Tips on Booking Your Holiday from a Travel Agent

Get insider tips from an experienced travel agent! From finding cheap flights and choosing the best accommodation to planning unforgettable itineraries, our expert advice will help you travel smarter, save money, and make the most of every trip.

 

Where should i book my travel?

After years of working as a travel agent, I’m here to share my insider tips and tricks—covering the places I recommend booking through, where to find the most competitive rates, and much more!

As a former travel agent with years of experience, I always encourage supporting your local travel professional whenever possible, as they bring invaluable expertise and personalized service to your planning process. That said, I completely understand that visiting a physical store or exchanging multiple back-and-forth emails isn’t always the most convenient option for everyone, especially in today’s fast-paced world. If you’d prefer the ease and efficiency of managing your bookings online, here are some trusted platforms that are well-known for offering highly competitive rates and a seamless user experience.

 

Flights

 

Skyscanner is one of the most reliable tools for finding affordable flights. It compares prices from thousands of airlines and online travel agencies in real time, giving you a wide range of options. Once you’ve found a fare you like, Skyscanner will then redirect you to either the airline’s official website or a trusted third-party booking site to complete your reservation. This makes it a fantastic starting point when you’re hunting for the best value and flexibility.

 

Google Flights is an incredibly powerful tool that simplifies the process of finding and booking flights. Its intuitive interface allows you to quickly compare prices across multiple airlines, track fare changes over time, and identify the most cost-effective travel dates for your destination. One of its standout features is the ability to explore flexible dates, helping you see which days of the week or times of year offer the best deals. I often use Google Flights in “planning mode” to map out my trips, determine the most convenient airlines, and make strategic decisions about when to fly. Beyond just price comparison, it provides useful insights like flight duration, layover times, and even alternative airports, making it an essential tool for both casual travellers and seasoned globetrotters.

 

Expedia is a convenient platform for booking flights, offering the ability to search, compare, and book from over 500 airlines in one place. It provides competitive pricing and the option to bundle flights with hotels or car rentals, often saving up to 30% when booking together. This makes it an efficient and cost-effective solution for planning an entire trip.

 

When searching for flights, it’s important to look beyond just the price. While a ticket may seem like a bargain, the cheapest fares sometimes involve routes that fly over countries or regions that are less convenient, or include long, awkward layovers and multiple connections that can add stress to your trip. Always take a moment to check the flight path and consider factors like total travel time, stopover locations, and airport quality. A slightly higher fare could mean a far smoother, faster, and more enjoyable journey, saving you time, energy, and potential frustration along the way. In short, don’t let a low price blind you to the overall travel experience — always make sure the route works for you.

Cheapest Places to find Accommodation 

 

Travel agents often have very competitive rates, and I’ve found that we frequently offered better deals than booking directly with the hotel or through third-party sites. One platform I found especially competitive was Luxury Escapes, which regularly had some fantastic offers.

When it comes to hotels, booking directly is usually the safest bet. Most properties prefer direct bookings and often provide the best perks or flexible cancellation policies. However, if you do find a cheaper rate elsewhere, many hotels will match it—or even offer an even better price—so it’s always worth checking.

When I worked as a travel agent, I often used Booking.com and Expedia to book villas, as we had agent logins that gave access to competitive rates. I found that no other platform offered the same range of options or prices. That said, it’s always worth checking directly with the property as well, since direct bookings can sometimes offer perks, added flexibility, or price matching to get you the cheapest rates. Some properties on Booking.com offer mobile-only prices, which are often unbeatable. I found that no other platform could match these rates, so it’s always worth checking if the property you’re interested in has a mobile-only option—these deals can be incredibly competitive.

 

If you sign up for an account for Booking.com, you can access instant savings with a Genius account and amazing discounts the more you book.

Unlock Levels: Complete bookings (stays, car rentals, flights, activities) to reach higher tiers.

  • Level 1: 10% discount on select stays/cars (any account holder).
  • Level 2: 10-15% off, free breakfast, free room upgrades (after 5 bookings in 2 years).
  • Level 3: 10-20% off, free breakfast, upgrades, priority support (after 15 bookings in 2 years).

To get the best prices on bookings, it’s important to make the most of available discounts and deals. Always sign in to your account to access specific Genius discounts, and look for the Genius logo on listings, which indicates special rates and perks. These discounts can sometimes be combined with promo codes for even bigger savings. Non-stay bookings, such as tours and activities, also count toward reaching higher Genius levels, unlocking further benefits. Flexibility is key: consider last-minute deals or book cancellable rooms in advance so plans can be adjusted if needed. Finally, even when using Genius, it’s wise to compare the final price with non-Genius rates and other sites, as discounts can vary.

 

 

Agoda is a leading online travel booking platform known for offering some of the most affordable rates on accommodation, flights, and airport transfers—particularly across Asia and the Pacific. Based in Singapore, it’s well known for its competitive pricing, flash deals, and an extensive range of properties from budget stays to luxury resorts. It also provides flexible booking options, verified guest reviews, and a rewards program that helps travellers save on future trips. And while these deals are popular with the public, travel agents also have access to the same competitive rates, allowing them to secure great value for their clients.

 

I can personally vouch for all the wholesalers listed—they are extremely trustworthy. As travel agents, we wouldn’t work with a wholesaler if we didn’t have complete confidence in their reliability and service.