Working with me

Do you charge a fee? Is it cheaper to book online myself?

For most bookings there's no fee to you, as I'm paid a commission by the tour or cruise company. There is a small booking fee for flights, and a planning fee for custom itineraries, which comes off the cost of your trip when you book with me. You can see them all in my schedule of fees, which I’ll send to you before we speak, so you know what to expect.

In most cases you'll pay the same price as booking direct, and sometimes less, as I have access to agent-only deals. I can often find you a little something extra too, like an upgrade or a late check-out. Plus you've got someone in your corner before, during and after your trip, at no extra cost, who knows the products and can sort things out if plans change. You can read the full details in my terms of service.

Can we meet in person?

Absolutely! I'm happy to meet over a coffee in Daylesford, Creswick or Ballarat. If it's easier, we can also chat by phone, email or video call. Whatever suits you.

What are your hours? Can I contact you on weekends or while I'm away?

I'm generally available 9am to 6pm every weekday, and I'm happy to arrange a time outside those hours if that works better for you. Once you're travelling, you can contact me from 8am to 10pm, 7 days a week.

Are you an independent agent? What does that mean for me?

Yes, I’m independent, but I work under Travelglobe’s accreditation. I'm based in Central Victoria, but I help clients across Australia. Being independent means I'm not tied to one company, so I can recommend what's right for you, not what I've been told to sell. And you get to deal with me from start to finish, not a call centre.

Are you accredited? Who do I pay?

Yes! I'm accredited through Travelglobe, which is a member of ATIA (the Australian Travel Industry Association). That means you're booking with a business that meets industry standards for things like insurance, training and customer service, and there's a proper complaints process if anything ever goes wrong. All payments go through Travelglobe, so your money is handled by an established, accredited agency. Your invoices and receipts will come from Travelglobe, but you'll still deal with me for everything.

Do you only book tours and cruises?

I book flights, hotels, car hire, transfers and experiences, as well as tours and cruises. If it's part of your trip, just ask!

Planning

How far ahead should I book?

The earlier the better, especially for cruises and popular tours, which can book out a year or more ahead. Booking early also tends to get you the best cabins, early bird deals and more choice. Flights can be booked 10 to 12 months in advance. That said, I love a last-minute getaway too, so don't let that stop you asking!

I don't know where I want to go. Can you help?

That's one of my favourite parts of the job! We'll have a chat about what you enjoy, your budget and how you like to travel, and I'll come back with a few ideas to get you excited.

Can you put together a custom itinerary?

Yes! If an off-the-shelf tour isn't quite right, or if you want to extend your stay, I can build a trip around you, mixing flights, stays, tours and a bit of free time exactly how you like it. I enjoy creating custom trips, and treat every journey as though it was my own.

Do you book group trips?

I do. Family holidays, milestone birthdays, weddings, clubs and friends travelling together. I'll take care of the details so the organiser can actually enjoy the trip too.

Can you help if I have mobility, medical or dietary needs?

Of course. Just let me know what you need and I'll find tours, cruises and accommodation that suit, and check the details with the suppliers before you book. Everyone deserves a great holiday.

Money and protection

Do I need travel insurance? Can you arrange it?

I always recommend it. It's the one thing you hope you'll never use but will be very glad you have if something goes wrong. I can arrange cover for you, and it's best to take it out as soon as you've paid your deposit. Do take care when using travel insurance that comes with your credit card, as cover can be more limited than you’d expect.

How do deposits and final payments work?

Most bookings need a deposit to secure your spot, with the balance due before you travel. The exact amounts and dates depend on the company, so I'll spell it all out before you commit, with no surprises.

What happens if I need to cancel or change my booking?

Life happens! Each tour and cruise company has its own terms, and I'll explain them before you book. If plans change, just give me a call and I'll work through your options with the supplier and your insurer. I charge a fee for amendments and cancellations, and there may be third-party fees too. I’ll go through this with you.

Before and during the trip

Can we look at a brochure?

Yes! I keep printed brochures for most of the tour and cruise companies I work with, and if I don't have the one you're after, I'm happy to order it in for you. Sometimes it's just nicer to sit down with a wine or a cuppa and pore over a glossy brochure!

Can you help with visas, passports and entry requirements?

Yes, I'll point you in the right direction to get entry requirements sorted for each country on your trip. Do double-check your passport has at least six months left on it from your return date, as many countries require it.

What happens if something goes wrong while I'm away?

That's where having your own travel agent really pays off. If flights are cancelled or plans go sideways, contact me by phone, email or message and I'll help get things back on track, so you're not stuck on hold to an overseas call centre. Your tour or cruise company may also have its own support on the ground.

More questions? Just ask!