Travel designers on rise as people say bye to flight agent

More people are travelling than ever before, but at the same time, people are using travel agents less and less.

Marie Sulda, founder of Australian website Kaleidoscopic Travel, said she has people telling her that they often prefer to organise trips themselves online.

But what about those who need help finding the perfect trip for them?

This is when a travel designer comes in – a niche service her website is filling.

‘We are now moving into an era of travel by design. Every traveller is looking for a unique holiday experience,’ she told FEMAIL. 

Marie explained that most often consumers will end up paying the same price when they direct it with the travel designers, sometimes even less (stock image)

‘We don’t charge a fee to design, we get paid a commission from the suppliers we use, from hotels and airlines,’ Marie said.

She explained that most often consumers will end up paying the same price when they direct it with the travel designers, sometimes even less. 

Marie said travel designers take it a step further than a traditional agent as they take into account the personality of the individual.

They figure out their likes and dislikes and their budget and orchestrate a package accordingly. 

Marie Sulda, founder of Australian website Kaleidoscopic Travel, said she has people telling her that they often prefer to organise trips themselves online (pictured)

Marie Sulda, founder of Australian website Kaleidoscopic Travel, said she has people telling her that they often prefer to organise trips themselves online (pictured)

Travel design takes it a step further than an agent as they take into account the personality of the individual

Travel design takes it a step further than an agent as they take into account the personality of the individual

At the moment Marie has 13 different travel designers available, each with different interests and skill sets.

‘By sitting down and having a relaxed conversation about the experience someone wants to have on their travels, an experienced travel designer will be able to match the right products so they will have the best holiday or business trip,’ Marie said.

‘A good travel designer is like a chameleon, they will be able to put themselves in your shoes and design a holiday that is about you,’ she continued. 

TIPS ON PICKING A TRAVEL DESIGNER 

1. Check the designer’s social media accounts and blogs – do you like what you see?

2. Has the travel designer been to the destination you’re travelling to?

3. What does the travel designer specialise in? Luxury, active holidays, cruising or family holidays?

4. What will suit your initial holiday needs?

Your personal travel bundle will vary in price depending on where you want to go and what you want to do.

The website has also thought about those who might be too time poor to sit and talk with a travel designer so they have organised bundles which provide a taste of their services. 

Each one ranges in price depending on what kind of adventure you want to undertake, ranging from $529 per person if you want to visit Seminyak in Bali to $2745 if you want to see the pyramids in Egypt. 

The Bali package includes a six night stay in a resort and spa, private airport transfers, a 15 minute welcome massage and 200,000 Rupiah credit to spend in the spa.

If you would rather a taste of adventure the pyramids package will see you exploring Egypt and Jordan for 14 days with a degree-qualified Egyptologist.

You will stay in four or five star accommodation, sleep on an overnight train journey and experience a ‘deluxe’ desert camp experience.

The website has also thought about those who might be too time poor to sit and talk with a travel designer

The website has also thought about those who might be too time poor to sit and talk with a travel designer

The site has also considered those who want to travel but have a baby in-tow, with travel designer, Alicia Wilson, sharing her expert tips with FEMAIL for travelling with a baby.

‘The thought of a holiday with a baby can be overwhelming. Let’s face it – it feels like you need to take half the house with you just to go for bread and milk,’ she said.

Having a baby doesn’t mean you have to stop exploring the world, so Alicia has shared how you can make it as easy as possible. 

‘On the flight, request a bassinet and bulkhead seating. Aside from the extra leg room, most airlines are also happy for little ones to be set up to play at your feet there during the flight,’ she explained.

The site has also considered those who want to travel but have a baby in-tow, with travel designer, Alicia Wilson, sharing her expert tips with FEMAIL for travelling with a baby (pictured)

The site has also considered those who want to travel but have a baby in-tow, with travel designer, Alicia Wilson, sharing her expert tips with FEMAIL for travelling with a baby (pictured)

TIPS FOR TRAVELLING WITH A BABY 

1. On the flight, request a bassinet and bulkhead seating.

2. Take your usual baby bag.

3. Pack individual nappies in a snap lock bag.

4. Pack a dummy and bottle to help with your babies ears when flying.

5. A baby carrier will help settle your baby.

6. Limit your hand luggage as much as possible.

7. Take a stroller if your airline allows it.

8. Or buy a cheap stroller on arrival and then donate it when you’re done.

9. Ask hotels to provide a cot.

10. Check the age limits at resorts and the availability of baby sitters.

  

Often people will be on a flight and will be able to hear a baby screaming, which is often thanks to the cabin pressure.

‘You can help little ears with the cabin pressure by having a dummy or bottle ready during take-off and landing,’ she recommended.

Alicia also explained that most hotels will provide a cot if booked in advance.

‘Going the extra mile, a gorgeous hotel in the Philippines has a baby amenities menu in the room – forgot to pack the baby bath, steriliser, pool floaties or bouncer? They have it covered,’ she said.

‘There is even a company in Bali who hire out temporary fencing to protect little guests from unfenced villa pools.

‘Chances are if you need it, someone has thought of it.’

You won’t be the first one travelling with your bundle of joy, so there are an abundance of services that can help with what you need.

‘Go get that first stamp in their new passport and enjoy the adventure.’

 



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