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It’s a question I’m asked all the time—and the honest answer is: it depends on who you are and what kind of experience you want.

The real question is: what value does having a personal travel manager bring to your holiday?

Because what I offer isn’t something you can buy online. It’s personalised advice, tailored planning, and hands-on service—before you travel, while you’re away, and even after you return.

For example, when you book airfares online, you’re locked in at that moment. As a travel agent, I can often hold seats and tweak your plans as needed—without that “book now or miss out” pressure. Airlines no longer pay agents’ commissions, so I work on a fee-for-service basis. What that fee really buys you is flexibility, expert guidance, and, most importantly, support when things don’t go to plan.

Just last week, I had clients caught in the Spain-Portugal power outage. They were about to board their flight when everything shut down. If they’d booked online, they would’ve spent the night in a long queue trying to rearrange their onward travel. Because they booked through me, they collected their bags, headed to a nearby hotel, had a good night’s sleep—and by morning, I’d sorted their new travel arrangements.

When it comes to land arrangements, this is where I truly add value. I work with trusted ground suppliers I’ve had relationships with for years (Decades!). That means preferred rates, added extras, and insider knowledge—like which hotels have the best room types or locations for your needs. And if something unexpected happens (as it can—illness, weather, delays), my local partners are right there on the ground  and ready to step in.

One thing that sets TravelManagers apart is our Client Trust Fund. As far as I know, we’re still the only travel agency group in Australia that operates a fund specifically designed to protect our clients financially if an approved supplier fails. It’s that extra layer of security that most online platforms simply can’t offer.

So, is using a personal travel manager right for everyone? Maybe not—and that’s okay. My clients come back year after year because their holidays are thoughtfully curated, and they know I’m just a phone call away if they need help—no call centres, no generic solutions.

Am I cheaper than the internet? That’s not really a fair comparison—it’s not apples to apples. Online booking engines sell off-the-shelf packages. They don’t know (or care) if it’s the right fit for you. And when the unexpected happens, you could be stuck in a call centre queue.

With me as your  personal travel  manager, you are booking with someone you cares about you.

It’s  Travel Made personal.