Just Because You Can Plan a Trip Doesn’t Mean You Should
I’ve done it both ways.
I’ve planned trips entirely on my own—researching flights, comparing hotels, mapping logistics, juggling options, second-guessing decisions, and dealing with last-minute tour cancellations a week before a trip was supposed to happen.
If you’ve ever had something fall apart that close to departure, you know how annoying that is.
Suddenly you’re scrambling, rebooking, rearranging, and spending time fixing problems you didn’t create.
I can do all of that—but that doesn’t mean I want to.
I’ve also used a travel agent.
And here’s the honest truth: the cost difference is usually minimal, and the efficiency difference is huge.
I have a real affinity for efficiency. If something gets me to the same—or better—result with less friction, less decision fatigue, and less wasted time, I’m all for it.
That’s exactly what using a good travel agent does.
Planning It Yourself Isn’t a Flex
There’s this quiet belief that doing everything yourself is somehow better. More capable. More impressive.
I don’t buy that.
Planning your own trip isn’t wrong. It’s just not always the smartest use of your time, energy, or mental bandwidth—especially when you already have enough decisions to make in real life.
Efficiency matters. And unnecessary complexity is not a badge of honor.
The Myth About Travel Agents
People hear “travel agent” and assume two things:
It’s expensive
It’s all luxury travel they didn’t ask for
That hasn’t been my experience AT ALL.
A good travel agent isn’t trying to upsell you into five-star accommodations just to prove a point. They’re trying to understand how you actually travel, what matters to you, and what you’re comfortable spending—then build something that fits.
I’ve worked with real budgets, real constraints, and real life—and still ended up with itineraries that were thoughtful, well-paced, and genuinely enjoyable.
The value isn’t extravagance.
The value is having someone who knows how to get the most out of what you do want to spend.
Why the Right Agent Is an Efficiency Play
Not all travel agents are the same.
The right one:
Listens before suggesting
Filters options instead of dumping them on you
Works within your budget instead of pushing past it
Handles details you don’t need to be involved in
That’s not indulgent.
That’s efficient.
It removes decision fatigue and replaces it with clarity and, quite frankly, excitement.
Who I Trust (And Use)
If you’re stuck, overwhelmed, or simply don’t want to spend hours planning something that someone else can do better and faster, this is who I recommend.
I work with Elizabeth at Spy Travel, and she’s exactly what I want in a travel agent: practical, responsive, and respectful of your budget.
She listens. She asks smart questions. She doesn’t overcomplicate things. And she builds trips that make sense without wasting your time.
If you need additional support, Gina (her boss) is also excellent.
Contact Info
Elizabeth: elizabeth@spytravel.net
Gina: 214-693-2100 | gina@spytravel.net
Website: www.spytravel.net
Instagram: #ginaspy
They also offer spa or wellness-focused trips!
visit:
The Bottom Line
Using a travel agent isn’t about not being capable.
It’s about recognizing when efficiency beats control.
You still choose the destination.
You still choose the experience.
You just don’t waste energy on things that don’t require your attention.
If there’s a smarter, cleaner way to get where you’re going, I’m going to take it.
