Seven reasons why booking with a travel expert makes your holiday better

Having an agent who understands the intricacies of flight times, airport transfers, cruise ports, accommodation expectations, and day tours saves you the arduous effort of booking each element yourself. Instead of spending hours online working out how to get from an airport to a hotel or port, your agent has done the research and knows the cheapest and quickest route every time.

Travel agents also know how to book the best multi-day layovers in exciting destinations as part of a long-haul trip. Want to eat dim sum in Hong Kong or fit in a yoga retreat in Thailand before a river cruise in Europe? Going to a conference in Italy but want a side trip to the Greek Islands? Consider it done, with no fuss and no fear of complications.

“On top of talking travel to our members all day every day, our team at RACV Travel & Experiences are passionate travellers themselves and have a wealth of experience across a wide range of destinations,” says Ward. “Having first-hand knowledge of a destination really helps ease our guests’ stresses pre-travel.”

While AI tools can provide helpful insights and recommendations for travel, they are best used as a starting point for research. When it comes to booking arrangements and ensuring every detail is correct, having a trusted expert makes all the difference.

“We know travel is all about the human connection, and that starts with your RACV Travel & Experiences’ agent helping you in the planning and booking stage,” Ward says. “This is critical for ensuring you can focus on anticipating the amazing experience you’ll have, rather than worrying you’ve missed something.”

To make the most of your holiday time and tick off every item on your travel bucket list, you can ask an agent to create a bespoke tour itinerary. RACV Travel & Experiences works with expert itinerary designers who have more than 2,000 itineraries for members to peruse.

Whether you yearn to hike the Kočevsko primeval forest in Slovenia, paddle the fjords of Milford Sound in New Zealand, or indulge in the Carnival festival in Rio de Janeiro, you can design a tour that works for you and every member of your travelling party. Need kid-friendly destinations or accommodation that suits people with disabilities? A travel agent can ensure every aspect is considered so you, your family, and friends have an excellent trip.

Agents have access to the latest information on travel requirements and can provide destination-specific insights. They are constantly upskilling and developing so they can remain experts in their profession. From hotel inspections and online destination expertise programs to in-person educational events and supplier webinars, travel agents are always learning and building contacts with tourism professionals worldwide.

“As experts, the team at RACV Travel & Experiences will work with you to understand exactly how you want to spend your holiday, then provide the best possible options - whether that’s sharing news about the newest luxury ocean ship, explaining the latest design updates on river cruise vessels, or talking you through a destination you’ve heard so much about and are finally ready to explore."

Family emergencies and work demands sometimes mean travellers need to change their plans. RACV Travel & Experiences agents work on your behalf to minimise any associated costs, liaising directly with suppliers to secure the best possible outcome for you. It’s reassuring to know that with RACV Travel & Experiences, you can adjust your itinerary whenever you need to. 

A travel consultant can provide valuable advice on how to prepare for and manage potential travel disruptions. For instance, when booking flights, they may recommend selecting a fare class that offers greater flexibility, enabling you to change your travel plans or rebook at short notice should you encounter delays or cancellations.

“Change is often part of travelling, and dealing with everything from flight delays to adverse weather impacting your plans is sometimes unavoidable,” notes Ward.

International travel insurance can be a great way to safeguard against unexpected events. You can choose a level of cover to suit your travels. For example, RACV Travel Insurance offers a choice of three levels of cover, plus an annual multi-trip option and add-ons, such as a Cruise option and Ski and winter sports cover#. 

All levels of RACV International Travel Insurance include 24/7 emergency support, which is provided via a partnership with On Call International. On Call International helps with medical emergencies, and the service provides an Assistant Coordinator to guide policyholders through difficult situations, coordinate with hospitals, and ensure their needs are met. 

Depending on your level of coverage, travel Insurance may also cover cancellation fees and lost deposits and lost or stolen luggage.

Many RACV Travel & Experiences is a one-stop shop for flights, hotels, tours, cruises, packages, travel insurance and car rentals. You can plan your trip, once, with one person, and then all you have to do is pack and show up at an airport, train station or cruise terminal and have the time of your life. If you need an International Driving Permit, RACV is Victoria’s only authorised seller.