Why Booking Online Is Not Enough: The Real Value of a Personal Travel Counsellor
How one “bargain” scam, and countless near‑misses, prove that trusted, professional travel management matters more than ever for both holidays and business trips
In a world of instant confirmations, “best price” banners and endless online reviews, it is easy to believe that booking travel yourself is always the smartest option. With a few clicks, you can secure flights, hotels and car hire at any hour of the day. For time‑poor executives and busy families, that convenience feels hard to beat. Yet there is a very big difference between having a booking reference and having a trusted professional looking after you. A difference between a transaction and true care. Most of the time, that gap is invisible. Everything runs smoothly, you check in, you fly home and life goes on. It is only when something goes wrong that you really see what you do, or do not, have behind that confirmation email. As a personal Travel Counsellor, I look after both corporate and leisure clients: planning, protecting and managing their travel from start to finish. In this article, I want to share a real story of an online “bargain” that turned out to be a scam, and show why having a dedicated Travel Counsellor in your corner matters more than ever for your holidays and your business trips.
A Real Story: When an Online “Bargain” Turned Out to Be a Scam
A new client came to me after a particularly distressing experience.
They had found what looked like a fantastic deal on a well‑known online platform: a charming guest house, beautiful photos, great reviews and an excellent price. They booked and paid in full through the site, received a confirmation and felt completely secure.
When they arrived at the destination, they followed the directions to the property, luggage in hand, ready to check in. Instead of a welcoming guest house, they found:
- A private residential home in a quiet street
- No signage, reception or indication of a hospitality business
- A very confused homeowner who had never listed their property anywhere
The booking was a scam. The listing was fake, the money was gone, and there was no room for them. The platform opened a “case” and requested screenshots and proof, but there was no immediate solution. The clients had to find last‑minute accommodation in a busy period, at far higher prices, with all the stress and disappointment that comes with that.
After this experience, they decided they never wanted to feel that exposed again. They now use me for all their travel requirements, knowing their arrangements are made through trusted, vetted partners in Phenix, and that they have a real person to call who knows their plans and will take responsibility when things do not go as expected.
For Leisure Travellers: More Than Just a Hotel Night
When you book online, you get a transaction. When you work with a Travel Counsellor, you get a relationship.
Key benefits for holidaymakers:
- Vetted
accommodation and experiences
I only work with reputable, checked suppliers, so your “guest house” is a genuine, operating property that matches what you have been promised. - Tailored
recommendations
I take time to understand who is travelling, your preferences, budget and non‑negotiables. That means suggesting the right hotels, villas, tours and transfers for you, not just what appears near the top of a search. - Support
before, during and after travel
If flights change, a hotel overbooks, or you have an issue on arrival, you do not stand in a lobby trying to contact an anonymous helpdesk. You call me, and I sort it out. - Balanced
value, not just the lowest price
Online, you see a rate. I look at the full picture: location, room type, cancellation terms, safety, inclusions and long‑term reliability, so you get genuine value, not a false saving.
For Corporate Travel: Control, Duty of Care and Real Back‑Up
For businesses, the risks of unmanaged or purely online travel are even higher: lost productivity, unmanaged costs and potential duty of care issues.
Key benefits for corporate clients:
- Consistent
policy and compliance
I help align bookings with your corporate travel policy and preferred suppliers, so spend is controlled and consistent across the organisation. - Duty
of care and traveller safety
With a clear view of who is travelling where, I can support you in managing risks, making changes quickly and ensuring your travellers are not left to fend for themselves when disruptions occur. - Time
savings for your team
Instead of staff or PAs comparing dozens of online options, I do the research and present suitable, policy‑compliant solutions, freeing your team to focus on their core roles. - 24/7
support
Delayed flights, missed connections, last‑minute changes to meetings: I am on hand to assist, rebook and advise, rather than leaving your travellers in a call centre queue. - Clearer
visibility of spend
Rather than scattered online bookings on multiple personal cards, I can help you centralise and track your corporate travel more effectively.
Why a Personal Travel Counsellor Is Worth It
Online platforms sell you a seat or a room. A personal Travel Counsellor provides:
- Professional advice and real‑world insight
- Protection from scams and unreliable suppliers
- Personalised, end‑to‑end support for both holidays and business travel
- Someone accountable, who knows your preferences and your people
For many of my clients, the difference has not just been about saving money, but about avoiding major headaches, safeguarding their teams and making sure precious holidays and key business trips actually go to plan.
If you would like to experience the difference of having a dedicated Travel Counsellor looking after your leisure and corporate travel, contact me directly and let us start planning your next trip with confidence and peace of mind.
