A new study from Microsoft reveals Australians are spending a hefty 8.1 hours planning holidays, with younger travellers clocking nearly 12 hours. From scouring flights to comparing accommodations, the process can quickly become overwhelming. But here’s the question: is all that time — and the potential for costly mistakes — really worth it, when a travel agent could handle it with ease?
Time is money: Crunching the numbers
Let’s break it down. Consider your hourly rate. Multiply that by 8, or worse, 12. Now that’s just in the travel planning. Say you need to call your airline, you’ll need to add the hold time (which we all know is not going to be short). Suddenly, that ‘DIY savings’ myth doesn’t look so rosy, does it? And that’s assuming all goes well. Delays, last-minute changes, or even unexpected long layovers can easily spiral into additional hours (and dollars) spent fixing the chaos.
With travel agents, you’re not just paying for a service; you’re investing in expertise. They sift through endless options, identify hidden costs, and secure deals you might not find on your own.
AI vs agents: Why human expertise wins
Australians are increasingly comfortable with AI, with 16% saying they’re open to using it to streamline travel planning. But when it comes to something as high-stakes as a holiday, most of us aren’t ready to leave our plans in the hands of ChatGPT and its digital peers. While AI tools might excel at meal planning, organising a dream getaway requires more than algorithms — it demands the expertise and personalised care only a human can provide.
But here’s the thing: AI doesn’t have a nuanced understanding of your travel needs or preferences. A travel agent knows the best time to visit Bali without running into schoolies, or how to snag a room upgrade at your dream resort. They can warn you about hidden fees or suggest off-the-beaten-path experiences AI might miss.
One of the biggest advantages of travel agents is their ability to personalise your experience. Whether it’s organising a honeymoon with breathtaking overwater villas or planning a multi-generational family getaway, their recommendations are based on years of experience and client feedback.
The true cost of stress-free travel
Beyond just saving time, travel agents provide peace of mind. They know that the cheapest flights aren’t always the best value. Their industry connections often unlock perks like complimentary breakfasts, room upgrades, or flexible cancellation policies — benefits that could outweigh any perceived savings from DIY planning. And if something does go wrong? You’re not on hold with a chatbot; you’ve got someone on your side.
When you’re juggling work deadlines and holiday prep, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of work travel planning requires. But here’s the thing: not every aspect of organising a trip needs to land on your plate. Travel agents specialise in handling the time-consuming, often stressful parts of planning — like securing the best value flights, comparing accommodation options, or helping you navigate the fine print of travel insurance.
By outsourcing these tasks, you free up your time for the fun stuff: researching must-visit restaurants, shopping for new hiking boots or daydreaming about all the adventures you’ll have. It’s not just about convenience — it’s about giving yourself the chance to focus on what excites you most about travel, rather than getting bogged down by the logistics. After all, planning a holiday should be part of the joy, not the chore. And with an expert on your side, it can be.
When all’s said and done, the choice is clear. Whether you’re planning an elaborate getaway or a simple beach escape, entrusting the job to a travel agent means fewer headaches, no hidden surprises, and hours of your life saved. And isn’t that what holidays are all about?
