Why should I book with a Travel Agent?

Lara Harris on 09 September 2025
In a time of belt tightening, some might ask 'why should I book with a Travel Agent'? Well the short answer is how much is your time really worth to you..?

Ask me for help; I know the perfect spot to stay/drink/dance or propose in a city you've never been to, the best hotel & most unspoilt beach to put you on in an island reached only by speedboat & the finest suppliers to use for first class, on the ground knowledge in any destination in the world.

I have almost 20yrs in the luxury travel space & have compiled an impressive back catalogue of personal contacts around the world.

My VIP notes ahead of your arrival go a long way, this summer alone I have had guests receive champagne in their room on arrival, a room upgrade from Standard to Swim Up rooms for a family of 6 (3x categories up) and a complimentary spa credit on arrival for an anniversary stay.

The funny thing with my job, is it's not just the fun stuff that keeps me busy. I would say the research and booking takes up probably 40-50% of what I do.

A large proportion of my job is working on VIP admin & concierge requests. This can be confirming restaurant reservations, reconfirming cars, requoting dates, room or name changes plus the occasional cancellation. Printing, prepping & posting tickets... yes I still print my clients tickets! ??

In no particular order my day also gets filled with...

• Last min airline changes/cancellations and the subsequent knock on effect these bring. This year I've had midnight cancellations for next morning flights, last minute airport & route changes the week of travel, fresh building work announcements a month before honeymoon departures and an entire family with lost passports whilst in resort. This is without even touching on natural disaster disruptions!

With nearly 20yrs in this industry I know your rights around package regulations, what you are entitled to and how to fight for it on your behalf when needed. This really protects my clients from unexpected extra costs at times of crisis.

• Calls/WhatsApps & Emails around the clock when life happens or something crops up, think everything from natural disasters to family (& even pet) bereavements... meaning changes need to be actioned immediately.

These are just a drop in the ocean on what I do for my clients day to day.

Want peace of mind, trust a travel agent. Ask me for help for your next trip!

#misslarastravels #travelplanningwithlara #Travelagent