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Hi, I’m Lana Kanchik – your go-to personal TravelManager – and I’ve been in the travel industry since 1991. That’s over three decades of planning, booking, and rescuing travel plans for clients from every walk of life. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: the role of the travel agent isn’t dead. Far from it. In fact, it’s more relevant now than ever.

“Can’t I just book it online?”

Sure, you can. And if you’re anything like most people today, chances are you’ve already done it a few times. A flight here, a hotel there, maybe even a package deal with a few tours bundled in. It seems convenient, right? A few clicks and it’s all done.But here’s what I want you to know: nearly everything you can book online, I can book for you – at the same price, and sometimes even cheaper. The real kicker? I can often get you far more value, too.

It’s Not Just About Price – It’s About Value

Let’s talk about what that value really looks like. When you book through me, you’re not just getting a flight and a bed to sleep in. You’re getting insider knowledge, years of experience, and an advocate in your corner when things don’t go to plan. You’re getting upgrades when they’re available, extra inclusions that aren’t advertised online, and personalised recommendations you simply won’t find in a Google search. Need a late check-out because your flight isn’t until 10pm? I’ll sort it. Want a room with a view and not one facing a brick wall? I’ll make the request. Travelling with kids and want to make sure the hotel actually has those family-friendly amenities they promised on their website? I’ll double check for you – and I’ll know exactly who to call if it’s not right when you arrive.

The Myth of Online Deals

Let’s be honest – the internet is full of deals that look too good to be true. And guess what? Many of them are. I can’t tell you how many times clients have come to me after being caught out by “unbeatable” online offers, only to realise they weren’t comparing apples with apples.What seemed like a great deal didn’t include luggage, transfers, taxes, or even basic travel support. And when things go wrong – missed flights, overbooked hotels, weather events, strikes – the online booking platform isn’t there to help. It’s just you, stuck on hold with an overseas call centre… if you can even get through. With me? I’m just a message or call away. You get a real person who knows your itinerary, understands your needs, and can take action fast. No bots, no guessing games.

Expertise You Can’t Download

Since starting in travel back in the early ’90s, I’ve seen it all – from ash clouds to airline strikes, natural disasters to global pandemics. I’ve rerouted clients mid-trip, gotten people home safely during COVID lockdowns, and worked magic with travel insurance claims. My job is to think ahead and prepare for the things you probably wouldn’t consider when clicking ‘book now’. Do you need a visa for that stopover in Singapore? Does your travel insurance actually cover heli-skiing in Canada? Is that resort really adults-only… or just “adults-preferred”? I know the questions to ask because I’ve been doing this a long time. And I know how to read the fine print.

Time Is Money

Let’s not forget another precious resource: your time. How long does it really take to research flights, compare hotels, look up reviews, check availability, coordinate transfers, and find out what’s actually nearby? Now multiply that by however many people are travelling and however many destinations you’re juggling. Booking a holiday shouldn’t feel like a full-time job. With me, you can outsource the stress. I’ll handle the logistics so you can focus on the fun stuff – choosing what to pack and counting down the sleeps until departure.

Personalised Travel – Not One-Size-Fits-All

One of the biggest perks of working with a TravelManager like me is that I get to know you. Your preferences, your quirks, your budget, your must-haves and your absolutely-nots. You like aisle seats and boutique hotels? Got it. You hate red-eye flights and want breakfast included? Noted. You’re planning a romantic getaway, a family adventure, a solo wellness retreat, or a multi-generational celebration cruise? I tailor everything accordingly. No generic packages. Just personalised, handpicked travel – the way it should be.

Support Before, During & After

The value of booking with a travel agent really shines when things don’t go to plan – and let’s face it, travel sometimes throws us curveballs. Flight cancelled? I’ll find you an alternative before you even call. Luggage lost? I’ll liaise with the airline on your behalf. Need help mid-trip? I’m just a phone call away – even across time zones. And when your trip is over, I don’t just disappear. I follow up, I check in, and I file away your preferences for next time. Because when you book with me, it’s not a one-off transaction. It’s a relationship built on trust and genuine care.

Travel Is About Connection – So Is What I Do

Travel is one of the most enriching experiences we can have – and I believe the way we plan and book it should reflect that same sense of care, connection, and intention. I’m not here to compete with the internet. I’m here to offer something better. So next time you’re tempted to hit “Book Now” on a deal you found online, pause and ask yourself: who’s really got your back if something goes wrong? Who’s making sure you’re getting everything you need – not just what’s listed on the screen? If you want to travel smarter, safer, and with a whole lot more ease – I’m here to help.

Let’s plan your next adventure together.

Visit my site and check out my latest details as well as my contact information by clicking HERE.

—Lana Kanchik –

Personal TravelManager | TravelManagers Australia

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