

• pre- and post-stay hotels

You have one point of contact, not multiple suppliers to chase.

If anything needs changing or rearranging, I’m the one who sits on hold, not you.

3. Insider access you won’t find online.

Many of the suppliers I work with offer:

• special early access or after-hours experiences

• private tours

• insider-only itineraries

• priority availability during busy seasons

• exclusive upgrades

These options simply never appear on consumer sites.

I also have close working relationships with in-resort teams, meaning I can often assist with those extra-special requests that need a personal touch.

4. Support - before, during, and after your trip.

While you’re travelling, I actively monitor your itinerary for changes or disruptions.

And thanks to the Independent Travel Experts 24/7 emergency support line, you have round-the-clock protection if anything unexpected occurs.

Real Client Examples

1. The Lost Phone - Solved Without Stress

A client accidentally left their iPhone and AirPods in their hotel bedside drawer. While the hotel offered to ship them back at the client’s cost, I contacted my trade support manager directly. She was visiting that hotel and offered to bring the items back personally. I then collected them and delivered them straight to my client’s home - no paperwork, no courier fees, no hassle.

2. Iceland Excursion Cancelled Mid-Flight - Problem Solved Before Landing

One client had several Iceland excursions pre-booked. Mid-flight, one was cancelled due to weather. Before she had even touched down, I had sourced alternative options and arranged a replacement excursion. She landed with a full plan - no stress, no scrambling, and no missed experiences.

3. Multi-City USA Itinerary - Tailored from Start to Finish

Flights, hotels, rail journeys, attractions, suggested routes - all coordinated seamlessly.

The client highlighted how much money they saved, how much time I took off their hands, and how easy the entire process was - “all I had to do was click the button to pay and turn up at the airport.”

So, Why Work With Me?

Because travel isn’t just about seeing the world - it’s about the meaning behind the journey.

I take the stress out of planning so you can focus on the excitement, the anticipation, and the memories you’ll make.

Whether you’re dreaming of a weekend escape, a once-in-a-lifetime expedition, a multi-centre adventure, or simply need someone to take the weight of logistics off your shoulders, I’m here to curate it all for you.

Your holidays should feel effortless.

Your experiences should feel personal.

Your memories should last a lifetime.

I’d love to help you plan your next trip.

Claire Murphy, Curated Travel is a Wentworth Lifestyle Partner