Everything I learned from a former travel agent

I sat down with a friend of mine who worked as a travel agent before quitting her job and travelling the world full-time. Here is all of the wisdom she passed on to me!

On a budget? Don't book through a travel agent.

When you go through a travel company to book your holiday, you are paying them for their time to research and plan the trip, and you are also paying their commission. If you are on a strict budget and capable of planning things yourself, book independently!

Have travel insurance

Travel insurance will cover you when things go wrong. If you need to come home early, get sick, loose your luggage or any other disaster strikes, you can rest assure that you are covered. Always read the product disclosure statement, and make sure you are covered for what you need.

Be a minimalist

Cutting back on your everyday expenses and splurge items will help to save for long term travel. Go through your old bank statements and highlight any unnecessary spending. Downsize and sell old clothes and other items that are never used. Travelling with carry-on and no checked luggage will also save money. Pack your own snacks for the flight rather than paying for meals.

Research

Scour the web for the best deals. Look at websites such as SkyScanner, Kayak and Google Flights to find cheaper options. Being flexible with your dates will also make things cheaper. Research the best travel money or credit/debit card that has the least fees.

Want more? Listen to Episode 6 of the Travel Lust Podcast where I interview a former travel agent: https://www.travellustpodcast.com/episodes/episode/f4cc5dbc/episode-6-interview-with-former-travel-agent