"CURIOSITY SPARKS GROWTH -
NEVER BE AFRAID TO ASK QUESTIONS"
Lake Macquarie Travel
faq's
We get to work on trying to answer all those burning questions before you start planning your trip. The below is a fairly extensive list of frequently asked questions about travel, but sing out if you can think of anything else you're unsure about and we'll do our best to uncover the answer for you.
What travel services can Lake Macquarie Travel book?
At Lake Macquarie Travel, we offer a full range of travel services, including flights, accommodation, cruises, tours, car rentals, transfers, attractions and experiences, travel insurance, and more. Whether you're planning a luxurious romantic escape, destination wedding, a family getaway, or a solo adventure, we can tailor your itinerary to suit your needs and budget. We also assist with travel packages, can advise on visa requirements, assist you with a travel card and wallet, and provide expert advice on travel destinations worldwide.
I don't live in Lake Macquarie but I'd still like to book with you. Is that possible?
Absolutely! Lake Macquarie Travel caters to clients across Australia and even internationally. Thanks to online consultations and digital communication capabilities, we can help plan and book your dream holiday no matter where you're located. Whether by phone, email, or video call, we ensure you receive the same personalised service whether you're locally based and looking for a travel agent in Lake Macquarie or if you're further afield.
Do you offer complimentary consultations to plan my holiday?
Yes! We believe in helping our clients design the perfect holiday experience. That's why we offer complimentary consultations (including coffee!), allowing us to understand your travel preferences, needs, and goals before creating a custom itinerary that suits you perfectly. You can request to meet with Carly at Zarraffa's Coffee in Belmont North, or contact us to schedule a phone call if that's easier. Otherwise, we are always happy to just communicate via email if that's your preference too! There are often times when we actually never have the opportunity to meet our travel clients face to face, because technology makes everything easier for us to communicate now.
What should I consider before meeting for my complimentary travel planning consultation?
To make the most of your discovery consultation, we suggest for you to have a think about the type of experience you're looking for — whether it’s relaxation, adventure, cultural exploration, or something else. Have an idea of your travel dates, budget, desired destinations, and any specific activities you’d like to include. This will help us design a travel plan that truly reflects your daydreams for the trip.
What travel styles does Lake Macquarie Travel specialise in?
We specialise in a variety of travel styles, which are primarily derived from Carly's personal experience. These include luxury escapes, family getaways, adventure tours and experiences, destination weddings and romantic honeymoons, solo journeys, and group trips. Whether you're looking for a laid-back tropical beach holiday, an off-the-beaten-path adventure, bucket-list memorable moments or a culturally immersive experience, we have the expertise to plan your ideal trip.
Is it cheaper to book myself or with a travel agent?
While booking yourself might seem cheaper upfront, working with a travel agent like Lake Macquarie Travel often saves you time, stress, and money in the long run. We have access to exclusive deals, insider knowledge, and partnerships with airlines, hotels, and tour operators that aren’t always available to the general public. Plus, we take care of all the details, so you can relax knowing everything is sorted.
Can I book some parts of my trip online by myself?
Of course, you are welcome to handle certain aspects of your trip yourself, and we'll assist with the rest. However, we do recommend booking through us for a seamless experience. By allowing us to coordinate all aspects of your trip, we can ensure that everything aligns smoothly, from flights and transfers to accommodation and activities. We also want to talk about the elephant in the room - AI. AI is a fantastic tool for sourcing some inspiration however you still can't beat the knowledge, expertise and support that someone like Lake Macquarie Travel can deliver. Read on to find out more ...
What are the main advantages of booking with a travel agent such as Lake Macquarie Travel?
Booking with us offers many benefits, including expert advice from over 25 years working in the travel industry, time-saving convenience, exclusive deals, and personalised service. We handle all the details, ensuring that your trip runs smoothly from start to finish. In case of unexpected changes or issues, we provide ongoing emergency support, so you’re never left on your own. Our goal is to make your travel experience stress-free and memorable. We have a world of connections and access to special offers and travel packages with bonus inclusions that may not be available elsewhere.
Does Lake Macquarie Travel charge booking service fees?
Yes, we do charge service fees, which vary depending on the complexity of your trip. Carly has been working in the travel industry for 25+ years, so these fees cover our expertise, the time spent curating your perfect itinerary, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing all details are expertly handled. the savings we can extend to you on your travel discovery with Lake Macquarie Travel are often much greater than our service fees. That's why we like to be upfront about these, as follows, and are payable for preparation of a quotation:
Domestic itinerary (travelling within Australia): $25 per person
International itinerary (travelling outside of Australia) - flights only: $200 per booking
International itinerary (travelling outside of Australia) - complex itinerary: $100 per booking
Destination wedding: to be advised following consultation
Does Lake Macquarie Travel charge amendment or cancellation fees?
Yes, we do charge cancellation fees, as there is often a lot of behind-the-scenes administration involved in cancelling an itinerary and the processing of any due refunds. Similarly when making amendments there may be reissue of air tickets or documentation involved and some significant administration. These fees are outlined on your booking costings, however are also shared as follows:
Domestic itinerary (travelling within Australia: $25 per person, per change | $50 per person in the instance of cancellation
International itinerary (travelling outside of Australia): $75 per person, per change | $150 per person in the instance of cancellation
Kindly note that these fees are applicable in addition to any supplier / airline / document reissue fees, and apply to voluntary changes or cancellations that are initiated by the client. For example, Qantas currently charge $99 per change on a domestic itinerary and this remains subject to change at their discretion anytime. We do strongly recommend travel insurance.
How do I make payments for my trip when booking with Lake Macquarie Travel?
We offer flexible payment options to make booking your trip easy. You can make payments via bank transfer or credit card (with merchant fees applicable)
Do you recommend travel insurance?
Yes, we strongly recommend travel insurance to protect against unforeseen circumstances such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage. We can assist in finding the right travel insurance policy that suits your needs, giving you peace of mind during your travels.
How do I find information on visas required for my travel plans?
Visa requirements vary depending on your destination, nationality, and the type of trip you're taking. We’ll provide you with up-to-date information on visa requirements and can assist in the application process to ensure you have the necessary documentation in place before your departure.
Can you advise what vaccinations I will require for my travel plans?
Yes, we can provide guidance on recommended vaccinations based on your destination and travel itinerary. We always recommend consulting your doctor or a travel health clinic or online with TRAVELVAX for the most up-to-date medical advice specific to your health needs.
Who do I contact if I need emergency assistance whilst travelling?
In case of an emergency while you're travelling, we are here to assist you 24/7. Kindly note that in order to ensure this is kept as an emergency assistance service only, fees do otherwise apply for after hours services with request for rebooking flights, resolving issues with accommodation that has bot been booked via Lake Macquarie Travel, or handling any travel-related emergencies.
If you've got another question which hasn't been answered above, please contact me.
Carly x