Do you pay more to book with me? Let’s clear it up.

More than a booking website

When you work with me, you are not dealing with a faceless call centre or an algorithm. You are working with a real person who:

• Takes time to get to know you and what matters to you
• Designs your trip around your life, not just around a search box
• Looks after the finer details and is there if plans change

You are not only paying for a plane seat and a bed in a hotel. You are investing in the experience, the planning and the safety net that comes with having someone in your corner.

How I am paid (and why you are not paying twice)

Here is the simple truth that often surprises people:

The commission is already built into almost every flight, hotel or package you book.

Whether you book through a big online brand, a tour operator, direct with an airline or hotel, or through me, there is usually an allowance in that price to cover commission or distribution costs.

The big difference is what happens to it:

• If you book direct with the airline or hotel, they keep it.
• If you book via a large online travel site, they keep it.
• If you book through me, that same built-in commission helps to pay for the time, care and expertise I put into your trip and the support I give you.

You are not suddenly paying an extra layer because I am involved. You are choosing who benefits from the commission that is already there:

• A faceless website or big corporation, or
• A named person who knows you, designs your trip around you, and is there for you before, during and after you travel.

That is why I encourage clients to let me handle as much of the booking as possible. It does not mean you are paying twice. It simply means the built-in commission is supporting the service you value.

“But aren’t online deals cheaper?”

Sometimes an online price can look lower at first glance, but it is important to compare like with like.

When I put together a trip for you, I am looking at:

• The full cost, including things like luggage, transfers and resort fees where applicable
• Sensible flight times, connections and routing
• Good quality accommodation that matches how you actually want to travel
• Protection, flexibility options and the terms behind the booking

In other words, I am focused on value and peace of mind, not just the first headline price.

In many cases, the price you pay with me will be similar to what you see online for the same arrangements. What you gain is:

• Personal advice and a curated shortlist of options
• One joined-up itinerary rather than lots of separate bookings
• A real person to help if you need to change or cancel, or if something goes wrong while you are away

And sometimes, because of the buying power of the Travel Counsellors brand, I may be able to offer added value such as an upgraded room or a better board basis.

If there is ever a meaningful difference in price for a like-for-like package, we can look at it together so you can make an informed decision.

In a nutshell

You are not paying twice to work with me, and you are not adding an extra layer just for the sake of it.

The commission is already built into most flights, hotels and packages, whoever you book with.

Choosing to book through me simply means that built-in commission helps to reward the time, care and expertise I put into your trip, so I can continue to offer the level of personal service you value.

Instead of sitting up until midnight poring over websites, second-guessing reviews and worrying about what you might have missed, you can hand that work over to me and focus on the enjoyable part: looking forward to going away.

If you have ever wondered “how does it all work?” or felt unsure about asking, I hope this has helped to clear things up.

And if you are thinking about your next holiday and would like someone to take the research, planning and stress off your hands, I would be delighted to help.