Now that summer is coming to an end, it may be time for some of us to book our winter getaways. We sat down for a chat with your local travel agent, Heather Boer, who can give you expert advice around your travels that you won’t find on Google.
How long have you worked as a travel agent for?
Nineteen years. I started in 2000 at Tauranga Flight Centre, and worked in several Flight Centres in Auckland for many years before becoming a broker in 2014 after having our daughter.
Favourite part of the job?
I really love hearing how excited people get about their trips, and helping them organising it is so rewarding.
Favourite travel destination and why?
I love Barcelona! Its such a stunning city, – the vibe, food and architecture is amazing! I also love Amsterdam after visiting there with my Dutch husband.
Fiji is my favourite family destination, its just so easy with kids (and so relaxing for Mum and Dad!) Plus I got married there, so it’s pretty special to me.
What are the benefits of going through a travel agent vs booking everything yourself?
Our expertise, and personal experience! Having worked in the industry for so many years, I’ve been lucky enough to go to a lot of places, specifically to inspect destinations and hotels.
So often people may see something amazing online… that isn’t actually that amazing in reality! So I can really advise on what I think would suit each particular person/family and really work with someones budget to get the perfect flight/hotel/tour etc.
Also I’m just on the end of the phone or email if you have any issues while you’re away, instead of sitting on hold to an 0800 number for hours!
What recent trends have you seen in the industry? The Philippines are becoming a lot more popular – especially people that have been to i.e. Thailand and Vietnam that want something different.It’s actually very affordable too.
Can you share a funny travel story?
After our last trip away, our plane couldn’t land in Auckland due to fog, so we were diverted to Wellington and had to sit on the tarmac for two hours…..being stuck on a plane with two tired and hungry kids was pretty full on. It wasn’t funny at the time, but I can laugh about it now!
Best advice you can give to travellers?
Make sure you have some insurance, you just never know what might happen when you’re away.
I work from home, but am always happy to meet for coffee to discuss travel plans, or can easily chat over the phone and via email.
Please call on 07 825 0065 or 0211143666, or email me on:
heather.boer.nz@flightcentre.co.nz
