[doctorzook]

Off topic, but I’d love a good travel agent: someone who would help me cut through all the SEO and slop reviews to find the good hotels, tours, etc., and take care of booking and logistics.

We’ve used some location-specific agencies that have been really good to work with, but you first have to find them. I’d happily pay a premium to someone who would work globally. Do such things exist?

[sgc]

If it's not niche service, it won't be what you are looking for. The best thing is to search for "my travel destination travel agent" and find a local company which is not overly difficult. I have friends who did not even think anybody booked a major trip in a different way than that. There are also travel agents who work in many locations, but specialize in a specific type of trip like adventure/extreme trips etc. It's a different fit though, they can't know each area as well as a local agent.

[anonzzzies]

A friend started that type of business in my country a few years ago (end covid): she is pretty successful and I gave her a chance for a trip I am on now. It mostly exposed how absolutely terrible everyone seems to be at this: she did absolutely lazy work I could have done fast(er) and better myself (usually do and will do again), but, seeing her other clients, including a friend, it seems most people are just really bad at it, far worse than she is (or wants to spend time on I guess).

[DANmode]

There is a subset of society who assumes by default people are good at their titles.

Don’t ask me how those people are still being born, it don’t make a ton of sense to me.

[DANmode]

Sure, just stumble through SEO and reviews to find them!

[Havoc]

You can still hire personal assistants to do grunt work like that

[crote]

But how are you ever going to find a halfway-competent personal assistant for the occasional bounded task like that?

I need someone to spend a few days every couple of years to plan a holiday, not someone who is available several hours a day to read my emails for me.