When Things Go Wrong (and they can, even in beautiful Bali!)
Take my own experience as an example. I was in Bali with my husband and three children when the airspace closed due to volcanic dust in nearby Java. Flights were grounded, and we were stuck. We were notified by text, while in a taxi to the airport, that our flight was cancelled and told to call a helpline to rebook. We'd booked the trip through various online platforms and the flights direct with the airline. It quickly became clear that we were on our own, navigating a chaotic situation. Fortunately, we were able to return to the hotel we had just checked out of (there were no tourists arriving!). There were worse places to be stuck but it didn’t feel like a holiday anymore. The airline gave a very vague indication that they would try to rebook us within 7 days. Needless to say, it was a stressful situation. There was the additional cost associated with the unplanned stay and, being a corporate lawyer, I needed to get back to my clients. My mission was to book flights out, any flights, as soon as possible and hope that the insurance would pay out.
Obviously, we eventually arrived home safe and sound but, the upshot was, we didn’t DIY a holiday again!
Why You Need a Travel Counsellor When the Unexpected Happens
- 24/7 support and expertise. One of the major benefits of working with a Travel Counsellor is the peace of mind that comes with knowing someone has your back. Should something go wrong, like flight cancellations, natural disasters, or even medical emergencies, you’re not left to figure it all out on your own. Not only am I personally available, you will also have access to a 24/7 duty office that can step in and assist immediately. You'll be able to speak to a person in the UK, you won’t be stuck in a call centre queue. This means you're supported around the clock, wherever you are in the world.
- Quick, efficient solutions. In my case, I was scrambling between airlines, trying to rebook flights, but getting nowhere. A Travel Counsellor would have taken over and been the one point of contact, handling everything from finding alternative travel routes to ensuring accommodation was secured during the delay. No waiting on hold for hours with airlines or dealing with faceless online agents, just quick, efficient solutions tailored to your needs.
- Personalised service. As a Travel Counsellor, I know my clients well and I understand their preferences, special requirements, and what matters most to them.
No one likes to think about what could go wrong on their holiday, but it's always wise to be prepared. As a Travel Counsellor, my goal is to provide you with a seamless, stress-free experience from start to finish, even when the unexpected happens. If you're looking for a holiday with the assurance that someone will always be there to support you, no matter the situation, work with a Travel Counsellor.
As you can see from the photos, we loved our family holiday in Bali! We divided our stay between Seminyak and Ubud and the children still talk about it now. If you're considering a multi-centre holiday in Bali or a multi-island adventure in Indonesia, I would be delighted to explore the options with you and create your personalised itinerary.
