What is the point of using a travel agency?

My aim is not to present one approach as better than the other, but rather to explain the advantages and disadvantages of each when it comes to planning a trip to Japan.

Planning your trip

Personally, I find there is something exciting about planning a trip, looking at the places you would like to discover and imagining what your stay will be like. You can almost feel as though you are already there!

For my first trip to Japan, I organised everything myself. Although I loved the experience (was this the beginning of a new calling?), it took a great deal of time and energy. Researching, deciding what I wanted to see, checking transport options and changing my itinerary three times because, “Oh, but that looks amazing!!”...

So yes, it takes time, a lot of time. But these days, we are lucky to have so much content available to help us plan our trip. This can also be a double-edged sword: it can be difficult to make choices, we may build up certain expectations or choose destinations without knowing whether they are really right for us.

There is also the question of hotels. Browsing, comparing and finding the right location takes time, not to mention the possibility of unpleasant surprises when you arrive. The same goes for activities: it can be difficult to find exactly what you want to do and, above all, to know what is actually possible, how to get there or whether you need to book in advance.

In short, I spent several months fine-tuning my trip, and I have absolutely no regrets. But these days, with a busier life, I am not sure I would still have the time to organise everything in the same way.

A few guides to help you plan your trip to Japan:

• When is the best time to visit Japan?
• For a first two-week trip
• For a first three-week trip
• Getting off the beaten track: excursions, cities and regions, including the chance to discover Kyushu, Hokkaido and Okinawa

While you're travelling

Lost luggage, a booking problem, a missed train... These are just some of the things that can go wrong during a trip. When I look back on my travel mishaps today, I can laugh about them, but at the time, they were mostly a source of stress.

This is also where a travel agency can make a difference. As a travel agency, we are here to help you throughout your stay, particularly if you run into a problem or need to change your plans. Our support does not stop once your trip has been booked: being able to rely on a team that knows the country and can offer advice is an advantage before, during and even after your trip.

What about the budget?

Yes, travelling with a travel agency generally costs more than organising everything yourself. But that is also because my colleagues and I take care of all the different aspects mentioned above. You are not just paying for a trip, but also for time, expertise and on-the-ground assistance.

In the end, it is a bit like going to a restaurant. You can make a pizza at home, but you can also choose to pay for the convenience of not having to find a recipe, do the shopping, cook, set and clear the table, and wash the dishes.

So there is no right or wrong answer: it all depends on what you want, your budget and how much time you have to prepare your trip. If you would like some help along the way, feel free to contact me to plan your trip to Japan.