If you commute to work, you probably do what I do.
I leave home at a certain time to beat the crush on the Northern line and I sit at the back of the train to be close to the stairs to the Bakerloo line when I change at Elephant and Castle.
On my return, I know if I get the Jubilee line at Finchley Road I’ll get a seat all the way back to Elephant and Castle and, when I change, it is not worth sitting down because all trains terminate after one stop.
It occured to me that I am tailor-making my journey to make it more convenient. I feel in control so I can relax on the way.
In my experience, clients want to tailor-make holidays more and more. They order brochures to work out a basic plan, and the pleasure is derived from making personal tweaks to the itinerary.
This guarantees the client is in charge and can then enjoy their holiday knowing it meets their requirements.
When I book holidays for two male friends it is pointless booking a twin room – neither can sleep when the other snores. While there is every point in booking a hotel with a spa for my best friend who loves massages and saunas.
On business it drives me to distraction if I am allocated a hotel room at the end of a long, soulless corridor, so I request a room close to reception.
I respect agents who charge for this service; this attention to detail and product knowledge has a value. This is the area of travel where there is a solid, profitable market and where the future of travel lies.
Louise Newton is marketing manager of Somak Holidays